Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an American patriot who, although not American by birth, demonstrated the best ideals of our country. Steen Christian Fischer was born in 1920 in Copenhagen, Denmark; he died in August in Boise, ID, and I had the opportunity to get to know him during the last ten years of his life. Steen had a wonderful outlook on life and believed strongly in freedom and opportunity. Prior to the German occupation of Denmark during World War II he served in the Danish Navy. After the occupation, when the Navy was disbanded by the Germans, he joined the Danish Resistance and was a part of the remarkably successful evacuation of Danish Jews to neutral Sweden. He was ultimately captured by the Gestapo in Copenhagen, sentenced to be hanged, and transported to Neuengamme Concentration Camp near Hamburg. His sentence was not carried out as the paperwork never arrived. Of 106,000 inmates at Neuengamme only 55,000 survived. After 9 months in the camp, with the Allied army approaching, the surviving inmates were loaded onto a train to be transported to another camp, but he and some friends jumped off the train and escaped to freedom into the surrounding countryside. He spent the rest of the war hidden in various locations in Denmark. As soon as he could do so after the war ended, Steen emigrated to the United States and continued his quest for freedom and opportunity. In New York State, he met a lovely young woman, Mary Anne Bruun, who also had Danish ancestry, and married her. Together they became the parents of seven children--Peter, Anne, Douglas, Barbara, Paul, Karin, and Mary. He called his children ``the best thing in his life'' and he passed his zest for life onto them. Steen was fearless and wanted to experience all that he could in the world. He told his children he wanted them to develop ``wide horizons;'' he was willing to go anywhere, do anything for the experience. Steen was the kind of guy who would take the dotted line on the map over the freeway every time. He was successful in passing down that philosophy to those seven children who have lived all over the world and are passing onto the next generation of Fischers that attitude of ``wide horizons.'' During Steen's last decade of life, he spent his time in Idaho where his commitment to freedom and his efforts during World War II were recognized by Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne. The Danish government considered him a hero and awarded him a war pension. His experiences were recorded for the U.S. Holocaust Museum and stand as a testament to the efforts of so many like him throughout the world who are committed to freedom. Steen passed away in August of 2004 at the age of 83, having lived a remarkable, courageous life. He will be remembered by so many who loved him as well as many who had found freedom through his efforts during World War II. There is no higher compliment I can pay him that to call him a patriot who found freedom during some of the darkest times in our world's history. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I concur with my colleague that the integrity of the NAFTA panel system has been put into serious doubt as a result of the recent panel decision in the softwood lumber case. When NAFTA panels prevent appropriate enforcement of the U.S. trade laws, the public will cease supporting our participation in NAFTA. It is simply unacceptable for a NAFTA panel to dictate the outcome of an investigation to any U.S. court or agency. That is not the purpose of a NAFTA panel. Such authority was not granted by the U.S. Congress to the NAFTA, the WTO, or any other foreign organization. Congress approved the NAFTA based on its understanding that effective trade remedies would not be eroded. Preservation of these remedies is essential to the overall process of opening foreign markets to imports of goods and services and to prevent harm to American industry and agriculture. Popular support for the principles of free trade and the NAFTA as a whole will be weakened if the dispute settlement system is continually misused to overturn legitimate agency decisions. In my view, it is essential that future NAFTA panel decisions are carefully scrutinized by Congress. With respect to the seriously flawed NAFTA panel decision in the softwood lumber case, I believe the U.S. Government must pursue an Extraordinary Challenge Committee appeal in order to restore the rights of the American industry and its workers.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I offer my congratulations to the men and women who operate the Boise Airport Traffic Control Tower, ATCT, on its being named the Regional Facility of the Year for 2003 by the FAA. The Boise ATCT was rated outstanding and best among five other level- 8 facilities with the FAA Northwest mountain region. Each facility was evaluated in the categories of operational excellence, communications, employee development, external relations, resource management, human relations, professionalism, employee morale and customer service. Boise's outstanding facility handled 163,022 operations in 2003 with consistent, dedicated and superior service. I am proud of these highly capable men and women, and proud to have them representing our State. I wish each of them continued success in serving the great State of Idaho, its citizens and the citizens of the Nation.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I am pleased by the education received by children in my home State of Idaho. Our teachers are caring, administrators are dedicated, and our schools are effective. The preparation for life and for further learning that I received in Idaho classrooms during my youth has served me well throughout the years Today, I am especially pleased to honor Randy Jensen, the Principal of William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, ID, who has been selected as the National Secondary Principal of the Year. For nearly 20 years, Mr. Jensen has worked to make William Thomas a welcoming and supportive environment for students and staff. His commitment to communication, teamwork and proactive problem solving is well recognized by parents and members of the community, and has now been recognized by his colleagues at the national level. Mr. Jensen correctly states that middle school is ``a tumultuous time in the lives of young people, so those of us who know and love them must be their advocates.'' Mr. Jensen has been just that: an effective advocate for Idaho students. It is altogether fitting that he should be recognized and honored. So today, I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Randy Jensen, National Secondary Principal of the Year. (At the request of Mr. Daschle, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.)

