Jean Carnahan

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I thank my colleague for his kind and generous remarks.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, today I am reminded that 2 years ago when I came to the Senate, it was with a heavy heart. Life had not turned out the way it was supposed to. My husband, not I, was supposed to have been sworn in to the Senate, and I was to be seated in the gallery, beaming with delight at the shared victory we had won. As someone has pointed out, life is not the way it is supposed to be. Life is the way it is, and it is the way we cope with it that makes a difference. I had some difficult lessons to learn in that regard. It was not by chance when I stepped down from the dais, after being sworn in, that the first to welcome me was Senator Joe Biden. He had come to this Chamber many years ago after a tragic loss in his own life. He told me the story of having been greeted by Senator McClellan of Arkansas, who looked him in the eye and said: Work, hard work, it is the sure path to healing. Senator Biden said: I thought at the time how callous that advice was; he just does not understand the hurt I am feeling. He later found out Senator McClellan spoke from having experienced a family tragedy of overwhelming proportion. Joe Biden took the advice to heart and he passed it on to me. You were right, Joe, and I thank you for that wisdom. There has been much work to throw ourselves into during the 107th Congress. It has been a monumental period in our Nation's history, a time marred by unprecedented national tragedy, deep political divisions, economic upheavals, corporate corruption, continued threats to our national security, and now the gathering clouds of war. Through all of these disasters, we have seen the triumph of the American spirit. Yes, Americans have taken to heart the advice Louis Pasteur once gave to a group of young people. He said: Do not let yourselves be discouraged by the sadness of certain hours which passes over nations. Thankfully, the Congress has refused to be discouraged. We have endured anthrax attacks, dismantled offices, tighter security measures, major alterations to the Capitol complex, not to mention three shifts in legislative leadership. Through it all, we have managed to address a number of important issues. We passed a historic tax cut, reformed education, overhauled campaign finance laws, called corporate America to a higher standard, and prepared our Nation to respond to global terrorism. We have found that being the guardian of freedom is a relentless and consuming work. The immensity of our task would cripple a lesser people. Rather than be cowered by events, America and her institutions have always been emboldened during times of crisis. I am convinced the Author of Liberty, who has blessed and protected our Nation in the past, will enable us to meet the stern responsibilities of the present. As the 108th Congress takes on this new burden, I will not be among them but my prayers will be with them. I leave realizing that to have served in the Senate for even a short while is an honor afforded very few in their lifetime. I am forever grateful to the people of Missouri who have allowed me and my family to serve them for three generations. Reporters often ask me to reflect on those years. Most recently, I was asked what impressed me most during my time in the Senate. And I replied it was the diligence beyond duty shown by all who are part of this Chamber--Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Staff, parliamentarians, clerks, pages, security officers, maintenance workers, elevator operators, all spend long hours serving America. For the most part, their names, their selfless deeds will go unrecorded, but their life and work demonstrate a deep devotion to duty. In recognition of the loyalty and exemplary work of my own staff, I ask unanimous consent to have their names printed in the Record at the close of my remarks.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. At this time I recognize sadly that two great towers of strength will be missed in this Chamber. My friend and colleague, Max Cleland, from his wheelchair stands taller than most men ever will. The Senate will be greatly diminished by his absence. And that we will no longer hear the spirited voice of Paul Wellstone summoning us to stand up and fight will likewise diminish the fervor of this body. Our Nation and my party have been further blessed by the courageous leadership of Senator Daschle and Senator Harry Reid. They have shown the grace under pressure that marks true greatness. I would be remiss if I did not mention the women of the Senate whose friendship has blessed and brightened my life. I am grateful, too, for the wholehearted and unwavering support of my Democratic colleagues in my every endeavor, and I especially appreciate those from the other side of the aisle, though far fewer in number, who graciously encouraged me as well. Tradition affords those of us who leave the Senate, either by our own will or the will of the electorate, the opportunity to reflect on the time in this historic Chamber, to perhaps even engage in some unsolicited advice. I could not pass up that opportunity. My advice comes not as a seasoned insider but as one who came for a season to serve among my colleagues. Mine are simple maxims that spring from the heart, a heart filled with love for the Senate and for my country. First, when my colleagues think on the role of government, seek a balance. Seek a balance between one that does everything and one that does nothing. And where there is talk of war, let there be the free and open debate that becomes our great Nation. And when there are judges to be appointed, let them be selected for their temperament and jurisprudence and not for political ideology that satisfies a special interest group. When we lay out our energy and environment policy, let it not be for short-term gain but for the well-being of our grandchildren and the survival of our planet. And when my colleagues speak of leaving no child behind, let that not be a mantra but a mission, fervent and funded. When health care is thought about, the health care needs of children, family, and seniors--and I hope that will be often--I urge my colleagues to lay aside partisanship and heed the plight of the hurting and the helpless in our society. I will vote for the homeland bill, as I have each step of the way, for we must make certain the information disconnect that allowed a 9/11 to occur never happens again. During an earlier global conflict, President Roosevelt called for stout hearts and strong arms with which to strike mighty blows for freedom and truth. Well, that is what I am hoping this consolidation and coordination of effort will help us to accomplish. As I vote for this bill, I do so with a caution. The pursuit of terrorists and the protection of basic freedoms will be our greatest challenge in the years ahead. In the quest to uproot terrorism, let us take care to preserve those precious liberties upon which our Nation is founded and upon which democracy depends. I have no doubt that in this good and godly work we will ultimately succeed. Let me conclude by saying that this farewell to the Senate is a bittersweet moment for me, one that churns up a mixture of memories and emotions. One