Christopher Dodd

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the CARE Act which is an important piece of legislation that was passed yesterday. The CARE Act will help thousands of charitable organizations across the country perform the important work that they do every day on behalf of people and causes that need and deserve our assistance. Every day in America, men and women and sometimes children--working and volunteering under the auspices of countless charitable organizations--feed hungry children, provide hot meals and home visits to senior citizens, clean our parks and lakes and rivers, care for neglected and abused animals, and provide clothes, food, and shelter for the homeless and mentally ill. These activities take place each day despite great costs to workers and volunteers in terms of time and resources. I would daresay that were this bill not to become law, volunteers and charitable organizations around the country would be no less committed and dedicated to their work. But because we have passed this legislation and because this legislation or a reasonable facsimile thereof will hopefully become law in the near future, it is my belief that the work performed by charitable organizations and volunteers throughout America will be supported, strengthened, and expanded upon for years to come. One of the most important provisions in this bill will allow those who do not itemize their deductions to receive a tax deduction for their charitable contributions. This deduction will benefit millions of low and middle-income families who are already making significant charitable contributions each year, and it will encourage even more charitable contributions in future years. This bill also authorizes preferential treatment of gifts made from IRAs. This provision is important to many major charities and universities throughout our Nation. I am also very pleased that the CARE Act restores funding for the Social Services Block Grant. The social services block grant pays for critical services for millions of children, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities each year. Congress has been ignoring its responsibility to those in need for too long. Since 1995, annual funding for SSBG has been cut by more than $1 billion, from a high of $2.8 billion to the current level of $1.7 billion. This bill will restore the amount to $2.8 billion in the next fiscal year which is especially important now since we are seeing States across America cut and sometimes even eliminate the very services that SSBG was enacted to support because of the budget deficits they are currently faced with. I do not believe it is an exaggeration to say that, if you want to know what America is all about, visit one of America's charities. There you will find the American spirit burning brightly. It is a spirit of compassion, selflessness, equal opportunity, and initiative. Those are the values that have made our Nation great. Those are the values that are nurtured each and every day in these organizations. And those are the values that will be given new strength and potency by this legislation. I commend those of our colleagues who have worked hard to bring this legislation to the floor today. And I look forward to continuing to work with them in the days to come to enact it into law.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Madam President, we lost a young man from Connecticut in the Iraq conflict a few days ago. I want to take a few minutes to pay tribute to Marine SSGT Phillip Jordan of Enfield, CT, who was killed in action while on a combat mission in Iraq. All Americans have been closely following our troops in Iraq since the war began 2 weeks ago. Every day we hear lots of facts and figures about the war, the number of sorties in the air, the number of tanks in the field, and the locations of various divisions throughout Iraq. We must never forget that behind those statistics are people. These people are our constituents, young men and women in uniform from all across this great land of ours, some who are not even citizens of this country but who have green cards and want to demonstrate their commitment to America by serving in the Armed Forces and commit themselves to do a job in the Persian Gulf because they have been asked to by the President. We must never forget that each and every one of the more than 225,000 brave service men and women fighting in Iraq have family and friends at home to fight for our country overseas. Each of these heroes is making a tremendous contribution, a personal sacrifice, so all of us can be more secure in the United States. Inevitably, in a conflict such as this, there are those who will make the ultimate sacrifice, some who will never return to their family and friends and communities. I would like to share the story of one of those fine Americans for a few moments this evening. The individual I want to talk about is SSGT Phillip Jordan who was 42 years of age. He lived in Enfield with his wife Amanda and their 6- year-old son Tyler. His devotion to his country caused him to enlist in the Marines some 15 years ago as a private. Sergeant Jordan quickly advanced in the ranks to become a gunnery sergeant. In 1991, he served in his first combat mission as a platoon leader in Operation Desert Storm, the first Persian Gulf war. After that conflict, Sergeant Jordan was based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before becoming a drill sergeant at Parris Island, SC. For 3 years he taught countless new recruits how to become U.S. marines. Few were better suited for the task--friends, family and his marine colleagues referred to Sergeant Jordan as a ``Marine's Marine'' for his can-do professional attitude. Just before he was shipped out in January to serve in the second Persian Gulf war, Sergeant Jordan was asked how he felt about once again being called to serve in combat. His response was: ``This is what I do. That's my job.'' He did that job with unflinching valor. Phillip Jordan was much more than just a fine marine. He was an incredibly fine, loving husband and remarkable father. Amanda Jordan described her husband as a caring and loving man who would go out of his way to do a favor for anyone at all. Each and every Sunday when he was home, he would make his family a homemade breakfast, right down to the flowers and fresh-squeezed orange juice. While stationed overseas, letters home always included two parts, one that began ``Dear Amanda'' and the other began ``Dear Tyler'' so that Tyler would have a letter of his own. Tyler certainly read those letters. He says he wants to grow up to be a marine some day, just like his father. There would be, perhaps, no more fitting tribute to a man who showed such tremendous dedication and devotion to his family and his Nation. Phillip Jordan's friends liked to call him ``Gump,'' after the movie 11Forrest Gump,'' for his eternal optimism. Tragically, in times of war, such optimism is not always rewarded. We, as a Nation, can be assured a victory in this