Jean Carnahan

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I spoke yesterday about the need for the Senate to act on behalf of the workers in the airline industry-- those men and women who lost their jobs as a result of the September 11 attacks. The time to act is here and now. My amendment is designed to provide assistance to those who were laid off as a result of the September 11 attacks and the corresponding reductions in air service. They include employees of the airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and suppliers to the airlines. Using the framework of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, this legislation provides income support, job training, and health care benefits for these laid off workers. This amendment extends unemployment compensation for 20 weeks, after eligible employees have exhausted their State's unemployment benefits. It also provides for job training, so that those unable to return to the airline industry can acquire new skills. Many laid-off workers and their families will face the frightening prospect of losing their health insurance. The legislation that I am proposing would enable families to continue their health insurance by reimbursing COBRA premiums for 12 months. We know that some workers may not be eligible for extended health coverage through COBRA. Therefore, my proposal also enables States to provide Medicaid coverage for those workers and their families. Lastly, my amendment acknowledges that the unemployment compensation program is imperfect. Many workers who lose their jobs are not eligible for any assistance under current law. Under my proposal, those who are ineligible for their State's unemployment insurance programs would receive 26 weeks of income support. These payments are designed to mirror unemployment compensation. This legislation is not a panacea. It is a first step. We acted quickly to shore up the airline industry. That was appropriate. But that legislation did nothing for the 140,000 who are being laid-off despite the assistance provided in the stabilization package. There are other Americans who have also lost their jobs due to the slowing economy. Their needs should be addressed as part of the economic stimulus package. But, we must act now to assist employees of the airline industry who have suffered immediate, abrupt layoffs of enormous proportions. The amendment I have proposed has broad support. The nation's Governors have asked Congress to pass it. The major airlines support this assistance for their former employees. Republican and Democratic Senators support it. Now is the time to act. The Senate ought to pass this measure now and move on to our other pressing business. I have reached across the aisle in crafting this proposal. The amendment has three Republican co-sponsors: Senators Brownback, Fitzgerald, and Gordon Smith. I have also scaled back my original legislation to make it more attractive to my colleagues. The total cost is $1.9 billion--half the cost of the original package. The amendment includes an offset so this package of benefits is entirely paid for. Let me assure my colleagues that it is not my intention to slow consideration of the important airline security legislation. I am a co- sponsor of the airline security bill and am eager to see it pass the Senate. We need to institute permanent security measures and restore Americans' confidence in the safety of air travel. I have been ready, and eagerly awaiting the opportunity, to debate this amendment for the past week. And I am ready to go to a vote right now. So for those concerned about delay of the airline security bill I hope that you agree we should vote on this proposal tonight. I am not interested in delay. I am interested in helping workers. I would have liked both the airline safety bill and the worker relief packaged completed last week instead of being subjected to a filibuster. I am aware of comments that some believe that this amendment should not be considered as part of the airline safety bill, but rather should be considered later, as part of other legislation. But that is precisely what I was told over two weeks ago. I originally proposed to provide relief to laid off airline workers at the same time as we provided relief to the airlines. I did not offer my amendment then because the leadership of both houses of Congress had reached agreement on the airline package and we had to pass the bill immediately. We all agree that airline security legislation is extremely urgent. So is relief to airline workers. It is time to show some urgency on behalf of the men and women in the airline industry. I yield the floor.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, grief has changed the face of America. We are a tear-stained nation, but in spite of that, we are united as never before. Americans are wearing symbols on their lapels. They are displaying flags from their cars and windows, and they are donating millions of dollars to victims' families. America has responded, as we always do, with patriotism and purpose. Today, we are uniting further in support of our troops flying dangerous missions in Afghanistan. This is the first step in a prolonged campaign against terrorism. It is a necessary step, and it was directed at the right targets--the Taliban government, which has given safe harbor to terrorists and to organizations such as theirs for far too long. Americans are also united in sympathy with the Afghan people. While our bombers were flying over Taliban strongholds, our C-17s were dropping food to the refugees. Congress has also responded to the September 11 attacks with unity and determination. We came together to support the people of Washington and New York by providing $40 billion to begin the relief effort. We came together to support the President and our military by authorizing the use of force in this new struggle with terrorism. We came together to aid our airlines by enacting a $15 billion stabilization package, and with the vote today in favor of cloture, we are poised to increase airline security. We are now focused on our military action abroad and security issues at home, but we also need to deal with the severe economic problems the September 11 attacks have caused. Our airlines are now flying and their short-term economic crisis has been resolved. Now we must come together behind the men and women who are the heart and soul of the airline industry--the workers. The layoffs announced in the airline industry since September 11 are staggering. We need only look at this chart to see Boeing, 30,000; American Airlines, 20,000; United Airlines, 20,000. The list goes on and on. Twenty to thirty percent of Boeing's orders for new aircraft have been cancelled, and they plan to lay off as many as 30,000 workers. Then there are the airport workers, the concessionaires, and the workers who make the airlines' meals. The total number of announced layoffs in the industry is 140,000, and that figure may continue to rise. These are not just numbers on a page. These are men and women. These are moms and dads who up until just a few weeks ago thought they had good paying jobs, believed they would be able to pay their bills, and were saving to send their children to college. They believed their future was secure. These layoffs are going to affect communities all across the country. St. Louis; Kansas City; Springfield, MO, have about 14,000 airline workers, and they will be hard hit by these layoffs. The Boeing layoffs will also cause hardships for every family in Everett, WA, and Wichita, KS. Any city that is home to a large hub airport--Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Dallas, Chicago--will feel the effects of these layoffs. Once the airline safety bill is under consideration, I will offer an amendment. It will provide meaningful assistance for airline industry workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the September 11 attacks. My amendment will do three things: First, it will