Heidi Heitkamp

Ms. HEITKAMP

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. HEITKAMP

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, today I rise to speak about and honor our Nation's Vietnam veterans, particularly North Dakota's Vietnam veterans. Since I took office, I have made it a priority to travel throughout North Dakota to meet with my State's veterans, so many wonderful men and women who continue to serve not only their country but also our State and their communities. All these veterans deserve a place of honor in our society. We are in the midst of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war. On May 25, 2012, President Obama issued this proclamation calling on the Nation to honor Vietnam veterans and to honor particularly those brave servicemembers who gave their lives in service to their country. This special period of honoring our Vietnam veterans runs through 2025. Today I follow up on a commitment I made last year. I want to focus on North Dakota's soldiers who lost their lives in Vietnam. In this effort, I have partnered with students from Bismarck High School in researching these soldiers. I want to thank their instructors, Lori Forde, Sara Rinas, and Allison Wendel for coordinating this project and sharing their students' research with my office. I think this is a wonderful partnership to explain and to research a war that was long forgotten for many of these young students. Throughout this effort I want to make sure our Nation never forgets the needs of our Vietnam veterans. I want to make sure our Nation continues further to honor them. I have a poster that we have created that will be placed in every one of our offices, both in Washington, DC, and in my various State offices. I am hopeful we will be able to distribute this poster throughout all of the veterans service organizations in North Dakota as we continue this period of remembrance. In North Dakota, we take much pride in our history and devotion to service. When our Nation, our State, and our community are called, North Dakotans stand up--no matter what the cost. And 198 sons of North Dakota did not make it home from the Vietnam war; 198 sons of North Dakota gave their lives in service to the freedom of this country. These sons, brothers, and fathers have made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, I want to honor them individually by talking about the lives of these individuals--some of these individual members. I intend throughout this Congress to come to the floor and remember each one of them individually and remember each one of their sacrifices. David Elsbernd So today, I begin with David Elsbernd. He was born June 28, 1949, and he was from the community of Crosby. He served in the Army in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. The date of his death was September 9, 1969. He was 20 years old. David had a sister and three brothers--one who also served. The brother who also served was injured in Vietnam. David's father remembers him as a kind, generous person who thought of everyone else first. Fellow soldier Paul Hughes wrote the book ``The Light Within,'' which includes an account of David's death. David's family is thankful to his fellow soldiers and friends for taking care of him. Elroy Beier Elroy Beier was born February 26, 1947, and grew up in Langdon. He served in the Army in the 101st Airborne Division. His date of death was May 5, 1968. He was 21 years old. He had three brothers and one sister. His mother Violet was proud to be a Gold Star Mother and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliary. Elroy played basketball for Langdon Area High School. In Vietnam, Elroy was injured while firing at opposing forces to help his fellow soldiers return to safety. Despite his injury, Elroy refused to return to the United States. After healing, he bravely stood his ground in a firefight to help his fellow soldiers but was fatally wounded. Elroy's nephew, Marcus, was inspired by Elroy's bravery and sacrifice and, as a result, he joined the military. John Lundin John Lundin was born February 3, 1932. His hometown was Sentinel Butte. He served in the Army, Advisory Team 91. The date of his death was April 25, 1970. He was 38 years old. John was the oldest of eight children. While stationed in Germany, he met and married Charlotte. When he was killed in action, he left behind Charlotte and 3 children, ages 14, 9, and 4. Before his deployment to Vietnam, the Army taught him the Vietnamese language. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star for valor. John's family cherishes the letter the Army gave them describing John's heroism the day he died, when he sacrificed himself by drawing fire away from his fellow soldiers. I want to give special thanks to Bismarck High School students Emily Schmid, Brittany Hawkinson, McKenzie Rittel, and Shelby Wittenberg for reaching out to John Lundin's family and learning this important information about John's life and his extraordinary service. Marvis Briss Marvis Briss was born November 6, 1948. He grew up in Binford. He served in the Army, 11th Battalion, 9th Infantry Division. He died May 28, 1969, at the age of 20. Marvis grew up on a farm, and his siblings remember him as a wonderful brother. His family is honored that he was so brave. He earned the Air Medal for meritorious achievement, outstanding degree of professionalism, and devotion to duty, and the Army Commendation Medal for heroic actions in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. Marvis was pictured in the 1969 LIFE magazine article about the 242 American soldiers killed in 7 days in the Vietnam war. Kenyon Bean Kenyon ``Ken'' Bean was born May 25, 1946. He grew up in Williston. He served in the Army, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. His date of death was May 19, 1967. He was 20 years old. Ken was the oldest of three. Ken's sister Cheryl and brother Lowell remember his wonderful sense of humor and his strong desire to farm. He earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the National Defense Service Medal for heroism in his attempt to move his critically injured platoon leader to safety while under sniper fire. His commanding officer cited Ken's courageous self-sacrifice and inspiring bravery as reflecting great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. Paul Wolos Paul Wolos was born July 22, 1947. He is from Canada, but he enlisted in Fargo. He served in the Marine Corps, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division. He died May 28, 1967. At the time of his death, he was 20 years old. His uncle, a U.S. Marine, sponsored him so that as a Canadian he could enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Paul was proud to volunteer and to serve the United States as a marine so he could fight communism. Paul signed a noncitizen waiver so he could serve in-country in Vietnam with his unit. One story that his friends recall is on a hunting trip Paul was so proud of his service as a U.S. Marine, that when he went home for Christmas after basic training, his friends joked that Paul didn't take his uniform off once. David Berdahl David Berdahl was born January 16, 1953. He grew up in Minot. He served in the Army, 101st Airborne Division. His date of death is stated to be January 20, 1972. He was 19 years old when he went missing. David is the first son born of 13 children. His family remembers him as always helping others. During the Minot floods of 1969, the family moved to safety, but David stayed in town, sandbagging all night long. At age 17, David expressed interest in joining the Army, but his mom asked him to wait. At 18, he joined on his own. In Vietnam, he started as a helicopter mechanic. He offered to go on a helicopter rescue mission, but the helicopter was shot down, causing it to catch fire and costing David his life. Richard ``Dick'' Olson Richard ``Dick'' Olson, born June 8, 1949, grew up in Grand Forks. He was in the Marine Corps, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. His date of death was April 26, 1968. He went missing at age 18. Richard was survived by his parents, two sisters, and a brother. He loved to sing and was in a band for some of his teenage years. His sister, Roberta, remembers his generosity and tells about how Dick once bought groceries for a friend in need and how once Dick literally gave the shirt off his back so his friend would have a nice shirt to wear the day he enlisted in the Marines. Dick entered the Marine Corps at age 17 and was killed in action 1 year later. Merlin Laber Merlin Laber was born September 5, 1947, and grew up in Sykeston. He served in the Army, 198th Light Infantry Brigade. The date of his death was May 14, 1969. He was 21 years old. He was the oldest of nine children; he had four brothers and four sisters. His father served in World War II. Two of his brothers also served in the military, one in Korea and Vietnam and the other in the Middle East. Merlin loved cars, and he held the Sykeston record in track. He was also featured in the 1969 LIFE magazine article about the 242 American soldiers killed in 7 days in the Vietnam war. Thomas ``Tom'' Beyer Tom Beyer was born March 10, 1941. He grew up in Fargo. He served in the Air Force, 20th Tactical Support Squadron. His date of death was July 30, 1968. He was 27 years old when he went missing. He was survived by his wife Karen and his two children, Sandra and Steven. He was preceded in death by one son, John. The family remembers Thomas as a wonderful person. He graduated from NDSU and enjoyed his family, flying, playing the piano, hunting, and golf. After his death, he was promoted from captain to major. His remains were recovered and laid to rest in Fargo in 2010. Charles Wendt Charles Wendt was born February 24, 1947, and grew up in Dickinson. He served in the Army, 4th Infantry Division. His date of death was June 5, 1968, and he was 21 years old. His father, also named Charles Wendt, served in the Army. Prior to joining the Army at age 20, Charles worked for Viegel Engineering, which is now KLJ, one of the most prominent engineering firms in the State of North Dakota. Douglas Pierce Douglas Pierce was born September 24, 1952. He was from Illinois, but he was living in Fargo when he enlisted. He served in the Army, 1st Cavalry Regiment. His date of death was November 26, 1971, and he was 19 years old. His father worked as a VA hospital administrator in several cities, including Fargo. Two brothers, Vince and Mark, also died as a result of the Vietnam conflict. Doug was a straight-A student, an A-plus student who wanted to serve his country. He loved Appaloosa horses. His twin sister, Debby, fondly remembers the day when, as children, they attended a Hollywood parade and Doug ran into the street to pick up and keep the horseshoe that fell off of the foot of Roy Rogers' horse, Trigger. Dale Amundson Dale Amundson was born July 11, 1948. He was from Finley and served in the Army, 1st Infantry Regiment. October 30, 1968, was his date of death at the age of 20. One of his nephews is named after him. His nephew is named Dale. In high school, he was one of the charter members of the first FAA chapter in Finley. Private First Class Amundson died about 2 months after beginning his service in Vietnam. William Backer William Backer was born June 28, 1949. He was from Mandan. He served in the Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. His date of death was January 12, 1968. He died at the age of 18. William was a third-generation veteran. His grandfather served in the Army in World War I and was awarded the Silver Star. His father served in the Army in World War II. William had three brothers: Paul, Jim, and John. William's brothers remember him as a dedicated marine who gave his life for a cause in which he strongly believed. They cherish the memories and the stories they keep in their hearts today about their brother. Gilbert ``Gil'' Bargmann Gil Bargmann was born July 26, 1950. He grew up in Hannover, served in the Army, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. He died on June 19, 1969, at the age of 18. Gil had three brothers and two sisters. He grew up on a dairy farm in the Hannover area. One of his squad brothers credits Gil for saving his life by covering his flank the day Gil died. Gil's niece, Briana, connected three men who served with Gil in Vietnam with Gil's family. Three of Gil's friends and two of their wives traveled to Hannover to meet Gil's mother and siblings. I am struck as I go through these names and as I review all of the people, and I am struck, sitting by children who are maybe just 2 years younger than these brave men who served our country. I know it is impossible to predict what amazing things they would have done had they not sacrificed their lives. So it is so important that we recognize their heroism, that we recognize their sacrifice, and that we honor them during this period of recognition of the sacrifices of the Vietnam war. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to talk about what I believe may be one of the most critical pieces of legislation to address human trafficking in the United States, and that is the piece of legislation authored by Senator Leahy--the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and to add my name to the amendment Senator Leahy submitted yesterday that adds this important piece of legislation to this current debate. Senator Leahy, as we all know, has been a tireless advocate for homeless and runaway youth and for LGBT individuals and for victims of human trafficking. His bill would provide the necessary services and additional protections for all of these young children. So I thank Senator Leahy again for his continued work on behalf of some of our most vulnerable--our runaway and homeless youth. As a former attorney general, I certainly believe that additional tools need to be made available to prosecutors so they can prosecute traffickers and johns and that we need to intervene and provide recovery services for victims. I think that need has never been greater. But why I am speaking today on this legislation is because it goes to that critical element of prevention. It supports those who are most susceptible to human trafficking, and that is our runaway and homeless youth. Preventing one of the most vulnerable segments of our population from falling prey to this modern-day slavery should be one of the top priorities of this Nation. When we talk about trafficking, frequently people think these are young girls who may be coming into our country in containers or are trafficked from elsewhere. But we know that over 80 percent of the people trafficked, especially in the sex trade in this country, are citizens of our country. They are our children. They are American children. So we cannot simply put a face on this that doesn't recognize that American children are being trafficked. Who among these children are the most vulnerable? It is runaway and homeless youth. So it is our responsibility to do everything we can to prevent those children from being in a place where they are extraordinarily vulnerable. We have heard some people say they do not believe that homeless and runaway youth are more susceptible to being trafficked and that we shouldn't single out special services for LGBT youth. I don't believe that, and I know better, because I have been to facilities that provide services for runaway and homeless youth. I don't believe people who say this have ever spoken to the social workers and the professionals who deal with these children every day. I don't believe people who say that understand that runaway and homeless youth, unfortunately, have been, more than likely, already sexually and physically abused or told every day they are worthless or told that because of who they are, they are no longer welcome in their home. And when you diminish the spirit of a child, you then create a vulnerability in that child to be a target for traffickers. A lot of people also think this is just a big-city problem. Well, let me tell you some of the stories of North Dakota. Just last June, a 13- year-old runaway from Minneapolis was rescued and her traffickers were arrested in Fargo-Moorhead. Police believe the traffickers were more than likely on their way out to our oil patch with the victim, and they stopped over in Fargo-Moorhead to make a little cash by selling these children in the Fargo-Moorhead area. This is a story we hear over and over again--the vulnerability of children, the trafficking of children into the oil patch in western North Dakota. In fact, talking to the experts who track advertising of young children, whether it is in the deep or dark Net or whether it is in things such as backpage, they will tell you the spike in trafficking and ads in western North Dakota alarms them and should alarm us. So this is not a big-city problem. We know this is a problem that affects North Dakota. If traffickers are willing to snatch up a runaway in the Twin Cities and bring them out to North Dakota, you can be sure they are trying to prey on this vulnerable population in North Dakota as well. This is personal for me. I know a lot about this topic because my sister works in this area, and I have spent a lot of time with her staff. They are the largest agency in North Dakota serving runaway and homeless youth populations in Fargo-Moorhead. I have heard stories of how vulnerable these children are. I have heard them tell stories about how the trafficking victims, with whom they have already worked, are sometimes recruited by those bold enough to try to cycle through waiting rooms where they are waiting for these kids. I have heard the stories of guys waiting just down the block or in parking lots of shelters to snatch up these kids. Also I have heard stories of how once a young child is involved in this, they then become recruiters of other young runaway children. These stories are why it is so imperative to take action. And we can take action here in the Senate. We can take action by taking up the Runaway and Homeless Youth Trafficking Prevention Act. This bill reauthorizes vital programs that provide short-term shelter for youth who do not have a place to sleep--imagine that: youth, our children, do not have a place to sleep; crisis interventions and referrals to youth on the street and at drop-in centers--a hand up: we will take you and we will help you recover from whatever has happened in your life; long- term residential services; training and education; and employment support to help get these kids off the street and permanently provide a safe and secure path forward. Importantly, this bill makes sure that LGTB runaway and homeless youth are not discriminated against when it comes to providing resources and services. We can have an opinion about this, but we all know that no human should be subjected to those kinds of conditions, and we must do everything we can to help them seek and receive the same services as any other child. By ensuring that runaway and homeless youth have a safe place to stay and the resources they need, we can stem the tide of human trafficking in our country. By identifying vulnerable youth early and as effectively as possible, we can reduce the number of child sex trafficking victims by preventing them from becoming victims in the first place. We can and we must do everything in our power to not only identify, prosecute, and help victims recover, we must do everything we can to prevent human trafficking. We can take a huge step forward on that by focusing attention and resources on our runaway and homeless youth population. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 302 U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency--FSA--staff in North Dakota and thank them for their hard work and dedication to serving our State's farmers and ranchers. The farm bill is perhaps the most important piece of legislation we can pass for North Dakota, and I am proud to have been a part of writing and passing it. But the work doesn't end when the President signs the bill. In fact, that is when the real work begins for hundreds of FSA employees. Our farmers are faced with a big decision this month, when they will decide on both base acre reallocation and yield updates as well as elect which farm program they will participate in for the next 5 years. This is a big decision for farmers, and one that will have effects on their bottom lines for the next 5 years. It is also a complicated decision. The 2014 farm bill gave producers the opportunity to tailor farm programs to their specific operation by choosing between revenue protection--at the county or individual farm level--or price protection coverage, or a combination of the two. These important decisions are compounded for farmers with declining commodity prices and producers facing greater economic uncertainty than they have in recent years. And that is why the FSA staff are so important. They held 307 informational sessions attended by 15,469 individuals across our State throughout the winter to update as many producers as possible on their options. And they have had long days with our farmers at the local level helping folks with base reallocation, yield updates, and program election. Producers recognize and appreciate their hard work and dedication, and I thank them for their service to our State. I have heard from farmers more than once that ``the ladies in the office know what they're doing and have been very helpful.'' I would also like to thank the North Dakota State University Extension Service staff for the countless hours they have put into educating producers about their options and walking them through how each program and economic scenario could affect them for the next 5 years. Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of my State and this country. It is important that we continue to provide them with the tools and certainty they need. I thank the dedicated men and women of the Farm Service Agency who work daily to make this a reality.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from New Hampshire. I think as we begin to have this broader discussion and as we begin to explore the kind of path for other projects such as this one--whether it is domestic violence, whether it is sexual assault and changing outcomes--we know the first obstacle is awareness. The first thing we need to do is to take these horrible issues, these dark blotches in our society out of the shadows and put them into the light and develop a plan and a strategy that will not only deal appropriately with the law enforcement component of prosecuting and finding appropriate penalties for people who engage in modern day slavery, but also it is important that we look to prevention. So I want to first take this opportunity to thank the senior Senator from Maryland, Barbara Mikulski, for not only bringing together several of the Senate women today who are coming to the floor to call for action, to stop the scourge of human trafficking but also for her long- term commitment to women and children and society's most vulnerable. I think we all know that Senator Mikulski has stood tall, which for a woman of her stature is always a little tough. She has stood tall for those who have no voice in society and for those who are engaged in some of the most horrible victimizations that we can imagine, which today is the victimization of sexual human trafficking. So as the Senator from New Hampshire has talked about and as a former attorney general of North Dakota, I think I know how difficult it is to shine a light on a problem that most people do not recognize or are, unfortunately, unwilling to admit is a problem. When we began in the 1990s to talk about a different strategy to combat violence against women and domestic violence, which was an issue that had lurked in the shadows. In fact, for many States that was an issue that was considered a public health issue, not a criminal justice issue. I, along with a number of my women colleagues who were elected attorneys general, along with this body, and most noticeably now, Vice President Joe Biden, began to have an ongoing discussion about the Violence Against Women Act and what we needed to do not only to protect victims but to change the dynamic. I think that as we began to take that problem out of the shadows, as we began to address the concerns of so many women who for years-- literally years--had been victimized in their home, in a place that should be the safest place for human beings, we were able to build awareness and change outcomes. There is still a lot of work to do in domestic violence. But we believe that great strides were made simply because we were willing to point the finger and shine the light and say that this is not acceptable in our society. I see a lot of similarities in this fight that we are waging today against human trafficking. With the right strategy, the right partners, the right policies and persistence, we are going to turn the tide on human trafficking. While there continues to be much time and attention focused on intervention and recovery--I think that is rightfully so--and on criminal prosecution, I would like to take my time today to talk about preventing human trafficking in the first place. As the Senator from the State of New Hampshire discussed, the bills that are addressing this--the homeless youth bill--are absolutely critical to being a point of intervention, to prevent children from being on the streets, from being extremely vulnerable to victimization, from being extremely