Susan Collins

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to speak about the issue of Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in Maine, as it is the season for hiking, hunting, and leaf- peeping. Unfortunately, fall is also tick season and a time of increased risk of Lyme disease. Each year, 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The most recent CDC data noted that 96 percent of those cases were concentrated in just 14 States in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Maine has one of the highest and fastest growing incident rates of the disease, with cases increasing from 225 in 2004 to 1,169 cases in 2014. Fall is a time of heightened risk because the immature ticks, or nymphs, that fed heavily during the late spring and early summer have now molted into adults and must feed again. Although larger and easier to spot than the tiny nymphs, they are numerous and active. Lyme disease was long thought to be a form of juvenile arthritis and was not identified as being spread by ticks until 1976. It is still considered an emerging disease and knowledge gaps remain. For example, diagnostic methods for tick-borne illnesses have not advanced as much as they should have. Consequently, the validity and accuracy of information regarding the incidence and geographic spread of the disease may be lacking. Now, another tick-borne disease called anaplasmosis is emerging, carried by the same blacklegged tick as Lyme disease and with symptoms that are similar in nature but often more severe. The rapid spread of these diseases is alarming and makes it essential that Federal, State, and local health agencies, public health organizations, and the scientific community work together to improve prevention and detection efforts, as well as to accelerate research to address this crucial public-health challenge. This is the reason why I have cosponsored the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act introduced by Senators Blumenthal and Ayotte, which would help ensure that necessary resources are dedicated to fighting tick-borne diseases. Prevention and treatment are crucial because there are currently no vaccines for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, or other tick-borne diseases. In order to mount a strong national prevention and treatment effort, the legislation would create a tick- borne diseases committee that would consist of physicians, scientists, public health leaders, health agency officials, patients, and patient advocates. This national advisory body would help bring needed focus to improve reporting methods, better diagnostic tools, and more coordinated efforts from local to Federal levels. With individual precautions, we all can reduce our risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses and continue to enjoy the outdoors. With a national effort, we can stop the spread of these devastating diseases and protect the health of all. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Heinrich, in introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act of 2016. It has been a great pleasure to work together to craft this important legislation, and I commend him for his leadership. Our bipartisan bill proposes a new approach to fighting poverty, one that focuses on addressing the needs of children and their parents together--two generations--in order to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. More than 50 years after President Lyndon Johnson declared a War on Poverty, poverty remains a troubling reality for millions of Americans who struggle to find the resources they need for the basic necessities of life. In the time since that worthy war was first declared, the Federal Government has spent trillions of dollars--taxpayer dollars--on programs to combat poverty. Yet the truth is that the poverty rate has barely budged. In 1966, the poverty rate was 14.7 percent. Just this month, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the poverty rate for 2015 was 13.5 percent. I would note that is actually 1 percentage point higher than the year before the start of the 2008 recession. The point is that despite our good intentions and despite the expenditure of trillions of taxpayer dollars, we have made very little progress in lifting families out of poverty. Every State in our Nation is impacted by poverty. In my State of Maine, the poverty rate stands at 13.4 percent, just slightly below the national rate. Poverty spans rural towns and urban centers, race and ethnicity, men and women, old and young. It diminishes the chances of a bright future for far too many of our children. Just this weekend, the Maine Sunday Telegram reported a heartwrenching story of a 5-year-old girl named Arianna, who lived in a makeshift tent in the woods outside of Portland. This is a picture of Arianna, a darling little girl only 5 years of age, living outside in a very crude tent. Thanks to the involvement of a State social worker and the Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance, who were committed to keeping the family together, this story, fortunately, has a happy ending. Arianna and her mother now live in an apartment in Auburn, ME, and she has finally just started kindergarten. We know that the well-being of children like Arianna is tightly linked to the well-being of their parents. Just last week, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation. We examined whether there is a better way to provide housing assistance to vulnerable families and individuals. Both OMB Director Shaun Donovan and HUD Secretary Julian Castro have often pointed out to our subcommittee that the single biggest predictor of a child's opportunities--and even that child's life expectancy--is the ZIP Code of the community where the child grows up. Federal programs have certainly helped many of those living in poverty to manage the day-to-day hardships they face, but the fact is that these programs have failed to achieve their promise of breaking the cycle of poverty that has trapped too many families. We should not accept such outcomes here in the land of opportunity. Our bipartisan legislation proposes a fresh approach that is aimed at equipping both parents and their children with the tools they need to succeed and become self-sufficient. It marks an important first step toward reevaluating our approach to poverty-reducing programs, encouraging innovative, more effective uses of tax dollars, and encouraging programs that allow us to tailor them to the needs of specific families--programs that will work. Too often today our Federal programs address certain issues in silos, overlooking the fact that the needs of families in poverty are almost always interconnected. They shouldn't have to try to navigate the various programs that are available to put together the funding streams they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Our bill would change that. It encourages an integrated, personalized approach. Let me give an example. Helping a mother secure safe, high-quality child care can have a positive impact not only on her ability to succeed in the workforce but also by improving her child's readiness for school. While that child is receiving care and an education, her mother can be connecting with a skills training program to help her improve her family's income. Connecting these various Federal programs has the potential to lift entire families out of poverty and break that vicious cycle of intergenerational or multigenerational poverty. The Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act would create an Interagency Council on Multigenerational Poverty to coordinate efforts across Federal agencies and departments aimed at supporting vulnerable families. The Council would also make recommendations to Congress on ways to improve coordination of anti-poverty programs and to identify best practices. Similarly, our legislation would instruct the Government Accountability Office, GAO, to study and report to Congress and the Council on the barriers that prevent grant recipients from collaborating and identify opportunities for improved coordination. Our bill would also authorize a pilot program to provide additional flexibility for States and local governments to improve the administration of programs using two-generation models. It would authorize five States to participate in two-generation performance partnerships. This would allow, for example, States like Maine and New Mexico to blend together similarly purposed funds across multiple Federal programs in order to help poor families. It aims to reduce duplicative reporting and application requirements. This kind of redtape and bureaucracy often deters local agencies and organizations from making the most effective use of tax dollars to ensure accountability because that is what this is all about. This bill would also require that these pilot programs be targeted at specific programs designed to reduce poverty, and it would measure the outcomes and the effectiveness of these programs. Finally, our bill would create a pilot program to incentivize public- private partnerships around poverty solutions through social impact bonds. These public-private partnerships harness philanthropic and private sector investments to implement proven social programs. This concept is based on legislation that has been introduced by two of our colleagues, Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Michael