Kent Conrad

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. During the weekend of July 1st, the residents of Upham, ND, will celebrate their history and the town's founding. Upham is a small town in north-central North Dakota with a population of 155. Despite its size, Upham holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Upham was founded during the summer of 1905 at a time when the entire State of North Dakota was growing at an incredible rate. During this time, the Towner-Maxbass branch line of the Great Northern Railroad was extended up towards the Souris River Valley. This led to the founding of Upham, which served as a focal point for the Icelandic, Norwegian, German, and German-Russian communities nearby. The first school in Upham was built soon after the town's founding, and it will be having an all student reunion to coincide with the centennial celebration. Upham has flourished as a farming community ever since. Today, its citizens have settled into a comfortable life style, where families can enjoy the summer butterflies and wild flowers of the J. Clark Sayler National Wildlife Refuge, and the town elders can socialize at the American Legion or the 55+ Club. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Upham, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. I believe that by honoring Upham 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 Upham that have helped to shape this country into what it is today. I believe that the community of Upham is deserving of our recognition. Upham 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 just celebrated its 100th anniversary. On June 24- 26, the residents of Jud, ND, celebrated their community's founding and history. Jud is a small town of 368 citizens in south-central North Dakota. Despite its small size, Jud holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Like many of North Dakota's towns and cities, Jud began with the railroad. The Northern Pacific Railroad reached the present day site of Jud in 1903 and drew up a plot for the town of Gunthorpe. Shortly following this, the town's name was changed to Jud. Between 1905 and 1911 a plethora of businesses sprang up. Among other businesses, the town once had a weekly newspaper, a pool hall and even its own baseball team. Today, Jud boasts a number of businesses including The Jud Cafe, Klassie Kurl Beauty Salon, and The Wander In. Especially unique to Jud is the town's impressive compilation of murals, which adorn twenty-six of the town's buildings. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Jud, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Jud 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 Jud that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why the fine community of Jud is deserving of our recognition. Jud has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 1-3, the residents of Streeter will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Streeter is a vibrant community in south central North Dakota. Streeter holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Streeter was founded in the spring of 1905 when Mr. and Mrs. Alex Anderson's homestead was plotted and sold. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had two daughters, Frances and Florence, whose names marked the first streets in the town. The town was named after the editor and newspaper writer of Emmons County, D.R. Streeter. The school opened in the fall of 1906, and the first council meeting was held on June 22, 1916. By special election in 1950, Streeter became a city, and Oscar Seher was elected mayor. The residents of Streeter are enthusiastic about their community and the quality of life it offers. Today, Streeter has a bank, three churches, a farmer's co-op elevator, fire department, and post office. A more recent addition is the Streeter Community Cafe, which not only serves home cooking, but offers space for community events. Planning for the centennial has been underway for the last several years. It is clear from the list of weekend events, which include a dance, parade, games, craft show, auction, and much more, that everyone takes great pride in their community and heritage. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Streeter, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Streeter 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 Streeter that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Streeter 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. Starting on June 29, 2005, the residents of Buxton, ND, will celebrate their history and founding. Buxton is a small town in the eastern part of North Dakota with a population of 350. Buxton holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It began in 1880 when Budd Reeve plotted the town known today as Buxton. Budd Reeve obtained the townsite from the Great Northern Railroad in exchange for the land used for the old Union Depot in Minneapolis, MN. On October 5, 1880, three cars of lumber were delivered for the new town. At this time the only construction on the town site was an old sod house homestead. By November 2, 1880, a store had been built from this shipment of lumber and was being operated. During these same months a two-story station and a section house were built by the railroad. It was Budd's wife, Harriett Reeve, who suggested the new town be called ``Buxton,'' for T.J. Buxton, a wealthy Minneapolis businessman and family friend. The post office was established November 8, 1880. Chester Fritz, the famous businessman, financier, and UND benefactor was born in Buxton in 1892. Even after 125 years, Buxton is still a strong agricultural community. It is home to both the Central Valley Bean Cooperative and the Farmers Union Elevator. Rural Buxton is also home to the Central Valley Public School, which is a cooperative school district with Reynolds, ND. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Buxton, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. I believe that by honoring Buxton and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Buxton that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Buxton is deserving of our recognition. Buxton 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 2nd and 3rd, the residents of Sarles, ND, will celebrate their history during the past 100 years. Sarles is a small town in the northeastern part of North Dakota, with a population of 25. Despite its small size, Sarles holds an important place in North Dakota's history. The town is located close to the U.S./ Canadian border, and was founded when the Great Northern Railroad extended access to this area in 1905. Ever since then, Sarles has served as a port of entry, with customs agent D.W. Elves serving for a large portion of that time. Sarles was founded in 1905, and was named after the newly elected Governor Elmore Y. Sarles, who served from 1905-1906. Sarles went on to produce a governor of its own, Allen I. Olson, who served as North Dakota attorney general from 1972-1980, and North Dakota Governor from 1981-1984. Today, Sarles remains an important port of entry into the United States, and a focal point for the greater farming community in the area. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Sarles, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. I believe that by honoring Sarles 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 Sarles that have helped to shape this country into what it is today. I believe that the community of Sarles is deserving of our recognition. Sarles 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 Egeland, ND, will celebrate their community's history and founding. Egeland is a small town in the northeastern part of North Dakota with a population of just under 50. Despite its size, Egeland holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It began in 1905 when the Soo Line Railroad established a station and a settlement grew around it. Mr. Axel Egeland, a banker from Bisbee, North Dakota, was employed by the Soo Line Railroad to select the town-site and was, as a Soo agent, given the privilege of naming the new town. Lots were sold August 9, 1905, and on August 23, 1905, the country store and post office called ``Lakeview'' relocated in the town. Today, most families in the Egeland area are involved in farming the land. Crops such as wheat, flax, and barley are typical, and farming provides an excellent livelihood for the area's residents. Due to its small size, the youth of Egeland attend school and participate in athletics in the nearby town of Cando. However, the rural nature of the community and the interconnectedness of its members make Egeland a wonderful location to raise a family. I ask the United States Senate to join me in congratulating Egeland, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Egeland 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 Egeland that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Egeland is deserving of our recognition. Egeland has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, last week I traveled to Grand Forks, ND, to organize and present testimony at a regional hearing of the Base Realignment and Closure, BRAC, Commission on the Grand Forks Air Force Base and Fargo's Air National Guard installation. These facilities are critically important to our national security and to my State's economy. As North Dakota's senior Senator, it was my pleasure and responsibility to host the Commission hearing. As a result, I was necessarily absent from the Senate and missed rollcall votes No. 145- 153 on the Energy bill.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Again, I thank the distinguished chairman of the Energy Committee for working with me to ensure that facilities in my State will be eligible for these incentives for coal-to-liquids technologies. It is my hope that North Dakota's coal resources will play an important role in reducing our dependence on foreign oil, allowing us to create jobs here at home and clean our environment. Governor's Authority

Mr. CONRAD. I thank the distinguished Senator from New Mexico for accepting clarifying language that will allow additional coal-to-fuel facilities to qualify for the loan guarantees included in title XIV of the Energy bill. As a result of these changes, the incentives included in section 1403, which include loan guarantees, would apply to the development of projects that will utilize various gasification technologies to produce clean transportation fuels from any of our coal types, including bituminus, sub-bituminous, and lignite coals.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would like to engage the distinguished manager of the bill in a brief colloquy. I understand that title XIV of the bill before us includes incentives for ``innovative technologies,'' including gasification projects that will allow us to use our vast domestic coal reserves to produce clean transportation fuels.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 2, 2005, the residents of Alsen, ND, will celebrate their community's history and founding. Alsen is a small town in the northeastern part of North Dakota with a population of 68. Despite its size, Alsen holds an important place in North Dakota's history. In August 1905, this Soo Line Railroad townsite was founded. Originally named Storlie when it was established on April 6, 1899, the township was named after Halvor Storlie, who was the county clerk and postmaster. On August 31, 1905, officials of the Tri- State Land Co. plotted a town site in another area of Storlie Township, and named it Alsen for the local settlers, who had come from Alsen Island off of the coast of Denmark. The village of Alsen was incorporated in 1920 and reached its peak population of 358 in 1930. Alsen's citizens are very proud of the Alsen Farmers' Elevator, the Swiss Mennonite Church, and the Alsen Post Office. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Alsen, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Alsen 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 Alsen that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Alsen is deserving of our recognition. Alsen has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I salute the North Dakota community of Forbes as it celebrates its centennial this July 2-4. Its 100th anniversary is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the 64 residents who call this North Dakota town home. Located in Dickey County a few miles east of the Coteau Hills and on the North Dakota border with South Dakota, Forbes is a town rich in North Dakota history even though it is the youngest town in the county. It boasts the Schulstad Stone House Museum, a stone house built in 1907 and furnished to that time period, and the Shimmin Tveit Museum, which has displays of historical artifacts from American Indians and early settlers. From railroad agent and town merchant, S.F. Forbes, for whom the town bears its name, to current mayor, Troy Anliker, this town has been a home on the prairie for several generations of farmers, ranchers, and business people. The southern Dickey County area where Forbes is located boasts a diversified agricultural economy. The area has farmers who plant and harvest wheat, barley, corn, sunflowers, and soybeans, along with ranchers who manage several prominent cattle operations. Like most of rural North Dakota, the area has a rich heritage in farming and ranching. As a part of the community's celebration, organizers have planned to honor Forbes' centennial with food, a pickup pull, a demolition derby, dancing, beard and dress judging, crafts, team penning, fireworks, a beer garden, a pancake breakfast, and plenty of games for kids. Again, I salute the current and past residents of Forbes as they celebrate this momentous occasion, and urge my colleagues to congratulate Forbes and its residents on their first 100 years and wish them well through the next century.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On June 30-July 3, the residents of Garrison will gather to celebrate their community's history and founding. Garrison is a vibrant community in west-central North Dakota, along the edge of beautiful Lake Sakakawea. Garrison holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Founded by two brothers, Cecil and Theodore Taylor in 1903, Garrison, like most small towns in North Dakota, got its start when the railroad stretched throughout the State. The post office was established in June 17, 1903, and Garrison was organized into a city on March 20, 1916. In its early years, Garrison was known as a town ``bustin' at the seams'' with gun carrying rascals. Today, Garrison is a magnet for sports fisherman who venture to tap into the abundance of walleye prevalent in Lake Sakakawea. Garrison is the host for the North Dakota's Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament that attracts hundreds of serious sports enthusiasts from across the country. For those who call Garrison home, it is a comfortable place to live, work, and play. It is certainly true, as its residents say, that it is ``a town worth knowing from the start.'' The people of Garrison are enthusiastic about their community and the quality of life it offers. The community has a wonderful centennial weekend planned that includes an all school reunion, parade, pitch fork fondue, street dance, fireworks, games, and much more. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Garrison, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Garrison 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 Garrison that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Garrison has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, today I wish to honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 9 and 10, the residents of Nekoma, ND, will celebrate their community's history and founding. Nekoma is a small town in the northeastern part of North Dakota with a population of 51. Despite its small size, Nekoma holds an important place in North Dakota's history. Charles B. Billings was the postmaster of the town's first post office, which opened in 1898. The town was nearly named Polar, but it changed after the Soo Line Railroad townsite was plotted in 1905. The name Nekoma was selected by the Postal Department from a list of names submitted by the first appointed postmaster, Orzo B. Aldrich. Nekoma is the site for America's only Safeguard ABM and Missile Site Radar military installations. Nicknamed the ``prairie pyramid,'' the inactive installation site is just northeast of the town. The SALT treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union, stated that only two safeguard sites were allowed--one of which was the site in Nekoma, ND, and the other in Washington, DC. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Nekoma, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Nekoma 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 Nekoma that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Nekoma is deserving of our recognition. Nekoma has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On June 26, the residents of Tolley, ND, will celebrate a proud history. Tolley is a small town in the northwest part of the State, with a population of 41. Despite its size, Tolley holds an important place in North Dakota's history. It was founded in 1905 by Eli C. Tolley, a prominent developer and official with the Soo Line Railroad Company. As one report from the period indicates, people were so excited to start the town that they moved in 15 buildings without even having purchased lots on which to place them. Soon after, rail lines were laid through Tolley, and the town began to prosper. Within a year and a half, the residents of Tolley had built general stores, blacksmiths, restaurants, hotels, churches, and hardware stores. Through the years, Tolley has exemplified true North Dakota perseverance. Despite suffering from a scarcity of water, countless fires, and outbreaks of smallpox and the Spanish flu, the people of Tolley have always remained loyal to this great community. During World War I, many of the men left their families and farms to fight for our country. Sadly, many did not return, yet the community remained strong. In 1920, the boys high school basketball team held its first practice, and in 1921 the homes and businesses in Tolley were lit by electricity for the first time. In 1951, through the generous efforts of local residents, the first organized fire department began serving the community. These stories from the history of Tolley serve as a remarkable example of ingenuity and perseverance for all of us. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Tolley, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Tolley 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 Tolley that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition. Tolley has had a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On June 10 and 11, the residents of Amenia, ND, celebrated their community's founding. Amenia is a small town in the eastern part of North Dakota, with a population just under 100. Despite its size, Amenia holds an important place in the State's history. Amenia in 1880 when the Northern Pacific Railroad established a station and a settlement grew around it. Eban Chaffee of the Amenia Sharon Land Co., on whose home the station was actually built, called the new settlement Amenia. The post office was established on January 20, 1880, and Edwin McNeil became the first postmaster of the newly formed community. At a special election held December 27, 1927, the village of Amenia was incorporated by a vote of 14 to 1. The Amenia Sharon Land Co. rigidly controlled Amenia until it disbanded in 1928 and as a result the townsite was not platted until late in 1928. In 1967, Amenia officially became a city. The word Amenia comes from the Latin word meaning pleasant and today that is more appropriate than ever. Amenia now has a city park, a bar and grill, a city beauty shop and an elevator. Under the leadership of Mayor Donna Myers, Amenia remains a delightful community in which to live and work. I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Amenia, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well in the future. By honoring Amenia 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 Amenia that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Amenia is deserving of our recognition. Amenia has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, today I honor a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On June 16-19, 2005, the residents of Lisbon, ND will celebrate its history and founding. Lisbon is a small town in the southeast part of North Dakota, with a population of about 2,500. Lisbon's history began in 1880 when Joseph L. Colton founded the town-site. Colton selected land here in 1878 and built a flourmill. The new town-site was platted on both sides of the beautiful Sheyenne River at the foot of its bordering hills. In September 1880, he laid out the official town-site and appointed the first postmaster, George Murray on January 23, 1880. His wife, Diana Robinson was from Lisbon Center, NY, and the city was named for that. Lisbon became the county seat in 1881, and the Northern Pacific Railroad reached the site in 1882. It was incorporated as a city in 1883, and G.B. Green was appointed the first mayor of the new budding community. Less than a decade later, in 1891, the North Dakota Soldiers Home was built in Lisbon. Throughout the following years, Lisbon maintained steady growth developing into the delightful community that it is today. Today, Mayor Morris Saxerud leads this enthusiastic community. The citizens of Lisbon enjoy fine recreation including an exceptional nine- hole golf course, a beautiful park with tennis courts, a ball park, an RV park, a gazebo, swings for youngsters and even a swimming pool. The Lisbon elementary, middle and high school system maintain a high academic program with outstanding teachers, administrators and support staff for approximately 750 students. The city has clearly flourished throughout the past 125 years! I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Lisbon, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through the next century. By honoring Lisbon 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 Lisbon that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why the community of Lisbon is deserving of our recognition. Lisbon has a proud past and a bright future.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I want to pay tribute to an exceptional member of my staff who is retiring at the end of this month after 33 years of service to the Senate. Bob has worked in the Senate for a period of 40 years, starting as an intern in the 1960s, and then working full time for Senator Claiborne Pell for 19 years from 1970 to 1989. After taking 2 years to travel the world, it was my great good fortune that Bob volunteered to join my staff in the spring of 1991. At the time, Bob told me he was looking to complete 20 years of Senate service. I do not think either he or I thought that he would be with me for 14 years. But I could not be more pleased that Bob decided to stay. During his tenure in my office, he has worked on education, veterans, and international affairs issues. His work on all these issues has been outstanding. On veterans and education issues, in particular, he has developed a long list of legislative victories both small and large. Bob has a gift for seeing legislative opportunities. One example I will never forget involves the V-chip. For years, I had heard from parents, educators, health care professionals and religious leaders about their concerns regarding the influence of television violence on young people. In response, Bob helped me form a steering committee of interested individuals and organizations to talk about possible approaches to help shield children from gratuitous violence on television. And we developed V-chip legislation. During the debate on the 1996 telecommunications bill, I offered my amendment to require that the V-chip be included in TVs so