provide income support because many of these families live from paycheck to paycheck. Second, it will provide job training so employees can prepare to work in other industries, or new jobs within the airline industry. Third, it will give health care benefits so workers can stay in their health plan and keep their doctors while they are looking for work. The benefits in my proposal would be available to employees of airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and suppliers to airlines. Obviously, airline industry employees are not the only ones who are losing their jobs. When we do an economic stimulus package, I believe we should address the problem more broadly. But the impact on the airline industry has been abrupt, immediate, and severe. Congress acted quickly and decisively to provide $15 billion of assistance for the airlines, and we should act with the same level of urgency for the airline industry workers. It is interesting, when we did the airline bailout, I did not hear my colleagues saying we should wait until we came up with a package to help other industries that were impacted by the attack. But now, when it comes to the workers, all of a sudden some argue we need to slow down. We did the right thing for the airlines when we acted quickly. We should do the same thing for the workers as well. Another criticism of this proposal has been assistance is already available for displaced workers, and there is no need to provide additional help. I have modeled my package of benefits on the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, which provides benefits to workers displaced due to products imported into the United States. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act provides additional assistance beyond standard unemployment insurance. It also provides resources to retrain laid-off workers so they can get back to work. In passing the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, Congress determined to support workers who lose their job due to the vagaries of international trade. Can we not again determine that workers who are laid off as a direct result of a terrorist attack on the United States also deserve assistance? The primary difference between my amendment and the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act is the inclusion of health care coverage for the displaced worker. We have had lots of discussion during this Congress about how to address the problems of the uninsured. Today is the chance for Members to take a courageous step that will prevent 140,000 workers and their families from joining the rolls of the uninsured. Some have also said the best way to help workers is to keep the airlines going. That is about half right. We did the right thing helping the airlines, and that has protected thousands of jobs. The assistance bill did not do anything for those workers who were put out of a job or have no immediate prospects of being rehired and will now have to seek work in an economy that has slowed. Last week, the President highlighted three things that should dictate the way we undertake efforts to stimulate the economy and help displaced workers. He said we should take actions that will, first, encourage economic growth. Second, we should be bipartisan and instead of creating new programs, we should make use of the programs that already exist and make them work better. I strongly agree. My amendment is consistent with these principles. First, it will encourage growth by providing income assistance and job training benefits to airline employees who have recently been laid off. Second, the amendment has bipartisan support. Senators Fitzgerald, Brownback, and Gordon Smith have signed on as cosponsors. Finally, it makes use of an existing program, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, that was put in place to help displaced workers in times of need. While the President's plan is a step in the right direction, I believe we need stronger action at this time. As we did with the bailout and the disaster relief package, we need to act boldly. We need to make sure those airline industry workers who were laid off suddenly, with no time to make preparation, receive immediate assistance, obtain retraining, and are able to retain their health care. The President's package does not guarantee these benefits for everyone covered by my amendment. I am extremely pleased this amendment is being supported by the airline industry. The airlines know their employees have been dealt a severe blow and deserve help. Our Governors have also known many communities around the country are going to be hard hit. As Carl Sandburg once reminded us, ``We are Americans. Nothing like us ever was.'' Now is the time for us to stand together, and that means standing together behind our industries and our workers. Every day we delay, our economy suffers. Every day we delay, families struggle to pay bills. Every day we delay, children go without health insurance. Let us do what is right for those who need it most. I am pleased my proposal has received bipartisan support, and I hope it will be adopted by the Senate. I ask unanimous consent that a letter from the Air Transport Association and a letter from a tripartisan group of 13 Governors be printed in the Record.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr, President, last week I spoke of a group of Americans who will be on the front lines of the new war on terrorism-- reservists and national guard members. President Bush has authorized the call-up of 50,000 of these citizen soldiers. Together with a bipartisan group of Senators, I offered legislation that I believe would greatly support these brave men and women, and their families. This amendment would allow those called to active duty and their families to have access to uninterrupted health care coverage. My amendment is based on legislation I introduced with Senator DeWine earlier this year. It would allow reservists returning from deployments, to extend their TRICARE coverage for close to six months or until their civilian health insurers returned their coverage to them. Today, I have expanded the scope of this legislation to cover not only reserve components, but two other categories of military personnel who will require help transitioning to civilian life once their active duty service has ended. First, there are active duty personnel who are involuntarily retained. These are personnel who were scheduled to separate from military service, but were ordered to stay on active duty to support military operations in times of crisis. Second, there are those who are involuntarily separated. These are personnel who are downsized after a large mobilization such as the one the President has ordered. Our military personnel need to know that their Nation will not turn its back on them or their families. Today I offer an amendment that will ensure that they receive adequate health care when they return from active duty. My legislation will build off of a Gulf War era statute that is set to expire this year. Under previous laws, involuntarily retained and separated servicemen and women were allowed to extend their military health care coverage for a certain period of time, depending on their length of service. Service men and women with over 6 years of active duty service could extend their TRICARE benefit for up to 120 days after they separated from service. Those with under 6 years would be allowed to extend their coverage for up to 60 days after they separated from service. I understand that the Department of Defense was going to request re- authorization of this benefit in light of the current crisis. However, their request will probably not come to Congress in time to be attached to the fiscal year 2002 authorization bill. It is time that we act now, in the name of these brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. But moreover, we must expand this benefit to other critical parts of our force--reservists and national guard