Pete Domenici

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, will the Senator yield for 1 minute?

Mr. DOMENICI. I don't want to take the Senator's right to the floor under any circumstances. First, I ask to speak to ask the Senator a question right now, because I can't stay. I want the Senator to know that I always appreciate his remarks. They always stimulate me, whatever the Senator thinks that means. Maybe it stimulates me to answer; maybe it makes me get red in the face. I don't know. Anyway, I don't think my remarks were principally devoted to--in fact, only mildly devoted to--the delay that may be taking place with regard to some nominees. I stand on that premise--that there have been delays that were uncalled for. But that was the principal point. I hope that nobody would let the distinguished Senator kind of avoid the issue. That is not the issue Senator Domenici raises. The issue is that this man is totally qualified; that those who know him best say he is qualified. It appears that those on the other side of the aisle want to see him defeated, or put upon by their arguments such that he doesn't go into that office strong and full of support but, rather, nicked by attacks that are meaningless and without any merit. That is the argument. I tried to tell everybody who is for him. Frankly, they knew him a lot better than any Senators knew him. Many of them like Cisneros knew him for 15 years--and what he said about him on January 5, not 10 years ago, what he was, what he wasn't, how good he was. That was my argument. My argument and question was, Why? Maybe that is my question. I thank the Senator for yielding.

Mr. DOMENICI

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. DOMENICI. I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak up to 10 minutes as in morning business.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, this is a very pleasant and happy day for the Senator from New Mexico, and I hope for many Senators, Americans, and people who like freedom around the world. I congratulate the President of the United States. He has had a very powerful commitment to freedom and democracy in Iraq. There has been discussion for many months about whether our mission in Iraq would work and about why we are there, but I think today we have seen the first giant step toward freedom for the wonderful Iraqi people who have suffered so long under tyranny and were made slaves, whose loved ones suffered, were enslaved, murdered, entombed, and killed. Thousands emigrated from that country. This is a great day for them, and I think they showed us that it was a real issue. I am sure many did not believe these people would risk anything serious, including their lives, to have a chance at freedom. The President, by his strength of character and commitment against many odds, carried this issue forth to an electorate and an election, and has stayed with it until this great day when we saw grassroots freedom come alive. This is an occasion when some might wonder whether we ought to have a free press over there observing things, especially in a war zone so to speak, but this is an occasion when it is obvious that it worked. Even skeptics who were there could not deny reality. The reality was that people, young and old, were not afraid of the threats of terrorism and risked everything for that little idea of exercising their franchise. We saw them putting up their inked finger indicating ``I voted.'' I thought it was tremendous. For that, I am very proud that I supported the President in this. I hope he is proud of what he has done. I don't want anyone to think the Senator from New Mexico does not understand there are many pitfalls, and there may still be some that are difficult to overcome. Ultimately, freedom and democracy are not the end. You have to have some kind of economic prosperity, stability, and law and order. I have said democracy and freedom do not work too well if you are hungry, if you are starving. That makes it pretty easy for people who would overturn freedom and democracy. The Iraqis are a fortunate people. They have a lot of resources. Let's hope they can develop them to the betterment of all their people. There are three things I am thankful for today. The second is the U.S. military. We send our military to do much on behalf of the American people and to accomplish missions we think are important. This one I am sure many people looked at and said: They are just not going to be able to do it; this is not a role for American fighting men; they can't help with the voting; they can't get rid of the terrorists in sufficient numbers, even with sufficient intelligence and planning, to let an election move on. A lot of people thought that. I submit that those who run the American military at the top, and those whose boots are on the ground and who run the machinery and equipment, are sending a signal: You asked us to do something. Give us some time and we will solve the problems and we will do it. Didn't they do that and prove it yesterday? Did anybody think it could be so peaceful in so much of Iraq? There was so much opportunity for people to walk to the polls and not get killed, to see their neighbors going and then get sufficient strength and courage to join them because the terrorists were not there. There was some terrific plan, with the Iraqi soldiers who were getting trained, and ours, to create this safe haven, a significant safe haven. I surmise that a lot of hard work took place in the rooms where planning is done, in the evenings when people work, between our military leaders and the new budding leaders