such memory was of a visit I made to the Corcoran Art Gallery to see the Jackie Kennedy exhibit. One of the displays was a handwritten letter that Mrs. Kennedy sent to a friend after completing an extensive project at the White House. She wrote: How sad it is . . . when a work we love doing . . . is finally finished. I know how she felt. I still believe, as did my husband, that public service is a good and noble work worthy of our lives. Perhaps a former Member of this Chamber said it best. He was not of my party, but he certainly was of my principles. Senator Lowell Weicker wrote: For all the licks anyone takes by choosing public service, . . . there is the elation of having achieved for good purpose what none thought possible. And such feelings far exceed . . . whatever the hurt . . . for having tasted the battle. I yield the floor. Exhibit 1 Current Staff of Senator Jean Carnahan: Isiah Akin, Legislative Aide Amy Barber, Legislative Assistant John Beakley, Special Assistant to the Senator Ann Bickel, Assistant to the State Director Todd Britt, Director, Eastern Missouri Michael Carrasco, Office Manager Chad Chitwood, Southwest Area Regional Coordinator Qiana Combs, Deputy Director, Western Region Sonja Cureton, Constituent Services Representative Julie Egermayer, Constituent Services Representative Sarah Elmore, Staff Assistant Bradley Epperson, Special Advisor Alex Formuzis, Press Secretary Sandy Fried, Legislative Assistant Rosie Haertling, Casework Supervisor Stacy Henry, Assistant Scheduler Margaret Hsiang, Legislative Correspondent Lisa Jaworski, Legislative Aide Amy Jordan-Wooden, State Director Michele Ludeman, Caseworker/Administrative Assistant Bryan Mitchell, Legislative Correspondent Jeff Morrison, System Administrator Stephen Neuman, Legislative Assistant Tom Neumeyer, Southeast Area Regional Coordinator Neal Orringer, Military Legislative Assistant Alison Paul, Staff Assistant Caroline Pelot, Deputy Director, Eastern Missouri Jason Ramsey, Director, Central Missouri Ryan Rhodes, Scheduler/Executive Assistant Garon Robinnett, Staff Assistant David Schanzer, Legislative Director Raymond Schrock, Special Projects Coordinator Vance Serchuk, Legislative Correspondent Jan Singlemann, Regional Aide Rachel Storch, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Sugg, Legislative Assistant Roy Temple, Chief of Staff Cindy Townes, Data Entry Clerk Pam Townsend, Staff Assistant Courtney Weiner, Legislative Correspondent Rogerick Wilson, Constituent Services Representative

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I am proud today to express my support for the 2003 Defense Appropriations Act. The Conference Report I will vote for provides a much-needed boost to our Defense budget, a total of $355.1 billion, $21 billion more than was appropriated for this year. This is the largest defense budget in our Nation's history, and it could not come at a more important time. Our military is engaged in a global campaign against terror, and could be preparing for another war soon. It is essential that our military remains outfitted with the most advanced equipment to meet threats to our Nation today as well as into the future. But our most important asset is our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. I am proud to support this bill, and its funding for a 4.1 percent increase in basic pay for all service members. This bill is good for the military, good for the country, and good for Missouri. In fact, it funds over $293 million for a number of Missouri defense projects, many of which will directly stimulate economic development in my State. In particular, the projects funded in this bill, from Boeing F/A-18 aircraft, to new advances in chemical and biological defenses, will support America's war effort against international terrorism. Missouri's single largest defense contract, the F/A-18 program employs over 4,000 people in the St. Louis area. I am pleased that the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee increased funding for this program by $120 million over the Administration's Super Hornet budget proposal. Despite testimony by the Navy's top leaders requesting an increase in funding for this program, the President's original budget proposal reduced the number of Super Hornets that the Navy was originally scheduled to buy in 2003. Under the existing contract between Boeing and the Navy, the Defense Department was scheduled to purchase 48 aircraft in 2003. However, the President's budget only proposed 44 aircraft to be purchased in 2003. This continues a downward trend for the F/A-18's budget, which is now in its third year of a multi-year contract. Coupled with reductions made in previous years, the President's proposed 2003 budget would mark a total of 10 aircraft cut in the course of three years. In response, I worked to restore funding for aircraft purchases. I was pleased that earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill that included an additional $240 million for this program, even though the House did not. While the final conference report did not fund this increase in full, it did provide $120 million more than the original proposal submitted to Congress by the Administration. This is an important development, and I pleased to lend my support to this Conference Report today. Today's bill marks Congress's continued backing for not only these critical tactical aircraft but for the military's ongoing modernization to transform and meet the challenges our country will face in both the near and long term.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, last night the Senate acted to demonstrate our support and gratitude for those brave men and women who are fighting to protect our freedom and our Nation's interests abroad. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act. These common sense tax cuts rectify injustices in our tax code that punish those who serve in our military. Even in times of peace, extraordinary demands are placed on our troops. They are separated from their families. They endure physically grueling training. And most important, they commit to put their own lives at risk for the sake of this country. Since last year's attacks, we have become even more dependent on the dedication of our armed forces. This reality makes it all the more important that we ensure our tax laws are fair to those who serve in our military. In August, I introduced the Honoring Our Heroes Act. Under my bill, families of soldiers who lose their lives while serving their country do not have to pay income taxes on the death benefit payment the federal government provides. Under current law the government provides $6,000 to families of servicemen and women who die. However, families are required to pay income tax on half of that benefit. My legislation enables a family to use the entire death benefit to cover funeral or other expenses they face after losing their loved one. The bill passed by the Senate last night includes my bill, and other improvements to our tax code. Reservists and members of the National Guard will be pleased to know that this bill enables them to deduct their service-related travel expenses even if they do not itemize their tax deductions. This bill also ensures that service members will not be penalized when they sell their houses after a period of service away from home. In addition, this legislation provides automatic filing extensions to military personnel who are assigned to contingency operations and would naturally have trouble meeting the regular IRS deadlines. These and other tax cuts for our service members are paid for by closing a horrible loophole in our tax code. Currently wealthy individuals can escape paying taxes by renouncing their U.S. citizenship. This is unconscionable. Citizens who have benefited from the freedom and opportunity provided by this country should not be allowed to avoid paying income tax by renouncing their citizenship. I believe we owe it to those fighting for our country's freedom to close this loophole. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make our tax code more fair. The United States is extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of our armed forces. And the bill we passed last night will ensure that our tax code reflects this gratitude.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, the state of our economy is causing great concern. The experts may tell us the recession is officially over, but that is cold comfort to many Americans. Last week, we got some startling new numbers on the pain being felt by working families. The income of middle-class families fell for the first time since the last recession. And for the first time in 12 years, our national poverty rate grew. Today, almost 33 million Americans live below the poverty line. The stock market is also reflecting the uncertainty Americans feel. Yesterday, the market finished its worst quarter since 1987. The Dow Jones lost nearly 1,200 points in the last month, and the Nasdaq just hit a 6-year low. These losses are more than numbers. They are a crushing reality for far too many Americans who are working hard to save for their retirement. The recent declines are especially painful to our seniors who are living off their savings or planned to in the next couple of years. Congress has taken some important steps to address our economic woes. In July, we worked together to pass accounting reform legislation to begin restoring investor confidence. The American people are now receiving accurate information about a company's financial condition. Congress also worked across party lines last spring to enact a stimulus package. That legislation provides tax incentives for businesses to help them grow, invest, and avoid laying off employees. That law also extended unemployment insurance for workers who were hit the hardest by the economic slowdown. At that time, we made sure workers who had lost their jobs and exhausted their State employment compensation received an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance while they were looking for jobs. It is urgent that Congress act again. Our economic recovery is disappointingly slow. Last quarter, our economy grew at a meager 1.3 percent. Such an anemic growth rate means businesses are struggling to stay afloat and workers are struggling to pay their bills. Some have called this a jobless recovery. But there is no recovery for the jobless. Over the last year, my home State of Missouri has lost more than 55,000 jobs in manufacturing and farming. More than 8 million Americans are unemployed today. An alarming number of unemployed workers have been looking for jobs for more than 6 months. By the end of the year, more than 2 million workers are expected to exhaust their unemployment compensation. Unemployment benefits are supposed to help tide workers over during hard times. It is intended to help them support their families, to help them pay the rent, and put food on the table. Right now our economy is not creating enough jobs for these people to get back to work. It will take more time for them to find a job. It is appropriate that we respond to this emergency as we have done in the past. In the early 1990s, Congress provided 26 weeks of additional unemployment insurance. I am very pleased to be a cosponsor of legislation introduced last week that will provide the same temporary relief. Our bill will ensure that if a worker cannot find a new job, and if that worker has completely exhausted the unemployment insurance currently available, then that worker could receive another 13 weeks of assistance. Workers and their families deserve this safety net. Congress cannot turn a blind eye to the hardships of jobless men and women, those who are hurting in this economy: the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless. I urge my colleagues to act quickly. The time is running out for too many Americans. I yield the floor.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for passage of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, H.R. 2215. I applaud Chairman Leahy, who along with his staff, has put in long hours to complete this bill. It is my hope that the conference report, which has passed the House by a vote of 400-4, will pass the Senate today. I am pleased that H.R. 2215 includes the Law Enforcement Tribute Act, a bill I introduced. The Law Enforcement Tribute Act authorizes $3 million in grant funding to States, localities, and Indian tribes to provide for permanent tributes to the police officers and firefighters who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. I have been contacted by numerous law enforcement and public safety organizations that have voiced their support for the bill, including the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, and the Missouri Police Chiefs Association. These organizations believe, as I do, that it is appropriate for our national Government to help local communities pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. H.R. 2215 also authorizes language for many programs of critical importance to our nation's security. It authorizes funds to enhance border security and increase domestic preparedness. The bill includes important provisions to strengthen law enforcement, such as FBI reform, and better witness protection. H.R. 2215 improves state and local forensic science capabilities, and implements appropriate sentencing enhancements when defendants use body armor in crimes of violence or drug trafficking crimes. H.R. 2215 establishes a permanent, separate, and independent Violence Against Women Office within the Justice Department, similar to S. 570, which I cosponsored. It also authorizes $30 million for the Crime-Free Rural States program to make grants to rural States to help local communities prevent and reduce crime, violence, and substance abuse. H.R. 2215 reauthorizes the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, and preserves the core protections that ensure juvenile delinquents are dealt with firmly but fairly. Support for these law enforcement programs comes at an important time. Crime rates, which had fallen to record lows during the 1990's, have begun to creep up, and our Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies have had new and important responsibilities placed on them following the September 11 attacks. So, I am extremely pleased that we are expressing our support and providing resources that will make a real difference in increasing the personal security of all Americans.