vulnerable to traffickers, and by helping those children off the street, by beginning to address the issues in their home that led them to flee in the first place. I think that is a very important first step to preventing human trafficking and human sex trafficking among minors. I also think it is important that we learn from the experiences of other places. Last year I traveled to Mexico City with Senator Klobuchar, who, as we know, has been a fierce advocate and a wonderful partner on this issue, beginning not only with her work in the Senate but her work as the Hennepin County attorney. I also traveled there with Cindy McCain. I think we would be remiss if we did not raise her voice and her name in this body today. She has been a global leader and a tireless leader, working not only in her State of Arizona but all across the globe. She has stood up to people who say this is not a problem. She has stood up to people who would just as soon sweep this under the rug and forget it is happening. She has been a leader and a champion of not only the people in her State and the women and children of this country but the women and children of the world. I am proud of our association, and I am proud of our friendship and the work we have been able to do together. When we went to Mexico, we heard from countless government officials and NGOs about the difficulties they face stopping this unspeakable crime. What I was particularly struck by were the stories of women and children coerced into this life--not forcefully, not being grabbed off the street against their will, but forced and coerced through promises of a better life, promises of someone to love and care for them. Unfortunately, for many of these young girls, these promises are short- lived because these girls and women are quickly pushed into a world of physical abuse, drug use, and forced sex with hundreds, if not thousands of men. What was once a promise of a better life is a nightmare relived countless times a day as these victims are sold time and time again, their value now strictly as a commodity to be constantly traded over and over again. Imagine the horror of their lives. Imagine the horror of their existence. How do we prevent this from happening? We must make sure to work with survivors. We must ask survivors to go to communities, to go to vulnerable populations, and tell their stories. The women and children who are most vulnerable and most susceptible need to hear firsthand the tactics used and, most importantly, the reality of following these false promises. Shortly after returning from Mexico City, I met with Madai Morales Albino from Mexico. She is an amazing survivor of human trafficking. She was sexually exploited for 2 years, and she successfully escaped while being transported from Mexico to New York City. She is now an activist, and she talks about her experience and helps to teach and prevent this crime among the youth. She has become a role model for the younger girls at the shelter where she was cared for in Mexico. She attends national and international forums and workshops as a speaker to talk about her experience and the horror of human trafficking. She is currently studying to become a lawyer so she can continue to help girls who are now trapped in human trafficking. The strength and courage of this young woman is awe-inspiring, and she is changing outcomes. We need more people like her in the world. We need more of her courage in the world, the courage to tell a story and then the courage to reach out and relive that horror through telling a story every day, the horror that was her existence. We must also bring hope to the hopeless and love to those who do not feel loved. We can do this through increased educational opportunities, increased job opportunities, providing the necessary social services infrastructure, and working to build a safer, stronger community overall for women and children around the world. Most importantly, what we should not bring to this is judgment; instead, bring a helping hand, bring an opportunity for a new life. Whether we are talking about the streets of Mexico City, Baltimore, or Indian Country in North Dakota, we can and we must do better. We can start taking action immediately in the Senate. We can directly impact efforts to prevent human trafficking in the United States by providing the resources necessary to work with some of our most vulnerable and most susceptible--our runaway and homeless youth. I urge the majority leader to bring forward S. 262, the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, a bill championed by my great friend Senator Leahy. We all recognize that homeless youth are some of if not the most vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking. This is certainly true in North Dakota. It is certainly true in Mexico City. I am certain it is true in every community where runaway and homeless youth exist. This bill would provide much needed resources to this population and would complement other antitrafficking legislation being addressed in the Senate that addresses prevention, intervention, and recovery services to victims. I also call on the majority leader to act by urging him to also bring S. 166, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act, and S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, to the floor for a vote. I have worked tirelessly to push both of those bills since the last Congress. The Judiciary Committee reported two bills out of committee last week with unanimous support, and it is time to bring those bills to the floor for a vote. I believe all three bills should be part of a comprehensive approach to preventing trafficking and supporting victims. We must do everything we can in our power to stamp out human sex trafficking in our backyard, across the country, and across the world. With that, I yield the floor to my great friend from the great State of New York, Senator Gillibrand.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that privileges of the floor be granted to Jessica Clarke of my staff for the duration of today.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, on rollcall No. 31, I voted yea. It was my intention to vote nay. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote, since it will not affect the outcome of the vote.

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, this amendment will provide a sense of the Senate that we will provide some certainty to the American wind and other renewable industries by taking a look at the production tax credits and actually having a forward progress report so that they know exactly what the rules will be in the future, however short or long that may be. Every year, as we do the tax extenders, there are people waiting to find out if they still have a job. People in my State are waiting to know whether they are going to be put to work the next day or even the next week based on what this Congress does. It is so critical that we actually have predictability in this industry. This is a jobs bill, and it is an energy bill. I can't imagine anything more germane to the Keystone XL Pipeline than a bill that provides both jobs and certainty to an ``all of the above'' essential, which is wind.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up amendment No. 133.

Ms. HEITKAMP. I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Ms. HEITKAMP. Keystone has been described two ways down here, an energy bill and a jobs bill--economic development offering economic opportunity. I don't think there could be an amendment that is offered that would fit more both slots of the description of the Keystone bill than the amendment that I am proposing, amendment No. 133. This is a bipartisan proposal that has always been supported by both sides of the aisle, and quite honestly, it has tremendous support across the country from the American people. Quite simply what the amendment does is to provide that it is the sense of the Senate that we should extend the production tax credits for the next 5 years to give certainty to alternative energy companies, particularly to wind energy companies. It would basically lay down the marker that this is an important part of our energy and jobs future. Importantly, as we have watched the ups and downs of our tax policy, or lack thereof, in the Senate and Congress, we have seen short-term extensions--or as we call them, extenders--being passed in the last moments of Congress, which does not give the certainty we need to provide the incentives that are included in those extenders. This sense of the Senate--to the extent it becomes legislation-- would, in fact, for the first time give us an opportunity to provide certainty with a glidepath out, and everyone understands that eventually this industry is going to have to stand alone. I wish to talk about the importance of the wind energy industry, not just from the energy standpoint but from the jobs standpoint. Today the wind energy industry sustains approximately 73,000 jobs and directs over $17.3 billion a year in private investment to the U.S. economy, including thousands of well-paid wind manufacturing jobs at over 500 factories in 43 States that supply the United States industry. The United States currently has over 60,000 megawatts of installed capacity, and according to the American Wind Energy Association and USDA's Energy Information Administration, the United States produced over 167 billion kilowatts of wind power last year alone. If my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are serious about this being a jobs bill and serious about this being an energy bill, then they you will want to vote in favor of this amendment. Wind energy and the continued buildout of additional capacity in this country is an absolute critical piece of the ``all of the above'' energy policy. Every person in this building and every person you talk to about what their energy policy is will say all of the above. That has to have meaning, and it has to include this important and critical infrastructure and this important and critical tax credit for wind energy. The other benefit of this amendment is--as you have heard, we have 43 States somehow involved in the manufacture and production of equipment in this industry, but we have over 1,000 utility-scale wind projects, which represent over 62,000 megawatts and over 46 wind turbines and are installed across 39 States and Puerto Rico. There are also more than 500 wind manufacturing facilities spread across those 43 States. I am a little bias because we in North Dakota like to say we are the Saudi Arabia of wind, and wind is a critical part--in fact 15 percent-- of our capacity. We think we could do a lot more, but I will tell you the economic impact just in my State. A lot of you know the great energy renaissance that is going on in America that involves the development of fossil fuels--North Dakota being the second largest oil and gas producer with the shale development. What you don't know is that North Dakota truly represents all of the above. I want to talk about what we do in wind before I close out here. We have almost 1,600 megawatts of wind capacity installed and another 740 megawatts under construction. The industry has invested over $3.4 billion in my State with annual lease payments--and these are to farmers who are grateful for that additional revenue. The towers are on their property and over $5 million of lease payments goes back to farmers. I talked to farmers all across North Dakota who are proud that they are part of the energy renaissance in our State and grateful for the additional revenue. We have two educational institutions in our State that have wind energy training centers and do tremendous jobs training the workforce for additional wind energy. The wind energy industry supports close to 3,000 jobs in North Dakota, and in a State of around 700,000 people, that is a significant factor. In 2013 wind energy was 15 percent. These are numbers that--I saw the Presiding Officer grin when I said that North Dakota is the Saudi Arabia of wind because I think he is thinking that Colorado might be the Saudi Arabia of wind. I know that the Presiding Officer is a great supporter of wind energy as well. But when we do these stops and starts, when we don't give a constant and predictable policy, we are living hand to mouth. Maybe we are making some decisions to deploy resources in a way that meets with the congressional schedule and doesn't meet with the business-like or orderly introduction and continuing development of this industry. If you are looking for a germane amendment that addresses both jobs and energy, this is a perfect amendment. I yield the floor.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Would the Senator from California yield for a question?

