Pete Domenici

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, the Senator wants 2 minutes, and then I will wrap it up.

Mr. DOMENICI. I am glad to yield that.

Mr. DOMENICI. I have no objection.

Mr. DOMENICI. I am hearing talk about a new nuclear weapon. I wish those who were talking about a new nuclear weapon were reading the current evaluations and studies about the future of nuclear weapons. You sure are not talking about this. If ever there were going to be new nuclear weapons, they would be little nuclear weapons. They would not be blockbusters. Whole studies are looking at whether all the countries with big nuclear weapons are going to have a whole new generation someday of smaller ones, less in size, where the world can have far fewer. That is not the subject tonight because this weapon is not a new nuclear weapon. First of all, this is a bill, appropriations, that says the Congress is approving to build a new nuclear weapon for the astronomical sum of money of $4 million. I don't know what you could build for $4 million. It says ``a study.'' And then it determines what the study is. I don't know, I have never heard so much said about so little. That sounds like something somebody said about something else in history, so I don't want to demean it because we are just talking about an issue on the floor of the Senate. But if you want to give a speech of significance about nuclear weapons and put maps up showing the devastation of the two that were used, we ought to have a big debate. Maybe some think that was a mistake. But the truth is, none of that has anything to do with this amendment. The United States of America, through its experts, says we should have a study. This Senator said to them, tell me how much money you need for a study--not 10 years from now to build something. What do you need for a study? They said: $4 million. That is what is in this bill. That is all. No more, no less. That is what the amendment is about. I hope we will once again say let's let our country do this kind of research. I yield any time I might have.

Mr. DOMENICI. I have no time.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask amendment 1095 be modified as stated in the instruction which I am going to send to the desk. There is an error. This corrects the error. I ask consent that be done.

Mr. DOMENICI. I ask consent that Senator John McCain be recognized now for 10 minutes to speak on the bill, or whatever he desires; when he has completed, we proceed to the Feinstein amendment; then we proceed to final passage and there will be 10 minutes on the Feinstein amendment on the rollcall, after which we proceed to rollcall on final passage.

