Mike DeWine

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, today I am introducing a bill that would create a National Methamphetamine Information Clearinghouse (NMIC). This web-based source of information would promote sharing of ``best practices'' regarding law enforcement, treatment, environmental, social services, and other programs to combat the production, use, and effects of methamphetamine. The purpose of the NMIC is to make a one-stop shop, where all the ``best practices'' in the fight against meth can be found--information from law enforcement, treatment-based organizations, social services and environmental agencies. It will be a website providing information that agencies and organizations submit, describing what has worked in their local communities. The people who have had success with addressing meth and meth-related issues will be providing this information. Additionally, there will be information and links regarding available grants for establishing and maintaining anti-meth programs. The NMIC will serve two distinct populations--law enforcement and the broader community. The NMIC will contain a restricted access section where law enforcement will be able to post their successful strategies, training techniques, and conference notes so that other law enforcement will be able to get ideas and incorporate them in their own jurisdictions. The unrestricted portion of the website will include resources for other agencies and the public at large. For example, child protection agencies might post techniques on dealing with meth orphans, community health centers might post treatment options that provided them with some success, and environmental groups might post tips on cleaning up the toxic waste. So, a landlord or hotel owner whose property was used as a meth lab and who wants to be able to rent out the property again, or the mother who wants to figure out if her child is a meth addict--and what to do if she is they would all be able to find useful information on the site. One of our challenges in the fight against meth is finding those who need assistance and connecting them with those who can help--and that is exactly what this clearinghouse can do. Many people and organizations that have had some success in controlling meth are more than willing to share the techniques they found that work, if only they knew who needed the information. And, there are those who are just starting to attack the meth problem in their communities and need guidance as to how to make that start an effective one. The NMIC can help bring those groups of people together and enhance everyone's ability to fight the plague of meth. NMIC will be housed under the auspices of the Department of Justice and will be governed by an Advisory Council comprised of 10 members from a variety of agencies and organizations. It is this Council who will monitor the submissions to the Clearinghouse and make sure that the information found on the site is accurate, up-to-date, and useful. The bill I am introducing today provides the basic outline of this idea, and over the next two months, I will be working closely with law enforcement and community groups to modify and improve the Clearinghouse before we move forward with this legislation next year. I look forward to that process and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in this effort to combat the meth problem. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, 15 million persons with disabilities are unemployed and actively seeking employment. There simply has been no measurable change in the unemployment situation for persons with disabilities since the American's with Disabilities Act. That is unacceptable. It is wrong. It is something we have to change. We can do better, and we have to do better. Senator Nelson from Nebraska and I have an amendment that will do just that. Our amendment would establish a preference under the debt collection contracting program for contractors who hire people with disabilities and disabled veterans. This amendment would require that at least a specified percentage of the individuals employed by the contractor to provide debt collection services qualify as people with disabilities or disabled veterans. A provision of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 authorized the Internal Revenue Service to contract with private collection agencies to collect certain past due income taxes. If the same tax collection activities were still conducted by Federal employees, current law would give employment preferences to disabled veterans in filling those Federal jobs. In addition, if other persons with disabilities were employed by the Federal Government in those jobs, they would benefit from the Federal Government's long history of promoting job opportunities for people with disabilities. By enacting legislation to privatize debt collection and improve the IRS' tax collection efforts, Congress certainly did not intend to curtail the Government's commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities and disabled veterans. So I urge my fellow Senators to support this amendment. Again, there are 15 million persons with disabilities who are unemployed and actively seeking employment. We have an opportunity now to help put them back to work.

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, there are 15 million people with disabilities who are unemployed in this country. This amendment will help in a small way to deal with that problem.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, today I am introducing a bill that would create a National Methamphetamine Information Clearinghouse (NMIC). This web-based source of information would promote sharing of ``best practices'' regarding law enforcement, treatment, environmental, social services, and other programs to combat the production, use, and effects of methamphetamine. The purpose of the NMIC is to make a one-stop shop, where all the ``best practices'' in the fight against meth can be found--information from law enforcement, treatment-based organizations, social services and environmental agencies. It will be a website providing information that agencies and organizations submit, describing what has worked in their local communities. The people who have had success with addressing meth and meth-related issues will be providing this information. Additionally, there will be information and links regarding available grants for establishing and maintaining anti-meth programs. The NMIC will serve two distinct populations--law enforcement and the broader community. The NMIC will contain a restricted access section where law enforcement will be able to post their successful strategies, training techniques, and conference notes so that other law enforcement will be able to get ideas and incorporate them in their own jurisdictions. The unrestricted portion of the website will include resources for other agencies and the public at large. For example, child protection agencies might post techniques on dealing with meth orphans, community health centers might post treatment options that provided them with some success, and environmental groups might post tips on cleaning up the toxic waste. So, a landlord or hotel owner whose property was used as a meth lab and who wants to be able to rent out the property again, or the mother who wants to figure out if her child is a meth addict--and what to do if she is they would all be able to find useful information on the site. One of our challenges in the fight against meth is finding those who need assistance and connecting them with those who can help--and that is exactly what this clearinghouse can do. Many people and organizations that have had some success in controlling meth are more than willing to share the techniques they found that work, if only they knew who needed the information. And, there are those who are just starting to attack the meth problem in their communities and need guidance as to how to make that start an effective one. The NMIC can help bring those groups of people together and enhance everyone's ability to fight the plague of meth. NMIC will be housed under the auspices of the Department of Justice and will be governed by an Advisory Council comprised of 10 members from a variety of agencies and organizations. It is this Council who will monitor the submissions to the Clearinghouse and make sure that the information found on the site is accurate, up-to-date, and useful. The bill I am introducing today provides the basic outline of this idea, and over the next two months, I will be working closely with law enforcement and community groups to modify and improve the Clearinghouse before we move forward with this legislation next year. I look forward to that process and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in this effort to combat the meth problem. