Susan Collins

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, during his 36 years representing Michigan in the Senate, Senator Carl Levin's character and expertise have been described in many ways. He has been named by Time magazine as one of the 10 best Senators. He has been hailed by our military as a leader on national security. He is recognized by families in Michigan and throughout our country as a dedicated champion for economic opportunity and fairness. But perhaps the best description of Senator Levin's philosophy of public service is a word he himself used in an interview for the George Mitchell Oral History Project at Bowdoin College in Maine. That word is ``fiduciary.'' It is the word that embraces the concepts of trust and confidence, of ethics and responsibility. In that interview Senator Levin elaborated on what the word means to him as a public servant. He said it meant to be accessible and open, to listen to other points of view, and to be well informed. Then when it is time to decide, to use his best judgment and vote for what is best for his State and his country, even though it may not be the popular choice at the time. ``Fiduciary'' may indeed be the best word to describe our colleague Senator Levin; but to me, based upon decades of firsthand experience, there is another phrase that also comes to mind. He is truly a Senator's Senator. My colleagues may be surprised to learn that I have known Senator Levin far longer than most of the Members of this Chamber. You see, when he was first elected to the Senate in 1978, the same year as Maine Senator Bill Cohen, for whom I was working at the time, both of them served on what was then known as a Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and also on the same subcommittee, Oversight of Government Management, for which I was first the minority staff director and then the majority staff director. So I have known and worked with Senator Levin for the entire time he has been a Member of this Chamber. From the very start, Senator Levin's diligence as a watchdog for the American people impressed me. Ten years after I left the committee, I returned as Senator Cohen's successor and sought a seat on the Governmental Affairs Committee precisely because, thanks to the example of Senator Levin and Senator Cohen, I saw the importance of accountability in government and business practices. As the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, it was my honor to begin my Senate service with Senator Levin as our ranking member, who was a far more experienced Senator than I was at the time. So I have seen firsthand how deeply Senator Levin cares about the Senate as an institution and its unique place in our Constitution and in its role in our system of government. He is a person of extraordinary integrity and has a sense of purpose that sets a high standard for all of us in public service. He works well with Senators across the aisle because he works hard. From the very first time I saw Senator Levin in action back in 1978, I saw the importance that he placed on extensive, exhaustive preparation for our committee investigations and hearings. As many evasive or ill- prepared witnesses learned to their chagrin, the eyes behind those trademark reading glasses focused like a laser because he has always done his homework. If Senator Levin were to be remembered for his contributions to just one area of policy, it would be our Nation's defense. He has been a member of the Armed Services Committee throughout his time in the Senate, including 10 years as both the chairman and the ranking member. During our work together on that committee, I saw his mastery of such complex matters as emerging global threats and advanced weapons systems. Above all, his focus has always been on the men and women in uniform and their families, from improving their standard of living to better caring for our wounded warriors. As a fiduciary of the principles that are our Nation's foundation, Carl Levin has been a faithful trustee and truly a Senator's Senator. I cannot imagine this body without him, without his wisdom, his integrity, his insight. So I thank him for his years of extraordinary service, and I wish him all the best in the years to come. Thank you, Mr. President.

Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, today I rise in support of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. First, let me express my sincere thanks to both Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Inhofe for their hard work in putting together a bipartisan bill that addresses the needs of our military and contains provisions that are important to Maine and to our national security. This legislation fully funds both the vital DDG-1000 and DDG-51 Programs. These ships must be part of the fleet to maintain the robust forward presence our Nation requires. The U.S. Navy protects trade routes, projects power, acts as a stabilizing force, and assists when tragedy strikes. These missions are especially important in the increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world in which we live. When tensions flared in Syria, it was Navy destroyers that were positioned off the coast. Following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, two U.S. Navy destroyers were among the first ships to respond. This bill also provides the resources necessary to help our allies and partners around the globe. When Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, launched more than 3,000 rockets into Israel this summer, it was the Iron Dome missile defense system--developed with assistance from the United States--that saved countless civilian lives. I am also pleased that this bill takes further steps to address the problem of sexual assault in the military, which remains a significant challenge facing the Department of Defense. While progress has been made, we must remain focused on our goal of ensuring that the military has a zero tolerance culture when it comes to sexual assault. I first raised my concern about sexual assaults in the military with Gen George Casey in 2004. To say his response was disappointing would be an understatement. I am convinced that if the military had heeded the concerns I raised then, this terrible problem would have been addressed much sooner, saving many individuals the trauma, pain, and injustice they endured. I am encouraged that as a result of an amendment I offered to the Senate version of this bill, DOD is already taking formal steps to modify the rules of evidence to ensure confidentiality between the users and the personnel manning its Safe Helpline and HelpRoom systems. The bill includes a provision which mandates a study by DOD's Judicial Proceedings Board on how best to effectuate the rule change. I also support eliminating the so-called good soldier defense, which this bill does. This defense has allowed the general military character of an individual to be used as evidence of their innocence. To further support our men and women in uniform, this bill includes necessary provisions to take care of our troops and rejects many of the administration's proposed changes to compensation and benefits. The bill wisely rejects the President's proposal to authorize a new base realignment and closure round in 2015. This is the right way to proceed because the GAO has found that the previous BRAC round never produced the amount of savings that were promised when it was originally sold to Congress. Finally, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member for including in the bill a provision I authored that reauthorizes the authority for Federal agencies to hire Federal retirees to come back to work part time and still retain their annuitant status. This means that individuals with years of accumulated experience in their jobs can help train and transition in their replacement or fill staffing gaps. Let me close on a less optimistic note. As we look ahead to next year, the specter of sequestration looms increasingly large. DOD has already made significant reductions, and unless we act soon, the effects of these indiscriminate, senseless cuts will be devastating to our national security and defense industrial base. Further cuts will compromise the size, readiness, and technical superiority of our military. I stand ready to work closely with all of my colleagues in the next Congress on a sensible solution.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I was not at all surprised as I listened to the words of our colleague Senator Tom Coburn that he quoted extensively from the Declaration of Independence and he referred to our Constitution--the founding documents of our great country. When America's Founders conceived of a nation of citizen legislators, they had leaders like Senator Tom Coburn in mind. Indeed, throughout his service in Congress, he has remained a compassionate physician, a devoted husband and father, a fierce defender of the rights enshrined in our Constitution, and an unwavering opponent of excessive spending. Senator Coburn may be best known as our most diligent fiscal watchdog, relentlessly hounding wasteful spending. His annual ``Wastebook'' report is a call for transparency and accountability in the Federal Government that has guided oversight investigations and policy debates. The aspect of his service in the Senate that deserves just as much acclaim is his work on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence. Serving with Senator Coburn on both of those committees for many years, I have seen firsthand his brilliance, his tenacity, and his determination to strengthen our Nation and the safety of our people. He has a keen understanding of the grave and ever-evolving threats that our Nation faces. As a citizen legislator, Senator Coburn leads by example and with compassion. With his expertise as a physician, he has been a leader in promoting wellness, disease prevention, combatting HIV/AIDS, and advancing biomedical research. When it comes to fiscal responsibility, he walks the walk, having returned more than $1 million from his Senate office budget to the American taxpayers. We have heard many descriptions of Tom Coburn today, but the word I most associate with him is ``integrity.'' He is a man of the utmost integrity, who always stands tall for his principles and for what he believes in. He sets an example for all of us who seek to serve the public. On a personal note, I want to thank Senator Coburn for hounding me into joining a women's prayer breakfast that meets each week and has introduced me to a number of wonderful women from the House of Representatives who have become my close friends as well as colleagues. And I use the word ``hound'' appropriately. He mentioned it to me so many times that eventually I gave in and went to one of those breakfasts, and, indeed, it has been a spiritually enriching experience that I never would have had but for Tom continuing to press me to attend. This past January Senator Coburn announced his intention to leave the Senate, due in part to his deepening health problems--problems he has faced with extraordinary courage. This somber news was counterbalanced by his overarching concern, not for himself, but for his family and for the people of his State and our Nation. As he now returns to the life of a private citizen, I wish him every success in combatting his illness, and I thank him for his truly extraordinary service to our country. To quote from Scripture, I think everyone would agree with these words when it comes to Tom Coburn: ``Well done, good and faithful servant.''