Bennet. I would note that through these partnerships, government funds are only paid out when the desired outcomes are met. With this bill, we have the chance to make a permanent difference in the lives of millions of families in this country who are struggling and living in poverty. We have the opportunity to finally break the multigenerational cycle of poverty. We have the chance--after 50 years of pouring trillions of dollars into well-intentioned programs that have had some good benefits but have not produced the kinds of lasting results we need, we have the opportunity to change that. Just as a child's ZIP Code should not determine his or her future success, so should the bureaucratic, siloed approach to poverty not make it so difficult for families to get the help they need to escape lives of poverty. We don't want more cases where a 5-year-old girl is living in a makeshift tent outside of the largest city in my State. The Federal Government can be an effective partner in providing funding, in providing opportunities for parents and their children, lifting up families, and, in turn, building stronger communities. State and local governments--the laboratories of experimentation in this country--can be at the forefront of these efforts. And the increased flexibility proposed by our bill would help reform practices across government. Building public-private partnerships would also help to spur innovative approaches and would help generations to come to take part and be full participants in the American dream. Again, let me thank my partner Senator Heinrich for his leadership on this bill. I urge our colleagues to take a look at the fresh, innovative approach we have developed to moving families out of poverty by breaking down the silos in Federal programs, by encouraging local and State and private sector and nonprofit organizations collaboration, and by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Mr. President, let's not be here 50 years from now noting that the poverty rate is the same as it was when Lyndon Johnson declared the War on Poverty 50 years ago, which would then be 100 years ago. Let's try a different approach. Thank you, Mr. President.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Heinrich, in introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act of 2016. It has been a great pleasure to work together to craft this important legislation, and I commend him for his leadership. Our bipartisan bill proposes a new approach to fighting poverty, one that focuses on addressing the needs of children and their parents together--two generations--in order to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. More than 50 years after President Lyndon Johnson declared a War on Poverty, poverty remains a troubling reality for millions of Americans who struggle to find the resources they need for the basic necessities of life. In the time since that worthy war was first declared, the Federal Government has spent trillions of dollars--taxpayer dollars--on programs to combat poverty. Yet the truth is that the poverty rate has barely budged. In 1966, the poverty rate was 14.7 percent. Just this month, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the poverty rate for 2015 was 13.5 percent. I would note that is actually 1 percentage point higher than the year before the start of the 2008 recession. The point is that despite our good intentions and despite the expenditure of trillions of taxpayer dollars, we have made very little progress in lifting families out of poverty. Every State in our Nation is impacted by poverty. In my State of Maine, the poverty rate stands at 13.4 percent, just slightly below the national rate. Poverty spans rural towns and urban centers, race and ethnicity, men and women, old and young. It diminishes the chances of a bright future for far too many of our children. Just this weekend, the Maine Sunday Telegram reported a heartwrenching story of a 5-year-old girl named Arianna, who lived in a makeshift tent in the woods outside of Portland. This is a picture of Arianna, a darling little girl only 5 years of age, living outside in a very crude tent. Thanks to the involvement of a State social worker and the Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance, who were committed to keeping the family together, this story, fortunately, has a happy ending. Arianna and her mother now live in an apartment in Auburn, ME, and she has finally just started kindergarten. We know that the well-being of children like Arianna is tightly linked to the well-being of their parents. Just last week, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation. We examined whether there is a better way to provide housing assistance to vulnerable families and individuals. Both OMB Director Shaun Donovan and HUD Secretary Julian Castro have often pointed out to our subcommittee that the single biggest predictor of a child's opportunities--and even that child's life expectancy--is the ZIP Code of the community where the child grows up. Federal programs have certainly helped many of those living in poverty to manage the day-to-day hardships they face, but the fact is that these programs have failed to achieve their promise of breaking the cycle of poverty that has trapped too many families. We should not accept such outcomes here in the land of opportunity. Our bipartisan legislation proposes a fresh approach that is aimed at equipping both parents and their children with the tools they need to succeed and become self-sufficient. It marks an important first step toward reevaluating our approach to poverty-reducing programs, encouraging innovative, more effective uses of tax dollars, and encouraging programs that allow us to tailor them to the needs of specific families--programs that will work. Too often today our Federal programs address certain issues in silos, overlooking the fact that the needs of families in poverty are almost always interconnected. They shouldn't have to try to navigate the various programs that are available to put together the funding streams they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Our bill would change that. It encourages an integrated, personalized approach. Let me give an example. Helping a mother secure safe, high-quality child care can have a positive impact not only on her ability to succeed in the workforce but also by improving her child's readiness for school. While that child is receiving care and an education, her mother can be connecting with a skills training program to help her improve her family's income. Connecting these various Federal programs has the potential to lift entire families out of poverty and break that vicious cycle of intergenerational or multigenerational poverty. The Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act would create an Interagency Council on Multigenerational Poverty to coordinate efforts across Federal agencies and departments aimed at supporting vulnerable families. The Council would also make recommendations to Congress on ways to improve coordination of anti-poverty programs and to identify best practices. Similarly, our legislation would instruct the Government Accountability Office, GAO, to study and report to Congress and the Council on the barriers that prevent grant recipients from collaborating and identify opportunities for improved coordination. Our bill would also authorize a pilot program to provide additional flexibility for States and local governments to improve the administration of programs using two-generation models. It would authorize five States to participate in two-generation performance partnerships. This would allow, for example, States like Maine and New Mexico to blend together similarly purposed funds across multiple Federal programs in order to help poor families. It aims to reduce duplicative reporting and application requirements. This kind of redtape and bureaucracy often deters local agencies and organizations from making the most effective use of tax dollars to ensure accountability because that is what this is all about. This bill would also require that these pilot programs be targeted at specific programs designed to reduce poverty, and it would measure the outcomes and the effectiveness of these programs. Finally, our bill would create a pilot program to incentivize public- private partnerships around poverty solutions through social impact bonds. These public-private partnerships harness philanthropic and private sector investments to implement proven social programs. This concept is based on legislation that has been introduced by two of our colleagues, Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Michael Bennet. I would note that through these partnerships, government funds are only paid out when the desired outcomes are met. With this bill, we have the chance to make a permanent difference in the lives of millions of families in this country who are struggling and living in poverty. We have the opportunity to finally break the multigenerational cycle of poverty. We have the chance--after 50 years of pouring trillions of dollars into well-intentioned programs that have had some good benefits but have not produced the kinds of lasting results we need, we have the opportunity to change that. Just as a child's ZIP Code should not determine his or her future success, so should the bureaucratic, siloed approach