Herb Kohl

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I speak today in support of the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act, S. 1577. This bill takes needed, practical steps to protect seniors in nursing homes and other settings wherever long-term care services are delivered. The background check procedures used by most States today are inadequate to keep out thousands of criminals, who can and do take advantage of loopholes and gaps in State systems. This results in needless tragedies and terrible harm to seniors. As chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, I have read and heard about too many of these stories. One young woman, Jennifer Coldren, testified earlier this year that her 90-year-old grandmother was brutally assaulted by a predator who had a criminal record that went unnoticed. If a more comprehensive background check had been done on this individual, he would not have been working in this nursing facility, and the course of Jennifer's life and her grandmother's life would not have been so horribly altered. It is past time for the Federal Government to take the lead in asking States to improve their screening processes. To do so, States must improve their infrastructure. They must connect and coordinate their State registries, such as those established for sex offenders and child abusers. They must screen all long-term care workers, including those who work in private homes. They must require State police checks and checks against the FBI's national criminal history database. We know that States will take these steps to improve their background check procedures if Congress incentivizes them to do so. Seven States did exactly that after we provided them with modest grants under a pilot program enacted as part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The dollar amounts required to get these States to expand and improve their systems were modest, ranging from about $1.5 million to $3 million per State. The results have been extremely impressive. At the close of the pilot program, more than 9,000 applications had been disqualified--because a comprehensive check showed that the applicant had a serious criminal history or a record of substantiated abuse. As a result, thousands of individuals who could have harmed our parents, grandparents, and loved ones have not been allowed to do so. And all seniors in these States who are receiving long-term care services--in Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin are now safer. We have a responsibility to build on this record of resounding success. If we help States to take these steps I have outlined, we can reduce the terrible toll of elder abuse. If we do nothing, experts tell us abuse rates will continue to rise. I am pleased to have Senator Domenici as a partner and many of my colleagues as cosponsors, including Senator Lincoln of Arkansas and Senator Cochran of Mississippi. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Baucus and Senator Grassley, the cost of this bill--$100 million over 3 years--is fully offset. With regard to all other Senators, the only offices that have expressed concerns are those of Senator Coburn of Oklahoma and Senator DeMint of South Carolina. I appreciate the willingness of their staffs to meet with my staff and trust that they will be able to reach agreement shortly. In closing, the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act has made substantial progress during the 110th Congress. It is strongly endorsed by attorneys general across the country, by the business community, labor unions, and elder justice advocates. It has been thoroughly discussed in public hearings and also during a markup in the Senate Finance Committee, where it was unanimously approved. The administration has provided technical assistance on the bill. I hope that all Senators will recognize the wisdom of approving this measure. Failing to take action to protect our Nation's frailest citizens should be unacceptable to all of us.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise to briefly discuss the economic stabilization bill which the Senate passed and is sending to the President. This economic crisis has been building over the past decade, fueled by risky investments, deregulation, and human nature. It is hard to pinpoint the exact reason for our current financial situation; instead it is a tangled mess involving large investment banks and individual homeowners. Homebuyers over extended themselves, mortgage lenders offered more complicated and exotic loans and the government sponsored enterprises and investment firms purchased bundled mortgages without fully understanding the value of what they were purchasing. Homeowners are losing their homes, communities are losing tax revenue as foreclosures rise, banks are rapidly losing money, and our credit markets are freezing up. Wall Street and Main Street have been tied together, and the Federal Government is being forced to intervene to help our economy and communities get back on track. The provisions of this bailout are intended to restore liquidity and confidence in our financial markets, provide relief for troubled homeowners, hold Wall Street executives accountable, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being protected. The legislation creates the Troubled Asset Relief Program in the Treasury Department, which will allow the government to purchase impaired assets from financial institutions, restructure or modify, then resell for a profit. The Treasury Department is authorized to use $250 billion immediately and upon written request from the President, can use up to $700 billion to maintain TARP. One significant improvement from the administration's original plan is the creation of an oversight board over the newly created program. The board will make recommendations to the Treasury Department and also hold the Department to the principals and guidelines laid out in the bill. Additionally, the Federal Government is enabled to acquire stocks in the financial institutions which participate in the program, allowing the