John Kerry

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Reserving the right to object----

Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I am not going to object to putting something important in, but I would like my colleague to stay for a moment because this is very important.

Mr. KERRY. I have objected to a statement being put in unless I have a chance to explain it.

Mr. KERRY. I thank my friend from Arizona because this is the way the Senate ought to work. I totally agree with what the Senator said. I want the Senator to know I agree with him. He is correct that the statement in FactCheck.org calls the Obama campaign to account for a misstatement about his proposal. I agree. It did that. It did not recommend a reduction in benefits. But that is not what I suggested that it did. What I am talking about is, the Senator said--and his staff insisted--he could get the savings for his reductions that would benefit Medicare from waste, fraud, and abuse from new treatment models, from expanding the use of information technology and that there is a complete similarity between what we are doing in order to achieve these savings and what he was doing. I am trying to point out the similarity, not the difference. I am not here to debate the campaign ad. I think it didn't accurately reflect the Senator's position. But do I believe, if you read the whole article, which is why I will not object to it being put in there, you will see it clearly says he is supportive of savings in Medicare, so you can do it without cutting benefits, which is exactly what we are doing. I yield the floor and thank my colleague for his courtesy.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, there are approximately 80,000 known chemicals in our environment that are potentially harmful. Many of those chemicals are not tested to determine if they are damaging to our health. This includes products Americans use every day such as household cleaners, cosmetics or personal care products. The increased rate of disorders affecting the human endocrine system is alarming. Children developing in the womb may be particularly vulnerable. We can see the effects in our environment. Some fish in our lakes and rivers are developing gender mutations. We know there may be connections between these effects and the chemicals around us and it is time to learn more about it. That is why I am proud to introduce the Endocrine Disruption Prevention Act. The Endocrine Disruption Prevention Act simply authorizes the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct a research program on chemicals that may pose a risk to our health. This will streamline research efforts so more useful and complete data will be available to Federal agencies with the responsibility of regulating chemicals. This bill allows agencies to fake action based on findings and to report to Congress with what actions were taken. This bill promotes action based on hard, scientific evidence. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, there are approximately 80,000 known chemicals in our environment that are potentially harmful. Many of those chemicals are not tested to determine if they are damaging to our health. This includes products Americans use every day such as household cleaners, cosmetics or personal care products. The increased rate of disorders affecting the human endocrine system is alarming. Children developing in the womb may be particularly vulnerable. We can see the effects in our environment. Some fish in our lakes and rivers are developing gender mutations. We know there may be connections between these effects and the chemicals around us and it is time to learn more about it. That is why I am proud to introduce the Endocrine Disruption Prevention Act. The Endocrine Disruption Prevention Act simply authorizes the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct a research program on chemicals that may pose a risk to our health. This will streamline research efforts so more useful and complete data will be available to Federal agencies with the responsibility of regulating chemicals. This bill allows agencies to fake action based on findings and to report to Congress with what actions were taken. This bill promotes action based on hard, scientific evidence. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I congratulate Don Dowd for his longtime public service to New England and to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For more than half a century Mr. Dowd has been a fixture in the culture, civic life, and politics of our region of the United States. I also congratulate one of the many organizations with which Mr. Dowd has been associated--Special Olympics Massachusetts, part of the international Special Olympics organized by Eunice Shriver in 1968. Special Olympics Massachusetts has just moved into a new state-of- the-art office and training center in Marlborough. The Yawkey Sports Training Center has training rooms, a gymnasium and outdoor soccer fields, all right in the heart of Massachusetts, less than a 90-minute drive from 90 percent of the population of the Commonwealth. Mr. Dowd has been one of the biggest and most active supporters of Special Olympics, a global force for understanding and change, involving 2.5 million athletes representing more than 140 countries. Special Olympics Massachusetts currently serves more than 10,000 athletes and involves 11,000 volunteers and 1,600 coaches. With its new training center, which opened this fall, Special Olympics Massachusetts hopes to expand the program to 20,000 athletes by 2010. Mr. Dowd began his public service career as the Assistant Regional Director of the U.S. Postal Service for the six New England States during the Presidency of John F. Kennedy. He was political adviser to Robert F. Kennedy's Presidential campaign in 1968. And he was an aide and close friend to Senator Edward M. Kennedy throughout Ted's entire 47-year career in the Senate. Mr. Dowd coordinated the 1979 opening of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and has served as