members. Currently, when Reservists are called up, they are temporarily considered active duty components. While they are in harm's way, members of the reserves and national guard, and their dependents, are entitled to the same military health care coverage as other military personnel--what is called, TRICARE. Reservists who have deployed for more than 30 days during a major contingency may extend their military health care coverage for 30 days after they return. My amendment will provide comfort to thousands of military families whose loved ones risk their lives defending our Nation. But more importantly, it would be part of our national effort to unite behind our troops during this time of national crisis. Over 50,000 reservists may soon be called into service. As President Bush himself has said, ``We're talking about somebody's mom, or somebody's dad, somebody's employee, somebody's friend, or somebody's neighbor.'' I want to thank both Senators Levin and Warner as well as their staffs for their important assistance in writing this legislation. Together, we crafted a measure that will assure our service personnel that when they return home they will not be denied health care because of their military service.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. I appreciate the support of my friend from Arkansas and I am honored to add her name as a cosponsor of my legislation. As I explained to the Senator earlier, it is certainly my intent to cover dislocated employees of companies that contract directly with commercial air carriers for maintenance and related services if the employees lose their job because of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I associate myself with the remarks of the chairman and the ranking member, as well as the eloquent statement that my colleague, Senator Cleland, has just made. This is a good bill. It is one that strengthens our military and enhances the quality of life for our Armed Forces and prepares our Nation to confront terrorism. One group of Americans will be on the front line of the new war on terrorism: our reservists and National Guard members. President Bush has authorized a callup of 50,000 of these citizen soldiers. They may soon leave their families and civilian jobs and, at a great personal sacrifice, report to active duty. They will be among those who will confront our enemies, defending our freedoms in a shadowy and potentially brutal war. Our Nation must do all we can to support these brave men and women and their families. There are many things we need to do to address the issues for reservists' quality of life. One of those is to ensure that those who are called to duty and their families have access to uninterrupted health care coverage. Currently, when reservists are called up, they are temporarily considered active duty components. While they are in harm's way, members of the Reserves and National Guard and their dependents are entitled to the same military health care coverage as other military personnel, with what is called TRICARE. Reservists who have deployed for more than 30 days during a major contingency may extend their military health care coverage for 30 days after they return. I have discussed this issue at length with several reservists and the leadership of the Missouri National Guard, and I can tell you 30 days simply is not enough. Oftentimes, civilian employers are unable to restore the reservists' health care benefits immediately. In other cases, Reserve members have quit their jobs before deploying and have no source of insurance when they return home. On Monday I will offer an amendment on behalf of myself and Senators DeWine, Leahy, Landrieu, Johnson, Breaux, Bingaman, Dodd, and Thurmond. The amendment is based on legislation I introduced with Senator DeWine earlier this year with seven co-sponsors. Our amendment will allow reservists returning from deployments without health care, to extend their TRICARE coverage for up to 180 days or until their civilian health insurers return their coverage to them. This legislation would address the circumstances faced by reservists like Capt. Terri McGranahan. She volunteered to be a part of our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. During her service, she worked in a health clinic that had been newly painted with a toxic sealant. Working in this clinic had made her very ill, resulting in pneumonia. Eventually, she developed a spot on her lung. She did not detect this condition right away. When she finally sought medical treatment, the 30 days of TRICARE coverage had already expired. When she returned home, her private health insurance company refused to cover her. She asked the Army for help, but was turned down. Captain McGranahan has fallen through the cracks of two health care bureaucracies. We have to do better than this. Mr. President, my amendment will provide comfort to thousands of reserve families whose loved ones risk their lives defending our Nation. But more important it would be part of our national effort to unite behind our troops during this time of national crisis. The bill on which the amendment is based has been endorsed by 28 organizations across the country, including the Reserve Officers Association, National Guard Association, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, the Air Force Association, the Association of the U.S. Army, and several other organizations promoting quality of life for our service men and women. Over 50,000 reservists may soon be called into service. As President Bush himself has said, ``We're talking about somebody's mom, or somebody's dad, somebody's employee, somebody's friend, or somebody's neighbor.'' Our initial cost estimate for our original bill was just 5 million dollars a year. This proposal is not extravagant in a $343 billion defense budget. It is the right thing to do, and it is needed right now. This is not a permanent solution. We need a full health care program for these service men and women. The Defense authorization bill requires the Pentagon to study this issue, and I look forward to reviewing it. But in the meantime, I am pleased to offer this amendment in the name of our Missouri's National Guard and Reservists, as well as our country's other citizen soldiers. General Eisenhower once said: Leadership cannot be exercised by the weak. It demands strength--the strength of this great nation when its people are united in purpose, united in a common fundamental faith, united in their readiness to work for human freedom and peace. Mr. President, let us assure our citizen soldiers that when they return home, they will not be denied health care because of their military's service. They deserve no less. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I would like to associate myself with remarks of the chairman and ranking member on the pending legislation. Several months ago, I called for a new national commitment to our armed forces. I said that we need to reassess who the enemy is, redesign our military for a new century, and rededicate ourselves to our men and women in uniform and their families. I am pleased to report that the Defense Authorization bill does all of those things. As our armed forces prepare for a long struggle against terrorism, they count on full support from this Congress. This legislation authorizes $343.5 billion for national defense programs, the full amount requested by the administration. And it goes beyond what the administration requested in pay increases and quality of life improvements for the men and women of the armed forces. The bill also provides additional investments to redesign our military capabilities. It will enhance our airlift capabilities, which will allow US forces to mobilize quickly and respond to crises and terrorist threats around the globe. A centerpiece of this effort is the C-17, produced in my home State of Missouri. I am proud to have worked closely with Senators Levin, Warner, Kennedy, and Sessions, to authorize an additional multi-year contract for this versatile aircraft. In addition, the committee worked to improve the country's defenses against emerging threats. It adds $600 million to the administration's budget proposal to combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction attacks. The bill will help us shape a new force structure to respond quickly, forcefully, and effectively against terrorists. Senators Landrieu and Roberts, in particular, helped develop an important framework for responses to threats against our homeland. We have recommended that the Pentagon review its antiterrorism defenses. It should ascertain how various parts of the Defense Department can better coordinate preventative measures and responses to such attacks. I have the honor of being my State's first Senate Armed Services Committee member in nearly 25 years. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues, Senators Levin and Warner, to help craft this bill. This legislation is good for Missouri, but far more importantly, it is good for America. It will strengthen our military, enhance quality of life for our armed forces, and prepare our Nation to confront the terrorists head-on. In every generation, Americans have risen to threats against our freedom. Now we must do so again. We must make a new national commitment to our armed forces. By passing this bill, let us send a message to the terrorists and those who harbor them: America is ready. Your days are numbered. Mr. President, I thank the Chairman and the Ranking Member for their leadership, and I enthusiastically support this bill.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, our Nation's airlines are clearly suffering as a result of last week's terrorist attacks, and I express my appreciation to the distinguished majority leader for his efforts to craft a comprehensive package of financial assistance for the airlines. I am confident the leader's efforts will ensure that the attackers who took down our buildings will not succeed in taking down the airline industry, too. I look forward to supporting this measure. I also believe we must act to bolster the airline industry. We must demonstrate our commitment to supporting the men and women who represent the industry's heart and soul. The tens of thousands of workers who before September 11 were flying our planes, building our planes, keeping our airports open, and serving the flying public are now facing unemployment. They will need financial assistance to be sure they can continue to pay their mortgages. They may need retraining so they can find jobs in a new industry. And we ought to be sure they and their families are not put in the scary position of being without health care coverage. As we have done for the airlines, the Federal Government must take the lead in supporting these workers. I inquire of the leader as to his thoughts on the prospect for enacting a benefit package for displaced workers in the near future.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. As always, I thank the leader for his guidance. I look forward to working with him next week, and I do not object.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, during the course of the past week, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of bravery. Americans from all walks of life have reached deep into their souls and sought to bring forth comfort to those who have suffered the unimaginable. Their efforts range from simple acts of kindness to the emotionally numbing tasks of searching through the aftermath for survivors. Today I rise to applaud the efforts of a special team of Americans, Missouri Task Force One. Created in the early '80s by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the philosophy behind urban search and rescue was to compile a team of highly trained and motivated rescue and medical specialists that could find and return people in collapsed buildings. This past week the 62 volunteers that make up Missouri Task Force One have used the full range of their skills in the New York City rescue mission. Searchers work in 12-hour shifts. They search around the clock. The effort is slow and methodical and emotions run high. ``It's sensory overload in every aspect,'' said team member Doug Wasar, a firefighter from St. Louis. Yet, despite the fatigue and anguish they face, they must be forced to stop and eat. When the shift is over, they are reluctant to stop. They are driven by an inner force they find hard to explain. Their job is as difficult and challenging as perhaps any task that has been undertaken since the attack, but their focus remains true. As the days and weeks progress and the chances of finding survivors wane, they press on, their hope and determination strong. On behalf of all Missourians I express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the heroes and heroines who make up Missouri Task Force One. They are shining examples of the best Missouri has to offer and an inspiration to the world.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize an outstanding young lady, Brittany Sanders, of Gladstone, MO, founder of Kristin's Kids Club. Ms. Sanders is truly extraordinary for having the commitment and vision to establish a children's club in memory of her friend, Kristin Bean, who died of cancer in 1996. This club's devotion to helping children is an inspiration to us all. The Kristin's Kids Club was founded in 1999 in order to help children in need and to keep Kristin's spirit alive. Although the club was started by one extraordinary young girl, it now has more than 60 members. The club holds various fundraisers in order to raise money to give to charities and other organizations. Not only do the members of this club raise money to help children, but they also help adults who are in need. They recently organized a variety show to benefit the Gladstone VFW Post 10906 to be used for the Clay County War Memorial fund. They also raised more than $2,000 to assist the victims of the September 11th terrorist attack. I commend Brittany Sanders and the other members of Kristin's Kids Club for all of their efforts on behalf of Missouri's children. I thank them for making me proud to be a Missourian.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, last Tuesday's terrorist attack is having an immeasurable effect on our country. We are a nation of heavy and broken hearts devastated by the tremendous loss of life, property, and sense of security. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We continue to take solace in the heroic deeds of the rescue workers and the patriotic response of Americans across the country. September 11 was a dark day in our history. But we have had dark days before. In the midst of World War II, Thornton Wilder wrote: Every good and worthwhile thing stands moment by moment on the razor edge of danger and must be fought for whether it is a home, or a field, or a country. We will lead the fight for freedom today. And, as in times past, we will be victorious. Last week Congress acted with unity and speed to respond to the attack on our people. We are authorized the use of force. We provided $40 billion for the relief effort. We must deal promptly and decisively on another front. The ongoing stability of the aviation industry must be an immediate priority. First of all, we need to act quickly to heighten security in our airports and on commercial aircraft. We must make Americans feel safe so that they will continue to fly. Unfortunately, improving security will not be enough. Our Nation's airlines are clearly suffering as a result of the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to ground commercial aircraft last week. While most airlines began operating again last Thursday, it is unclear when carriers will be able to resume their full schedules. Moreover, it appears that ticket sales are declining, which will further weaken this already distressed industry. We must respond to this crisis to ensure that last week's attackers do not succeed in