of the Iraqi military and Iraqi law enforcement. I think the Iraqi police and military probably were invigorated by this event, and I would think that they, too, will be stronger and better for it. Again, as I have on a number of occasions in my years as a Senator-- it is going on 33, so I have seen a few victories--I have seen a few involvements where it was very difficult. I have seen the Vietnam war, seen the Korean war a little bit; I have seen great achievements and otherwise, but I think this is a rather significant indication of how our military will help us if we will help them. I am so proud we did not get to the point where the naysayers in America made it impossible for the military to do their jobs. It was getting ever closer to that, but it did not get there. I think that is very fortunate for freedom, liberty, and the whole Middle East--a terribly important part of the world. Then, lastly, I congratulate the Iraqi people. Many of those who did not like what was going on over there, many who voted for us to go in and changed their minds--there were 77 Senators who voted for us to do that, go in--to some who had just been against it turned and were accusatory of our President. Some called him a liar. Some said he had misled. That is for another day, another argument, which I have already made that I think clearly indicates those kinds of things were not true. There were no weapons of mass destruction, but that doesn't mean there were lies about it. But some said the Iraqi people should have been dancing in the streets as our military marched through and went to Baghdad in such fast order, you recall, with very few lives lost in the American military, and very few Iraqis. But there was not laughter and joy and marching bands in the streets. But when the day finally came, when the people thought they were really rid of the tyranny of Saddam, they did. They did come forward with joy in the streets and hope in their eyes, feeling very satisfied with the job they were doing by going to vote. So it is a very pleasant task for a Senator to come to the floor after having heard so much negative about that, even negative about our military leaders, and to say to them, to the Iraqi people, the President, to the American people who have supported this effort for freedom--we all have supported it with a lot of our tax dollars, along with our best men and women and a great deal of equipment and other things--Job well done. May the next set of actions that are required come forth and be as good as this for the people there in Iraq and the Middle East. I only hope that as we look at this and are rather pleased as Americans, that some of our normal and natural allies in the world who have become pointedly in opposition to what we have done and have carried it even further, to where people seem to think Americans are not their friends and they don't want to be our friends and we have qualities and attributes they don't like, I hope this sends a signal that maybe they ought to become more rational and reasonable about what we mean to each other. After all, we have been through a lot together-- France, Germany, Italy, Belgium. We don't have to worry about the English. They have been with us all the way. We have been through a lot of sweat and blood in the name of freedom with those allies, to our cost in lives and to our cost in billions of dollars. It is not that they owe us anything. But I think they might at least say they might have been wrong in this or at least maybe the American President had a reasonably good idea and how we ought to get together and hope that together we will try to make it work. I hope that is not asking too much. Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, in 2000 Congress established the Valles Caldera National Preserve, which is composed of approximately 89,000 acres of spectacular land in northern New Mexico. The Preserve was created to protect and preserve the region's values and to provide the public with opportunities for the multiple use and sustained yield of its resources. Over the past 5 years, we have become aware of some simple changes in Federal policy that can be made to allow the Valles Caldera Trust and U.S. Forest Service to better address the issues facing the Valles Caldera Preserve. The bill that Senator Bingaman and I introduce today recognizes the need for those policy changes. The bill does the following: (1) Eliminates the ``willing seller basis'' so the Secretary of Agriculture can purchase the outstanding mineral interests of the Valles Caldera; (2) requires the Valles Caldera Trust to better manage its obligations and expenditures; (3) expands the category of people who can solicit and accept donations on the Trust's behalf; (4) allows monies received from claims relating to the Preserve to be used for costs incurred by the Trust; (5) provides a rate of compensation for the chairman of the Trust; (6) authorizes the Trust to dispose of marketable renewable resources; and (7) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a fire safety plan for the Preserve. These are not vast changes; nor should they be controversial. They will, however, make an important difference to one of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness areas that is appreciated by New Mexico's visitors and natives alike. Because of the difference this legislation will make in New Mexico, I hope my colleagues will join with Senator Bingaman and me in approving the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2005. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, in 2000 Congress established the Valles Caldera National Preserve, which is composed of approximately 89,000 acres of spectacular land in northern New Mexico. The Preserve was created to protect and preserve the region's values and to provide the public with opportunities for the multiple use and sustained yield of its resources. Over the past 5 years, we have become aware of some simple changes in Federal policy that can be made to allow the Valles Caldera Trust and U.S. Forest Service to better address the issues facing the Valles Caldera Preserve. The bill that Senator Bingaman and I introduce today recognizes the need for those policy changes. The bill does the following: (1) Eliminates the ``willing seller basis'' so the Secretary of Agriculture can purchase the outstanding mineral interests of the Valles Caldera; (2) requires the Valles Caldera Trust to better manage its obligations and expenditures; (3) expands the category of people who can solicit and accept donations on the Trust's behalf; (4) allows monies received from claims relating to the Preserve to be used for costs incurred by the Trust; (5) provides a rate of compensation for the chairman of the Trust; (6) authorizes the Trust to dispose of marketable renewable resources; and (7) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a fire safety plan for the Preserve. These are not vast changes; nor should they be controversial. They will, however, make an important difference to one of New Mexico's most pristine wilderness areas that is appreciated by New Mexico's visitors and natives alike. Because of the difference this legislation will make in New Mexico, I hope my colleagues will join with Senator Bingaman and me in approving the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2005. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I thank Senator Lugar for finding time for me to express my views to the Senate and to those who might be listening or viewing the Senate proceedings. I say to Senator Lieberman, I appreciate very much the broad scope of his statement with reference to America and the world, and I thank him for stating his views, which are my views, and I think the views of an overwhelming number of Senators--77 of them who voted for us to proceed with this approach to Iraq. I think we all know our intentions, regardless of what some may say, are good and that the objective is that something good happen for the people of Iraq and for America and the world. Having said that, I have been dismayed to hear--not everyone on the other side--but some use words such as ``liar,'' to use words as to this nominee--Condoleezza Rice--that called her a liar, implied she was a liar, who implied the President intentionally misled. I would like to zero in on that for a minute and those who have been putting forth that accusation--I am not talking about those who oppose the war. I am talking about those who say the policy was fraught with intentional misleading information about weapons of mass destruction. I want to step back and say to my fellow Senators and those listening: What if today we were considering for Senate approval Secretary of State Colin Powell? Just think with me. He is the nominee. He is being reconfirmed for Secretary of State. What would the Senators who were here talking about Condoleezza Rice or our President intentionally misleading, being a liar, implying they had information they withheld, what would they say about Colin Powell? On a certain day, Colin Powell appeared before the United Nations. Remember that day? February 5, 2003. I remember it. I think millions and millions of people remember it: maps, overviews, a firm statement by him about weapons of mass destruction. Now I ask: Where did he get his information? Was he lying? Did he mislead the American people? Was he intentionally trying to force upon us a policy that was not based upon what he said but that those facts were dreamed up? I believe that neither Senators nor the people of America would believe he was not telling the truth. My point is, he got his information from exactly the same source that our President did, that the Prime Minister of Great Britain did, that all leaders at that point did, that we the Congress did. The President did not get his information from someplace in the sky, nor did Colin Powell. There was only one source: the accumulation of intelligence by the United States intelligence-gathering institutions. They told our President, Condoleezza Rice, and Colin Powell what was going on, and they all said, what? That there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and that Saddam was a danger--an exceptional danger--because he had weapons of mass destruction. Frankly, I believe there are those who have become partisan on this issue, and I almost would say, and should say, extremely partisan, who have become totally political on this issue and totally personal. There is no evidence whatsoever that Colin Powell lied, that he was misleading us, that Condoleezza Rice was a part of a policy to mislead the American people, nor that the President was. They all had the same information. One would not think that from what we have heard on the floor. One would not think that as you hear those who want to deny her this nomination. Frankly, that argument does not wash. It is not consistent with reality. It is dreamed up. It is political. It is for no other reason than to insert false and untrue information and facts into this discussion. She deserves the nomination. The President did not intentionally mislead. Those who oppose the war ought to say it and quit exaggerating and being political and personal about their attacks. Mr. President, I thank Senator Lugar, and I yield the floor.