Bill Frist

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, today we honor the tradition of defining our party's agenda for this Congress. I take this duty seriously. Because I take our times seriously. We live during an extraordinary moment not only in the history of America, but in the history of the world. And it is my goal--and the goal of my caucus--to look to the future and seize the opportunities that such times offer. Social Security has been one of the great triumphs in the history of our government. It has lifted millions of seniors from poverty into dignity and provided an essential safety net for disabled citizens. But soon our Social Security system will be unable to sustain itself. A program created for security will itself become insecure. Social Security works well for those at or near retirement. And, for these men and women, Social Security must remain the same and provide the same benefits. But for future retirees, the future is less certain. That is, of course, if we fail to act. Then we will know the outcome: the retirement of the baby boom generation will place an unsustainable burden on younger Americans. The President is right to call on the Congress to rise to this crisis. I believe we have an opportunity to rise above partisanship, to do what it right rather than what is expedient, and to leave a legacy of leadership for our children. This Congress will continue to meet the challenge of our generation, to fight and win the war on terror. I would like to thank Chairman Collins for her tremendous leadership last Congress. She successfully completed the first major overhaul of our intelligence services in a generation. We will continue to look to her as she undertakes the important task of ensuring that we commit our resources where the threat is greatest. Today, we will introduce legislation that honors our service men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice. They have given all to our Nation and the cause liberty; and we will give more to better care for the ones they loved. I'm grateful for the hard work of many Senators in this effort, particularly that of Senators Sessions, Hagel, DeWine, Allen, and our two able chairmen, Senators Warner and Craig. I look forward to their continued contributions on behalf of the members of our armed services. This bill will also enhance our efforts to secure our Nation against biological threats and gives law enforcement the tools they need to better defend us at home, both by more quickly providing cutting edge technologies and by enhancing laws to protect our citizens. I appreciate Senator Sessions' leadership in the area of protecting our mass transit system against terrorist attacks. Included in this leadership proposal is the Railroad Carriers and Mass Transportation Act, a bill he authored last Congress and also incorporated into the Tools to Fight Terrorism Act introduced by Senate leadership. Our Nation's security does not rest on our military might alone. A growing economy, educational opportunities, and access to affordable health care are all essential to keep our country strong and our citizens secure. We should begin by examining the Federal Tax Code. Our tax system should raise revenue in a simple, efficient, fair and predictable manner. Unfortunately, this is far from today's reality. Consider the facts: Everyday Americans spend 23 percent more time filling out tax forms today than 8 years ago. In that time, the total number of pages of Federal tax rules have grown by almost half. And one leading tax preparation firm is making 150 percent more money. We look forward to reviewing the findings of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. We will take action. We will simplify our laws, keep our commitment to a progressive Tax Code, and promote savings and growth. Clearly, adopting a comprehensive energy policy and reforming our tort system are cornerstones of economic growth. I believe that we have a real opportunity to work across party lines on these issues. Chairman Domenici has renewed his efforts to bring a bill through the Energy Committee and we look forward to results. The Senate will soon begin its debate on class action reform. It is an important place to start. Our tort system costs our economy nearly $250 billion per year. That's the equivalent of an $844 ``tort tax'' on every American. This bill will be an early success. I'm grateful for the hard work on both sides of the aisle that have gone into this important initiative. We cannot afford to let lingering concerns about a tax increase on small businesses stall our economic growth. The President's economic stimulus package was exactly the right medicine at the right time for a faltering economy. From day one it has led to steady growth. We need to make those tax cuts permanent so we can keep our economy growing and creating jobs. Critical to our long-term competitiveness is an educated and skilled workforce. Chairman Enzi will introduce legislation today grounded in essential core principles. We will improve our Federal education and training programs by setting high expectations and raising achievement for all students. We will demand accountability for results. And we will support learning opportunities for students at all stages in life. It is time that health care followed the rest of our economy and join the Information Age of the 21st century. Our health care system is a model of spectacular inefficiencies: high and rapidly rising health care costs, growing ranks of the uninsured, chasms in quality and health care disparities. In order to transform this system, we must agree on a guiding principle: all Americans deserve the security of lifelong, affordable access to high-quality health care. The focus of a 21st century health care system must be the patient. The system must also be responsive primarily to the consumer, rather than