Tom Daschle

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I am primarily interested in when the votes take place and also accommodating some Senators who want to be heard on minimum wage who will not be here on Monday. And if it were possible to accommodate them, to allow for additional comments on Tuesday morning, it would be very helpful.

Mr. DASCHLE. I thank the majority leader.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me just commend the distinguished majority leader. Like him, I was not very optimistic we would be able to get to this point. But I think it, again, demonstrates the interest on both sides in working together to accomplish a number of major legislative achievements this year, and this is a good one. This is an important issue. It is a bill that we needed to get done. The administration is very much in keeping with our desire to see the completion of this legislation in the nearest possible time. We have appropriations bills when we get back. I look forward to using the same approach as we try to address those as well. It will be my hope that during the month of July, we can do on appropriations what we have just done on this authorization bill.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask the majority leader, subject to an earlier discussion we had, for the interest of Senators, if we might be able to announce that the minimum wage vote would occur after the caucuses on Tuesday, and that debate on minimum wage take place that morning to accommodate traveling Senators and the debate on the issue, and then if there are votes, for them to be stacked at that point, 2:15, we would be happy to do that.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, regrettably, we are not going to be able to confirm a number of judges that I had hoped would be confirmed this afternoon. We were presented with a list of 10. Somebody on the other side objected to one of those 10. But hours after our last vote, after everybody had left and were on airplanes and in places where they could not be contacted, we were not in the position to be able to contact a number of Senators who also had judges. There are 23 judges that are currently on the calendar; 23 nominations. There are 68 vacancies. Not one judge has been confirmed in this session of Congress--not one. This to our knowledge is unprecedented. So late in the day, after we cooperated all day long--yesterday, today--working as diligently as we could to accommodate the other side in getting the legislation to the point where we were able to call now for third reading and then a final vote next week, we find that on our list of judges to be considered we could not even get up 10--not 10 out of the 23. Those nine we did call up were given to us about an hour ago, after everybody was gone. Mr. President, I have to say this is increasingly a matter that is of great concern to our colleagues and will be a factor in our cooperation as we consider other issues in the coming weeks. We have to resolve this matter. It is just unacceptable that that number of judges would not be given their opportunity to be considered. Careers, families, futures are all at stake here. They are all on the line. It is one thing to deal with a bill--I understand that--but to deal with somebody's life, to deal with somebody's future and career and to deal with it so cavalierly is unacceptable. So we are going to have to deal with this when we get back, and I must say it is going to be a long, hot summer if we cannot deal with it more successfully than we have so far. I am disappointed, very disappointed that we could not even do those 23 on the calendar today. But I look forward to working with the majority leader with an expectation we will when we get back. I yield the floor.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I object.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, today I offer my congratulations to the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, the oldest daily newspaper in South Dakota. For the last 135 years, Press & Dakotan has served the public interest by providing reliable local news to the residents of southeastern South Dakota. When the Press & Dakotan was founded in the Missouri River community of Yankton in 1861, the Dakota Territory was barely organized. Moving west, many early pioneers settled near the River and the Press & Dakotan, then known as the Weekly Dakotian, was there to serve them. Over the years, the Press & Dakotan has recorded great national events from the end of the Civil War to the launch of the Space Shuttle. It has kept its readers informed with firsthand accounts of the Indian wars of the 1870's, the Depression of the 1930's, and the astounding economic growth experienced by Yankton throughout the 1990's. Fifteen other newspapers have come and gone in Yankton since 1861, but the Press & Dakotan has always been present to witness and record South Dakota's history. By persevering, it has etched out a tiny piece of history for itself. South Dakotans depend on their hometown newspapers to provide updated local information. The residents of Yankton are no exception. The Press & Dakotan has a proven track record as a constant and reliable source for local information and it has served its community well. It has exhibited a remarkable ability to change with the times and is poised for new growth and development in the 21st century. Once again, I applaud the Press & Dakotan for the hard work and commitment it took to reach this important milestone. I know the next 135 years will be just as successful.