a member of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Board since its inception. Mr. Dowd continues to do consulting work since his retirement from his regional executive position with the Coca-Cola Company. He is a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA, and as such once played a little known role in getting Ted Kennedy to make a cameo appearance in a video production. Twentieth Century Fox had invited every town named Springfield to enter videos to make the case that their town should be the Springfield in ``The Simpsons'' animated movie and television program, and it was no secret that the mayor in the Simpsons cartoon was a spoof on Ted. Mr. President, I thank Mr. Dowd for his service and dedication to our region and our country. And I congratulate Special Olympics Massachusetts on their new facilities and express my appreciation for all it contributes to the physical, social, and psychological development of people with intellectual disabilities.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I speak in opposition to amendment No. 2785 to the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. This amendment, offered by Senator Coburn, would cut funding for international organizations, including U.S contributions to NATO and the United Nations. This would gravely undermine our vital national security interests at a critical time. We all strongly support strengthening medical care for our Nation's veterans, but Senator Coburn's amendment sets up a completely artificial choice between protecting the health of America's veterans and ensuring that our Nation meets its national security objectives and international obligations. To be clear, this amendment would cut funding from the contributions to international organizations account, which provides the assessed dues to the U.N. and NATO, APEC, OAS, OECD, and the OPCW, as well as take funding from the contributions to international peacekeeping operations account. That is why I will oppose this amendment, for several critical reasons: First, we obviously need as much support as we can get from our NATO allies for our joint mission in Afghanistan. We cannot, and should not, carry this burden alone and how can we ask NATO to do more while we are at the same time cutting our NATO contributions? This would seriously undermine our standing with NATO and with our NATO allies at a time when we can least afford it. We simply cannot allow that to happen. Several other international organizations are also threatened by this amendment. Funding for the Organization of American States, which addresses threats to hemispheric security, from terrorism to narcotics, would be cut. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which promotes economic growth in 30 member states and more than 70 other countries, would lose funding. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, which promotes trade, security, and economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and which the United States will host in 2011, would also be cut. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which ensures worldwide implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as the World Trade Organization, which provides the stable framework for international trade that is so critical to the United States, would suffer funding cuts. Second, our United Nations contributions fund a wide range of U.N. activities in support of key United States foreign policy priorities. U.N. organizations are monitoring nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. We need the best information possible about the nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, and the last thing we need to be doing is cutting funding for the very organization that is doing on the ground monitoring. The U.N. is also providing vital assistance for the upcoming elections in Iraq, which will be critical to the future of democracy there. U.N. food and agriculture agencies are compiling forecasts of global agricultural production, identifying areas of likely famine and severe hunger, and facilitating emergency food assistance. U.N. health agencies are on the frontlines of detecting outbreaks of avian flu and H1N1 and defending against a world pandemic. In addition, we work through U.N. organizations to protect a range of U.S. interests, from the intellectual property rights of American entrepreneurs to coordinating international aviation safety standards. Third, passage of this amendment would directly threaten ongoing peacekeeping operations in nations essential to America's national security interests. There are now over 115,000 peacekeepers the second largest deployed military in the world serving in 17 missions in some of the most dangerous corners of the world. These U.N. peacekeeping operations are working to preserve peace and stability in fragile countries with grave humanitarian situations, including Darfur, Liberia, Lebanon, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. U.N. peacekeeping is eight times less expensive than funding a U.S. force, according to the Government Accountability Office, and these peacekeeping operations help shoulder the burden with our military. U.N. peacekeeping missions also help end brutal conflicts, support stability, the transition to democratization, and bring relief for hundreds of millions of people. And if not for U.N. peacekeeping missions, some of these conflicts could require the presence of U.S. soldiers. Haiti is a good example. The U.N. force in Haiti has dramatically reduced the number of kidnappings that plague the nation and helped deliver food and medicine, clean streets, and maintain security after several successive tropical storms devastated the country. The mission in Haiti is in the midst of a successful transition from keeping the peace to enhancing security for the people of that country. In the 1990s, Florida faced wave after wave of illegal Haitians trying to escape from the failed state. Should this mission be abandoned? Should we abandon the people of Darfur? Fourth, the President