that parents would have the ability to block out violent shows. When I offered the amendment, the so-called experts told us not to push forward--that the amendment couldn't pass. But Bob advised me to move forward. And when the roll was called, the amendment passed by a strong 73 to 26 margin, and was then enacted into law. Bob's attention to North Dakota's veterans has paid off in greatly improved facilities around the State. When Bob learned that the VA was considering closing VA facilities that were not up to current standards, he alerted me and helped me lead the fight for a $12 million renovation at the Fargo VA Medical Center. These renovations, which will be finished later this year, have dramatically improved the facility for our veterans. Bob has also been very concerned about the long travel times facing the many North Dakota veterans who live in rural areas. From his first day in the office, he pushed hard to expand services for rural veterans through the Community Based Outpatient Clinics, CBOCs. To date, as a result of Bob's hard work, we have secured three CBOCs at Minot, Grafton and Bismarck. And the VA's CARES, Capital Assets Realignment for Enhanced Services, Commission has approved five new clinics at Williston, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Grand Forks AFB, and Dickinson. Finally, Bob has had great compassion for the most vulnerable among our veterans--homeless veterans--and has constantly looked for ways to help them. Most recently, he worked with Centre, Inc. in Fargo to shepherd through a $1.6 million grant to renovate a facility that will house a 48-bed shelter for homeless veterans. On education, he was constantly looking for ways to help North Dakota's teachers, whether it was bringing information technology to classrooms or advocating for appropriate implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Bob conceived of the Rural Education Achievement Program and built a coalition that helped me enact this important legislation during the 106th Congress. Almost 80 percent of North Dakota school districts have 600 students or less. Under the REAP program, small, rural school districts are entitled to consolidate funding from Federal education programs to make more efficient use of the funds. In the first 3 years of the REAP program, more than 270 North Dakota schools benefitted from approximately $2.7 million in funding. Bob's commitment to education also carried over to the intern program. As he had in Senator Pell's office, Bob volunteered to coordinate my Washington intern program. Bob devoted significant time and effort to ensuring that interns in my office had a terrific learning experience. In fact, Bob's example has inspired dozens of former interns to seek careers in public service. Interns from 10, 20 and even 30 years ago stop by frequently just to say hello and let Bob know what they are doing now. But Bob's importance to me and my office cannot be captured by simply cataloguing his many accomplishments. During his time working in the Senate, Bob Foust has been the consummate professional. He stayed in constant touch with North Dakota leaders on the issues he covered. Time after time, he would learn of a problem and immediately go to work finding a solution. If Federal services were not being delivered effectively, Bob would work with the agency to make sure North Dakotans got the services they deserved. If a Federal program did not work for North Dakota, Bob would draft legislation to fix the problem, and work tirelessly until the Conrad amendment was signed into law. Finally, and most importantly, Bob Foust is an outstanding person. He has worked quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen, and was always happy to divert all the credit to others. He has been tremendously loyal, tremendously dedicated, and a passionate advocate for the people of my State. He has never forgotten that he is working for the American taxpayer. And he has been a good friend and a mentor to others on staff. With extraordinary gratitude for his years of service, I wish Bob well as he moves on to the next stage in his life and career.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to say a few words about National History Day. For the past 25 years, National History Day has provided students in grades 6-12 with opportunities to study different periods or trends in American history. National History Day is a year-long educational opportunity for students to examine a period of American history closely through extensive research, development of exhibits and presentations, and multimedia documentaries. This year's national competition topic is ``Communication in History,'' and the competition will be held on the campus of the University of Maryland in June. I am especially proud of the students from my State of North Dakota who have been selected to participate in this program this year. These students participated in the North Dakota State competition and were selected to represent the State in the national competition. They include Edward Gallegos, Kelbi Clarke, Lyndsie Cossel, Sejal Parikh, Sarak Shirek, Amirah Ahmed, Amber Guseman, Annah Klamm, Meghan Graham, Katie Sanner and Amanda Malm from Grand Forks. They also include Erin Droske, Aaron Christianson, Jessica King, Micah Gilleshammer and Sarah Lunde of St. Thomas. These students represent the Schroeder Middle School and Red River High School in Grand Forks and the St. Thomas Public School in St. Thomas, ND. I congratulate them and wish them much success in the national competition.