third-party payers. In a transformed system, we must reestablish the doctor-patient relationship, and utilize technology to promote efficiency and provide care. I am pleased that we will be introducing legislation that begins to build on these principles, utilizing the work of Senator Gregg and the Republican Task Force on the Uninsured. We will address rising costs, increase coverage and expand access to care. We are also a Nation that values community, family, and compassion. We will work to build on the success of our welfare laws which have helped over 7 million people move from dependency to the dignity of work. But in doing so, we will recognize the need to support those who do the hard work of compassion--caring for those in need. Our tax proposals will support these private efforts while also helping those who are raising children and ending the discrimination against marriage in the law. We will also continue our efforts to promote and defend marriage, and to support parents as they seek to guide their children in difficult times. Today, Senator Allard will introduce the marriage protection amendment which I hope will be sent to the States for ratification. Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to celebrate the enduring value of a free people exercising their right to self-governance. But with each new political beginning, we have the responsibility to answer to the people we serve. I believe that we have such an opportunity, and I have great faith in my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to dutifully answer that call.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, Howard Liebengood loved the Senate. He loved the purpose of this institution; he loved its tradition; and, above all, he loved its people. The Senate was his extended family, and we all are going to miss him very much. Howard Schuler Liebengood passed away on Thursday, January 13, at his home in Vienna, VA. He was just 2 weeks shy of his retirement. He had planned to travel and cook and devote himself to his wife Dee and their three grown children, Howie, John, and Anne. We talked in detail at breakfast about a month ago, in late December, about his excitement of being able to retire and spend time with the family. He also told me he planned on going to the track. One of his closest friends and a real friend of this institution, Marty Gold, said Howard loved anything that ran around the track, whether it was cars or dogs or people. And every May, without exception, Howard went to the Indy 500 with his family. Howard lived with passion. He lived with conviction. He lived with generosity. He lived with grace. He accomplished so much because he loved life so well. Howard was born on December 29, 1942, in South Bend, IN. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President, stamps cost 3 cents, and total Federal spending was a mere $35 billion. Howard graduated from Plymouth High in 1960 and earned his bachelors degree in political science at Kansas State University. From there he went to Vanderbilt University Law School where he met a young man who would become his closest and lifelong friend and future U.S. Senator, Fred Thompson. Howard once described the two of them as misfits among the well-heeled southern scholars and Ivy League stars. But knowing them both, I suspect it was just Howard's characteristic midwestern modesty. After earning his law degree from Vanderbilt, Howard served as an Army captain in the Vietnam war. His bravery and valor earned him the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. Upon his return from Vietnam in 1970, Howard applied for and won the competition to be assistant general manager and play-by-play announcer for the Kansas City Royals AAA farm club. But it was not to be. A young wife and the prospect of a future family led him to the offices of Manier, White in Nashville, TN, where he practiced criminal and entertainment law. Then, just as he was to become partner, he got a call. Fred was minority counsel to the newly formed Senate Watergate Committee, and he wanted Howard at his side. It was 1973, the height of Watergate. Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee was vice chair of the committee. It was an offer too good to refuse. Howard soon found himself in the center of the Watergate whirlwind, interviewing witnesses and ultimately coauthoring the Baker report. It was a heady experience for the young lawyer and launched him on a 30-year career in politics. And yet somehow, despite this long and intimate exposure to Washington politics, Howard never lost his optimism. He never became cynical. He always looked for the good in any situation, and he always kept his good humor. And throughout, he also had the mentorship and friendship of Senator Howard Baker, his first boss in politics. During the course of Watergate, Senator Baker and Howard became close friends. As minority leader, Senator Baker hired Howard to be his legislative assistant, and then as majority leader he elevated Howard to Sergeant at Arms. Howard would often stay with Senator Baker when the Senator was home in Scott County in Huntsville, TN. Senator Baker tells this delightful story which speaks to their friendship and Howard's charm and his wonderful wit: When Howard was Sergeant at Arms in the Senate during the first Reagan inauguration in January 1981, I still have this image of Howard in striped trousers and a cut-away coat standing on a platform next to the emergency phone sweating although the temperature was below freezing. I said: ``Howard, I see you're sweating. Are you OK?'' Howard replied: ``I forgot the key to the emergency phone.'' Senator Baker asked him later: What would you have done if that phone had rung? And Howard replied: I would have pulled that sucker out by the roots. That is Howard Liebengood, and it is the Howard Liebengood we have all been pleased to