Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the work and career of Hugh Grogan of Sioux Falls, SD. Hugh will soon be retiring after nearly 30 years of service to the Minnehaha County Human Services Department. Hugh grew up in the historic north end of Sioux Falls in a large, Irish-Catholic family. Hugh's father, Wally, died at a young age. His mother Cleo raised her 11 children on her own with the attitude that an abundance of love, faith, and laughter mattered much more than an abundance of money. Always taking pride in their Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day never passes without a Grogan family reunion and a float in the Sioux Falls parade. Hugh began working for Minnehaha County in 1981 as the assistant director of welfare. He was promoted to director 2 years later. Hugh's sense of social justice has been a centerpiece of his career. Hugh's compassion for those without a home led him to develop the partnerships and relationships among social agencies necessary to establish the Homeless Coalition in Sioux Falls. He recently created and advocated for the Safe Home pilot program, which is helping to improve care for the chronically homeless, while also delivering that care in a more cost effective way. Hugh has even opened his own home to provide a measure of stability to a young person in need of encouragement and opportunity. Countless disadvantaged individuals have benefitted from his dedicated work, much of which was done behind the scenes but always with the best interest of the people he served in mind. Hugh has been the recipient of many awards over the span of his career, including the United Way Social Worker of the Year and the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools' Hall of Fame. The State of South Dakota has also benefitted from Hugh's expertise in the field of social services. He has served on many State committees and task forces created to best serve the poorest of our State. Hugh and I share a commitment to providing access to affordable housing, recognizing that it is a critical ingredient for future success. His honorable service has been marked by a true sense of dedication to providing consistent guidance and stewardship. His warm sense of humor puts everyone around him at ease, and he treats each person with respect and dignity. My wife Barbara and I are proud to count Hugh as a friend, as well as an ally in the pursuit of social justice. I commend Hugh for his passionate and tireless commitment to serving those in need. He has worked for affordable housing for 30 years, and will take his tireless work ethic to the Department of Veterans Affairs as an outreach worker for homeless veterans. I wish Hugh and his wife Jan all the best in the future.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I recognize the 100th anniversary of the South Dakota State Capitol. This centennial is especially meaningful to me, as I spent 8 years in this building, serving the people of South Dakota in the Senate and House of Representatives from Clay and Union Counties. South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, and campaigns were soon waged over which town would become the capital. At least 13 towns competed in an intense race, with Pierre winning the title in 1904, partially due to its central location. Funding was secured in 1905, construction began in 1907, the cornerstone laid on June 25, 1908, and the official dedication of South Dakota's State Capitol was on June 30, 1910. Government agencies moved into the capitol from a small wooden building which was located at the southwest corner of the capitol grounds near the corners of Capitol Avenue and Nicollet. Robert S. Vessey of Wessington Springs was the first Governor to serve in the capitol building. Modeled after the Montana State Capitol Building, architects from Minneapolis designed and constructed the building for just under $1 million. The beautiful structure includes native field stone, Indiana limestone, and Vermont and Italian marble. With hand-carved woodwork, marble, special cast brass, and hand laid stone, the capitol itself is a work of art. During the ``Dirty 30's,'' the settling of blowing soil caused severe damage to the building. Subsequently, in 1977, a major restoration of the State capitol commenced with a goal of returning the majestic building to its original state in time for the South Dakota Centennial Celebration in 1989. Fifteen years and roughly $3 million later, the building has been restored very close to its original grandeur. The ceilings, wall designs, color schemes, window treatments, and carpeted areas were brought back to its original colors and luster. On Saturday, June 19, 2010, South Dakotans from across the State will gather at the capitol to celebrate 100 years of our State's history. With live entertainment, tours of the capitol, historical lectures, a rededication ceremony, and many other activities, there is something for everyone. I hope this celebration gives our citizens a chance to reflect on our shared history, as well as our promising future. At the laying of the cornerstone, Governor Coe Crawford said in his address, ``The new capitol will do more than comfortably accommodate the officers who are to labor within its walls for the people whom they will serve. It will stand throughout the coming years as an expression of beauty and art and as the people come and go and linger within its walls, they will see in it an expression of the soul of the state.'' Although currently valued at $58 million, this piece of history is priceless. I am honored to have served in this historical building and am proud to recognize it today.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the founding of Agar, SD. This rural community in Sully County is small, but its size is its strength. Agar is a warm, caring community full of people who are always willing to lend a helping hand. When Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company decided to connect two of its lines, Agar was formed on the land of Charles Agar. Within the first year, several buildings had been constructed. The little town continued to flourish as an agricultural hub. A post office, newspaper, ice cream shop, and a bank were all started in 1910. In May of 1910, the town constructed an artesian well that flowed at 78 gallons per minute. Agar's centennial celebration promises to be a great time, with bull riding, dances, and a softball tournament. The town will also be having a 2-day wagon train, covering beautiful farmland as well as the famous Sutton Bay Golf Resort. This weekend centennial celebration will gather together ``Agarians'' of all generations to celebrate all that this very proud community has accomplished. One hundred years ago, this small town was founded on hard work and perseverance. Today, those values continue to permeate everything this town does. Small towns like Agar are the backbone of South Dakota, and I am proud to congratulate them on reaching this historic milestone.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Hepatitis Awareness Month to raise awareness of this public health threat and encourage greater prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts. Viral hepatitis is a highly infectious disease that directly attacks the liver and, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--CDC--estimate that roughly 5 to 6 million Americans are infected with viral hepatitis. Yet these chronic infections are silent killers, as those who are infected experience no obvious symptoms until advanced liver damage has occurred after years without treatment. Consequently, up to 50 percent of Americans infected with hepatitis B and 75 percent of Americans infected with hepatitis C are unaware of their disease. Without appropriate screening and management of the disease, viral hepatitis carriers can pass on the infection to others before suffering a premature death from liver cancer or liver disease. Similar to the human immunodeficiency virus--HIV--hepatitis B and C are spread through infected blood and needles. Despite awareness campaign efforts from advocacy groups and the CDC, there continues to be nearly 50,000 new infections each year in the United States, resulting in 15,000 deaths from chronic viral hepatitis-related diseases. While continued education and outreach is vital to discourage risky behaviors that expose