Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the overwhelming need for health care reform. Earlier this year I asked South Dakotans to share their personal health care stories with me, the good and the bad, so that I could share these with my colleagues and ensure that the people of South Dakota have a voice in this national debate. Thousands have responded to my request and through their stories I have gained immeasurable insight into the challenges my constituents face in our current health care system. The experiences of these hard working families, business leaders, patient advocates, and health care providers poignantly demonstrate the urgent need for health care reform. David, a farmer in Madison, SD, was forced to sell his land when a heart attack left him with $60,000 in medical bills. His wife Patty wrote to me to tell me his story. As a farmer, David couldn't afford to buy private health insurance in the individual market but didn't qualify for public programs. Insurance companies refused him coverage after his heart attack because he now had a serious preexisting condition. Last year he suffered a second heart attack and accrued another $100,000 in medical bills. Struggling to pay this debt, Patty and David exhausted all their resources. David feels he has no hope of finding insurance coverage for his heart health, the very condition that requires treatment the most. Patty and David live in fear of a serious illness knowing that, like many families, adequate health insurance is beyond their reach. The situation Patty and David find themselves in is not unique. A recent study by the Access Project found that 44 percent of ranchers and farmers in South Dakota get their health insurance on the nongroup market, where they pay on average $10,395 for coverage. For the past few decades, premium rates have been rapidly outpacing increases in incomes. According to the study, almost half of those surveyed spent over 10 percent of their income on health care. Like Patty and David, one in four of the farmers and ranchers surveyed had to dip into savings, retirement funds, or take loans against their farms or ranches to cover health care costs. Managing heart disease requires regular checkups and treatments to manage the disease, improve overall health and prevent future complications. Without access to these services, Patty fears what will happen to their family and their farm in the event David suffers another heart attack. There are several provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to benefit Americans like Patty and David. It will extend access to affordable and meaningful health insurance for all Americans. The bill stands up on behalf of the American people and puts an end to insurance industry abuses that have denied coverage to hardworking Americans when they need it most. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the Senate reform proposal will extend coverage to 31 million more Americans when fully enacted. Immediately after enactment, a new program will be created to provide affordable coverage to Americans with preexisting conditions who have been denied the coverage they need. People like David will be guaranteed health insurance coverage after years of struggling without this basic security. In addition, this legislation will create health insurance exchanges in every State through which those limited to the individual market will have access to affordable and meaningful coverage. The exchange will provide easy-to-understand information on various health insurance plans, help people find the right coverage to meet their needs, and provide tax credits to significantly reduce the cost of purchasing that coverage. No matter what plan you have, every American will have the added security of knowing that your insurance company will no longer be able to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and won't be able to drop your coverage if you get sick. Patty, David, and all Americans deserve this basic security.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize the life of SGT Winfield Thompson Sr., an honored member of the Sisseton- Wahpeton Oyate. When this war hero and South Dakota native passed away November 6, 2009, our State lost a respected tribal member and a wonderful citizen who served as an inspiration to us all. After entering the U.S. Army in April 1941, SGT Winfield Thompson Sr. was captured by Japanese forces in the Philippines on April 9, 1942. He was forced to march 90 miles over rough terrain with little food and water along with thousands of captured soldiers in what is today known as the Bataan Death March. After his capture, Sergeant Thompson was held at various prison camps and suffered horrible conditions until he was finally liberated in September 1945. Upon his rescue, he stood at attention, saluted, and said, ``Sergeant Thompson reporting to duty, Sir.'' During Sergeant Thompson's extraordinary military career, he was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, American Defense Service ribbon with Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze battle stars, Philippine Defense Ribbon, eight Overseas Service Bars, one Service Stripe and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in May 1946, Sergeant Thompson returned home and married Virginia Redday. Winfield and Virginia were blessed with 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. Winfield was preceded in death by his wife. SGT Winfield Thompson Sr. embodied South Dakota values with his unwavering devotion to family and country, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family on the loss of this great man.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize November as American Diabetes Month. National studies estimate 23.6 million Americans live with diabetes, and nearly one-quarter of this population has not yet been diagnosed. The number of South Dakotans living with diabetes has doubled since 1998, with more than 39,000 adults diagnosed as diabetics in 2008 and an estimated 10,000 not yet diagnosed. American Diabetes Month focuses on increasing awareness of the disease, strengthening prevention efforts, and identifying associated health risks. The disease carries with it an increased rate of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation of the lower extremities, among other associated health problems. For the past few decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has steadily increased nationwide, increasing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. As the prevalence of diabetes increases, we are beginning to understand the costs to both our citizens' health and to our economy. The high costs to our government in direct medical and indirect costs of lost productivity, coupled with the personal costs of rising health care coverage and treatment, make type 2 diabetes control and prevention a national priority. Throughout my career, I have strongly supported initiatives to advance diabetes research, prevention, and education efforts. I commend the work conducted at the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore cures and treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Americans diagnosed with diabetes, whether insured or not, often face significant barriers in receiving timely, affordable treatment in our current health care system. Congress is currently considering comprehensive reform of our Nation's health care system. This is a historic opportunity to improve access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans and better manage the treatment of chronic diseases. Given the cost of diabetes to our citizens' health and personal finances and to our national economy, we must also continue to push to increase funding for diabetes research and prevention programs. American Diabetes Month provides an opportunity to learn more about the causes and health risks of diabetes and recognize its impact on our Nation and our families.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, each November, we celebrate National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month to honor the original inhabitants of our great nation and celebrate their formative impact on American history. This month is an opportunity to promote the tenets of tribal sovereignty and recommit to the Federal Government's treaty and trust responsibilities to American Indians. I would like to personally honor the nine treaty tribes of South Dakota: the Cheyenne River Sioux, the Crow Creek Sioux, the Flandreau Santee Sioux, the Lower Brule Sioux, the Oglala Sioux, the Rosebud Sioux, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, the Standing Rock Sioux, and the Yankton Sioux. Each tribe's rich heritage greatly influences the character of South Dakota. It is fitting that hundreds of tribal leaders journeyed to our Nation's Capital in early November to participate in the White House Tribal Nations Conference. President Barack Obama has committed to placing American Indian issues at the center of his administration, and the multiday conference was an important testament to the President's pledge to involve American Indian people in constructive dialogue. The conference allowed leaders from the 564 federally recognized tribes to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of the administration. The tribal leaders in attendance displayed the very diverse face of Indian Country. Each individual tribe forms a distinctive chapter of the American Indian story, yet the narrative contains many common themes of triumph and tragedy. President Bill Clinton hosted the first tribal nations conference at the White House in 1994. It is not without precedent that President Obama invited leaders from all federally recognized tribes; however, I believe that this year's event is unmatched in its potential for progress. President Obama has charged each Cabinet agency with delivering a detailed plan of how to improve tribal consultation and how to address the complex challenges facing Indian Country. This Congress, with the leadership of President Obama, has an exceptional opportunity to improve the quality of life for American Indian tribes by consulting with tribal leaders and focusing on tribal sovereignty and the empowerment of Indian communities. For far too long, American Indians have endured a drastically underfunded health care system, crumbling education facilities, dismal economic prospects, and a subpar standard of living. It is essential to address this erosive cycle of poverty and marginalization in a thoughtful manner. The diversity of American Indian tribes reflects the vibrant origins of our Nation. As the First Americans, sound American Indian policy is a precursor to our Nation's capacity to evolve and progress in an ever changing, diversifying society. We need to celebrate the proud ancestry and incredible sacrifices of American Indians. National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month reminds us to promote diversity rather than suppress it, as diverse values and cultures erect the foundation of the United States. American Indians contributed to the formation of modern political institutions as tribal confederacies influenced the foundations of early American democracy. In every conflict since the Revolutionary War, tribal members have courageously sacrificed their lives to help defend and preserve these democratic ideals. As the Federal Government works to assert a modern environmental ethic that can address climate change and natural resource scarcity, we have much to learn from American Indian communities. The environmental consciousness inherent in tribal culture promotes conservation and sustainability. American Indian communities have demonstrated that society can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment. I hope this month provides students with the opportunity to explore the Thanksgiving story from the American Indian point of view. Observance of National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month reaffirms this Nation's respect for American Indian people. I encourage everyone to participate in our celebration of American Indians. I would like to pay tribute to the more than 65,000 American Indians in South Dakota whose heritage enriches our communities. While the month of November serves as an important testament to American Indian culture, it is critical to make a daily commitment to advancing the quality of life of American Indians, in order for our Nation to walk forward with strength and purpose.