know. He treated everyone, from Senators to interns, with a graciousness and genuine regard. If a constituent had a difficult request or an unusual request, Howard would say: Give them a chance. That is an idea that just may be worth considering. When Senator Hatch injured his Achilles' tendon, Howard drove Orrin to the Senate every day. While he was my chief of staff, Howard Liebengood regularly invited young staffers on summer weekends to travel with him to Baltimore for a day of crabs and baseball. He was just that kind of person--always extending himself, always making others comfortable around him, always making the personal connection, especially focusing on the young people in the office. He wanted to share with them the excitement and honor of working in Government. He always let them know, interns and staff alike, that their jobs mattered, that their jobs had a purpose, that they were serving their fellow citizens and advancing the cause of democracy. Howard also reached across the aisle. He was known as the peacemaker for his ability to bring opposing sides together. Indeed, one of his great regrets was what he saw to be the growing partisanship in politics. He missed the days when Members could set aside their party labels and share a 6 o'clock cocktail or a Friday night dinner. When he was legislative counsel for Senator Baker, what is now just down the hall my conference room and the leader's office, it was called the ``back room.'' It featured not a conference table but a sofa, a coffee table, two wingback chairs, and over at the end a wet bar. Howard would host visits that began late in the afternoon and could last well into the evening. The regulars included Mac Mathias, Barry Goldwater--they tell me, two fingers of bourbon, no ice--Pete Domenici, and Joy Baker, who would often bring along Elizabeth Taylor Warner. Two curious facts about the jovial and mild-mannered Presbyterian. The first, Howard kept a dozen bottles of hot sauce in his desk drawer. After the 116 Club, the Szechuan Pavilion was one of his favorite restaurants. The second involves his friend, great friend Mike ``Mad Dog'' Madigan, who served with him on the Watergate Committee. The story goes that one time in Manhattan, NY, of all places in the apartment of Fidel Castro's mistress, in the course of casual conversation, Mike Madigan said something that upset Ms. Marita, something she took as a challenge to her own personal integrity. She pulled a Derringer from her brassiere and threatened to shoot them both. It was a tense moment. Mike tried to dive under the couch over against the wall. Fortunately, Mike and Howard got out of there unharmed and with a great story to tell. We all greatly admired Howard. When I became majority leader, I called him on a very late cold December night and asked him to be my chief of staff, and to my great, good, wonderful fortune, he said yes, and he brought incredible insight and judgment. Through his personal leadership, integrity, and generosity, he inspired us all. He valued character. He valued honesty. He valued grace. Above all, he valued faith. Howard was loved and respected by individuals across the Capitol complex from Members to doorkeepers to photographers to the hundreds of Senate staffers, old and young, Democrat and Republican. Howard was a remarkable person who led a remarkable life. Howard used to sign off his e-mails with the words ``all good wishes.'' I know I speak for the entire Senate family when I say our hearts are full of good wishes for Howard and his family. We are blessed to have had him in our lives, and we will miss him dearly.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I am now turning to a resolution for a very close friend, and then I will take a few moments to comment on this resolution, really the man behind this resolution. I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Fortune magazine describes him as possessing ``disarming charisma, steely resolve, and an utter lack of pretension.'' The President of the United States hails him as a ``great American success story.'' It is my pleasure to support the nomination of Carlos Gutierrez, chairman and CEO of the Kellogg Company, to become America's next Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Gutierrez is a true testament to the American Dream. From humble beginnings as a Cuban refugee, he has become one of the most respected and admired businessmen in America. Mr. Gutierrez and his family fled Cuba when he was just 6 years old. His father ran a successful pineapple company in Havana. Then one day, there was a knock at the door. Fidel Castro's regime had named the elder Gutierrez an enemy of the state. Mr. Gutierrez's father was briefly imprisoned. The business was confiscated. Mr. Gutierrez recalls that, ``We were on a plane right after that.'' The family landed in Miami Beach in 1960. It was there that 6 year old Carlos learned English from hotel bellhops. The family eventually settled in Mexico City, and at the age of 20, Mr. Gutierrez took a job driving a Kellogg van selling frosted flakes to small grocery stores. Ten years later, he became general manager of Kellogg's Mexico operations. Within 3 years, he turned the Mexico plant from the company's least productive to most productive. After stints in Asia and Canada, Mr. Gutierrez returned to the United States in 1990, and in 1999 became Chairman and CEO of the Kellogg Company. In 5 short years, Mr. Gutierrez has steered the cereal maker into the number one spot in the U.S. cereal market. Under his leadership Kellogg has become a food industry powerhouse with industry leading sales growth. Those who have studied his business techniques say that Mr. Gutierrez is successful because he is able to focus in on the key issues and convey his vision to everyone--from the assembly line worker to members of the board. He believes that every American