has stated his commitment to paying U.S. dues to international organizations in full. As Ambassador Rice has said, we must meet our obligations. As we call upon others to help reform and strengthen the U.N., the United States must do its part and pay its bills. Our dues to the United Nations and other international organizations are treaty obligations. The full payment of assessed contributions affects the standing and influence that the U.S. has at these organizations. Going into arrears undermines U.S. credibility and negatively influences world opinion regarding U.S. respect and appreciation for the role of multilateral organizations that support and advance U.S. foreign policy. We all want our veterans and their families to receive the best care possible--they have earned it many times over--but this amendment presents us a false choice between caring for our veterans and protecting our global interests: we must do both. It is for these reasons I oppose Senator Coburn's amendment and urge fellow Members to oppose the amendment as well.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Record on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as we move forward in modernizing our health care system, we must not forget the small businesses that simply cannot afford the upfront costs of installing new health information technology. That is why today I am introducing the Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act. This bill will amend the Small Busis Act to allow the administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee up to 90 percent of the amount of a loan to small business health professionals to be used for the purchase and installation of health information technology. The loans can be used for computer hardware, software and other technology that will assist in the use of electronic health records and prescriptions. A modernized health system using electronic prescribing and electronic health records will help improve patient care while reducing costs. Electronic prescribing not only saves money through improved efficiency, but more importantly, it reduces medical errors and saves lives. According to the Institute of Medicine, 1/3 of written prescriptions require follow-up clarification, with medication mistakes causing 7,000 deaths and 1.5 million injuries per year. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act that was enacted into law in July 2008 included provisions from my electronic prescribing bill, providing incentive payments for medical professionals using electronic prescribing. Now we must take an additional step to make health IT accessible to small providers so they can afford to implement new technology such as e-prescribing and electronic health records. Small businesses employ more than half of all private sector employees and have generated 64 percent of net new jobs in the past 15 years. Access to capital for small health providers not only benefits patients but also boosts small businesses in the medical field. Helping small businesses grow and succeed is critical as we look to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It is my hope that we can move forward with this bill in a bi- partisan manner. I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, each year an estimated 2,550 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with an inborn error of metabolism disorder. For the rest of their lives they will need modified foods that are void of the nutrients their body is incapable of processing. They may also require supplementation with pharmacological doses of vitamins and amino acids. The good news is that with treatment they can lead normal, productive lives. But without these foods and supplements, patients can become severely brain-damaged and hospitalized. Newborn screening has made a tremendous difference in the early diagnosis of metabolic disorders, but affordable and accessible treatment options remain out of reach for too many Americans. Medical foods and supplements which are necessary for treatment may not be covered by insurance policies and can be prohibitively expensive for many families. For those with a metabolic disorder, medical foods are critical in treatment, just as other conditions are treated with pills or injections. The sporadic insurance coverage of treatment has already been recognized as a problem. Over 30 States have enacted laws to enforce coverage of medical foods, but too many loopholes Thmain and federal legislation is necessary to ensure that these individuals receive what they need to stay well. The Medical Foods Equity Act follows the April 2009 recommendations of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. It will ensure coverage of medical foods and necessary supplements for individuals with disorders as recommended by the Advisory Committee and, most importantly, peace of mind for those families affected by inborn errors of metabolism. The lack of medical food coverage available to families has a significant impact on their lives. With the current situation of varying regulations between States and insurance providers, even families with coverage find themselves living in fear that a change in insurance provider will lead to reduced or nonexistent coverage. Too many Americans across the country are struggling to access the treatment they need for this type of disorder. Take the story of Donna from Wilmington, MA. Donna has two daughters with phenylketonuria and she speaks eloquently about the frustration she experienced after her employer switched insurance plans. Because medical foods are not listed along with other necessary medicines, Donna was forced to navigate a long list mostly made up of durable medical equipment providers unequipped to help her. Even when she finally found a pharmacy that could order the formula, she was told that they required an upfront payment because they were wary of not being reimbursed by insurance companies. In Donna's own words, she was dismayed at ``having that feeling like you're being held hostage every time a change may