individuals, it is only one part of preventing further spread of hepatitis. Perhaps most disturbing is the incidence of hepatitis B and C transmission occurring in healthcare settings from exposure to infected blood or the reuse of contaminated syringes. According to the CDC, unsafe injection practices are one of the leading causes of infections in healthcare settings. Although most healthcare workers are aware of the dangers and strictly follow safety guidelines when administering injections, outbreaks of hepatitis in recent years have shown the continued need for awareness, education, and stringent safety practices in healthcare settings. Chronic liver disease is among the top ten killers of Americans and hepatitis C accounts for 40 to 60 percent of all cases. While there is a safe vaccine for several types of viral hepatitis, no vaccine exists for hepatitis C. It has been identified as one of the most significant preventable and treatable public health problems facing the United States. Clearly we must continue to increase awareness of the disease to prevent new infections, encourage screening and tests, and link those that are infected with the care they need. It is my hope that awareness efforts throughout the month of May will bring to light the significant and silent health threat of hepatitis, encourage appropriate screening and management of the disease, promote vigilant safety practices in healthcare settings and prevent further transmissions of the disease.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is the goal of all of us in this body to address the inadequacies in bank regulation that led to the crisis, but also preserve the dual banking system. After many conversations with Senator Dodd and his staff, I believe we have found the right balance to preserve Federal preemption for national banks but also allow State AG enforcement of the rules where appropriate. I want to thank Senator Dodd for working with us to find common ground. Throughout the committee consideration and the floor process, I have worked to ensure that our efforts to build strong uniform standards through the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau were not undermined by ending up with a patchwork of different laws for banks and consumers. As our Nation recovers from the economic crisis, it was important to avoid making it difficult for businesses to operate across State lines, and to prevent consumers already struggling with access to credit from losing access to affordable products and services. I believe the Carper amendment addresses these concerns while also ensuring the State AGs a role. The Carper amendment provides that preemption determinations are made according to a uniform standard, providing certainty to those that offer financial products and those who use the products. It also codifies the Supreme Court's ruling in the Cuomo case by clearly stating the role State AGs may play in enforcing certain laws against national banks. Last, it also preserves a role for State AGs to ensure that consumers are never again put at risk because Federal regulators are asleep at the switch. I urge my colleagues to support the Carper-Bayh-Warner-Johnson amendment. This amendment, and the underlying bill creating a new consumer agency, will set strong national standards for consumers, and improve our abilities to detect problems and vastly improve consumer protection.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week. Substance abuse during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects and mental retardation in the United States. Each year thousands of babies are born with the physical signs and intellectual disabilities related to prenatal substance abuse. Of all the substances of abuse--including heroin, cocaine, and marijuana--alcohol produces the most serious physical and mental effects in the fetus, according to the Institute of Medicine. Referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASD, the potential outcomes of alcohol abuse during pregnancy include mental retardation, growth deficits, altered facial characteristics, organ defects, behavioral problems, delayed motor skills, and various learning disabilities. Researchers estimate that more than 3 million Americans live with an FASD and as many as 40,000 infants are annually born with an FASD. The tragedy of alcohol- and other drug-related birth defects is entirely preventable and must be addressed. We must increase efforts to reach out to all women of childbearing age and connect those most at risk to treatment and counseling services. Increased awareness and education about the effects of substance abuse during pregnancy is the best way to reduce the prevalence of devastating birth defects. I recently joined Senators Murkowski, Inouye, and Landrieu in introducing the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act, in an effort to improve the surveillance, identification, and prevention of FASD. This legislation will make grants available to federally qualified health centers to provide training to health care providers on identifying and educating women who are at risk for alcohol consumption during pregnancy and on screening children for FASD. Through national public and education campaigns, this bill will reach millions and raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. There is no cure for FASD and other drug-related birth defects. Yet the devastating effects are entirely preventable when pregnant women abstain from substance use. It is therefore imperative to reach at-risk women and ensure they have knowledge of the dangers of substance abuse, as well as access to quality reproductive and prenatal care. When we move past the stigma associated with this disease, we can truly help those and their families who are affected get the health, education, counseling, and support services they need and deserve. I have long supported efforts to put an end to this entirely preventable and destructive disease. In my home State of South Dakota, over 7,800 individuals are suspected of living with an FASD. With the leadership of the health professionals at our esteemed universities, parents, and teachers, among countless others, we have made some important progress in addressing this issue. However, there is more work to be done to prevent alcohol- and other drug-related birth defects in South Dakota and at the national level. The goal is to one day entirely eliminate the heartbreaking, lifelong effects of fetal alcohol and drug exposure.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today, I am introducing legislation to protect the Cheyenne River Valley in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. My bill will establish the first National Grassland wilderness area in the United States and provide the public with a unique experience to enjoy these public lands. The Cheyenne River Valley in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland includes some of the finest prairie wilderness in the United States. Located among isolated buttes and the wide Cheyenne River Valley, these lands remain largely isolated and in the form that the Native people who first inhabited these lands would recognize. The lands of the Cheyenne River Valley--Indian Creek, Red Shirt and Chalk Hills--exhibit the characteristics of undisturbed, wild lands. Consistent with their natural character, the U.S. Forest Service identified these lands for inclusion in the Wilderness Preservation System. In fact, since 2002, the Indian Creek and Red Shirt areas have been managed by the Forest Service to preserve their wilderness qualities, including a prohibition on motorized traffic that created one of the largest roadless areas in the Great Plains. My legislation builds off the Forest Service recommendation in a manner consistent with the history and purposes of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. These lands also support livestock grazing, a productive use and integral part of managing the health and sustainability of native grassland. My bill safeguards existing grazing, consistent with the Wilderness Act, by directing the Forest Service to allow for the continuation of grazing. By designating a portion of the Cheyenne River Valley as wilderness, it is possible to protect its undeveloped character from encroaching motorized recreation while providing hunters, rock collectors, campers and hikers a