should have the opportunity to succeed. He also believes that America is, and should be, the best place in the world to do business. Former Governor John Engler of Michigan, who has worked with Mr. Gutierrez, rightly points out that Mr. Gutierrez would be ``the most international leader that Commerce has ever had.'' Mr. Gutierrez says that one of his proudest accomplishments was helping his son and his wife become American citizens. From one American citizen to another, I can assure him the pride is mutual. From his remarkable biography, to his meteoric success, Mr. Gutierrez is an inspiration to all. He took the American dream and ran with it-- and, I should note, without ever having finished college. I am confident that his accumulated wisdom, knowledge and skills will make Mr. Gutierrez an effective Commerce Secretary and eloquent advocate of our economic policies and ideals. I urge my colleagues to support the nomination of this extraordinary American. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this afternoon, we will be in a period for morning business so Senators may introduce legislation and make statements. Following that 1 hour period, the Senate will proceed to executive session for the consideration of the nomination of Carlos Gutierrez to be Secretary of Commerce. Chairman Stevens will be here to manage the hour of debate on this side of the aisle, and I understand Senator Dorgan will control the remaining 1 hour. We do not have a request for a rollcall vote on the nomination. Therefore, we will proceed to a voice vote at the expiration of that time. Consequently, we will not have any rollcall votes today. I do want to take this opportunity to remind my colleagues that we will begin debate on the nomination of Condoleezza Rice during tomorrow's session. The order from last week provides for debate on Tuesday with closing remarks on Wednesday and a vote on that nomination on Wednesday morning. There are several other Cabinet-level nominations that may be ready for floor action this week, including the nominations of the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Attorney General. I will be talking with the Democratic leader about the full Senate consideration of those Cabinet positions as they become available.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise to support the nomination of Governor Mike Johanns to lead the Department of Agriculture. I applaud the President for his outstanding choice. The Nebraska Governor enjoys strong support from both sides of the aisle, including from his two home State Senators, Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson. The Governor's nomination was approved unanimously in committee and I expect swift action on his confirmation today. Governor Johann's story starts in Mitchell County, IA, on his family's dairy farm. Long hours working on the farm taught him the demands of the business, the hard work, discipline and resiliency it takes to succeed in agriculture. It also taught him a deep respect for the land and a sturdy work ethic which he says defines him to this day. As Governor of Nebraska, Mr. Johanns has been a true friend of America's farmers and ranchers. He has traveled the world to open new markets. Nebraska is the largest beef processing state in the country and the fourth largest exporter of agricultural products. Under Governor Johanns' leadership, Nebraska's exports to China have more than doubled, from $51 million dollars in 1999 to $110 million in 2003. He has also been a tireless advocate for his State's agricultural workers. As Governor, he developed the Meatpackers Bill or Rights to protect the mostly Hispanic work force from poor working conditions. It was a controversial bill, but the Governor was determined to stand up for the right of his workers to safe working conditions. As he put it, ``people have a right to a safe work environment whether they earn five or fifty dollars per hour.'' As Secretary of Agriculture, he will continue to grow and strengthen our farm economy. There will be challenges, including protecting the food supply, and developing alternative energy sources like ethanol. But Governor Johanns' lifetime of experience and leadership makes him superbly and uniquely qualified to meet these challenges. Governor Johanns says his father cried when he learned that his son was going to become a lawyer instead of a farmer. I hope today is cause for celebration. I look forward to the swift confirmation of Governor Johanns, and I look forward to working with him to keep America moving forward.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. On January 6, I engaged in a colloquy with the distinguished Democratic Leader, Senator Reid, concerning the budget assumptions for the next committee funding biennial period, subject to appropriations. I stated that the committee funding budget assumes an across-the-board freeze budget, with salary baselines adjusted by COLAs of 3.71 percent in 2005 as approved by the President pro tempore in early January; 3.3 percent assumed for 2006, and 3.5 percent assumed for 2007, although both the 2006 and 2007 actual COLA amounts remain subject to the approval of the President pro tempore. Based on preliminary calculations, both Senator Reid and I assumed certain funding levels, subject to appropriations. We have now received final financial calculations for an across-the-board freeze including the previously identified COLAs. To achieve our fiscal goal, aggregate funding levels would be: March 1, 2005-September 30, 2005: $51,783,793; October 1, 2005-Semptember 30, 2006: $90,923,102; and October 1, 2006- February 28, 2007: $38,704,409. These funding levels include, but do not separately allocate, the additional 10 percent allocated to the committees in the 108th Congress. I believe this reflects the intent of the negotiation between the Democratic leader and myself.