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge a very special event happening in Idaho on July 31. For my colleagues in the Senate who have never been to Boise, ID, I will describe a little of what that part of my State looks like. On a clear day, miles stretch out before you bounded to the south by the Snake River Valley and distant mountains, to the east and west by a vast expanse of open sky, and behind you to the north, by foothills rising to meet their less-weathered relatives. The wind blows with reassuring regularity, and it seems that in this western meeting place of land and sky, at once comfortingly familiar and awe-inspiring, it is indeed an appropriate place to rest our fallen warriors of freedom and pay our respects and tribute to their sacrifices. The Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery represents the vision and hard work of many dedicated Idahoans. These men and women have focused their energy and donated their time and money to see this tremendous project to fruition. An idea that for many years was in the hearts of concerned patriots, the cemetery is the first of its kind to be built in Idaho, and its construction allows Idaho to finally join the rest in having a state veterans' cemetery. Gazing out at this vista of the junction of earth and sky, and the visible freedom of wide open space causes us to reflect upon the freedom that our country stands for; the freedom for which the men and women who will rest here committed their lives, some ending either much too young in combat or others after fulfilling and long lives. In this time of sacrifice by yet another great generation of brave young men and women, this place gives comfort and exists as a testament to the age-old ritual of caring for those that have gone before us, in a proper and appropriate military manner that reflects their sacrifice, sense of duty and selfless devotion to the cause of liberty. This place and the people for whom it is preserved remind us that freedom is eternal, and their and our living and dying are not in vain.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Department of Defense, DOD, Peer-Review Prostate Cancer Research Program. No one in this Chamber has been spared the tragedy of cancer taking the life of a family member or friend. Many of those lives, in fact, have been taken by prostate cancer, as it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Because baby boomers are entering the risk age for prostate cancer at a rate of one every seven seconds, the 2 million men currently impacted by the disease are increasing at about every 8 percent per year. Still, lives can be saved and finding a cure can be accelerated. The DOD Peer Review Prostate Cancer Research Program continues to prove to be a success and many new treatments to end the pain and suffering due to prostate cancer are on the horizon. That is why I support a $100 million earmark for fiscal year 2005. The return on this investment is well worth it. In recent years, the DOD Breast Cancer Program funded groundbreaking research, such as the discovery of the drug Herceptin, which prolongs the lives of women afflicted with a particularly aggressive type of advanced breast cancer. In fact, Herceptin when used appropriately with chemotherapy increases the chances of survival by about 33 percent. Those breakthroughs are possible in prostate cancer. This disease needs a Herceptin-like drug, and it is possible with adequate and fair funding for the DOD Peer Review Prostate Cancer Research Program. This one-of-a-kind research program uses an innovative granting structure that brings scientists and consumers together to make key policy decisions about prostate cancer research. Since its inception eight years ago, this far-reaching, influential program has literally changed the way prostate cancer research is done. It has become a model that other research programs have sought to replicate. The program has funded two key research grants, the Prostate Cancer Consortium Awards, which could help us unravel prostate cancer's challenge. These grants cover a 3-year period and are designed to produce an intervention--drug, device or procedure--to bring us all closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease. This program is not only a shining example of streamlining effective research; it is an outstanding model for best business practices. Every penny spent by this program is accounted for at a public meeting every 2 years. Ninety percent of the funds go directly to research. This kind of efficiency and prudence in spending is unheard of in some of our Nation's best businesses and charities let alone other federally funded research programs and agencies. According to reports of this business conscious program, the DOD Peer Review Prostate Cancer Research Program cannot conduct human clinical trials without the earmark funding of $100 million for fiscal year 2005. The program must help treat men, not just mice. Unfortunately, the language in the Senate Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 threatens both the funding and unique structure of the Prostate Cancer Peer Review Research Program. The Senate bill combines all of the congressionally directed cancer research programs into one account and