new way to enjoy prairie grasslands. The public benefits from enjoying a variety of experiences on our public lands. These lands provide food and fiber and are a natural asset to be responsibly and sustainably managed. America's grasslands, with millions of acres of rangeland, can also sustain other purposes, including the solitude and primitive character of wilderness. Establishing a first-of-its-kind grasslands wilderness fills a long overlooked gap and completes the unique history and varied landscapes of our National Grasslands. I have named this bill in honor of my friend and a great advocate for South Dakotan's open spaces, the late Tony Dean. It is his words in describing the purposes of creating a grasslands wilderness bill that I turn to for the best explanation for why this bill is necessary. Tony said: Let's relate wilderness from the perspective of a hunter. It does not take a rocket scientist among hunters to recognize that once the opening salvo takes place on opening morning of the big game seasons, no matter where you live, the best hunting is almost always found far from the nearest road. That sentiment is what, in part, this legislation is aimed at creating: a place held from competition of multiple uses and development, a place where the public and future generations can enjoy a unique wilderness experience found in few places outside my great State.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today, I am introducing legislation to protect the Cheyenne River Valley in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. My bill will establish the first National Grassland wilderness area in the United States and provide the public with a unique experience to enjoy these public lands. The Cheyenne River Valley in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland includes some of the finest prairie wilderness in the United States. Located among isolated buttes and the wide Cheyenne River Valley, these lands remain largely isolated and in the form that the Native people who first inhabited these lands would recognize. The lands of the Cheyenne River Valley--Indian Creek, Red Shirt and Chalk Hills--exhibit the characteristics of undisturbed, wild lands. Consistent with their natural character, the U.S. Forest Service identified these lands for inclusion in the Wilderness Preservation System. In fact, since 2002, the Indian Creek and Red Shirt areas have been managed by the Forest Service to preserve their wilderness qualities, including a prohibition on motorized traffic that created one of the largest roadless areas in the Great Plains. My legislation builds off the Forest Service recommendation in a manner consistent with the history and purposes of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. These lands also support livestock grazing, a productive use and integral part of managing the health and sustainability of native grassland. My bill safeguards existing grazing, consistent with the Wilderness Act, by directing the Forest Service to allow for the continuation of grazing. By designating a portion of the Cheyenne River Valley as wilderness, it is possible to protect its undeveloped character from encroaching motorized recreation while providing hunters, rock collectors, campers and hikers a new way to enjoy prairie grasslands. The public benefits from enjoying a variety of experiences on our public lands. These lands provide food and fiber and are a natural asset to be responsibly and sustainably managed. America's grasslands, with millions of acres of rangeland, can also sustain other purposes, including the solitude and primitive character of wilderness. Establishing a first-of-its-kind grasslands wilderness fills a long overlooked gap and completes the unique history and varied landscapes of our National Grasslands. I have named this bill in honor of my friend and a great advocate for South Dakotan's open spaces, the late Tony Dean. It is his words in describing the purposes of creating a grasslands wilderness bill that I turn to for the best explanation for why this bill is necessary. Tony said: Let's relate wilderness from the perspective of a hunter. It does not take a rocket scientist among hunters to recognize that once the opening salvo takes place on opening morning of the big game seasons, no matter where you live, the best hunting is almost always found far from the nearest road. That sentiment is what, in part, this legislation is aimed at creating: a place held from competition of multiple uses and development, a place where the public and future generations can enjoy a unique wilderness experience found in few places outside my great State.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, this week, as the Senate moves forward with consideration of Wall Street reform legislation, I am optimistic that legislation will be passed that reforms our financial system and prevents those who nearly brought down the economy from ever being able to do that again. As we have heard many times over the last several weeks, the bill creates a mechanism to monitor the economy for nationwide trends and risky patterns that could lead to problems. It establishes a consumer watchdog dedicated to identifying and preventing lending trends that are harmful to consumers. In addition to preventing future bailouts, the bill also requires that most financial speculation be done in the open, while addressing the underlying problem that allowed the banks to go casino-crazy in the first place. It also brings derivatives into a transparent marketplace. I believe all these changes will make the American financial system more transparent, accountable and responsive to future risks. It has been discouraging to see some Members and special interests opposed to these changes. In fact, I believe it is hard to argue against these reforms with a straight face. Yet those against reforming Wall Street have been doing just that, asserting that making markets fair and transparent will somehow hurt the economy. These reforms will help, not hurt, American consumers, small banks and small businesses. As I have said before, our community banks in South Dakota, and across the Nation, have acted responsibly. It was the actions of large, interconnected financial institutions that endangered our economy and received Federal bailouts. This bill eliminates the likelihood that the government would once again be forced to throw billions of dollars at Wall Street or run the risk of bringing down our entire economy. The community banks in South Dakota, and across the country, are a vital part of our economy, as they reinvest money back into the communities they serve. This legislation will help community banks since it levels the playing field between banks and nonbank financials, such as mortgage lenders. In addition, the bill fills many regulatory gaps, helping solve the problem of charter shopping, meaning financial institutions will no longer be able to choose the regulator they think will be the friendliest. I would also like to see the legislation go further in some areas, such as the registration of private equity and venture capital with the SEC, in addition to hedge fund registration. I also believe the legislation fills important regulatory gaps relating to insurance regulation. This legislation establishes the Office of National Insurance, and gives this office the ability to negotiate international agreements, a task that is currently a struggle for our country in a global marketplace. These provisions will give us a better picture of what is happening in this national and international industry, something we do not have now. We should resist efforts to take authority away from the Office of National Insurance. This bill has had substantial input from Republicans and Democrats. As the legislation process moves forward, I hope that bipartisan language on investor protection can be retained, that we can find common ground on national preemption and State AG enforcement, and that additional good ideas from both sides of the aisle can be incorporated into this legislation through the amendment process. I believe all Members of this body want to support bipartisan legislation to reform Wall Street. But, as we seek bipartisan consensus, we should assess all amendments from a Main Street, commonsense perspective. South Dakota's small farms, ranches and business operate with transparency and accountability. It is time for that same transparency and accountability to be extended to Wall Street. Taxpayers, consumers, and businesses across our Nation have been affected by the gambling of Wall Street. The fallout of Wall Street's recklessness has affected all of us, whether it is job loss, foreclosure, loss of retirement funds, or decreased access to a loan or other type of credit. Nearly 2 years have passed since the financial crisis. It is time to move forward and fix our failed system of financial services regulation. A young South Dakotan was in my office last week, and said that he thought this bill represents South Dakota values, because he was raised with the value that you should be careful with your money, and even more careful with someone else's money. That is something that Wall Street forgot. Any legislation that passes this body must make our markets safer, better protect consumers, create a level playing field for industry, and remind Wall Street that our Nation's economy is not something they are free to gamble away.