Pete Domenici

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the oversight hearing previously scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday, July 19, at 10 a.m., in Room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, has been rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. of that same day. The purpose of the oversight hearing is to receive testimony regarding the effects of the U.S. nuclear testing program on the Marshall Islands. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact Josh Johnson or David Marks.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the central role White Sands Missile Range, WSMR, has played in the defense of our Nation and our exploration of space, as we commemorate its establishment 60 years ago. I would also like to honor the men and women who have served and worked at White Sands. It is due to their hard work and dedication that White Sands has been, and remains a shining example of American scientific and technological innovation. On July 9, 1945, White Sands Missile Range was officially established. One week later, its place in history was assured with the detonation of the world's first atomic device at the Trinity site. This would prove a pivotal moment in the final defeat of the Japanese Empire and the course of world history. The Trinity test was to be the first of many historical achievements that will forever be linked to White Sands. At White Sands the technology was developed and matured that would propel the United States into space and to the Moon. Beginning with the reverse engineering and testing of captured German V2 rockets at the end of the Second World War, a base of knowledge was created there that would lead directly to the development of the Redstone rocket program and every rocket produced in the United States since. It was a Redstone Rocket which launched the first U.S. astronaut, Alan Shephard, into space on May 5, 1961. For these achievements, White Sands is often referred to as the ``Birthplace of the Race to Space.'' White Sands continues its close connection to the space program today as a space harbor serving as the backup landing facility for the space shuttle. It also serves as the primary training area for NASA space shuttle pilots flying practice approaches and landings in the shuttle- training aircraft. Over the last 60 years, White Sands Missile Range's contribution to the security of the United States has been significant. Most of the missile systems used by the U.S. military have been tested at WSMR. Like America's first guided anti-aircraft missile the Nike Ajax and the Patriot missile system made famous during the first gulf war, the missile systems tested at White Sands have played an important role in ensuring the technological superiority of the Armed Forces throughout the last six decades. Today, White Sands Missile Range continues its long tradition of excellence as a testing and development center for new technologies and is the largest military facility in the United States. I would like to thank the men and women, past and present, who have made White Sands a source of national pride. I have no doubt the work done at White Sands will continue to contribute to the national security of the United States and further the scientific achievements of our Nation.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the achievements of the Stolar Research Corp. of Raton, NM. Stolar's drill string radar was recently selected by R&D magazine as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace this year. The drill string radar attaches to systems that drill for natural resources. It can identify geological formations, locate the position of oil and gas deposits, and determine the thickness of coal seams. The use of the drill string radar will permit missed oil and gas reserves to be cost effectively and easily located. I have every expectation this capability will allow us to more efficiently utilize the resources we have. This ability will lessen our dependence upon foreign sources of energy, which is vital to our economic and strategic interest. I would also like to commend Dr. Larry Stolarczyk, founder and president of Stolar Research Corp. His accomplishments and commitment to his hometown of Raton are an example to all New Mexicans. This is the fourth industry award Stolar has received and I believe it will not be the last. I am very proud of Stolar's achievements. I congratulate them and encourage them to keep up the good work.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the following hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing, entit1ed Climate Change Science and Economics, will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 10 a.m. in Room SH-216. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony regarding the current state of climate change scientific research and the economics of strategies to manage climate change. Issues to be discussed include: the relationship between energy consumption and climate change, new developments in climate change research and the potential effects on the U.S. economy of climate change and strategies to control greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the limited time avai1ab1e for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, SD-364 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact: Steve Waskiewicz at 202-224- 7555.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to extend my best wishes to LTC Vernon Simmons who recently retired as deputy to the Director of Budget and Appropriations Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller. Vern's career as an Air Force officer defines service to one's country, and I know that Vern's dedication and leadership will be sorely missed by me and my staff, as well as his colleagues at the Air Force and the Department of Defense. Lieutenant Colonel Simmons' career exemplifies hard work and commitment to excellence. In 1983, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University in Boston with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. It was there that he also completed his 4-year ROTC program, prior to entering active duty. He also earned a master of arts degree in economics from the University of Oklahoma in 1994. Vern's first assignment was in Air Force Systems Command at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base, OH. He was assigned to the program control office as a program control integrator on the F-15E aircraft. It was there that he also met his wonderful wife the former Celeste Aida Adams of Dayton, OH. Next up for Vern was an assignment at Misawa Air Base Japan where he worked in the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Vern's leadership abilities shined through as he performed a wide variety of cost and management analyses while also serving as the wing's budget officer. For his efforts he was named Best Base Level Cost Officer of 1986 and in 1988 was the Pacific Air Force's nominee to Ten Outstanding Young Men of America. Upon completing 4 years in Japan, Vern once again answered the call to duty and moved to Hickam Air Force Base, HI, in June of 1990. There he joined the Pacific Air Force Headquarters staff as lead analyst for the command's flying hours, ranges and training programs. He also served there as Chief of the mission support section, overseeing civilian pay, civil engineering, and communications and base support programs. Following subsequent assignments at the Pentagon, Seymour Johnson AFB and Headquarters AFMC, Lieutenant Colonel Simmons returned to Washington, DC, where he assumed the duties in the Budget and Appropriations Liaison Division for congressional matters. It was during this assignment that my staff and I came to know and rely on Vern. As a Senator from a State with three diverse Air Force bases, it is critical that I have the most current and reliable information about policies affecting the airmen and women from my State. Vern always came through for me and my staff. Whether sacrificing his own time to travel with us to Cannon, Holloman or Kirtland Air Force Base, or providing us with important answers to questions concerning the Air Force budget, Vern was always extremely professional, courteous and responsive. Indeed, LTC Vern Simmons has been a friend to my office, and I consider him a credit to the uniform of the U.S. Air Force. Now, as Vern moves on to a new career, I wish the best for him, Celeste and their two children, Alessandra and Chad. It is with great pleasure that I recognize him and his accomplishments. LTC Vernon Simmons, I thank you for a job well done.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of this hearing is to consider the nominations of: Jill L. Sigal, of Wyoming, to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, David R. Hill, of Missouri, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy, and James A. Rispoli, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management. committee on energy and natural resources