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent to engage in a colloquy with Senators Brown and Johanns.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in June of this year the Senate passed by unanimous consent, S. 2270, urgent legislation I introduced with Senators Brown and Johanns to address the capital requirements that apply to insurance companies under Federal supervision pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. This legislation clarifies the Federal Reserve's authority to recognize the distinctions between banking and insurance when implementing section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Act, ensuring that bank-centric capital standards are not applied to such companies' regulated insurance activities. One of the central elements of the Dodd-Frank Act was stronger capital rules for both banks and certain non-bank financial institutions. Two sections of the Dodd-Frank Act accomplished this-- section 165, which applies to large bank holding companies and to non- bank systemically important financial institutions, SIFIs, and section 171, which applies minimum capital standards to insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies, including insurance savings and loan holding companies, and to SIFIs. Insurance companies, specifically insurance savings and loan holding companies, are different from banks. Insurers must match long-term obligations to their policyholders with long-term assets, mostly bonds, while banks have more callable obligations--securities and loans and mortgages--and fund them with deposits as well as a mix of debt and equity of varying maturities and durations. The Dodd-Frank legislation reflected this reality, both in its text and in the legislative history, which repeatedly recognizes that the business of insurance is unique and presents different risks.

Ms. COLLINS. We also want to ensure that the Federal Reserve uses its authority to tailor capital rules for insurance operations of entities under its supervision, regardless of the size of the subsidiary insured depository institution. As we have stated, under this legislation and under current law, the Basel banking regime and the Collins amendment requirements will continue to apply to all insured depository institutions. It would be at odds with sound public policy and the intent of this legislation for the Federal Reserve to impose a Basel banking capital regime on the entire enterprise of an insurer that happens to also own a sizable insured depository institution--the depository institution in that operation will already be subject to banking rules, but the insurance operations should not be.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I and the many other supporters of S. 2270 are pleased that this legislation has passed the Senate. It is critical that this legislation be enacted this year. We look forward to its enactment this year and working with regulators as they implement appropriate, tailored capital rules for insurers under their supervision.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, when Senator Mike Johanns stated in February of last year that he had decided not to seek a second term in the Senate, he did so in a way that revealed so much about his character. There was no dramatic press conference, there were no weeks of rumors, there were no guessing games. Instead, there was just a simple and brief press release. Then, the very next day it was back to work for Senator Johanns, traveling throughout the State of Nebraska for a series of townhall meetings with the people he is honored to serve. Nine months later, in October of 2013, his character again shone through. The Federal Government was shut down due to a massive failure to govern responsibly. It was stifling our economy and causing great harm to the trust the American people deserve to have in their government. As a key member of our Common Sense Coalition, Senator Johanns worked effectively and quietly to restore government operations and to restore citizen trust in government. Again, no dramatics, no search for the limelight, just solid results, just effective leadership. Quiet, effective leadership guided by common sense has been the hallmark throughout the Senator's 32 years in public service. From Lancaster County commissioner and mayor of Lincoln to Governor of Nebraska and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, he has been well informed, thoughtful, and untiring. The old farm country saying that sowing is easy, reaping is hard perfectly describes his record of accomplishment and his determination to see any task to its completion. Most of all, the Senator from Nebraska always does what he thinks is in the best interests of our country and of the people he so proudly represents. In an interview shortly before he announced that he would be leaving the Senate, Senator Johanns said he hoped he would be remembered as ``a guy who was good to work with.'' Working with Senator Mike Johanns has been more than just good. It has been an honor and a privilege and I wish him and Stephanie all the best. Thank you for your service.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, are we in morning business?

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to proceed for not longer than 5 minutes.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to give a tribute to Senator Pryor, whose remarks we have just heard. Through nearly a quarter of a century of dedicated public service, Senator Mark Pryor has established a strong reputation as the voice of reason. From an Arkansas legislator and attorney general to a U.S. Senator, Senator Pryor has always put the people first. To me, he has been an admired colleague, a great collaborator, and a treasured friend. Working with Senator Pryor during his service in the Senate, I know that he acquired his voice of reason the old-fashioned way: He is such a good listener. All of us are pretty good talkers, or we wouldn't be here, but Senator Pryor has the distinction of being a good listener. Whether debating colleagues on the Senate floor or interacting with his guests on his Pryor-Side Chats back home, he has consistently demonstrated that he is one of those special individuals who can disagree without ever being disagreeable. He always sticks to his principles, yet he respects the principles of those with whom he disagrees. He is well informed but