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Jim Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I believe Ambassador Nicholson's 30 years of military service make him an excellent choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jim Nicholson's leadership is particularly important as our brave men and women in uniform once again serve the cause of freedom in the fight against terrorism around the globe. Jim Nicholson has served his Nation faithfully and ably for the majority of his lifetime. I believe his great diversity of experience will be of the utmost benefit to the Department of Veterans Affairs and our veterans. We as a nation have a commitment to our veterans. They and their families have made countless sacrifices to serve in our country's defense, and we have a duty to provide for their needs. Jim Nicholson's leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs will help us honor this obligation. Jim Nicholson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1961, becoming an Army Ranger and a paratrooper. He went on to serve during the Vietnam war. While in Vietnam, he earned the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry. After his 8 years of active service as a Ranger, Jim served 22 years in the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of full colonel. Jim Nicholson has been an esteemed chairman of the Republican National Committee and for the past 3 years he has served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican. Jim holds a master's degree in public policy from Columbia University and a law degree from the University of Denver. On top of these vast achievements, he has been a successful businessman and community volunteer. In conclusion, I believe the President has chosen the right person to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in its very important work, and I strongly support the nomination of Jim Nicholson.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Michael Leavitt to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Michael is an overwhelmingly qualified candidate and the kind of leader the Agency needs. I am confident he will work hard to serve the public health needs of our Nation. Michael Leavitt will bring considerable executive experience to this post. As the former Governor of Utah, he improved access to health care for thousands of children and adults, while keeping rising health care costs in check. To date, Utah's uninsured rate remains below the Nation's average. Michael has also proven himself a capable leader in his former positions as chairman of the National Governor's Association, and most recently, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, helps to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. HHS is among our Nation's largest and most important Federal departments, overseeing more than 300 programs with a budget in excess of $580 billion. HHS is responsible for the management of such vital programs as the Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Medicaid and Medicare programs alone help provide needed health care to nearly 80 million Americans. I applaud President Bush for his choice of an accomplished leader to head this vital department. I look forward to working with Secretary Leavitt on critical issues such as implementation of the Medicare prescription drug program, medical liability reform and finding ways to reduce the cost of health care.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce a piece of legislation that is of paramount importance to the State of New Mexico and many other western States. This bill will address the mounting pressures brought on by the growing demands of a diminishing water supply throughout the west. The bill that I am introducing today authorizes the Department of the Interior acting through the Bureau of Reclamation to establish a series of research and demonstration programs to help eradicate non-native species on rivers in the Western United States. This bill will help develop the scientific knowledge and experience base needed to build a strategy to control these invasive thieves. In addition to projects that could benefit the Pecos and the Rio Grande, the bill allows other States in the west such as Texas, Colorado, Utah, California and Arizona to develop and participate in projects as well. Allow me to explain the importance of this bill. A water crisis has ravaged the west for more than five years. Drought conditions have expanded throughout the Western United States. Snow packs have been continuously low, causing severe drought conditions. The presence of invasive species compounds the drought situation in many states. For instance, New Mexico is home to a vast amount of salt cedar. Salt cedar is a water-thirsty non-native tree that continually strips massive amounts of water out of New Mexico's two predominant water supplies--the Pecos and the Rio Grande rivers. We have already had numerous catastrophic fires in our Nation's forests including the riparian woodland--the Bosque--that runs through the heart of New Mexico's most populous city. One of the reasons this fire ran its course through Albuquerque was the presence of large amounts of Salt cedar, a plant that burns as easily as it consumes water. Estimates show that one mature Salt cedar tree can consume as much as 200 gallons of water per day; over the growing season that's 7 acre feet of water for each acre of Salt cedar. In addition to the excessive water consumption, Salt cedars increase fire, increase