Mr JOHNSON

Mr JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Saturday, November 21, as National Survivors of Suicide Day. National Survivors of Suicide Day is a day of healing for those who have lost someone to suicide. In 1999, a Senate resolution created this annual event behind the efforts of Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide. This year, on November 21, over 230 conferences will take place internationally to allow survivors of suicide to connect with others who have experienced the tragedy of suicide loss. The statistics about suicide are deeply concerning. In our Nation, suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for all ages. Among young adults ages 15-24, there are approximately 100-200 attempts for every completed suicide. Suicide takes the lives of approximately 30,000 Americans each year, and a person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes. Suicide is an epidemic that tears families and communities apart, and we must do all that we can to prevent it. A suicide survivor is an individual who has lost someone to suicide. It is estimated that for each suicide, seven other lives are altered forever because of the death. Every year, approximately 200,000 people become survivors due to this tragic loss of life. Many suicide survivors are left devastated, confused and weakened by their loss. Friends and family often experience depression, guilt, shock and anger. Unfortunately, there remains a stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness, and victims often shoulder some of the blame. South Dakota is among a group of Western States that consistently has a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the country. The suicide rate for American Indians ages 15-34 is more than two times higher than the national average and is the second leading cause of death for this age group. The loss of these young people is a real crisis. We must provide tribes with the resources they need to implement culturally sensitive suicide prevention programs. It is critical to strengthen the social fabric to help improve mental health. On American Indian reservations in South Dakota, I have seen the catastrophic ripple effect that one suicide can have. Given the alarming occurrence of ``suicide clusters'' and imitative deaths that have occurred in Indian Country this year, it is imperative to provide support for those left behind. I hope that National Suicide Survivors Day is an opportunity to promote the broad based support that each survivor deserves. We are not doing enough to fight this tragic epidemic that is taking the lives of so many in our communities. We must concentrate our efforts on addressing the root causes of suicide in Indian Country and throughout the Nation. It is critical to expand access to mental health services, including a focus on education, prevention and intervention. Furthermore, we need to acknowledge the obstacles that suicide survivors face during their grieving and encourage the involvement of survivors in healing activities and prevention programs. This is one of the goals of the South Dakota Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Finally, I believe that with appropriate support and treatment, suicide survivors can lead effective advocacy efforts to eliminate stigma and reduce the incidence of suicide.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. It is accepted.

