Tom Daschle

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I add my heartfelt congratulations, as well, as we celebrate this special moment in the distinguished career of our friend and colleague, Senator Domenici. It was Teddy Roosevelt who once said: Life has no blessing like that of the ability to work hard at work worth doing. No one knows that better than Senator Domenici. He has worked hard at work worth doing now for all of these years. I remember I was a young staff person in 1973, and he was a newly elected Senator from New Mexico, formerly the mayor of Albuquerque. Even back then many of us recognized--because of his intelligence, his good will, and the way he was able to demonstrate his ability to work across the aisle--that we would have the good fortune to work with him for a long, long time. He has now cast more votes than 1,877 of our colleagues, including most of us on the Senate floor. As we mark this occasion--knowing he has many more years to go, knowing he has many more thresholds to break--we congratulate him, we wish him good fortune, and we recognize this extraordinary achievement today. I yield the floor and, again, congratulate him heartily.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, we have three Senators who are seeking recognition to offer amendments. Senator Dorgan has an amendment that will take 10 minutes; Senator Harkin, 10 minutes; and Senator Durbin, 5 minutes. They will all ask for a voice vote on their amendments. Following that, we will be ready to go to final passage.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I think the Senator from West Virginia requested 20 minutes and I ask the unanimous consent request be modified to accommodate Senator Byrd's request.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I know we are about to vote. Prior to the time we cast our vote, I wanted to make some final comments on this bill. We have been debating this issue now for several months. Above and beyond anything else, economists from virtually all philosophical backgrounds have urged us to be responsible. They have said if you are going to do anything regarding fiscal policy, make sure you do not make the problem worse. They advised us to be immediate, make sure we have the greatest impact immediately. Finally, they said whatever you do, make sure you attempt to be effective. There are a lot of ways to cut taxes. Some are effective in stimulating the economy and others are not. I firmly believe this bill fails on all counts. What is more remarkable is that this bill represents, in my view, a strategy that was employed just 2 years ago, with disastrous results. In the name of economic stimulus, the administration demanded that we pass a tax bill to stimulate jobs 2 years ago, and the result, of course, is now obvious to us all: 2.7 million jobs have been lost since 2001. Economy.com, one of the prestigious analytical firms that has looked at this bill, predicts this bill might create 600,000 jobs for 2004, but then, according to Economy.com, we could see the loss of 750,000 jobs as a result of the passage of this bill during the next 9 years. Not only is this bill grossly ineffective, I believe it is irresponsible, unfair, and duplicitous. First, it is irresponsible because the money for this plan comes directly from Social Security. How many businesses would borrow from pension funds to pay a dividend? Yet that is exactly what this bill does. It borrows the money to pay out tax cuts in large measure just as pension funds would be borrowed to pay a dividend. It is irresponsible because we are cutting taxes by approximately $800 billion, if there were no sunset, with a $400 billion deficit this year. It is irresponsible because just as we pass this bill, we will be asked to vote on a debt limit increase of $984 billion sometime later today. It is irresponsible because this tax cut means less investment in education, less investment in homeland security, less investment in prescription drug coverage. Second, this bill is remarkably unfair. It is steeply tilted against the middle class and toward the elite few but provides little or no benefit to the vast majority of Americans. A typical South Dakotan, according to all the analyses I have seen, would receive less than $100 when this bill passes. Finally, this bill is duplicitous. The gimmickry in this bill has enough sleight-of-hand budget tricks to make an Enron accountant blush. Economists say the now-you-see-it, now-you-don't kind of tax cut is the worst kind. What they want is stability. What they want is certainty. What they want is an absolute assurance that they are not going to see changes year in and year out with the Tax Code. That is exactly what this Tax Code does. I believe our colleagues did the tax equivalent of a triple back flip off the high dive and they belly-flopped. It is a belly flop we will all feel. Americans have said in poll after poll we ought to be very careful about passing tax breaks if it means cutting Medicare; that they oppose new tax breaks if it means cutting Social Security; that we ought not have new tax breaks if it means cutting homeland security; that we should not see new tax breaks if it means cutting education. This bill turns its back on the American people. That is why I will vote no. I yield the floor.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. I have an amendment at the desk. I ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DASCHLE. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. DASCHLE. I ask unanimous consent that there be a 10-minute timeframe, equally divided, with no second-degree amendments.

Mr. DASCHLE. I asked first that the amendment be considered as read.

Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, we all understand how critical the Social Security Program is to senior citizens. It is now estimated that 48 percent of all seniors today would live in poverty were it not for Social Security. It is a critical program for all of us and for our parents. It is a program of extraordinary import to people in rural and urban areas alike. Obviously, over the course of the years, the Social Security Administration has seen fit to offer cost-of-living adjustments in order to ensure that the purchasing power of our seniors is not eroded. Every year, that cost-of-living adjustment is based on the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, that index has been very low. As a matter of fact, in 2003 the cost-of-living allowance provided only a 1.4 percent increase in Social Security benefits. That amounts to an average monthly benefit of about $13, from $882 to $895. The growth in the Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs for retired individuals on fixed incomes far exceeded that meager cost- of-living adjustment. So we find ourselves in a situation where a number of our colleagues have suggested that perhaps one way to deal with what they call Social Security reform is to reduce the cost-of-living adjustment; in fact, in some cases to eliminate the cost-of-living adjustment. That is the purpose of this amendment. As we consider increasing the debt limit by $894 billion, as we consider all of the different approaches to how we are going to reduce that debt, there is a growing number of those who are suggesting that perhaps one way to do it is to limit benefits under the Social Security Administration. This amendment simply says, as we consider all of the options, let us at least agree on one thing. Let us at least agree that we are not going to touch the cost-of-living allowance for seniors when that allowance is only $13, on average, if we look at the last couple of years. It is a simple amendment. It is a reaffirmation, however, of the importance of Social Security, our affirmation of the importance of maintaining the Social Security purchasing power, our affirmation of the importance of a cost-of-living adjustment. That is all it is. Certainly it is directly relevant as we consider the implications of raising the debt limit by some $894 billion. I hope we can get unanimous support for an amendment of this kind, and I yield the floor and yield such time as the Senator from California may require--I yield the floor and, since we are not working under a time agreement, I recognize I cannot yield the floor for a certain time so I just yield the floor.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, our Nation's Air Force will soon lose one of its exceptional leaders, MG Leroy Barnidge, Jr., who is retiring in the next few weeks after 32 years of outstanding service to this country. Many in Congress have become acquainted with General Barnidge due to his service since 2001 as director of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison. I have had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Leroy much longer, due to his two tours of duty at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the last as base commander from August 1995 to February 1997. There is no finer gentleman, nor one with a better sense of humor or more likable personality than Leroy Barnidge. As commander of the largest military installation in South Dakota, Leroy impressed me with his candor, his integrity, and his competence. Knowing and working with him has always been a joy, and Leroy will be missed not only in the Air Force but also by many of us in the Congress. General Barnidge began his Air Force service as I did, through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and was commissioned as an officer in 1971. Since then, he has held a variety of operations and maintenance assignments, including major command and joint staff billets. He is experienced in aircrew operations, flight line maintenance and combat support activities. The general has also performed major command staff and executive support functions, as well as duties as a force planner and division chief in the joint staff. He has commanded a combat crew training squadron, a logistics group, an operations group, a B-1B bomb wing at Ellsworth, and the B-2 wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. General Barnidge also completed the program for senior officials in national security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and Seminar XXI, Foreign Political and International Relations, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received special recognition in 1999 as the winner of the Air Combat Command Moller Trophy, recognizing him as the best among all 28 wing commanders. General Barnidge has amassed over 2,900 hours in the T-37, T-38, OV-10, B-52G, B-1B, and B-2 aircraft. In his years of working with the Congress, General Barnidge provided a clear and credible voice for the Air Force, consistently providing accurate, concise and timely information. HIs integrity, professionalism, and expertise enabled him to develop and maintain an exceptional rapport between the Air Force and the Congress. On behalf of the Congress and the country, I thank General Barnidge, his wife Sandy, and his entire family for their commitment and many sacrifices. Sandy always went out of her way to make my staff and me feel welcome, and I know she, too, has done much for the Air Force and her country during the past 32 years. Thanks to both of you for a job well done. On behalf of a grateful nation, we wish you all the best during your retirement.