government to recoup some of the lost money and benefit from any future profits from the institution. One particular area of concern I have, and I share with many of my colleagues, is how Wall Street executives acted irresponsibly and allowed greed to control the management of their companies. In most companies, managers and executives are held accountable for its performance; however, on Wall Street, management, was given large bonuses and compensation, as their companies lost money or even failed. Those same executives who put our entire economic stability at risk, who have asked us for help, complained when Congress decided they needed to be held accountable for their actions. I am pleased to say that Congress ignored their objections and included limitations on executive compensation for those firms which sell their troubled assets to the Federal Government. However, I would still like those who have been most involved in this crisis on Wall Street explain to the public what role they played in this mess. This is not an easy vote for any legislator. There are provisions in the bill which I believe could have been written stronger and some other ideas which should have been included. I believe that we should have included additional financial regulations to restore the public's confidence in Wall Street and make sure this never happens again. I am also disappointed that this bill does not address the root of the crisis and do more to directly help homeowners facing foreclosure. This bill also puts too much power in the hands of one man the Secretary of Treasury. Nevertheless, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Given the urgency and magnitude of this matter, I voted in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I know none of my colleagues is happy that today the Senate was forced to pass a continuing resolution. Continuing resolutions are a sign that we failed to get our work done in a timely manner. As a result, many departments will be frozen at last year's funding levels and unable to begin new initiatives until next spring. Congress was able to complete 3 of the 12 appropriations bills, however, and those bills are the vehicle for the continuing resolution before us. I am pleased that Congress was able to come together and move the legislation most critical to our national defense including the Defense, Military Construction, and Homeland Security appropriations bills. Unfortunately, one of the bills that is left behind is the Agriculture appropriations bill, the bill I have responsibility for. However, there are parts of the CR that deal with the Agriculture Department, and I think it is important to spend a few moments going over the details within my jurisdiction as chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations. My staff worked diligently with their House counterparts to find a responsible way to move forward under difficult circumstances. The continuing resolution includes an addition of $150 million for the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has enormous responsibilities and I have consistently been pressing for more rigorous work on food safety. These additional funds will contribute to that effort. The continuing resolution also includes resources to aid recovery from recent hurricanes and flooding in the Midwest. An additional $100 million is provided for the Emergency Watershed Program. The Emergency Conservation Program is slated for an increase of $115 million. Both of these programs provide basic, essential support for storm cleanup. The continuing resolution also includes substantial resources--$188 million for Rural Development. $38 million of these funds are specifically set aside to continue recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The balance of $150 million is aimed at aiding recovery from natural disasters that occurred in 2008. They will augment efforts to maintain rural housing for low income and elderly Americans affected by these disasters. Without them, many needy Americans face very grim housing circumstances. The funds will also help restore community facilities, rural utilities and small businesses. The CR also address some other priorities of mine. I am pleased that this continuing resolution includes an addition of $2.5 billion for the Pell Grant program, which is the largest grant program available to help low-income families afford the rising cost of a college degree. Pell grants are critical to ensure that all Americans can pursue a higher education, and during these tough economic times, such grants have become even more important to families. With college students seeking financial aid in record numbers, the Department of Education recently announced that the Pell Grant program could face a shortfall of nearly $6 billion next year if more federal funds are not made available. The additional funds provided in this bill are a crucial first step toward ensuring the continued sustainability of the Pell Grant program, and I am glad to see that this Congress continues to make college affordability a top priority. The continuing resolution also includes low-interest loans for U.S. automakers. These loans will provide needed financing to allow GM, Ford and Chrysler to retool their factories to produce fuel efficient cars and trucks. In June of this year, GM announced it was closing its Janesville, Wisconsin, plant because demand for the SUVs built there was down. With these low-interest loans on the way, I am hopeful that GM retools the Janesville plant. With a highly skilled workforce, the Janesville plant stands ready to meet consumer demands for fuel efficient vehicles that will keep good paying jobs in Wisconsin and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Passing a continuing resolution instead of finishing our work is never something to be proud of, but this CR makes the best of a bad situation. I look forward to finishing the appropriations bills next year and putting our government on a more sustainable funding path.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business for approximately 6 minutes.