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize a remarkable achievement receiving worldwide attention from farmers, environmentalists, and racing fans. The Smith family of Puxico, MO, has set repeated world records with its biodiesel-fueled dragster named ``Wild Thang.'' Wild Thang is a family affair for the Smiths. Mark Smith drives the dragster, assisted by his wife Shelia and sons Jared and Cannon. Their ingenuity has helped showcase the limitless potential of biofuels. They make me proud to be a Missourian. Wild Thang is fueled 100 percent by biodiesel, a soybean-based renewable fuel that can help us rely on the Midwest, rather than the Middle East to meet our energy needs. The Smiths are proving in appearances across the Nation that soybean-based biodiesel can perform under the most rigorous conditions. Wild Thang produces 6,000 pounds of thrust and five g's of force against the driver's body while accelerating. In just 3.8 seconds, Wild Thang can travel \1/8\ of a mile. I commend the Smith family and their network of supporters for their hard work. They are tremendous ambassadors for rural Missouri and for biodiesel. I am confident that the future will prove that the efforts of the Smith family are playing a key role in promoting of farmer- produced biofuels. These fuels have unlimited potential to revitalize rural economies while preserving the environment. I commend the Smith family's achievements, and wish them continued success as they continue their exciting endeavor.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to draw your attention to some sobering facts. Ovarian cancer is very difficult to diagnose and even more challenging to treat. While it is encouraging that scientific reports have shown an improvement in survival rates for women with ovarian cancer in recent years, sadly, the 5-year survival rate remains barely 50 percent. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 25,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,500 women die from the disease annually. Poor long-term survival rates are mostly due to the lack of a reliable method of detection, with less than one-third of all ovarian cancer cases detected at the critical early stages when the disease is most treatable. Since Congress established the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program, OCRP, in 1997, the program has addressed the urgent problem of early detection by funding comprehensive research initiatives. The OCRP promotes research in ovarian cancer prevention and engages experts from multiple disciplines in genuinely collaborative efforts. The innovative proposals funded through the program foster new directions in research and strengthen long-term ovarian cancer research capabilities and networking among institutions. Last year, I was proud to join Senator Landrieu and several of my colleagues in sponsoring Senate Resolution 163 designating a week in September as ``National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week.'' This resolution passed the Senate unanimously. On April 30, I along with many of my colleagues sent a letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee leadership requesting that funding for the Department of Defense, DOD, Ovarian Cancer Research Program be increased to $15 million in fiscal year 2003. While the Senate-passed bill did not include this level of funding, it did include $10 million for this important project. The House version completely cut funding. This funding level is currently being worked out in conference. We must remain steadfast in our quest to ultimately conquer this terrible disease. I urge my colleagues to heed the slogan of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: ``Ovarian Cancer . . . It Whispers . . . So Listen.'' To the one woman in 55 who will develop this disease during her lifetime, let me assure you, I'm listening.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the individuals, organizations, and families who open their hearts to adoptive children. Children around the world, in Cambodia, in Romania, and in our own country wait desperately for families to care and provide for them. The parents who adopt these needy children turn their lives around and offer them a brighter future filled with love and hope. As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I would like to recognize the efforts of parents, adoption agencies, support groups and other individuals whose dedication to adoption makes a difference in the lives of children. Adoption provides countless children with stable homes, caring families and loving supportive parents. In particular, I would like to honor Dennis and Debbie Sparrow of Saint Louis, Missouri. This year, I have nominated the Sparrows as ``Angels in Adoption'' for their hard work and dedication to adoptive children from Romania. The ``Angels in Adoption'' award is presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption to recognize those who enrich the lives of adoptive children. Dennis and Debbie Sparrow adopted their first child from Romania in 1991. During the adoption process, the Sparrows saw firsthand how many of the children in orphanages are destined for a life of poverty and hardship. Upon their return, Dennis and Debbie started two organizations to benefit the children they saw in Romania. S.E.E.K., Save Eastern Europe's Kids, collects donations for Romanian orphans and their caregivers. S.E.E.K. International, a non-profit adoption agency, assists prospective parents and children through the adoption process. In addition to helping over 100 children find loving homes, the Sparrows have personally adopted five children. The Sparrows' exemplary work demonstrates that individuals can make a great difference. They have provided invaluable resources and support to other families wishing to bring Romanian children into their lives. They have raised money to assist in the care of these children. They have established two adoption placement centers in Romania. Moreover, they have inspired others to open their hearts and homes to the orphaned children of Romania. I want to applaud Dennis and Debbie Sparrow for their devotion to helping adoptive parents and children. These ``Angels in Adoption'' have not only made a difference in hundreds of young lives, but they have also raised the awareness of the benefits of adoption. The hard work of these angels is an inspiration to others and a blessing to the children whose lives they have touched.