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the Senate will soon adopt a new national Defense authorization bill. I commend Senators Warner and Levin, the distinguished managers of this bill, for their excellent work. They have worked well together on an important piece of legislation. This crucial legislation, the fiscal year 2004 National Defense authorization bill, provides funds for our troops, their training, and their equipment. Coming as it does on the heels of the end of the fighting in Iraq, it also provides the Senate with its first opportunity to act on some of the lessons we have learned in that conflict. Although the hostilities ended a short time ago and much more needs to be done in Iraq, I do not believe it is premature to begin drawing some conclusions about which forces and equipment performed well. Based on the Pentagon's assessments as well as media reports, it appears the B-1B aircraft and their crews performed magnificently. Just as in Afghanistan, we had few air bases in adjacent countries. Fortunately the B-1's long operating range overcame that problem. Just as in Afghanistan, our air tankers were straining to keep up the demand for midair refueling--but B-1s were part of the solution, with their ability to cover long distances and strike 24 targets on a single mission. Just as in Afghanistan, we needed the ability to carry out strikes around the clock, on a moment's notice, regardless of weather conditions and B-1s did the job, day after day, until the Iraqi military was routed and its leadership was no more. All of this served to reinforce what many have believed to be true for quite some time now; namely, that the Pentagon acted too hastily a few years ago when it decided to retire one-third of our B-1B bomber fleet. The plan to retire one-third of the B-1 fleet was developed before the September 11th attacks, before the war on terrorism, before the fighting in Afghanistan, and before Iraq. Given the proven record of performance of the B-1, the age of our current heavy bomber fleet, the lack of a next-generation bomber, and the fact that it took 20 years before our Nation's last bomber-development program could field planes--it seems incredible that we are consigning 23 of our most capable aircraft, a plane referred to by those who know it best as the ``backbone of the bomber fleet,'' to the Arizona desert. My amendment would begin the process of rolling back the decision to retire those 23 planes. It would rebuild our bomber fleet toward the level recommended in our last comprehensive review of bomber needs, the U.S. Air Force White Paper on Long Range Bombers. That report determined that 93 B-1s were needed to protect U.S. national security interests until a replacement capability is available. My amendment would put us on the path to 83 B-1s--the most we can muster, given decommissioning work that is already well underway on some aircraft. Senator Johnson and I have consulted with the Air Force about the timing and funding requirements to regenerate 23 planes and have determined that an appropriate first-year effort would be $20.3 million. This is also the level of effort being recommended by the House Armed Service Committee in the bill being taken up this morning on the House floor. This fiscal year 2004 funding would launch a multiyear program to provide these 23 planes the same capabilities as the rest of the B-1 fleet. To begin with, these planes would require the Block E upgrade to B-1 offensive systems that almost all of our B-1 fleet has already received. Additional assorted upgrades will also be required, and my amendment would begin that work--configuration to accommodate towed decoys, installation of new datalink capabilities, and modifications to improve the dependability and capability of the plane's electronic countermeasure system and its central integrated test system. Finally, my amendment would require the Air Force to report back to congressional defense committees on additional funding requirements needed in the Future Years Defense Plan, (FYDP) to fully restore these aircraft to operational levels. This is our last chance to halt the retirement of B-1s, since many are scheduled to be sent to Arizona by the end of this fiscal year. In light of what we know now about the hasty manner in which the B-1 retirement decision was made, the B-1's proven combat effectiveness, and our Nation's anticipated security requirements, it is time to begin bringing back these 23 planes.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the majority leader and I have been discussing this now for the last several hours and he has described it accurately. Our hope is we can use this evening productively, knowing that a lot of people have schedules tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow evening they will want to keep. While it would be difficult for us to agree at this point to begin the deliberative process on the conference report until we have actually had a chance to see it and review it, there is no reason why we cannot begin the debate. We are suggesting that we informally begin the debate, have people address the issues if they want to be heard on the issues. If we can get a copy of a conference report in the next couple of hours, we may be in a position then to retroactively agree to the time already spent and make a commitment with regard to the time certain on the conference report itself. That could be as early as tomorrow between 9:30 and 10. It would then be our hope we could move to the debt limit. We are not sure yet how many amendments may be offered, but we will try to limit the amount of time on each amendment so we can accommodate the schedules, with the expectation that by early afternoon we could depart. The majority leader has articulated this understanding accurately and we will work with him to see if we can accomplish this in the next few hours.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery C, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Yankton was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a statewide effort, in many ways. South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active-Duty Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win the peace--and save future generations from another conflict. In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our gratitude. Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country and its ideals.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, which operates the battalion's headquarters in Sioux Falls, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a statewide effort, in many ways. South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active-Duty Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win the peace and save future generations from another conflict. In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our gratitude. Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country and its ideals. Battery A