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Madam President, first, let me congratulate my colleague from Georgia for this amendment, as well as my colleague from Mississippi. I also commend the chairman of the Finance and the HELP Committees and ranking members Senators Grassley, Baucus, Enzi, and Kennedy for their hard work on the legislation that is before us today, for their hard work in forging the compromise pension reform bill. While I appreciate all of the hard work that went into this legislation that is before us today, I would like to discuss some grave concerns that I have about this bill. Historically, a defined benefit pension has been the cornerstone of a worker's retirement, along with personal savings and Social Security. However, with the movement away from defined benefit plans and personal savings, many Americans are relying mainly on Social Security for their post-retirement income. That is a very disturbing trend. This is an alarming trend. The defined benefit pension system is an important part of a worker's retirement, but unfortunately, an increasingly rare one. The number of defined benefit plans has decreased from over 114,000 in 1985 to just over 28,800 in 2004. Since 2001, almost a quarter of Fortune 500 companies have frozen or considered freezing their defined benefit plans. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Retirement Security and Aging, along with my good friend and colleague from Maryland, Senator Mikulski, I chaired a hearing to examine the issue of PBGC funding and the effect that reforms to shore up the PBGC may have on the defined benefit system, which is the financial backbone of many workers' retirement. At that hearing, we heard testimony acknowledging the need to strengthen pension funding rules, but we were warned that going too far would force employers to leave the defined benefit system through freezes and terminations of plans, and in the worst case, could force a company into bankruptcy. There is no question that something must be done to maintain the solvency of the PBGC. The agency has estimated that its deficit is $22.8 billion and CBO projects a much larger deficit than that over the next 10 years. A taxpayer bailout of the PBGC is a terrible option. But, I also do not believe it is a good option to drive companies out of the defined benefit system. It is important that we balance rules to improve funding of plans without going too far and forcing plan sponsors to abandon their plans or declare bankruptcy. I believe that the bill that we passed out of the HELP Committee in September by an 18 to 2 vote struck such a balance. The Defined Benefit Security Act amended the funding rules so that companies would fully fund their plans, while at the same time increase the premiums that companies pay to the PBGC to better fund the pension insurance system. Unfortunately, I believe the bill that we have before the Senate today is a step backwards from the HELP Committee bill. While I commend Chairmen Enzi and Grassley and ranking members Kennedy and Baucus for their efforts to reach a compromise on two very different bills, I am seriously concerned about the impact several of the provisions of the compromise bill will have on plan sponsors and participants. I am concerned about the impact it will have on job creation in the future and on job creation. First, I am concerned about the 3-year transition to the new funding rules, including the new 100 percent funding standard. For many companies, this will require a significant increase in pension funding in a short amount of time. I also have concerns about decreasing the amortization period from 10 years to 7 years. My biggest concerns, however, are credit rating and smoothing. Senator Mikulski and I proposed an amendment that would replace S. 1783's provisions on credit rating and smoothing with the provisions of the HELP bill. Using credit ratings to determine plan funding would result in a loss of jobs. It is a simple calculation. Using a company's credit rating will put additional pressures on a company experiencing a downturn in their business cycle. They will have to put more money into their plans at the very time they cannot afford to do so. These are funds that could be used to modernize facilities or roll out new product lines--activities which could help a company actually pull out of a downturn. The at-risk rules can increase a company's required pension contribution by hundreds of millions of dollars, and in some cases, by billions of dollars. Struggling companies experiencing a business downturn cannot absorb that type of additional burden. There is little doubt that if this legislation becomes law, far more struggling companies will be forced out of business as a result of their pension obligations. Their employees will lose some of their pension and their job. This is not in anyone's interest. This hurts the employees, the plan, the company, and the PBGC. We best protect the PBGC and retirees by helping struggling companies recover, so that they can contribute more when they are healthy. I would also note that the proposed DeWine-Mikulski amendment would have increased the smoothing period for asset valuation and interest rates to three years from the twelve months included in S. 1783. One of the clearest messages that we have received from the business community is that they need to be able to predict their funding obligations so that they can make necessary business plans. If they cannot predict those obligations with reasonable certainty, they will not maintain defined benefit plans. This is not idle speculation. As I stated before, companies have been leaving the defined benefit plan system in droves and the reason given is the unpredictability of the funding obligations. So, what should we expect if this bill, in its current form, becomes law, dramatically limiting the smoothing rules and thus limiting predictability? We can expect an even faster exodus from the defined benefit plan system. That would be very sad news for the retirement security of millions of Americans. In conclusion, while the changes that the DeWine-Mikulski amendment sought to make were not incorporated in the bill before us today, both Senator Mikulski and I will be conferees and have the opportunity to help shape the final bill in a way that can be beneficial for participants, plan sponsors and the PBGC. And, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the conference to work on these issues. Quite frankly, what is at stake is the future of businesses--real companies. What is at stake are future jobs in our home States, whether it be Maryland, whether it be Ohio or the other States in the Union. What is at stake is job creation in the future. What is at stake is job retention now. The issues that Senator Mikulski and I have brought before the American people and before the Senate will have to be addressed in conference because the issues are simply about jobs. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and innovators of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland for their hard work and perseverance. I have recognized in previous years the award-winning work of researchers and engineers at NASA Glenn and am proud to do so again today. The Glenn Research Center has come up with a wide range of products that not only contribute to further progress in our space exploration mission, but also provide for remarkable enhancements in the quality of life of citizens throughout the United States. Through NASA's commercialization initiatives, these products have enabled the creation of new jobs in the country, thereby encouraging additional economic growth nationwide. This year, four products introduced by NASA Glenn have been distinguished among the ``Top 100 Most Technologically Significant Products of the Year.'' They have been recognized by the editors of Research & Design Magazine and awarded four of the ``R&D 100'' awards-- awards known by many as the ``Oscars of Invention.'' Their remarkable achievements clearly illustrate the high level of professionalism that distinguishes the Glenn Research Center, its employees, and the numerous organizations and individuals who work in partnership with the Center. It is with great pride that I recognize each of the award participants and congratulate them for their outstanding work. In developing an award-winning family of rod-coil block copolymers, Dr. Mary Ann Meador and Dr. James Kinder of Glenn's Materials Division have improved ionic conductivity in lithium polymer batteries. These new polymers will enable cost-saving advances in battery technologies, resulting in improvements to products ranging from mobile phones to fuel cells. Through this important innovation, it will be possible to offer lower manufacturing costs, while increasing battery safety to meet future aerospace application requirements. The NASA Glenn Sensors and Electronics Branch team has been recognized for its development of a new sensor-based fire detection system that effectively recognizes the presence of fire while screening out false alarms. Dr. Gary Hunter led the development effort in collaboration with colleagues from Case Western Reserve University, the Ohio State University, Makel Engineering, and the Federal Aviation Administration. This revolutionary device will improve fire alarms in cargo and baggage compartments of commercial aircraft and is also specifically adapted to fit the requirements of the International Space Station. The Center also has received recognition for its work on a material known as the Glenn Refractory Adhesive for Bonding and Exterior Repair, GRABER. This material, which was considered for use in the Space Shuttle Return to Flight program, was developed and tested by Dr. Mrityunjay ``Jay'' Singh, now a four-time ``R&D 100'' award winner, and Tarah Shpargel of NASA Glenn's Ceramics Branch. This dynamic material will allow in-space repair of both large and small cracks in the space shuttle thermal protection system--a capability that is absolutely essential for the safety and success of future Space Shuttle missions following the tragic loss of the Columbia. In addition to its applications in space, GRABER has a number of potential industrial applications due to its low cost and excellent adhesive properties. Finally, NASA Glenn's Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress, NESSUS, software program has been recognized as an award winner this year. The NESSUS program combines state-of-the-art algorithms with general-purpose numerical analysis methods to predict responses in hi-tech systems, such as aerospace and automotive structures, biomechanics, and gas turbine engines. Dr. Shantaram Pai, of Glenn's Structural Mechanics and Dynamics Branch, was responsible for developing the probabilistic heat transfer module integrated in the system and managing the integration of nine other NASA-developed modules into NESSUS, enabling analysis of a diverse range of problems. I extend my most genuine congratulations to everyone who participated in each of NASA Glenn's award-winning projects.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Kennedy today in introducing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act--or the CLASS Act. Unfortunately, most Americans are not prepared for the costs of long- term services and supports when they arise. High premiums have discouraged many Americans from purchasing long-term care insurance in the private market. Furthermore, underwriting practices have excluded individuals with existing disabilities from purchasing plans. Right now, 10 million people suffer from severe functional impairments and by 2020 that number will have increased to 15 million. Therefore, in the next 15 years, we will experience a 50 percent growth in the number of persons with severe functional impairments. Some of those people will be struck suddenly--through accidents or sudden illness. And the reality is that any one of us here today could face sudden impairment and disability. We won't see it coming until it happens, and most of us will not be prepared to provide for necessary, long-term care needs. Some people may end up with a degenerative disease, such as Parkinson's disease, which leads to increased impairments. They may know now what their needs will be, but are unable to purchase private insurance due to this pre-existing condition. Others will age and develop other physical or cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although we know that age is inevitable, we are not properly preparing for this eventuality or the possibility of sudden accidents and many people are financially unable to purchase available insurance due to the high price. However, the fact remains that millions of Americans will need the services that the CLASS Act seeks to provide. The CLASS Act will help Americans to remain independent in their communities by creating a new long-term care insurance program. This program will be available to all working Americans above the age of 18. For only $30 per individual each month, and a minimum of 20 quarters of payments, the CLASS Act will help those who do not have adequate long- term care insurance due to cost or current disability. This bill will allow people to choose the supports they need when and if they become severely impaired. It will help them remain independent. It will help them remain in their communities. It will help them remain with their families. This is a good bill. I thank Senator Kennedy for his work on this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Kennedy today in introducing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act--or the CLASS Act. Unfortunately, most Americans are not prepared for the costs of long- term services and supports when they arise. High premiums have discouraged many Americans from purchasing long-term care insurance in the private market. Furthermore, underwriting practices have excluded individuals with existing disabilities from purchasing plans. Right now, 10 million people suffer from severe functional impairments and by 2020 that number will have increased to 15 million. Therefore, in the next 15 years, we will experience a 50 percent growth in the number of persons with severe functional impairments. Some of those people will be struck suddenly--through accidents or sudden