river channelization and flood frequency, decrease water flow, and increase water and soil salinity along the river. Every problem that drought causes is exacerbated by the presence of Salt cedar. I know that the seriousness of the water situation in New Mexico becomes more acute every single day. This drought has affected every New Mexican and nearly everyone in the west in some way. Wells are running dry, farmers are being forced to sell livestock, many of our cities are in various stages of conservation and many, many acres have been charred by fire. The drought and the mounting legal requirements on both the Pecos and Rio Grande rivers are forcing us toward a severe water crisis in New Mexico. Indeed, every river in the inter-mountain west seems to be facing similar problems. Therefore, we must bring to bear every tool at our disposal for dealing with the water shortages in the west. Solving such water problems is one of my top priorities and I assure this Congress that this bill will receive prompt attention by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Controlling water thirsty invasive species is one significant and substantial step in the right direction for the dry lands of the west. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, water is the life's blood for New Mexico. When the water dries up in New Mexico, so will many of its communities. As such, the scarcity of water in New Mexico is a dire situation. Unfortunately, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, NM OSE, lacks the tools necessary to undertake the Herculean task of effectively managing New Mexico's water resources. Today, I introduce legislation that would allow New Mexico to make informed decisions about its limited water resources. In order to effectively perform water rights administration, as well as comply with New Mexico's compact deliveries, the State Engineer is statutorily required to perform assessments and investigations of the numerous stream systems and ground water basins located within New Mexico. However, the NM OSE is ill equipped to vigorously and comprehensively undertake the daunting but critically important task of water resource planning. At present, the NM OSE lacks adequate resources to perform necessary hydrographic surveys and data collection. As such, ensuring a future water supply for my home State requires that Congress provide the NM OSE with the resources necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate. The bill I introduce today would create a standing authority for the State of New Mexico to seek and receive technical assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey. It would also provide the NM OSE the sum of $12.5 million in Federal assistance to perform hydrologic models of New Mexico's most important water systems. This bill would provide the NM OSE with the best resources available when making crucial decisions about how best to preserve our limited water stores. Ever decreasing water supplies in New Mexico have reached critical levels and require immediate action. The Congress cannot sit idly by as water shortages cause death to New Mexico's communities. I hope the Senate will give this legislation its every consideration. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce a piece of legislation that is of paramount importance to the State of New Mexico and many other western States. This bill will address the mounting pressures brought on by the growing demands of a diminishing water supply throughout the west. The bill that I am introducing today authorizes the Department of the Interior acting through the Bureau of Reclamation to establish a series of research and demonstration programs to help eradicate non-native species on rivers in the Western United States. This bill will help develop the scientific knowledge and experience base needed to build a strategy to control these invasive thieves. In addition to projects that could benefit the Pecos and the Rio Grande, the bill allows other States in the west such as Texas, Colorado, Utah, California and Arizona to develop and participate in projects as well. Allow me to explain the importance of this bill. A water crisis has ravaged the west for more than five years. Drought conditions have expanded throughout the Western United States. Snow packs have been continuously low, causing severe drought conditions. The presence of invasive species compounds the drought situation in many states. For instance, New Mexico is home to a vast amount of salt cedar. Salt cedar is a water-thirsty non-native tree that continually strips massive amounts of water out of New Mexico's two predominant water supplies--the Pecos and the Rio Grande rivers. We have already had numerous catastrophic fires in our Nation's forests including the riparian woodland--the Bosque--that runs through the heart of New Mexico's most populous city. One of the reasons this fire ran its course through Albuquerque was the presence of large amounts of Salt cedar, a plant that burns as easily as it consumes water. Estimates show that one mature Salt cedar tree can consume as much as 200 gallons of water per day; over the growing season that's 7 acre feet of water for each acre of Salt cedar. In addition to the excessive water consumption, Salt cedars increase fire, increase river channelization and flood frequency, decrease water flow, and increase water and soil salinity along the river. Every problem that drought causes is exacerbated by the presence of Salt cedar. I know that the seriousness of the water situation in New Mexico becomes more acute every single