conflict and any others which may challenge us down the line, because we know our fighting forces are made up of men and women who share Phillip Jordan's sense of commitment and strength of character. We must always be mindful of the price they and their loved ones have paid for our freedom and our security, especially those like Phillip Jordan who paid the highest price of all. Phillip Jordan was not the first casualty of this war and regrettably he will not be the last. It is important for all of us at this moment in time to reach out to the many families who have an empty chair at their dinner table because a father or mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter has been called to serve their Nation in a distant land. These families need our support more now than ever. Young Tyler Jordan was asked the other day about his dad. He said he was confident his father was the best marine in Heaven. On behalf of the Senate, I thank Phillip Jordan for his service to America, and extend the deepest sympathies, not only of my family but also of all of the Senate, to express our condolences to Amanda and Tyler Jordan and to that family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Madam President, with a sense of parochial pride--although I note the Presiding Officer is from my region of the country, and I presume she may enjoy a sense of regional pride as well--I rise to address the victory last evening of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team in the national championship game. I don't want to take a long time today, but I send my congratulations to the team, the fans, and Coach Geno Auriemma, who is a wonderful friend of mine, his family, his remarkable coaching staff, and the tremendous team, led by Diana Taurasi, who is a junior, along with other underclassmen, who did what no one predicted they would be able to do following last year's national championship victory, and that is to follow on with a record of only one loss this season and to beat a great Tennessee team. I note the Senator from Tennessee is in the Chamber, but I want my colleagues to know there are a couple of lobsters that are today enjoying life somewhere along the bottom of Long Island Sound because they did not end up on the dinner plate of the majority leader. Last evening at a gathering of friends, I wagered two New England lobsters versus some barbecue from Tennessee. So two lobsters on Long Island Sound are enjoying their freedom tonight; they are obviously pleased as well that the University of Connecticut team did as well as it did. Congratulations to our State and their fans and the wonderful team. A resolution will be adopted later this evening commending this fine team and the staff of the University of Connecticut.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of this year's NCAA women's basketball champions--the University of Connecticut Huskies--and offer, along with my colleague Senator Lieberman, a Senate resolution commending the Huskies for another phenomenal season. Sports and other forms of entertainment have taken a backseat over the past few weeks, and rightfully so, as our full national attention has been focused on our brave service men and women risking--and some losing--their lives in our war with Iraq. The beginning of this year's NCAA tournament coincided almost to the hour with the beginning of America's war with Iraq. For millions of Americans who eyes were glued to the television watching live coverage of our swift invasion, and whose hearts and prayers remain with our troops overseas, the NCAA tournament offered us all a much needed diversion. Compared to the stakes in the real battles being fought by our young men and women in cities and towns across Iraq, the stakes in this year's tournament seem very insignificant. But watching the NCAA tournament reminded us of the simple joy we feel from witnessing America's finest young athletes engage in the heights of competition. And for thousands of soldiers who watched the games live by satellite in the Persian Gulf, it gave them a little taste of home, where, it is my hope, they will be returning very, very soon. I would like to take a few moments to commend all the participants in the men's and women's basketball tournament this year. I want to especially congratulate the Syracuse Orangemen for their victory over Kansas on Monday night in the men's championship game. It was truly a spectacular year for the Big East, which also included St. John's winning the NIT championship. But most of all, I would like to specifically recognize the UConn Lady Huskies for their tremendous accomplishments this season, culminating with winning the national championship over their arch- rival Tennessee last night, by a score of 73-68. A casual observer picking up a newspaper today might remark, ``UConn wins. Just like every year.'' And indeed, this marks the second straight year, and the third time in the last four years, that the Lady Huskies have ended the season as champions. But anyone who has followed UConn knows that this year was not just like any other year--and it certainly wasn't like last year. Last season, an undefeated UConn team, led by four outstanding All-American seniors--Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, and Asjha Jones--won its games by an average of 35 points. After these four women graduated--each one moving on to play professionally in the WNBA--many pundits believed that a younger, less experienced UConn team filled with underclassmen, and not a single senior, had little chance to win much of anything this season. To many, this was considered a rebuilding year. Preseason polls had the Huskies ranked as low as 12th in the Nation. Yet through grit, determination, talent, teamwork--and an exceptional coaching staff led by Geno Auriemma--the Huskies exceeded all expectations. They opened the season with 31 straight wins, extending their record winning streak to 70 games--one of the greatest streaks in the history of team sports. After moving with relative ease through the first few rounds of the NCAA tournament, they survived a grueling test against Texas in the semifinal game last Sunday night, when they rallied from a 9-point deficit with 12 minutes remaining to win by only two points. And last night, they held off a furious late rally by Tennessee. As usual, the tremendous play of two-time All-American junior Diana Taurasi sparked the Huskies to victory. This year, Ms. Taurasi sparked the Huskies to victory. This year, Ms. Taurasi rewrote the record books, as she put together one of the most outstanding seasons in the history of women's college basketball. She was recognized as the player of the year by every organization that gives out that honor, and was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA East Regional and the Final Four. Her 157 points in the NCAA tournament represented the third highest total in history. And her on and off court leadership was a steadying force for such a young team, prompting one of her