illness. And the reality is that any one of us here today could face sudden impairment and disability. We won't see it coming until it happens, and most of us will not be prepared to provide for necessary, long-term care needs. Some people may end up with a degenerative disease, such as Parkinson's disease, which leads to increased impairments. They may know now what their needs will be, but are unable to purchase private insurance due to this pre-existing condition. Others will age and develop other physical or cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although we know that age is inevitable, we are not properly preparing for this eventuality or the possibility of sudden accidents and many people are financially unable to purchase available insurance due to the high price. However, the fact remains that millions of Americans will need the services that the CLASS Act seeks to provide. The CLASS Act will help Americans to remain independent in their communities by creating a new long-term care insurance program. This program will be available to all working Americans above the age of 18. For only $30 per individual each month, and a minimum of 20 quarters of payments, the CLASS Act will help those who do not have adequate long- term care insurance due to cost or current disability. This bill will allow people to choose the supports they need when and if they become severely impaired. It will help them remain independent. It will help them remain in their communities. It will help them remain with their families. This is a good bill. I thank Senator Kennedy for his work on this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I am very pleased that the Senate yesterday passed the Antitrust Criminal Investigative Improvements Act of 2005, which represents a significant addition to the Antitrust Division's arsenal for prosecuting criminal violations of the antitrust laws. In criminal antitrust investigations, it is critical that prosecutors gain access to evidence on the inner workings of the alleged conspiracy. To meet their burden of proof, prosecutors must marshal strong evidence of the participants in the conspiracy, the nature of their participation, and the terms of the illegal agreement. This type of evidence is very difficult to gain without penetrating the inner workings of a conspiracy in action. Currently, the Antitrust Division often has no option but to rely on the cooperation of members of a conspiracy, who are frequently reluctant to come forward to assist the Division in uncovering illegal activities in which they, themselves, have taken part. Without the ability to obtain wiretaps, the Antitrust Division unnecessarily faces a much heavier burden in detecting and preventing these conspiracies. There is no principled reason for excluding criminal antitrust violations from the list of over 150 predicate offenses for obtaining a wiretap. Offenses, such as wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud are predicate offenses, but up to now, criminal antitrust offenses have not been on the list, despite the fact that their penalties are similar. Criminal antitrust offenses are basically white-collar fraud offenses, and often do much more harm to consumers than other types of fraud offenses. Given the gravity of these crimes, it is time that antitrust violations are added as a predicate offense. Of course, antitrust prosecutors still will need to meet the ordinary requirements for obtaining wiretap authority to receive court permission to utilize this tool, but it is important that they have that ability. Accordingly, I am very pleased that we have passed this legislation, and hope that the House will act soon to move it, as well.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of the following nominations on the Executive Calendar: 375, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 388, 389. I further ask unanimous consent that the nominations be confirmed en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, the President be immediately notified of Senate's action, and the Senate then return to legislative session.

Mr. DeWINE

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

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 285 which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. DeWINE. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a young soldier who was taken from us far too soon. Army pfc Kenneth C. Souslin from Lexington, OH, lost his life on December 15, 2003, while serving our Nation in Iraq. He was 21 years old at the time of his death. Kenneth--Kacey to his family and friends--was born on October 10, 1982, to loving parents, Kenneth and Cecelia. Growing up as the youngest of five boys, he quickly learned the importance of developing his own identity--and it was one of fearlessness, dedication, duty, and compassion. From a young age, he was devoted to his family and to his faith. Sean Davis, who knew Kacey since the 5th grade, remembers how he would sprint across the cafeteria to give his mom a hug whenever she came to their school. At Lexington High School, Kacey was well-liked by all. His father said that Kacey ``did not know an enemy. He was outgoing . . . not scared of anything.'' As a member of the drama club, he acted in several plays, including ``Second Chance'' and ``Country Gothic.'' Drama teacher, Ray Gerrell remembers how well Kacey performed, despite a speech impediment. He said that Kacey ``did wonderfully. . . . He gave 100 percent.'' Though he loved being on the stage, Kacey also had a shy side. English teacher, Sally Giefer, considers Kacey's Junior Prom as one of her favorite memories of him. She recalls this about that dance: [Kacey] was so shy. He hid in the bathroom for 45 minutes. I had his friends get him out and told him that we needed to dance. He replied that he didn't know how and I said that there are no rules to dancing and we went and had fun. The next year, Kacey had grown so much. He asked my husband for permission to dance with me. Following high school graduation, Kacey enlisted in the U.S. Army to see the world, experience new cultures, and meet new people--all while earning money for college. His family had already taught him the value of service through their own selfless examples. Kacey's father served in the U.S. Air Force in Thailand, and his brother, Bryant, served for 4 years in the Navy and then enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. Kacey reported to boot camp at Fort Gordon, GA. There, he never complained and was known as a hard worker. Lexington High School Principal, Jim Goode, recalls that when Kacey returned with his recruiter to the high school wearing his Army uniform, he was full of confidence. Kacey gave him such a firm handshake that afterward, he had to pull his fingers apart. Kacey was assigned to the 440th Signal Battalion, 22nd Signal Brigade, V Corps, stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. He arrived in Iraq in September 2003 and was stationed north of Baghdad. Army Private First Class Souslin loved to serve and defend our Nation. He was a good soldier. He was a proud soldier. He was a dedicated soldier. Soon after Kacey's death, Sergeant Jan Wendling of the Mansfield, OH, Police Department, wrote a letter to the Editor of the Mansfield News Journal newspaper expressing condolences to his family and friends and to remind us all about the gratitude we owe to all the men and women serving in our military. The following is an excerpt from that letter: My heart sank when I read about PFC Kenneth Souslin losing his life in Iraq. . . . The suffering that families must endure for the rest of their lives is very seldom felt by the average citizen, and they are often forgotten. Let us never