day. This drought has affected every New Mexican and nearly everyone in the west in some way. Wells are running dry, farmers are being forced to sell livestock, many of our cities are in various stages of conservation and many, many acres have been charred by fire. The drought and the mounting legal requirements on both the Pecos and Rio Grande rivers are forcing us toward a severe water crisis in New Mexico. Indeed, every river in the inter-mountain west seems to be facing similar problems. Therefore, we must bring to bear every tool at our disposal for dealing with the water shortages in the west. Solving such water problems is one of my top priorities and I assure this Congress that this bill will receive prompt attention by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Controlling water thirsty invasive species is one significant and substantial step in the right direction for the dry lands of the west. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, water is the life's blood for New Mexico. When the water dries up in New Mexico, so will many of its communities. As such, the scarcity of water in New Mexico is a dire situation. Unfortunately, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, NM OSE, lacks the tools necessary to undertake the Herculean task of effectively managing New Mexico's water resources. Today, I introduce legislation that would allow New Mexico to make informed decisions about its limited water resources. In order to effectively perform water rights administration, as well as comply with New Mexico's compact deliveries, the State Engineer is statutorily required to perform assessments and investigations of the numerous stream systems and ground water basins located within New Mexico. However, the NM OSE is ill equipped to vigorously and comprehensively undertake the daunting but critically important task of water resource planning. At present, the NM OSE lacks adequate resources to perform necessary hydrographic surveys and data collection. As such, ensuring a future water supply for my home State requires that Congress provide the NM OSE with the resources necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate. The bill I introduce today would create a standing authority for the State of New Mexico to seek and receive technical assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey. It would also provide the NM OSE the sum of $12.5 million in Federal assistance to perform hydrologic models of New Mexico's most important water systems. This bill would provide the NM OSE with the best resources available when making crucial decisions about how best to preserve our limited water stores. Ever decreasing water supplies in New Mexico have reached critical levels and require immediate action. The Congress cannot sit idly by as water shortages cause death to New Mexico's communities. I hope the Senate will give this legislation its every consideration. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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, entitled Forecasting the Future: U.S. Energy Challenges in the Global Context, will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 10 a.m. in Room SD-366. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony regarding global energy trends and their potential impact on U.S. energy needs, security and policy. The Energy Information Administration will discuss the 2005 Annual Energy Outlook. Additional experts will offer their perspectives on emerging world energy trends, including the key factors affecting energy supply (such as OPEC and Russia) and energy demand (such as Asia). 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, SD-364 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact: Shane Perkins at 202-224- 7555.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the following hearings have been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to consider the President's Proposed Budget for FY 2006 for the agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of this Committee: Tuesday, March 1 at 10 a.m., in Room SD-366--Department of the Interior. Wednesday, March 2 at 10 a.m., in Room SD-366--Forest Service. Thursday, March 3 at 10 a.m., in Room SD-366--Department of Energy. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit testimony for the hearing send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, SD-364 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact Carole McGuire at 202-224- 0537.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Carlos Gutierrez to be Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Gutierrez has set a great example for all Americans and has proved himself a true leader and visionary in the world of business. It is for this reason I fully support his nomination and I have no doubt he will be a truly superb Secretary of Commerce. Carlos Gutierrez's story is truly inspiring and sets a wonderful example for all Americans. Born in Cuba, Carlos, along with his family fled to the United States in 1960 to escape the dictatorship of Fidel Castro. Eventually, the Gutierrez family chose to live in Mexico and settled in Mexico City. At the age of 20, Carlos Gutierrez's journey through the world of business began when he took a job driving a truck for the Kellogg cereal company in Mexico City. Within 10 years, Mr. Gutierrez proved himself an invaluable asset to the company and was promoted to general manager of Kellogg's entire operation in Mexico. Only 15 years later, Mr. Gutierrez achieved the unthinkable and began running the operations for the entire company. This is truly a prime example of the American dream and definitively demonstrates Carlos Gutierrez's considerable talent for business. I am also pleased by this nomination because of the diversity it adds to President Bush's Cabinet. This President has demonstrated a commitment to selecting Americans from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds to serve him, and I believe that the selection of Carlos Gutierrez is a clear sign of the contributions that Hispanic Americans are making to our Nation. I believe as Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez will continue to display the values and leadership which have been prevalent throughout his career. I have no doubt that as Secretary of Commerce Mr. Gutierrez will be able to meet any challenge facing this country in the future.