Mr. FRIST. I thank the Democratic leader for his comments.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure and honor to support the nomination of Margaret Spellings to lead the Department of Education. Ms. Spellings has been a close and trusted adviser to the President for over a decade. She will bring to the post both local and national experience. In Texas, Ms. Spellings led the Texas Association of School Boards and advised two Governors on education policy, including then- Governor Bush. In Washington, she has served as the top domestic policy advisor to the President and was one of the key architects of the historic No Child Left Behind Act. Ms. Spellings has earned a solid reputation as one of the sharpest minds in education policy. She is passionate about America's schools, and more importantly, passionate about America's school children. Like all of us in this chamber, she believes that every child has the right to learn. Education is the path to achieving the American dream. As a result of her work on the No Child Left Behind Act, students of every background are making strides. As the Secretary of Education, Ms. Spellings pledge to improve the No Child Left reforms and extend them to the high school level. She is also committed to enhancing college aid to assist older and disadvantaged students. As she told the HELP committee, reforms to No Child Left Behind need to be sensible and workable. Ms. Spellings' nomination comes to the Senate floor with strong bipartisan support. She was unanimously voted out of committee. Both sides of the aisle recognize and honor her leadership and experience. In Ms. Spellings, America's education system will have a thoughtful, flexible, and effective leader. Karl Rove once said that Margaret Spellings is the most powerful woman in Washington, whom no one knows. As a key Cabinet Secretary, she will be one of Washington's most luminous stars. I am pleased to support her nomination. I expect a swift and overwhelmingly bipartisan vote to make Ms. Spellings America's eighth Secretary of Education.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. That is correct. With regard to committee personnel salary allocations between the majority and minority staff, the Democratic leader and I have agreed to a 60-40 split of all personnel funds, after allocations for non-designated administrative and clerical staff are agreed to by the chairman and ranking member pursuant to Rule XXVII of the Standing Rules of the Senate. However, the chairman and ranking member of any committee may, by mutual agreement, modify the allocation of personnel funds. The division of committee office space shall be commensurate with this allocation agreement.

Mr. FRIST. I am pleased to respond to the inquiry of the Democratic leader. The budget assumptions for the next committee funding biennial period, subject to appropriations, will be an across-the-board freeze budget, with salary baselines adjusted by COLAs of 3.71 percent in 2005, as approved by the President pro tempore this week; and 3.3 percent assumed for 2006 and 3.5 percent assumed for 2007, although both the 2006 and 2007 actual COLA amounts remain subject to the approval of the President pro tempore.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. I send a concurrent resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on the morning of December 26, one of the worst catastrophes the world has ever seen slammed the coast of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and eastern Africa. Deep in the Indian Ocean, an enormous earthquake, estimated at a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter Scale--possibly one of the most powerful earthquakes ever in history--caused a devastating tsunami which has now killed over 150,000 people, seriously injuring another half a million, and displacing as many as 5 million individuals from their demolished homes. Thousands of people were literally washed out to sea as the enormous wall of water, traveling at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour in the open ocean, struck the coasts of the Indian Ocean Rim. As those waves receded, they took with them whole towns and villages. They took with them families on holiday, fishermen at sea, and children who had gone down to the beach that morning to play. One only begins to comprehend the enormity of the tragedy as the individual stories emerge, as they have over the last several days, such as the father who helped his daughter climb on to the roof of their hotel and drowned in his act of heroism or the 13-year-old boy who held his grandmother afloat as long as he could before she succumbed to the waves. The tragedy continues for these already devastated people. Survivors now face the ``disaster after the disaster''--the risk of death from cholera, dysentery, malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea, all potentially on an epidemic scale. The lack of potable water and potential emergence of waterborne illnesses pose an enormous public health threat. In the last week, I have spent hours on the phone with ambassadors from the affected countries, with senior U.S. officials and private citizens, to help coordinate some of those relief efforts. I am gratified--overwhelmed, in fact--by the generosity and commitment so many people have shown at every level, from local communities to our Government. Their outpouring of support and concern is truly remarkable. One friend of mine, Carl Lindner, has a son who is putting together medical and relief supplies on a 747 charter to India this week. Franklin Graham and my friends from Samaritan's Purse are in the field right now with assessments and are investing heavily through Samaritan's Purse, especially in rural areas that are far from airports or far from towns