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the lifetime of achievement by one of South Dakota's finest and most dedicated public servants. Dave Munson's distinguished tenure as mayor of South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls, followed a successful career in the financial industry and 24 years as an elected member of the South Dakota Legislature. As a native of Sioux Falls, Mayor Munson married and raised his children in the city he loves, pursued a successful business career, and ultimately rose to the position of mayor. He has provided critical, consistent, and caring leadership to the residents of Sioux Falls during his terms in office. Over the past decade, Sioux Falls has witnessed tremendous residential housing growth and business development. During Mayor Munson's tenure, an impressive sum of over 16,000 jobs have been added in the city. Tax valuation in the city has grown from $125 million in 2002 to $229 million today. Sioux Falls continues to be a great place to work, live, and raise a family, and this has been reflected in numerous top national rankings for quality of life and job development. Most recently, Sioux Falls was named one of the top five cities in the Nation for job prospects by the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. For the past 8 years, Forbes magazine has ranked Sioux Falls first out of 200 small metropolitan areas as the best places for businesses and careers. From adding 490 acres of parkland throughout Sioux Falls to increasing public safety by adding 50 police officers to the streets, from development of 23,000 acres on the east side of the thriving community to enhancing and improving neighborhoods, Mayor Munson has exhibited a progressive attitude to developing and maintaining Sioux Falls as one of the best cities in our Nation. A recent survey shows that 92 percent of Sioux Falls citizens say their community is a good or excellent place to live. Few city officials can tout such an extraordinary level of satisfaction. I have enjoyed my working relationship and friendship with Mayor Munson over many years. I have appreciated his can-do attitude, his vision for the future of Sioux Falls, and his team-oriented approach to resolving issues. Most of all, I have enjoyed collaborating with him on several large-scale projects that will continue to enhance the quality of life in Sioux Falls for decades. For example, the roadway from ``Phillips to the Falls'' has been completed. Together, we ensured the future of the Orpheum Theater. We have long been partners to bring much needed water to Sioux Falls with the construction of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, which will meet the infrastructure needs for increased growth in the Sioux Falls area far into the future. Mayor Munson has provided a lasting legacy of leadership that will benefit the citizens of Sioux Falls for generations to come. His dedication and commitment to the people of Sioux Falls is unmatched, and I commend his distinguished service as mayor. Another of his achievements, the illumination at Christmastime of the falls for which the city is named, will serve as an annual reminder of his leadership. As Mayor Munson concludes his final tenure, I thank him for his service, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to pay tribute to Ms. Paulette Montileaux of Rapid City, SD, on an outstanding 42 years of service to the Federal Government as an employee of the U.S. Department of Interior's Indian Arts and Crafts Board. An enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Ms. Montileaux began her service in Rapid City as a clerk and typist for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board in 1967. In 1978, she was promoted to Museum Assistant, and in 1983 she was named Curator for the Sioux Indian Museum. The Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City was founded in 1939 and is home to the historic Anderson Collection from the Rosebud Reservation, which was gathered in the 1880s and 1890s. This museum is one of three such unique and important Museums nationwide under the care of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Over the years, this Museum's collections have grown into one of the most extensive collections of Lakota/Dakota/ Nakota artifacts. Ms. Montileaux and her staff have worked tirelessly to preserve these possessions. Housed within the Journey Museum for the past 13 years, items from the Sioux Indian Museum are viewed by the public in a realistic travel through time. For 42 years, Ms. Montileaux worked to preserve the history of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota people by maintaining existing collections, as well acquiring new pieces of art. According to Authur Amiotte, during her long career she assisted in and witnessed the beginning careers of many traditional tribal artisan and contemporary painters, sculptors, and jewelers. Among her varied responsibilities, she coordinated a number of special exhibits each year to highlight the work of emerging artists. The integrity of the collections within the museum and their existence for future generations is in no small part thanks to Ms. Montileaux. Ms. Montileaux went about her important work each day quietly and without any self interest; all of her attention was always focused on the collections and their importance to the tribes and all residents of South Dakota. Again, I congratulate her on her retirement and wish her and her husband Don Montileaux all the best on their future endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Keeler Bud Condon, former councilman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Keeler passed away on March 30, 2010. The community of Cherry Creek, SD, and all of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation lost a great leader and friend. Keeler's Lakota name, Iktomi Kuwapi, is translated as ``Cannot Be Fooled.'' He was born on May 5, 1941, in Porcupine, SD, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and he spent his childhood years there. Keeler attended a number of tribal schools before graduating from Cheyenne- Eagle Butte High School in 1961. One of Keeler's greatest joys was sports. He was an avid sports fan and athlete; in 1959, his basketball team won the South Dakota State ``B'' Championship. After high school, he played with the All American Indian Semi-Pro team. Illustrating his enduring commitment to community, he maintained contact throughout his life with his high school basketball coach, Gus Kolb. Keeler worked for many years as a certified building and trades professional and also served as a bus driver for the Takini School before he was elected to the Cheyenne River Tribal Council in 2002. He served a 4-year term. In 2003, I met Keeler when he hosted me and former Indian Health Service Director Dr. Charles Grim in Cherry Creek. We joined him for a tour and pow-wow. I remember well his constant advocacy for better health care and an improved quality of life for tribal communities. After Keeler retired from the Tribal Council, he continued to be a consistent presence at Tribal Headquarters in Eagle Butte. He would take the time to visit with many tribal members and provide guidance to the elected leaders. I am sure that Keeler's entire family, including his wife Frieda, four children, and two stepchildren are very proud of his accomplishments, as they ought to be. Strong leaders are central to the well-being of tribal communities, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe certainly benefited from Keeler's contributions.