forget the sacrifices that our men and women in the armed forces and their families make for us every day. When you see a serviceman or woman, thank them for the unselfish job they do for us. Let them know that the work they do is very important to all our lives. Most of all pray that they will all return to their loved ones safely. Indeed, Sergeant Wendling is right. We have an obligation to support and honor all of our service members--those who are with us and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Kacey Souslin served so that our world could be a better place. He served so that we could be protected so that our children and grandchildren can feel safe. Kacey put everything he had into his service. One Internet tribute honoring him, comrade David Sanders wrote the following: It's been [a while] and still Souslin comes into my thoughts daily. I was in the 440th with him in Germany. In Iraq, he used to come by my work area every morning on his way to work. There are no words to describe the love he had for his fellow soldiers. He truly was a wonderful friend, confidant, and soldier. Army Specialist Sean Page echoed these same sentiments when he wrote this: I am a soldier. I knew Kenneth because I am in the same company that he was in. I slept in the very tent that he slept in. I am writing this message to both offer my condolences and to honor his memory. Kenneth, whom we knew as ``hot sauce,'' was a good man and a good soldier. His loss will be felt within [the] 440th for a long time to come. Kacey Souslin was a good natured, daring, committed, outgoing, and reliable young man, who served our Nation with honor. As the Lexington, OH, community mourned for Kacey at the memorial service held in his honor, Reverend John Sgro offered the following consoling words: [Kacey's] life has touched a part of all of our lives. In the midst of bullets and bombs, in the midst of hate and evil, we can have a peace. Though Kacey Souslin left this Earth far too soon, he had a very positive impact on countless lives in his all-too-brief 21 years with us. He continues to live on in the hearts and minds of his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him. My wife Fran and I keep Kacey and his parents and his brothers Joshua, Adam, Bryant, and Robert in our thoughts and in our prayers. Marine Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki Mr. PRESIDENT, I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary soldier and an outstanding young man. Marine LCpl Andrew Nowacki, from South Euclid, OH, was killed in Iraq when a roadside bomb struck his Humvee on the afternoon of February 26, 2005, just south of Baghdad. He was 24 years old. Andrew--Andy to his family and friends--served the public and protected the peace in two nations separated by time, distance and circumstance. As a police officer with the Grand River Police Department in Ohio, and as a Marine serving in Iraq, Andy dedicated his life to helping his fellow man. It was his calling. And, he was remarkably good at it. Andy was in harm's way on that Saturday afternoon in February precisely because he had earned the trust and respect of his fellow Marines. Andy's commanding officer, Sergeant Paul A. Shook, explained in a letter to Andy's parents: I picked Andy to be my gunner. . . . Andy's job was very difficult compared to that of other gunners because he was more exposed than most of them. I needed someone I could trust, who wouldn't hesitate at any moment to offer the protection we needed. Andy was that Marine. I felt very safe having him watching over me, and I never questioned his judgment. . . . I thank God that Andy was in my life and . . . for the rare privilege to have put my safety in his hands. It has been said that challenges don't build character, but, rather, that they reveal it. This certainly was the case for Andy. Andy's character was forged in Ohio with the love and support of his family. The challenges he faced abroad in Iraq simply revealed the core of this courageous, loving and, above all, joyful young man. Andy was the youngest of three boys. His parents, Sheila and Denis Nowacki raised him to honor God and country through his actions. Even as a small child, Andy demonstrated selfless concern for the welfare of others. As his mother, Sheila remembers, ``Even as a kid, he never cared what he got for Christmas. He was happier picking the perfect gift for other people.'' His father Denis recalls that Andy followed a simple rule: Try and do something kind for someone else everyday. Always smiling, always happy, full of his totally original sense of humor, Andy inspired family and friends. He lived life joyfully and that joy was contagious. Andy graduated from Brush High School in Lyndhurst, OH, in 1998, and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve the next fall. Andy's first experience in the Marines prepared him for the next chapter in his life--his time as a police officer. Andy wanted to work in law enforcement so that he could help others. And, as Andy's older brother, Nathan, remembers, ``He told me he had become a police officer to reward the good and punish the bad.'' In 2000, Andy joined the Grand River Police Department. He worked 3 years as 1 of 31 Grand River officers and, during that time, he became part of a brotherhood that would never forget him. Andy's work as a police officer required empathy and compassion-- something that Andy had in spades. Robert Antonelli, the Grand River Chief of Police and the man who hired Andy, reflected on what made Andy so good at his job. This is what he said: Every time he had to work the road, Andy would treat every call as unique. He was able to adjust to help a little girl, or [help] a child off a school bus, or handle a domestic violence [situation]. The outcome would always be positive. He could be passionate when he had to be. If he had to put the law down, he put the law down. But, he always put that smile on his face. I am honored that he was part of the family we have. Only a policeman understands about other policemen. We're brothers in blue. He was family to us. Andy's dad remembers the way that Andy thought of his job: ``He thought it wasn't his job to hurt people. It was his job to educate. He was a man's man and a cop's cop. He delivered the courage of his convictions.'' An avid outdoorsman and animal lover, Andy loved to work on bike patrol. Outside, close to the people he was serving, Andy had the opportunity to touch the lives of so many in his small village of 345 people. He loved the weekly dinners at Chief Antonelli's house. He loved working with his brothers in blue. In the village hall in Grand River, which houses the police station, a display celebrates Andy's service. His silver police badge, No. 15, still gleams alongside his starched uniform hat and still-crisp bike patrol t-shirt and dozens of photographs. By 2003, as the conflict in Iraq escalated, Andy--again compelled by his compassion for others--answered the Marines' call to serve. Andy was in Iraq for 9 months in 2003, and returned in September 2004, when his obligation to the Reserve was almost over. During his first 6 months in Iraq, he had already suffered injuries to his right arm after a truck he was riding in suddenly blew up. But, in spite of his experiences and injuries, the images that he brought back from the war zone were those of life, not death. His mother remembers that ``Andy was one of the most joyful people. He was an animal lover. Many of the pictures that he brought back from Iraq were of children and animals.'' One picture, in particular, captures the very essence of Andy and what he brought to that troubled part of the world. In the picture, Andy is smiling that charming, boyish smile with his arms