Ms. HEITKAMP. I thank the Senator. From the start, let me say that Senator Boxer and I are not on the same side on the principal bill. I have long been one of the staunchest supporters of the Keystone XL Pipeline bill. A lot of what we have heard today is about the consequences of aging infrastructure. So the question I have for Senator Boxer is: Would it not make sense, as we are talking about this Keystone XL Pipeline bill, that we find common ground that we all should agree that we need the resources to have the regulatory authority and the regulatory personnel to go out and make sure that aging infrastructure--the infrastructure underneath the Great Lakes and what happened now in the Yellowstone River--that we have a robust and very complete PHMSA organization that has the personnel to go out and follow the pipeline, test the pipeline, and review the results? But even as important to me is PHMSA's role in making sure that our transportation of oil on the railroad is actually adequate, that we have adequate regulation. So one of my amendments--not pending but filed--is, in fact, an amendment that would address directly what I would hope would be common ground for everyone in the Senate, which is making sure we are, in fact, regulating interstate pipelines. I also wish to talk about how we have an ``all of the above'' policy that everybody talks about where we somehow don't seem to get to that point. One of the amendments I have at the desk, which I would dearly love to call up and make sure that it gets a vote, is an amendment that would provide a long-term--just 5 years--glide path for wind energy. I think we have seen, as we have included this in the tax extenders, this stop-and-go policy that has, in fact, not only put the companies' lives on hold but also their employees' lives. I am hopeful. We don't know how the vote is going to turn out. No one knows until the vote is done, but I am hopeful that we will be able to come back and introduce so many of these amendments that my colleagues have advanced--some of which I agree with and some of which I don't. But that is the nature of the Senate--that we actually have a vote, because I think, as a believer, I have good ideas but my ideas should have a debate in the Senate. But wouldn't the Senator agree that one common area that we all share is making sure that we have a robust regulatory environment to protect our waterways, to protect our farmers' soil from any leaks, and to make sure that any leaks, to the extent they are preventable, are prevented.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, for those of us who are parents, we should want to make sure all of our children have the same opportunities as other children. This starts with a quality education, a safe and secure home, access to quality health care, and a community free of violence. These are deeply important issues. But too often, talk about protecting our Native children is left out of the conversation. Native children are too often considered ``them'' and not part of ``us.'' That needs to change--in fact, it must change. Unfortunately, for children in our nation's tribal communities, opportunities for success are often out of reach. As a result, Native children are sadly the most at-risk population in the country and face serious disparities. The Federal Government has a trust responsibility to provide for the education, health, and safety of Native children. But for far too long, we have failed to live up to this promise. We are failing by not keeping them safe, healthy, or providing them with educational opportunities necessary to reach their full potential. Native children have the third highest rate of being abused. They are overrepresented in foster care, more than 2.1 times the general population. Child mortality has increased 15 percent among Native children, while the rate among all American children has decreased by 9 percent since 2000. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native young adults ages 15 to 24 years old, 2.5 times the national average. The graduation rate for Native high school students hovers around 50 percent compared to 75 percent for white students. These numbers are simply staggering arid they are the direct result of growing up in communities that face significant challenges, high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse and domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities. I have spent a great deal of time on Indian reservations in North Dakota. I am humbled to always be welcomed with open arms and treated like family. The tribes have a cultural sense about the need to defend their children. But because of the lack of resources, the stories are still incredibly jarring. I have seen firsthand the obstacles tribal governments confront in responding to the needs of Native children. Existing program rules and the volume of resources required to access current grant opportunities stymie efforts of tribes to tackle the underlying issues impacting our Native children. At the same time, federal agencies lack clear guidance about the direction that should be taken to best address the needs of Native children to fulfill our nation's treaty and trust responsibility to tribal nations. It is clear that Native children are suffering as a result. Too many times I have heard stories about Native children in North Dakota placed in juvenile detention centers for offenses that would likely not result in incarceration, except for the fact that they are Native American. I heard a story about a teenage girl in detention because of substance addiction. She wants to get the health counseling she needs, but hasn't been given enough support, as too often there aren't enough resources available. She wants to go to school and get to the correct grade level, but is now already two grades behind and is continuing to fall further back while in detention. Without anyone looking to help, she will likely fall further back. This is just one story. But there are too many like it. Unless we act, we are turning our backs on Native children throughout the country. I am determined to work to reverse these trends and end these terrible stories. We need to strive for a day when Native children no longer live in third-world conditions; where they don't face the threat of abuse on a daily basis; where they receive the good health care and education that help them grow and succeed. I will pledge to work to give these to today's Native children and future generations. To begin this effort, I am proud to introduce the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children. Since joining the Senate, I have talked about the importance of working across the aisle to get things done. That's why this is a bipartisan bill, as Senator Murkowski from Alaska has joined me in this effort, along with 20 of our colleagues. Our bill aims to address the sweeping challenges that Native Americans face by creating a Federal Commission on Native Children. It would begin a national conversation about the state of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. It is a conversation that is long overdue. The commission will be directed to complete a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and support available for Native children, both at the federal level and on the ground in Native communities. Right now, so many of these details are lacking, which makes it more difficult for the Federal Government to determine what kind of support is needed. Then, the 11 member Commission will issue a report on how to address the series of challenges currently facing Native children. It is my hope that the recommendations will lead to the development of a sustainable system to provide wrap-around services and support our Native children, and also reverse the troubling statistics that have become all too familiar. I believe it is telling that this bill has received a great deal of support. I want to thank the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Indian Education Association, which have endorsed the bill, as has the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association, and the five tribes in my state of North Dakota. Additionally, this Commission is named in part after my dear friend, the late Dr. Alyce Spotted Bear, who passed away in 2013 after a hard fought battle with cancer--and Walter Soboleff from the Tlingit tribe in Alaska. Alyce was a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Ankara Nation in North Dakota and served as Chairwoman from November 1982 to March 1987. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and a great leader--in North Dakota and throughout the country. She was an educator dedicated to enabling Native students to succeed academically and making sure Native American cultures thrive. She was a mother, to her children, as well as her students and her community. In recognition of her expertise in the field, President Obama appointed her as a member to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. And at the time of her passing, Alyce served as Vice President of Native American Studies and Tribal Relations at the Fort Berthold Community College in New Town, North Dakota. I hope this Commission will be able to live up to the great legacy she left behind, and also help complete some of her work for Native children. As Sitting Bull once said ``Let us put our minds together to see what we can build for our children.'' That is exactly what this Commission will do, and I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this important effort.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, for those of us who are parents, we should want to make sure all of our children have the same opportunities as other children. This starts with a quality education, a safe and secure home, access to quality health care, and a community free of violence. These are deeply important issues. But too often, talk about protecting our Native children is left out of the conversation. Native children are too often considered ``them'' and not part of ``us.'' That needs to change--in fact, it must change. Unfortunately, for children in our nation's tribal communities, opportunities for success are often out of reach. As a result, Native children are sadly the most at-risk population in the country and face serious disparities. The Federal Government has a trust responsibility to provide for the education, health, and safety of Native children. But for far too long, we have failed to live up to this promise. We are failing by not keeping them safe, healthy, or providing them with educational opportunities necessary to reach their full potential. Native children have the third highest rate of being abused. They are overrepresented in foster care, more than 2.1 times the general population. Child mortality has increased 15 percent among Native children, while the rate among all American children has decreased by 9 percent since 2000. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native young adults ages 15 to 24 years old, 2.5 times the national average. The graduation rate for Native high school students hovers around 50 percent compared to 75 percent for white students. These numbers are simply staggering arid they are the direct result of growing up in communities that face significant challenges, high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse and domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities. I have spent a great deal of time on Indian reservations in North Dakota. I am humbled to always be welcomed with open arms and treated like family. The tribes have a cultural sense about the need to defend their children. But because of the lack of resources, the stories are still incredibly jarring. I have seen firsthand the obstacles tribal governments confront in responding to the needs of Native children. Existing program rules and the volume of resources required to access current grant opportunities stymie efforts of tribes to tackle the underlying issues impacting our Native children. At the same time, federal agencies lack clear guidance about the direction that should be taken to best address the needs of Native children to fulfill our nation's treaty and trust responsibility to tribal nations. It is clear that Native children are suffering as a result. Too many times I have heard stories about Native children in North Dakota placed in juvenile detention centers for offenses that would likely not result in incarceration, except for the fact that they are Native American. I heard a story about a teenage girl in detention because of substance addiction. She wants to get the health counseling she needs, but hasn't been given enough support, as too often there aren't enough resources available. She wants to go to school and get to the correct grade level, but is now already two grades behind and is continuing to fall further back while in detention. Without anyone looking to help, she will likely fall further back. This is just one story. But there are too many like it. Unless we act, we are turning our backs on Native children throughout the country. I am determined to work to reverse these trends and end these terrible stories. We need to strive for a day when Native children no longer live in third-world conditions; where they don't face the threat of abuse on a daily basis; where they receive the good health care and education that help them grow and succeed. I will pledge to work to give these to today's Native children and future generations. To begin this effort, I am proud to introduce the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children. Since joining the Senate, I have talked about the importance of working across the aisle to get things done. That's why this is a bipartisan bill, as Senator Murkowski from Alaska has joined me in this effort, along with 20 of our colleagues. Our bill aims to address the sweeping challenges that Native Americans face by creating a Federal Commission on Native Children. It would begin a national conversation about the state of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. It is a conversation that is long overdue. The commission will be directed to complete a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and support available for Native children, both at the federal level and on the ground in Native communities. Right now, so many of these details are lacking, which makes it more difficult for the Federal Government to determine what kind of support is needed. Then, the 11 member Commission will issue a report on how to address the series of challenges currently facing Native children. It is my hope that the recommendations will lead to the development of a sustainable system to provide wrap-around services and support our Native children, and also reverse the troubling statistics that have become all too familiar. I believe it is telling that this bill has received a great deal of support. I want to thank the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Indian Education Association, which have endorsed the bill, as has the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association, and the five tribes in my state of North Dakota. Additionally, this Commission is named in part after my dear friend, the late Dr. Alyce Spotted Bear, who passed away in 2013 after a hard fought battle with cancer--and Walter Soboleff from the Tlingit tribe in Alaska. Alyce was a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Ankara Nation in North Dakota and served as Chairwoman from November 1982 to March 1987. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and a great leader--in North Dakota and throughout the country. She was an educator dedicated to enabling Native students to succeed academically and making sure Native American cultures thrive. She was a mother, to her children, as well as her students and her community. In recognition of her expertise in the field, President Obama appointed her as a member to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. And at the time of her passing, Alyce served as Vice President of Native American Studies and Tribal Relations at the Fort Berthold Community College in New Town, North Dakota. I hope this Commission will be able to live up to the great legacy she left behind, and also help complete some of her work for Native children. As Sitting Bull once said ``Let us put our minds together to see what we can build for our children.'' That is exactly what this Commission will do, and I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this important effort.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from North Dakota. I rise to join my colleagues on the other side who represent States that know a little bit about energy and certainly my colleague from North Dakota who has led this effort from the first day he arrived in the Senate. It is no big surprise because we know we can have much oil out there and we can know where the reserves are, but if we don't have the infrastructure to move that oil to market, what it does is drive up prices. I haven't checked today, but oil price is below $40 a barrel. If someone doesn't think that is supply-demand economics 101, they don't understand what is happening. The fact is we have known reserves in places such as North Dakota and Alaska, we have produceable reserves in Canada, and we have an opportunity to continue to develop these resources in a way that benefits in an incredible way American consumers. Think about what is happening for the average American family today when they fill up at the pump, and think what that means and how that will ripple through our economy as discretionary income grows. But that is only possible when we have a known supply that is moveable, it is transportable, it is in fact capable of reaching its market or reaching the refinery. That is what we are talking about when we are talking about North American crude oil. We are going to hear a lot of stories about this debate about how this crude oil is more dangerous to the environment, how it is different than Bakken crude. Guess what. It is different than Bakken crude, but it is not different than the crude refined in refineries in Texas, where we will be displacing crude that is refined from Venezuela, and we are going to be replacing it with crude that is produced by our friends to the north, Canada. So infrastructure is a huge part. In fact, that is why, when Secretary Moniz declared the Quadrennial Energy Review, he looked at not just where is the supply and the future of supply of energy, he focused on transportation of energy because that is a huge part of our challenge. As we look at the Keystone XL Pipeline--and we say Keystone XL because a lot of people don't know we already have a Keystone Pipeline. We already have a pipeline that is bringing oil sands from Canada into the United States for refining. A lot of people don't realize this is the second pipeline that will be named Keystone, and it is a pipeline that has been in process for literally a decade, from their planning process to the time they actually ask for a permit. I am going to address some of the concerns of some of my colleagues as we hear them so we can kind of lay the groundwork. We frequently hear the Keystone XL Pipeline will be exporting, and all of the oil that is coming down will find its way directly into China. That gets said all the time, and guess what the Washington Post gave it: three Pinocchios. It is not true. It is going to get refined. It is going to get refined in the United States of America, it is going to displace Venezuelan crude, and it is going to find its way into the American markets and continue to provide that supply that is in fact today driving down costs. So let's get rid of the first argument that this is going to somehow not benefit American consumers, that this is going to somehow find its way onto a barge immediately upon arrival into the gulf. That is the first thing we need to be talking about, which is let's actually have a fact-based discussion about what this pipeline is. The second argument we will hear is that this somehow will have a huge effect on climate and on climate change, and for those reasons alone it ought to be rejected. Let's take a look at what the experts who have repeatedly looked at this very issue--because one thing we know that I think is beyond dispute when we talk to the officials in Canada, is that we are going to produce oil sands oil from Canada, regardless of whether we build a pipeline. That oil is going to find its way into the transportation system and quite honestly is going to burden our rail transportation system because we haven't figured out how to build a pipeline. So all those who want to confuse the issue about the pipeline versus the development in Canada of the oil sands, let's separate it. Let's look at what in fact is the decision before the United States of America; that is, the decision of whether it is in our national interest to approve a permit for a pipeline. I will say this over and over again as we pursue this debate: This is a pipeline and not a cause. So many people have talked about it, and I think in some ways this process has gotten exaggerated on both sides. I mean it is going to be a panacea and prevent all unemployment or it is going to be the worst thing--an Armageddon for the environment. And you know what, this is a pipeline. This is a transportation system. This is an essential part of the infrastructure to bring an important fossil fuel into our country so that it can be refined and utilized by the American people. And by the way, knowing those reserves are there, knowing that we have the reserves we have in the Bakken, and knowing that we are developing more untraditional sources of supply has driven the price down and has created the situation we have today that is saving consumers millions and billions of dollars in our country. The second thing I want to say is people say we have to respect the process. I respect the process as part of what I have done my whole life--I am a lawyer. So you hear repeatedly about due process and having to go through due process. Occasionally, the process is broken-- 6 years to site a pipeline.