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Gerard Baker, Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Superintendent Baker has accepted a new assignment as Assistant Director for American Indian Relations for the National Park Service. While his leadership at Mount Rushmore will be greatly missed, the entirety of the Park Service will benefit from this new role. I have enjoyed working with Gerard in his capacity as Superintendent and want to take this opportunity to recognize his accomplishments. During his tenure, Gerard has helped promote a comprehensive understanding of the significance of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills. In addition to telling the story of the four Presidents whose likenesses are carved into the mountain, he and his staff have worked to broaden the perspectives of history, culture, and natural resources at the memorial. Visitors, young and old alike, have enjoyed expanded interpretive programs, including an award-winning audio tour available in Lakota and a Heritage Village highlighting the history and customs of local American Indian communities. Gerard has done an admirable job of promoting understanding and celebration of all of the cultures that make up our democracy. Gerard's long and accomplished career with the National Park Service began in 1979 at the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site where he worked as a park technician. He worked his way up and eventually became Superintendent of Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument. He would later serve as the first Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail before coming to Mount Rushmore. Throughout his career, Gerard has been recognized with numerous awards for exceptional work. He was also recently featured in the Ken Burns documentary ``The National Parks: America's Best Idea.'' National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis should be commended for recognizing the importance of working with tribes across our country on cultural and natural resources issues central to the Park Service's mission. He could not have picked a better person to represent the Park Service in this capacity. In addition to vast experience with the Park Service, Gerard brings a lifetime of learning from his own heritage as a Mandan-Hidatsa Indian. That perspective, coupled with the charisma and good humor Gerard is so well known for, will be a great asset for the Park Service. In closing, I would like to thank Gerard and his wife Mary Kay for their dedication to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills area. I wish him all the best in his new position as Assistant Director for American Indian Relations for the National Park Service. Gerard's efforts at Mount Rushmore will continue to benefit visitors for years to come, and I congratulate him on his accomplishments.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize the life and career of Dave Dedrick, most well known for his role as Captain 11, a children's television program in the upper Midwest. He passed away on January 22 after a lifetime of bringing together South Dakotans of all ages. Dave's welcoming spirit and warm heart touched children and adults alike. The Captain 11 Show, broadcasted from 1955 through 1996, is the longest running children's program ever. Dave, dressed in a blue and yellow pilot's uniform, led a program filled with cartoons and games. Captain 11 had the ability to control time through his Time Converter and ended every show with Freezeburg, a dance the audience, and everyone watching at home, knew by heart. Dave always made children of all ages feel comfortable, and with his show, unified generations of South Dakotans. Dave was inducted into the South Dakota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1997 and the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1999. His set is displayed in the State Historical Museum in Pierre, representing the important role Dave played in so many lives. On air and off, his friendly personality extended to all areas of his life, representing South Dakota values in all he did. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family on their loss.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Federal service of William ``Will'' Ouellette of Rapid City, SD. Mr. Ouellette is concluding a dozen years of service in South Dakota and is transferring to Pennsylvania to continue his Federal service career, which now spans 34 years with the Social Security Administration. Mr. Ouellette began his career with the agency in 1976 as a claims representative in the Boston Region. Three years later, he moved to Billings, MT, where he served as a claims representative, field representative, operations analyst and operations supervisor for the agency. He was promoted to manager of the Rapid City office in 1998 and has continued in that position until the present time. He will soon transfer to a similar position in the Pottsville, PA, agency office to be closer to aging parents and a daughter. I have appreciated the management work of Mr. Ouellette over his tenure in Rapid City. He has overseen a very dedicated and hard-working staff. Claims have increased substantially over the years and the coverage area in rural South Dakota is one of the largest in the country. I have always been impressed by the sense of professionalism, dedication and willingness to serve Social Security beneficiaries and claimants by Will and his staff. He was always timely and thorough in providing answers to constituent questions, addressing issues impacting beneficiaries and combining a strict, no-nonsense approach and adherence to agency regulations with a caring attitude. I wish Mr. Ouellette well in the remaining years of his Federal service and wish to thank him for his term of service to South Dakotans over the past dozen years.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to speak in recognition of PROJECT C.U.R.E. and its efforts to improve health care infrastructure in developing countries. PROJECT C.U.R.E. has been bringing customized medical relief to those in the developing world since its inception in 1987. In 2008 alone, PROJECT C.U.R.E. delivered nearly $40 million worth of supplies to more than 100 health care facilities throughout the world. PROJECT C.U.R.E. representatives conduct needs assessments at prospective sites to determine unique, appropriate medical supply and equipment needs. Follow-up accountability assessments provide necessary training and ensure that donated medical supplies and equipment are operating and being used properly. The organization focuses more than 98 percent of funds on program delivery. For every nickel given to PROJECT C.U.R.E., they provide a dollar's worth of services; that is an impressive 20-to-1 return on investment. PROJECT C.U.R.E. would not be successful if it were not for the grassroots efforts of volunteers throughout the United States, including participants in my home State of South Dakota. Doctors, medical professionals, housewives, businessmen, and average citizens in the Black Hills have come together to donate supplies and used medical equipment to be reprocessed, re-sterilized, and sent to where there is the greatest need. The local Wal-Mart facilitated these efforts by donating the transportation of the goods from Rapid City, SD, to the PROJECT C.U.R.E. warehouse in Centennial, CO. In 2004, the Rapid City Regional Hospital had an ultrasound machine that was 1 year past meeting U.S. standards but was still perfectly functioning. The hospital was weeks away from sending it to the landfill when they heard about PROJECT C.U.R.E. Rather than waste away in the landfill, this $75,000 machine was sent to Malawi where it is still being used today. There are many similar success stories and countless individuals that have benefited from these efforts. Once again, I commend the volunteers and staff of PROJECT C.U.R.E. for their generosity, dedication, and hard work. I wish them well as they continue their mission ``to identify, solicit, collect, sort and deliver medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world.''