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I am proud to take this opportunity to recognize the period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. This month celebrates the rich and varied heritage of Hispanics in the United States, who come from as far away as South America and the islands of the Caribbean, and as nearby as our neighbor to the south, Mexico. I urge all Americans to take this opportunity to learn more about the culture and important contributions Hispanics have made and continue to make to the United States. It is fitting that what originally started out as Hispanic Heritage Week in September of 1968 has been lengthened to a month-long celebration of the culture and contributions of Hispanics to the American experience. This is in large part a reflection of the growing prominence of Hispanics in all sectors of American society. As a U.S. Senator, though, I am especially interested and encouraged by the growing role Hispanics are playing in our Nation's government. Hispanics have a long history of service to the United States as elected officials. The first Hispanic to serve in the Congress was Delegate Joseph Marion Hernandez of the Territory of Florida in 1822. The first Hispanic elected from a State was Romualdo Pacheco of California, who won his race by one vote in 1876. Dennis Chavez of New Mexico became the first Hispanic Senator after being elected in 1936. In recent years, Hispanic women have also successfully been elected to the Congress. In 1988, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen became both the first Cuban-American and first Hispanic woman elected to serve in the House of Representatives. Four years later, she was joined in the House by Lydia Velasquez, the first Puerto Rican woman, and Lucille Roybal- Allard, the first Mexican-American woman. I am pleased that the number of Hispanics now serving in the House of Representatives has more than doubled in the years from 1984 to 2000, from 9 to 21, and I look forward to working with Hispanic colleagues in the Senate as well. Government is not the only area where Hispanics are breaking new ground. Hispanics are enriching all aspects of our Nation's cultural and economic life. Hispanic entrepreneurs, who open up small businesses at a higher rate than that of the general population, fuel our economy and create jobs. Hispanic writers, such as Isabel Allende, are not only enriching our literature, but are also redefining the American experience through their novels, such as Portrait of Sepia and Daughter of Fortune. Hispanic labor leaders, following in the footsteps of Cesar Chavez, continue to fight for livable wages and safe working conditions. Roberto Clemente, an athlete and humanitarian, who died while delivering much-needed relief supplies to Central America, was the first Hispanic elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame following a stellar career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hispanics have also served honorably in every military engagement since the Revolutionary War--38 have earned the military's highest decoration for their bravery, the Medal of Honor. Louis Caldera, the eldest son of Mexican immigrants, followed in this tradition of military service and became the first Hispanic Secretary of the Army from 1998-2001. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us take the time to learn more about these and other Hispanic leaders. But let us also take a moment to recognize the many hardworking Hispanic members of our own communities as well. Let us welcome them when they are new arrivals and ensure that our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths. Their contributions serve to enrich our common culture and we are all the better for it. The truest testimony of our greatness as a nation is the enduring power of the American Dream and the sacrifices people everywhere are willing to make to attain it.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I strongly support this relief package for family farmers needing immediate disaster relief in order to stay on their land. Let me cite a few numbers to underscore the extent of the problem in Missouri. Just yesterday, the USDA rated 58 percent of Missouri's pastureland in poor or very poor condition; 53 percent of Missouri's corn is in poor or very poor condition; 49 percent of Missouri's soybeans are in poor or very poor condition. Though any additional rainfall would be welcomed, it will only be of limited assistance. Much of the damage I cited is on land that was hit last year by an army worm infestation of record proportion. Many farmers are facing 2 years of devastation because of these unprecedented natural disasters. This legislation would provide real relief for crop and livestock losses over the past 2 years. Much of the damage to the crops and pastureland is irreversible. Just as we help the victims of floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters, so we must come to the aid of farmers victimized by Mother Nature. Several weeks ago, I expressed my disappointment to the administration for declaring that drought relief must be offset by cuts to programs funded in the new farm bill. Such cuts would undermine the farm bill's safety net that we put into place only a few months ago. This safety net is key to farmers, bankers, and others who must make long-term planning decisions. Tampering with the safety net would send a message to our farmers that the farm bill is not something on which they can rely. In essence, the administration is proposing to rob Peter to pay Paul. This stance is particularly troubling when recent USDA reports show farm income decreasing by 23 percent this year. That is a $10.5 billion decrease in net farm income. It is the wrong position. It is wrong for our farmers, and it is wrong for our communities that rely on an agricultural economy. Missouri ranks second nationally for the number of farms within a State. Agriculture is a large part of Missouri's economic lifeline. Historically, what is good for our farmers is good for America, and I urge my colleagues to support our farmers by providing disaster relief that keeps the safety net intact.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, the attacks of September 11 changed us as individuals and as a nation. They changed the way we think about our personal security, and they challenged our assumptions about the threats posed by groups and organizations hostile to our values and our way of life. The events of the past year have also bolstered our resolve. We have come a long way since that terrible day, but much more needs to be done. We have toppled the Taliban and severely disrupted the al-Qaida network, but our military is still working around the clock to destroy al-Qaida elements around the world. We have dramatically improved security at our airports, but we have much to do to protect our aviation system, our ports, and our borders. We have spent billions to recover from the attacks, but unfortunately we must spend more to protect our homeland from threats ranging from bioterrorism to dirty bombs. Today, we are focused on reorganizing our Federal Government to meet these new security challenges. I believe creating a new Federal Department of Homeland Security is the right thing to do. We need one agency whose exclusive focus is controlling our borders and protecting our homeland. That is why I support the bill before the Senate. I commend Senator Lieberman for the leadership and tenacity he has shown in getting us to this point. We began hearings last year on this proposal, and now we have brought the Senate a well-designed, comprehensive bill, approved on a bipartisan basis by the Governmental Affairs Committee. I was proud to vote for that bill. I also commend President Bush for his decision to support the creation of a Homeland Security Department. I believe now is the time for Congress and the President to work together to create a strong, effective, and well-equipped department--a robust department. The American people rightly demand that the first duty of the Federal Government is to provide security. So we need to make sure we give the new Department the structure and the tools it needs to do the job. The committee-approved homeland security bill creates an agency that will improve coordination, cooperation, and