always open to new information. It has been a particular pleasure to work with Senator Pryor on the homeland security committee for many years and on the Committee on Appropriations. His work ethic, his attention to detail, his willingness, once again, to listen to alternative views have been great assets in addressing the challenges we face in our country. He has been a diligent fiscal watchdog for the Nation's taxpayers. To me, Senator Pryor's approach to public service is best defined by the crucial role he played in ending the government shutdown in the fall of 2013 and as a member of the Gang of 14 in 2005. In each case he worked closely with me and with other Members to end a crisis and to achieve a responsible, commonsense solution. In each case he listened and he led. As a charter member of our Common Sense Coalition last year, Senator Pryor stepped forward to restore both government operations and help to restore some modicum of citizen confidence in our Senate, in our government. These certainly were not the only times that Senator Pryor's bipartisan approach and concern for the well-being of Americans had been evident. In 2007, after a large number of recalls following injuries and deaths that caused parents throughout America to be concerned about the safety of their children's toys--especially those manufactured overseas--he once again stepped forward to lead. After an extensive investigation in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Pryor worked with those of us on the Republican side on a bill to strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission so that we can now better detect and counter threats to our children's health before these threats even reach the store shelves, and eventually homes, schools, and daycare centers. From restoring trust in government to protecting our children, Senator Pryor has proven over and over again that bipartisanship works. It is so significant that his message to us today is that the dysfunction and hyperpartisanship that have characterized the Senate cannot stand. That is a wonderful parting message, and it is typical of Senator Pryor that rather than talking about all of his accomplishments, he instead is beseeching the Senate to work together in the interests of all Americans--whether we are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, or not affiliated with any party at all. The 2014 election did not produce the result Senator Pryor had hoped for, but it did reveal another aspect of his extraordinary character. His message to the people of Arkansas and to the new Senator-elect on election night was genuine and it was gracious. To the people of Arkansas, he simply expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve. But may these words, spoken that evening to us in the Chamber, which he echoed today, be his legacy. He said that night: The biggest and most serious problem we are facing in this Nation today is the dysfunction of our political system in Washington. We have incredible potential, but we won't reach it unless Washington starts to work again for all of us. Mark Pryor has been an extraordinary individual who always did what he believed was right. He has contributed enormously to our country and served his State well. I commend him for his service and I thank him for his commitment, his integrity, and, most of us all, for his friendship. Thank you, Mark. I yield the floor.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I support efforts to provide permanent enhanced conservation tax incentives for family farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who make charitable contributions of land for conservation purposes. As a cosponsor of the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act, S. 526, I am a strong supporter of these valuable tools for protecting significant natural and historic resources on privately owned lands. These incentives expired at the end of 2013 and are among the so- called extenders--tax provisions that are routinely extended each time they expire. Making these provisions permanent would benefit wildlife, enhance hunting, fishing and shooting access, and keep working lands functioning and intact. Specifically, the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act would permanently increase the allowable deduction for charitable contributions of property for conservation purposes. The maximum deduction for individuals would increase from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted gross income, AGI. Farmers and ranchers would be allowed a maximum deduction of up to 100 percent of AGI. The bill would also allow any unused deduction to be carried forward for up to 15 years to help donors receive the full benefit of their contribution. When this incentive was in place, it supported donations of conservation easements in my home State of Maine. In 2012, a landowner donated a conservation easement on a 20-acre property in Machiasport, which is home to centuries-old cultural artifacts, including petroglyphs. In addition to being a spiritual site for Maine's Passamaquoddy tribe, this property allows people to explore the State's precolonial history and provides access for local fishermen to utilize valuable clam flats. Another success story is from 2013 in Harpswell, where a landowner donated a conservation easement on a 44-acre island property in the heart of Casco Bay. The easement provides public access to a scenic peninsula where visitors can picnic, boat, and kayak. Due to this generous donation, Casco Bay is experiencing increased recreational use while also protecting critical habitats for many species of wildlife including shorebirds, herons, and bald eagles. Continuing the enhanced conservation tax incentives would assist in the conservation of thousands of additional acres and provide a whole host of community benefits--protecting historical features, securing economic opportunities, enhancing recreational access, and preserving valuable wildlife habitat--in 2014 and beyond. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, as we hope for peace in the Middle East, some parties in the region are making peace less likely by inciting violence against Israel. It is imperative to recognize these words and actions for the poisons they are to achieving peace. An excellent November 23, 2014, opinion piece by Jeffrey Robbins in the Boston Herald entitled ``U.S. mute as Abbas incites violence'' articulates why silence is the wrong response to the anti-Israeli rhetoric and ideology that encourage further violence and terror. Jeff is a former delegate from the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and I believe my colleagues and the American people would benefit from reading the entire piece, which I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in his three decades in the Senate, Jay Rockefeller established a strong reputation as a leader who offered innovative, common-sense solutions. He has served the people of West Virginia and of America with distinction. To me, he has been an admired colleague. He will always be a good friend. To fully understand Senator Rockefeller's dedication during his 30 years of service in the Senate, it is necessary to go back 50 years, to 1964, when he travelled to West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer. Like Maine, West Virginia is a large rural state with many low-income residents and an aging population. From strengthening our rural hospitals to fighting the scourge of prescription drug abuse, I have been fortunate to work with a leader who sees access to affordable, quality health care not as just a series of issues to address but as his life's work. One of our greatest achievements together was the inclusion of our language in the 2003 tax bill to provide temporary, targeted fiscal relief to the States--which, at the time, were awash in red ink due to a severe economic downturn driven in large part by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Senator Rockefeller and I worked with then- Senator Ben Nelson on legislation to provide $20 billion in short-term fiscal relief to States, half of which was used to provide health insurance to low-income citizens through the Medicaid program. In Senator Rockefeller's words, ``No government program more fully embodies our nation's tradition of community and mutual obligation than Medicaid,'' and he has consistently demonstrated national leadership to provide essential health care services to the most vulnerable among us. As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I have greatly appreciated Senator Rockefeller's leadership on legislative initiatives to combat Alzheimer's, as well as the contributions the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute makes to our understanding and eventual conquest of this devastating illness. From VISTA volunteer to governor and senator, Senator Rockefeller has devoted a half-century of intellect, energy, and compassion to others. There is no better way to sum up his contributions than the words the Senator himself chose when he announced his retirement: ``Public service demands and very much deserves nothing less than every single thing that you have to bring to bear.'' That is precisely what Senator Jay Rockefeller has given his State and our country, and I thank him for his commitment, integrity, and friendship.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today Senator Klobuchar and I are introducing legislation to clarify that commercial companies that execute swaps to manage their business risk through ``centralized treasury units'' are entitled to the end-user clearing exemption provided by Congress as part of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act requires financial entities to clear and trade their derivatives contracts on regulated exchanges. The point of this reform is to cut down on the systemic risk posed by financial speculators who invest in volatile derivatives contracts. It was not intended to restrict the ability of non-financial ``end-users'' to hedge commercial risks that are part of their normal business operations. For that reason, the Dodd-Frank Act provided end-users with an exemption from the act's clearing requirements. Many non-financial end-users use subsidiaries called ``centralized treasury units'' to manage their derivatives contracts. These centralized treasury units allow corporations to consolidate their hedging expertise in one subsidiary. Unfortunately, because these subsidiaries are not technically ``end-users'' themselves, the end-user exemption provided by Dodd-Frank does not apply to them, even though they execute derivatives for other end-users within the corporate family, and are considered a best-practice among corporate treasurers. Our legislation fixes the end-user exemption to clarify that it applies to swaps between a centralized treasury unit and an external counterparty, so long as the swap hedges the risks of a commercial affiliate. The language of our bill is substantially the same as that of H.R. 5471, offered by Representatives Moore, Stivers, Gibson, and Fudge, that passed the House by voice vote yesterday. I urge my colleagues to support the common sense clarification proposed in this bipartisan legislation.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today Senator Klobuchar and I are introducing legislation to clarify that commercial companies that execute swaps to manage their business risk through ``centralized treasury units'' are entitled to the end-user clearing exemption provided by Congress as part of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act requires financial entities to clear and trade their derivatives contracts on regulated exchanges. The point of this reform is to cut down on the systemic risk posed by financial speculators who invest in volatile derivatives contracts. It was not intended to restrict the ability of non-financial ``end-users'' to hedge commercial risks that are part of their normal business operations. For that reason, the Dodd-Frank Act provided end-users with an exemption from the act's clearing requirements. Many non-financial end-users use subsidiaries called ``centralized treasury units'' to manage their derivatives contracts. These centralized treasury units allow corporations to consolidate their hedging expertise in one subsidiary. Unfortunately, because these subsidiaries are not technically ``end-users'' themselves, the end-user exemption provided by Dodd-Frank does not apply to them, even though they execute derivatives for other end-users within the corporate family, and are considered a best-practice among corporate treasurers. Our legislation fixes the end-user exemption to clarify that it applies to swaps between a centralized treasury unit and an external counterparty, so long as the swap hedges the risks of a commercial affiliate. The language of our bill is substantially the same as that of H.R. 5471, offered by Representatives Moore, Stivers, Gibson, and Fudge, that passed the House by voice vote yesterday. I urge my colleagues to support the common sense clarification proposed in this bipartisan legislation.