Mr. DOMENICI. I am aware of the concern expressed by numerous producers and Senators about Department of Energy plans to close such oil and gas research facilities. I understand that according to Energy Information Administration data, fossil fuels provide over 80 percent of U.S. energy supply, and oil and natural gas will continue to provide 65 percent of domestic energy needs for 20 to 25 years in the future. I understand the argument that is thus fitting that the National Energy Technology Laboratory devote a significant portion of its research to fossil fuels and oil and gas technology research and development. I understand that independent oil and natural gas producers--small- business owners--drill 85 percent of the wells in the U.S. and provide 75 percent of America's natural gas supply. Independents produce 60 percent of the crude oil in the lower 48 States. I understand that a 2003 National Petroleum Council study stated: ``Eighty percent of domestic natural gas production in 10 years will be from wells yet to be drilled. . . . Small, independent producers will drill most of these wells.'' I understand the argument that such independent producers have comparatively limited capacity for research and development of new oil and gas technologies. I understand the argument that is thus fitting that the National Energy Technology Laboratory utilize its research capacity to assist these independent oil and gas producers by performing the all important oil and gas research and development function. I understand that the bulk of the independent oil and gas production in United States is performed in the west. I understand that many of the independent oil and gas companies are headquartered in the west. I understand the argument that it is thus appropriate to have a significant and even proportionate share of the research of the National Energy Technology Laboratory performed in the west, at such facilities as the Tulsa office. It is my hope that the Department of Energy will not perform organizational or staffing realignments in such a way as to reduce or close the Tulsa office of the National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I appreciate the concerns the Senator from Rhode Island has raised and assure the Senator that I will work to find a solution that does not diminish services and recognizes the concerns of State and local weatherization program managers.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to recognize a unique community in my home State of New Mexico and some of its many proud accomplishments. 2005 marks a special year for the city of Artesia as it celebrates its centennial. After two names ``Miller'' and ``Stegman,'' the citizens finally decided on ``Artesia'' in 1903 after the discovery of several flourishing Artesian wells in the area, and in January of 1905 the community of Artesia became an incorporated municipality. At the time, roughly 1,000 residents called Artesia home and these folks undertook a daunting task to make it a growing, prosperous community. Over the 100 years since its conception, Artesia and its citizens have seen many changes. Artesia, once a sleepy farming and ranching town, now finds itself at the hub of southeast New Mexico's oil and gas industry. Very few cities in my home State have replicated Artesia's drive for excellence. The efficient use of the Pecos River Valley, and turning it into one of the most admirable and profitable agricultural regions in the State, is commendable. They have utilized the fertile Pecos soil to produce some of the state's best alfalfa and corn, which in turn has allowed them to raise livestock that are the envy of many New Mexican producers. Artesia, in accord with its ambitious nature, has surpassed even its well-deserved legacy as an oil, gas and agricultural force. When attempting to find a use in the late 1980s for a shuttered college campus, the city leaders checked with me and our collaboration resulted in the city offering the space to the Federal Government. That offer brought the establishment of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center that is today the Nation's training focal point for Federal security personnel who protect our borders and Federal facilities. It has been beneficial not only for the Federal Government and the American people, but also Artesia's economic diversity. Artesia's standard for excellence is also reflected in their extraordinarily successful school program. Students retain a sense of pride, while teachers act as models for the rest of the State to follow. No where else has a football team won twenty-four State titles, yet still preserve the highest regard for education. The quality of Bulldog character is known, not only in the southeastern part of the State, but throughout the Land of Enchantment. As I review the past 100 years, one thing becomes clear. Artesians are achievers. When problems or opportunities arise, Artesians roll up their sleeves and go to work to complete the task at hand. This is why oil and gas was initially discovered and still flourishes in the Pecos Valley. All the while, farming and ranching has persevered, and more recently dairies and other additions to the economy have pushed it into a constant position of expansion. Dedication to purpose and enthusiastic pursuit of success are ingrained in its citizens, young and old. It is no wonder Artesia has become known as ``The City of Champions.'' I consider myself fortunate to be the Senator from a State where hard work and dedication still prevails, perfection is pursued, and its citizens are not afraid to get their hands dirty. During this centennial year, I am absolutely amazed at the large number of citizens that are busy planning activities, contributing ideas and historical facts, raising funds, and volunteering time and effort to conduct a full year of activities with the expressed purpose of making 2005 a truly memorable year for all of its citizens. As their United States Senator, I want to commend Artesia and its citizens for a job well done in making Artesia, New Mexico such a wonderful place to live and work over the past 100 years.

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 Thursday, July 14 at 10. 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. Mark A. Limbaugh, of Idaho, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I speak on the pending Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY 2006. I would to discuss the Committee recommendation for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, BIA, Water Management and Planning program. I thank the distinguished Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Burns, and the distinguished ranking member, Senator Dorgan, for restoring $2 million to the President's budget request for BIA Water Management and Planning. These funds are very important to the Indian Tribes and Pueblos in the State of New Mexico. I am particularly interested in the Water Technician Training program that is funded within this BIA program. The BIA Water Technician Training program trains Native Americans to manage water resources on their reservation lands. The program trains tribal members in a broad range of water-related fields, including hydrology, fish and wildlife biology, irrigation, soil surveys, dam operation, surface and ground water pollution, and forest management. Training is offered at university campuses, including New Mexico State University. The program curriculum is developed with Federal agency partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Interior agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Forest Service. With this technical training, tribal members work to manage and preserve water and other natural resources for the benefit of the tribe. The program provides educational and employment opportunities and economic benefits. May I inquire of the distinguished Chairman if it is the intention of the Subcommittee in restoring $2 million to the BIA Water Management and Planning Program to continue the Water Technician Training program, which is currently receiving $400,000?

