Pete Domenici

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I believe that the passage of this bill is long overdue and I commend Senator Boxer and Senator Inhofe for their efforts to pass this bill. There are numerous projects in this bill that are important to each state. I would like to take a few moments and highlight what this bill means to New Mexico and our environment. I would like to point out that the New Mexico related projects in this bill were included, at my request, in the WRDA bill we passed in 2006. So the content in this bill should not be a surprise to any of us and I hope that we can get this bill signed by the President quickly. One of the most critical New Mexico projects contained in this year's WRDA bill involves New Mexico's Bosque. I have long envisioned the rehabilitation and restoration of the Bosque. In fact, I have introduced legislation in this Congress that would do just that. This bill will allow us to implement this vision that concerns this long neglected treasure of the Southwest. The Albuquerque metropolitan area is the largest concentration of people in New Mexico. It is also the home to the irreplaceable riparian forest which runs through the heart of the city and surrounding towns that is the Bosque. It is the largest continuous cottonwood forest in the Southwest, and one of the last of its kind in the world. Unfortunately, mismanagement, neglect, and the effects of upstream development have severely degraded the Bosque. As a result, public access is problematical and crucial habitat for scores of species is threatened. Yet the Middle Rio Grande Bosque remains one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the Southwest. My goal is to restore the Bosque and create a space that is open and attractive to the public. I want to ensure that this extraordinary corridor of the Southwestern desert is preserved for generations to come--not only for generations of humans, but for the diverse plant and animal species that reside in the Bosque as well. The rehabilitation of this ecosystem leads to greater protection for threatened and endangered species; it means more migratory birds, healthier habitat for fish, and greater numbers of towering cottonwood trees. This project can increase the quality of life for a city while assuring the health and stability of an entire ecosystem. Where trash is now strewn, paths and trails will run. Where jetty jacks and discarded rubble lie, cottonwoods will grow. The dead trees and underbrush that threaten devastating fire will be replaced by healthy groves of trees. Schoolchildren will be able to study and maybe catch sight of a bald eagle. The chance to help build a dynamic public space like this does not come around often, and I would like to see Congress embrace that chance on this occasion. Having grown up along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, the Bosque is something I treasure, and I lament the degradation that has occurred. Because of this, I have been involved in Bosque restoration since 1991, and I commend the efforts of groups like the Bosque Coalition for the work they have done, and will continue to do, along the river. Another project that is of great importance to New Mexico is the Southwest Valley Flood Control Project. New Mexico is a desert State prone to flash flooding during our monsoon season. In order to protect our cities we must take proactive steps to ensure that communities are prepared in the event of flooding. The Southwest Valley is one such area that is subject to flooding from rainfall runoff. Due to unfavorable topography, flood waters pond in low lying developed areas and cannot drain by gravity flow to the Rio Grande River. This project resolves this problem and calls for the construction of detention basins and a pumping station in Albuquerque for flood control in the Southwest Valley. This legislation also has a significant impact on our environment. The Rio Grande Environmental Management Program authorizes the Corps to address environmental restoration and management on the Rio Grande and its tributaries through planning, design and construction of habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects and a long term river data acquisition and management program. This simple provision establishes a continuing authority for addressing environmental restoration and management on the Rio Grande and its tributaries within the state of New Mexico. This project consists of two main components. The first component consists of planning, design and construction of small habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects and the second component calls for a long term river data acquisition and management program. The impacts that this project will have on New Mexico will be tremendous. Another program outlined in this year's WRDA bill provides authority to the Corps to study, adopt, and construct emergency streambank and shoreline protection works for protection of public highways and bridges, and other public works, and nonprofit public services such as churches, hospitals, and schools. This program provides authority for the Corps to carry out ecosystem restoration and protection projects if the project will improve environmental quality, is in the public interest, and is cost effective. This is a worthy initiative that will benefit the environment throughout the United States. I urge my fellow Senators to help further enhance and protect our environment through passage of this legislation. I believe that each State stands to benefit from this bill.