communication among all the Government organizations that will work at this new effort. It will bring together information and expertise from Federal, State, and local government and the private sector. Such efforts are key to preventing and containing further attacks. Our States are on the front line of this battle. Missouri recognized this and was the first State to hire a homeland security director. In recognition of the strong bonds needed between Federal, State, and local government, the committee bill includes an office of State and local government Coordination. This office will assure that the Federal Government reaches out to the State and local levels with training, tools, and a coordinated strategy. It will take more than this bill to prepare communities to respond to an attack, however. There must be the resources to do the job. I am already concerned because Federal funding for homeland security still has not made its way to the local level in Missouri. In the aftermath of 9/11, the staffing needs of many fire departments have increased dramatically across our Nation. Two-thirds of all fire departments, large and small, operate with inadequate staff. The International Association of Fire Chiefs estimates that 75,000 additional firefighters are needed to meet minimal acceptable levels for safety and effective response. I offered an amendment with Senator Collins that will begin to address this. It will establish a program to enable local fire departments in Missouri and across the country to hire 10,000 new firefighters. I am pleased the amendment passed unanimously in committee. This amendment is an effort to strengthen the ranks of those who protect us and did so on September 11, and who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe. I urge my colleagues to support this provision when the Senate bill is conferenced with the House bill. We not only need to make sure our first responders have sufficient resources, but we will need to make sure they have adequate training. I sponsored an amendment in committee that requires the new Department to coordinate with the Secretary of Defense for training on how to respond to chemical and biological attacks. This is a logical step because the Defense Department is the primary Government agency supporting the training of military and nonmilitary personnel to respond to chemical and biological attacks. Just last January, the Coast Guard sent 30 national strike force members to the Army's chemical school in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. They learned how to spot nerve agents, scan people for radiation, and respond in other ways to terrorist attacks. From their DOD schooling, some went straight to the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City for duty. My amendment, which the committee also accepted unanimously, makes sure that the new Department of Homeland Security has access to the Defense Department's expertise. We will consider a number of amendments in the coming days and hopefully have a thorough debate. But let's not lose sight of the fact we have a very solid proposal before the Senate. It implements the President's call for the creation of a strong, robust Department of Homeland Security. It does so in a careful and constructive way. In the end, it will preserve, protect, and defend the United States of America.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I wish to enter a short colloquy with my good friend, the Senator from Montana, one of the chief authors of this amendment, and ask him if losses to hay and fescue crops due to armyworm infestation qualify for assistance under amendment 4481 to the Interior Appropriations Act. As the distinguished Senator might know, farmers of forage crops in southern Missouri, and across the country, were devastated by a recent armyworm infestation. The Secretary of Agriculture declared sixty-two Missouri counties as natural disaster areas due to damage caused by severe armyworm infestation. Last year Senator Leahy and I introduced legislation, S. 1354, to provide emergency relief for these farmers.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. I thank the Chairman of the Finance Committee for his assurances that this important legislation will provide much needed relief to so many farmers and farm communities in Missouri.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

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

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes for the purpose of introducing a bill.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. I ask unanimous consent that the time used be counted against my hour postcloture.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, we are all familiar with our changing demographics. Those once a part of the baby boom are now well on their way to creating a senior boom. By the year 2020, one in six Americans will be age 65 or over. By 2040, the number of seniors aged 85 and older will more than triple from about 4 million to 14 million. This boom will create a dramatic increase in the demand for services for seniors especially long-term care. Long-term care is more than just health care. It includes any services that seniors need to maintain their quality of life, such as transportation, nutrition, or other supports that help seniors live independently. Long-term care can mean help with buying groceries, paying bills each month, getting dressed in the morning, getting a ride to the doctor's office, or taking medicine at the appropriate time. We need to make sure our society is ready to provide these kinds of services for seniors, and we need to make sure that we give seniors options. We need to be creative in what we offer. Last year I learned about an innovative option for providing long- term care services for seniors. The concept is based on naturally occurring retirement communities, NORCs. A naturally occurring retirement community develops in a community or neighborhood where residents remain for years and age as neighbors. A NORC may be a large apartment building or a street of single family homes. According to AARP, about 27 percent of seniors currently live in NORCs. NORCs represent a new model for giving seniors the support services they need. We can bring services directly to seniors, and we can help enhance their quality of life and allow them to age in place. This is important because most seniors prefer living in their own homes. To address the need for long-term care services, I secured $1.2 million last year to establish a NORC project in downtown St. Louis. To get this project underway, first there will be assessment of residents' needs. The funds will then be used to meet these individual needs. Residents will receive such services as individual case management, family education, wellness services, and other needed supports. The St. Louis program is only the first step. This unique model could be used to deliver support services to seniors in communities across the country. That is why I am pleased to introduce the Senior Self- Sufficiency Act. This legislation would lay the foundation for a new way of helping seniors stay in their own homes and in their own communities. The Senior Self-Sufficiency Act would create ten demonstration projects in naturally occurring retirement communities across the