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Throughout its history, SDSM&T has been consistently providing students with a high-quality, affordable education. Graduates are fully prepared for successful, rewarding careers in engineering and science. I have had many opportunities during my time in office to personally visit the School of Mines and Technology. I have always been impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the administration and faculty, the tradition of excellence at the institution, and the commitment to learn from the students who attend the school. I am proud to be a partner with SDSM&T on its innovative research that has tremendous benefits for my State, as well as to the Nation and to the world, especially in the areas of engineering, science and technology, and defense. This work has everyday applications to the general public, the government and to Main Street businesses. The School of Mines has a great tradition as one of the top engineering schools in the Nation and their graduates are always in high demand by some of the top companies in the world. In 2009, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was the only institution of higher learning where the starting salary for its graduates was more than the cost of the education. I salute the great legacy and tradition of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology on the occasion of its 125th anniversary and commend the work and commitment, past and present, of the administrators, faculty, alumni and students of Mines. I wish them well in the upcoming year of observances and celebrations.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize the progress made on health care reform, as well as stress the fact that we must press forward. Americans face out-of-control health care costs, great inequalities in access to care, eroding benefits, and the ever- increasing threat of losing their health insurance. While it has not been an easy task to reach a consensus, we find ourselves very close to fixing our health care system and extending access to health insurance to over 31 million Americans. I have heard from countless South Dakotans whose stories illustrate the urgent need for reform. Just as the diseases and health care emergencies they face cannot be postponed, it is imperative we forge ahead and deliver reforms that will improve their health and security. I would like to share the story of Susan from Rapid City, SD, a 57- year-old woman who has nearly depleted her savings and plans to sell her home in order to pay her bills and medical expenses. Her husband passed away several years ago and she now survives on his modest pension. After exhausting COBRA health insurance, she bought the only private health insurance policy she could afford. She was forced to accept several riders for her preexisting conditions, arthritis and hay fever, so her insurance ``won't cover the problems that will soon need attention.'' She also has to pay out-of-pocket for most her preventative screenings and primary care because she has not reached her $5,000 deductible. She writes, ``I feel I am paying $250 a month for unreliable health insurance.'' Until she reaches Medicare age or can qualify for Medicaid, her only option is to sell down her assets to pay the bills. Like millions of Americans, Susan is vulnerable in the non-group health insurance market, where coverage is often expensive, inadequate and certainly not guaranteed. ``Without the security of group coverage,'' she notes, ``I am very vulnerable and am one illness away from a catastrophe.'' Several provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will help Americans like Susan gain access to quality, affordable health insurance. Under the Senate reform bill, all health insurers will be prohibited from using preexisting conditions to deny health care and it will be illegal for them to drop coverage when illness strikes. Health insurance exchanges will create an accessible marketplace for Americans to shop for the best plan to meet their needs. Health insurers will offer national plans to all Americans under the supervision of the Office of Personnel Management, the same entity that oversees health plans for Members of Congress. Tax credits will be available to make insurance more affordable for those who need assistance, and the choice of doctor will be protected. These health insurance market reforms demand greater accountability from insurance companies while creating more choice and competition for consumers. Despite a commitment by some to kill reform and defend the status quo, I am confident the strong consensus on the urgent need for reform will prevail. The cost of inaction is too great.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I rise today to recognize this incredible opportunity to dramatically improve the health of our Nation. Americans face out-of-control health care costs, great inequalities in access to care, eroding benefits, and the ever- increasing threat of losing their health insurance. While it is no easy task to fix a system that is both very complex and very troubled, we cannot fail to act. I wish today to highlight the challenges faced by approximately 12 million Americans who buy health insurance in the individual market. Many farming and ranching families in South Dakota are forced to purchase from this market, where they all too often wind up underinsured with coverage that costs too much and provides too little. South Dakotans have contacted me directly to report health insurance discrimination that results in increased premiums, refusal of coverage for necessary treatments, and denial of coverage. I have even heard complaints from people who work in the insurance industry, like Pam from Sioux Falls, SD. She shared with me the serious barriers people encounter when looking for health insurance on the individual market. ``There are huge loopholes in the individual market. People who are not healthy cannot get insurance. We turn people away every day and they want to buy health insurance.'' Insurance companies increase their profits by selling to individuals who will pay premiums but rarely use their benefits, and by avoiding individuals who have health issues. This cherry-picking leaves millions of Americans without access to affordable health insurance coverage. And when families go without health insurance, they receive less preventive care and often must undergo more costly medical treatment when illness progresses undetected. This uncompensated care for the uninsured drives health care costs up for all of us. Those who buy insurance on the individual market pay top dollar for very limited coverage. They will benefit immensely from health reform. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will increase the insurance options in the individual market and address injurious insurance industry practices that limit access to care. Immediately after enactment, a new program will be created to provide affordable coverage to Americans with preexisting conditions until insurance industry reforms are fully implemented. The legislation will also form 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. Pam says, ``People who want to buy individual insurance should be able to, regardless of their health status.'' I couldn't agree more. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will ensure that no American is denied coverage because of their medical history, and it will provide the security of meaningful, affordable health care coverage for all.