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I was unable to cast a vote on Friday, September 21, on amendment No. 2898 to the Defense authorization bill. I have voted against similar measures in the past, and had I been available to vote on Friday, I would have again voted against this attempt to direct a precipitous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The terms of this amendment would have required U.S. troops to begin leaving Iraq within 90 days of the Defense authorization bill's enactment and complete that withdrawal within 9 months. While I understand public frustration with the war, I believe a precipitous and arbitrary withdrawal mandated by Congress is not a wise solution to the situation in Iraq. I cannot support attempts to set an arbitrary deadline for withdrawing our forces from Iraq, which endangers our troops, our safety at home and the overall stability of Iraq and the Middle East. I believe our military commanders should determine how and when our troops begin leaving Iraq based on conditions on the ground. General Petraeus announced this month that he would be able to begin withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq. I believe Congress should rely on the guidance and leadership of General Petraeus and our other commanders on the ground to determine how best to eventually bring our troops home from Iraq.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President. I would like to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM. In 1987, USSOCOM was officially established to create a unified command structure for the special operations forces of all military branches. Since that time, the special operations forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps have deployed to all parts of the globe and participated in every major American military operation in support of USSOCOM missions. It is with good reason that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of USSOCOM are considered the most elite military forces in the world. These individuals complete extremely rigorous training and are called upon to accomplish the most difficult and dangerous missions in our military. We in New Mexico are excited that USSOCOM's 16th Special Operations Wing will soon be making the move to Cannon Air Force Base. Though we are sad to see the men and women of the 27th Fighter Wing go, we are proud to be the new home of this elite unit. Since its inception, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of USSOCOM have served with the utmost distinction. I salute their bravery and dedication to duty, and I hope that New Mexicans will take time to thank the members of USSOCOM who have served and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in our defense.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Yes, the senior Senator from Connecticut is correct.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I want to start by thanking my colleagues, Senators Kennedy and Enzi, for all of their work and dedication on the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. We would not be here this evening without them and a whole host of others both in and out of the Senate. Simply put, our legislation will ensure individuals with a mental illness have parity between mental health coverage and medical and surgical coverage. No longer will people with a mental illness have their mental health coverage treated differently than their coverage for other illnesses. That means parity between the coverage of mental illnesses and other medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. No longer will people be treated differently only because they suffer from a mental illness, and that means 113 million people in group health plans will benefit from our bill. We are here after years of hard work. We have worked with the mental health community and the business and insurance groups to carefully craft a compromise bill. No longer will a more restrictive standard be applied to mental health coverage and another more lenient standard be applied to medical and surgical coverage. What we are doing is a matter of simple fairness. I believe that becomes even more important when you consider the following: 26 percent of American adults, or nearly 58 million people, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder each year, and 6 percent of those adults suffer from a serious mental illness. More than 30,000 people commit suicide each year in the United States, and 16 percent of all inmates in State and local jails suffer from a mental illness. I would like to take a minute to talk about what we are doing with the passage of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. The bill provides mental health parity for about 113 million Americans who work for employers with 50 or more employees, ensures that 98 percent of businesses which provide a mental health benefit do so in a manner that is no more restrictive than the coverage of medical and surgical benefits, and ensures health plans do not place more restrictive conditions on mental health coverage than on medical and surgical coverage. The bill accomplishes this by providing parity for financial requirements like deductibles, copayments, and annual and lifetime limits and parity for treatment limitations, the number of covered hospital days and visits. Again, I want to thank everyone for their extraordinary efforts that have allowed us to achieve Senate passage of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, as someone who has worked to bring a greater understanding of mental illness and to end all forms of discrimination against people who suffer from a mental illness, I am pleased to report that the Senate has passed a monumental mental health parity bill that could bring hope and greater measure of fairness in mental health insurance care coverage to as many as 113 million Americans and nearly 500,000 New Mexicans. This legislation, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, builds on the 1996 Mental Health Parity law that I authored with the late Senator Paul Wellstone. It is supported by more than 230 organizations and has been a bipartisan effort from the beginning. I thank Senator Kennedy, the chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, for his vision, his leadership and his support for this legislation.