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery A, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Mitchell, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a statewide effort, in many ways. South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win the peace--and save future generations from another conflict. In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our gratitude. Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country and its ideals. Battery B

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery B, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, from Sioux Falls and Salem, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a statewide effort, in many ways. South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win the peace--and save future generations from another conflict. In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our gratitude. Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country and its ideals. Battery C

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery C, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Yankton, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a statewide effort, in many ways. South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win the peace and save future generations from another conflict. In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our gratitude. Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country and its ideals. An Oklahoma Loss in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today is opening day for the seventh season of the Women's National Basketball Association. The league's incredible success demonstrates the enormous influence that title IX has had on women in sports, and in society. Since the WNBA's inception, the number of players and teams in the league have doubled, and its popularity has skyrocketed throughout the Nation, and all over the world. It is fitting, therefore, that the WNBA has helped lead the way in support of maintaining title IX and its enforcement. The league has circulated a petition and collected over 25,000 signatures, including those of current and former NBA and WNBA players, as well as of an impressive array of other prominent Americans, to voice concern over the proposed changes. It is in the spirit of this overwhelming support for the effort to provide equal opportunities for all of America's students that I join my Senate colleagues in offering a bipartisan resolution on title IX. Specifically, our resolution would express the sense of the Senate that the changes to title IX policies recommended by the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics would run contrary to the spirit and purpose of the original law, and that the current mechanisms for enforcement are both fair and reasonable. Our resolution would also state that Congress will respond to any changes in title IX policy with legislation to restore these protections, and to preserve the right to equal opportunities in athletics. The enactment of title IX in 1972 was a landmark moment in this history of American education policy. For the first time ever, women and girls in schools across the Nation could be sure they would receive the same educational opportunities as their male counterparts-- opportunities to learn, grow, and compete. But this issue is about more than equality under the law; it is about demonstrating to our children that confidence and success in our society, in our workplaces, and on our athletic fields know no gender. It is about teaching our girls and boys the skills they need to participate in our society. Studies have shown that girls who play sports are less likely to become depressed, fall victim to an eating disorder, take drugs, get pregnant, and contract breast cancer later in life. Thus, as a result of title IX and the doors that it has opened, our Nation has produced a stronger, healthier, happier generation of girls than ever before. Title IX's successes have been overwhelming. Prior to 1972 and the enactment of title IX, virtually no college offered athletic scholarships to women, fewer than 32,000 women participated in collegiate sports, and women's sports received only 2 percent of schools' athletic funds. Since the implementation of title IX, men's participation in collegiate sports has increased, and women's participation has increased more than 400 percent. At the high school level, the increase in athletic opportunities for women and girls has been even more staggering; since 1972, female participation in high school varsity athletics has increased from 294,015 to 2,784,154, an increase of 847 percent. While title IX has already enjoyed many successes, the fact remains that sex discrimination in athletics persists. Unfortunately, the Secretary's Commission on Opportunity in Athletics has proposed changes to title IX enforcement that are deeply troubling. The Commission's report ignores clear evidence showing that our daughters' new opportunities have not come at the expense of our sons. Nothing in title IX or its policies requires schools to reduce men's opportunities to comply with participation requirements, and 72 percent of colleges and universities that have added women's athletic teams have done so without cutting any teams for men. In fact, evidence suggests that we must do more to strengthen title IX enforcement, not weaken it. Currently, despite the fact that women comprise 56 percent of the college population, female athletes receive only 42 percent of the college participation opportunities nationwide. In addition, women and girls receive $133 million fewer scholarship dollars annually than their male counterparts. The changes being proposed would significantly weaken the existing mechanisms for enforcing title IX's provisions--mechanisums that have been in place for decades and have provided adequate flexibility to educational institutions seeking to demonstrate compliance. Moreover, the current enforcement mechanism has been repeatedly affirmed--by the regulations issued by the Department of Education in 1975, by the Department's 1979 policy review, and by the 1996 Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy Guidance. These policies have remained unchanged for 20 years, thanks to the affirmation of both Republican and Democratic administrations. Instead of evaluating proposals that could weaken title IX, the administration should focus on efforts to continue to build on its history of success. The argument used by detractors of title IX in favor of the Commission's recommendations is that title IX has increased athletic opportunities for women to the detriment of those available to men. This is simply not true. Today, the Senate must take a strong stand in favor of title IX as it is currently written and enforced. Title IX is an integral part of the effort to provide America's students with the opportunities they need and deserve to achieve their full potential, and we must not retreat from this goal. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I rise to support the amendment offered by Senators Lautenberg and Jeffords to the Department of Defense authorization bill. The bill before us would block any designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act on any Department of Defense lands. The Department of Defense controls 25 million acres of land where some of the best habitat remains for more than 300 threatened and endangered plants and animals. Since critical habitat designations would not be applied to military lands, the Lautenberg-Jeffords amendment would add two simple requirements to ensure that the Department of Defense develop integrated natural resource management plans to protect species. The amendment would also require the Secretary of the Interior to ensure that a resource management plan conserves threatened and endangered species and is adequately funded. Critical habitat is an important component of the Endangered Species Act and provides help to species near extinction by identifying areas that are needed for species survival and recovery. This provision in the bill is not necessary to maintain our military readiness. According to a General Accounting Office report, issued on June 2, 2002, on military training: ``training readiness, as reported in official readiness reports, remains high for most units and that the level of readiness does not support DOD's claims its readiness is being hurt by environmental laws.'' The Department of Defense has a strong record of balancing readiness and conservation. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today I would like to share an amazing story of friendship--a friendship that has blossomed over the past 17 years between the cities of Aalen and Dewangen, Germany, and the town of Webster in my home State of South Dakota. In 1986, a group of wrestlers from Dewangen toured South Dakota for 3 weeks. During that time, local South Dakotan communities held exhibition matches, providing both South Dakota and this group of wrestlers an opportunity to display their skills and learn from each other. Before making their final departure, the wrestlers made their final stop in Webster, where they were welcomed wholeheartedly. Individual friendships between the wrestlers and members of the Webster community formed immediately. In the 17 years following their initial visit, members of the wrestling group from Aalen and Dewangen returned to Webster to renew their relationships with the Webster community. In 1999, Webster Mayor Mike Grosek decided it was time to pay his friends in Dewangen a visit. During his visit, members of the Dewangen community talked excitedly about a possible friendship contract between the two cities, and within the last 4 years informal discussions led to an official declaration. On April 5, a group of 16 individuals from Webster were on hand for the historic signing ceremony in Dewangen, and it is my pleasure to announce that a similar ceremony will occur in Webster on May 31. I am confident that the friendship forged between them will endure for many years to come, and I wish to extend my congratulations to all involved in making these momentous occasions possible.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today I offer my deepest gratitude and sincere congratulations to Charles Michael Durishin, Democratic staff director of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, on the occasion of his retirement, last Friday. A good friend and a consummate professional, Mike has served in various capacities in Congress since 1973, including most of the last 16 years with the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. I met Mike in 1972 on the Senate campaign of Jim Abourezk. We were hired within days of each other by Pete Stavrianos, one of my close friends and my longtime chief of staff. Mike and I quickly became friends on the campaign and, after the election, came to Washington together to work on Senator Abourezk's staff. I so respected his work that he was one of the first people I hired to join my own staff when I was elected to the House of Representatives in 1978. Mike worked with me, covering veterans issues, until 1986. At that time, I was a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Mike matriculated to the committee staff. While I lost one of my great friends and best staffers, the Veterans' Affairs Committee gained a staff member with expert knowledge, exceptional political skill, and great character. I have been so fortunate to continue to work with Mike on veterans issues even as I moved to the Senate. On the committee staff, Mike was instrumental in securing passage of the Montgomery G.I. bill. Later, he continued his work to improve education benefits, expand veterans' employment opportunities, and end homelessness among veterans while working for one of my close friends in the House, Representative Lane Evans. I am truly grateful to have been able to work with such a great friend for so long. Mike's wonderful smile, his dry sense of humor, and his amazing wealth of knowledge have meant so much to me over the years. I have had the pleasure of working with his wife Joey as well, and I know she and their son, Michael, will be happy to have him around the house a little more often during his retirement. While those of us who know his work are not yet ready to see him go, I wish him the best in this next stage of his life. The veterans of this Nation will greatly miss the day-to-day service of this advocate who has dedicated his career to ensuring that our Nation meets its obligations to the men and women who serve it so bravely. I will miss greatly working beside my longtime friend. Mike, your record of service will be long remembered and appreciated in the Halls of the Congress and beyond. Good luck with your well-earned retirement.