country. Each would last 4 years. The grant would be used to provide comprehensive support services to seniors. The services offered would be created to meet the individual needs of the residents and to help them maintain their independence. Funds would also be used to make housing improvements that would allow seniors to live in their own neighborhoods longer. For example, they could install safety bars in bathrooms or replace stairs with wheelchair ramps. Two of the ten projects would be located in rural areas where access to services is often harder or more distant. We will learn from the research how best to expand the program to all areas of the country. If given the choice, most people would prefer to grow older in their own homes, surrounded by friends and family. This is exactly what this legislation will allow seniors to do. By making support services available to seniors in their own homes, we can extend the time they live independently, and we can improve their quality of life. We can provide services at lower cost, and we can start preparing now for the future needs of our population. I am pleased to announce that the Senior Self-Sufficiency Act has the support of the Missouri Department of Health and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. I ask unanimous consent that their letters of support and the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. We need to begin now to plan for the future senior boom. The Senior Self-Sufficiency Act is a step in the right direction, making it possible for seniors to remain in their home longer and to retain their independence. That is a goal worth pursuing.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, we are all familiar with our changing demographics. Those once a part of the baby boom are now well on their way to creating a senior boom. By the year 2020, one in six Americans will be age 65 or over. By 2040, the number of seniors aged 85 and older will more than triple from about 4 million to 14 million. This boom will create a dramatic increase in the demand for services for seniors especially long-term care. Long-term care is more than just health care. It includes any services that seniors need to maintain their quality of life, such as transportation, nutrition, or other supports that help seniors live independently. Long-term care can mean help with buying groceries, paying bills each month, getting dressed in the morning, getting a ride to the doctor's office, or taking medicine at the appropriate time. We need to make sure our society is ready to provide these kinds of services for seniors, and we need to make sure that we give seniors options. We need to be creative in what we offer. Last year I learned about an innovative option for providing long- term care services for seniors. The concept is based on naturally occurring retirement communities, NORCs. A naturally occurring retirement community develops in a community or neighborhood where residents remain for years and age as neighbors. A NORC may be a large apartment building or a street of single family homes. According to AARP, about 27 percent of seniors currently live in NORCs. NORCs represent a new model for giving seniors the support services they need. We can bring services directly to seniors, and we can help enhance their quality of life and allow them to age in place. This is important because most seniors prefer living in their own homes. To address the need for long-term care services, I secured $1.2 million last year to establish a NORC project in downtown St. Louis. To get this project underway, first there will be assessment of residents' needs. The funds will then be used to meet these individual needs. Residents will receive such services as individual case management, family education, wellness services, and other needed supports. The St. Louis program is only the first step. This unique model could be used to deliver support services to seniors in communities across the country. That is why I am pleased to introduce the Senior Self- Sufficiency Act. This legislation would lay the foundation for a new way of helping seniors stay in their own homes and in their own communities. The Senior Self-Sufficiency Act would create ten demonstration projects in naturally occurring retirement communities across the country. Each would last 4 years. The grant would be used to provide comprehensive support services to seniors. The services offered would be created to meet the individual needs of the residents and to help them maintain their independence. Funds would also be used to make housing improvements that would allow seniors to live in their own neighborhoods longer. For example, they could install safety bars in bathrooms or replace stairs with wheelchair ramps. Two of the ten projects would be located in rural areas where access to services is often harder or more distant. We will learn from the research how best to expand the program to all areas of the country. If given the choice, most people would prefer to grow older in their own homes, surrounded by friends and family. This is exactly what this legislation will allow seniors to do. By making support services available to seniors in their own homes, we can extend the time they live independently, and we can improve their quality of life. We can provide services at lower cost, and we can start preparing now for the future needs of our population. I am pleased to announce that the Senior Self-Sufficiency Act has the support of the Missouri Department of Health and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. I ask unanimous consent that their letters of support and the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. We need to begin now to plan for the future senior boom. The Senior Self-Sufficiency Act is a step in the right direction, making it possible for seniors to remain in their home longer and to retain their independence. That is a goal worth pursuing.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator Leahy, I am introducing legislation to protect the employees of corporations that declare bankruptcy. This bill will also put a stop to the outrageous practice of giving unearned bonuses to select individuals immediately before declaring bankruptcy. With the failures of Enron, and now WorldCom, Americans have seen how cruel bankruptcy can be for the employees who dedicated themselves to their companies. While some executives received extra pay just before the bankruptcy, workers were left holding the bag. Workers have faced mass layoffs. And in many cases, workers have been denied their rightful severance pay. I understand that bankruptcy is intended to shield corporations from their creditors while they restructure their business. However, I do not believe that corporations truly need protection from their own workers. It seems to be the other way around. Workers need greater protection from corporations that accept their labor and then refuse to pay. The legislation I am introducing today will allow employees, and former employees, to recover a greater share of the money that their company owes them. This bill also puts a stop to the indefensible practice of paying some executives large sums of money just before claiming that the company does not have the money to pay its average workers. Let me explain each of