to poverty not make it so difficult for families to get the help they need to escape lives of poverty. We don't want more cases where a 5-year-old girl is living in a makeshift tent outside of the largest city in my State. The Federal Government can be an effective partner in providing funding, in providing opportunities for parents and their children, lifting up families, and, in turn, building stronger communities. State and local governments--the laboratories of experimentation in this country--can be at the forefront of these efforts. And the increased flexibility proposed by our bill would help reform practices across government. Building public-private partnerships would also help to spur innovative approaches and would help generations to come to take part and be full participants in the American dream. Again, let me thank my partner Senator Heinrich for his leadership on this bill. I urge our colleagues to take a look at the fresh, innovative approach we have developed to moving families out of poverty by breaking down the silos in Federal programs, by encouraging local and State and private sector and nonprofit organizations collaboration, and by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Mr. President, let's not be here 50 years from now noting that the poverty rate is the same as it was when Lyndon Johnson declared the War on Poverty 50 years ago, which would then be 100 years ago. Let's try a different approach. Thank you, Mr. President.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, since the first edition in 1818, the Farmers' Almanac has become an American institution, an informative and entertaining mix of weather, agriculture, humor, and common sense. With the 2017 issue now in print, it is a pleasure to recognize the 200th edition of this venerable publication and to celebrate Maine's remarkable Geiger family that makes it possible. For its first 137 years, the Farmers' Almanac was published in Morristown, NJ. In 1955, Ray Geiger, who became the almanac's sixth editor in 1934, moved operations to Lewiston, ME, believing--quite correctly--that my State's New England heritage better reflected the publication's guiding ethic of sustainable, simple living. Ray Geiger led the Farmers' Almanac for 60 years, its longest serving editor. Upon his passing in 1994, his son Peter took the reins after 15 years as associate editor. That same year, Sandi Duncan was named managing editor, the first woman almanac editor in American history. Under this leadership team, circulation has grown from 86,000 in the 1930s to more than 4 million today. In addition, the almanac's timeless qualities have stepped into the age of technology with an engaging, interactive website and a Facebook page with more than 1 million followers. Readers enjoy the Farmers' Almanac for its humorous essays, trivia, and advice on everything from gardening to relationships, but the long- range weather forecasts remain its hallmark. The time-tested, highly secret mathematical and astronomical formula produces 16-month forecasts for seven different U.S. climate zones with a significant record of accuracy. In fact, the CEO of a major airline recently confirmed that Farmers' Almanac forecasts are factored into his company's winter contingency planning. From the first edition to today, Farmers' Almanac editors have worn the honorary title of Philom--for Philomath, a lover of learning. That is an apt title for readers as well as editors, as every edition of the almanac is a mini-encyclopedia of American history, natural science, and a host of other disciplines. It is a particularly apt title for Peter Geiger, a great champion of education who founded the Adopt-A-School movement in Maine in 1988 and who launched a successful program with Maine elementary and middle schools to encourage and develop young writers. His company provides college scholarships to Maine students, and Peter serves as a member and former chairman of our State's board of education. In 1991, he was named the 618th of President George H. W. Bush's 1,000 Points of Light. The Geiger family and their company advance the Maine business tradition of service to others by supporting a wide range of civic and charitable endeavors, from the arts to health care to homeless youth. The New Beginnings Ann Geiger Center in Lewiston, ME, named in honor of Peter's mother, provides vital education and skills-development opportunities for homeless and neglected youth. Ray Geiger Elementary School in that same city recognizes the family's many contributions. The special 200th edition of the Farmers' Almanac includes a celebratory section of vintage articles that take readers through nearly two centuries of American lore, from how to quiet a fussy baby with molasses and feathers to the art of kissing and maintaining household tranquility. Just as important, it stands as proof that hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to giving back are the key ingredients of success. I congratulate the Geiger family and the Farmers' Almanac for this milestone achievement and wish them all the best in the years to come.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on October 1, 1996, the first students arrived at the new Loring Job Corps Center in Limestone, ME. It is a pleasure to recognize this milestone 20th anniversary of this program, dedicated to helping disadvantaged young people develop the determination, abilities, and character to succeed. In the two decades since its founding, the Loring Job Corps Center has graduated more than 10,500 students. Whether they go on to the workforce, higher education, or the military, these graduates take with them the skills, self-confidence, and resolve to overcome the setbacks, obstacles, and failures that are part of life. The focus on community service at Loring helps to create the engaged citizens that are so important to Maine's future. In addition to providing training and education, Loring Job Corps has developed a nationally recognized premilitary program and is one of the highest military placement Job Corps centers in our Nation. This is a fitting tribute to the namesake of the former Air Force base on which the center is located: MAJ Charles Loring, a Maine native who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism in the Korean war. Two years ago, the Loring Job Corps Center reaffirmed its respect for those who serve our Nation by rededicating its dining center, Dahlgren Hall, in memory of LT Edward Dahlgren, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from nearby Perham, ME. Young people today face a great many challenges and threats to their well-being, and Job Corps students at Loring and throughout the Nation are no exception. It is essential that Congress continues to work with the Department of Labor to strengthen policies to better ensure the safety of the young men and women who enter the Job Corps to better their lives. The national Job Corps program was founded more than a half-century ago on the noble idea that, if given the opportunity, the support, and the training, America's at-risk young people could overcome any obstacles and achieve. For 20 years, Loring Job Corps graduates have turned that idea into reality. I congratulate the faculty, staff, and students for this accomplishment and offer my best wishes for continued success.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine. This 92-mile stretch of lake, shore, and river is a shining example of the dedication of the people of Maine to protect and preserve the natural beauty and heritage that define our great State. For thousands of years, the Allagash was the hunting and fishing grounds of the Wabanaki, and the river's northerly flow provided an important transportation link between the Maine coast and the Saint John River. The Waterway's Native American heritage is found in such appellations as Umsaskis Lake and Musquacook Stream. In 1857, Henry David Thoreau explored the upper reaches of the Allagash during his third trip to the Maine woods and learned from his Penobscot guide that the river's name referred to the useful bark that could be harvested from the vast forests along its banks. In the years that followed, the Allagash became a vital part of Maine's timber industry. While hiking through the region's remote wilderness, it is possible to come upon abandoned steam locomotives deep among the trees, remnants of the vast lumbering operations of the early 20th century. As the Allagash, rich with fish and game, became a favorite destination of outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, the surrounding woodlands have remained very much a part of Maine's working forest economy. In 1966, the people of Maine recognized the special qualities of the Allagash and voted to protect it by approving a $1.5 million bond to ``develop the maximum wilderness character'' of the river, and the Maine Legislature established the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Two years later, Maine Senator Edmund Muskie authored an amendment to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 that combined permanent Federal protection with permanent State administration. In 1970, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway was granted Federal designation as a wild river and became the first State-administered component of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway captures the essence of the great north woods. This 50th anniversary is the time to celebrate the commitment to safeguard for generations to come this special place that captures the essence of the people of Maine.