reduces the total funding available to all. Because the Senate version lumps all the cancer programs into one pot, rather than maintaining separate earmarks, the proposal will have multiple, negative outcomes. As written, the Senate bill dismantles the unique accountability over research and seriously threatens the consumer-scientist driven integrity of the DOD prostate cancer research program. The proposal relieves the government of accountability while forcing cancer groups to compete with one another for reduced funding. And, a particularly dangerous component of the proposal transfers funding to other cancer projects that are not recommended by a scientific peer reviewed process As the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 goes to conference, I urge my colleagues to support the language passed in the House and preserve this critical program for prostate cancer research.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 580, S. 2507.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Cochran amendment which is at the desk be agreed to, that the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed, that the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Milk Forward Contracting Act, a bill to make permanent the dairy forward pricing pilot program. Without question, dairy producers are subject to a very fickle dairy market. Dairy prices can go from all time highs to all time lows over a course of a year, making long-term planning extremely difficult. This legislation will ensure the continued availability of an important risk management tool for dairy producers and enable their long-term business planning. Over the pat 4 years, dairy producers and processors have been able to voluntarily enter into agreements for the sale of a specific volume of milk for a set price over an established period of time trough the dairy forward pricing pilot program. Many producers in my home State of Idaho and nationwide have used this voluntary program to reduce marketing risk by securing stable prices. Unfortunately, this program expires in December of 2004, and dairy producers want to be able to continue to utilize this program. Forward contracting is a very useful tool for dairy farmers. In fact, a 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA report to Congress demonstrated that the program has been effective in reducing price volatility. According to USDA data for the September 2000 through December 2002 period, contracted milk averages $14.06 per hundredweight with a range of $1.63 between high and low prices, while non-contracted milk averaged $13.68 per hundredweight with a range of $6.69. Additionally, the U.S. General Accounting Office GAO reported that forward contracting is a risk management tool most frequently used by producers of other farm commodities. Likewise, dairy producers should also have access to this important tool. There is no reason that dairy farmers should be forced to ride a dairy price roller coaster, when the extension of this sensible program would provide farm families with an option to help plan for their futures.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum all be rescinded.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I am in anticipation of a special event in my home State of Idaho. On Sunday, June 20, the Ashley Inn in Cascade, ID will dedicate Kerby Gardens on their property. For those in Idaho, particularly those in Valley County, memorializing Lt. William Paul Kerby is an important occasion that represents a man, and a generation. Lt. William Paul Kerby deserves America's appreciation. As Valley County's first serviceman to lose his life in World War II, he displayed the selfless sacrifice of a true American. It is his dedication that Kerby Gardens hopes to honor--a spirit of sacrifice that has defined our country and the State of Idaho since its beginning and continues to do so today. Lt. Kerby was one of over 1,700 Idahoans who never returned from the battlefield in that great and terrible war. It is to these men that we owe our freedom today. There is still no other event in modern history that so transformed our world as did the Second World War. It brought out the best in our Nation and proved the courage of an entire generation, one that has been called ``The Great Generation.'' It is the courage and sacrifice of those veterans, men including Lt. William Kerby, that this garden remembers and honors. In commemorating the dedication of Kerby Gardens, I would like to recognize, honor and thank Lt. Kerby and all of Idaho's veterans for their sacrifices. In World War II, as in other conflicts, America's servicemen and women have demonstrated the values and ideals our country holds dear. For their successes and their sacrifices, we are eternally grateful.