teammates to describe her as ``the most amazing leader you could ask for.'' But it was not only Diana Taurasi who won the championship for UConn. In fact, in the final game, despite scoring 28 points, she did not score a single point in the last 6 minutes. Instead, she relied upon her teammates to take center stage. The final free throws that inched the team closer to victory were made by a freshman, Ann Strother, who played one of the best games of her young career. And the steal that clinched the game was made by a sophomore reserve, Defensive Player of the Year, Ashley Battle. Last night's game showed all of America what we in Connecticut have known for years: that the Lady Huskies are not a collection of individual players, but a team in every sense of the word. Though the players all played their hearts out this year, UConn's success is also a testimony to their outstanding coach, Geno Auriemma. This year, Coach Auriemma was recognized for the fourth time as the Coach of the Year by the Associated Press and by the United States Basketball Writers Association. In his amazing 18 years as head coach of the Huskies, he has won 501 games and lost only 99. His success has made him one of the most recognizable figures in the Nutmeg State. Coach Auriemma has taught his players not only how to win, but how to do so with grace. In an age when sportsmanship has become almost a forgotten word, UConn women stand as a model which all young children can emulate, extending helping hands to fallen opponents and congratulating them after a game's conclusion. And every single student-athlete brought to UConn by Coach Auriemma has received her undergraduate degree. The success of the Lady Huskies has extended far beyond their own team. During their recent dynasty, women's basketball, and women's athletics in general, have risen to new prominence. This year, for the first time ever, all 63 games in the women's NCAA tournament were televised nationally. Over 28,000 fans attended last night's title game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and millions more watched on television. I am proud that the UConn Huskies have contributed to the flourishing of women's sports in America. Anyone who watched last night's game knows why this is so: the athletic ability of these women is truly amazing, matched only by their intensity and enthusiasm. And the caliber of women's basketball will only continue to get better and better as more and more young girls are inspired by these athletes to play sports in elementary and high school. I would like to recognize every member of the Huskies: players Ashley Valley, Diana Taurasi, Maria Conlon, Stacey Marron, Morgan Valley, Nicole Wolff, Ashley Battle, Willnett Crockett, Jessica Moore, Barbara Turner, Ann Strother, Head Coach Geno Auriemma, Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey, and Assistant Coaches Tonya Cardoza and Jamelle Elliott. I would also like to congratulate the runners-up, the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and their Head Coach Pat Summitt, for an outstanding season as well. For years, Tennessee has been synonymous with success in women's basketball, and there is no doubt that when the Huskies won last night, they beat the best. With the great joy and pride that I and all Connecticut residents feel right now, I am almost sorry to see the season end. But with every single member of the team set to return next year. I am already looking forward to another great season. If anyone can top this year's accomplishments, I know the Huskies can. I yield the floor.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague from Arizona, Senator John McCain, to reintroduce legislation that we've sponsored in the past, the ``Blind Empowerment Act of 2003.'' This legislation would restore the 20-year link between blind people and senior citizens with respect to the Social Security earnings limit. It will have a tremendous impact on the lives of many blind people, helping them become more self-sufficient and productive members of society. Today there are nearly 1.1 million Americans who are blind, with 75,000 more becoming blind each year. With today's technology, blind and visually-impaired individuals can do just about anything. Blind people today are employed as farmers, lawyers, secretaries, nurses, managers, childcare workers, social workers, teachers, librarians, stockbrokers, accountants, and journalists, among many other things. The Federal Government should do all within its power to facilitate and encourage the blind and visually-impaired to enter the workforce. Many public and private initiatives provide the technical advancement necessary to educate and employ the blind at the same level as their sighted peers. For example, the National Federation of the Blind, NFB, has created an institute to utilize technological advancements for the blind in an effort to promote employment of the blind throughout the nation. The NFB helps employers provide adaptive technology, consultation, and training so that they can better accommodate the needs of blind and visually-impaired employees. In 1996, Congress passed the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act, which broke the longstanding linkage between the treatment of blind people and seniors under Social Security. This allowed the earnings limit to be raised for seniors, but not for the blind. As a result, blind people do not have the opportunity to increase their earnings without jeopardizing their Social Security benefits. In 2002, that limit was at $14,800. If a blind individual earns more than that, his or her Social Security benefits are not protected. The purpose of the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act was to allow seniors to continue contributing to society as productive workers while still receiving social security benefits. Historically, the earnings test treatment of seniors and blind people has been identical under Title II of the Social Security Act. With this legislation, we must do the same for the blind population of America as we have done for the seniors. We must provide blind people the same opportunity to be productive and contribute to their own stability. We must not discourage these individuals from working. The current earnings test provides a disincentive for the blind population, many of whom are working age and capable of productive work. Work provides one of the fundamental ways individuals express their talents and allow them to make a contribution to society and to their loved ones. Blind individuals face constant hurdles when it comes to employment. Parents, teachers, or counselors may tell them they can't do it. Employers sometimes don't even give them the opportunity to try. But blind people and others with severe visual impairments take great pride in being able to work, just like the rest of us. They are likely to respond favorably to an increase in the earnings test because they want to work. We don't want to create yet another hurdle to employment for blind individuals with the Social Security earnings test. By allowing those with visual impairments to work more without penalty, we would increase both their tax contribution and their purchasing power. By doing so we would also bring additional funds into the Social Security trust fund and the Federal Treasury. I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this important legislation to restore the fair and equal treatment for the blind citizens of America. The ``Blind Empowerment Act of 2003'' will provide the blind population with the same freedom and opportunities as our Nation's seniors and the rest of the citizens of this nation.