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the confirmation of Mike Johanns to be Secretary of Agriculture. As the former Governor of Nebraska, Mike Johanns knows how important agriculture is to this country. Through his dedicated public service he has shown a great understanding of the complex nature of the industry and the problems facing it. Growing up on an Iowa dairy farm, Mike Johanns learned from an early age that agriculture is the backbone of this great nation. For over two centuries, hardworking men and women like Mr. Johanns have dedicated their lives to protecting the vitality of the food and fiber industry. The nomination of Mike Johanns for the position of Secretary of Agriculture is a tribute to his commitment, and I have no doubt that this commitment will bring distinction to the position of Secretary of Agriculture. Throughout his professional career, Mike Johanns has been committed to the wellbeing of America's farmers and ranchers. As Governor, Mr. Johanns emphasized the importance of value-added agriculture, renewable fuels such as ethanol, and job creation in rural areas. Additionally, Mr. Johanns has demonstrated a keen knowledge of international trade policy, a subject that will continue to increase in importance as the world moves towards a more globalize economy. I look forward to working with Mr. Johanns to ensure that future trade agreements with the food and fiber industry are treated equitably. Mr. Johanns has also been an important leader on drought policy, a subject that is very important to many communities in the west. I believe that with his experience in this area, the country can move forward in establishing a concrete and coherent drought policy that provides tangible benefits for those affected by this serious problem. I know that Mr. Johanns will serve the agriculture community the utmost integrity and fairness and I look forward to working with him in the future.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the confirmation of Margaret Spellings to be Secretary of Education. Margaret Spellings has devoted her career to working to improve education for children in Texas and across the Nation. Her experience and dedication make her eminently qualified to serve as Secretary of Education. Margaret Spellings is the ideal person to work with States and Governors of both parties to achieve the goal of raising student achievement for all students in all schools. As the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Ms. Spellings has been responsible for the development and implementation of White House policy on education, healthcare, labor, housing and many other elements of President Bush's domestic agenda. She has also served with distinction as the senior advisor to then-Governor George W. Bush in Texas with responsibility for State education policy, and as associate executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards. Throughout her professional career, Margaret Spellings has had in- depth discussions with teachers, administrators and school board members. She understands about school reform and the Federal role in education. In Texas, she was responsible for developing and implementing the State's strong school accountability system, and she was also instrumental in the State's strong reading and charter school efforts. As a top domestic advisor to the President, she was integral to the development of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is producing solid improvements in reading and math for America's students and is helping students by transforming our public education system. The fact that President Bush has chosen one of his closest and most trusted advisors to become Education Secretary is a clear sign that education will continue to be a top domestic priority for this administration during the next 4 years. I look forward to working with Margaret Spellings in her new role as Education Secretary to help make public schools great for every child.