Mr. KOHL. Thank you, Madam President.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate recess until 5:30, following the remarks of Senator Coburn.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I am going to yield the floor, but before I do, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 964, S. 3325; that the committee amendments be withdrawn, a Leahy substitute amendment which is at the desk be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, today we are facing a historic economic crisis. We have been told by the Secretary of Treasury and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve that we stand on the edge of a financial cliff and that we are looking down on a potential disaster that this country has not seen since the Great Depression. We have seen historic financial firms and banks with household names swept away in a matter of weeks. These massive changes have left the American people worried, confused, and angry. In the wake of this chaos on Wall Street, the administration has come to Congress with a plan they believe will calm the storm. They came to us with few details--only three pages. They told us we need to move immediately, that delay was dangerous. We were told that oversight of the bailout would be a burden and just slow everything down. We were told to hand over the money and simply get out of the way. The administration asked the American people for a $700 billion blank check. Wall Street and the administration are asking hard-working Wisconsinites to bail them out, to buy assets that no one wants, to go further into debt to China so that banks and financial institutions can avoid bankruptcy. My constituents, the people of Wisconsin, cannot understand how we got to this point and why they should be asked to foot the bill. They are furious, and I do not blame them. I share their anger. As a businessman, I am shocked and appalled that the supposed best and brightest on Wall Street allowed their companies to purchase dangerous assets they did not understand, that these people gambled with the money of millions of Americans, and now they expect those same Americans to come to their rescue. These supposed titans of Wall Street owe the American people an explanation. We are being asked for the staggering sum of $700 billion, but not one CEO has come to Capitol Hill to apologize for their part in creating this awful mess. To add insult to injury, when Congress tried to limit CEO compensation for firms that would benefit from the plan, the administration resisted. They had the nerve to ask my constituents--who make about $48,000 per household--for money while they keep their multimillion-dollar salaries. I think these CEOs need to come before Congress and explain how we got into this mess--and to explain their role. Now, I know they are not solely to blame. Regulators were asleep at the switch, the administration believed in letting markets run wild, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac overextended themselves, and Congress failed to do adequate oversight. But as a businessman who firmly believes in markets, I am stunned that Wall Street engaged in the behavior that led us to this point. I hope Congress will call some of these CEOs who are most involved in this meltdown to testify. The American people want to hear from them. I think they owe us all an apology. They should also explain what they plan to do in the future to make sure we never end up in this kind of crisis again. They should tell us what kind of regulations they think are necessary to avoid another crisis. It is the least they can do in exchange for the risks the American people are being asked to absorb on their behalf. We have yet to see the details of this final bailout package. I am reserving judgment. I understand the delicate situation we are in and the risks we face, but I am wary of being rushed into a quick decision. I would prefer a solution that does not provide the $700 billion all at once but provides part of it now and more later, if necessary. We can reconvene and raise the amount at any time with short notice, so I do not see the necessity of providing everything upfront. Any bailout needs rigorous oversight. We must limit CEO compensation, and it should also give the taxpayers a chance to share in any profits that may result. This is not our money we are handing to Secretary Paulson. It is the taxpayers'. I never forget who I am working for, and the people I serve are furious they are being asked to give $700 billion to the very investors who have made such bad decisions. No one wants to plunge the economy into chaos, but we need to make sure we take our time and get this right because if we do not, we will be back here again, and the stakes will be even higher.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, on July 19, 2008, American Legion Post 75 in Fond du Lac, WI, named its building in honor of James Megellas. James Megellas is one of Fond du Lac's favorite sons and this is indeed a fitting honor. I congratulate Post 75 and want to take a moment to honor James Megellas' service to our country. Mr. Megellas was a student at Ripon College in Ripon, WI, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Upon his graduation in 1942, he accepted an ROTC commission as a second lieutenant in the infantry and shortly thereafter faced combat in the mountains near Venafro, Italy. In 1943 he took part in Operation Shingle. In early 1944 he was part of an amphibious assault at Anzio. Heavy losses prevented his unit from taking part in D-day in Normandy. Instead, they parachuted into Holland under Operation Market Garden, the airborne invasion of the Netherlands. Under heavy gunfire, memorialized in the film ``A Bridge Too Far'', he took part in the famous crossing of the Waal River. In December of 1944, his unit was rushed into the Battle of the Bulge. In January 1945, as his platoon advanced toward Herresbach, Belgium, against heavy snow and freezing cold, they surprised some 200 German troops who were advancing out of town. Megellas's platoon dealt them a serious blow. In an act of incredible bravery, Megellas ran toward a German Mark V tank as it was taking aim toward his platoon. He disabled the tank with a single grenade then, climbing atop, dropped another into the tank saving many of his men. In 1946 he led his company down 5th Avenue in New York in the Victory Parade. His awards have appropriately been many, including Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross. He has been honored by the Government of Holland with the Military Order of Willhelm Orange Lanyard. This son of Fond du Lac served his country with honor and bravery. I commend him and congratulate American Legion Post 75 for bestowing this honor on one of Wisconsin's finest.