around two young Iraqi children. You can see the admiration that these children felt toward him. Again, Andy was making a difference on that most basic, human level. Andy's father said he will forever cherish that photograph. He said, ``That's what [Andy] was all about.'' In spite of all the violence that Andy saw firsthand, he remained committed to being in Iraq as long as he was needed. His mother explained: He'd been in Iraq more than he'd been home the last two years. But, he really was OK with being over there because he saw the oppression and the cruelty that had happened to the people there. His heart went out to the Iraqi people and the deplorable conditions that they lived in. He thought a lot of the Iraqi people, and he was willing to go back because he thought we were doing so much good. And that's exactly what he did--he went back for a second tour of duty in Iraq. Though he was scheduled to come back and live with his parents on April 1 of this year, he didn't rule out the possibility of going to Iraq for even a third tour. Throughout his time there, Andy kept in close touch with his family and his friends in the police force. Andy's last phone call home on February 24 was to tell his parents that he was scheduled to return home in about 4 weeks--just in time to celebrate his 25th birthday. The sudden and tragic events of February 26 devastated family and friends, alike. Choking back tears, Police Chief Robert Anotelli remembers his last contact with Andy. He said: I have a message from him on my answering machine. . . . He was talking about buying a camelback for the captain. He said he was okay, to tell the guys ``I love you, and I'll see you when I get back.'' I will never ever erase that message. When asked about the impact of the news on the Grand River Police, Chief Antonelli said: ``You ever see 29 grown men cry? You don't get many guys like Andy. He was the real deal. Andy believed in what he was doing in Iraq. He's a true hero.'' As Andy's brother, Nathan said, ``The world's a lesser place right now. He made everyone around him better.'' Andy's death has prompted an overwhelming outpouring of love and support. Perhaps, best of all, it has prompted people to remember and appreciate the beautiful person that Andy was. Family and friends remember Andy's unique sense of humor. His fellow police officers remember how he would bring disco balls in police cruisers just to make his partners laugh or how he'd bring smiley faces to jail to entertain the inmates. John Bechtel, one of Andy's good friends who works as a patrolman in East Cleveland had this to say: There was never a dull moment with Andy. He never had a bad day. He never complained. He was always happy. I don't think I ever saw him mad. . . . He had bought a computer in Iraq, and he was always downloading songs, calling me, saying ``You've got to hear this song when I get back.'' And he was sending me text messages somehow. I still don't know how he did it. Todd Carroscia, an East Cleveland and Timberlake police officer and close pal, said Andy gave 110 percent as an officer and a friend. He said that ``Andy was a unique person. He had a smile that was amazing. That smile will be stuck in my mind forever.'' Andy's friend, Andrew Moore, remembers all the particular mannerisms that made Andy so unique, so magnetic, and so charming. In a heartbreaking and beautiful letter to Andy's family, he wrote the following: His laugh was so funny. It always sounded like he was a mad scientist or [something]. . . . Andy had a walk that no one else had. It was more of a strut than a walk. . . . The voice, the laugh, the strut, these were the things that made you find out who he was on the inside and become a friend of his. And once you were allowed into his world, you'd see and hear things that you only see in movies or on TV. He had these characteristics that movie executives pay writers millions of dollars to create. But he had them, and they were real . . . [He was] one of the most wonderful souls ever to grace this earth--a human being [whom] thousands of people loved strictly because of who he was. . . . Family and friends also remember Andy's love of children and animals. According to his mom: When he first got to Iraq, the first thing he did was find a lizard. He must have carried that thing around in the Humvee for seven months! He also had four dogs that followed him around there. He was like Dr. Doolittle! He once traded a case of Gatorade for chickens and a rooster. He got the chickens and a rooster, because he was trying to get fresh eggs. He never got fresh eggs. He got little chickens! On March 7, 2005, a mass held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord, OH, drew about 1,000 mourners including hundreds of police officers and Marines in dress-blue uniforms from northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania. An honor guard of 60 members from the 4th Marine Division Truck Company in Erie, PA, where Andy was stationed before being deployed to Iraq, soberly lined the walkway into the church. The Marine line was bolstered by police officers dozens deep. Andy's peacekeeping brethren, both civilian and military, saluted his arrival and departure with tearful eyes. Two of Andy's fellow Marines helped carry his casket. They were joined by a Grand River police officer and three officers from East Cleveland, home to several of Andy's closest friends. The Reverend Jerome Dukes, the Catholic priest who gave Andy's eulogy, had known the family for years, officiating at the wedding of Andy's parents, Sheila and Denis, and baptizing Andy as a baby. Reverend Dukes said that ``Andy was glowing testimony of what it means to be merciful and a peacemaker. He shared his life and liberty with all of us. Andy was buried with full military honors in the All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Ohio. In honor of Andy, a memorial scholarship fund has been established at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. The scholarship fund benefits students entering the police academy, criminal justice program, EMT and firefighter programs offered at Lakeland. It is expected to last in perpetuity. Along with Congressman Steve LaTourette, I am an honorary Co-Chair of the Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Committee. The fund expresses Andy's desire to help those who shared his love of humanity and pubic service. Andy wanted to give so that others might have the opportunity to give back, too. My wife Fran and I continue to keep Andy's family and friends-- especially his brothers Nathan and Peter and his parents Sheila and Denis--in our thoughts and in our prayers. The best comfort that we can give them is to remember all the good and joy that Andy brought into the world in a life that was all too brief. We can also remember one of Andy's favorite sayings: ``Smile. There's nothing to be unhappy about.'' Mr. President, I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be dispensed with.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, today the Senate turned to the Labor-HHS appropriations bill and final appropriations bill for this fiscal year. Next week, we will continue work on this bill. We plan to complete action on it as quickly as possible. On behalf of the leader, I remind our colleagues to notify the bill managers if they have amendments to offer, and the leader urges them to offer amendments early in the week. As previously announced, Senators should expect a full week and plan their schedules accordingly. We will have at least one vote on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 284, which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I understand there are two bills at the desk due for a second reading.