bringing down our Nation's airlines. This Congress must provide a meaningful economic recovery package to help stabilize the airline industry. A number of proposals are currently being considered. They include extending credit or guaranteed loans to the airlines and providing direct compensation for losses sustained as a result of last week's events. I am extremely supportive of these measures. I also believe that any relief package for the airlines must include an additional component to provide assistance to displaced workers. This Congress must demonstrate that while we stand ready to bolster the airline industry, we are also committed to supporting the men and women who represent its heart and soul. I fear that even if a stabilization package for the airlines is expeditiously approved, a certain number of layoffs are inevitable. Midway Airlines has already been forced to suspend all of its flight operations and will lay off its remaining 1,700 employees. Continental Airlines announced that it was furloughing 12,000 of its employees. Airline executives estimate that as many as 100,000 workers could lose their jobs in the next few weeks. The problems afflicting the airline industry will have a devastating impact on thousands of hard-working men and women. I believe we must enact a meaningful relief package designed to both reinforce the airline industry and provide support for displaced workers. I am currently crafting a proposal to provide support for displaced workers. We do not know how long these employees will be out of work or indeed if they will ever be able to be employed by the airline industry again. They are going to need financial assistance. They are going to need retraining. And they are going to need health coverage. As with other aspects of the disaster relief effort, the Federal Government needs to take the lead. Our airline industry needs help. So do its many employees. I am committed to ensuring that assistance for displaced workers is part of the larger airline relief package that we will take up in the days ahead. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. The Senator from South Carolina is correct. The rural nature of Missouri and its location in the middle of the country have led to a sharp increase in methamphetamine production and trafficking. In fact, I am sorry to say that Missouri now ranks second in the nation in clandestine meth lab seizures.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Those funds will go a long way to enabling Missouri's hard-working law enforcement officers to combat this epidemic. I would like to spell out exactly how these funds will be distributed in order to maximize their effectiveness: $105,000 will go to the Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force to implement a coordinated, cooperative enforcement effort to reduce, disrupt, and dismantle the narcotics trade in a four county area. $110,000 will be for the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force to target manufacturing, importation, and distribution and related violent crime in Southwest Missouri. $100,000 will enable the Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force to provide drug enforcement and assistance to city, county, state, and federal authorities that operate within the region. $120,000 will be for the Joplin Crime Lab for new equipment and staff salaries to analyze and assist law enforcement in fighting methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. $110,000 will provide the Southeast Missouri State University Crime Lab in Cape Girardeau with funding to assist with relocation into a new building on SEMO's campus and funding for new equipment to analyze and assist law enforcement in fighting methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. $110,000 will help the North Central Missouri Drug Task Force to implement a coordinated, cooperative enforcement effort to reduce, disrupt, and dismantle the narcotics trade in a seven county area. $100,000 will support the West Central Missouri Drug Task Force's mission to combat illicit drug interdiction within a nine county area. $145,000 will go to the Combined Ozarks Multi-jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET) to aggressively investigate and seek reduction of drug violations that occur within the area. The Mid-MO Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group--MUSTANG--will receive $100,000 to support its efforts to combat meth and other illegal drugs. The South Central MO Drug Task Force will receive $100,000 to target manufacturing, importation, and distribution of narcotics in South Central Missouri, including the Mark Twain National Forest. I am extremely pleased that these funds have been included in this bill. I am confident that these resources will have a meaningful impact on Missouri law enforcement's efforts to make our state safe and drug- free. THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE NATIONAL CENTERS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, today--all across America and the world--hearts are heavy with grief. We mourn for the victims and families whose lives have been ripped apart by yesterday's horrific and unprecedented attack on innocent men, women and children. Like all Missourians, I am deeply grateful to the rescue workers and volunteers whose heroism saved thousands of lives. Tragically, many of those heroes are now among the victims. Their sacrificial deeds stand in sharp contrast to the barbaric acts we witnessed during yesterday's air attacks on peaceful people. The terrorists wanted to do more than destroy our buildings. They wanted to destroy our influence in the world, the core of who we are as a people, and the beliefs we stand for as a democracy. They will not succeed. I can remember as a young girl the shock and sadness we felt with the sneak attack on Peal Harbor. But I also recall the undaunted spirit of America and our resolve to win a victory over tyranny. We dropped everything we were doing and devoted our full energy and resources to eradicating the threat to our freedoms. That resolve is as firm today as it ever was. The pursuit of freedom is our destiny as a people. We will not now, or ever, flinch in the face of any aggressor or threat to our homeland. Let those who practice terrorism or harbor terrorists have no doubt about America's resolve. There is no hiding place. We will find you. And you will pay a heavy price for your acts against mankind. We have withstood worse enemies than you. We conquered the evil of fascism in Europe and Asia, we rescued democracy, and we built a better world. We defied communism for decades powered by the certainty that freedom would ultimately triumph over oppression. Tyrants will not take these gains from us. Admittedly, today's foes are different. They are faceless fanatics with no clear address or even purpose. They target innocent people, sitting in offices and airplanes. But they are sophisticated and well-funded. Their days are numbered. We will stand united against their aggression, and we will do so in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution that is the foundation of our greatness. During this time of national tragedy, we stand behind our President and our national leaders. We will make the necessary sacrifices, direct the necessary resources, and use American might, technology, and ingenuity to secure our homeland. But most of all, we will rely on America's courage and faith, knowing that our country has been a source of progress for humankind for over two centuries; knowing that peace-loving people around the world will join with us to eliminate this evil that plagues us all. To the families who grieve and the victims who suffer, I say we mourn with you this day. But there will be a dawn tomorrow and many tomorrows after that. There will be many dawns for America. We will prove again what the poet Carl Sandburg once said: ``We are Americans. Nothing like us ever was.''