these provisions in detail. First, this bill increases the priority claim amount for employee wages and benefits to $13,500. Under current law, employees are only entitled to receive $4,650 for wages and benefits that they are owed. If their employers owes them more, for severance or other obligations, the employees must fight with all the other unsecured creditors in the restructuring process. In light of the Enron bankruptcy, where employees were owed average severance packages of $35,000, it is clear that the current limit must be increased as a matter of fairness. Let me be clear. This bill only affects employees who are owed money by their employer. Increasing the priority claim creates no new obligation for a company to pay severance or other compensation. It merely makes it possible for employees to recover more of what is rightfully owed to them. It is appropriate that employees are given a priority in recovering debts. Employees depend on their paychecks to buy food, pay the rent, and provide for their families. And unlike investors or creditors that can diversify their risks, workers cannot diversify their employment. In the case of the Enron bankruptcy, the parties have agreed that employees are entitled to collect, up front, $13,500 to cover wages, accrued vacation, contributions to benefit plans, and promised severance. This figure reflects a reasonable settlement. It recognizes the expenses that workers face as they seek new employment. This bill includes a second provision which is designed to restore funds to the bankrupt estate which were unjustly dispersed immediately prior to the bankruptcy. My legislation permits the bankruptcy court to recover excessive employee compensation paid in the 90 days preceding bankruptcy, if it determines that that compensation was out of the ordinary course or unjust enrichment. These funds would be recovered for the benefit of the estate and its creditors. In the days leading up to its bankruptcy, Enron paid millions of dollars in so-called retention bonuses to executives. However, these executives actually had no obligation to stay with the company through its restructuring; indeed, most of them have since left. It is unacceptable for a company to pay millions to some employees, without any justification, and then weeks later claim that it cannot make basic severance payments to the vast majority of its workers. This amendment will ensure that bankruptcy courts have the authority to prevent such outcomes in the future. These are common sense reforms that protect employees and creditors faced with a corporate bankruptcy. In the wake of Enron and WorldCom, Americans are learning some very difficult lessons about the failures of large corporations. We ought to heed these lessons and ensure that workers and investors are better protected in the future. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. And I ask unanimous consent that the text of the legislation be printed in the Record.

Mrs. CARNAHAN

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator Leahy, I am introducing legislation to protect the employees of corporations that declare bankruptcy. This bill will also put a stop to the outrageous practice of giving unearned bonuses to select individuals immediately before declaring bankruptcy. With the failures of Enron, and now WorldCom, Americans have seen how cruel bankruptcy can be for the employees who dedicated themselves to their companies. While some executives received extra pay just before the bankruptcy, workers were left holding the bag. Workers have faced mass layoffs. And in many cases, workers have been denied their rightful severance pay. I understand that bankruptcy is intended to shield corporations from their creditors while they restructure their business. However, I do not believe that corporations truly need protection from their own workers. It seems to be the other way around. Workers need greater protection from corporations that accept their labor and then refuse to pay. The legislation I am introducing today will allow employees, and former employees, to recover a greater share of the money that their company owes them. This bill also puts a stop to the indefensible practice of paying some executives large sums of money just before claiming that the company does not have the money to pay its average workers. Let me explain each of these provisions in detail. First, this bill increases the priority claim amount for employee wages and benefits to $13,500. Under current law, employees are only entitled to receive $4,650 for wages and benefits that they are owed. If their employers owes them more, for severance or other obligations, the employees must fight with all the other unsecured creditors in the restructuring process. In light of the Enron bankruptcy, where employees were owed average severance packages of $35,000, it is clear that the current limit must be increased as a matter of fairness. Let me be clear. This bill only affects employees who are owed money by their employer. Increasing the priority claim creates no new obligation for a company to pay severance or other compensation. It merely makes it possible for employees to recover more of what is rightfully owed to them. It is appropriate that employees are given a priority in recovering debts. Employees depend on their paychecks to buy food, pay the rent, and provide for their families. And unlike investors or creditors that can diversify their risks, workers cannot diversify their employment. In the case of the Enron bankruptcy, the parties have agreed that employees are entitled to collect, up front, $13,500 to cover wages, accrued vacation, contributions to benefit plans, and promised severance. This figure reflects a reasonable settlement. It recognizes the expenses that workers face as they seek new employment. This bill includes a second provision which is designed to restore funds to the bankrupt estate which were unjustly dispersed immediately prior to the bankruptcy. My legislation permits the bankruptcy court to recover excessive employee compensation paid in the 90 days preceding bankruptcy, if it determines that that compensation was out of the ordinary course or unjust enrichment. These funds would be recovered for the benefit of the estate and its creditors. In the days leading up to its bankruptcy, Enron paid millions of dollars in so-called retention bonuses to executives. However, these executives actually had no obligation to stay with the company through its restructuring; indeed, most of them have since left. It is unacceptable for a company to pay millions to some employees, without any justification, and then weeks later claim that it cannot make basic severance payments to the vast majority of its workers. This amendment will ensure that bankruptcy courts have the authority to prevent such outcomes in the future. These are common sense reforms that protect employees and creditors faced with a corporate bankruptcy. In the wake of Enron and WorldCom, Americans are learning some very difficult lessons about the failures of large corporations. We ought to heed these lessons and ensure that workers and investors are better protected in the future. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. And I ask unanimous consent that the text of the legislation be printed in the Record.