Bob Casey

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, the majority leader filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1323. Unless further agreement is reached, this vote will be on Thursday.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., on Wednesday, July 6; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; that following any leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 93, S. 1323, to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit, with the time until 12:30 p.m. equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each; and that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly party conferences; further, that the time from 2:15 p.m. until 6 p.m. be equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. CASEY

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

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, it goes without saying that the history of the American evolution is a major chapter of our Nation's history, of American history. Yet currently there is no single place where a person can go which tells the American story from its colonial past through present day. I believe that there should be a place where visitors can come to learn more about the revolution and can see artifacts, manuscripts, and artwork from this period. I believe there should be an institution dedicated to telling this important story. Today, I am very happy to submit a resolution which not only expresses how important it is to tell the story of the American Revolution and the continuing impact on struggles for freedom, self- government and the rule of law throughout the world, but also to encourage the American Revolution Center in its efforts to build a new Museum of the American Revolution. The American Revolution Center plans to open the Nation's first museum dedicated to this period. When built, the museum will house such items as General George Washington's original sleeping and office tent and an original Revolutionary-era 13-star flag known as the Commander- in-Chief's Standard. By educating Americans and visitors from abroad, the museum will honor the sacrifices of the Founding generation by keeping the story alive. I am particularly pleased that the American Revolution Center has decided to build this museum in Philadelphia, PA, just steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter's Hall, and Christ Church. It is fitting that a museum dedicated to telling the rich, detailed story of America's founding should make its home in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Nearly 1 million people are expected to visit the museum, which will be located among the streets and buildings where armies once marched and where people debated powerful ideas about democracy and equality. As someone who believes that there is much to learn from history, I strongly support the American Revolution Center and its effort to build a Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution be considered; the Conrad amendment, which is at the desk, be agreed to; the resolution, as amended, be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the matter be printed in the Record.

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 202 and the Senate proceed to its consideration.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise tonight to speak about our policy in Afghanistan. We know the President is about to announce a major decision on the policy. As the President determines the degree and scope of the drawdown in Afghanistan, there will be a lot of debate, about troop levels, principally. But while this is an important discussion, we need to step back and comprehensively focus on overall U.S. strategic interests in the region. Over the course of my time in the Senate, some 4\1/2\ years now, I have participated in more than 20 Foreign Relations Committee hearings on Afghanistan and Pakistan. This week we will hear from Secretary Clinton on the U.S. policy on both Afghanistan and Pakistan. I personally chaired four hearings on U.S. policy in the region, I have traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan on two occasions, and met with our military and civilian leadership as well as senior government officials in both countries. I have spoken repeatedly on the Senate floor about the importance of accountability of U.S. military and civilian programs. When it comes to matters of war, the Senate has a special responsibility to ask questions and to hold the executive branch accountable no matter what party is in the White House. I have taken this responsibility very seriously and have repeatedly questioned and examined U.S. policy in south Asia. There has been substantial progress in Afghanistan. On the battlefield, the United States coalition and Afghan forces have rolled back advances made by the Taliban. We have made measurable, albeit fragile, gains on security in key provinces of the country. Al-Qaida, operating from Pakistan, has been significantly degraded. There has also been measurable progress in the education and health fields. Only 900,000 boys and no girls attended school under the Taliban. Today more than 6 million children are in school and a third of them are girls. In the field of health, more than 85 percent of Afghans now have access to at least some form of health care, up from 9 percent in the year 2002. These gains have not come without immeasurable sacrifice on the part of our Armed Forces and of course their families. In Pennsylvania we have lost 30 servicemembers killed in action in Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001. To date, 461 have been wounded, some of them grievously wounded. In Iraq, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lost 197 servicemembers killed in action and 1,233 were wounded. These courageous men and women gave what many years ago Lincoln called ``the last full measure of devotion'' to their country. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We owe the same debt of gratitude to their families and to all veterans and their families returning from the battlefield. After this exhaustive review, and based upon measurable gains in Afghanistan, I believe the United States can shift from a strategy of counterinsurgency toward an increased focus on counterterrorism. It is time for the United States to lighten its footprint in the country. It is also a time to accelerate the shift in responsibility to Afghan forces and for a drawdown of a significant number of United States troops from Afghanistan. The capabilities of both al-Qaida and the Taliban have been severely degraded. The United States-led development projects have strengthened the health and education sectors, as I mentioned before. At a time of economic austerity here in the United States, the approximately $120 billion per year pricetag is, for sure, unsustainable. We must take a significant shift in our strategy. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern, South, Central Asian Affairs, I am focused on our broader national security interests in both regions. We must focus on extremist groups that have the capability and intent to project terrorism on the United States homeland and interests around the world. We should continue to conduct counterterror operations on al-Qaida, Pakistani Taliban, and others who seek to strike the United States homeland and our interests. Significant challenges, however, do remain and the United States should focus on the following. First, we must redouble our efforts to train the Afghan security forces. We made substantial progress in recruiting and training, but this needs to be ramped up. In the long run, Afghanistan's ability to deny safe haven to al-Qaida or any terrorist organization will depend upon a strong and durable army and police in Afghanistan. Second, much work remains in Pakistan. In Senate hearings and meetings with U.S. and Pakistani officials, I have questioned Pakistan's full commitment to addressing the extremist threat within its borders. For example, Pakistan has done little to stop the flow of bomb components across the border into Afghanistan, where they are used against our troops. Terrorists in Pakistan have the capability to strike internationally, and have done so in recent years. These terrorists are also the central threat to the Pakistani state itself, a concern that grows as Pakistan inexplicably expands its nuclear arsenal. The Pakistani people have suffered greatly in the struggle against these extremist groups as thousands of civilians and security forces have died. This is precisely why it is so unfortunate that the Pakistani Government is not fully committed to confronting this threat. I have been very patient with respect to this critical relationship, but I am compelled to speak the truth when the stakes are so high for the American people. The United States troops and the people of Pakistan both have a lot at stake, in addition to the American people. In my judgment, recent developments are unacceptable and merit a serious examination of U.S. aid to Pakistan. The Senate should hold hearings so we have a full accounting of Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism. The third area of our focus should be the grave concerns that many of us have--and I have for sure--about the future of women and girls in Afghanistan. If nothing else, we cannot lose precious ground gained in rights for this critical 50 percent of the population--women and girls. Over the past 10 years, women have assumed seats in Parliament and girls have returned to school. I mentioned the number earlier. Women's rights have become a part of the public dialog at long last. When speaking to a group of Afghan women in May, Secretary of State Clinton said, ``We will not abandon you, we will stand with you always.'' We must as a nation stand by this commitment to the women and girls who live in Afghanistan. Empowered women are the most influential voice to dissuade young men from taking up arms in Afghanistan and places around the world. These women are the most likely to develop their own communities as well. Finally and most importantly, it is our moral obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable in Afghanistan. I have significant concerns about governance in Afghanistan. I have closely examined Afghanistan's uneven governance record and have serious questions about the viability of the democratic experiment in that country. The foundational act of democracy, elections, has not met international standards in Afghanistan and has established the basis for an unresponsive government and unresponsive government officials and corruption. As the United States draws down its military presence, the international community must renew its focus on governance in Afghanistan and efficient disbursal of U.S. assistance. A recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee report suggests that we must do a better job of accounting for the resources spent on bolstering the Afghan Government. In conclusion, we have made progress in Afghanistan all these years. The surge in U.S. troops, working with coalition forces and the Afghan Army, has rolled back gains made by the Taliban. Our special forces have killed Osama bin Laden and several other senior al-Qaida leaders. The numbers and capabilities of the Afghan security forces have increased. Women and girls are better off than they were in the year 2001, and the health sector has improved. Significant challenges remain, but based upon these advances and on the significant costs of our current policy, it is time, after 10 long years, to begin the drawdown process. I yield the floor.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the measure be printed in the Record.

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 212, which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22; that following the prayer and the pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; that following any leader remarks, the Senate be in a period of morning business until 11 a.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with the majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half; that following morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act.

Mr. CASEY

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

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, we are working on an agreement for consideration of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act. We will notify Senators when votes are scheduled.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the late James J. Haggerty of Dunmore, PA. Jim was my good friend and on Sunday, June 12, he would have celebrated his 75th birthday. He died this past February 8. Jim and his wife Celia were married for 40 years and they were the parents of seven loving children: Jean, Mauri, James, Matthew, Cecelia, Daniel and Kathleen. Jim was raised in Dunmore and graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross in 1957, Jim graduated with honors from Georgetown Law School. He returned home to northeastern Pennsylvania to become the first law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge William J. Nealon. Jim's passion for public service led him to run for Congress in 1964 and State senate in 1966. While he was not successful in those campaigns, Jim was undeterred in his efforts to serve the people of Pennsylvania. For the next 40 years, he was a close friend and an ever-faithful supporter of my father Robert P. Casey and me in all of our campaigns for public office in Pennsylvania. Jim