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Veterans Registry and Study Act of 2016. I am pleased to be joined by my colleague from Maine, Senator King, in this initiative. Our bill would address an issue important to veterans, including many in Maine, who participated in the Enewetak Atoll radiation cleanup missions from 1977 to 1980. These veterans may now be suffering from adverse health conditions due to exposure to radiation during these missions. At the end of World War II, Enewetak Atoll came under the control of the United States, which used it to test nuclear bombs. From 1948 to 1958, Enewetak Atoll was the site of 43 U.S. nuclear tests. The combined federal effort to clean up the resulting radioactive waste cost about $100 million over three years and required an on-atoll task force numbering almost 1,000 people. The veterans who served on the cleanup task force did not ask to be sent to Enewetak Atoll. Like good servicemembers, they received their orders and went to work serving the U.S. government by cleaning up radioactive waste over a 3-year period. I have heard from several Enewetak Atoll veterans who have now developed cancers, and they have expressed their concerns that these cancers may be rooted in their service cleaning up nuclear material. To address this troubling issue, our bill would help identify and bring together the shared experiences of those who served as a part of the Enewetak Atoll cleanup. It would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA, to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who participated in the cleanup missions of the Enewetak Atoll and who have subsequently experienced health issues. It would also direct the VA to commission an independent study investigating any possible linkage between radiation exposure during the cleanup missions and subsequent health problems among the servicemembers who served or trained there. Protecting the health of those who have served our nation is a solemn responsibility. This legislation keeps faith with our veterans by demonstrating that our government takes the allegations of service- connected exposure to radiation seriously. We must fulfill our obligations and affirm a larger commitment made long ago to take care of those who have so proudly served our Nation--the patriots who have worn our Nation's uniform. I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Veterans Registry and Study Act of 2016. I am pleased to be joined by my colleague from Maine, Senator King, in this initiative. Our bill would address an issue important to veterans, including many in Maine, who participated in the Enewetak Atoll radiation cleanup missions from 1977 to 1980. These veterans may now be suffering from adverse health conditions due to exposure to radiation during these missions. At the end of World War II, Enewetak Atoll came under the control of the United States, which used it to test nuclear bombs. From 1948 to 1958, Enewetak Atoll was the site of 43 U.S. nuclear tests. The combined federal effort to clean up the resulting radioactive waste cost about $100 million over three years and required an on-atoll task force numbering almost 1,000 people. The veterans who served on the cleanup task force did not ask to be sent to Enewetak Atoll. Like good servicemembers, they received their orders and went to work serving the U.S. government by cleaning up radioactive waste over a 3-year period. I have heard from several Enewetak Atoll veterans who have now developed cancers, and they have expressed their concerns that these cancers may be rooted in their service cleaning up nuclear material. To address this troubling issue, our bill would help identify and bring together the shared experiences of those who served as a part of the Enewetak Atoll cleanup. It would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA, to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who participated in the cleanup missions of the Enewetak Atoll and who have subsequently experienced health issues. It would also direct the VA to commission an independent study investigating any possible linkage between radiation exposure during the cleanup missions and subsequent health problems among the servicemembers who served or trained there. Protecting the health of those who have served our nation is a solemn responsibility. This legislation keeps faith with our veterans by demonstrating that our government takes the allegations of service- connected exposure to radiation seriously. We must fulfill our obligations and affirm a larger commitment made long ago to take care of those who have so proudly served our Nation--the patriots who have worn our Nation's uniform. I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the town of Georgetown, ME. One of Maine's oldest and most historic communities, Georgetown was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today, and this tricentennial is a time to celebrate the generations of hard- working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. The year of Georgetown's incorporation, 1716, was but one milestone in a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the region where the mighty Kennebec River meets the sea served as fishing grounds for the Etchemin Tribe, and the extensive shell middens and other archeological sites are today a treasure trove of this ancient history. In 1607, the English established Popham Colony on the opposite shore of the Kennebec. This was an event of profound importance to Maine and to our Nation, as the rugged pioneers of the short-lived colony crafted the first oceangoing sailing vessel built in North America and created an industry that remains vital to the Maine economy and to our national security. Drawn by one of the finest natural harbors in New England, English settlers arrived within a few years of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth in 1620. The early English influence is underscored by the fact that the first deeds granted to the settlers were signed by the Etchemin Sagamore, who was called Chief Robinhood by the newcomers and whose name lives on at many points of interest throughout the community. By 1716, Georgetown was a growing town with an economy driven by fishing, shipbuilding, and lumber and grain mills. The wealth produced by the sea and by hard work was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. Today the people of Georgetown continue to build on those traditions. Fishing and boatbuilding are mainstays of the economy. Fine inns and restaurants support a thriving tourism industry. Reid State Park, a gift to the people of Maine from Georgetown businessman and civic leader Walter Reid, offers spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife that makes Georgetown a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and artists. An active historical society, library, and volunteer fire department demonstrate the spirit of this remarkable town. This landmark anniversary is not just about something that is measured in calendar years. It is an occasion to celebrate the people who for more than three centuries have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a community. Thanks to those who came before, Georgetown has a wonderful history. Thanks to those who are there today, it has a bright future.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, before I speak, I also extend my appreciation to the Senator from Delaware. I rise today with my friend and colleague from Minnesota, Senator Klobuchar, to briefly talk about the bill that we have introduced, the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act, which would provide training and support services for the families and caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. As many caregivers can attest, Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that exacts a tremendous personal and economic toll on individuals, families, and our health care system. For example, it is our Nation's most costly disease. It is one that affects more than 5.4 million Americans, including 37,000 Mainers living with Alzheimer's today. That number is soaring as our older population grows older and lives longer. Last year and this year, we have done a good job in increasing the investment in biomedical research that someday will lead to effective treatments, a means of prevention, or even a cure for Alzheimer's. But often forgotten when we discuss this disease are the caregivers. There are many families across this Nation who know all too well the compassion, commitment, and endurance it takes to be a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. When I was in Maine recently, I saw an 89-year-old woman taking care of her 90-year-old husband with Alzheimer's. I met a woman in her fifties who, with her sisters, was juggling care of their mother along with demanding work schedules. I discussed with an elderly husband his own health problems as he tries to cope with taking care of his wife's dementia. Most important, these caregivers allow many with Alzheimer's to remain in the safety and the comfort of their own homes. Last year, caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's shouldered $10.2 billion in health care