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute to the U.S. Air Force as it commemorates its 60th anniversary, known as ``Heritage to Horizons . . . Commemorating 60 Years of Air and Space Power.'' New Mexico has maintained a long and close relationship with the U.S. Air Force, and I am proud to congratulate the Air Force on its 60th anniversary. New Mexico is home to Cannon, Holloman, and Kirtland Air Force Bases as well as the former Walker Air Force Base. We in New Mexico are honored and proud that so many Air Force officers and airmen, whose professionalism and dedication are unsurpassed, have called New Mexico home. The fact that the Air Force is celebrating Air and Space Power is not lost on New Mexico, where work is done in both areas. Holloman will be a premier site of air power when the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing becomes home to the F-22A Raptor, the most advanced fighter in the world. Cannon is also undergoing changes and growth in the air power arena, as Air Force Special Operations Command stands up a new wing at Cannon on October 1. Kirtland continues to grow as home to much space work, including the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicle Directorate and the Operationally Responsive Space Office. For the last 60 years, America has been protected by the greatest Air Force in the world. I salute the men and women of the Air Force and hope that on the Air Force's 60th anniversary, New Mexicans will take time to thank the officers and airmen who have served and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in our defense.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell for reaching its gold anniversary of 50 years. When the branch was established 50 years ago, founders probably only dreamed it would still be thriving well into the 21st century. ENMU-R started out as Roswell Community College, only offering night classes 50 years ago. Through the last half century, they have continued to grow and expand into an established branch of Eastern New Mexico University. Most recently, they have opened an expansive housing complex with dormitory rooms as well as apartments for students. The university branch is adding program offerings every year. To date, they offer 70 different certificate and associate degrees. ENMU-R continues to be a great place to learn and experience the college life. To celebrate the anniversary, the university has planned several events throughout the fall. Events include free concerts, parades, festivals, and even a golf tournament, with the kick off event being a hot air balloon rally held in late August. I join with ENMU-R in celebrating this momentous milestone. I look forward to at least 50 more years of providing quality education to thousands of students.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the Carlsbad Medical Center for reaching its 30th birthday. I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker during the dedication ceremony in 1977. Since then, the hospital has grown and weathered many changes over the last 30 years. The medical field has experienced many advances and changes in the past three decades. New technology has brought many new ways of treating patients. Technology has increased the number of patients served and helped to increase test accuracy. The future will bring many more medical advances, and I am certain this facility will be ready for anything that comes its way. The Carlsbad Medical Center has aged gracefully and along the way has helped thousands of patients in need. It has been an honor to watch this facility and the progress they have made over the last 30 years. I look forward to another 30 years of growth.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President. I would like to take a few moments to remember the Americans who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the 6 years since terrorists carried out the September 11 attacks, our Nation has not forgotten the innocent Americans who were killed, one of whom was Al Marchand from Alamogordo, NM, a flight attendant on United Airlines flight 175 and one of the first casualties on this horrific day. Neither have we forgotten the heroic policemen and firefighters who lost their lives trying to save fellow Americans or our brave men and women in uniform who have served their country in the war on terror. I do not believe Americans will ever cease to remember the shock and sadness we all felt that day. September 11 also serves as a reminder that there are many in this world who would harm us and that we must remain vigilant. In the last 6 years we have made great progress in making sure America is secure and I am proud of the contribution many of my fellow citizens from New Mexico have made to strengthen our defenses against terrorist attack. The men and women at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories have worked hard to develop many of the technologies that now help us detect terrorist threats. Many members of the New Mexico National Guard have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terror as well as many active duty members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in or are from New Mexico. All these service men and women are doing a fantastic job and we should not forget to thank them for their service and the scarifies they have made to keep us safe. Although the Islamic extremists behind the attacks sought to break our will and erode our freedom, they were unsuccessful on both fronts. Our liberty is dearer to us now, and we are reminded of that each day, as our nation continues the war against terror that these terrorists began 6 years ago. I hope New Mexicans will take a moment today to reflect on the tragedy of 9/11, the Americans who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind and pay tribute to the individuals who serve and defend us today.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. On a different matter.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I had a question of the manager or the ranking member. We have been waiting now a long time, and we have just heard that things are settled. I am not sure anybody knows what that means. I don't. I hate to ask other Senators if they do. Might I ask, procedurally, does this mean when we finish this vote tonight we are through?