Mr. DOMENICI. I thank my colleagues for this assurance. I appreciate their confirmation as to continuation of funding for the BIA Water Technician Training program. Grand Teton national park visitors center

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to one of New Mexico's finest public servants, Sheriff Juan Hernandez of Las Cruces whom I am honored to consider a good friend as well. There are few people in my State's history who have been honored with a special day to recognize their legacy and accomplishments. On December 31, 2004, the Dona Ana County Commission honored retiring Dona Ana County Sheriff Juan Hernandez for his 6 years of service by proclaiming Friday the 31st as Juan Hernandez Day. Today, I seek to honor this man who has given greatly to his community and to the people of Dona Ana County through his allegiance to public service. Juan has worked in law enforcement for 34 years with both the Sheriff's Department and the Las Cruces Police Department. He served as the Dona Ana County Sheriff from January of 1999 to January of 2005, and I believe it is for this post Juan will always be remembered. In this elected position, Juan sought not to just serve his county but to find ways to improve it. Though his official title was ``Sheriff,'' he earned himself an added title as the ``Grant Writing Machine.'' Over the past 6 years, Juan Hernandez secured $4.8 million in Federal grants for a variety of programs whose missions ranged from combating drug use and drunk driving to fighting crime and terrorism within the county. Juan Hernandez's accolades are numerous and his hard work undeniable. While I could certainly continue at great length in listing his accomplishments, I believe his own words most eloquently describe the man behind the badge: ``When you really make an effort to make a difference, the rewards are greater than you can ever imagine.'' I feel especially honored to have seen this man's work first-hand and to have joined his efforts over the past years to develop Dona Ana County. Juan, you have made a difference in many lives, and for that you have my and the State of New Mexico's continued respect and admiration.

Mr. DOMENICI

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

Mr. DOMENICI. I wonder if, in regular order, would it be appropriate for the Senator from New Mexico and two Senators to speak for 3 minutes on the bill?

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, we will soon vote this morning on final passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. I hope and expect that my colleagues will vote overwhelmingly to pass it for a number of reasons, but I want to concentrate on two of the most significant. First, this bill is a huge step forward in our quest to enact policies that will ultimately move us away from our dependence on foreign sources of energy. There are no quick fixes for the predicament we have created for ourselves over the past 50 years. But Senator Bingaman and I, of all people, are keenly aware of the promise that research and development of new technologies holds for our future energy independence. He and I have had the good fortune to witness the tremendous accomplishments of the scientists at Los Alamos and Sandia over the years. We know that partnerships in science and technology between the government and the private sector can spur significant advancements in technologies we need for our future--a future where we become more productive, more efficient, less dependent on foreign sources, and more protective of our environment in the process. We have provided in this bill the opportunities for those partnerships as well as other incentives for the private sector to make the advances we need to have for our energy future. Secondly, this is a bipartisan product that deserves broad support. Senator Bingaman and I have worked together on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for over 20 years. We have struggled through the issues we address in this bill for many years. Over the past six months, we have garnered the fruits of that association into this bipartisan bill to create what I believe is a fine product to get us started on solving our energy problems. This bill isn't perfect. No bill ever is. But Senator Bingaman and I believe it is a worthy product that deserves your support. We look forward to a speedy conference with the House of Representatives and hope to soon deliver a conference report to this body for passage. I also express my sincere thanks to my staff, as well as Senator Bingaman's staff, for their many, many days of long hours and hard work to make this bill a reality. They have been open to all of you and your staffs, and, I believe, have honestly attempted to address any issue Senators have brought to them. I especially want to thank Alex Flint, Staff Director, and Judy Pensabene, Chief Counsel, for managing this entire process. Other members of the staff who also lent their expertise and professionalism to the process are: Carole McGuire, Deputy Staff Director; Karen Billups, Deputy Chief Counsel; Counsels Kellie Donnelly, Lisa Epifani, and Frank Macchiarola; Professional staff members Dick Bouts, Kathryn Clay, Frank Gladics, Josh Johnson, John Peschke, and Clint Williamson; Mamie Funk, Communications Director, and Angela Harper, Deputy Communications Director; Colin Hayes, Legislative Aide; Carol Craft, Chief Clerk; Cherstyn Monson, Executive Assistant; and Staff Assistants David Marks, Amy Millett, and Steve Waskiewicz. Lastly, I sincerely thank the majority leader and his excellent staff for helping us shepherd this bill through the Senate. I believe today we will pass, for the first time in many years, a new policy for the United States with reference to our energy production, the energy needs of the future. I think this is a very good bill. I think it will provide us with a significant number of alternative energy supplies, all of which will be predicated upon the proposition that energy should be clean, the energy that we produce in the future; much of it should be renewable; that, indeed, we have conservation; that nuclear should become part of our arsenal; that, in addition, innovation will be the order of the day. Along with production of ethanol, the rest of the bill will produce jobs, jobs, jobs, and will secure jobs for our future. With reference to natural gas, one of our most significant and serious problems today, we hope that there will be a new and invigorated supply which will give us an opportunity to have prices for natural gas stabilize or even come down, without which we have a very difficult future for millions of jobs that are dependent upon natural gas or derivatives from natural gas. All in all, I think this is an exciting and good bill. I thank the Senate for its support, the leader for his support, Senator Bingaman for his support. This is truly the first major bill in a long time that is bipartisan in nature. That made it possible, and I am very proud to have been part of it. I yield the floor.