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding organization that is dedicated to youth baseball, the George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues, Inc. I commend this extraordinary program that is celebrating its 65th anniversary. The George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues, Inc. was founded by George M. Khoury in 1936 in Saint Louis, MO. It is dedicated to promoting America's favorite pastime, and commited to giving youth a chance to play the game and learn about sportsmanship. In 1936, there were only four baseball teams in the Khoury league. However, after World War II, the program began to expand into other states, like Kentucky and Illinois. Now there are leagues in several states all over the country and even in some foreign countries. The Khoury league not only includes baseball teams, but also softball, soccer, and other exciting team sports. I commend the George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues, Inc. for its dedication to youth sports and the community.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize a very special group of people. I commend Missouri's foster parents for their dedication to helping the lives of children. Every day, caring people open up their homes for children who are in need of help. Currently, Missouri is home to approximately 4,416 foster families. Being a foster parent takes tremendous skill and dedication. Foster parents have to go through a training and assessment program in order to have a better understanding of the challenges that they will face raising foster children. Foster parents work as a team with experts from state agencies to provide care that is in the best interest of the child. Of special note are two extraordinary Missourians. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Garner of Lexington, MO, have unselfishly been foster parents to 236 kids. Their dedication throughout the years stems from a life-long commitment to serving their community and children who are in need of a loving home. I commend the Garners and all of the foster parents in Missouri for their efforts on behalf of Missouri's children. Thank you for making me proud to be a Missourian.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, one of the great challenges we face as a society is to find ways to ease the burdens of our modern, hectic world on working families. When I talk to Missouri parents who work outside the home, one of their top concerns, if not their top concern, is finding high-quality, affordable child care. Every generation of my own family has struggled with this issue. My mother struggled with it. I struggled with it. My children struggle with it now. It would be this grandmother's fondest wish that when my grandchildren become parents themselves, finding affordable, quality child care won't be a problem. More and more, employers are finding that providing access to daycare is important in attracting and retaining a quality workforce. Parents who know their children are happy, safe, and enriched in their day care setting are more productive, less distracted, and more satisfied employees. In an effort to support employers' efforts to offer this valuable service to their employees, I have co-sponsored S. 99, a bill that provides tax credits to employers who provide child care assistance to their employees. Accessing affordable child care is an issue for federal employees, too. As the largest employer in the country, the Federal Government shall lead by example in supporting working families. For this reason, today I am introducing the ``Child Care Affordability for Federal Employees Act. Senator Barbara Mikulski is an original co-sponsor of the bill, and I would like to thank her for the strong leadership she has shown on this issue. She has worked hard to make this initiative a permanent reality for Federal employees in Maryland and across the United States. This bill grants Federal agencies the flexibility to use a portion of their funds to provide child care assistance for their lower income employees. Federal agencies can choose to allow the assistance to apply towards the costs of its own-site Federal facility or an individual provider in the area that is licensed and safe. Being able to afford child care is a problem for all employees, but it is particularly difficult for low income employees. This bill will assist low income Federal employees to afford the safe, quality child care that is available on-site. If the agency so chooses, it could also help low-income employees better afford safe, licensed child care that is available in the community. I hope this legislation will also help the Federal Government compete with the private sector in attracting employees. In January, the GAO placed the Federal Government's human capital crisis on its ``High- Risk'' list of serious government problems. In three years, more than half of the federal workforce will be eligible for regular or early retirement. This bill is a strong, concrete action that Congress can take to help the Federal Government compete with the private sector to attract the skilled Federal workforce it needs. For the past two years, this initiative has been included in the annual Treasury-Postal Appropriations bill. This has been a critical first step. From its initial implementation, we now know that the program works and that families in Missouri and across the country have benefit from it. However, because the program was only temporary, some Federal agencies elected not to participate. They were afraid to offer the benefit for a year and then have to take it away from their employees if it were not renewed. Other agencies have only implemented the program at a small level for the same reason. Passing this legislation and making the program permanent is essential to helping this initiative reach its full potential and benefit the maximum number of families. We know that child care is not simply about children having a place to go where an adult is present. A child's environment has significant impact on their well-being and development. This is particularly true for children during the first three years of life. Recent brain studies have shown that those early brain influences matter more than we ever imagined. This bill seeks to ensure that more of our children spend their days in safe, nurturing environments. As the writer Gabriella Mistral has said: ``Many things can wait, the child cannot ... To him we cannot say tomorrow, his name is today.''

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to have the opportunity to express my support for the Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act of 2001. I commend Senator Harkin for his leadership on this, his first piece of legislation as the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The bill provides much needed relief for our farmers and farm communities. The market loss assistance payments will provide an immediate boost to the sagging farm industry in Missouri. I am especially grateful to Senators Harkin and Leahy for their assistance in providing $25 million in relief to farmers whose crops have been damaged by an invasion of armyworms. Armyworms marching through Missouri have left a trail of crop destruction and economic loss in their wake. The armyworm is a caterpillar only about one and a half inches long, but they march in large groups, moving on only after completely stripping an area. Last winter's unusually warm weather and this summer's drought have conspired to make life easy for the armyworm and hard for the farmer. Thousands of farmers across southern Missouri have been devastated. One official at the Missouri Department of Agriculture said that this year's invasion is the worst he has seen in his 38 years at the Department. Damage reports are still being compiled, and it may be a while before we know the full extent of the damage. We do know that in Douglas County 3,281 farms lost more than 50-percent of their hay and forage crop. In Wright County it is 2,430 farms. The armyworms work extremely fast. Jim Smith, a cattle farmer in Washington County, completely lost 30 acres of hay field and most of the hay on another 30 acres. He said that he did not even know he had armyworms until 20 acres had been mowed down ``slick as concrete'' by the insects. In his 73 years on the farm, Mr. Smith says this is the worst he has ever seen. Dusty Shaw, a farmer in Oregon County, normally harvests 80-100,000 pounds of fescue grass seed which is used all over the Nation for lawns and turf building. This year, however, all 1,000 acres of his seed fields were eaten by armyworms. Even at a conservative estimate of 20 cents a pound, this represents a loss of $16,000 for Mr. Shaw. This invasion has had severe economic consequences for my State. Missouri is second in the nation in cattle farming. With nothing to feed their cattle, farmers are forced to sell yearlings early and liquidate parts of their herd. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Howell County lost over $5 million and Oregon County has already lost over $3 million. With little or no hay crop this summer, farmers will have no hay reserves this winter. The effects of this infestation will be felt long into the next year. It isn't just the farmers that are suffering economic loss. When the farmers hurt financially so do the feed merchants, farm supply dealers and gas stations. Dusty Shaw told me he is only buying what he has to. The fences will have to hold for another year, the barn will have to hold out the snow for another winter, and the fields will have to do with less fertilizer than last season. The funds provided in this bill will help these farmers feed their cattle, and keep their farms. So I support this bill, I look forward to its speedy passage in the Senate, and hope it is soon signed into law.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, the Southern Dairy Compact is an issue of tremendous importance to many Missouri farmers. Missouri has been losing its dairy industry. Last year, we lost 171 herds and 5,000 cows. Some estimate this economic loss at up to $40 million. Just over 2,000 class A dairy farms remain in Missouri. To survive, they need milk prices to remain stable. Without assistance from a dairy compact, farms in Missouri are likely to disappear at an even faster rate. Last year, the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation allowing the State to join the Southern Dairy Compact. My late husband, Mel Carnahan, signed the legislation into law. Missouri dairy producers and the Missouri Farm Bureau support this measure as well. I do not agree with critics of dairy compacts, who contend that compacts encourage farmers to overproduce milk. Look at the track record of the Northeast Compact. Last year, only one State in the Northeast Compact, Vermont, saw its production increase. The increase was by 2.8 percent, which is below the national average increase of 3 percent over the same period. Milk production in the other States in the compact actually decreased. Further, there have been practically no surplus dairy products purchased from the Northeast Compact region since the Compact was established. In spite of this, the Northeast Compact has taken aggressive steps to discourage overproduction by providing incentives for farmers not to overproduce. We will do the same in the Southern Dairy Compact, even though overproduction is improbable in the Southern Compact States. Most of the southern States, like Missouri, are net importers of milk. Saving our small and mid-size family farms is an important issue for us in Missouri. Allowing Missouri to join the Southern Dairy Compact could help many of these farmers. I hope that the Senate will be able to vote on this important issue in the near future.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I yield myself such time as I may consume from the time allotted to the majority leader or his designee in order to speak in morning business.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, our Nation's Reserve components are assuming increasingly greater roles in the U.S. military. Today we have more commitments around the world but fewer Active Forces. For these reasons, we have increasingly come to depend on our Reserve components. Since the gulf war, our Army and Marine Corps have increased their operations abroad by 300 percent. Air Force deployments have quadrupled since 1986. And our Navy now deploys 52 percent of its forces on any given day. These deployments would be impossible without guardsmen and reservists. Last year's Reserve components served a total of 12.3 million duty days, compared to 5.2 million duty days in 1992. It is time to recognize the contribution of our reservists and given them the benefits they deserve. We must find a way to provide immediate short-term relief to reservists who stand in need of our support, those who have just returned home from deployments abroad. Last month, Senator Leahy and six other colleagues set a goal to provide health care for all National Guard members and reservists. Senator Leahy's legislation recognizes the role that Reserve components now play in our national security. This bill authorizes a Defense Department study to develop the most feasible plan to provide health care for all Reserve components. Providing coverage to all reservists is a monumental task. It will require intense analysis in developing a cost-effective approach. But it is a worthy goal, one that will prove important to sustaining our force strength and our military morale. Today I am introducing legislation that will take the first step towards Senator Leahy's goal for covering reservists. The bill will significantly improve the quality of life for our men and women in the National Guard and Reserves. Reservists like SSG Jonathan Reagan, this young Army reservist just returned home from an 8-month peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. He served in the 313th hospital surgical unit providing care to military personnel and needy Kosovars. Yet when he returned home to Missouri, he found himself without health care coverage of his own. Sergeant Reagan had just finished graduate school and was looking for a job as a physical therapist. Currently the law allows military personnel to extend their military health coverage for 30 days after they return home. Well, that was not enough for Sergeant Reagan. He was uninsured and was forced to purchase his insurance out of his own pocket. Sergeant Reagan is not alone. Sergeant Jason Dunson served on that same deployment. He did not have health care coverage when he returned home to Springfield, MO, either. Luckily before he deployed, he transferred his 3-year-old daughter's health care coverage to his wife's plan. Unfortunately, his employer will not be able to cover him for a number of months. But the case of CPT Terri McGranahan is the most troubling. She volunteered to be a part of our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. During her service, she worked at a health clinic that had been newly painted with a toxic sealant. When she returned home, her private health insurance company refused to retain her. Working in this clinic had made her very ill. Her condition resulted in pneumonia and eventually a spot on her lung. She did not detect the condition right away. When she finally sought medical treatment, the 30 days of TRICARE coverage had already expired. She asked the Army for help but was turned down. Moreover, her private insurer refused to cover her for a condition acquired during military service. Eventually, she would be able to obtain reimbursements from the Department of Defense, once it was fully clarified that her illness was service related. But how long will she have to wait before she receives this relief? And why should she and her family be forced to undergo such stress as she endures a serious ailment, contracted while in the military service? Senators DeWine, Leahy, Daschle, Johnson, Landrieu, Snowe, and I have joined together to propose a short-term solution. Our legislation will allow Reserve and National Guard personnel to extend their TRICARE coverage for up to 1 year after their deployment. Already, the Carnahan-DeWine bill has been endorsed by organizations across the country, including the National Guard and Reserve Committee of the Military Coalition, the Reserve Officers Association, National Guard Association, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and several other organizations promoting quality of life to serve men and women. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have indicated that this legislation would have a positive impact on military quality of life and retention rates. They further believe that such extension of benefits would assist members who, following activation and deactivation, decide to leave their civilian employment. We are not asking for an overly extensive benefit for Reserve components. Some may think this proposal is far too modest. I understand that in the other body there is a proposal to provide an even more comprehensive approach. But I believe that before we attempt to establish a full health care program for these service men and women, it is essential that we authorize the Pentagon to explore the most feasible option. The bill and the legislation authored by Senator Leahy will work to achieve this goal. In the meantime, I am proud to be pursuing this initiative in the name of our Missouri National Guard and Reservists, as well as our country's other citizen soldiers. As the Kansas City Star stated in a recent editorial: The United States has come to rely more and more heavily on the military reserves and the National Guard. The men and women who make so many sacrifices to serve in those forces should not have to worry about inadequate health insurance coverage as soon as they return to civilian life. Mr. President, let's do the right thing for our Nation's citizen soldiers.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, our Nation's Reserve components are assuming increasingly greater roles in the U.S. military. Today we have more commitments around the world but fewer Active Forces. For these reasons, we have increasingly come to depend on our Reserve components. Since the gulf war, our Army and Marine Corps have increased their operations abroad by 300 percent. Air Force deployments have quadrupled since 1986. And our Navy now deploys 52 percent of its forces on any given day. These deployments would be impossible without guardsmen and reservists. Last year's Reserve components served a total of 12.3 million duty days, compared to 5.2 million duty days in 1992. It is time to recognize the contribution of our reservists and given them the benefits they deserve. We must find a way to provide immediate short-term relief to reservists who stand in need of our support, those who have just returned home from deployments abroad. Last month, Senator Leahy and six other colleagues set a goal to provide health care for all National Guard members and reservists. Senator Leahy's legislation recognizes the role that Reserve components now play in our national security. This bill authorizes a Defense Department study to develop the most feasible plan to provide health care for all Reserve components. Providing coverage to all reservists is a monumental task. It will require intense analysis in developing a cost-effective approach. But it is a worthy goal, one that will prove important to sustaining our force strength and our military morale. Today I am introducing legislation that will take the first step towards Senator Leahy's goal for covering reservists. The bill will significantly improve the quality of life for our men and women in the National Guard and Reserves. Reservists like SSG Jonathan Reagan, this young Army reservist just returned home from an 8-month peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. He served in the 313th hospital surgical unit providing care to military personnel and needy Kosovars. Yet when he returned home to Missouri, he found himself without health care coverage of his own. Sergeant Reagan had just finished graduate school and was looking for a job as a physical therapist. Currently the law allows military personnel to extend their military health coverage for 30 days after they return home. Well, that was not enough for Sergeant Reagan. He was uninsured and was forced to purchase his insurance out of his own pocket. Sergeant Reagan is not alone. Sergeant Jason Dunson served on that same deployment. He did not have health care coverage when he returned home to Springfield, MO, either. Luckily before he deployed, he transferred his 3-year-old daughter's health care coverage to his wife's plan. Unfortunately, his employer will not be able to cover him for a number of months. But the case of CPT Terri McGranahan is the most troubling. She volunteered to be a part of our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. During her service, she worked at a health clinic that had been newly painted with a toxic sealant. When she returned home, her private health insurance company refused to retain her. Working in this clinic had made her very ill. Her condition resulted in pneumonia and eventually a spot on her lung. She did not detect the condition right away. When she finally sought medical treatment, the 30 days of TRICARE coverage had already expired. She asked the Army for help but was turned down. Moreover, her private insurer refused to cover her for a condition acquired during military service. Eventually, she would be able to obtain reimbursements from the Department of Defense, once it was fully clarified that her illness was service related. But how long will she have to wait before she receives this relief? And why should she and her family be forced to undergo such stress as she endures a serious ailment, contracted while in the military service? Senators DeWine, Leahy, Daschle, Johnson, Landrieu, Snowe, and I have joined together to propose a short-term solution. Our legislation will allow Reserve and National Guard personnel to extend their TRICARE coverage for up to 1 year after their deployment. Already, the Carnahan-DeWine bill has been endorsed by organizations across the country, including the National Guard and Reserve Committee of the Military Coalition, the Reserve Officers Association, National Guard Association, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and several other organizations promoting quality of life to serve men and women. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have indicated that this legislation would have a positive impact on military quality of life and retention rates. They further believe that such extension of benefits would assist members who, following activation and deactivation, decide to leave their civilian employment. We are not asking for an overly extensive benefit for Reserve components. Some may think this proposal is far too modest. I understand that in the other body there is a proposal to provide an even more comprehensive approach. But I believe that before we attempt to establish a full health care program for these service men and women, it is essential that we authorize the Pentagon to explore the most feasible option. The bill and the legislation authored by Senator Leahy will work to achieve this goal. In the meantime, I am proud to be pursuing this initiative in the name of our Missouri National Guard and Reservists, as well as our country's other citizen soldiers. As the Kansas City Star stated in a recent editorial: The United States has come to rely more and more heavily on the military reserves and the National Guard. The men and women who make so many sacrifices to serve in those forces should not have to worry about inadequate health insurance coverage as soon as they return to civilian life. Mr. President, let's do the right thing for our Nation's citizen soldiers.