costs related to the physical and emotional effects of caregiving. And that is why the bill Senator Klobuchar and I have introduced is so important. It would help us do more to care for our caregivers. It would award grants to public and nonprofit organizations like Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers to expand training and support services for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's. Mr. President, it has been estimated that nearly one out of two of the baby boomer generation--our generation--reaching 85 will develop Alzheimer's if we are not successful with biomedical research. As a result, chances are that members of our generation will either be spending their golden years with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has it. It is therefore imperative that we give our family caregivers the support they need to provide high-quality care. Our legislation has been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and UsAgainstAlzheimer's. I urge all our colleagues to support it. Mr. President, to reiterate I rise today to speak in support of the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act that I have been pleased to join my friend and colleague from Minnesota, Senator Klobuchar, in introducing. Our bill would provide training and support services for the families and caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. As many caregivers can attest, Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that exacts a tremendous personal and economic toll on individuals, families, and our health care system. It is our Nation's most costly disease. Approximately 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease today, including 37,000 in Maine, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer. If current trends continue, Alzheimer's disease could affect as many as 16 million Americans by 2050. There are many families across our Nation who know all too well the compassion, commitment, and endurance that it takes to be a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Our caregivers devote enormous time and attention, and they frequently must make many personal and financial sacrifices to ensure that their loved ones have the care they need day in and day out. When I was in Maine recently, I saw an 89-year old woman taking care of her 90-year old husband with Alzheimer's; a woman in her, fifties who with her sisters was juggling care of their mother with their work schedules; and an elderly husband trying to cope with his own health problems as well as his wife's dementia. Most important, however, these caregivers enable many with Alzheimer's to remain in the safety and comfort of their own homes. According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 16 million unpaid caregivers provided 18 billion hours of care valued at more than $221 billion in 2015. These caregivers provide tremendous value, but they also face many challenges. Many are employed and struggle to balance their work and caregiving responsibilities. They may also be putting their own health at risk, since caregivers experience high levels of stress and have a greater incidence of chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and depression. Last year, caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's or related dementias shouldered $10.2 billion in health care costs related to the physical and emotional effects of caregiving. The bipartisan legislation we introduced on the last day of June-- which was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month--would help us do more to care for our caregivers. It would award grants to public and nonprofit organizations, like Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers, to expand training and support services for the families and caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease. The bill would require these organizations to provide public outreach on the services they offer, and ensure that services are provided in a culturally appropriate manner. It would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Office of Women's Health and Office of Minority Health to ensure that women, minorities, and medically underserved communities benefit from the program. It has been estimated that nearly one in two of the baby boomers reaching 85 will develop Alzheimer's. As a result, chances are that members of the baby boom generation will either be spending their golden years with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has it. It is imperative that we give our family caregivers the support they need to provide high quality care to their loved ones. Our legislation has been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and UsAgainstAlzheimer's, and I urge all of our colleagues to support it. I thank the Chair.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the York Fire Department in the town of York, ME. It is an honor to congratulate the dedicated firefighters, past and present, for their skill and courage in protecting their community. The York Fire Department was established in the aftermath of a disastrous fire at a seaside resort hotel on January 26, 1916. At that time, the only fire protection in the town was headquartered at York Beach, some 3 miles away. Although the York Beach firefighters responded valiantly, the distance, winter conditions, and inadequate equipment prevented them from saving the large wooden structure. A town with two distinct and distant residential and commercial districts clearly needed two fire departments, so immediately after the resort fire, the York Village and Corner Ever-Ready Volunteer Fire Company was organized, with Bert Newick as the first chief. Enthusiasm for this new endeavor was so high that one writer observed that ``it seemed as though three-quarters of the town's eligible young men were becoming volunteer firefighters.'' Enthusiasm remains just as high today. York Fire Department firefighters are true volunteers, receiving no compensation for their rigorous training and dangerous duties. In addition to advanced training in firefighting and hazardous materials response, the majority of York's volunteers have EMT or paramedic certification. The department has only three paid positions to ensure that the fire station is staffed around the clock. The people of York are grateful for these efforts and have supported funding for many improvements to equipment and facilities through the years. Individual citizens have stepped forward to provide such vital equipment as the department's first two-way radios in 1954 and its first fire/rescue boat in 2004. A special project of the York Fire Department Auxiliary, the Southern Maine Advanced Rehab Team, consists of people who want to help out but are unable to serve as firefighters. Their SMART truck provides drinking water, coffee, food, communications, and portable radio battery charging at fire scenes, as well as misting fans to cool the firefighters. These volunteers are invaluable at any fire scene and often respond to fires in neighboring towns. Firefighters from throughout Maine will join in the centennial observance this September when the Maine State Federation of Firefighters holds its 53rd annual convention in York. The convention will coincide with the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and will commemorate all firefighters who have lost their lives while saving the lives of others. Among those memorialized will be Lt. Wayne Fuller who was killed while responding to a fire in 1974, the only York firefighter to fall in the line of duty. America's firefighters play a vital role in the security of our Nation and the safety of our people. Whether it is in response to a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or a fire, Americans rely on our firefighters, and our firefighters always answer the call. The firefighters of York, ME, are a shining example of that commitment, and I join the people of their town in saluting them for a century of service.