was a brilliant lawyer and he had a very successful law practice in Scranton for many years. When my father was elected Governor in 1986, Jim came to Harrisburg to serve the people, first as secretary of the Commonwealth and then as general counsel. Jim's friendship and counsel served Governor Casey well during his two terms. He handled his responsibilities with integrity and a deep commitment to public service. He believed, as the Scriptures tell us, that ``to whom much is given, much is expected.'' After his years in State government, Jim welcomed me as a law partner. He mentored me in life as much as in the law. He understood the call to serve and supported me generously when I decided to seek public office. Jim's life was a life of hard work and service, faith and family. No personal or professional accomplishments outweighed the love he had for Celia, his children and 18 grandchildren. While we are all saddened that we cannot spend his birthday with him, we will be comforted that he leaves us his example. As his good friend Frank J. McDonnell said at Jim's funeral mass, Jim embodied the words from scripture that ``a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one has found a treasure.'' For my family and many others in northeastern Pennsylvania, Jim Haggerty was our faithful friend and, for his family, a sturdy shelter of caring and love. Happy Birthday, Jim. We miss you every day. I ask to have printed in the Record the Scranton Times obituary from February 11-13, 2011. The information follows. James J. Haggerty Attorney James J. Haggerty of Dunmore died Tuesday in Naples, Fla. His wife is the former Cecelia Lynett. The couple would have celebrated 45 years of marriage on Feb. 19. Born in Scranton, son of the late James J. and Margaret Kearney Haggerty Cummings, he was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, the College of the Holy Cross and Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the Law Review. He received honorary degrees from Villanova University and the University of Scranton. Jim served active duty in the Army Infantry and as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Army Reserve. Jim served as law clerk to the Honorable William J. Nealon, chief judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania. A lifelong friend and adviser to former Gov. Robert P. Casey, Jim served as the secretary of the commonwealth and later as general counsel to the late governor. At the time of his death, Jim was a partner in the Scranton law firm of Haggerty, McDonnell & Hinton, formerly Casey, Haggerty & McDonnell and later Haggerty, McDonnell & O'Brien. He also served as president of the Lackawanna County Bar Association and was a permanent member of the Third Circuit Judicial Conference. Jim served as chairman of the board of trustees for the University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School. He was president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County and served as director of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Lackawanna County. Jim was also a member of the board of directors at the Country Club of Scranton and First National Community Bank. Jim was a loving and vibrant man, known to close friends as ``the Big Fella,'' and recognized by countless others who had the privilege to befriend him as larger than life. Jim had a renowned sense of humor and an ease with people that endeared him to all whose lives he touched. His infectious personality was outdone by his impressive professional accomplishments as a successful lawyer. He was respected by his peers and revered by fellow members of the bar for his honesty, ethics and fair dealing. He ranks among the most loyal Dunmoreans and Democrats of all time. Loyalty was paramount to his very being. Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and the most positive role model to those he loved so dearly. His favorite times were spent with his sons and friends golfing at the Country Club of Scranton, and he most relished time spent with family. Summers in Avalon, N.J. with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him indescribable joy. Jim's generosity in life continued as an organ donor. Also surviving are seven children, Jean McGrath and husband, Christopher, Dunmore; Mauri Collins and husband, Joseph, Scottsdale, Ariz.; James J. Haggerty, Jr. and fiancee, Wendy Lettieri, Scranton; Matthew and wife, Christina O'Brien Haggerty, Scranton; Cecelia O'Rourke and husband, James, New York, N.Y.; Daniel Haggerty and fiancee, Meghan Stott, Wilkes-Barre; and Kathleen James and husband, Brian, Scranton; 18 grandchildren, James, Christopher, Cecelia, Nora and Margaret McGrath; Clare, Catherine, Cecelia, Rita and Elizabeth Collins; Abigail, Caroline, Cecelia and Matthew Haggerty; Brian, Patrick, Edward and Margaret James; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph O. Haggerty; and his stepfather, John P. Cummings.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I honor Bernard ``C.B.'' Kimmons for his life of service and courageous commitment to preventing gang and drug violence at all costs. C.B. was born in Atlantic City, NJ, on February 13, 1944. Though he originally hails from the Garden State, he came to spend much of his life within the city of Philadelphia, graduating from three Philadelphia area schools: Cardinal Dougherty High School, Saint Joseph's University, and Temple University Graduate School. After earning his teaching degree, he further solidified his commitment to Philadelphia by spending 16 years teaching in Ogontz, at General Louis Wagner Junior High. During his tenure at Wagner, he was disheartened to see that many of his students fell victim to social pressures that led to them join gangs. C.B. quickly became an eyewitness to gang-related violence. He knew that his students needed guidance before they became lost within the harsh realities of gang life. As a leader and a role model within the community, he took it upon himself to fulfill this need. He began to educate his students about the dangers of joining gangs with a simple message of respecting law enforcement, parents, clergy, teachers, adults, and fellow young people. His message quickly caught on, and many of his students still remember his influential teaching style. It was this innovative approach that caught the attention of the Philadelphia school district, under Superintendent Dr. Constance Clayton. C.B. eventually began teaching in different schools across the district under a special antidrug, antiviolence curriculum, many times teaching in up to 15 different schools a week. His message against bullying, guns, drugs, and violence spread across the city and continues to affect countless lives today. It was during this time that Bernard was given the nickname