Mr. DOMENICI

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

Mr. DOMENICI. How much time does the Senator want?

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I yield myself as much time as I may use. Mr. President, fellow Senators, shortly the Senate is going to vote. We are going to have a cloture vote to decide whether we should bring closure to what I think has been an excellent 2 weeks of debate about a new American policy, a policy which is directed at trying to make our energy supply for the future more secure for our domestic growth and for our national security. We have been waiting a long time for this day. If the Senate, indeed, at its pleasure, grants cloture, which I hope we will, it means we will bring to a conclusion in short order a long debate and fulfill a longstanding need for an American energy policy that is encapsulated in this bill, which was produced by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee over weeks of hearings and day after day of debate, with voting, and finally concluding that the bill that is before us is the right thing to do. Since then, the Senate has exercised its right to offer amendments and discuss them. Some amendments were adopted to change, alter what the committee recommended. But in essence, fellow Senators, we have a rare opportunity today, in a reasonable period of time--not with acrimony but with debate--to pass this legislation. That is, in a sense, consistent with the best of the Senate: having amendments openly debated, many of them; views, some in accord with the bill, some in opposition to the bill here on the floor, as witnessed by those who pay attention to what goes on in the Senate. So I say, as one who has been a participant for a few years, this is an effort to bring this matter to a vote in the Senate so we can bring this legislation to the House of Representatives. Our Constitution requires that both Houses agree on the legislation. Some do not understand that our Constitution is rather conservative when it comes to passing legislation. You do not just have your vote in the Senate; the House has theirs. Then you have to go to conference and agree on the same text in both Houses, which is done by a committee called a conference committee. That will occur only when we have voted out a bill. We will vote out a bill only when we have completed debate under our rules. We probably will not conclude debate for a long time unless cloture is imposed. I believe on a domestic bill, cloture should not be invoked arbitrarily or in advance of a reasonable amount of time. People should be permitted to talk, to amend. But, fellow Senators, we have been at this on the floor for enough time. And when you consider the prior efforts, I believe the American people are wondering why we cannot get something done. Why more time? The purpose for this activity called cloture is to say we have had enough time. With cloture invoked, sooner rather than later, the bill will be voted ``yes'' or ``no'' by the Senate. So we seek that. That is the privilege of saying to the Senate, we are going to vote ``yes'' or ``no'' soon rather than later. The way we can do that is by voting ``aye'' on the cloture vote. I note the presence of Senator Bingaman. I have additional time. Would the Senator care to address the issue of cloture today?

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

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

Mr. DOMENICI. I ask for the regular order. Cloture Motion

Mr. DOMENICI. I will be happy to yield.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. The Senator is correct.