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, two days ago a truck bomb exploded near a U.S. military housing complex outside of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Nineteen Americans were killed and 64 were seriously injured in a devastating blast that left a crater some 35 feet deep and over 80 feet across. I want to express my deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones in the attack and my best wishes for a quick and complete recovery to those who were injured. I know I speak for the entire Senate when I say that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. The truck bombing in Dhahran underscores the fact that U.S. servicemembers often perform their missions at great personal risk. Like those U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in the Persian Gulf war and the 241 Marines who were killed in a suicide bombing in Lebanon in 1983, the members of the Air Force's 4404th Air Wing sacrificed their lives to protect our vital national interests. We should pause for a moment to reflect on the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of all the men and women who have served--and those who continue to serve--in our nation's military. The Air Force's 4404th Air Wing has done a remarkable job in keeping Iraq in check and enforcing the no-fly zone over Southern Iraq. Air Force personnel--in conjunction with United States Army troops and military personnel from Britain, France and Saudi Arabia --have played an important role in preventing war from returning to the Persian Gulf. Unfortunately, some terrorists object to our presence in Saudi Arabia and our commitment to protect vital United States interests in the Persian Gulf. In November of last year, a car bomb destroyed a building in Riyadh, killing five Americans and two Indians. Those responsible for that earlier bombing were apprehended and recently punished. As the intense investigation continues into the truck bombing, we may learn that the terrorist attack in Dhahran occurred in retaliation for those executions and continued United States presence in Saudi Arabia. The identities of the terrorists are still unknown, and the motives for the attack are still unclear. It is certain, however, that the attack will not deter the United States from maintaining our alliance with Saudi Arabia, our commitment to contain Iraq's aggression, or our effort to preserve the peace in this troubled region. It should be equally clear that those who carried out the attack in Dhahran must be arrested, charged and punished for their cowardly act. We simply cannot and will not allow terrorism against Americans to go unchecked. Whether it occurs in Oklahoma City or Dhahran, terrorist acts against U.S. citizens will not be tolerated. As President Clinton said, ``America takes care of our own. Those who did it must not go unpunished.'' President Clinton has rightfully dispatched more than 40 FBI agents and a number of U.S. intelligence officials to help the Saudi government investigate the matter. In addition, the fight against terrorism is the President's top priority at the G-7 summit in Lyon, France. Moreover, Secretary of State Warren Christopher recently arrived in Dhahran to visit the bomb site and U.S. servicemembers stationed in Saudi Arabia. Madam President, the distinguished Majority Leader, Senator Helms, Senator Pell and I have submitted a resolution condemning the terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia. It expresses heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed or wounded in Dhahran. In addition, it expresses the Sense of the Senate that the United States Government should devote all resources necessary to apprehend and punish those responsible for the despicable bombing in Saudi Arabia. It also states that this terrorist act will not affect U.S. determination to protect our vital national security interests in the Persian Gulf. This resolution is supported by the administration and the distinguished Majority Leader, as well as the Chairman and the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee. The Senate should show its unanimous support for it.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I join with my fellow Senators today in condemning the rash of church burnings that has plagued our Nation in recent years. Since 1991, we have seen over 150 fires at houses of worship serving people of all races and faiths. In the past 18 months more than 35 African-American churches have been burned to the ground. These churches and temples are the heart and soul of the communities they serve, and their destruction represents an egregious act of hatred against these worshippers. As a nation, we cannot stand idly by and allow Americans to be denied their fundamental right to the free exercise of their religion, nor can we tolerate racial hatred and religious intolerance. I am proud that President Clinton has spoken out so forcefully against these heinous acts and hopeful that his commitment of all possible Federal resources to the investigation and prosecution of these crimes will bring an end to this national tragedy. The President has offered both moral leadership and the full power available to him as the chief executive in the fight to bring these criminals to justice, and I commend him for his actions. I am also heartened by the fact that the legislative effort has been a bipartisan one. Here in the Senate, my colleagues Senator Kennedy and Senator Faircloth have jointly introduced legislation that will aid the President and Federal law enforcement officers in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes. In the House, Representatives Hyde and Conyers have shown similar leadership. I am confident we can enact this legislation expeditiously, and I urge our Federal law enforcement officers to use these new tools to pursue the investigation of these fires with swiftness but also with respect and sensitivity for the congregations affected by the violence. While legislative responses will help solve the crimes that have already occurred and convict the perpetrators, the prevention of further destructive acts requires the moral force of our Nation. It is only through the expression of our deep outrage at racial hatred and religious intolerance that we as a society demonstrate that such beliefs and actions have no place in America. We must stand together to reject this attack on our fundamental principles. I am confident that we will do so and that we will continue in our progress toward a more just society. With that, I yield the floor. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Exon be added as a cosponsor to the amendment.