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this amendment. I appreciate the hard work of all those involved as we have negotiated these very important issues to the Nation, particularly to the States of South Carolina, Idaho, and Washington. When we put together the South Carolina language last week and debated it in the Senate, there was a question raised whether that would cause any impact with regard to agreements that had been reached or to negotiations that were underway between the State of Idaho and the Department of Energy and Washington and the Department of Energy. This amendment makes it very clear that there is no precedent value of the South Carolina language that would impact or in any way alter or amend the agreements of the State of Idaho and the State of Washington that they have with the Department of Energy, or create any precedent for any negotiations now underway between those two States. The language says that nothing in the section shall alter, affect, or modify the full implementation, and it lists the various agreements for Idaho, most important of which is the Batt agreement. Then it says: (2) Nothing in this section establishes any precedent or is binding on the State of Idaho, the State of Washington, the State of Oregon, or any other State for the management, storage, treatment, and disposition of radioactive and hazardous materials. It is very clear by statutory language now--if it was not already clear before, which we believe it was--that the South Carolina agreement stands by itself. The States of Idaho, Washington, and all other States will be free to negotiate their own arrangements and relationships with the Department of Energy. Again, I thank Senator Craig, Senator Alexander, and Senator Graham for working so closely with me. Senator Cantwell from Washington has worked closely with us on this issue. I appreciate everyone coming together with a strong resolution to resolve these critical issues.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, it is with tremendous gratitude today that I wish to honor Colonel Edgar F. Woodward Jr. for his dedicated service to our country in the Armed Services. Too often we forget the extreme sacrifice involved in keeping our great Nation free. Colonel Woodward's character reflects this sacrifice and the steadfast resolve so many of our veterans maintain in the preservation of freedom. Allow me a moment to tell you about him. Colonel Woodward joined the United States Air Force in 1941. Shortly after enlisting, he was called to arms in the European campaign of World War II. Colonel Woodward quickly earned the rank of captain flying B-17 bombers. During his 13th mission flying under the 100th Bomb Group, he was shot down and injured. He received a Purple Heart for these actions. Colonel Woodward's relentless service to our country does not end here. In addition to his contributions in World War II, Colonel Woodward continued to serve through times of peril. From 1952-1954 he flew in the Korean war. From 1966-1967, he served in intelligence and strategic planning during the Vietnam war. In 1971, after 30 years of service, Edgar F. Woodward Jr. retired as a United States Air Force colonel. I commend Colonel Woodward for his diligent service. His decision to serve our country places him in my highest esteem, and today I honor him.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I understand that S. 2498 is at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 2363, reported out earlier today by the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, tomorrow the Senate will resume consideration of the Department of Defense authorization bill. It is the leader's hope that we will be able to dispose of any cleared amendments during tomorrow's session. However, there will be no rollcall votes. We would like to debate amendments during Friday's session so that we may stack rollcall votes beginning on Tuesday. We also hope to debate amendments on Monday, but, again, we will stack those votes for Tuesday as well. The leader has stated that it is his intention to complete action on this bill next week. We were just able to lock in a filing deadline for all first-degree amendments for Monday at 5 p.m. The next rollcall vote will, therefore, occur on Tuesday prior to the policy luncheon recess.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. I have no objection to such a modification of the request.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate resumes consideration of the Defense bill on Tuesday, June 8, there then be 50 minutes under the control of Senator Kennedy or his designee and 50 minutes under the control of the chairman or his designee. Further, I ask unanimous consent that following that debate, the Senate proceed to a vote in relation to the Kennedy amendment, with no amendments in order to the amendment prior to the vote.

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 4. I further ask that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and the Senate then resume consideration of Calendar No. 503, S. 2400, the Department of Defense authorization bill.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate immediately proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations on today's Executive Calendar: Calendar Nos. 610 and 654. I further ask unanimous consent that the nominations be confirmed, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then return to legislative session.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate concur in the House amendment and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action.

Mr. CRAPO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Con. Res. 114, submitted earlier today by Senator Dole.