occur in your insurance or carrier.'' Donna's story sharply illustrates the potential pitfalls even for those with insurance that offers some coverage. Too many families face a lack of coverage altogether. Take the case of Gwen of Waltham, Massachusetts. Her son Austen was 36 hours old when his heart stopped for over 20 minutes. Thankfully, he was stabilized but one doctor gave him only 6 months to live. A second opinion brought hope for Austen's family and a diagnosis of Glutaric Acidemia Type Two. Glutaric Acidemia Type Two is an inborn error of metabolism managed almost exclusively through diet. Because of the disorder, Austen cannot metabolize much fat or protein. He relies on supplements and specialty foods. MassHealth, Medicaid, covers most of the supplements but not the foods. Gwen pays for his food out of pocket, a significant strain on the family budget at a time when many families can least afford it. That strain is coupled with fears of job security and thoughts of what would happen if she could not pay for Austen's medical foods. No parent should have to see their child recover from a life-threatening trauma only to spend every day worrying about payment for their medical treatment--a treatment just as necessary as insulin for a diabetic or chemotherapy for a cancer patient. As newborn screening and medical advances continue to improve the ability of those born with an inborn error of metabolism to lead full, healthy lives, we must make sure that the necessary treatments are available. The Medical Foods Equity Act will close existing loopholes in coverage and provide the parity in coverage these families deserve. It is my hope that we can move forward with this bill in a bi-partisan manner. I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, each year an estimated 2,550 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with an inborn error of metabolism disorder. For the rest of their lives they will need modified foods that are void of the nutrients their body is incapable of processing. They may also require supplementation with pharmacological doses of vitamins and amino acids. The good news is that with treatment they can lead normal, productive lives. But without these foods and supplements, patients can become severely brain-damaged and hospitalized. Newborn screening has made a tremendous difference in the early diagnosis of metabolic disorders, but affordable and accessible treatment options remain out of reach for too many Americans. Medical foods and supplements which are necessary for treatment may not be covered by insurance policies and can be prohibitively expensive for many families. For those with a metabolic disorder, medical foods are critical in treatment, just as other conditions are treated with pills or injections. The sporadic insurance coverage of treatment has already been recognized as a problem. Over 30 States have enacted laws to enforce coverage of medical foods, but too many loopholes Thmain and federal legislation is necessary to ensure that these individuals receive what they need to stay well. The Medical Foods Equity Act follows the April 2009 recommendations of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. It will ensure coverage of medical foods and necessary supplements for individuals with disorders as recommended by the Advisory Committee and, most importantly, peace of mind for those families affected by inborn errors of metabolism. The lack of medical food coverage available to families has a significant impact on their lives. With the current situation of varying regulations between States and insurance providers, even families with coverage find themselves living in fear that a change in insurance provider will lead to reduced or nonexistent coverage. Too many Americans across the country are struggling to access the treatment they need for this type of disorder. Take the story of Donna from Wilmington, MA. Donna has two daughters with phenylketonuria and she speaks eloquently about the frustration she experienced after her employer switched insurance plans. Because medical foods are not listed along with other necessary medicines, Donna was forced to navigate a long list mostly made up of durable medical equipment providers unequipped to help her. Even when she finally found a pharmacy that could order the formula, she was told that they required an upfront payment because they were wary of not being reimbursed by insurance companies. In Donna's own words, she was dismayed at ``having that feeling like you're being held hostage every time a change may occur in your insurance or carrier.'' Donna's story sharply illustrates the potential pitfalls even for those with insurance that offers some coverage. Too many families face a lack of coverage altogether. Take the case of Gwen of Waltham, Massachusetts. Her son Austen was 36 hours old when his heart stopped for over 20 minutes. Thankfully, he was stabilized but one doctor gave him only 6 months to live. A second opinion brought hope for Austen's family and a diagnosis of Glutaric Acidemia Type Two. Glutaric Acidemia Type Two is an inborn error of metabolism managed almost exclusively through diet. Because of the disorder, Austen cannot metabolize much fat or protein. He relies on supplements and specialty foods. MassHealth, Medicaid, covers most of the supplements but not the foods. Gwen pays for his food out of pocket, a significant strain on the family budget at a time when many families can least afford it. That strain is coupled with fears of job security and thoughts of what would happen if she could not pay for Austen's medical foods. No parent should have to see their child recover from a life-threatening trauma only to spend every day worrying about payment for their medical treatment--a treatment just as necessary as insulin for a diabetic or chemotherapy for a cancer patient. As newborn screening and medical advances continue to improve the ability of those born with an inborn error of metabolism to lead full, healthy lives, we must make sure that the necessary treatments