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Moscow, ME. Lying at the foothills of Maine's Western Mountains and on the banks of the mighty Kennebec River, Moscow was built with a spirit of determination and resilience that still guides the community today. This bicentennial is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. Moscow is a small town with a big history. In the fall of 1775, Colonel Benedict Arnold--before he became a traitor--led the newly formed Continental Army through the region on the ill-fated but valiant attempt to capture Quebec. While the first major military initiative of the Revolutionary War failed, it demonstrated the American resolve that would eventually bring independence. One of the oldest graves in Moscow's Union Cemetery is that of Joseph Kirk, one of the regiment's men, and Baker Cemetery is the final resting place of David Decker, a member of the Boston Tea Party. After independence was won, settlement began when two great patriots--the financier William Bingham and General Henry Knox--joined together in the famous Bingham Purchase, the acquisition of 2 million acres of Maine wilderness. Shortly afterward, the first sawmill was built, the timber industry thrived, and the population boomed. When the town was officially incorporated on January 30, 1816, the citizens chose the name of their new community with care, finally selecting Moscow to honor the people of the Russian city who repelled Napoleon's invasion in 1812 with great courage and sacrifice. The first settlers were drawn by fertile soil, vast forests, and fast-moving waters, which they turned into productive farms and busy mills. The wealth produced by the land and, by hard work and determination, was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. The industriousness of Moscow is demonstrated by two remarkable feats of engineering. In 1904, construction began on the Gulf Stream Trestle across Austin Stream to extend the Somerset Railroad in order to grow the logging and outdoor recreation industries. Seven hundred feet long and 125 feet high, the trestle was one of the largest structures to span a river in New England. Although the trestle has been removed, the Wyman Dam remains one of the town's most outstanding features, supplying power to a large part of central Maine. Replacing a natural course of rapids 140 feet high on the Kennebec River, the construction of the dam began in 1928, and the dam was in operation just 2 years later. This massive project required a labor force of 2,400 workers, whose families had to be housed, so a settlement of nearly 300 homes was built, along with a school for the children. In addition to electricity, the project created beautiful Wyman Lake, one of Maine's largest lakes and a favorite recreation destination. Moscow has always been a town of involved citizens, working hard and working together. The planning and volunteerism that have gone into this yearlong bicentennial celebration confirm that this spirit grows only stronger. Thanks to those who came before, Moscow has a wonderful history. Thanks to those who are there today, it has a bright future.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Guilford, ME. Located in the heart of the beautiful Maine Highlands on the banks of the mighty Piscataquis River, Guilford was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today. Guilford's incorporation on February 8, 1816, was but one milestone on a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, Maine's Western Mountains were the hunting grounds of the Abenaki Tribe. The reverence the Abenaki had for the natural beauty and resources of the region is upheld by the people of Guilford today. Early settlers at the dawn of the 19th century were drawn by fertile soil, vast forests, and fast-moving waters, which they turned into productive farms and busy mills. With the Piscataquis providing power, Guilford became one of the premier manufacturing communities in northern New England, with skilled workers producing everything from textiles and furniture to toothpicks and violin strings. The wealth produced by the land and, by hard work, innovation, and determination, was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. Guilford is a town of patriots. Throughout the town's history, the men and women of Guilford have stepped forward to serve our Nation, and the veterans memorial stands in solemn tribute. It is significant that a highlight of this year's bicentennial celebration was the rededication of the Guilford Memorial Bridge in their honor. Guilford is a town of involved citizens. The active historical society, volunteer fire department, and library are evidence of a strong community spirit. The planning and volunteerism that have gone into this yearlong bicentennial celebration are evidence that Guilford's spirit grows only stronger. This 200th anniversary is not just about something that is measured in calendar years. It is an occasion to celebrate the people who for more than two centuries have worked together and cared for one another. Thanks to those who came before, Guilford has a wonderful history. Thanks to those who are there today, it has a bright future.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, earlier today the Senate held a cloture vote on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2577, a bill that would fund military construction and veterans programs in fiscal year 2017 and provide $1.1 billion to respond to the Zika public health crisis. There has been a great deal of misinformation on what the bill would do and which organizations and providers would be eligible to receive funding under the bill. I would like to ask a question of the chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, who helped to write the Zika funding package. Is it accurate to say that family planning service providers that receive Medicaid reimbursement would be eligible to be reimbursed for family planning services through funding provided in this bill?

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to call up amendment No. 4858.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, this amendment is unusual when we are debating issues such as terrorist watch lists and the appropriate restrictions that are needed--desperately needed--to ensure that people who are suspected or known terrorists are not able to purchase firearms. How is it unusual? It is bipartisan. Surely, on an issue of this importance, we should be able to come and work for commonsense solutions. This bipartisan amendment is cosponsored by Senators Heitkamp, Ayotte, Heinrich, Flake, Kaine, Graham, King, Kirk, Nelson, Manchin, and Baldwin. I sincerely thank each of the cosponsors for their many contributions to our amendment and for their support in crafting what is a commonsense proposal. Our amendment has three basic provisions. First, it would block the purchase of firearms by individuals who are on the no-fly list or on the selectee list. Essentially, the premise of our amendment is that if you have been designated as too dangerous to fly on an airplane or you have been designated as someone who needs extensive, secondary screening--extra screening before you are allowed to board a plane--you should not be able to buy a gun. Second, our amendment would provide an immediate alert to the FBI and to local law enforcement if an individual who has been on the government's terrorist watch list at any time during the past 5 years purchases a firearm. The Orlando shooting provides, perhaps, the clearest example of why this provision is so important. The gunman was on the selectee list for approximately 10 months, but then he was off the list when he purchased the two guns used to kill 50 people and injure scores more. If our amendment were enacted, the FBI would have been notified immediately when he purchased the first firearm in the weeks leading up to the shooting. Then the FBI would have been notified a second time that the former terrorism suspect, who had watched videos of Anwar al- Awlaki, was seeking to purchase additional firearms in a short period of time. Surely that would have caused the FBI to reopen its investigation of Omar Mateen. Perhaps, if our proposal had been in effect, that massacre would have been prevented. Third, our amendment provides robust, due process procedures to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. Any American denied a purchase under this amendment would have the opportunity to have their case heard before a Federal district judge. The government would have the burden of proof in order to deny the sale and would have to present its case within a short but reasonable period of time. If the government failed to make its case, if this turned out to be some terrible error, it would have to pay attorneys' fees for the person who had been denied the purchase and, of course, the purchase of the firearm could go forward. Our amendment makes sure that the applicant can have cleared counsel present to make sure that the government cannot take away a fundamental right without a legal advocate to protect their due process rights. Critics of our amendment have mistakenly claimed this will allow Americans to be denied the right to keep and bear arms based merely on suspicion or a hunch. That is simply not true. We are not using the terrorist screening database, which has 1.1 million people on it. That is not what we are using. We are using the carefully defined No Fly and selectee lists because those are the most carefully constructed subsets of all of the government's terrorist watch lists. These two lists include the names of individuals who pose the greatest threat of committing an act of terrorism against aviation, against the homeland, against U.S. interests overseas. And there are, in fact, only 109,000 individuals on this list, of which only 2,700 are Americans. Mr. President----

Ms. COLLINS. I thank my colleague very much.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, this amendment is a commonsense approach to help make Americans safer. And I think it is highly significant that we have just received a letter that is signed by a group of generals and admirals who have been on the frontlines in fighting terrorism-- people like General Petraeus--who are endorsing the bipartisan amendment that we have put forth. Mr. President, let's not miss this opportunity to make a difference, to get something done. Let's listen to the heartbroken families in Orlando, in San Bernardino, in other terrorist attacks. This is common sense. It does not infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of Americans. All it does is say that if you are too dangerous to board an airplane, you are too dangerous to buy a gun. I urge my colleagues to support our amendment. I thank the Senator from Maryland.