of ``Cool Bernie'' or C.B. within some of the rougher neighborhoods he worked. This nickname has grown to illustrate the close nature of his relationships with his students as well as his acceptance as a role model and community figurehead. He goes by that name to this day. In addition to his work in the public schools, C.B. was also an active volunteer through numerous activities within Philadelphia. In 1967, he served as a citywide gang control worker under the guidance of Zachary Clayton. He then met Dr. Herman Wrice who became his mentor when he joined Mantua Against Drugs. C.B. and Dr. Wrice traveled around Philadelphia trying to clear the streets of gangs and drug dealers to ensure that young adults had a safe haven from violence and drugs in troubled neighborhoods. C.B.'s commitment to Mantua Against Drugs continues today; he currently serves as the organization's executive director. From his first taste of volunteerism, C.B. knew he found his passion. He wanted to change the world. In addition to these efforts, C.B. has personally made himself available to children within the city of Philadelphia through numerous activities. He provides free drug counseling and recently started a multitiered program offering computer skills, document framing, photo- journalism, entrepreneur training, and newsletter creation as an alternative to violent gang behavior. He also leads vigils for young adults who were killed as a direct result of gang related violence. While C.B.'s efforts to lessen the impact of drug dealers have received considerable praise, they have also attracted the attention of those that would prefer the status quo remain unchanged. On more than one occasion C.B. has had threats against his own life and has been forced to seek police protection. Despite these efforts to undermine his work, C.B. persevered and still today continues to aggressively pursue change within our community. C.B. has been honored for his work by countless organizations and agencies across the city of Philadelphia and the country. These honors include Time Magazine Local Philadelphia Hero; recognition by the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta, GA; a 2010 Drum Major Award for Peace given by the Council of Black Clergy of Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania's Martin Luther King Award for Community Service and Outreach; winner of University of Pennsylvania's Crystal Stair Award; the Hero of Peace Award given by Veterans Against Drugs; and the Humanitarian Award given by the Four Chaplains at the U.S. Naval Base. He has also been featured on CNN for his school-based role model program. Throughout all of his work, C.B.'s efforts have focused on ensuring that children have a chance to succeed despite the challenges and obstacles they face on a daily basis. C.B. has saved numerous lives and continues to protect children of all ages from the ravages he first saw in his early teaching days. As a result of C.B. Kimmons' hard work, children across Philadelphia are given a chance to succeed and reach their potential. It is my pleasure to stand today before my colleagues to recognize Bernard ``C.B.'' Kimmons'' sacrifices, achievements, and ongoing commitment toward bettering the lives of our youth.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I wish to speak about a devastating illness, pancreatic cancer, and what we in the Senate can do to address this serious problem. Winston Churchill once said, ``Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.'' I could not agree more. Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that affects over 42,000 Americans each year. We have made great strides to expand cancer research and improve treatments, but unfortunately pancreatic cancer research is where breast cancer research was in the 1930s. The survival rate for pancreatic cancer today is the same as it was 30 years ago. We have little understanding of the causes, no methods of early detection, few effective treatments, and single-digit survival rates. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and 75 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within a year of diagnosis; the 5-year survival rate is barely 5 percent. According to a recent report on cancer trends, death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing while death rates for all cancers combined, including the four most common cancers, prostate, breast, lung and colorectal, continue to decline. It is time to do something about this tragedy, this death sentence for tens of thousands of Americans. It is time to make a serious commitment to ensure that advances in pancreatic cancer research keep up with the progress we have seen in fighting other types of cancers. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of S. 362, the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, introduced by the Senator from Rhode Island, Mr. Whitehouse. This legislation is designed to address the shortfalls in pancreatic cancer research by developing a comprehensive, strategic annual plan for pancreatic cancer research and awareness activities. The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act would better target research, develop a cadre of committed scientists, promote physician and public awareness and require accountability for these efforts. The bill creates a 5-year pilot project for the highest mortality cancers, defined as those with 5-year survival rates below 50 percent. It builds upon the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence, SPOREs, that exist for breast and prostate cancer by designating at least two additional pancreatic cancer SPOREs. Finally, the bill promotes physician and public awareness through partnerships between the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and patient advocacy organizations to develop a primary care provider education program. The most important thing that we in Congress can do for those who have pancreatic cancer is to resolve to find new ways to improve treatments for those suffering from this devastating disease. The health of our citizens is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it is an American priority and one we must all champion. The well-being of our country depends on the well-being of our citizens. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in supporting S. 362, the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today Senator Isakson and I are introducing the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2011. Since its creation in 1999, this program has provided freestanding children's hospitals with funding to support the training of medical residents. While most hospitals receive support through the Medicare program, freestanding children's hospitals are not eligible for that funding. That is why reauthorizing this program is vital. Prior to the enactment of CHGME, the number of residents in children's hospitals' residency programs had declined over 13 percent. The enactment of CHGME has enabled children's hospitals to reverse this trend and to increase their training by 35 percent. In Pennsylvania, we have three hospitals who participate in this important program. This is a critical investment in our country's medical future and guarantees that children will have continuing access to the care they need across provider settings. Children are not little adults. We must continue to ensure we have the specialized workforce to care for them. Perhaps the benefit of this program is best told in the words of the residents themselves. Gabriela Marein-Efron is a resident at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She shared this story with us. ``One of the most powerful experiences I've had during my training has been in my primary care continuity clinic. Many of my patients are now almost 3 years old, and I've been taking care of them since they were newborns. My connection to these families, who are often especially vulnerable because of barriers such as poverty or language differences has influenced my ultimate career choice. In a few months I'll become an Attending Physician at this urban clinic and continue to take care of these underserved families and serve as their medical home full-time.'' Chief Resident Dustin Haferbecker had an equally meaningful experience. ``My training at CHOP allowed me the unique opportunity to discover a need in the community, and ultimately help meet that need. During residency, I was exposed to extreme lack of adequate health care that was available to the large number of refugees that continue to pour into the city, brought here by our government. Our CHGME funded curriculum made it possible for myself and a group of residents to investigate this problem, identify support from within the institution, and establish a clinic dedicated to meeting their unique health care needs. A family of three children that have spent their life a refugee camp in Nepal, are now being treated for their vitamin D deficiency and newly discovered latent tuberculosis.'' Pamela Puthoor is a resident at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. ``I had had almost zero exposure to pediatric specialists before coming to Children's,'' she says. ``I knew that Children's Hospital offered a rigorous primary care program and the depth and breadth of specialty care, so I would be able to make an educated choice. I have been able to learn from leaders in their fields, and from that I have decided to go into pediatric gastroenterology.'' Dr. Puthoor says that Children's also encouraged her to pursue her interest in public health policy. ``Children's attracts passionate, altruistic people devoted to taking care of kids. The support and encouragement we receive is extraordinary,'' she says. These residents and the stories they share are a testament of why we must continue this program. I want to thank Senator Isakson for leading this legislation with me. I also want to thank Senators Sherrod Brown, Roy Blunt, John Kerry, Scott Brown, Richard Blumenthal and Pat Roberts for signing on as original cosponsors. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed this year.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today Senator Isakson and I are introducing the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2011. Since its creation in 1999, this program has provided freestanding children's hospitals with funding to support the training of medical residents. While most hospitals receive support through the Medicare program, freestanding children's hospitals are not eligible for that funding. That is why reauthorizing this program is vital. Prior to the enactment of CHGME, the number of residents in children's hospitals' residency programs had declined over 13 percent. The enactment of CHGME has enabled children's hospitals to reverse this trend and to increase their training by 35 percent. In Pennsylvania, we have three hospitals who participate in this important program. This is a critical investment in our country's medical future and guarantees that children will have continuing access to the care they need across provider settings. Children are not little adults. We must continue to ensure we have the specialized workforce to care for them. Perhaps the benefit of this program is best told in the words of the residents themselves. Gabriela Marein-Efron is a resident at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She shared this story with us. ``One of the most powerful experiences I've had during my training has been in my primary care continuity clinic. Many of my patients are now almost 3 years old, and I've been taking care of them since they were newborns. My connection to these families, who are often especially vulnerable because of barriers such as poverty or language differences has influenced my ultimate career choice. In a few months I'll become an Attending Physician at this urban clinic and continue to take care of these underserved families and serve as their medical home full-time.'' Chief Resident Dustin Haferbecker had an equally meaningful experience. ``My training at CHOP allowed me the unique opportunity to discover a need in the community, and ultimately help meet that need. During residency, I was exposed to extreme lack of adequate health care that was available to the large number of refugees that continue to pour into the city, brought here by our government. Our CHGME funded curriculum made it possible for myself and a group of residents to investigate this problem, identify support from within the institution, and establish a clinic dedicated to meeting their unique health care needs. A family of three children that have spent their life a refugee camp in Nepal, are now being treated for their vitamin D deficiency and newly discovered latent tuberculosis.'' Pamela Puthoor is a resident at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. ``I had had almost zero exposure to pediatric specialists before coming to Children's,'' she says. ``I knew that Children's Hospital offered a rigorous primary care program and the depth and breadth of specialty care, so I would be able to make an educated choice. I have been able to learn from leaders in their fields, and from that I have decided to go into pediatric gastroenterology.'' Dr. Puthoor says that Children's also encouraged her to pursue her interest in public health policy. ``Children's attracts passionate, altruistic people devoted to taking care of kids. The support and encouragement we receive is extraordinary,'' she says. These residents and the stories they share are a testament of why we must continue this program. I want to thank Senator Isakson for leading this legislation with me. I also want to thank Senators Sherrod Brown, Roy Blunt, John Kerry, Scott Brown, Richard Blumenthal and Pat Roberts for signing on as original cosponsors. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed this year.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the development of the Appalachian Development Highway System, ADHS. The completion of this highway system, which connects 13 States from New York to Mississippi, is critical to the economic development of the region as a whole. Despite the significant progress Appalachia has made over the past few decades, the region has continued to face economic challenges. In the 420-county region, approximately one fourth of these counties are designated as having high poverty, meaning that the poverty rate is 1.5 times the U.S. average. According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, two thirds of the Appalachian counties have unemployment rates that are higher than the national average. Completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System will spur economic development in the region and create much needed jobs. The Federal Government has played a significant role in the development of this initiative and I urge my colleagues to renew this commitment. Today, my colleague Senator Cardin from Maryland and I introduced a bill that will help the continued development of this highway system. Our bill will reverse language in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, SAFETEA-LU, that prohibits the use of toll credits for the non-federal share for ADHS projects. This legislation would allow States to unlock existing unspent balances and make it easier for States to access and leverage additional funding. Our bill will allow ADHS projects to move forward, such as Route 219 in my home State of Pennsylvania. In addition, this change would eliminate a disparity that does not exist for the vast majority of other Federal transportation programs. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the development of the Appalachian Development Highway System, ADHS. The completion of this highway system, which connects 13 States from New York to Mississippi, is critical to the economic development of the region as a whole. Despite the significant progress Appalachia has made over the past few decades, the region has continued to face economic challenges. In the 420-county region, approximately one fourth of these counties are designated as having high poverty, meaning that the poverty rate is 1.5 times the U.S. average. According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, two thirds of the Appalachian counties have unemployment rates that are higher than the national average. Completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System will spur economic development in the region and create much needed jobs. The Federal Government has played a significant role in the development of this initiative and I urge my colleagues to renew this commitment. Today, my colleague Senator Cardin from Maryland and I introduced a bill that will help the continued development of this highway system. Our bill will reverse language in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, SAFETEA-LU, that prohibits the use of toll credits for the non-federal share for ADHS projects. This legislation would allow States to unlock existing unspent balances and make it easier for States to access and leverage additional funding. Our bill will allow ADHS projects to move forward, such as Route 219 in my home State of Pennsylvania. In addition, this change would eliminate a disparity that does not exist for the vast majority of other Federal transportation programs. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Madam President, much attention has been given to how the Ryan plan ends Medicare as we know it by turning Medicare into a voucher program. For example, on April 6, 2011, AARP wrote to Congressman Ryan: Today's budget proposal appropriately acknowledges that health care costs must be addressed if the federal budget is to be balanced. However, rather than recognizing that health care is an unavoidable necessity which must be made more affordable for all Americans, this proposal simply shifts these high costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and shifts the even higher costs of increased uninsured care onto everyone else. By creating a ``premium support'' system for future Medicare beneficiaries, the proposal will increase costs for beneficiaries while removing Medicare's promise of secure health coverage--a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities put out a statement on April 6, 2011 stating: Many future Medicare beneficiaries with modest incomes, such as elderly widows who must live on $15,000 or $20,000 a year, also would likely be hit by the plan's Medicare provisions; the Medicare voucher (or defined contribution) they would receive would fall farther and farther behind health care costs--and purchase less and less coverage--with each passing year. Aggravating this problem, Ryan has said that his plan calls for repeal of a key measure of the health reform law that is designed to moderate Medicare costs--the Independent Payment Advisory Board. In other words, his plan would scrap mechanisms to slow growth in the costs of health care services that Medicare beneficiaries need, even as it cuts back the portion of those costs that Medicare would cover. The Center for American Progress writes: Medicare as we know it would end for new beneficiaries in 2022 under the House Republican budget proposal. It would be replaced with a government voucher that would be paid directly to private insurance companies. This system would double costs to seniors. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, concluded that ``most elderly people would pay more for their health care than they would pay under the current Medicare system.'' However, there has been less discussion of the other ways in which the Ryan plan would hurt current beneficiaries. So I would like to give some specific examples how the changes Congressman Ryan proposed will impact current Medicare beneficiaries. The Republican plan will force beneficiaries to pay for preventive services and eliminates the free annual wellness exam they can currently receive. Nearly all 44 million beneficiaries who have Medicare, including 2.2 million in Pennsylvania, can now receive free preventive services--such as mammograms and colonoscopies--as well as a free annual wellness visit with their doctor. The Republican plan will eliminate the efforts that have begun to close the doughnut hole. If the Republican budget becomes law, costs for Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the doughnut hole will increase drastically. Over 266,000 Pennsylvanians will pay an additional $149 million in 2012 and $3 billion through 2020. The Republican plan hurts beneficiaries today by repealing improvements designed to save them money and provide needed services. It hurts beneficiaries even more beginning in 2022 when end Medicare as we know it and puts in place a voucher system to ration health care and increase costs for beneficiaries.