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, in order to place the bills on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to further proceeding en bloc.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 2 p.m. on Monday, October 24. I further ask that following the prayer and pledge the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved, and the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 3010, the Labor-Health and Human Services appropriations bill.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I am happy to join my friend from Nebraska in bringing this very important issue to the attention of the Senate. As my good friend has mentioned, the provisions contained in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 have created a unique opportunity to advance the futures of returning patriots and other persons with disabilities, while improving the fiscal outlook of our country. A little over a year ago, the U.S. Army established the Disabled Soldiers Support System, or DS3, to provide its ``disabled Soldiers and their families with a system of advocacy and follow-up to provide personal support that assists them in their transition from military service into the civilian community.'' The program has been combined with the Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines, or REALifelines, initiative as a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bethesda Naval Medical Center, and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The joint effort aims to create a seamless, personalized assistance network to ensure that seriously wounded and injured servicemembers who cannot return to active duty are trained for rewarding new careers in the private sector. In employing the new private debt collection provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act, private collection agencies would be in the unique position of being able to provide these veterans with well- paying and challenging jobs. Studies in the Worker's Compensation industry point to heightened degrees of vocational success when return to work efforts occur early. It is important that our returning disabled servicemembers be reincorporated into a stable work environment as soon as possible so that they do not become depressed and develop feelings of uselessness. As the Senator has stated, some have expressed concern due to the selection process currently underway. Therefore, I agree with him that it is best not to offer this language at this time. But notwithstanding, Senator Nelson of Nebraska and I plan to work to find the appropriate legislative vehicle to attach language that will mandate the hiring of persons with disabilities prospectively. I urge my fellow Senators to join me in supporting this effort. This is an innovative and cost-effective plan for increasing employment of disabled veterans and other disabled citizens. We owe it to our service men and women to improve their futures any way we can. setaside funding for public housing agencies

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army SP Allen Nolan, from Marietta, OH, who was severely injured in Balad, Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died from his injuries on September 30, 2004, at the Brook Army Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He was 38 years old. Throughout Allen's life, he touched countless people. His family and close friends describe his loyalty and devotion to his family, his community, his church, and his country. Allen's strong religious faith was central to him. As Pastor Ray Witmer III, of Faith Bible Church in Williamstown, OH, where Allen and his family were members, said this about Allen: The phrase that keeps coming to mind--words that Allen actually had said many times--is that he is a father, husband, son, soldier, and foremost, a Christian. Allen Nolan was all of those things--and more. Robin Nolan described her brother-in-law as a ``strong family man who enjoyed hunting and fishing.'' She said that ``he was always willing to help out. When my husband was ill last winter, he was such a big help. He was a very, very good brother and father.'' Allen Nolan graduated from Warren High School and received an associate degree in business from Washington County Technical College. Later, he attended The Ohio State University and Ohio Valley College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in organizational management. He eventually went on to work for Broughton Foods in Marietta and Century 21 Realty. Allen loved his family more than anything else in the world. He and his devoted wife, Gail, were the proud parents of five children--Roman, Kennan, Euanna, Bobby, and Frankie. Allen was a terrific father-- caring, committed, and supportive of his young family. He protected Gail and his children as a husband and father--and also as a soldier. Allen loved his country and felt a duty to protect it and make it a better place for his family. He served in the Army Reserves for seven years as a member of the 660th Transportation Company based out of Zanesville, Ohio. As one of the more experienced members of his unit, Allen took it upon himself to mentor the younger soldiers. Dan Johnson, a close friend in his unit, described Allen as a ``completely selfless individual. He would drop anything to help someone. He talked about his family all the time. I feel very lucky that I had the chance to know him and to work with him.'' Johnson further emphasized, ``What I remember most about Allen is that he always had a `can do' attitude. I never heard him complain or gripe about anything. We got to be close friends.'' SP Robert Lovell, who served with Allen since 1997, also cherished their friendship, saying the following: Allen was always the first to volunteer. He was deeply committed to his religion. What I miss most about Allen is that he was always there if you needed help or counsel. Allen was one of my best friends and has been since we first met. BG Michael W. Beasley, commanding general of the 88th Regional Readiness Command, RRC, said that ``Allen was a wonderful soldier. He frequently volunteered for the most complex and difficult missions. He was also an excellent mentor and trainer of the younger soldiers.'' Other men in his company described how he would lead them in prayer before going out on a mission. They talked about how much comfort that gave them. Not surprisingly, though just three months away from retiring from the Reserves when his unit was deployed to Iraq in February 2004, Allen did not hesitate to fulfill his duty. He and Gail both considered the war in Iraq an integral part of the war on terror. Allen believed he had a mission to carry out and was ready and willing to do whatever was necessary--whatever was needed. Allen had been in Iraq 9 months, when he was scheduled to return home for 2 weeks on September 20, 2004. However, he was injured on September 18 when the fuel truck that he was driving