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleague from Arizona, Senator John McCain, to reintroduce legislation that we've sponsored in the past, the ``Blind Empowerment Act of 2003.'' This legislation would restore the 20-year link between blind people and senior citizens with respect to the Social Security earnings limit. It will have a tremendous impact on the lives of many blind people, helping them become more self-sufficient and productive members of society. Today there are nearly 1.1 million Americans who are blind, with 75,000 more becoming blind each year. With today's technology, blind and visually-impaired individuals can do just about anything. Blind people today are employed as farmers, lawyers, secretaries, nurses, managers, childcare workers, social workers, teachers, librarians, stockbrokers, accountants, and journalists, among many other things. The Federal Government should do all within its power to facilitate and encourage the blind and visually-impaired to enter the workforce. Many public and private initiatives provide the technical advancement necessary to educate and employ the blind at the same level as their sighted peers. For example, the National Federation of the Blind, NFB, has created an institute to utilize technological advancements for the blind in an effort to promote employment of the blind throughout the nation. The NFB helps employers provide adaptive technology, consultation, and training so that they can better accommodate the needs of blind and visually-impaired employees. In 1996, Congress passed the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act, which broke the longstanding linkage between the treatment of blind people and seniors under Social Security. This allowed the earnings limit to be raised for seniors, but not for the blind. As a result, blind people do not have the opportunity to increase their earnings without jeopardizing their Social Security benefits. In 2002, that limit was at $14,800. If a blind individual earns more than that, his or her Social Security benefits are not protected. The purpose of the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act was to allow seniors to continue contributing to society as productive workers while still receiving social security benefits. Historically, the earnings test treatment of seniors and blind people has been identical under Title II of the Social Security Act. With this legislation, we must do the same for the blind population of America as we have done for the seniors. We must provide blind people the same opportunity to be productive and contribute to their own stability. We must not discourage these individuals from working. The current earnings test provides a disincentive for the blind population, many of whom are working age and capable of productive work. Work provides one of the fundamental ways individuals express their talents and allow them to make a contribution to society and to their loved ones. Blind individuals face constant hurdles when it comes to employment. Parents, teachers, or counselors may tell them they can't do it. Employers sometimes don't even give them the opportunity to try. But blind people and others with severe visual impairments take great pride in being able to work, just like the rest of us. They are likely to respond favorably to an increase in the earnings test because they want to work. We don't want to create yet another hurdle to employment for blind individuals with the Social Security earnings test. By allowing those with visual impairments to work more without penalty, we would increase both their tax contribution and their purchasing power. By doing so we would also bring additional funds into the Social Security trust fund and the Federal Treasury. I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this important legislation to restore the fair and equal treatment for the blind citizens of America. The ``Blind Empowerment Act of 2003'' will provide the blind population with the same freedom and opportunities as our Nation's seniors and the rest of the citizens of this nation.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, let me first of all commend both of our colleagues from New York, Senators Schumer and Clinton, for their very eloquent remarks about our former colleague and dear friend, Pat Moynihan. I know not only the Moynihan family but the people of New York and others around this great country who have had the privilege of knowing and spending time with Pat Moynihan deeply appreciate their comments and their words. I join in expressing my deep sense of loss of a towering figure of American life, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whom we all know passed away yesterday. My heart certainly goes out to Senator Moynihan's family at this most difficult time, his remarkable wife Liz and their three children, Timothy, Maura, and John, as well as the entire Moynihan family. All of us, every single American, even those who may never have heard his name or are unaware of his contribution, lost a member of the family in a sense with the death of Pat Moynihan. That is because for more than half a century, Pat Moynihan served the American people as a soldier, a teacher, as an author, an assistant to four American Presidents, an Ambassador to India and the United Nations and, of course, a Member of this Chamber for 24 years, from 1976 to the year 2000. Pat Moynihan, to those of us who knew him so well, was an intellectual giant who never lost sight of what makes America tick, in its most fundamental way our nation's people and our nation's families. He had a deep appreciation and abiding of America's families as the backbone of our nation's social and economic structure that has provided us with stability and growth and success for more than two centuries. And he was, of course, an unparalleled leader in pointing out weaknesses in America's families and ways in which we might strengthen them. Generations of Americans, many of whom will never have known or possibly even have heard of Pat Moynihan, will reap the benefits of this most compassionate and thoughtful leader among leaders. A true American success story by any calculation, Pat Moynihan rose from the rough neighborhood of New York City's Hell's Kitchen to become one of America's leading intellectuals. He earned a bachelor's degree, two masters degrees, a