Ms. COLLINS

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

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, a bill upon which we have fortunately invoked cloture today and which I hope will allow us to proceed to finish this vitally important legislation. I wish to commend both Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed for their leadership as they worked together. Their bill puts us on a path toward addressing the myriad threats we face today. In fact, in my years in the Senate, it is difficult to think of a time in which we have faced more threats from more different adversaries around the world. These national security challenges include the challenges posed by ISIS, as it continues to control territory and key cities in Syria and Iraq and spreads to other countries, such as Libya and Nigeria; Al Qaeda and other Islamic extremist terrorist groups determined to attack our country and our allies; Russia's aggressive operations in Ukraine, the Baltics, and Syria; and China's aggressive military activities in the South China Sea. This bill funds programs that ensure our Nation's continued presence and deterrence missions, including $271 million to help complete the construction of two DDG-1000 Destroyers. These ships provide capabilities including stealth technology, electric propulsion, and a smaller crew size. The Navy recently accepted delivery of the first DDG-1000, the Zumwalt--a major milestone for this revolutionary program. Given the ship's cutting-edge technology, unique hull, and advanced combat systems, the shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works in my State should be commended for their exceptional work and dedication in building the largest naval destroyer and the most advanced naval destroyer in history. The bill before us also includes $3.2 billion for the procurement of two Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers as part of a multiyear procurement contract, as well as incremental funding for a third fiscal year 2016 Flight Three Destroyer. This much needed additional destroyer, which ranks No. 2 on the Navy's unfunded priorities list, will be built at Bath Iron Works. As the workhorses of the Navy, these destroyers help ensure that our Navy's capabilities remain unrivaled in delivering power and presence across the globe. From freedom of navigation missions in the South China Sea to addressing Iranian aggression in the Strait of Hormuz, these ships signal to enemies and allies alike that the U.S. Navy is ready to respond wherever and whenever it is needed. After years of advocacy, I am pleased this legislation also includes an important provision that requires the Department of Defense to finally comply with the Berry amendment by outfitting new recruits with high-quality athletic shoes made in America by skilled American workers. This amendment, sponsored by my colleague Senator King, is based upon stand-alone legislation that I introduced with my colleague from Maine. It is good not only for our troops but also for American manufacturing. It is time to stop relying on goods manufactured in foreign countries to outfit those who wear the uniform of our Nation. It is past time for the Department's circumvention of the Berry amendment to be ended when it comes to athletic footwear. This bill also provides for investments in our public shipyards, which are strategic assets for our national security. For Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME, almost $75 million is authorized for necessary upgrades, including $18 million for unaccompanied housing, $30 million for utility improvements for nuclear platforms, and $27 million to construct a replacement for a medical and dental unit that is in a building that is 100 years old and does not meet current safety standards. As the senior member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I am pleased these authorizations match the funding included in our Military Construction and VA spending bill that passed the Senate overwhelmingly a few weeks ago. These investments at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will result in the high-quality facilities that shipyard personnel deserve as they maintain, repair, and modernize our nuclear submarine fleet. The bill also provides the resources necessary to help our allies and partners around the world. I am pleased it would authorize $50 million for the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program. The terrorist organization Hamas continues to construct tunnels from Gaza to Israel, which have been used by terrorists to sneak across the border and carry out attacks on Israeli citizens. Meanwhile, we have the problem of Iran, which has continued to defy a U.N. Security Council resolution on its ballistic missile program by conducting flight testing of missiles that are inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons that could someday reach the United States. They already are capable of reaching Israel, which is why this bill's continued support for the U.S.-Israeli cooperative missile defense programs is so important. I am pleased to note that the National Defense Authorization Act contains several measures supporting our servicemembers, who perform the important missions we assign them. These provisions include a 1.6- percent pay raise and reauthorization of bonuses and special pay to help encourage retention. I know this has been a real problem, for example, for the Air Force in retaining the pilots it needs, who oftentimes can make so much more money and have far easier missions and hours in the private sector. I filed an amendment, as I did last year, to strike a provision in this bill that would unfairly discriminate against women servicemembers. The provision mandates that if two or more servicemembers live in the same house, the amount of the basic allowance for housing payable to each member would be divided by the total number of members in the house. That means, in cases where a servicemember resides with his or her Active-Duty spouse or if a member resides with military roommates, each would proportionately lose his or her stipend for housing under this bill. This disproportionately affects female servicemembers because 20 percent of them are married to another servicemember. In contrast, less than 4 percent of Active-Duty men are married to Active-Duty women servicemembers. I hope we can change this provision. Other provisions of this bill would provide additional protections for survivors of sexual assault to move closer to the goal of translating the military's stated policy of zero tolerance into reality. Specifically, the bill would create a new punitive article in the Uniform Code of Military Justice that criminalizes acts of retaliation. The article would hold servicemembers accountable if they threaten or take adverse personnel action against those who report or plan to report retaliation. Finally, this bill would direct the Pentagon to rein in unnecessary and wasteful spending by reducing the number of general and flag officers by 25 percent. This is an issue that I have been working on with Chairman McCain since 2012, and I am pleased to see the continued focus on ending the practice of rank inflation. I should mention that I have the greatest respect for the high- ranking officials as well as for all who serve in our military. But this is an issue that we do need to deal with, and I believe this bill strikes the appropriate balance. We owe it to taxpayers to assess every efficiency and use every cost-saving measure while also ensuring the security of our Nation. I thank the Presiding Officer for her patience. I know the Senate is soon to adjourn. I urge support of this important bill. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to speak in support of an amendment offered by the senior Senator from Alaska, Ms. Murkowski, to strike the changes to the basic allowance for housing, or BAH, that are proposed in section 604 of the Defense authorization bill. This amendment is very similar to one I filed this year as well as one I sponsored last year. Currently, each servicemember receives a housing stipend based on his or her rank, geographic location, and dependency status. Under section 604, however, this part of the military compensation package would no longer be considered a cash allowance. Instead, servicemembers would be compensated on an actual cost basis similar to the system that was in place in the 1990s, which resulted in a burdensome and inefficient administrative approval process. Notably, the 2015 Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission established by the fiscal year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act examined the issue of allowances as it assessed the military's compensation and retirement system. The Commission found that the current allowance system strikes an appropriate balance in providing compensation to military members and assistance for their living expenses. The Commission deliberately chose not to recommend any changes to the allowance system, and this view is shared by the Department of Defense. In fact, the Secretary of the Navy called me today to express to his concerns about this provision. In its Statement of Administration Policy, the administration notes that it strongly objects to section 604, which, in its words, ``would inappropriately penalize some servicemembers over others by linking their BAH payments to their status as members of dual-military couples''--in other words, members of our military who are married to other servicemembers. Under section 604, both members of a dual military couple would be provided a lesser compensation package than other members of equal grade, sending a message that their service is not as highly valued. The Statement Of Administration Policy went on to note that ``Section 604 would disproportionately affect female servicemembers and those military families in which both military members have chosen to serve their country.'' Twenty percent of servicewomen are married to other servicemembers. By comparison, only 3.8 percent--in other words, less than 4 percent of Active-Duty men--are married to other servicemembers. Thus, women are five times more likely to be affected by this reduction in housing allowances than their male counterparts--five times more likely for the women servicemembers to be affected because they are more likely to be married to servicemembers. This proposed change would similarly penalize our junior servicemembers who are more likely to live with another servicemember as a roommate to help defray the cost-of-living expenses. As such, this provision could have a profound implication for both recruitment and retention of our all-volunteer force and discourage our best and our brightest from staying in the service. I do recognize that the Department's personnel costs are a budget concern, but finding savings that unfairly single out some military members is not the way to do it, particularly when one considers the growing role women servicemembers are playing and which I strongly support and admire. Last year I spearheaded a successful movement to remove a similar provision from the fiscal year 2016 NDAA. I am disappointed to see that this proposal has resurfaced again this year. I am pleased to work with my colleague from Alaska Senator Murkowski to remove a provision that I believe is both unfair and harmful. I do recognize the very difficult task the Senate Armed Services Committee had in putting together this bill. I commend both the chairman, Senator McCain, and the ranking member, Senator Jack Reed, for their terrific work on so many issues. I do hope they will look again at this particular cut in the basic housing allowance and support our amendment. I yield the floor.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr President, I rise to introduce bipartisan legislation with my colleague from Maine, Senator King, to permit foreign air carriers traveling to or from Cuba to make non-traffic, transit stops in the United States. Enactment of this legislation will create new opportunities for U.S. workers and airports. For decades U.S. airports, including Bangor International Airport in Maine, have lost out on additional revenue because the current travel ban on Cuba prevents them from providing transit stop services to flights departing from or en route to Cuba. During these transit stops, passengers do not disembark the plane and no new passengers board the aircraft. Yet, these stops are valuable for airports and their employees who can offer fuel, de-icing, catering, and crew services. Under the current travel ban, however, foreign air carriers are forced to make transit stops in Canada rather than the United States, and any potential profit for U.S. airports flies right across the border along with the planes. The current disparity means that airports like Bangor not only lose revenue related to flights to or from Cuba, but also from transit stops for European flights to and from many other destinations in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. That is because if foreign airlines cannot use Bangor for all of their flights, it is simply easier and more efficient for them to refuel at one airport that can meet all of their needs. The purpose of economic sanctions was to limit hard currency to Cuba--not to harm American workers and cities. Allowing U.S. airports to provide these services could support additional jobs for families in Maine and other areas throughout the country. Allowing such transit stops would also be consistent with existing international air transportation agreements. For example, in 2007 the U.S. and the EU signed an Air Transport Agreement that granted airlines of one party the right to make stops in the territory of the other party for non-traffic, transit purposes. Likewise, the Chicago Convention, to which there are 191 parties, recognizes the right to refuel or carry out maintenance in a foreign country, including the United States. The United States should fulfill its obligations and permit such transit stops at U.S. airports, no matter the destination. Our bill would provide American airports and workers the opportunity to compete with Canadian airports and would bring the United States into compliance with international air travel agreements. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr President, I rise to introduce bipartisan legislation with my colleague from Maine, Senator King, to permit foreign air carriers traveling to or from Cuba to make non-traffic, transit stops in the United States. Enactment of this legislation will create new opportunities for U.S. workers and airports. For decades U.S. airports, including Bangor International Airport in Maine, have lost out on additional revenue because the current travel ban on Cuba prevents them from providing transit stop services to flights departing from or en route to Cuba. During these transit stops, passengers do not disembark the plane and no new passengers board the aircraft. Yet, these stops are valuable for airports and their employees who can offer fuel, de-icing, catering, and crew services. Under the current travel ban, however, foreign air carriers are forced to make transit stops in Canada rather than the United States, and any potential profit for U.S. airports flies right across the border along with the planes. The current disparity means that airports like Bangor not only lose revenue related to flights to or from Cuba, but also from transit stops for European flights to and from many other destinations in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. That is because if foreign airlines cannot use Bangor for all of their flights, it is simply easier and more efficient for them to refuel at one airport that can meet all of their needs. The purpose of economic sanctions was to limit hard currency to Cuba--not to harm American workers and cities. Allowing U.S. airports to provide these services could support additional jobs for families in Maine and other areas throughout the country. Allowing such transit stops would also be consistent with existing international air transportation agreements. For example, in 2007 the U.S. and the EU signed an Air Transport Agreement that granted airlines of one party the right to make stops in the territory of the other party for non-traffic, transit purposes. Likewise, the Chicago Convention, to which there are 191 parties, recognizes the right to refuel or carry out maintenance in a foreign country, including the United States. The United States should fulfill its obligations and permit such transit stops at U.S. airports, no matter the destination. Our bill would provide American airports and workers the opportunity to compete with Canadian airports and would bring the United States into compliance with international air travel agreements. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on this amendment, I yield back the remainder of our time.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.