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I recognize the Red River Chamber of Commerce and the Red River Bike Club for putting on another Enchanted Circle Century Tour. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this legendary bicycle tour around northeast New Mexico. This 100 mile tour begins in Red River, and then passes through Questa, Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest and Black Lake before finishing back in Red River. What better way to see the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains than on a bicycle? This tour has given many residents and visitors of New Mexico the opportunity to experience our State in a new way. It is not for the faint of heart though. It takes incredible strength to overcome the elevation, elements, and endurance challenge this tour presents. The September 8 start will be a major milestone for this community, and it is my hope that this tradition continues for at least another 30 years.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I recognize several cities in New Mexico that have recently received national accreditation for completing the Main Street Four-Point Approach. The National Trust Main Street Center recently named nine cities' Main Street projects as being nationally accredited. Those nine communities include Artesia, Clayton, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Raton, and Silver City. The work that has been done in these communities to preserve the history of downtown, as well as bring it into the 21st century, is to be honored. Main streets are a big part of every community's history. They provide a look into the past, and with these revitalizations, a positive look into the future. Downtown used to be the hub of a city. With the invention of the automobile, cities have spread out and often no longer have just one central area of activity. With these new improvements to local main streets, towns are beginning to experience businesses returning to these areas. These towns have been able to marry the past with the present. They are honoring old businesses that have been in downtown areas for years, while encouraging new businesses to open their doors in this district. The success of their efforts is evident by this award. I congratulate these cities on the good work they are doing to bring the main street appeal back into their communities.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. I concur with Senator Kennedy and look forward to Senate action on S. 558.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to recognize three students from New Mexico who entered and were recognized in the Education: A Gift Without Boundaries, 2007 Native American Student Art Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Indian Education. There were almost 1,400 entries from 34 States in 6 events divided by age. Native Americans put a very strong emphasis on their culture and in particular, art. Even though the art may be different from tribe to tribe, the universal importance of art is seen in the number of entrants and from the diverse geographic areas that they come from. The number of entrants also speaks to the immense support from teachers and parents in the Native American communities. Deidra Lee, an eighth grader from Cecditai Middle School, won first place in the sixth- to eighth-grade division; Robert Francis, a 10th grader from Grants High School, won third place in the 9th-10th grade division; and Michael Curly, a 10th grader from Pine Hill School, won first place in the 11th-12th grade division. I ask that all three of these students be recognized for their accomplishments in the arts. These New Mexicans demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of academic, cultural, and artistic education.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I want to begin by complimenting the chairman, the Senator from Montana, Mr. Baucus, and the ranking member, the Senator from Iowa, Mr. Grassley, for all their work on this Children's Health Insurance Program. You have taken a very difficult and contentious issue and produced legislation that will help many families. You should be congratulated. I would like to raise the issue of diabetes as part of the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. I have offered an amendment along with my colleague Senator Dorgan, which would reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and the Special Funding Program for type 1 diabetes research. This amendment is identical to the language in S. 1494, which I also introduced with Senator Dorgan. Diabetes is one of the most serious and devastating health problems of our time. Although diabetes occurs in people of all ethnicities, the diabetes epidemic is particularly acute in our Native American populations. That is why during the negotiations on the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, the same bill that created this SCHIP program, I helped craft an agreement to finance diabetes programs of the Indian Health Service and help raise the profile of tribal health programs. The Special Diabetes Program for Indians began with funding of $30 million annually for 5 years and was later expanded to $150 million a year. This funding has been used widely in Indian country, including among the Navajo Nation and the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. These programs are set to expire in 2008, and I believe they need to be a priority in this Congress.