or far from those areas we can reach as easily. Condoleezza Rice and our U.S. officials are working tirelessly to coordinate our efforts. Fred Smith's company, FedEx, is transporting 150,000 pounds of Pedialite formula donated by Ross Labs. The shipment was loaded onto a FedEx aircraft yesterday morning in Columbus, Ohio, and should arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow. And, of course, the American people have shown extraordinary compassion and sympathy and empathy. By their own initiative, private individuals and charities and nongovernment organizations and businesses have raised millions of dollars to aid the tsunami victims. I am filled with admiration for the compassion demonstrated by our fellow citizens. As we return to Congress, we will act quickly on a clean tsunami supplemental. President Bush announced on Friday that America has pledged $350 million in relief assistance, with $15 million already speeding toward the hands of relief organizations in the affected countries. The administration will continue to revise this number as the full extent of the disaster becomes known. American military ships, airplanes, and helicopters are right now delivering food. Over 48 helicopters right now are operating, delivering these medical supplies and food and water. Medicine, tents, water, ladders, food--all being delivered through the compassion of the international community. We have more than 20 patrol and cargo aircraft that have been made available to assess the disaster and deliver relief supplies. Twelve thousand of our men and women in uniform are working around the clock right now to reach survivors in remote corners of the region and to participate in the delivery of that relief. Evacuation helicopters are bringing stranded victims to safety. The United States has set up a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Disaster Response Command Center at the U.S. Agency for International Development headquarters here in Washington, along with regional coordination centers in Thailand and Sri Lanka. Together with governments from around the world, America is leading the largest international relief effort in history. As we speak, a delegation, led by Secretary Colin Powell and Governor Jeb Bush, is meeting with leaders of the affected countries to show America's support and solidarity, and to determine how we can continue to be effective, to maximize our effectiveness. Later tonight I too will travel to the region to survey the damage, spending Thursday in Sri Lanka touring disaster sites and visiting hospitals, surveying our relief efforts, and lending my help wherever I can, including medical assistance. Following that, I and others will travel to the southeast coast of India on a similar mission. The purpose of our trip is several fold: to assure the people of the region that we are engaged and fully committed. The Senate is taking these first steps as an institution by adopting the resolution expressing our sympathy for the countries and victims affected and promising our full support of America's relief efforts. While in the region, we will also make a personal assessment of what U.S. assistance is needed and will have the opportunity to meet with leaders of the affected countries and ask personally how America can best help. I intend to ensure that aid is following as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Senate is taking its first step here today as we consider and adopt the Senate resolution expressing sympathy and pledging support to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the peoples of Southeast Asia, South Asia, the island nations of the region, and eastern Africa. Senator Reid and I have worked closely on this effort in a bipartisan manner to express the unanimous agreement of this body, the U.S. Senate. I also thank Senator Dick Lugar, who has shown steadfast leadership in this time of crisis and who has worked closely on this resolution with us as well. I know his committee in the coming weeks and months ahead will be delving into many matters relating to this disaster. We extend our great thanks to him. Let me close my remarks by offering, on behalf of myself, the U.S. Senate, and the American people, our deepest sympathies to the victims of this terrible tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with you--the victims, the survivors, and their families. The struggle to recover will be long. We all know that. It will be difficult. There will be many sorrow-filled days as we learn the full impact of this tragedy, but throughout the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of these devastated lands. We are determined to help rebuild their communities and restore their hope. America is a great nation because it is a compassionate nation. It is our solemn commitment and obligation as a free people to share the blessing of liberty, especially with those who are so desperately in need. I yield the floor.

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I have 13 unanimous consent requests which have been cleared on the other side. The requests are the routine requests agreed to at the beginning of each Congress and include the allocation of leader time, floor privileges, the filing of reports, and the like. I now ask unanimous consent that the requests be agreed to en bloc and that the requests be printed separately as part of the Record.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. FRIST. On behalf of myself, Senator Reid, Senator Lott, and Senator Dodd, I send a concurrent resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRIST. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk.

Mr. FRIST. I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. FRIST

Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.