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

Mr. DASCHLE. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today the President of the Senate, the Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, Jr., issued a statement commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. His statement is fitting, not only because of the unparalleled significance the Interstate Highway System holds for every American, but also because of the key role in the development of that system played by the Vice President's father, Al Gore, Sr. I ask unanimous consent that the Vice President's statement be printed in the Record and commend it to my colleagues' and the public's attention.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me associate myself with the remarks of the distinguished majority leader. A lot of work has gone into the negotiations on this compromise proposal now for the last several weeks. I appreciate his willingness to work with us to achieve this agreement today. We will have an up-or-down vote as we have requested on minimum wage on July 9. I appreciate very much his willingness to work with us to achieve that. This effort would not have been successful were it not for the distinguished ranking member of the Labor Committee. He has been stalwart in the effort to find a way to ensure that we have this opportunity. I applaud and thank Senator Kennedy for his contribution to these negotiations and his arduous work in making sure that we have been successful this afternoon. As the distinguished majority leader said, this allows us to move the process forward. We will have a series of votes and an opportunity to vote on relevant amendments. That was key during these negotiations-- relevant amendments during the consideration of these bills. Once that has been achieved we will go to conference. I am very hopeful, very desirous, and fully confident that we can resolve these matters with the House in conference sometime during the month of July--sooner rather than later. It is my expectation they will be resolved successfully in a form that will allow us to bring back a conference report that is acceptable to the Democrats and that the President can sign. I will work with the majority leader to ensure that that happens. My colleagues have my commitment that I will make every effort to see that that happens in the next several weeks. As the distinguished majority leader also mentioned, the health bill is not part of this package. It was our hope that we could resolve the differences with regard to health as well. But we will work on that next. It is not our desire to offer the health bill as an amendment today to the defense bill. I hope that at some point in the next 24 hours, the majority leader and Senator Kennedy and I can sit down to work on that, as we worked on minimum wage, to see if we can find a way to resolve the impasse and leave with the week intact and with the confidence of knowing we can resolve health, as now we have been able to resolve the matter of the minimum wage, in an acceptable manner procedurally at least. So, again, I thank very much all of those who were involved in this negotiation. I am hopeful that we can now look with some promise, some confidence to this issue being resolved in a successful way in the very near future. I yield the floor. Mr. KENNEDY addressed the Chair.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill is not a perfect bill. But it is a good bill. More important, it provides a good start on what ought to be one of our top priorities: loosening the grip of big-money special interests on politics. I will vote for cloture not because I think this bill cannot be improved--it can--but because we must change the way campaigns are financed, and this is, for now, the only means we have to make that change. There are those who say they oppose cloture because they want to be able to amend this bill and improve it. But let no one in this Chamber be fooled: a vote against cloture is a vote to kill campaign finance reform. We know that because the leading opponent of this bill has told us he intends to filibuster this bill and kill it if we give him the chance. To block reform with calls for debate is more than cynical. It is dangerous. A while back, the Kettering Institute conducted a survey of Americans' attitudes about the influence of money on politics. The survey found a widespread belief that ``campaign contributions determine more than voting, so why bother?'' It described ``a political system that is perceived of as so autonomous that the public is no longer able to control or direct it.'' ``People talk about government,'' the study said, ``as if it has been taken over by alien beings.'' We will never restore faith in government if people believe the political system is rigged against them, if they believe it serves the wealthy, the powerful, and the politically connected at their expense. The McCain-Feingold proposal, as I have said, is not perfect. For instance, I believe we should encourage participation in our political process by individuals who get together not because they have some narrow economic interest in a particular bill but because they have a broad interest in the direction of government. That is exactly the kind of grassroots participation that groups like EMILY'S List and, yes, WISH List, encourage. Yet this bill would ban such participation. In my opinion, that is a serious flaw. But this bill does fix some of what is most broken about the current campaign finance system. It sets reasonable spending limits. It makes