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

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I understand there is no objection to the Cochran amendment No. 2763. Therefore, on behalf of Senator Cochran, I call up his amendment and ask that the amendment be considered and agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I note that the second vote has been voiced, and so Members are free to leave.

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

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, according to the VA, there are 131,000 homeless vets on any given night. This is shameful. This amendment will allow the VA to put to good use buildings on VHA campuses currently sitting empty. It would allow private and nonprivate groups to operate homeless vet shelters in close proximity to the medical and mental health services these vets need in order to rebuild their lives. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. President, I yield to Senator Hutchison for any remarks she has.

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

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

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

Mr. JOHNSON. That would be very good.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the vote sequence prior to the caucus recess period, with respect to amendments remaining in order to H.R. 3082, be as follows: Johnson amendment No. 2733; Feingold amendment No. 2748; Cochran amendment No. 2763; that the Inouye amendment No. 2754 be modified with changes at the desk, and once modified, the McCain amendment No. 2776 be withdrawn, the Inouye amendment, as modified, be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; further, that an Inouye-Levin colloquy be inserted in the Record upon the adoption of the amendment; that after the first vote in any sequence of votes today, the remaining votes be 10 minutes in duration; and that prior to the vote on passage of H.R. 3082, each manager control 2 minutes; provided further, that the other provisions of the November 16 order remain in effect.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays on the Johnson amendment.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I am pleased to report that we are getting into the home stretch for the MILCON-VA appropriations bill. We have been on this bill 6 days now--I believe a record for the MILCON/VA bill. I thank my ranking member, Senator Hutchison, for her help in clearing amendments last evening which has put us within striking distance of completing this bill today. The first amendment we are scheduled to vote on today is an amendment I have offered that will provide $50 million for the VA to renovate and use empty buildings sitting on VA medical campuses to provide housing with supportive services for our homeless vets. The VA Secretary and the President have made eliminating homelessness among vets a top priority. The amendment is fully offset by redirecting $50 million over the President's budget request provided in this bill for DOD's Homeowners Assistance Program which the Pentagon has determined is not currently required. This amendment is supported by 16 vets and homeless service organizations, including the VFW, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. I ask unanimous consent to have letters in support of my amendment printed in the Record.

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, we have agreed to a final group of amendments in a managers' package. I ask unanimous consent that the following amendments be called up en bloc and that the amendments be considered and agreed to and, if modified, that the amendment as modified be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc: Amendment No. 2775, to be modified; amendment No. 2777; and amendment No. 2783, to be modified.

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

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

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote, and I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I note the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to thank my colleagues for their help in getting this bill completed. It was a long and slow process, but I am thankful we were able to dispose of a majority of the amendments that were offered. This is a good bill. It is truly a bipartisan bill and contains some good programs that will help out military men and women and our Nation's vets. The bill provides investments in infrastructure for our military, including barracks and family housing, training and operational facilities, and childcare and family support centers. In addition, it fulfills the Nation's promise to our vets by providing the resources needed for the medical care and benefits that our vets have earned through their service. As I have mentioned, for the first time the bill contains advance funding for vets' medical care for fiscal year 2011. This funding will ensure that the VA has a predictable stream of funding and that medical services will not be adversely affected should another stopgap funding measure be needed in the future. I wish to thank my ranking member, Senator Hutchison, for her work on this bill. She was critical in getting the amendments cleared on her side of the aisle. I wish to thank her staff, Dennis Balkham and Ben Hammond, for their hard work. I also wish to thank the majority staff, Chad Schulken and Andy Vanlandingham, for their hard work on this important bill. I would especially like to thank the subcommittee clerk, Christina Evans, for her hard work and leadership on this subcommittee. I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of the floor staff and the cloakroom staffs. Thank you, Dave and Lula, for helping us get to this point. Mr. President, let me again thank my colleagues. Thank you. I yield the floor, and I note the absence of a quorum.