Mr. DOMENICI. I want to thank the Senators for their time. With that I will withdraw my amendment and I ask the chair that my amendment No. 2629 be withdrawn. amendment no. 2535

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today, I would like to mark the annual chile festival in Hatch, NM. For the last 36 years on Labor Day weekend thousands of New Mexicans and people from around the country converge on Hatch for fun and good food. The Hatch chile festival is the premiere celebration of this fiery food that is near and dear to the hearts of New Mexicans. Chile, both red and green, is one of the distinctive flavors that makes New Mexico such a wonderful place to live and visit. A good deal of that chile originates in Hatch and it has rightly earned the title ``chile capital of the world.'' I hope this year's chile festival will be a success. I am sure all involved will walk away satisfied and with full stomachs.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I recognize the Georgia O'Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, NM, on its 10th anniversary. Georgia O'Keefe was, and remains, a New Mexico institution. The work she did while living in my State is held in the highest regard by artists and spectators alike. Georgia O'Keefe settled in New Mexico in 1945 after being a frequent visitor of the State seeking artistic inspiration. She is famous for her vibrant portrayals of flowers and unique New Mexico landscapes. Ms. O'Keefe has inspired a number of aspiring artists, and she is sure to inspire many more for many years. Her work is timeless. New Mexico is proud to be home to most of her prized work. The Georgia O'Keefe Museum is the first museum dedicated to the work of a woman artist of international stature. It showcases well over 1,000 pieces of Ms. O'Keefe's work. The museum has opened its doors to over one million visitors just in its first few years of operation; countless others will enjoy it in the future. It also boasts a vast education and outreach program that includes internships, teacher workshops, seminars and even afterschool arts programs. The museum is dedicated to the study and interpretation of her work, as well as American modernism. The museum will commemorate the anniversary with a 10th anniversary celebration. The celebration will include a dinner dance, entertainment, and obviously art. The event will not only commemorate Georgia O'Keefe but also honor the museum's founders, Anne and John Marion. They have worked tirelessly to see that the artwork of Ms. O'Keefe is available for all to enjoy. Through their vision, the work of Georgia O'Keefe will be available for study and viewing for many years to come. I commend these two individuals for envisioning a place for Georgia O'Keefe's work to be displayed, and maintaining that vision for the last 10 years. I believe Ms. O'Keefe would be proud of the work they have done and honored to be held in such high regard with respect to her art.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President. I would like to pay tribute to the members of Chapter 641 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA. Chapter 641 gathers on the first Saturday of every month from April to November to wash the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC. The dedication of these veterans helps to ensure the memorial dedicated to all the brave service men and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam war remains worthy of their sacrifice. In June of this year the Daughters of the American Revolution presented this group with a national service award. I would like to add my praise to Chapter 641 VVA. Thanks in part to their hard work and dedication, we as a nation will never forget those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, the need for targeted restoration work in the Rio Puerco watershed came to my attention during the early 1990s. Congress began funding local efforts to improve the Rio Puerco area in 1992, and the Rio Puerco Management Program was formally authorized by the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996. The Rio Puerco Basin is the largest tributary to the Middle Rio Grande Basin. The watershed encompasses nearly 5 million acres and acts as drainage for portions of 7 counties in my home State of New Mexico. The Rio Puerco watershed is a major source of silt in Elephant Butte Reservoir. In fact, the Department of Interior's U.S. Geological Survey has identified the Rio Puerco as having one of the highest sediment concentrations. The objective of the collaborative program is to curtail sedimentation from washing down the Rio Puerco to the Rio Grande and Elephant Butte. As intended, this program has helped to facilitate cooperation between Federal, State, and local agencies along with local landowners to improve the health of the Rio Puerco watershed by working together to implement projects that help control erosion and reduce the flow of sediment into the Rio Grande. I believe the program has accomplished much during its tenure, and I fully support its objectives. I am pleased to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Bingaman, as a cosponsor of this bill, and I look forward to working with him to see that this important program is reauthorized.