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, in March Senator Roberts joined me in introducing S. 548, the Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2005. This legislation is enthusiastically supported not only by America's hunters and anglers, but also by agricultural producers, private landowners and those interested in rural development. Open Fields, as this bipartisan legislation is commonly known, addresses hunting, fishing and other recreational access on private land. The legislation also tackles rural development issues head on. Dwindling access to quality hunting, angling and other wildlife- dependent opportunities is a trend that slowly is pulling apart the American sporting tradition. At the same time, farmers, ranchers, and small town businesses are desperately looking for the means and opportunities to revitalize and stimulate their local economies. These two needs, the need for better access for sportsmen who can not afford to lease land, and the need for economic stimulation in rural America have intersected and spurred the creation of highly effective state public access programs. Walk-in or access programs are not a new concept. In fact they have very successfully begun to reverse the trend of diminishing numbers of hunters and anglers in States with these programs. At the same time, these programs generate cash and economic activity in rural economies by encouraging increased numbers of hunters, anglers, and others who enjoy wildlife-related activities to spend more of their outdoor recreation dollars in rural America. Eighteen States are already using their own limited funding resources to finance very successful access programs. These programs have set the stage for even greater success in the future, but only if additional funding becomes available. When enacted into law, Open Fields will provide $20 million per year in Commodity Credit Corporation funds over the next five years. These funds will be used to provide U.S. Department of Agriculture grants for States with recreational walk-in or access programs. It is our intent that access to all the land that property owners voluntarily enroll under this legislation will be available for, but not limited to, hunting and fishing activities. I remind our colleagues that the Open Fields legislation offers benefits to many of their constituents, regardless of their State or district, or whether they represent urban or rural Americans. We all know that millions of city dwellers hunt and fish. Access to quality areas to hunt, fish, and enjoy other wildlife related activities within reasonable distances from urban areas is becoming dramatically reduced. As we travel the rural areas of our States, Senator Roberts and I experience firsthand the tremendous need to bring additional income into small towns and communities in Kansas, North Dakota, and across rural America. As members of the Committee on Agriculture, we are constantly looking for alternatives to supplement traditional agricultural programs and improve the economic safety net for our farmers and ranchers that are not considered trade distorting. Open Fields is a program that can help achieve those objectives. The positive impact of making private lands available to the hunting public is highly visible in Mr. Roberts' home State of Kansas and in my own State of North Dakota. According to data obtained from a 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study, Kansas and North Dakota have a total of 1,750,000 acres currently enrolled in state-run access programs. Furthermore, this study notes that hunting licenses sold in the State of Kansas increased from 175,000 in 1996 to 205,000 in 2001, a 22.9 percent increase. In North Dakota, hunting license sales increased from 118,000 in 1996 to 133,000 in 2001, a 12.7 percent increase. During this same time period, the number of hunters nationwide decreased from 14 million to 13 million. This is a disturbing trend that has resulted in lost jobs, reduced revenues for local communities, and fewer Americans enjoying our rich hunting heritage. State-run access programs are proof that opening additional acres of private land to hunting increases the numbers of hunters and provides a significant boost to the economies of small towns and rural areas. I cannot emphasize enough what a tremendous opportunity Open Fields provides our colleagues to invest in America and to help preserve our hunting and fishing heritage. Currently, access programs are being successfully administered in states all across America, from Arizona with 2 million acres to Pennsylvania with 4.3 million acres. In 18 States, more than 23 million acres are enrolled. Administrative and incentive payments total just over $23 million per year, an average of about $1 per acre. According to a recently completed cost-benefit analysis, states with active access programs encouraged more than 276,000 hunters to continue to hunt who otherwise would have quit. This translates into about $512.6 million these hunters spend annually in these States. With this in mind, I remind our colleagues that the $20 million per year investment called for under this legislation will potentially return many times its initial cost. States with access programs are currently spending about $23 million per year while generating more than $512 million in additional economic activity. Through our legislation, this return on investment can become a reality for many more states and communities. Part of our responsibility as policymakers is to seek opportunities that will improve the quality of life of our constituents. We have introduced the Open Fields legislation as a means to encourage the States to partner with the outdoor recreation community and private landowners to preserve our hunting and fishing heritage and provide economic growth opportunities for rural America. I urge my colleagues to support and cosponsor Open Fields.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I yield back our time as well.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I yield 10 minutes to the Senator from Rhode Island.

Mr. CONRAD. I yield 10 minutes to the Senator from New Jersey and welcome him to the floor as well.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Rhode Island for his remarks. He is one of the most thoughtful Members of the body on economic issues. He is a member of the Joint Economic Committee and I very much value his good counsel. I note the Senator from New Jersey is present. How much time does the Senator from New Jersey seek?