north of Baghdad was struck by an improvised explosive device and came under a missile attack and a small arms fire. Allen was first evacuated to the 31st combat support hospital in Baghdad and then to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. A burn team later transported him to Brook Army Medical Center in Texas, where he died on September 30, following a second surgery. Thankfully, Allen was able to spend his last days and hours surrounded by loved ones. Gail and their oldest son, Roman, were able to be with him at the hospital. Gail's close friend, Karmen Lockhart, said that ``we knew so many people praying for Allen, but God didn't answer our prayers the way we wanted. But, I believe he answered Allen's prayers, not to take other soldiers, but to take him. I believe he gave his life so others could be saved.'' Pastor Witmer was also able to be with the Nolans at the Army hospital in Texas. Pastor Witmer said that ``Allen was sure of his eternity.'' His unshakable faith is what allowed him to give so generously of himself and make that ultimate sacrifice. Young children often have a way of putting even the most tragic of events into perspective for us. After learning of his father's death, Allen and Gail's son Kennan, who was nine years old at the time, said this about his father: ``The Lord must have needed him more than I did.'' In those simple, selfless words, this little boy is saying so much. His father would be very proud. Appropriately, Allen was remembered in a beautiful funeral service held at the Faith Bible Church, the center of his spiritual life. Nearly 500 people attended the service. Allen received five medals posthumously: The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His medals were presented to Gail at his funeral, which included full military honors. When I think about the life of Army SP Allen Nolan, I am reminded of something tennis great, Arthur Ashe, once said about what it means to be a hero. He said that ``true heroism is remarkably sober--very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.'' That's Allen Nolan. He was a noble man willing to serve others--his family, his fellow soldiers, his country--at whatever cost. And for that, we will never forget him. I know that Allen's family and friends will forever cherish the memory of their son, brother, husband, and father, whose love knew no bounds. They all remain in our thoughts and prayers. Army Corporal Kevin W. Prince Mr. President, this afternoon I also wish to honor and to remember a fellow Ohioan and a brave soldier. Army CPL Kevin W. Prince, of Plain City, OH, was killed on April 23, 2005, when a homemade bomb detonated under his Humvee. Corporal Prince was on patrol in Iskandariyah, Iraq. At the time of his death, He was 22 years old. Kevin was born on July 13, 1982, in Canton, OH, to loving parents, Ronald and Susan Prince. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Plain City, where he grew up. As a youth, Kevin worked part time in his parent's restaurant, the ``Main Street Bagel and Deli, and attended Alder High School, where he played soccer and ran cross country. Principal Phil Harris remembers Kevin as a decent young man, who was honest and caring. He was always standing up for the underdogs--the kids who were being picked on or bullied. He made sure they were okay-- that they were protected. Inside and outside of school, Kevin lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed reading, watching movies, running, and playing video games. Kevin also enjoyed playing soccer, something he had done since the age of 5. His grandfather tells a story about one of Kevin's earliest matches. Kevin had the ball and was running down the field--but in the wrong direction. Kevin's grandfather shouted at him to turn around, which he did, but only long enough to shout ``Be quiet, Grampa!'' He kept on running down the field--the wrong way. Evidently, Kevin had a bit of stubborn streak. After graduating from high school, Kevin decided to join the military. He planned to attend college when his term of service ended. His father, a Navy veteran, tried his best to convince Kevin to become a fellow sailor, but Kevin refused. He wanted to be a soldier, and so, in 2001, he enlisted in the Army. Kevin went through boot camp at Fort Benning, GA, where he finished in October 2002. By January 2003, he was sent to Fort Irwin, CA, where he joined the Army's 2nd Division, 11th Armored Cavalry, Echo Troop. At Fort Irwin, Kevin trained other soldiers in the extreme conditions of the Mojave Desert to prepare them for the heat and dust of Iraq's deserts. On January 9, 2005, Kevin's unit was deployed to Iraq, where they patrolled the area south of Baghdad. Months after Kevin arrived in Iraq, he began April 23 like any other day. He called home and spoke to his parents. He chatted with his sister and brother over the Internet. Only a few hours later, a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle. In that tragic moment, the Prince family lost their youngest son, and the United States lost a very courageous soldier. CPL Kevin Prince was more than just a good soldier. He was a good citizen. He was a good friend. Chris Holehouse, a close friend of Kevin's, spoke of his honesty, selflessness, and integrity: His handshake was his word. If he found $2,000 in a wallet, he'd give it back. He was not like anybody else. He wasn't apathetic to what was going on. He wasn't lazy, and he wasn't selfish; he was dependable. He reminded me of those books about Camelot. He reminded me of one of those guys. Just as he had in high school, Kevin fought bullying wherever he found it, even at Fort Irwin. After Kevin's death, a friend from Fort Irwin wrote a brief memorial for the guy who looked out for him and became his friend: My name is Specialist Nathan Stern. I met Kevin when I first arrived at Fort Irwin. Being a brand new [Private] mechanic, I naturally got a hard time from a lot of the infantry guys. Kevin didn't [give me a hard time]. He helped me out a lot. We became friends over time and hung out outside of work every now and then. Kevin was a rare person to find, and I will miss him. Kevin joined the Army to help make the world a better place. And in so many ways, he did just that. Those who knew Kevin all say he hated bullies. In high school, he stood up for his schoolmates. In the Army, he stood up for all of us. He fought for the blessings we sometimes take for granted and the principles and ideals on which our Nation was founded. He fought for it all, and he gave us his all. Today, we honor Kevin Prince. We will remember him always. My wife, Fran, and I continue to keep Kevin's many friends and family--especially his parents, Ronald and Susan; his sister Kelly; and his brother Jason--in our thoughts and in our prayers.

Mr. DeWINE

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed in morning business.

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