law degree, and a PhD as well as teaching appointments at Harvard, MIT, and Syracuse University. Pat Moynihan was much more than simply a man of letters. He, above all else, combined his intellectual capacity with a strong sense of action; of getting things done. Pat Moynihan brought life to the notion that ideas serve as the engine of democracy. Many of the most thoughtful and progressive legislative programs that have improved the lives of his beloved New York and all around our Nation and across the globe for the past 40 years originated in the brilliant mind of Pat Moynihan. From protecting underprivileged children, to passionately defending the Social Security system, to questioning America's role in the world at pivotal moments in our history, Pat Moynihan's intellectual agility was only matched by his desire to make America a better nation, a fairer nation, and a more successful one. The description ``renaissance figure'' is too liberally applied to people who don't deserve it, in my view. That is not the case with Pat Moynihan. He truly was a renaissance figure, a person who could breeze easily and expertly from issue to issue. He would expound upon what is needed to improve mass transit systems nationwide one moment, explain what is needed to achieve excellence in our public education system in the next, and finish off with his latest idea to bring majesty to the architecture along Pennsylvania Avenue, all in a very seamless way. I have heard the remarks of many of our colleagues and others over the last 24 hours in sharing their grief over the loss of our friend. As I have read and heard these remarks, in newspapers and public accounts, it struck me that the words describing Pat Moynihan that are being most repeated over and over again are courageous, compassionate, principled, thoughtful, brilliant, and the like. Few individuals have been so universally revered by so many here in Washington and across the Nation for their determination to make a difference in helping to steer our Nation in the right direction over a half century. That is because for decades Pat Moynihan embodied the highest ideals and values of our Nation since its founding. This was recognized by Democratic Presidents and Republican ones alike. He served for both of them, and he served well. It was recognized by every one of his Senate colleagues, regardless of party or ideology, who had the great fortune to have worked with him in this Chamber. Frederick Douglass once said: The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous. For 40 years Pat Moynihan lent those characteristics to the heart of the U.S. Government. Pat Moynihan's death leaves a void in this Chamber, and in this country, that will not soon, if ever, be filled I would like to think that there will be more Pat Moynihan's coming down the pike, to serve in this Chamber, and in other important capacities nationwide. I would like to think that there will be more individuals with the style, and wit, and substance of Pat Moynihan to help guide our nation through the multitude of complex issues we confront now and into the future. I would like to think so, but the truth is Pat Moynihan was one of a kind. We will have to make due without him. I only count my blessings that I had a chance to serve with him in the United States Senate, and to have been able to call him a friend. I conclude my remarks by expressing my deep sense of loss to Liz and the rest of the Moynihan family. This country has lost a remarkable individual, a person who made significant contributions to the health and well-being of this Nation. But to those of us who had the joy of serving with this delightful man from Ireland, we have lost a wonderful friend, someone we will miss with a great sense of loss for the rest of our lives. I express my gratitude and those of my family to the Moynihan family, the people of New York, and to our colleagues and staffs and others who worked with him during those four decades of public service. I yield the floor.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, on March 20, President Bush ordered U.S. forces to begin attacking Iraqi installations. There are currently 225,000 American service men and women in the Persian Gulf region. Two hundred thousand members of the Reserves and National Guard have been called to active duty. Several thousand Connecticut residents are doing their part--1,500 members of Connecticut's National Guard; 750 deployed to the Middle East and another 750 activated to participate in homeland security related responsibilities. There are also 2,778 of Connecticut's sons and daughters serving in the Navy--active members and reservists, 532 in the Army, and 310 in the Air Force. Dozens of Connecticut's police officers and firefighters have been called up for active duty. I thank each and every one of them. And say to them that I am proud and honored to represent them in the United States Senate. As is always the case, these young men and women stand ready to obey the orders of the Commander in Chief--the President of the United States--to take up arms and risk their lives in defense of all Americans and the values of freedom, liberty, and democracy. I greatly admire the courage and professionalism of our service men and women who are now engaged in this dangerous conflict far away from home and loved ones. Americans stand as one in support of these brave individuals. I also want to express my gratitude to the family members of our soldiers. They more than anyone understand the sacrifices involved in the service of our country. War is a treacherous endeavor, and we will all pray for their safe return. I am confident that in the days and weeks to come, America and the U.S. Congress will continue to provide our service men and women with all the support they need and deserve. Over the last several months, my colleagues and I have engaged in an ongoing dialog about when and under what circumstances the U.S. should commence military action in Iraq. I have been a participant in these important debates, as have many others in this Chamber. And across the country, in cities and towns, Americans have also been discussing these issues with their families and neighbors. Many have voiced strong opinions. It is right and appropriate that this has occurred--that is what living in a free country is all about. Last Fall, I supported President Bush's decision to go the United Nations and seek the support of U.N. members to resolve the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. I supported the deployment of U.N. weapons inspectors to Iraq to verify its peaceful disarmament. As much as anyone, I wanted those diplomatic efforts to succeed. I believe that President Bush did as well. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein obviously did not. While there may have been differing opinions on some aspects of our policy toward Iraq, there has been no disagreement that Saddam Hussein is anything but a cruel and murderous tyrant. At every critical juncture, Saddam Hussein chose to impede the work of the inspectors. At every fork in the road, he chose to squander opportunities for peaceful disarmament presented to him by the international community. Finally time has run out. And now, Saddam Hussein must bear full responsibility for what is about to befall him. He brought it upon himself. I have no sympathy for his plight. The real tragedy is that others may have to suffer for his sins--although I am confident that American soldiers will make every effort, use every means of intelligence, and employ all available technology to minimize civilian casualties. Would that Saddam Hussein had shown the same regard for his people that our forces will. His record has been the opposite. This murderous tyrant has routinely had his own people tortured, raped, beaten, and executed. In 1988, he ordered the use of chemical weapons against the Iraqi people, killing 5,000 men, women, and children in a single day. Now, he may be ordering his elite troops to use the city of Baghdad as a fortress--a human fortress--endangering the lives of countless Iraqi civilians. It is my hope that United States military action will not only free the world of the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, but provide an opportunity for the Iraqi people to free themselves from 30 years of tyranny and oppression, to begin a new chapter in the history of their country. The current military action may only last a few days or a few weeks. But in the end, I have not doubt that our American service men and women will prevail in this conflict. However, after we emerge successfully from our military conflict with Saddam Hussein, another challenge will face us--the task of establishing a free and stable Iraq. In many ways this is an even more important battle then the one currently ongoing in the deserts of Iraq. And it is a battle that we should not ``wage'' alone. An international coalition of friends, allies, and U.N. humanitarian organizations must be mobilized to share the costs and responsibility for providing humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people, and the larger and more complex reconstruction of Iraqi society. The United States is not the only nation that has a stake in rebuilding Iraq. The entire world has a huge stake in getting this right. For only an Iraq that is strong, free, and democratic--only an Iraq that respects the rights of all its citizens--only an Iraq that respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors--can be counted on to contribute to building a Middle East that is stable and prosperous. That is why I am confident that whatever our past differences may have been, our friends and allies at the United Nations will join with us in this effort. Once again let me express my thanks to the American men and women who have put themselves at risk for each one of us. Let me also thank the service members from other nations who have joined with our forces in this endeavor. And let me offer one more prayer for their swift and safe return home once their mission is complete.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DODD. There is a huge need for this program in the country. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I have combined two amendments. This is both the afterschool program and Head Start. We were going to do it separately, but to move things along I decided to combine them. This is a 10-year proposal since much of this budget proposal covers 10 years. It amounts to about $18 billion for afterschool programs and $24 billion for Head Start. As a result of this amendment, we would actually increase from 850,000 under this budget to 2.5 million the number of children who would take advantage of afterschool programs this year. Mr. President, 2,000 prosecutors and police chiefs have endorsed this amendment. On Head Start, we would go from roughly 850,000 kids to approximately 1 million, 1.2 million. That is an increase of 20 percent over the next 10 years for Head Start. We pay for it by reducing the tax cut of $1.73 trillion by about $42 billion. It is a tiny fraction of that tax cut, to serve kids in preschool and the afterschool programs. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that relevant material be printed in the Record.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I urge adoption of the amendment.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for 10 additional seconds. Kids are being----

Mr. DODD. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, this is the FIRE Act. I introduced this with Senator DeWine in 1999. It became law in the year 2000. Senator Warner and I were able to get $100 million for our 20,000 fire departments across the country. One million people serve in our fire services. We had a number--about $750 million--which this budget rolls back to $500 million for these firefighters across the country for the basic homeland security issues of first responders. This amendment would restore that number to $750 million, and over 10 years it would be $1 billion a year, which is paid for by reducing the tax cut. I do not need to tell my colleagues how important this is to the million firefighters in 20,000 departments across this country. They need equipment. They need personnel. Many of their members are off in the Persian Gulf as I speak because they have been called up in the National Guard and Reserve services. These dollars would provide for new firefighters, replacements, as well as safety equipment. Two-thirds of all departments are badly understaffed and too many still do not have the basic safety equipment. This amendment allows for those numbers to be restored to the numbers we appropriated and agreed to last year. I urge the adoption of the amendment.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, and a wonderful friend and colleague, Dr. Edward Zigler, who has recently retired after 40 years as a professor of psychology at Yale University. Dr. Zigler has been a tireless advocate for children for many years, and has successfully been able to take his scientific research and apply it to society's greatest problems. Because of his expertise and his commitment to our Nation's children, he has been asked to assist every Presidential administration since the time of President Lyndon Johnson. From 1970 to 1972, Dr. Zigler was the first director of the U.S. Office of Child Development (now the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families) and Chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau. He is a true visionary leader who has transformed national and State policies in early childhood development. Edward Zigler is a Sterling Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, head of the psychology section of Yale's Child Study Center at the School of Medicine, and director of Yale's Center in Child Development and Social Policy. He is the author, co-author, and editor of hundreds of scholarly publications and has conducted extensive studies on topics related to normal child