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with my colleague Senator King in submitting S. Res. 593 to designate December 13, 2014, as Wreaths Across America Day. Since its inception 23 years ago, the Wreaths Across America project has become an annual tradition of donating, transporting, and placing Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at veterans' cemeteries and memorials in every State and overseas. In the program's first 23 years, more than 1.7 million wreaths have been placed in honor of those who have served our country. On this December 13, thousands of volunteers across the river in Arlington, throughout our nation, at such overseas locations as Normandy, and on our Navy ships at sea, will carry out the mission of Wreaths Across America to ``Remember, Honor, Teach.'' This will be the culmination of a week-long procession between Maine and Virginia, with stops along the way to spread a message about the importance of remembering and honoring those who serve, and teaching the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. This year, as in years past, the Patriot Guard Riders, along with other patriotic groups and Maine's First Lady Ann LePage, will escort the tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. America's trucking industry will continue to support Wreaths Across America by providing drivers, equipment, fuel, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the country to more than 1,000 locations. In recent years, Wreaths Across America has provided some 130,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. To mark Arlington's 150th anniversary, the goal this year is to decorate each of the 230,000 Veterans' graves and memorials on that hallowed ground. Thanks to the generosity and gratitude of the American people, this goal will surely be achieved. The origin of Wreaths Across America is an inspiring example of that generosity and gratitude. During the Christmas season in 1991, Morrill and Karen Worcester took time during their busiest season to donate and deliver 5,000 wreaths from their company in Harrington, ME, to Arlington National Cemetery to honor the heroes who lie at rest there. At first, a small band of volunteers laid the wreaths quietly and with little notice. In recent years, however, the Arlington Wreath Project has grown to become a national phenomenon. The people of Maine are proud that this heartfelt gesture of America's gratitude began in our state. Wreaths Across America honors our departed heroes, but it does even more. It tells the Veterans still with us that we honor their service. It tells our men and women in uniform today that we are grateful for their courage and devotion to duty. It tells the families of those serving our country that they are in our thoughts and prayers. And it tells the families of the fallen that we share their grief. Throughout human history, the evergreen wreath has been offered as a tribute to heroes. On December 13, we will again offer this enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice. In this season of giving, we will pay tribute to those who have given us the most precious gift of all, our freedom.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, we need reform of the NSA program but not in this manner. Let's remember why this intelligence tool was put into place. It was enacted in the wake of the worst terrorist attack in our country that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people. We have testimony from the former Director of the FBI and from the former Deputy Director of the CIA telling us that had this tool been in place, it is likely-- most likely--that the plot that killed nearly 3,000 people would have been uncovered. Why would we weaken the ability of our intelligence community at a time when the threats against this country have never been greater? Let me address to my colleagues the privacy issue that has been raised--an issue that all of us care about. These data are far more safe, far more subject to privacy protections if they are held by the Federal Government where only 22 vetted and trained government employees have access to them instead of nearly 150 telecommunications companies that employ thousands of workers, and the government is going to have to go to those companies and ask for the data. That greatly exposes the privacy of individual Americans far more than the current system. So for both of those reasons, I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill of the distinguished Senator from Vermont. It is a mistake. It would make us less safe, and we have expert testimony telling us that. Thank you, Mr. President.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish to commend Turner Elementary School of Turner, ME, on being named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This year, Turner Elementary was one of only 337 schools across the country and the only school from Maine to receive this prestigious recognition of high accomplishment by the U.S. Department of Education. Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Award honors schools that are either academically superior in their States or that demonstrate significant gains in student achievement. The schools singled out for this national recognition are models of high educational standards and accountability. This award recognizes the remarkable progress that Turner Elementary has made over the past several years in closing student achievement gaps. These outstanding improvements can be attributed to the school's emphasis on professional development opportunities for its teachers and to its commitment to educating the whole child. Turner Elementary has strengthened its curriculum initiatives in math, reading, and writing and has also benefited greatly from its talented and dedicated leadership team, which helps students, parents, and educators set and reach their goals. I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Turner Elementary School for this well-deserved honor and congratulate not only the students but also the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents on this outstanding achievement. Together, they are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students by helping them become energetic learners and engaged citizens.