political campaigns more competitive for challengers. And it sets reasonable limits on the influence of PAC's. This is not an attempt by one party to rewrite the rules to its own advantage. This is a bipartisan effort that will be good for both our parties, and for our Nation. I want to thank Senators McCain and Feingold for their leadership in getting us to this point against what must have seemed at times very long odds. I will vote for cloture because I believe it is wrong if another Congress comes and goes and does nothing about campaign finance reform. Talk may be cheap. But when endless talk is used to block action on campaign finance reform, it becomes terribly expensive because special interests are able to undermine efforts to solve the problems that matter most to America's families. A while back, the Speaker of the House said, and I quote--``One of the big myths in modern politics is that campaigns are too expensive. The political process is not overfunded; it is underfunded.'' Mr. President, the American people do not agree. A poll conducted earlier this year by a Republican and a Democratic pollster asked people whether they agreed that ``those who make large campaign contributions get special favors from politicians.'' Sixty-eight percent said yes, they agreed, and they said they were deeply troubled by it. So the need for campaign finance reform will not go away, even if, for some reason, campaign finance reform is not enacted in this Congress. Ultimately, we must change the rules. We must lessen the influence of money on politics. I urge my colleagues to join me in beginning that change by voting now to bring this reasonable, modest proposal forward for a vote. Mr. LOTT addressed the Chair.

Mr. DASCHLE

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

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. We will work with the majority leader to see if that can be accommodated, and we can lock that in perhaps tomorrow morning.

Mr. DASCHLE. Will the majority leader yield?

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I know we have had the opportunity to discuss what will happen after the Federal Reserve debate is completed and the votes are taken at 2:15. We have been in consultation, and it is my understanding the Senator from Arkansas has been able to work out an agreement with the Senator from Utah with regard to his amendment. I think they have also agreed to a time limit within which that amendment can be taken up. Is the majority leader at this time ready to enter into an agreement on that, or do we need to continue some consultation?

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to take this time to congratulate the staff of the Good Samaritan Center as they celebrate 50 years of service to the Tyndall community. The center has provided quality care to senior citizens in the Tyndall area, and its management and staff are to be commended for their hard work and dedication. During my travels throughout South Dakota, I am continually reminded of the importance of health care institutions in our rural communities. They provide important services to local residents and help preserve our tight-knit communities. The Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall is one of those institutions, and it gives me great pride to be able to point to such an exemplary South Dakota facility. For half a century, the center has been an integral part of the Tyndall community, serving the elderly with respect and compassion. Most importantly, the Good Samaritan Center ensures that its residents can continue to live close to their friends and loved ones, and in the towns in which many of them have spent their entire lives. The center can be very proud of its role in the Tyndall community. Once again, I applaud the management and staff of the Good Samaritan Center on this important milestone. I know their next 50 years will be just as successful and rewarding.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, during the April recess, the Senator from Utah [Mr. Hatch], the Senator from Nevada [Mr. Reid], and I traveled to Bosnia and other countries of the former Yugoslavia as well as Albania and Hungary to monitor developments related to implementation of the Dayton peace accord and to visit United States troops stationed in Bosnia and the surrounding area. We have prepared a report of our trip and submit it for our colleagues' and the public's consideration. It should be noted that the situation in Bosnia is constantly evolving and that the report reflects our findings based on developments through the period of our visit, which ended on April 12, 1996. I ask unanimous consent that the full report be printed in the Record.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, my heart goes out to the victims of the recent rash of church burnings. Like so many Americans, I have watched with great dismay and real sadness as one after another African- American house of worship has gone up in flames. There have been at least 35 fires of suspicious origin at these churches in the last 18 months. As a nation, we will not tolerate this attack on African- Americans and their right to exercise their religion freely and in peace. I know that the vast majority of Americans joins with us today in condemning these acts of destruction and recognizing that we cannot allow a small number of hate-filled people to derail the progress we have made toward ending racial discrimination and intolerance. We have seen in recent years the destruction of well over 100 houses of worship serving people of different faiths and different races. This resolution rightfully condems all those acts of destruction and desecration. The burning of these churches--which constitute the heart and soul of the communities they serve--is a national tragedy that requires a strong and swift response. I commend President Clinton both for his moral leadership on this issue and his commitment of all possible Federal resources to the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of these vicious crimes. I hope we will be able to help these Federal law enforcement efforts by passing legislation introduced by Senators Kennedy and Faircloth that gives Federal officials more tools to fight these terrible acts. Bringing these arsonists to justice must be one of our highest national priorities.