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 14 at 10 a.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of this hearing is to consider the nominations of: R. Thomas Weimer, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and Mark A. Limbaugh, of Idaho to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, before the Senator from Arizona leaves, before we started, we were aware of only one person--until the Senator from Arizona spoke, and we understand Senator McCain is going to see what he wants to do--who wanted a rollcall vote. Now we will look for any others and will be glad to work with the Senator's people. If he will tell us now, we will share anything he would like as soon as possible. For the information of the Senate, Senator Feinstein--permit me to editorialize a minute--has offered this amendment, or something like it, a couple times. We have voted on it, but she wants substantial time, and certainly that is her privilege. We will not take much time in opposition. For the benefit of our colleagues, how long does the Senator from California intend to take?

Mr. DOMENICI. There will be no others?

Mr. DOMENICI. On our side, unless somebody else wants time--on this amendment, do you want time?

Mr. DOMENICI. In opposition?

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, that is 15 minutes in opposition, plus 5 minutes for me. There will be 20 minutes in opposition.

Mr. DOMENICI. It is eight items. We will give them all to the Senator from Arizona. We have given them to him already.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to bring the Energy and Water bill for fiscal year 2006 to the floor for consideration. Thanks to Chairman Cochran and his ranking member, Senator Robert Byrd, the subcommittee allocation is $31.2 billion, an amount that is $1.5 billion over the President's request. Chairman Cochran has been generous to this subcommittee, and I am committed to supporting priorities that have been neglected or underfunded in past budgets. There are two priorities within this bill, and they are water and science. The first priority is water. As all the Members know, the request cut water projects below the current year level. In addition, the budget has imposed an OMB-originated formula to establish priorities among water projects. I don't believe the OMB formula is fair, and we have ignored it for purposes of identifying worthy Corps projects in this bill. I would also like to point out that there is an extensive discussion in the report regarding this committee's support of the Corps' ability to reprogram funds and utilize continuing contracts as an effective tool to manage the over 2,200 Corps projects and studies. The House has proposed to eliminate the Corps reprogramming authority and restrict its ability to focus resources on critical construction priorities. Each construction project is different with numerous challenges, including weather, water flows and construction logistics, including manpower and materials, that may cause significant delays. On the other hand, some projects are able to accelerate their schedule. Using the reprogramming authority the Corps is able to keep accelerated projects on track by reprioritizing funds from delayed projects. I have been contacted by many Members and heard from numerous communities who oppose the House language. I share their concerns and believe the House proposal is unworkable and would eliminate the Corps' ability to prioritize work. These reforms are in the best interest of the Corps or taxpayers. The subcommittee has also provided funds to offset the $521 million in unfunded legislative assumptions included in the budget request associated with the management of the Power Marketing Administration. The second priority in this bill is science. Funding for both the both Office of Science and the Stockpile Stewardship R&D accounts within NNSA received increases. The budget request reduced the Office of Science funding by $136 million. This mark restores the cut and more, providing an increase of $240 million above the request. I am also concerned about the funding reductions to the science-based stockpile steward ship accounts. I have attempted to restore this scientific capability that is essential to the certification of our nuclear deterrent without the validation of underground testing. For the benefit of the Senate, I will review the highlights of this bill. The mark provides $5.29 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers which is $966 million above the budget request. We have included new construction projects and initiated new study starts. This bill ignores the OMB-developed formulation for the Corps as it would negatively impact rural projects and projects that have already begun construction. This mark also ignores the administration's decision not to fund beach renourishment. These projects are very important to many communities and likewise members of the Senate. For the Bureau of Reclamation, this bill provides just over $1.08 billion, an increase of $130 million above the President's request. This project support water projects in 17 Western States and provides $60 million for Animas La Plata, an increase of $8 million over the reuestst. The committee provides full funding for Cal Fed of $37 million, and provides the current year funding for Water 2025. For the Department of Energy, the mark provides $25.04 billion. For nuclear weapons activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration), NNSA, the bill provides $6.55 billion, which is $76 million under the President's request. This decrease is a result of the $222 million transfer of cleanup operations out of the NNSA to the