are available. The Medical Foods Equity Act will close existing loopholes in coverage and provide the parity in coverage these families deserve. It is my hope that we can move forward with this bill in a bi-partisan manner. I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as we move forward in modernizing our health care system, we must not forget the small businesses that simply cannot afford the upfront costs of installing new health information technology. That is why today I am introducing the Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act. This bill will amend the Small Busis Act to allow the administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee up to 90 percent of the amount of a loan to small business health professionals to be used for the purchase and installation of health information technology. The loans can be used for computer hardware, software and other technology that will assist in the use of electronic health records and prescriptions. A modernized health system using electronic prescribing and electronic health records will help improve patient care while reducing costs. Electronic prescribing not only saves money through improved efficiency, but more importantly, it reduces medical errors and saves lives. According to the Institute of Medicine, 1/3 of written prescriptions require follow-up clarification, with medication mistakes causing 7,000 deaths and 1.5 million injuries per year. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act that was enacted into law in July 2008 included provisions from my electronic prescribing bill, providing incentive payments for medical professionals using electronic prescribing. Now we must take an additional step to make health IT accessible to small providers so they can afford to implement new technology such as e-prescribing and electronic health records. Small businesses employ more than half of all private sector employees and have generated 64 percent of net new jobs in the past 15 years. Access to capital for small health providers not only benefits patients but also boosts small businesses in the medical field. Helping small businesses grow and succeed is critical as we look to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It is my hope that we can move forward with this bill in a bi- partisan manner. I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I was necessarily absent for the vote on the confirmation of Andre Davis to the Fourth Circuit. If I were able to attend today's session, I would have voted for his confirmation.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I was necessarily absent for the vote on the confirmation of Charlene Edwards Honeywell to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. If I were able to attend today's session, I would have voted for her confirmation.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Small Business and Military Families Assistance Act which provides an extension of a provision included in the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax, HEART, Act of 2008 which passed last Congress. Senator Lincoln is a cosponsor. The HEART Act has been referred to as the ``thank you bill'' and that is very appropriate. The purpose of the HEART Act was to provide military families with well deserved tax relief. As we approach Veterans Day, I believe that it is appropriate to extend the tax credit for small employers of reservists called to active duty. The best definition of patriotism is keeping faith with those who serve our country. That means giving our troops the resources they need to keep them safe while they are protecting us. It means supporting our troops at home as well as abroad. Currently, there are over 120,000 military personnel serving in Iraq. There are approximately 68,000 U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Many of these men and women are reservists and have been called to active duty, frequently for multiple tours. Most large businesses have the resources to provide supplemental income to reservist employees called up. I applaud the businesses that have been able to pay supplemental income to their reservists, but it is not easy for small businesses to do the same. In January 2007, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing on veterans' small business issues. A majority of our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are Reserve and National Guard members--35 percent of whom are either self-employed or own or are employed by a small business. We heard some disturbing statistics about the impact and unintended consequences the call up of reservists is having on small businesses. According to a January 2007 survey conducted by Workforce Management, 54 percent of the businesses surveyed responded that they would not hire a citizen soldier if they knew that they could be called up for an indeterminate amount of time. I am concerned that long call ups and redeployments have made it hard for small businesses to be supportive of civilian soldiers. The HEART Act provides a tax credit to small businesses to assist with the cost of paying the salary of their reservist employees when they are called to active duty. This tax credit provides an incentive for small employers to eliminate any pay gap between civilian and military pay. The provision provides small businesses with less than 50 employees with a tax credit of 20 percent of the differential pay. The maximum credit is $4,000. The credit is for amounts paid for before January 1, 2010. My legislation would extend this provision for an additional year. While our reservists are continuing to serve, we should continue to provide assistance. Now is not the time to end this credit which helps small business do the right thing. During these difficult economic times, it is a struggle for small business to pay their employees who are a called up a wage differential. Our service men and women need to know that we are honoring their service. An extension of the small business credit will help our military families with some of their financial burdens. It cannot repay the sacrifices they have made for us, but it is a small way we can support our troops and their families.