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

Mr. JOHNSON

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

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and to encourage my colleagues to support this effort to address our health care system's immediate and long-term challenges in a fiscally responsible manner. For decades, attempts have been made to reform the way our health care system works, but only incremental changes have been made. The result is a broken system where costs are rising out of control and millions of Americans are priced out of the health insurance market. In the last 8 years, health care premiums have grown four times faster than wages. If health care costs continue to rise at the current rates, without reform, it is projected that the average South Dakota family will be paying nearly $17,000 in yearly premiums by 2016. That is a 74-percent increase over the current premium costs that so many already struggle to afford. Throughout the ongoing health reform discussion, I have heard from far too many South Dakotans who currently face barriers in accessing quality health care. This can be due to exorbitant out-of-pocket costs, having no insurance coverage, being denied coverage by insurance companies, or limited or no health care providers in their area. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act addresses these barriers in part by extending access to affordable and meaningful health insurance to all Americans. This legislation stands up on behalf of the American people and puts an end to insurance industry abuses that have denied coverage to hard- working Americans when they need it most. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and will not be able to drop coverage just because a patient gets sick. Reform will ensure that families always have guaranteed choices of quality, affordable health insurance whether they lose their job, switch jobs, move, or get sick. The bill allows Americans to shop for the best health care plan to meet their needs and provides tax credits to help those who need assistance. It strengthens our health care workforce, improves the quality of care, and reduces waste, fraud, and abuse in the health care system. Every American is adversely affected in some fashion by the shortcomings of our existing system, and far too many have a false sense of security. The system costs us lives, and it costs us money. If we fail to act, health care costs will consume a greater and greater share of our Nation's economy and have tremendous potential to cripple our Nation's future. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act puts our Nation on a more sustainable financial path. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that this health reform bill will reduce the Federal deficit by $130 billion in the next 10 years and as much as $650 billion in the decade after that. CBO also projects that this bill will result in health care coverage for more than 94 percent of legal residents in our Nation. Our citizens deserve this basic security, while improving current Medicare benefits. This bill is the product of months of research, committee deliberation, and bipartisan negotiation. I have listened to some of my colleagues' claims that they support health reform yet object to this approach. These protests echo those made nearly 50 years ago when a new program called Medicare was proposed to provide meaningful health benefits to seniors. The increasing cost of health care is unsustainable and the do-nothing approach hurts all Americans by robbing us of this historic opportunity to stop talking about the problems and finally find a solution. This bill is not perfect, but a ``yes'' vote will allow the conference committee a chance to improve it. The United States is the only Nation among industrialized democracies to not have some form of national health care. Yet the Senate Republican Party is attempting to deny us the right to vote this historic legislation up or down. They want to kill it even before it has the chance to go to conference. I urge my colleagues to support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the time be charged equally.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize that the rising health care costs plaguing our health care system are disproportionately harming small business in South Dakota and across the Nation. Over the last decade, health care costs have been rising four times faster than wages, eating into the profits of small businesses and the pocketbooks of families. Many small businesses avoid hiring new employees because the cost of providing benefits is too great, and in some cases are forced to lay off employees or drop health care coverage entirely. A small business owner in northeastern South Dakota shared with me the impact of rising health care costs on his business. He cited a strong conviction and moral obligation to provide his employees and their families with benefits, including quality, affordable health insurance. Despite his best intentions, rising health care costs are threatening his ability to maintain those benefits. As the employees of this small business aged and used more of their health benefits, the insurance company steadily raised rates 10 to 20 percent each year. When the rates were affordable the small business owner paid the full cost of premiums, but has since been forced to shift more and more of the costs onto his employees. If rates continue to rise, he is worried he will no longer be able to afford to offer any coverage. And he has concrete cause for concern. Current trends paint a bleak picture of future health care costs for all Americans, but they have particular implications for small businesses. In 2000, employer- sponsored health insurance in the large group market for a family in South Dakota cost on average $6,760. In 2006, the same family health insurance plan cost $9,875. That is a 72-percent increase in 6 years and, unless action is taken to alter this unsustainable course, it is projected this same coverage will cost $16,971 in 2016. Because they lack bargaining leverage, small businesses pay on average 18 percent more than larger businesses for the same health insurance. Despite their best intentions to provide quality, affordable benefits to their employees, the unsustainable trends in our current health care system have already forced many small businesses to make tough decisions. The Senate health care reform bill addresses the main challenges facing small businesses--affordability and choice. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will increase quality, affordable options in the small group market. The Small Business Health Options Program, SHOP, Exchange will give small businesses the buying power they need to get better deals and reduce administrative burdens. And small businesses providing health insurance to their employees will be eligible for a tax credit to improve affordability. The bill will also end the discriminatory insurance industry practices in the small group market of jacking up premiums by up to 200 percent because an employee gets sick or older, or because the business hired a woman. The Senate health reform bill will give a new measure of security to those with health insurance and extend this security to more than 30 million Americans who are currently uninsured. It will lower premiums, protect jobs and benefits, and help small businesses grow.