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, twenty years ago this month we lost Senator John Heinz in an airplane crash. A family lost a husband and a father. A Commonwealth lost a tireless advocate for older citizens and our workers. I am honored to serve in the Senate seat he held from 1977 to 1991. Senator Heinz understood that health care has a human face that cannot be ignored. He appreciated that employers cannot shoulder the burden of costs alone and understood changes needed to be made. He worked hard to obtain results for individuals through his position on the Finance Committee and his chairmanship of the Special Committee on Aging. Senator Heinz was a fighter for those without power, a voice for the voiceless. He enjoyed the work that goes along with being a Senator. He delved into policy issues and strived to figure out how government worked and how it could work better. He promoted innovation, looked to the future, and sought to find real solutions to the real problems people faced. He worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to obtain results. As he once said, ``Our greatest strengths have been our diversity and energy, our willingness to tackle problems and solve them, our confidence in the future, and our refusal to be bound by the present.'' This month we remember Senator Heinz and his legacy of public service on behalf of all the people of Pennsylvania, especially those who needed a Senator fighting for them every day.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, we have a vote today on a measure to continue spending for the Federal Government for the next couple months. It amounts to nearly $40 billion in cuts. That is a good start. I think most Americans would agree with that. But it is only a start. We should now work together across party lines to bring down our long- term debt in a responsible way that protects middle-income families and, of course, as well the most vulnerable in society. We do have substantial cuts in this bill today. In fact, there are record cuts for what we know as discretionary funding. At the same time, though, we have to get down to the more difficult business of reducing deficit and debt and that work is ahead of us. As we do that, we have to make sure we are protecting middle-income families and those who are vulnerable. This is a good start, but we should remember what families are going through right now, families all across the country, where one member of that family--sometimes more--has lost their job. In Pennsylvania, for example, we have over 500,000 people out of work. Fortunately, that number has come down since last summer. Last summer, it was approaching 600,000; now it is about 511,000. But we need to bring that number down. As families are making decisions, they have to make some difficult choices, especially those who lost a job, a home or sometimes both but even families who are not living through the horrific crisis of unemployment and joblessness, even families where one or two members of that family are working. Those families, as well, have to make difficult choices. That is the way we should approach this, as a family or at least to do our best to imitate what families have to do every day of the week and to make those difficult choices. We are facing a deficit and debt set of facts and a challenge we have never faced in the Nation's history, and we have to be responsive to that. I spent a decade in State government in Pennsylvania as the auditor general of the State and, in the last 2 years in that decade, as treasurer. I know a lot about cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, how to identify it, how to cut it out, and how to make change. That is why I was so heartened by what I saw in a GAO report last month. On March 1, the GAO released a report entitled ``Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue.'' It should serve as one measure, but it should serve as a how-to guide to reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in government. It is all there. Here are some of the highlights. The report identified numerous areas of the Federal budget where unnecessary duplication, overlap or fragmentation exist. By some estimates, addressing these redundancies could save more than $100 billion and potentially as much as $200 billion. It is not going to reduce the deficit by as much as we need to reduce it, but that, as well, is a very good start, a good place to look. We need to take a hard look at reports such as that and take action. I voted to support an amendment last week that would require the Office of Management and Budget to immediately cut at least $5 billion in wasteful and duplicative spending in government programs. I was happy to see that pass the Senate. This is another step, a first step, and a good start, in addition to what we are doing today by cutting almost $40 billion. But we have to cut spending in a way that is smart. We have to cut spending in a way that is smart enough to realize that those decisions have to contribute to economic growth to keep the economy in a State such as Pennsylvania and a country such as America growing. We have to continue to grow as we cut, and we have to continue to create jobs as we cut. We cannot do one and not the other. The Federal budget should also reflect not just our national priorities but our values as well. This holds true in the budget we are about to debate, the 2012 budget. Unfortunately, what Republican Members in the House have proposed for the upcoming fiscal year puts the entire burden of reducing the deficit on older citizens, students, and middle-income families. That does not sound like a family to me. That does not sound like working together, coming together on a plan, everyone trying to sacrifice, everyone trying to pitch in. It sounds as if we are placing the burden on members of the family who should not bear the whole burden. The Republican plan would end Medicare as we know it. It is as simple as that. It would end Medicare as we know it. In Pennsylvania, that means 2.2 million people who are Medicare beneficiaries would be directly and adversely impacted. These are not just numbers and statistics. It happens to be 2.2 million people. But who are they? They are people who fought our wars. They