Office of Environmental Management and a reduction in the NIF construction program. The committee mark increases are targeted to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program. Funding for the science, engineering and advanced computing campaigns are up $164 million. For nuclear nonproliferation activities the Senate bill provides $1.7 billion, which is $91.8 million above the request and $236 million above the current year level. I think it is also important to mention that this subcommittee mark fully funds the plutonium disposition program, including $362.5 million for the construction of both the Pit Disassembly facility and well as Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility in South Carolina. This facility is our only pathway to permanently eliminate excessive and dangerous plutonium supplies. The NNSA spends tens of millions of dollars to protect this material that will not be necessary if we are able to turn plutonium into commercial nuclear fuel. It is our Nation's best opportunity to undertake reprocessing. The administration is making good headway in negotiations with the Russians, which I believe warrants full funding of this critical project. For the Yucca Mountain project, the Senate bill provides $577 million, which is consistent with current year funding and $65 million below the President's request. This mark does not take a position on developing an interim storage facility. While I personally believe that a central interim storage facility makes sense, this bill is not the proper vehicle to have this debate. For the Energy Supply and Conservation Programs the subcommittee mark provides $1.9 billion, an increase of $195 million above the request. For nuclear energy R&D, the bill provides $499.9 million, which is $60 million above the President's request and $64 million over the current year levels. Also, Nuclear Power 2010, $76 million, an increase of $20 million and Advanced Fuel Concepts Initiative, $85 million is provided, an increase of $15 million. For the Office of Science, the bill provides $3.7 billion, an increase of $240 million above the request and $102 million above the current year level. We have provided $100 million to ensure that DOE facilities operate at 100 percent capacity. A $40 million increase has been provided to accelerate the four planned facilities under the Genomes to Life program. And $30 million is provided to establish a nanotechnology transfer account. For independent agencies, the mark provides: $67 million for the Denali Commission; $65.5 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission; $12 million for the Delta Regional Authority, an increase of $6 million over the President's request; and $734 million for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an increase of $41 million over the current year level. Mr. President, to reiterate, I suggest there are many here worried about water projects and the Corps of Engineers. This is the bill for all American water projects, the Corps, the Bureau of Land Management, and any others. This bill funds that at a level of $1.8 billion. That is $130 million more than the President and $63 million more than current level. This bill covers the Department of Energy. It covers all of the stockpile stewardship activities. It covers nonproliferation activities. That is one for which the President has asked for substantial money. Renewable R&D is in this bill with very substantial funding. There is nuclear research and development and, most importantly, we have substantially increased basic science research. This bill and this Department does a little more than one-third of the entire Nation's basic science funding. We thought this was a year to increase it, not decrease it. We have been told this is a time to increase it because we have increased funding for health sciences over the past 10 to 12 years but not basic science. We found money from other places to increase that. This bill also includes money for nuclear waste disposal. That has been very difficult. It also has Yucca Mountain and has the cleanup. It also has three or four independent agencies.

Mr. DOMENICI. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside so that I may offer a managers' amendment which has been cleared on both sides.

Mr. DOMENICI. I send to the desk a series of amendments, all of which have been approved on both sides, some of which are technical, some are otherwise, but there are no objections.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Has time expired on the Feinstein amendment?

Mr. DOMENICI. How much time do the proponents have?

Mr. DOMENICI. I ask the Senator from California, in the interest of moving along, would she like to shorten her time if we shorten ours? We have 12 minutes, and the Senator from California has 7.

Mr. DOMENICI. I propose we have 5 minutes and Senator Feinstein have 2.

Mr. DOMENICI. Five and 5? We have 12, and the Senator from California has 5. I will take it: 5 and 5; is that all right?

Mr. DOMENICI. Five and 5. Without using this time on this unanimous consent request, I ask we move off this amendment for the purpose of offering two amendments that are going to be accepted.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I send to the desk on behalf of Senators Allard and Salazar an amendment relating to the purchase of mineral rights at Rocky Flats technical site. I note the presence of both Senators from Colorado, and I say to them that I am pleased to accept the amendment. It has been cleared on both sides. I appreciate their work. We will do everything we can to keep it in conference. I send the amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.