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, working families are struggling to pay the costs of health care in this country. As the debate over health care reform progresses, we must keep in mind that Americans need and deserve quality, affordable health care. All too often families learn that the plan they could afford was not adequate when they needed it most. I recently heard from Cory and Erin in Lake Herman, SD. They shared the story of their daughter's birth and how they discovered the inadequacies of their seemingly affordable health insurance policy. When Cory and Erin's daughter Katarzyna was born in 2006, Cory was working as an English and math teacher. At the time, the family health insurance plan available to him through the school district cost nearly 50 percent of his monthly salary. Cory chose instead to buy a catastrophic, high-deductible policy on the individual market for just over 10 percent of his income. Cory and Erin were healthy adults and had no major medical issues until the birth of their daughter. Their insurance policy did not cover prenatal or maternity care. Wanting to be smart health care consumers, Cory and Erin shopped around for the best and most affordable hospital to welcome the birth of their first child and decided on their nearby community hospitial. However, when Katarzyna was born, she had a lung infection that required immediate action. Exhausted and worried for the health of their new baby girl, Cory and Erin had only moments to decide whether to airlift Katarzyna to a hospital with specialized care. At that moment, the last thing they could think about was the cost. Katarzyna spent 3 nights in the Natal Intensive Care Unit of one of the State's largest hospitals, where she received top-notch care and survived the near-fatal pneumonia. The total cost came to $24,000, of which Cory and Erin's high-deductible insurance policy covered only $12,000. For the next several months, the family faced not only the challenges of a new baby but significant debt and a drawn-out struggle with their insurance company. They found a mistake with nearly every bill they received. Since this experience, Cory and Erin have purchased a new policy but worry that the insurance they can afford is not adequate in the face of another unforeseen medical emergency. Like many Americans, Cory and Erin have health insurance. Despite their limited income, they took the responsibility to buy their own policy and tried to be smart health care consumers. Their experience, however, illustrates the vulnerability of Americans who purchase insurance on the individual market, as well as the limits to which it is possible for Americans to be informed health care consumers. The health care market does not function like other consumer markets. Ask your neighbor what a gallon of milk costs and they could tell you. Ask them how much it costs to have a baby and you would likely get a variety of answers, based entirely on their own experience with this important life event. The fact is the cost of having a baby depends. It depends on how much you pay for health insurance, what your insurance policy will cover and how much of that cost is your share. It depends on where you live, what complications may arise and whether the hospital nearby is equipped to handle an emergency. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will guarantee families access to affordable health insurance and coverage for essential benefits, including prenatal and maternity care. New health insurance exchanges in every State will provide a menu of quality, affordable health insurance plans for the self-employed and those who can't afford the coverage offered by their employer. Families who need assistance will be eligible for tax credits to make the plan of their choice affordable. Most importantly, families like Cory, Erin and Katarzyna's will have health insurance that covers life's essential needs. The birth of a child should not be a time to worry about what your health insurance will pay for or whether you can afford the treatment you need. Health care reform will give American families one less thing to worry about with the security of quality, affordable health care.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, as more American families struggle in the face of job loss and rising health care costs, the urgency with which the Senate health care debate must progress is clear. Americans feel a growing insecurity about the future of their family and the future of our country. The recent economic crisis demonstrated the interconnectedness of Wall Street and Main Street. It confirmed what we already knew: that the strength and stability of our economy is intimately tied to the welfare of working families and our ability to direct spending down a more sustainable path. In 2008, the United States spent $2.4 trillion on health care. By 2018, national health spending is expected to almost double, reaching $4.4 trillion and comprising 20 percent of our economy. If the growth of health care costs is not addressed, America's economy won't be able to keep up and more jobs will be lost, wages will drop, and health care benefits will be cut. In addition to the unsustainable growth of health care costs, further faults in our current health care system leave millions of Americans one illness or job loss away from losing their health care benefits. Guaranteed access to affordable and meaningful health benefits would provide Americans with the security they deserve. I recently heard from Brad and Joanne in Goodwin, SD. Brad is a cancer survivor and Joanne is a heart attack survivor. They had health insurance coverage at the time of their illnesses but still carry medical debt. After the economy forced the plant Joanne worked for to close in October 2008, she fell back on the health insurance coverage offered by Brad's employer. She relies on medication to manage her heart health and Brad requires regular checkups to make sure he stays cancer-free. In March of this year, the family hit hard times again when Brad's employer downsized and he was laid off. Today, Brad and Joanne are still unable to find work and their unemployment benefits are set to run out at the end of the year. Even if they could find an insurance policy that approved them for coverage despite their pre-existing conditions, the price of health insurance in the individual market is far beyond their reach. So Joanne pays entirely out-of-pocket for her pricey heart medication and Brad can't afford to visit his doctor as often as he should. They do not know what they will do in the event they suffer another medical emergency or if their unemployment benefits run out before they are able to secure a new job. Joanne and Brad's story illustrates the insecurity of many American families who are one job loss away from losing access to the health care they need. While South Dakota has been fortunate not to have as high of unemployment rate as other parts of the country, the economic crisis has put more and more South Dakotans on unsteady financial footing. It is estimated that over 88 percent of South Dakotans have health insurance. This too is an impressive figure compared with other states, but it does not paint the whole picture. Nearly 61 percent of South Dakotans either purchase health insurance in the individual market or have coverage through their employer. These families are at risk of losing their coverage for reasons out of their control, such as those experienced by Brad and Joanne. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will guarantee these families access to affordable health insurance through life's ups and downs. Insurers will be barred from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, discriminating based on gender or medical history, and will not be able to drop your coverage the moment you become ill and need costly treatment. New health insurance exchanges in every state will provide a menu of quality, affordable health insurance plans for the self-employed and those not offered coverage through their employer. Families who need assistance will be eligible for tax credits to make the plan of their choice affordable. These commonsense solutions will give every American one less thing to worry about when they get sick, change or lose their job. As we continue to work out the details of health care reform, let us keep in mind the American families who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of job loss and rising health care costs. When we think of them, the urgency of health care reform is clear. I suggest the absence of a quorum.