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the statewide effort my great State of New Mexico will put forth for the National Night Out. National Night Out is a community event designed to bring awareness to preventing crime while building partnerships between communities and local law enforcement agencies. Crime is not limited to urban areas anymore; it affects every person in every town, big and small. Communities need to be proactive in fighting it. National Night Out is a great step locals can take to curb violence and crime in their areas. Activities for the night out include barbeques, block parties, downtown rallies and townhall meetings and vary by community; each event in an attempt to gain support for local law enforcement and create camaraderie amongst citizens. When communities come together, they can do great things, even fight crime. Some New Mexico communities participating in National Night Out are Albuquerque, Belen, Bernalillo, Bosque Farms, Carlsbad, Gallup, Isleta, Jal, Las Cruces, Los Lunas, all of Sandoval County, Santa Fe, and Truth or Consequences. Each town will celebrate with its own flair, and each night out will succeed in bring awareness to crime in their area. I applaud these neighborhoods for being proactive in their local fight on crime.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, almost 40 years ago, the Ramah Navajo School Board was incorporated in New Mexico as a means to provide education, health, job training, and social services to the Ramah Navajo people. This private, not-for-profit group was created in 1970 and has since strengthened the community through its involvement. As they have done for the past 15 years, the School Board organizes a fair and rodeo as a celebration of Ramah Navajo culture and the culture of New Mexico. To name a few of the events this year, there is a Pow Wow, kid's carnival, traditional dance performances, and roping competitions. I want to recognize the Ramah Navajo School Board, Inc., and their efforts to promote these public events, specifically the landmark of the 15th annual Ramah Navajo Fair and Rodeo. These events strengthen bonds in the community with the people and their traditions. Because of their location and separation from the contiguous Navajo Nation, the Ramah Navajo community stands on a mission of self- determination and self-reliance, setting up programs like the School Board to deal with all their people's needs. The Ramah Navajo School Board helped create the first Indian-controlled contract school in the United States, currently educating 600 students. I would like to bring to the attention of the country how the Ramah Navajo people have kept their cultural identity strong while building on their community through events like this fair and rodeo.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. First, let me thank the distinguished Senator profusely. I thought it would not be appropriate to let the SCHIP legislation proceed without some comments about how it got started. Actually, in 1992, when I was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I helped to create the State Children's Health Insurance Program, also known as SCHIP, as part of the Balanced Budget Act, believe it or not. The program has been a success. The number of children without insurance has declined by a very large amount. The Senate Finance Committee has approved a reauthorization of SCHIP, and the full Senate will take it up this week. The bill increases 5-year funding for the program from $25 billion to $60 billion. The $35 billion expansion is paid for in full by taxes on tobacco products. In the current form, I will support the Finance Committee-passed bill. I suggest that many should. In my home State's problem with uninsured children, recent reports have New Mexico at the bottom in the Nation in coverage of these children. About 100,000 children in my State are without insurance, 25 percent of the adolescent population. I have many concerns with the cost of this bill and the way it is paid for. However, I am willing to spend the next 5 years working on these concerns. If the bill is substantially changed or expanded during debate this week in the Senate, or if it is significantly changed during conference with the House, they can count me out; I will no longer support it. This is about the size we ought to support, to handle our money properly and to create a program that may very well be one of those that will help us immensely with insurance for adolescents and children. I yield the floor.