Ms. HEITKAMP. Back to the process. When you look at 6 years, we fought World War II and defeated the greatest evil known to mankind, Adolf Hitler, in 4 years, and we cannot site a pipeline in 6 years. The process is broken. The other issue that is raised is that the pipeline is somehow going to disrupt what is happening in Nebraska. I think the Senator from North Dakota was absolutely correct to put as part of this bill a provision in that says that all bets are off if Nebraska reverses the decisions that were made in Nebraska. But somehow that is getting forgotten in this debate. So we are going to have a lot of hours of debate, I think, on Keystone XL Pipeline. We are going to have a lot of amendments. I am grateful for the opportunity to go back to regular order. I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about amendments. But I want so badly for us to have a reasoned and fact-based debate--not an emotional debate but a debate that basically puts this pipeline issue in perspective. I want to congratulate my colleague from North Dakota for the success in raising this issue and bringing this issue to an early debate. I hope that we will be able to move this along and that we will be successful in getting enough people to provide the momentum to achieve ready approval. Finally, I want to say why it is so important that we do it now. Those of us who live in the northern tier, we know what construction season is, and you cannot put pipeline in the ground in September and October--not without a lot of additional costs with which we have already burdened this pipeline. We need to get this decision done, get this going in the spring as early as possible so plans can be made and people can begin their construction season and we can begin to rationally address the infrastructure needs for development of our energy resources in North America. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Madam President, I honor my friend and colleague from Louisiana, Senator Mary Landrieu, who is departing the Senate at the end of this year. Her career in public service began 34 years ago when she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. During that time and in her service in the United States Senate, she has proved time and again that the people of Louisiana could not have asked for a better advocate and fighter on their behalf. It is tough to describe someone like Senator Landrieu. Senator Landrieu is selfless, dedicated, tenacious, and resilient, but these are just words that, while accurate, fail to truly capture who this woman is and what she stands for. It is only by looking at Senator Landrieu's significant accomplishments that someone can truly begin to understand the depths of her selflessness, dedication, and resiliency. During my time in the Senate, I have seen Mary embody these words like few others in this body. Senator Landrieu and I both come from large families. I know the impact being one of seven children had on me growing up and I am sure Senator Landrieu can attest to how big of an impact being one of nine children had on her. During her time in public service, Senator Landrieu has worked hard to ensure that all children can benefit from having a family to call their own. Senator Landrieu has worked extensively with the Angels in Adoption program since its inception, and cochaired the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the Congressional Foster Care Caucus. Senator Landrieu's work has changed the lives of children across Louisiana, the country, and around the world. Because of her work, there are countless children who are now able to feel the love and benefits of having a family. In 2005, Louisiana was victim of one of the worst natural disasters to ever hit this country. Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and Louisiana the likes of which this country has rarely seen. With one of the country's great cities devastated and in ruins, it was Mary Landrieu who took the lead on recovery efforts. It was Mary Landrieu who held FEMA's feet to the fire to better serve Louisianans. It was Mary Landrieu who helped direct billions of dollars in recovery funds to the State. It was because of Mary Landrieu that the great State of Louisiana has bounced back strong as ever. Senator Landrieu's leadership did not end with the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Following the passage of the Biggert-Waters Flood Reform Act in 2012, Senator Landrieu was one of the first to recognize and sound the alarm on the impending problems homeowners would face with unreasonably high flood insurance rates. Because of her early recognition of these problems and her proactive approach to finding solutions, Congress was able pass a bill preventing thousands of people across the country from being forced to pay disastrously high flood insurance premiums. I have also had the privilege of working with Senator Landrieu on energy issues. There is no better advocate in the Senate on energy than Senator Landrieu. I came here with the intent of learning everything that I could from Senator Landrieu. My only regret is that there was no way to fully take in all of her knowledge in the brief time that I have been here. That is a testament to the incredible work that she has done over her career to advance a pragmatic energy policy for this country, work that I hope to continue in the years ahead building upon the energy legacy that Senator Landrieu will leave behind. A word you hear often when people describe Senator Landrieu is tenacious, and this was never more apparent than on her work to advance the Keystone XL Pipeline. Anyone who watched Senator Landrieu work that bill and work behind the scenes to get the votes knows that she will fight to the very last second for what she believes in and that the word ``can't'' doesn't exist in her vocabulary. Senator Landrieu single-handedly forced this bill to the Senate floor and brought us closer than we have been in 6 years to approving this project once and for all. Senator Landrieu's pragmatic approach to this issue and willingness to embrace solutions over politics stands as an example for the rest of the Senate to strive for. Senator Landrieu always looked out for the energy interests of her State, while recognizing the need to provide and protect her gulf coast communities. She has pushed for increased LNG exports that would bring new jobs and significant investment to her State. She also has been instrumental in expanding oil exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico, but while doing so she has made sure that her coastal communities receive a bigger share of the royalties and revenue to mitigate any impacts from the development. Working for jobs and economic development and protecting those most impacted by this development, that is a pretty good legacy to leave behind in Louisiana. The Landrieu family name comes with a long history of public service in Louisiana. The Landrieus, known for their big personalities that are eclipsed only by their accomplishments in office, can rest easy knowing that Mary has more than lived up to the family name. The Senate, Louisiana, and the country, are better off because of the work Mary Landrieu has done in the Senate. I know I am not alone in saying that we will miss having her here. I also know I am not alone in saying that I am sure her work is not done. I wish her luck in this next chapter of her life and look forward to seeing the tremendous work she will accomplish outside of this Chamber. Mark Pryor Madam President, I also wish to honor my colleague, Senator Mark Pryor, who will be leaving the Senate at the end of this Congress. Senator Pryor has been a tireless champion for the people of Arkansas for 12 years in this legislative body. However, his commitment and dedication to the State of Arkansas is reflected not only in his work here, but in the public service he and his family have given for decades. As the son of the former Governor and U.S. Senator, Senator Mark Pryor grew up in a family which embodied public service, instilling his interest and desire to do the same in his career. After attending the University of Arkansas and working in the private sector as an attorney, he turned his sights to public service. While serving as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and then as attorney general for the State of Arkansas, Senator Pryor honed his understanding of the needs of the State and developed strong connections through its institutions which served him well throughout his career. It was here that I first met Mark. He was serving as attorney general in Arkansas at the same time I was serving as attorney general in North Dakota. I was immediately impressed with this young public servant and grew to understand that he is intelligent and principled in how he approaches his life and career. In 2003, Senator Pryor was elected U.S. Senator from Arkansas, reclaiming the seat his father once held. As a Senator, he served on various committees which allowed him to fight for the priorities of Arkansas, pass legislation and champion initiatives which helped this Nation. During his tenure on the Armed Services Committee, Senator Pryor protected the interests of Arkansas servicemembers and their families. His work on the Appropriations and Commerce Committees created opportunities for growth in transportation, rural broadband, energy, and agriculture, all critical interests for Arkansas. Leading these issues with bipartisan proposals and working closely with his colleagues on marshalling these efforts Congress after Congress, Senator Pryor earned the respect of his colleagues for his quiet devotion and steadfast commitment. Mark is a Senator who promotes common sense solutions--solutions that seek strong support and address some of the more important needs of this Nation's citizenry. During my short time in the Senate, we served together on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Small Business Committees. I very much enjoyed working with him and serving together for the benefit of others. I continue to find him to be a man of great honesty and integrity. This type of stewardship is to be admired and appreciated by those inspired to serve on the local, State or Federal level. I applaud my colleague for his years of tireless commitment in defense of his home State, for his service in the Senate and this Country. I wish the very best to him and his family in the years to come. Mark Begich Madam President, finally I pay tribute and recognize the accomplishments of a trusted ally and dear friend, Senator Mark Begich, who will be leaving the Senate at the end of the term. Mark has been a tenacious and steadfast advocate for his constituents and the State of Alaska and a strong moderate voice during his years in the Senate. I have had the honor and privilege to work with Senator Begich on both the Indian Affairs and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees. As someone who represents one of the most rural States in America, he has an impressive understanding and compassion for the unique challenges rural communities face. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, he played a major role in postal reform negotiations. He understood rural citizens rely most on the Postal Service for critical deliveries of prescription medicines, time sensitive bills, and other important communications. He knew that without a rural post office, many small, rural communities would cease to exist. During his tenure on the Indian Affairs Committee, he was dedicated to confronting and addressing the unpleasant truths about the Federal Government's treatment of Native people in our country. He understood the threats facing subsistence rights, native languages, and rich cultural traditions, and fought to ensure they were given parity and respect. Senator Begich also knew far too many Native women today experience violence and sexual assault, particularly in remote areas, and so he fought for the tribal provisions in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Woman Act--VAWA--and advanced his Safe Families and Villages Act to extend those protections to Native women in Alaska. He has also been a fighter for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans and worked hard to increase their access to care at both Indian Health Service and Veteran Affairs facilities. His compassion for indigenous issues extended to tribes in the lower 48 States and Native Hawaiians, and I know Native people across the country feel they have lost a true champion with his departure. Anyone who knows Senator Begich knows he is an intellectually curious and energetic person. He always approached issues from a solutions- oriented mindset, which meant he was more tied to outcomes than to rhetoric, and the Senate was well-served by his presence. Senator Begich is also a devoted family man to his wife Deborah and young son Jacob. I remind myself that our loss is their gain, as I am sure they are excited to have him home more. I truly enjoyed working alongside him and look forward to when our paths cross again. I wish him incredible happiness and success in the next chapter.