development, child psychopathology, and mental retardation. He is the founder of the School of the 21st Century, which has been adopted by more than 1300 schools nationwide. Ed Zigler is a true pioneer in the effort to promote childhood development. He is the father of Head Start and has been deeply involved with every twist and turn the program has taken over the last 38 years. He recently completed work with policymakers and the administration to revise the Head Start Program Performance Standards, establish Early Head Start for very young children and their families, and design a research agenda. He is now working with Head Start leadership to develop assessment measures and to expand comprehensive early childhood services geared toward the development of the whole child to all children not yet enrolled in school. In his ongoing role as an advisor on the Head Start Program, he has worked with several Secretaries of: Education; Health and Human Services, Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW); and Labor, including Secretary Bennett in the Reagan administration and Secretary Riley in the Clinton administration. Currently, he is on Secretary Tommy Thompson's Head Start Research Committee. The fact that his counsel has been sought consistently by both parties through the years service serves as a testament to maintain his nonpartisan focus on what research indicates is best for children. Dr. Zigler has transformed State policies for children as well as national policies. He has worked with the State of Connecticut for decades and played a critical role in the establishment of Connecticut quality school readiness programs for low-income children. He and his colleagues have repeatedly surveyed child care standards in the states as well as preschool programs to raise awareness of the importance of quality and to guide policy makers in establishing better programs. Dr. Zigler regularly testified as an expert witness before congressional committees and has served as a consultant to a number of Cabinet-rank officers. In February of 2002, he testified as an expert witness before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension in a hearing examining the science and practice of early childhood development and related policies. He was a member of the Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and Expansion and of the planning committee for the Early Head Start program for families and children ages zero to three. Dr. Zigler is currently serving as the Honorary Chair of the National Advisory Panel for the Head Start 2010 Project. Dr. Zigler's many honors include awards from the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Research in Child Development, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy on Mental Retardation, the American Orthopsychiatric Association, the National Head Start Association, the Heinz Foundation, and Teachers College, Columbia University. He has also received honorary degrees from Park University in Missouri and McGill University in Canada. Throughout his career, Dr. Zigler has successfully combined his commitment to scholarly research and his commitment to public service. Throughout the decades, Dr. Zigler has never lost sight of what he believed was his true calling: improving the lives of all children, particularly poor children. His greatest passion has always been helping the most underprivileged among us. I am pleased to honor him this day and to express my gratitude for all he has done and continues to do on behalf of our Nation's most vulnerable citizens.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for the tens of thousands of brave Americans who are risking their lives at this very hour in a distant land to try to bring some peace and stability to a nation that has been ravaged by a dictator. Late last night the President of the United States ordered United States forces to begin attacks on Iraqi installations. There are currently almost 300,000 American service men and women in the Persian Gulf region. Several thousand are from my State of Connecticut, and they are doing their part. There are 1,500 members of the Connecticut National Guard, of which I was a member. It seems like hundreds of years ago, but I was a member of that National Guard in my home State. There are 750 deployed to the Middle East, and another 750 activated to participate in homeland security and related responsibilities. The results are 530 sons and daughters serving in the Army who are active members and reservists, 310 in the Air Force, and dozens of police officers and firefighters called to active duty, putting additional pressures on the homeland security issues. I thank each and every one of them for their service to our State, to our country, and for freedom. I say to them I am proud and honored to represent them in the Senate. As is always the case, these young men and women stand ready to obey the orders of the Commander in Chief to take up arms and risk their lives in the defense of all Americans and the values of freedom, liberty, and democracy. I greatly admire the courage and professionalism of our service men and women who are now engaged in this dangerous conflict far away from their homes and their loved ones. Americans stand as one in support of these brave individuals. I express my gratitude to the family members of our soldiers, sailors, marines, and members of the Coast Guard. They, more than anyone, understand the sacrifices involved in the service of our Nation. War is a treacherous endeavor and we all pray for their safe return. I am confident in the days and weeks ahead America and the U.S. Congress will continue to provide our service men and women the support they deserve and they may need. Last fall, I supported President Bush's decision to go to the United Nations and seek the support of the U.N. members to resolve the threat posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and supported the deployment of U.S. weapons inspectors to Iraq to verify peaceful disarmament. I wanted the diplomatic efforts to succeed. I believe President Bush did, as well. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein obviously did not. While there may have been differing opinions on some aspects of our policy toward Iraq, there has been no disagreement that Saddam Hussein is anything but a cruel and murderous tyrant. At a very critical juncture Saddam Hussein chose to impede the work of the inspectors and at every fork of the road he squandered opportunities for peaceful disarmament presented by the international community. Time has run out and we thus find ourselves in this situation. My hope is as we begin the reconstruction process, it will be a sense of cooperation internationally on reconstruction. We cannot do this alone. We have to reach out even to those we have had disagreements with to help rebuild Iraq and build the peace and stability of the region. That is critically important for America's security for the 21st century. I regret we did not have more time to discuss this and express our views and thoughts. I do not minimize the importance of the budget debate, but this discussion would trump any discussion of a budget issue. Unfortunately, that time is not allocated. Saddam Hussein must bear full responsibility for what is about to befall him. He brought it upon himself. I have no sympathy for his plight. The real tragedy is that others may have to suffer for his sins although I am confident that American soldiers will make every effort, use every means of intelligence, and employ all available technology to minimize civilian casualties. Would that Saddam Hussein had shown the same regard for his people that our forces will. His record has been the opposite. This murderous tyrant has routinely had his own people tortured, raped, beaten, and executed. In 1988, he ordered the use of chemical weapons against the Iraqi people, killing 5,000 men, women, and children in a single day. Now, he may be ordering his elite troops to use the city of Baghdad as a fortress a human fortress endangering the lives of countless Iraqi civilians. It is my hope that United States military action will not only free the world of the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, but provide an opportunity for the Iraqi people to free themselves from 30 years of tyranny and oppression, to begin a new chapter in the history of their country. The current military action may only last a few days or a few weeks. But in the end, I have no doubt that our American service men and women will prevail in this conflict. However, after we emerge successfully from our military conflict with Saddam Hussein, another challenge will face us the task of establishing a free and stable Iraq. In many ways this is an even more important battle than the one currently ongoing in the deserts of Iraq. And it is a battle that we should not ``wage'' alone. An international coalition of friends, allies, and U.N. humanitarian organizations must be mobilized to share the costs and responsibility for providing humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people, and the larger and more complex reconstruction of Iraqi society. The United States is not the only nation that has a stake in rebuilding Iraq. The entire world has a huge stake in getting this right. For only an Iraq that is strong, free, and democratic--only an Iraq that respects the rights of all its citizens only an Iraq that respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors can be counted on to contribute to building a Middle East that is stable and prosperous. That is why I am confident that whatever our past differences may have been, our friends and allies at the United Nations will join with us in this effort. Once again let me express my thanks to the American men and women who have put themselves at risk for each one of us. Let me also thank the service members from other nations who have joined with our forces in this endeavor. And let me offer one more prayer for their swift and safe return home once their mission is complete.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. I yield to my colleague from Iowa.

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I join first of all with my colleague from Maryland in expressing some regret we have to ask unanimous consent to have remarks added to the Record here at a moment like this when 300,000 Americans in uniform are presently engaged in conflict in the Middle East. I would have thought, like he, there would be a little more time for everyone to express our strong sense of support to these men and women rather than to find ourselves limited because of the budget debate; that more time would have been allocated. Given the seriousness of this situation, I would be hard pressed to think of another situation in recent times that is as serious as this. It would certainly command the attention and time of this institution. Having said that, I add my words of commendation for my friend and colleague from North Dakota. He has done a magnificent job and we are all extremely proud of the work he and his staff have done in trying to fashion together a budget debate that allows for a meaningful discussion of the important issues that are included in this budget discussion. I, like many, regret we have not had a chance to talk about and include in the budget debate, obviously, the issue of the cost of the conflict in the Middle East, the cost of reconstruction--not because we necessarily disagree with it at all; in fact, I supported the resolution last fall--but it ought to be part of the debate and discussion of the budget. Those matters have to be left for another day as we go through this budget resolution. (The remarks of Mr. Dodd are printed in today's Record in the debate on S. Res. 95.)

Mr. DODD. Four minutes.

Mr. DODD

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life of Matthew R. Duksa, Sr., a Connecticut businessman who passed away on November 28, 2002. Mr. Duksa, known as ``Mattie'' to many of his friends, was born and raised on Oak Bluff Farm, his family's dairy farm in Southington, CT. He graduated from Lewis High School and then attended the Cheshire Academy and the Connecticut College of Commerce in New Haven. Later, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the McAllister School of Embalming in New York. In 1949, Mattie opened the Borawski-Duksa Funeral Home in New Britain, CT and began a career providing comfort to families in their darkest hours. In 1952, he established the Newington Memorial Funeral Home in Newington, CT. He served as president of both firms until his death this past November. Too often we think of community service as some immediate, extraordinary act or some heroic event. But communities are shaped by the daily routines and simple acts of kindness and respect that citizens display each day. Men like Mattie Duksa--who do difficult jobs that need to be done--help to define and reinforce the values of our communities. The businesses they run and the lives they lead affect us all for the better. Outside his business, Mattie had a well-developed sense of civic duty. He was a Newington volunteer firefighter for 16 years. He served as Director of the Newington Volunteer Ambulance Company. He was Chairman of West Meadow Cemetery Expansion and Building Committee. And he was a proud member of the Organization of Polish Businessmen. The communities he served came to rely on Mattie's gentle understanding and his spirit. In 1997, the Newington Chamber of Commerce named Mattie ``Business Person of the Year.'' In 2002, the funeral homes he founded were honored as ``Family Business of the Year'' by the University of Connecticut Family Business Program. Mattie and his lifetime of service to his community will be missed, but remembered fondly by those who knew him and benefitted from his many contributions. I extend my sympathies to his wife Dottie, his son Matthew, his daughter Diana Duksa-Kurz, and his grandchildren James, Kristy, Johanna, and Jacqueline.