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today Senator Nelson and I are introducing legislation to limit the amount the Federal Government can garnish from Social Security benefits for unpaid student loan debt. Our bill would adjust the current $750 garnishment floor for inflation and index it going forward, to make sure that garnishments do not force seniors into poverty. According to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office, GAO, the number of borrowers who have experienced garnishments to Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits to repay student loans has increased over time. In 2001, about 31,000 Social Security beneficiaries had part of their benefits garnished to pay defaulted student loans. In 2013, this number had grown to approximately 155,000 beneficiaries, an increase of 400 percent. The Debt Collection Improvement Act limits the amount the federal government can garnish from monthly Federal benefits. In 1998, this amount was set at $750 per month, and since then, it has not been raised or adjusted for inflation. This means that the federal government can garnish Social Security benefits so long as the beneficiary is not left with less than $750 per month. Fifteen years ago, this was above the poverty line, but as a result of inflation, the $750 limit now represents just 81 percent of the poverty threshold for a single adult 65 or older. GAO found that if the garnishment limit had been indexed to match the rate of increase in the poverty threshold, in 2013, 68 percent of all borrowers whose Social Security benefits were garnished for Federal student loan debt would have kept their entire benefit. This means that in more than 2/3 of all cases involving the garnishment of Social Security benefits for unpaid student loan debt, the senior was forced into poverty. Indexing the floor to keep up with cost of living would keep this from happening. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect the financial security of seniors facing garnishment for unpaid student loan debt.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today Senator Nelson and I are introducing legislation to limit the amount the Federal Government can garnish from Social Security benefits for unpaid student loan debt. Our bill would adjust the current $750 garnishment floor for inflation and index it going forward, to make sure that garnishments do not force seniors into poverty. According to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office, GAO, the number of borrowers who have experienced garnishments to Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits to repay student loans has increased over time. In 2001, about 31,000 Social Security beneficiaries had part of their benefits garnished to pay defaulted student loans. In 2013, this number had grown to approximately 155,000 beneficiaries, an increase of 400 percent. The Debt Collection Improvement Act limits the amount the federal government can garnish from monthly Federal benefits. In 1998, this amount was set at $750 per month, and since then, it has not been raised or adjusted for inflation. This means that the federal government can garnish Social Security benefits so long as the beneficiary is not left with less than $750 per month. Fifteen years ago, this was above the poverty line, but as a result of inflation, the $750 limit now represents just 81 percent of the poverty threshold for a single adult 65 or older. GAO found that if the garnishment limit had been indexed to match the rate of increase in the poverty threshold, in 2013, 68 percent of all borrowers whose Social Security benefits were garnished for Federal student loan debt would have kept their entire benefit. This means that in more than 2/3 of all cases involving the garnishment of Social Security benefits for unpaid student loan debt, the senior was forced into poverty. Indexing the floor to keep up with cost of living would keep this from happening. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect the financial security of seniors facing garnishment for unpaid student loan debt.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish to speak in support of the Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act, legislation that I have introduced with my colleague Senator Cantwell. Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities. Unemployment in Maine and across the country remains unacceptably high. We must continue working together to identify ways to improve job training initiatives to help people find jobs in fields where jobs exist. I have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions. One way for employees to acquire the skills needed to thrive in in-demand fields is through apprenticeship programs. Apprentices get hands-on experience that is invaluable to employers and can help workers secure a good-paying job. According to the Congressional Research Service, approximately 44,000 individuals graduated from apprenticeship programs in 2013 nearly 1,000 of those individuals were from Maine. However, that number is likely insufficient to meet tomorrow's needs. One manufacturer in Maine estimates that nearly 2.7 million manufacturing employees are expected to retire in the next decade. We must do all we can to ensure that an adequate pool of skilled workers is available to fill these good-paying jobs. Our bill helps achieve this goal by giving tax credits to businesses that hire apprentices. To ensure that workers are given adequate time to prove their value, the apprentice must be employed for 7 months in order for a business to claim the credit. Our bill also provides incentives for experienced workers who spend at least 20 percent of their time passing their hard-earned knowledge on to the next generation. These workers would be allowed to receive some retirement income early, without facing tax penalties. Finally, our bill ensures that the brave men and women who defend our country are given credit for the skills they learn while serving. Training received while serving in the Armed Forces would count toward an apprentice's training requirement. This bill would help better align the needs of our Nation's employers with potential employees to promote hiring and the creation of new jobs. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill, and I am pleased to join Senator Cantwell in introducing it.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of Down East: The Magazine of Maine. From the inaugural August, 1954, edition of 5,000 copies assembled around a kitchen table in Camden, ME, Down East has grown to become one of America's most successful regional publications with a circulation that exceeds 90,000 and a devoted readership of people around the country who love the beauty and culture of the State of Maine. Down East was founded by Duane Doolittle, a native Mainer who left a secure teaching position at Syracuse University at the age of 42 to return home in pursuit of his dream to publish a magazine dedicated to, as he wrote in his first message to readers, ``honestly reflecting the beauty, the spirit, the unique and special qualities that make this corner of the world like no other place under the sun.'' For six decades, that statement of purpose has been fulfilled by talented photographers and engaging writers, today under the leadership of publisher Bob Fernald. The name of the magazine was taken from the historic practice of sailing downwind to head east along the coast of Maine, and Down East continues to celebrate the heritage of Maine. At the same time, the magazine has expanded its scope to cover with expertise and insight contemporary trends in the arts, food, fashion, business, and politics. In addition to its award-winning print publication, Down East has a strong digital presence with a global readership of more than 900,000 and a popular interactive kiosk at the Portland Jetport that offers the best in Maine-made products. Down East goes beyond recording life in Maine to enhancing it. From charities and land conservation to the arts and festivals, the company is a generous supporter of efforts that strengthen our communities. Capturing the essence of Maine in print is no easy task. Duane Doolittle put it this way: ``To attempt to crack the mystery of what those things are that make a Downeaster different from a Texan or a Hoosier would be as unavailing as pondering the imponderables. All we can honestly say is that we are tuned to this particular parcel of earth and we like its music.'' That mystery may never be cracked, but for 60 years Down East: The Magazine of Maine has made the attempt entertaining and enlightening. I congratulate the leadership and staff of Down East on this milestone anniversary and wish them continued success for years to come.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President. I wish to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Roosevelt Campobello International Park. This beautiful and historic park preserves the summer home that Franklin Delano Roosevelt enjoyed both as a boy and as president. It was established by treaty between the United States and Canada and is the only memorial to an American president on Canadian soil. The 2,800-acre park on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, was opened on August 20, 1964, by Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson and American President Lyndon Johnson. It is jointly owned and managed by both countries and is a beautiful and historic testament to a legacy of friendship. Like all true friendships, the friendship commemorated at Roosevelt Campobello International Park is based not upon expedience or self-interest, but upon shared values. It is a legacy of friendship between two men: one of America's greatest presidents and one of Canada's greatest prime ministers. Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Mackenzie King could not have been more dissimilar in personality--one gregarious and outgoing, the other reticent and intensely private--yet they saw beyond the superficial traits and into the depths of character. Together, they led their nations out of the Great Depression. Together, they led their nations through the Second World War and made North America the arsenal of democracy so crucial to victory. Although only one lived to see the peace, together they forged an alliance that has allowed that peace to endure. It is a legacy of friendship between two communities. By land, Campobello Island is accessible only from Lubec, ME, our Nation's easternmost town, via the FDR Memorial Bridge, itself a stunning example of international cooperation and friendship. The people of eastern Maine and western New Brunswick share a past, a present, and the future. They are bound together by a rugged yet rewarding way of life, by personal and family ties, by commerce and by mutual assistance. They earn their livelihoods from the land and from the sea, and they care for this special place so that those livelihoods may continue for generations to come. It was at Campobello, his ``beloved island,'' that young Franklin Roosevelt learned to guide a sailboat through the challenging Lubec Narrows and developed the inner strength and self-reliance that enabled him to meet any challenge. Among the proud and determined people on both shores of the narrows, he felt the power of committed individuals working together in common cause. In 1933, during his first return visit as President, with First Lady Eleanor at his side, FDR recalled his happy childhood memories and again thanked the islanders who taught him to sail. Then, in words that still ring true today, he described the region as, ``The finest example of friendship between Nations--permanent friendship between nations-- that we can possibly have.'' The United States and Canada share the world's longest undefended border, a common history and culture. In trade, we are each other's best customers. We are, as one of the park's permanent exhibits declares, ``Good Neighbours--Best Friends.'' George Washington wrote that, ``True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity.'' The friendship between the United States and Canada is the hardiest of plants with the deepest of roots. The adversities are but minor shocks; they are no match for the values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law that bind us together. Those values are the foundation of this legacy, and they are our guarantee that this friendship will endure. They are what make the 50th anniversary of Roosevelt Campobello International Park an event so worthy of celebration.