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration has submitted its final report to Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. The committee has been investigating the relationship between concentration in the livestock processing and packing industry and the record low prices in the cattle market. It did a tremendous job identifying the problems facing our Nation's livestock producers, and its recommendations have been widely praised within the agricultural community. The success of the advisory committee was in no small measure attributable to its membership. The panel consisted of 21 individuals from across the country who represent a cross section of the livestock industry. It included farmers, ranchers, meat packers, processors, poultry growers, retailers, and economists. While all committee members should be commended for their determination to get to the bottom of the livestock concentration issue, I want to single out for special mention the two members from South Dakota: Herman Schumacher and Tyrone Moos. Herman Schumacher, who served as vice-chair of the advisory committee, lives in Herried, SD. He owns and operates the Herried Livestock Auction, is past president of the South Dakota Livestock Auction Markets Association, and is part owner of a cattle feedlot. Without question, Herman is one of the most tenacious and persuasive advocates for cattle producers I have ever met. He understands American agriculture and never stops looking for ways to address problems facing farmers and ranchers. Herman's expertise and leadership were instrumental to the development of the committee's consensus findings and recommendations. In addition, he helped craft additional minority views that are more prescriptive than the consensus views in outlining responses to problems identified in the report. Tyrone Moos is a grain and livestock producer from Philip, SD, who also serves as director of the Harvest States Cooperative. Tyrone's expertise in both grain and livestock issues were invaluable to the committee's deliberations. One focus of the committee's review was the impact of concentration in the agricultural transportation industry. The century-old problem of insufficient access to rail cars contributes to the determination of the final price a producer receives for his or her commodities, and Tyrone's experience helped shape the committee's findings in this area. Additionally, Tyrone's influence was evident in the tone and substance of the final recommendations for both the consensus and minority views sections of the report. When Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman called to solicit Herman's and Tyrone's service on this important committee, it would have been easy for them to decline the invitation. The commitment and sacrifice asked of them was significant. The Department of Agriculture did not offer compensation, not even for travel expenses. But it did ask for a significant commitment of time. Herman, Tyrone and their colleagues served countless hours on the panel's work--time that could have been spent looking after their own business interests or with their families. The advisory committee's inquiry directed needed attention to the serious problem of stagnating cattle prices, provided insights on the nature of that problem and offered recommendations for what might be done about it. Farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and elsewhere should be thankful for that effort. The work of the Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration is done. It is now up to our Nation's policymakers to evaluate the panel's findings and act on its recommendations. I look forward to taking the baton passed on by Herman Schumacher and Tyrone Moos, and I thank them for pointing the way to a solution to the problem of concentration in agriculture.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today the Senate bids farewell to a group of young men and women who have served as U.S. Senate pages for the spring semester. These young people have been witnesses to vigorous debates on a number of issues of national significance--truly spirited debates. Just this past week, they watched as Senate Dole gave his final speech as a U.S. Senator. We in the Senate appreciate all that they did to serve the needs of this body--and those needs were many. The Senate pages serve a very valuable and important role in the day-to-day workings of the Senate, and we very much thank them for their work. As these young people return to their respective communities, it is my hope that they will take with them a better understanding of how this Government works, and understand the necessity of working together to achieve a common goal. Perhaps someday, one or more of them will return as Members of the U.S. Senate. To the pages, on behalf of myself, the majority leader and all Members of the Senate, we wish you well, good luck in the years ahead, and we say thank you. I ask unanimous consent that a list of the names of the pages of the spring class of 1996 be printed in the Record.