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Small Business and Military Families Assistance Act which provides an extension of a provision included in the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax, HEART, Act of 2008 which passed last Congress. Senator Lincoln is a cosponsor. The HEART Act has been referred to as the ``thank you bill'' and that is very appropriate. The purpose of the HEART Act was to provide military families with well deserved tax relief. As we approach Veterans Day, I believe that it is appropriate to extend the tax credit for small employers of reservists called to active duty. The best definition of patriotism is keeping faith with those who serve our country. That means giving our troops the resources they need to keep them safe while they are protecting us. It means supporting our troops at home as well as abroad. Currently, there are over 120,000 military personnel serving in Iraq. There are approximately 68,000 U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Many of these men and women are reservists and have been called to active duty, frequently for multiple tours. Most large businesses have the resources to provide supplemental income to reservist employees called up. I applaud the businesses that have been able to pay supplemental income to their reservists, but it is not easy for small businesses to do the same. In January 2007, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing on veterans' small business issues. A majority of our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are Reserve and National Guard members--35 percent of whom are either self-employed or own or are employed by a small business. We heard some disturbing statistics about the impact and unintended consequences the call up of reservists is having on small businesses. According to a January 2007 survey conducted by Workforce Management, 54 percent of the businesses surveyed responded that they would not hire a citizen soldier if they knew that they could be called up for an indeterminate amount of time. I am concerned that long call ups and redeployments have made it hard for small businesses to be supportive of civilian soldiers. The HEART Act provides a tax credit to small businesses to assist with the cost of paying the salary of their reservist employees when they are called to active duty. This tax credit provides an incentive for small employers to eliminate any pay gap between civilian and military pay. The provision provides small businesses with less than 50 employees with a tax credit of 20 percent of the differential pay. The maximum credit is $4,000. The credit is for amounts paid for before January 1, 2010. My legislation would extend this provision for an additional year. While our reservists are continuing to serve, we should continue to provide assistance. Now is not the time to end this credit which helps small business do the right thing. During these difficult economic times, it is a struggle for small business to pay their employees who are a called up a wage differential. Our service men and women need to know that we are honoring their service. An extension of the small business credit will help our military families with some of their financial burdens. It cannot repay the sacrifices they have made for us, but it is a small way we can support our troops and their families.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, during his long illness, the Senate missed Ted Kennedy and Ted Kennedy missed the Senate. But Ted was especially missed by a young Senate page with whom he had a special connection-- his nephew, Jack Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy's son. Jack worked as a page over the summer months, and I got to know him. When he wasn't busy with his page duties in the cloakroom and on the Senate floor, we talked about the lessons he had learned from his uncle. Ted was thrilled that Jack was walking the same corridors where his Uncle Bobby and his grandfather, John F. Kennedy, had once served. When young Jack returned to school this fall, he had a chance to reflect on all that had happened during his summer in Washington, but mostly he thought about his Uncle Teddy. He wrote about it in an essay he titled ``EMK.'' Jack shared his essay with me, and I would like to share it with the Congress, because it reflects not only what a tower of strength Teddy was to his family, but also the extraordinary qualities of Ted's loving nephew, Jack Schlossberg. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Jack's essay be printed in the Record, and I recommend that it be read by all who knew Ted, all who called him their friend, all who benefited from his extraordinary career in the U.S. Senate:

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as we explore ways to help the working families in America, we should not forget the many working parents who face difficulty finding quality, affordable child care. Approximately 6 out of 10 children are cared for by someone other than their parents on a regular basis. And far too many children are left home alone before they are ready. Across America, more households than ever are struggling to make ends meet, while providing safe, nurturing environments for their children to grow up in. For many, child care is not a choice, but a necessity. We owe it to America's families to increase the availability of quality child care. I believe one way to support this goal is to expand financing options for non-profit child care centers. That is why I am reintroducing the Child Care Lending Pilot Act, which establishes a three-year pilot program enabling small, non-profit child care businesses to be eligible for the SBA's 504 loans. Under current law, for-profit child care small businesses have access to these loans to finance facility expansions and building repairs but non-profit centers are shut out. Since the majority of child care centers