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I was struck by the last two great speakers, Senator Heinrich and Senator Tester, showing us amazing pictures of the beauty of the Western part of our wonderful country. I thought, well, those are really beautiful pictures--not quite as beautiful as North Dakota, but we will acknowledge that these are areas that will open your soul, open your eyes, and make it possible for you to see the beauty that is this great country and the resilience of the people who settled in the areas of the West. It made me think--and I think, more importantly, understand--that all of what we are in this country is only possible because men and women, for centuries, have stepped up to serve our country and to serve our country in the Armed Forces. I rise to talk about an issue that hasn't gotten a lot of attention in this country, this quiet thing that is going on in the VFW halls, the AMVETS, the DAVs, and the American Legion halls in my State. I am talking about not only that kind of sacrifice but recognizing and moving to a special recognition this year. So I want to talk about North Dakotans because we are all extraordinarily proud of our States, but we know in North Dakota that North Dakotans have always answered the call to serve, in particular, my friends within the Native American community, who have answered that call to service in record numbers. I have made it a priority during my time in the Senate to meet as many of my State veterans as I can. I want to hear their stories and I want to learn about the challenges of their everyday lives and what we need to do to fulfill our obligation and our sacred trust to live up to the commitments we made, as they lived up to the commitments they made to serve our country and to protect our freedoms on the battlefields around the world. Through these trips I have met a lot of wonderful veterans--World War II veterans and their proud stories of their service in the Pacific and Europe. I have met Korean war veterans with memories of what is often referred to as the forgotten war. It may be forgotten by others, but it is not forgotten by me or the people in my great State of North Dakota. Then there are our newest veterans, with new challenges, from the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the overall war against terror. These young veterans, men and women, face difficult challenges, and I think many different challenges than perhaps their counterparts from previous service relationships. But I think they are helping change the way our Nation sees our veterans. All of these veterans, without a doubt, deserve a place of honor in our society. All of them served and deserve our thanks for their service and their sacrifice. Together, they have protected our freedoms and allowed our Nation to flourish. But today--today--I want to talk and focus on America's Vietnam veterans--North Dakota's Vietnam veterans. We are in the midst--and I am not sure a lot of people know this--of a remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam war. On May 25, 2012, President Obama issued a proclamation. I have the proclamation here. This proclamation was issued to honor our Vietnam vets--those brave servicemen who gave their lives--and their families. It is to honor all the veterans' service, but particularly to recognize those who lost their lives. I want to quote from this proclamation: As a grateful Nation, we honor more than 58,000 patriots-- their names etched in black granite-- That monument is not too far from this symbol of American democracy, our Nation's Capitol. --who sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know. We draw inspiration from the heroes who suffered unspeakably as prisoners of war, yet who returned home with their heads held high. We pledge to keep faith with those who were wounded and still carry the scars of war, seen and unseen. This special period of honoring our Vietnam veterans runs through 2025, since our involvement in the war stretched through 1975. That is the period which we are going to recognize as the 50-year commemoration and anniversary as this period continues. It remains important to talk about the Vietnam war and its veterans as much as possible. The Vietnam war represents a difficult time in our Nation's history. By taking time to thank our Vietnam vets and honor their service, our Nation makes another great attempt to bind up the unhealed wounds left behind. In North Dakota, there have already been a number of veterans events related to the 50th anniversary of Vietnam. I am sure such events are happening in many other States. In fact, there is a Web site--if you want to check it out--where you can look at what is happening in every State across the Union honoring Vietnam veterans in ceremonies being prepared and mainly driven by veterans groups. Hopefully--and one of the purposes in coming here is to urge my colleagues to participate in those events--to participate as they do every day in saying thank you to our Iraqi war vets and our Afghanistan war vets--participate in any event that you can to say thank you to our Vietnam veterans and to the families of those people in your State who lost their loved ones in service to their country. For myself, I plan to host an event to honor all Vietnam veterans throughout North Dakota next year. Through this effort I hope to help make our Nation remember and never forget the needs of our Vietnam veterans. The Congress needs to make policy decisions so the VA can meet the needs of the next generation of veterans, but we can't forget the unique needs of our Vietnam era veterans. I have spent hours talking to Vietnam veterans who tell me repeatedly: When I got out of the service, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the VA. And there are a lot of reasons for that. In the 1970s, the VA wasn't a place where people thought they could go for quality health care, where they thought they could go for help. They wanted to forget that part of their service. So a lot of those unseen wounds of servicemen from the Vietnam war went unhealed, and it manifests itself in a high rate of homelessness, a high rate of poverty, a high rate of substance abuse, and a high rate of despair. We are seeing now that our Vietnam veterans--in both those who have lived incredibly fruitful lives and are now aging into the system-- coming back to our VAs across the country, coming back to our community-based outreach clinics, coming back to our VA hospitals, and for the first time asking for access to service. They are finding they do not always see the level of service they are entitled to. I recently worked to restore and provide the appropriate paperwork so a Vietnam veteran who had clearly earned a Purple Heart actually received the benefits of a recipient of the Purple Heart in the VA. All of these issues will now begin to work their way through the VA. They will continue to work their way through our veterans service organizations. It is time, I think, to take a pause, as the President did in this proclamation. And to understand the basis of this, it was required by a bill similar to the one we are debating today--NDAA--to begin this commemoration. It was a mandate from this Congress--not this particular Congress, but from the U.S. Congress--to begin to have this ceremony. I was struck by the fact that when our veterans have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, most of us have pictures in our offices. We have a poster or some kind of commemoration in our office of that sacrifice. Yet we have never seen that kind of commemoration or that kind of depiction for our Vietnam veterans. So along with the AMVETS in the great city of Bismarck, which has done tons of research in collecting pictures and collecting images of the 198 veterans, the 198 servicemen from North Dakota who lost their lives in Vietnam, I thought it an appropriate commemoration for my office to have something that we walk by every day and, therefore, say to the families of all these young men who are on this poster that every day we honor their sacrifice, we honor your loss, and we honor the fact that we will never know what these 198 young men could have been had they survived this war. We don't know if they could have been standing here giving a speech instead of me. We don't know if they would have been mayors of our small towns or the industrial leaders who invented a product as lucrative and as innovative as the Bobcat, which originated in North Dakota. It was invented in North Dakota and it is manufactured in North Dakota. We will never know. But one thing we do know--the one thing we do know--about all of these men is they lost their lives and sacrificed to the greatest extent that one can sacrifice in honor and service of this country, and they deserve to have this period of remembrance. They deserve to have a recognition, and their families deserve to have the United States of America pause--pause for a period of time to say thank you--thank you from a grateful nation. So posters like this will be in every one of my offices across North Dakota and certainly here in the Nation's Capitol. I know for States such as that of the Presiding Officer's State of Massachusetts, just looking at the numbers, it is probably not possible to have a photographic image of every Vietnam veteran or every person who served in Vietnam and who, unfortunately, lost their life, but it is possible to have their name. It is possible to have a place of remembrance where they can be honored during this time period mandated by this body and approved and proclaimed by the President of the United States. It is possible to have a place of honor and remembrance. So I intend, over the next year, to come and talk a little bit about the lives of each one of these young men, to talk about the challenges of Vietnam veterans, to talk about what it is we need to do today to make up for past sins of this country in not recognizing this service. I challenge the other Members of this body to do the same thing during this period of remembrance and recognition and honor, and to think about not just the past but to think about the future; think about the amazing sacrifice of 198 North Dakotans who gave their lives in service to our State and in service to our country and for the betterment of all humankind. With that, Mr. President, the challenge is issued. I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Madam President, I rise today to honor my colleague from North Carolina, Senator Kay Hagan, who is departing from the Senate at the end of this year. Senator Hagan has been a strong voice for North Carolina's families, first during her decade in the North Carolina State Senate and during her service here in the United States Senate. Over the last two years, I have been consistently impressed with Senator Hagan's compassion for and advocacy on behalf of her constituents and her willingness to forge the tough, bipartisan compromises that our country needs. Kay actually first came to the Senate in the 1970s as an intern in the Capitol, where she operated the elevator that continues to carry Senators to and from the Chamber. After finishing her college education and pursuing her law degree, Kay became an attorney for North Carolina National Bank and eventually became a vice president in the estates and trust division. Senator Hagan's business and banking experience has been a tremendous asset during her time as a member of the banking committee, where we serve together. Senator Hagan's understanding of the housing finance system and commitment to affordable housing was invaluable as she and I worked together with a bipartisan group of committee members to draft and advance legislation reforming the system to make sure the American taxpayer is protected and made whole. During the debate Senator Hagan used her expert knowledge of the industry to craft a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Our proposal makes sure taxpayers are never left holding the bill again, while preserving the 30-year mortgage and supporting affordable housing--a huge accomplishment. Senator Hagan comes from a family and a State with a rich military history. Her father and brother both served in the Navy, and her husband, Chip, is a Navy Vietnam veteran. She has diligently supported and honored servicemembers and veterans as a member of the Armed Services Committee. She visited North Carolina troops in the Middle East to better understand their mission and needs, and she helped found the Military Family Caucus to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by those with loved ones abroad. In conjunction with her work on the small business committee, she introduced legislation to reduce veteran unemployment by providing employers a work opportunity tax credit for hiring a member of the National Guard. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Children and Families, Senator Hagan has consistently fought to make sure America's children have the education, tools, and resources to build a better tomorrow. In fact, Senator Hagan's first bill was on a subject very dear to me--financial literacy. Far too many young Americans fall victim to financial scams or take out too many loans because they haven't been given an adequate education on personal finances. Senator Hagan's legislation--which she has pressed every Congress--would have helped States integrate financial literacy into middle-and high school curriculums. That is the kind of commonsense legislation Senator Hagan is known for and Congress should be passing. Senator Hagan has been an outstanding public servant for the people of North Carolina. Although I am saddened to see such a well-respected female colleague depart from the Senate, I know Kay will continue to be a champion for North Carolina's families in the years ahead, and I wish her all the best.