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I want to talk briefly about the tireless efforts being undertaken by a local nonprofit organization in South Dakota to improve the severe economic conditions on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Over the years, numerous national press articles have documented the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as one of the most impoverished areas in the country. The arid nature of the land lends little to farming and ranching. Banks, department stores, paved roads, and even safe drinking water are not to be taken for granted. Even amidst the stark majesty of its landscape, the vibrant tourism industry of western South Dakota remains a whisper of promise. Quite simply, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the basic economic infrastructure that we all take for granted, struggles to exist. Ten years ago, a group of Pine Ridge residents, dedicated to improving their local economy, created a peer lending program called the Lakota Fund. After forming partnerships with private foundations and Federal agencies for seed money, this unique program began processing loans for economic enterprise on the reservation. It mandated enrollment in financial and business training courses and required groups of loan recipients to cosign for each others' loans. This unique lending approach, emphasizing trust over credit, created a strong sense of teamwork in the area that has enabled many budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. Before participating in the program, one young woman was unable to fulfill her dream of buying a house for her family. However, after successfully starting her own business and repaying her loan to the Lakota Fund, she was able to purchase a home, thanks to the establishment of a good credit record. There are many more individual success stories, but the true success of the Lakota Fund has transcended the accomplishments of any one individual. It has affected the entire community. Over the years, the Lakota Fund has loaned nearly $1 million to over 250 small business men and women. Of these loans, less than 10 percent have failed. When the Lakota Fund began 10 years ago, the town of Kyle had only one grocery store and one convenience store. Today, with the Lakota Fund's help, Kyle is home to a cafe, two video rental stores, a flower shop, a tire repair shop, and a multitude of other businesses. These ongoing success stories are testament to the vision of the Lakota Fund's creators and staff. They knew that as each new business would bring new jobs, so would each new job sustain and improve the hope for financial independence. I have learned a great deal from the Lakota Fund's success. It has strengthened my belief that economies are built through partnerships. It has proven that Federal agencies such as the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration can work together with community leaders to provide the financial support needed to make sound investments in local economies. And it has clearly demonstrated the important roles that exist for private foundations in supporting new business ventures. But most importantly, these efforts are shining examples that successful change can begin at the local level, that good things can be done when people work together, and that dreams can be reached where hope is allowed to grow. Mr. President, on June 20 of this year, the Lakota Fund will celebrate the ribbon cutting of their new foundation headquarters. This building, which was constructed through financial partnerships with the Economic Development Administration, Norwest Bank, and other notable private organizations, will house the offices of the Lakota Fund and will provide retail space for existing clients as well as training facilities for new loan applicants. This day will also celebrate the opening of the Tribal Business Information Center, a joint Small Business Administration venture that will work with the Lakota Fund to assist in the further development of the local economy. I would like to recognize the efforts of the Lakota Fund's staff for the hard work and commitment that was necessary to see these two projects through to fruition. In particular, I would like to personally honor the hard work and dedication of Elsie Meeks. As the former executive director of the Lakota Fund, Elsie has long been an impassioned voice for economic development in the Pine Ridge community. Her foresight and determination have made the Lakota Fund a national example of how trust among people can affect positive economic change. Still, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize that much more work needs to be done. The success of the Lakota Fund and the creation of the Tribal Business Information Center are but two small steps on a much longer journey to sustained economic growth on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Under the local guidance of organizations such as the Lakota Fund, I am confident we can continue to maximize our resources and forge stronger relationships between the public and private sector. And, with responsible leadership in Congress, we can reward the priorities of economic growth by emphasizing Federal programs that promote partnership and local control.