in many states are non-profit, this exclusion blocks needed resources from the facilities serving the majority of our families. The Child Care Lending Pilot Act addresses this problem and allows the centers to better serve the children they care for. With low, predictable monthly payments, these non-profit centers can improve their buildings and materials without breaking the bank or raising fees. This industry is not one with high-earnings overall, so access to capital is particularly difficult. Balancing the needs of maintaining a qualified staff while providing care that families can afford is difficult at best. Calling for reductions in operating costs can result in decreased safety and quality in the children's environment that should be structured to foster their learning and development. The cost of child care--ranging anywhere from around $4,000 to over $15,000 a year--is highly prohibitive for many families and limited options only exacerbate this problem. Not only is child care extremely expensive, but there are simply not enough spaces. Nearly 14.5 million children under the ages 6 years old have working parents and need child care. But there are only an estimated 10.8 million legally-operating spaces for both young and school-aged children. Non-profit child care centers are a resource for America's working families and deserve the same opportunities for-profit centers have with access to SBA's 504 loans. This is one clear step forward that we can take to help solve this problem and invest in our children. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as we explore ways to help the working families in America, we should not forget the many working parents who face difficulty finding quality, affordable child care. Approximately 6 out of 10 children are cared for by someone other than their parents on a regular basis. And far too many children are left home alone before they are ready. Across America, more households than ever are struggling to make ends meet, while providing safe, nurturing environments for their children to grow up in. For many, child care is not a choice, but a necessity. We owe it to America's families to increase the availability of quality child care. I believe one way to support this goal is to expand financing options for non-profit child care centers. That is why I am reintroducing the Child Care Lending Pilot Act, which establishes a three-year pilot program enabling small, non-profit child care businesses to be eligible for the SBA's 504 loans. Under current law, for-profit child care small businesses have access to these loans to finance facility expansions and building repairs but non-profit centers are shut out. Since the majority of child care centers in many states are non-profit, this exclusion blocks needed resources from the facilities serving the majority of our families. The Child Care Lending Pilot Act addresses this problem and allows the centers to better serve the children they care for. With low, predictable monthly payments, these non-profit centers can improve their buildings and materials without breaking the bank or raising fees. This industry is not one with high-earnings overall, so access to capital is particularly difficult. Balancing the needs of maintaining a qualified staff while providing care that families can afford is difficult at best. Calling for reductions in operating costs can result in decreased safety and quality in the children's environment that should be structured to foster their learning and development. The cost of child care--ranging anywhere from around $4,000 to over $15,000 a year--is highly prohibitive for many families and limited options only exacerbate this problem. Not only is child care extremely expensive, but there are simply not enough spaces. Nearly 14.5 million children under the ages 6 years old have working parents and need child care. But there are only an estimated 10.8 million legally-operating spaces for both young and school-aged children. Non-profit child care centers are a resource for America's working families and deserve the same opportunities for-profit centers have with access to SBA's 504 loans. This is one clear step forward that we can take to help solve this problem and invest in our children. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I congratulate my colleague from Massachusetts, who has made his first comments on the floor of the Senate, what is traditionally called a maiden speech, and what for many years a speech that often took months, if not, in some cases, years for a Senator to make. The times have changed and, indeed, the issues have changed. Now Senators, by custom, address the floor much before that kind of time period has elapsed. Let me say I am glad that is the custom, and I am glad my colleague, Paul Kirk, is here to share in his ability to be able to present his values and the values of Ted Kennedy and Massachusetts to the Senate, with respect to the issue he talked about today. I cannot say that for many of us who sat here and listened to this, as we looked across the Senate at this desk, that there still is not an adjustment as we look there and do not see our friend Ted Kennedy but see, instead, the person who has been chosen to follow in his footsteps. I know Ted Kennedy would be both enormously proud and enormously pleased that Paul Kirk spoke the way he did today and chose to speak as he did about health care. Paul Kirk was in the Senate working for Ted Kennedy in 1969, when Ted Kennedy first took up the great cause of health care. It was no accident that he came to be here working for Ted Kennedy, though it was somewhat of an effort because Paul had chosen to work in the Presidential campaign of Robert Kennedy. When Robert Kennedy was assassinated, Paul felt there was not a place in politics for him, and so he stepped back for a moment. It took Ted Kennedy a considerable amount of personal persuasion and effort to give him a sense that working in the Senate, working with him was the best way to try to carry on. That was the beginning of an