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague from South Dakota, Senator Tim Johnson, who is retiring at end of this year. Tim has an impressively long career in public service, representing his home State of South Dakota in Congress for the last 28 years. Tim is often described as ``a work horse, not a show horse,'' and with good reason. His values, passion and work ethic are reflected in the projects he has championed and the constituent services he has provided for the people of South Dakota. Following his AVM in 2006, Senator Johnson came into the national spotlight which he so seldom sought. All were inspired by his perseverance and dedication to the people of South Dakota to return to do the work he loves, and the Senate has been better for it. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Tim championed important water projects to bring clean drinking water to rural communities and Indian reservations, pressed for the development of renewable fuels, and supported efforts to build vital infrastructure throughout rural America. Through his position on the Appropriations Committee, he fought to see these efforts through from planning to completion. Farmers and ranchers throughout his State could count on Tim to be a strong voice for agriculture, advancing their priorities in numerous farm bills. His leadership on country of origin labeling, COOL, laid important groundwork to support our Nation's producers and ensure consumers know where their food comes from--a fight that continues today. Tim has also been a champion for veterans, working to improve the benefits they are owed and connecting South Dakota veterans with support and services in their communities. He was able to secure advanced appropriations for the Veterans Administration, providing budget certainty and ensuring access to health care for those who have so bravely served their country. Tim has a strong relationship with the tribes in South Dakota and is considered a steadfast and valued friend in Indian Country. He has tirelessly pressed for the Federal Government to meet its treaty and trust responsibilities. While significant challenges remain, Tim Johnson's legacy as an advocate for Native American issues has improved the quality of life on many reservations. This commitment will be missed both in the Senate and on the Indian Affairs Committee. Senator Johnson brought his passion for rural and Native American issues to the Senate Banking Committee. Under his chairmanship, the work of the committee highlighted the often-overlooked needs in these communities--and he was a champion during our efforts on housing finance reform to make sure they could receive the resources they so desperately need. Strengthening small community banks, improving housing, and reauthorizing critical highway and transit programs are just a few of the initiatives Chairman Johnson undertook, and it was a pleasure working under his leadership. Throughout all of these accomplishments, accolades, and challenges, Tim has remained true to his roots. He has never taken his public service for granted and has always considered it a privilege to serve the people of South Dakota. The impact of his work during his time in Congress will be seen in communities throughout his State for years to come, and he has certainly left his mark on South Dakota politics. I wish him the very best as he and his wife Barbara embark on this new chapter and get to enjoy more time with their family back in South Dakota. Mike Johanns Mr. President, I also wish to honor my colleague from Nebraska, Senator Mike Johanns, who is retiring from the Senate at the end of this year. Senator Johanns has been a friend since I started in the Senate, and I appreciate his willingness to work with me towards our shared goals. He is one of only two current Senators to have served as a Governor and cabinet Secretary, providing him with a tremendous amount of wisdom on how to get things done. It is his incredible knowledge and strong Midwestern work ethic that I admire most about him. For more than 30 years, Senator Johanns has been a strong voice for the people of Nebraska. His first act in public service was in 1983 as a County Board member in Lancaster County. He later went on to serve as both Councilman and Mayor of Lincoln. He would eventually become Governor of Nebraska and Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush. Senator Johanns set no limits to his potential; readily serving in any capacity he could to make our great Nation a better place. Senator Johanns and I serve together on the Agriculture Committee and I greatly admired the thoughtfulness and expertise he brought to the negotiations on the Farm Bill. His knowledge as a former Agriculture Secretary was unmatched and ensured many improvements were made throughout the debate. Senator Johanns never forgot about our farmers and always kept his eye on providing them with the best possible outcome he could. We also had the privilege of working together on the Banking and Housing Committee. He and I worked together with a bipartisan group of committee members to draft and advance legislation reforming the housing finance system to protect the American taxpayer from another bailout and to guarantee that another housing crisis does not happen again. Once again, his voice on behalf of rural America during these talks was critical and something that I greatly appreciated. Senator Johanns has never been about taking credit or seeking the spotlight. He maintained a strong, hard work ethic throughout his time in the Senate and was one who was willing to cross the aisle to get things done. The American people expect that of their representatives, and Senator Johanns met those expectations on behalf of Nebraska. I will miss having him as my colleague in the Senate, but I also know that his wife and family will enjoy the free time they will have with him. I wish him happiness and success in the next chapter of his life.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, on rollcall vote No. 309, I voted ``aye.'' It was my intention to vote ``nay.'' Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote since it will not affect the outcome of the vote.

Ms. HEITKAMP

Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I have a couple of things I wish to do before I assume the Chair, and I want to express my great gratitude to my friend from Massachusetts for his willingness to sit tight for a little bit. I was sitting here thinking about the two men I want to talk about, and I was thinking about how similar they are; how different their backgrounds are but how similar their goals in life and their interests in the people they serve. It is the great irony of our democracy that regardless of where you come from, if you come to serve the public, you come to love the public, and you come to believe in the work you do and believe that every person has to be given an opportunity. So I first want to offer my great condolences to the family of Mayor Denny Walaker from our great city of Fargo, ND. It is truly with a heavy heart I come to the floor to pay tribute to the mayor of Fargo. Dennis Walaker--to those of us who knew him well, Denny--passed away Tuesday after a very short but aggressive fight in his battle against cancer. His passing I think shocked most of us and certainly saddened all of us. Mayor Walaker was a giant in Fargo, not only in stature--he was a big guy--but as a leader and fighter for the city he loved. He dedicated his entire life to public service, first serving in the North Dakota Department of Transportation, later joining the city of Fargo as a civil engineer. For 40 years, Denny has been a fixture in this growing city, from leading the city's flood fight in 1997 as chief operations manager for the city and later as mayor. One cannot think of Fargo without thinking of Mayor Walaker and seeing in every corner the impact he made, whether it was infrastructure investment improvements to providing a strong foundation for a thriving community and city, to the revitalization of the city's downtown, to his focus on those within the city who are less fortunate. He led the city through unprecedented growth while always working diligently to make sure the region secured the long-term flood protection that was necessary to sustain that growth. He was always willing to listen and cared deeply for all the people of the city of Fargo. The people of Fargo always came first for him, no matter what. For many of us, Denny will always be remembered for leading the city's flood-fighting effort, particularly in 1997 and 2009 when the city of Fargo confronted a historic flood. He had keen instincts when it came to understanding and predicting the Red River and wasn't afraid to push back on the so-called experts. His calm, clear, and decisive decisionmaking in 2009 when he made the decision that the city would not evacuate when facing record-setting flood levels but would instead stay and fight together--that image of him building our city and building our community will forever be etched in the memories and the minds of those of us who knew Denny. However, for all of the discussion about the flood fight, there is so much more Denny did in addition to his role as chief flood-fighter, but much of it was under the radar. It was away from the spotlight. Just a few weeks ago I was with the mayor in one of his last public appearances. It was an event where we were honored for the work we had both done on affordable housing. At that event he remarked to me and the others who were there how proud he was to receive that award and how proud he was about the work he had done on affordable housing because, he told all of us, he wanted to make sure that Fargo was a city for every citizen, that every citizen in Fargo had an opportunity for a good home. He was passionate in fighting for those less fortunate, and his heart and his personality really were unmatched. People like Mayor Walaker are the unsung heroes of our democracy. He stepped up to serve when his city needed him, and he was a friend and hero to so many. A few weeks ago I was in Fargo for the College Game Day. Denny couldn't make it because he was recuperating from surgery at his home. I had a chance to talk to him on the phone, and I was explaining the scene for him in downtown Fargo--the part of Fargo he had revitalized and nurtured back to an incredible, healthy center of activity for that great city. I was telling him how proud he would be to see not only the citizens there enjoying themselves but also the work that had been done by the city workforce and the fact that Fargo was able to move that game day effort on such short notice. I think it really is indicative of the history of Fargo, and that history was part of the history Denny built. He will always have a place in my heart. He will always have a place in the hearts of so many in Fargo and the surrounding areas and throughout the State of North Dakota. I love Denny. I am pretty sure he was the only public official in North Dakota who had a picture of Barack Obama on his wall. He had met the President. He believed in a lot of what the President had said-- obviously not on everything, but he believed in public service, and he believed in the challenges and respecting people who stepped up. We mourn Denny's loss, but we celebrate his life as an incredible example of a leader. He was one of a kind. I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Mary, his daughters, grandchildren, and his entire family. I also extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of a great mayor, a great public servant, and a great friend to a great city, the city of Fargo. Tribute To Jay Rockefeller Mr. President, I have only known Jay for a couple of years. When I first started, I would go home to North Dakota and people would ask me kind of consistently: So whom do you meet? To whom do you listen? What has been a big surprise? Who are your favorite people? This may come as a surprise because I didn't come with the idea that I would have an opportunity to work with or spend time with Senator Rockefeller, but I said: The one person who impressed me the most when I first got here was Senator Jay Rockefeller. For so many of us, he is a giant--not only physically. They would say: What about him? One of my finest moments was watching Senator Rockefeller stand and visit with Barbara Mikulski. I am pretty sure she might be the shortest person in the Senate, and I am pretty sure Jay might be the tallest. I would say: What you don't know about Senator Rockefeller is that not only in intellectual stature but in physical stature he is a giant of a man. But it is not the intellectual stature of Senator Rockefeller that impressed me. It certainly wasn't his size that impressed me. It was the size of his heart and how much he cared for the people he served in West Virginia. I had a chance this year to travel to West Virginia and spend time with the folks of his great State. As they were looking at this transition, they would tell me stories about Senator Rockefeller. They would tell me stories about what he meant to them and the things he had gone out of his way to do--things that were beyond maybe even what the expectations of a populous would ever be, but Jay was there for them, and they knew that every day when he woke up, in his heart were the people of West Virginia. I think we heard that today with his floor speech, as he talked about the impact of coming to West Virginia as a young VISTA worker, the impact it had on him that changed his life and created the man we see today. So I celebrate a Senator with an enormous intellect and an enormous capacity for facts and data and public policy, but that wasn't what made him a great Senator. What made Jay Rockefeller a great Senator was his enormous heart for the people he served. Mr. President, I yield the floor.