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for the intelligence reform provisions negotiated by the House and Senate. These measures provide common sense restructuring of our Nation's approach to national intelligence. For years the United States has contemplated reorganizing the intelligence community. Unfortunately, it took the tragedy of September 11 and the loss of nearly 3,000 citizens to achieve systemic change. This legislation, however, is the culmination of a serious national debate that has occurred since that fateful day. It is a just tribute to those we lost, their families and to future generations of Americans whose security depends on our actions today. I believe this legislation better prepares us to meet the security challenges of today and I would like to make note of some important provisions. First, it creates a National Director of Intelligence who has the necessary authority to write and execute intelligence budgets. This critical change will help ensure that resources and personnel can be moved to areas of priority throughout the intelligence community for more effective management of intelligence operations and analysis. This change was strongly endorsed by both the 9/11 Commission and Joint Inquiry of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees and I believe it is essential. Second, it establishes a National Counterterrorism Center. This will achieve an integrated approach to counterterrorism intelligence and strategic operational planning. Given the continuing threat the United States faces from international terrorists, it is vital that we organize our information and resources in a highly coordinated fashion to meet this challenge. The NCTC provides the proper mechanism to facilitate this coordination by gathering relevant information from all appropriate departments and agencies within our government. In addition to these primary reforms provisions, I am pleased the conference report includes two other provisions of importance to New Mexico. By retaining my language directing the Department of Homeland Security to report on development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle border surveillance capability, this legislation recognizes the need to exploit emerging technologies for securing the homeland. The porous nature of our borders, particularly in remote areas of the Southwest, is vulnerable to terrorists, drug smugglers and other criminal activity. My language begins to seek new solutions to this significant security concern. Also, I am gratified that the conferees recognized the value of the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center operated by our national laboratories as Sandia and Los Alamos. The formal relationship this legislation creates between NISAC and the National Director of Intelligence ensures the intelligence community has access to the very best capability our Nation has for understanding vulnerabilities to critical infrastructures. In conclusion, I believe this legislation is historic. Nothing is more important than the security of our country and intelligence is the underpinning of success in the war on terror. Objective, timely, accurate intelligence is what our policymakers need to make the right decisions affecting the safety of Americans at home and abroad. This legislation takes an important step toward invigorating our intelligence gathering as we face the threats of the 21st century and it has my strong support.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Parliamentary inquiry: Is now a time to speak or are we in some kind of special business?

Mr. DOMENICI. I seek recognition, to use 5 minutes as in morning business.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I know it is late and there is nobody here. Somehow or another, it seems like, when you have things that are moving along and moving rather slowly, you have to regularly call them to the attention of the Senate. I do not have anything but great praise for how we got here with this bill. Everybody is saying it could not be helped. Senator Reid and I understand. A piece of this bill is ours. We could never get it done until late in the session because it seemed as if nobody wanted to understand the problem we had. We couldn't do the things we were supposed to do because there was a misunderstanding in the budget about how to pay for things. So that was done. The thing is, if Senators had before them tonight, before this bill, a final vote on a measure that said we are going to do this every 2 years instead of every 1 year, and we are going to do a budget resolution for 2 years, do you know what would have happened? It would have passed with 75 votes because people around here understand we do not have to do this every year. You can do it for 2 years, with 2-year budgets and the right to have, in between those appropriations bills, the special kind of special needs appropriations. It certainly would not be like it is now. You have those now and you have appropriations every year. You have the supplemental appropriations. I took this minute to say someone, sometime--maybe before I leave here--will do that. I actually believe the House is ready. They voted on it. They didn't have the bill we would have, but we could go to conference. But I just want to use this last few minutes. Nobody is around and I ought to be out of here at home. I have some new grandchildren at home and they can't watch me at this late hour because they are too little, so I should be gone. But it is good to have an example. Frankly, I think if we had 2-year appropriations, we wouldn't have this because I think the individual bills would be done, if you had, instead of every year, 2 years to do them. I think we would have a lot of time for oversight and other things we do not do. In fact, my memory is not as good as it was and I can't tell you the percent, but a huge amount of the Senate's voting time and floor time is used for just three things: budget, appropriations, and supplemental appropriations. That is a huge amount of the time. I don't know how we get all the other things done. So if we could do it every 2 years, it seems to me we would all be the better for it. We would be less apt to have this kind of thing occur with an omnibus, meaning overall, many--all put in one. I yield the floor.

Mr. DOMENICI

Mr. DOMENICI. I agree with the Senator from California.

Mr. DOMENICI. We are all in agreement on this issue.