extraordinary working partnership. I think Paul worked with Ted Kennedy until about 1977 or so in the Senate, but he never stopped working with him as both a friend and an adviser. He went on to become the founder of the Presidential Debate Commission. He chaired the Democratic National Committee. He has chaired the Kennedy Library, and now he comes to us as an extraordinarily appropriate replacement, to the degree there can ever be a replacement--we all understand the difficulties of that--for our friend Ted Kennedy. I thank him for his words today. I thank him for his willingness to come and serve at a difficult time. I thank him for being willing to go through all the gyrations one has to go through to meet the standards of the Ethics Committee of the Senate to serve just, knowingly, for 4\1/2\ months. That is a great statement both about his feelings about being chosen to fill the seat he fills but also about his commitment to public service. I thank my colleague for his comments about health care. He is absolutely correct; we are on the cusp of a historic choice in this country, and I think it is more than fitting that Paul Kirk, who knows Ted Kennedy's staff, who had such a close relationship with him, who shares his values so intensely, is here to be part of this vote. He is absolutely correct. While he is the 60th vote, it may change some of our ability to move or not move, the thought he expressed about our desire to have all Senators join in this historic moment and weigh in, in a way that permits more of them to take part is exactly what the Senate is about. I close by saying, as I looked across at Paul, I thought about this transitional moment, of his first speaking and following in the footsteps of Ted Kennedy from that seat and that desk. It reminds all of us that we all come and we go here. It gives us a sense of the timelessness, if you will, of this institution. It reminds us that while we do change and we come and go, this institution is here, the Congress is here, the country is here, the demands of the people are here, and good people keep coming here to try to meet those demands and live out the best values for our Nation. I congratulate my colleague for representing Massachusetts so effectively, for keeping faith with Ted Kennedy and this institution, and helping to remind us of the importance of the work ahead of us in the days ahead. I yield the floor.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, our country's small businesses continue to struggle with access to credit and capital for maintaining and growing their businesses. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and a key factor in addressing unemployment. They employ more than half of all private sector employees and have generated approximately 64 percent of the net new jobs over the past 15 years. We should be doing more to aid small businesses so they can not only stay on their feet but also flourish to their full potential. That is why I am reintroducing the Small Business Venture Capital Act, which reauthorizes the New Markets Venture Capital Program and promotes geographic equity so businesses across the country may benefit from the program. This program addresses the market gap in venture capital for companies located in low- and moderate-income, rural, and urban areas--i.e., high unemployment areas--as well as the need for smaller deals that neither traditional venture funds nor the SBIC Program will make. It has proven successful so far, and we need more community development venture capital to create sustainable, high- quality, local jobs. Without this Government partnership, these investments are not going to be done. Particularly at a time when our economy is pressured and hurting, when we need to create jobs, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. Last Congress, this bill came out of the Small Business Committee in a totally bipartisan fashion and it is my hope that this time we complete the process.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, our country's small businesses continue to struggle with access to credit and capital for maintaining and growing their businesses. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and a key factor in addressing unemployment. They employ more than half of all private sector employees and have generated approximately 64 percent of the net new jobs over the past 15 years. We should be doing more to aid small businesses so they can not only stay on their feet but also flourish to their full potential. That is why I am reintroducing the Small Business Venture Capital Act, which reauthorizes the New Markets Venture Capital Program and promotes geographic equity so businesses across the country may benefit from the program. This program addresses the market gap in venture capital for companies located in low- and moderate-income, rural, and urban areas--i.e., high unemployment areas--as well as the need for smaller deals that neither traditional venture funds nor the SBIC Program will make. It has proven successful so far, and we need more community development venture capital to create sustainable, high- quality, local jobs. Without this Government partnership, these investments are not going to be done. Particularly at a time when our economy is pressured and hurting, when we need to create jobs, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. Last Congress, this bill came out of the Small Business Committee in a totally bipartisan fashion and it is my hope that this time we complete the process.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for the vote on the conference report to accompany Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010, H.R. 2892. If I were able to attend today's session, I would have voted yes on the conference report.

Mr. KERRY

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for the vote on the conference report to accompany Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, H.R. 3183. If I were able to attend today's session, I would have voted yes on the conference report.