are people who worked in our factories. They are people who built this economy over many generations. They are people who took care of our children, taught our children, cared for our children. These are people who gave all of us life and love, and we are going to come in with a Medicare scheme to just put the burden on them and say we have done deficit reduction? I do not think that is what a family does, and I do not think that is what America has done or will ever do. We worked hard to reduce out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries under the affordable care act. The Republican House plan will double-- double--out-of-pocket expenses, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Republican plan does nothing to reduce health costs or reform the health care delivery system. It does nothing at all to do that. What it does is shift costs to older citizens and people with disabilities. The GOP plan in the House targets health care spending. Here is what it does: It cuts over $770 billion out of Medicaid by converting it to a block grant program. What does that mean? It means that those who are supposed to be able to rely on the good services provided in Medicaid have to shoulder the burden. Medicaid provides health care to the most vulnerable people in our society. Older citizens living in nursing homes, in many instances, millions of them rely on Medicaid, not always just Medicare. Children, tens of millions--I think the number right now is about 27 million to be exact--27 million people rely on Medicaid and people with disabilities. As we look to reform our budget and to reduce the deficit and debt as we must, we should not take steps that will harm children by some of the proposals we see for Medicaid. About one-third of rural children in America are beneficiaries of Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. We should remember that when we are thinking about what Medicaid is. By every measure, Medicaid is both cost-effective and an essential lifeline for our children. Many people know about the early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment provisions within Medicaid. It is the gold standard for how poor children get their health care. Thank goodness, we have had that in place all these decades. But we have people now who want to eliminate that basic gold standard in health care. We have a long way to go. We have a lot of work to do. We have much work to do on the deficit and debt, and we have to get to that. We still have to reduce spending. We did reduce it by a record amount in the bill we are voting on today. But as we do this, just as families have to come together and share burdens and cut costs, we have to remember our approach should be similar to any American family. Unfortunately, there are some people around here who do not seem to understand that, that we need to approach this as a family approaches it and not place all the burden on the vulnerable--on children, older citizens, and those who sometimes do not have a voice in Washington. I yield the floor.

Mr. CASEY

Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to the Eat'n Park Hospitality Group upon receiving the prestigious 2011 Restaurant Neighbor Award from the National Restaurant Association. Every year, the National Restaurant Association honors restaurant companies that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities through philanthropy and service. This year, Eat'n Park has been deservedly recognized for their charitable efforts on behalf of local children's hospitals. Eat'n Park restaurants have been a staple in my home State of Pennsylvania for over 50 years. From their humble beginnings as a single carhop restaurant in Pittsburgh, the Eat'n Park chain has grown to include 76 restaurants throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, employing over 8,000 hardworking people, many of whom are my constituents. Over the past six decades, their delicious food and friendly service have soothed many a weary traveler along the Pennsylvania turnpike; and today, their iconic Smiley Cookies can be found in my front office every Wednesday, a welcome offering from home for visiting Pennsylvanians. Eat'n Park does more than provide an endless supply of delicious Smiley Cookies for my constituents, however. More importantly, they have made taking care of their community the centerpiece of their corporate culture through philanthropy and service. Since 1979, Eat'n Park has raised more than $7.5 million through their annual Caring for Kids Campaign, which benefits local children's hospitals in the tristate area. In 2010, the 32nd Annual Caring for Kids Campaign raised $341,365 for 13 area children's hospitals. This money is used for everything from pre- and neo-natal care, toys and events for the sick children and, in some cases, even a fund for families who would otherwise be unable to afford to stay in the area during their child's treatment. These charitable efforts have allowed Eat'n Park to touch thousands of lives, and make a positive impact on children and families, throughout Pennsylvania through more than just their food. It is hard to imagine an organization enjoying such remarkable and sustained philanthropic success without the hard work and dedication of the individuals it employs. Eat'n Park is a case in point. While it would be impossible to detail the individual contributions of the more than 8,000 members of the Eat'n Park family, today I would like to specifically recognize two important contributors to this year's Caring for Kids Campaign: Linda Mayou and Gloria Rack. Linda Mayou has been a team member of the Monogahela Eat'n Park for 24 years, and has been Chairwoman of the Monogahela Caring for Kids Campaign for the past nineteen. Under Linda's leadership the Monogahela Eat'n Park has reigned as the top fundraising restaurant in the chain for the past 13 years, alone raising more than $400,000 for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Gloria Rack has been part of the Eat'n Park team for an impressive 41 years and has been an important part of the Caring for Kids Campaign since its inception. Currently a server at the Library Road restaurant, she is Eat'n Park's all-time Top Car Raffle Ticket Seller, having individually sold an estimated 30,000 car raffle tickets, raising $60,000 for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Linda and Gloria's accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout their careers to Eat'n Park's philanthropic efforts. Again, I congratulate Eat'n Park Hospitality Group on receiving this award. Their commitment to local communities truly serves as an exemplary model for all Pennsylvanians. I applaud their efforts and wish them another six decades of continued success in all their endeavors.