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Bingaman, in introducing the Reclamation Rural and Small Community Water Enhancement Act, S. 1085. The Bureau of Reclamation has accomplished a great deal over the last century, starting with the early irrigation and water development programs that opened the West to settlement and economic growth. Clean, abundant water supplies were integral to our Nation's westward expansion. Without the vision and effort of the Bureau over the last century, the West would be a vastly different, and less hospitable, place. Though the role of the Bureau has changed over the years, it is still the premier Federal water development agency. Today, one of its primary duties is the building of rural water projects in South Dakota and other Western States. Rural areas often lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to provide stable water supplies to their residents. Most families, farmers, and ranchers rely on inadequate wells, or live in areas where the water quality is so poor they are required to truck or haul water over long distances. Rural water projects conducted by the Bureau have helped overcome these obstacles, tackling the problem on a regional level and vastly improving the quality of water and the quality of life in much of my State. Rural water systems have become an indispensable lifeline to help deal with the severe drought that has affected much my State. The bill we are introducing today takes the next, logical step to bring the Bureau's rural water projects into the 21st century. The Reclamation Rural and Small Community Water Enhancement Act will create a new program within the Bureau of Reclamation to help rural and tribal communities develop water supply solutions, like rural water systems, to address regional water needs. The Bureau's experience in administering other rural water systems will ensure this program compliments existing Federal drinking water programs, like those operated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, and provide rural communities with the tools they need to plan for the future. As we look forward, however, it is equally important that we not ignore those projects that have already received approval by Congress. In South Dakota, the Mni Wiconi, Mid-Dakota, Perkins County, and Lewis and Clark rural water systems will serve thousands of families, farms, and businesses. Their timely completion is integral to the health, welfare, and economic security of my State. Unfortunately, the administration's fiscal year 2004 budget request drastically cuts funding for these and other rural water projects throughout the country by more than 80 percent. This will lead to unnecessary delays in the provision of drinking water to homes and families and will only serve to increase the cost of the projects. That is why this legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to take all necessary steps to complete these and all other rural water projects that have already received congressional authorization. The bill recognizes the hard work that has already gone into the development of these projects, and will help ensure that they are completed on schedule. At the same time, this new program will aid in the development of future projects so that other communities can finally realize the benefits that a well-run rural water system can provide. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Bingaman, in introducing the Reclamation Rural and Small Community Water Enhancement Act, S. 1085. The Bureau of Reclamation has accomplished a great deal over the last century, starting with the early irrigation and water development programs that opened the West to settlement and economic growth. Clean, abundant water supplies were integral to our Nation's westward expansion. Without the vision and effort of the Bureau over the last century, the West would be a vastly different, and less hospitable, place. Though the role of the Bureau has changed over the years, it is still the premier Federal water development agency. Today, one of its primary duties is the building of rural water projects in South Dakota and other Western States. Rural areas often lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to provide stable water supplies to their residents. Most families, farmers, and ranchers rely on inadequate wells, or live in areas where the water quality is so poor they are required to truck or haul water over long distances. Rural water projects conducted by the Bureau have helped overcome these obstacles, tackling the problem on a regional level and vastly improving the quality of water and the quality of life in much of my State. Rural water systems have become an indispensable lifeline to help deal with the severe drought that has affected much my State. The bill we are introducing today takes the next, logical step to bring the Bureau's rural water projects into the 21st century. The Reclamation Rural and Small Community Water Enhancement Act will create a new program within the Bureau of Reclamation to help rural and tribal communities develop water supply solutions, like rural water systems, to address regional water needs. The Bureau's experience in administering other rural water systems will ensure this program compliments existing Federal drinking water programs, like those operated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, and provide rural communities with the tools they need to plan for the future. As we look forward, however, it is equally important that we not ignore those projects that have already received approval by Congress. In South Dakota, the Mni Wiconi, Mid-Dakota, Perkins County, and Lewis and Clark rural water systems will serve thousands of families, farms, and businesses. Their timely completion is integral to the health, welfare, and economic security of my State. Unfortunately, the administration's fiscal year 2004 budget request drastically cuts funding for these and other rural water projects throughout the country by more than 80 percent. This will lead to unnecessary delays in the provision of drinking water to homes and families and will only serve to increase the cost of the projects. That is why this legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to take all necessary steps to complete these and all other rural water projects that have already received congressional authorization. The bill recognizes the hard work that has already gone into the development of these projects, and will help ensure that they are completed on schedule. At the same time, this new program will aid in the development of future projects so that other communities can finally realize the benefits that a well-run rural water system can provide. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I will speak for a moment on an unrelated matter. I know we are working on a schedule to accommodate a vote on the amendment that was offered last night by Senator Graham of South Carolina, myself, and others. Last week, I spoke about the burden of the high cost of health care on families in South Dakota and across the country. I spoke of citizens who were forced to pay health care premiums as high as $10,000 per year but received only the sparest benefits in return. I spoke of citizens with serious health problems who were not able to acquire coverage because insurers decided it wasn't profitable for them. I spoke of the millions of Americans living in fear because they were just one layoff, one bad crop, or one illness away from losing their health insurance and being driven into poverty and poor health. But the high costs of health insurance are a burden not only to individuals, they are also a huge burden to small business. In the past year alone, health care premiums for businesses have risen more than 13 percent. If this keeps up, the cost of health care for businesses will double every 7 years--six times faster than their revenues. Small businesses, which employ 50 percent of the workers in this country, face the greatest pressure of all. Because they are not big enough to bargain with insurers for better rates, small businesses too often are forced to pay for the nationwide increase in health care costs. In the past year, in the midst of the toughest business environment in a generation, the total cost for insuring employees of small businesses rose 18 percent. Seventy percent of small businesses that do not cover their workers say that high costs are the No. 1 obstacle. Many businesses are forced to shift costs to their workers in the form of higher copayments and fewer benefits. Many others cut benefits altogether. Those who want to keep their commitment to their employees pay a penalty for having less capital to grow their business and create more jobs. Entrepreneurs with good ideas and solid business plans are scared off because health premiums are making the cost of starting and growing a business higher and higher. Skyrocketing health costs could pose the single greatest obstacle to entrepreneurship and growth in our economy today. I recently heard from the Jensen family. Daren and Paula Jensen live with their three boys in Langford, a small town of about 300 in the northeast corner of South Dakota. Daren and Paula own a body shop, Jensen's Auto, which Daren runs. The Jensens have one employee, but because the cost of insurance is so high, they cannot afford to pay for the insurance to provide health benefits. Daren used to receive coverage through his wife who worked at the local bank, but when she quit her job to take care of their children, the family was covered through COBRA, the law that provides temporary access to a former employer's insurance. Their COBRA monthly premium was $525, but to keep that same coverage after COBRA expired would cost them more than twice that. The Jensens could not afford to spend $14,000 a year on health coverage. So they had to find another health plan. They researched every possible plan and could not find an affordable one to cover the whole family. In the end, it made more sense to seek insurance separately. Daren enrolled in a plan that cost $250 a month and has a $500 deductible. Since Daren is a diabetic and spends $150 per month on medication, his coverage was the most important. The rest of the family--Paula and the three boys--enrolled in a plan with a $3,000 annual premium and a $1,000 deductible. After a year, the premiums went up to almost $5,000. They could no longer afford coverage so Paula dropped hers, and her children have found coverage through South Dakota's Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP. Too many small business owners face exactly that challenge, but we can do something to help them and support the efforts of entrepreneurs who drive our economy. A recent study shows that nearly 9 out of 10 small businesses favor a tax credit that would help employers buy health insurance for their employees. In January, a number of us introduced a small business tax credit provision in S. 10, the Health Care Coverage Expansion and Quality Improvement Act of 2003. This 50-percent tax credit will help small businesses with less than 50 employees obtain affordable health coverage. The small business tax credit will help small business owners, such as the Jensens, spark more investment and growth by small business and move us closer to health care for every American. This problem will not solve itself. Unless we act, health care premiums will continue to rise, driving more people on to the rolls of the uninsured and keeping more businesses from growing and creating jobs. We can do better. It is a national problem, and it demands national leadership to fix it. Small businesses can, once again, be the engine for growth in our economy, but we need to provide them with the opportunities to remove the obstacles to that growth. This is a critical moment in our Nation's history. We have an obligation to focus on the troubles of our economy and the Americans who are struggling to work and raise families. We intend to do all we can to keep the Senate's attention focused on the crisis in health care. Our citizens are asking for this kind of leadership, and we have an obligation to answer their call. I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DASCHLE

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