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I am doing my part to end the growing crisis of high school dropouts. I am introducing the Fast Track to College Act, a bill to increase high school graduation rates and improve access to college through the expansion of dual enrollment programs and early college high schools. Such programs allow young people to earn up to 2 years of college credit, including an associate's degree, while also earning their high school diploma. As we work to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, we must find solutions to the growing dropout crisis facing our Nation's high schools and provide opportunities for young people to pursue higher education. Recent reports have illustrated the enormous challenge: the national graduation rate is only 70 percent and is significantly lower in many large urban school districts. For example, my home State of Wisconsin has a relatively high graduation rate of 86 percent, but that rate drops to only 46 percent in the urban schools in Milwaukee. Such an achievement gap cannot continue. For America to remain a leader in today's increasingly global economy, we must ensure that all young people obtain not only a high school diploma, but a postsecondary education as well. High dropout rates and low college attendance rates hurt individuals, families, and society. Young people who drop out of high school are at increased risk for unemployment and incarceration, and they are more likely to depend on public assistance for healthcare, housing and other basic needs. Conversely, adults with a bachelor's degree will earn two thirds more than a high school graduate over the course of their working lives and are much less likely to experience unemployment or rely on social programs. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to support this bill, which provides competitive grant funding for dual enrollment programs that allow low-income students to earn college credit and a high school diploma at the same time. The Gates Foundation has been funding and evaluating such programs for several years now, and they have found that these programs work. Students can be motivated by a challenging curriculum and the tangible rewards of achievement, including free college credit and exposure to career opportunities. These programs have shown incredible promise as a tool for increasing attendance, graduation, and college enrollment rates, particularly among low-income high school students. Dual enrollment puts students on the fast track to college and increases the odds that they will not only graduate, but go on to continue their education and secure higher-paying jobs. Specifically, this bill authorizes $100,000,000 for competitive 6- year grants to schools, with priority given to schools that serve low- income students. The funding will help defray the costs of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other associated costs for students in early college high school and other dual enrollment programs. The bill also includes an evaluation component so we can measure the program's effectiveness. I believe this investment in our schools will help solve the dropout crisis and secure America's future by ensuring that all young people can compete in today's global economy. Further, I believe that all children, regardless of income or other factors, deserve equal opportunities to fulfill their potential, and it is both morally and fiscally responsible for this Congress to invest in high-quality educational programs that help them reach that potential. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I am doing my part to end the growing crisis of high school dropouts. I am introducing the Fast Track to College Act, a bill to increase high school graduation rates and improve access to college through the expansion of dual enrollment programs and early college high schools. Such programs allow young people to earn up to 2 years of college credit, including an associate's degree, while also earning their high school diploma. As we work to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, we must find solutions to the growing dropout crisis facing our Nation's high schools and provide opportunities for young people to pursue higher education. Recent reports have illustrated the enormous challenge: the national graduation rate is only 70 percent and is significantly lower in many large urban school districts. For example, my home State of Wisconsin has a relatively high graduation rate of 86 percent, but that rate drops to only 46 percent in the urban schools in Milwaukee. Such an achievement gap cannot continue. For America to remain a leader in today's increasingly global economy, we must ensure that all young people obtain not only a high school diploma, but a postsecondary education as well. High dropout rates and low college attendance rates hurt individuals, families, and society. Young people who drop out of high school are at increased risk for unemployment and incarceration, and they are more likely to depend on public assistance for healthcare, housing and other basic needs. Conversely, adults with a bachelor's degree will earn two thirds more than a high school graduate over the course of their working lives and are much less likely to experience unemployment or rely on social programs. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to support this bill, which provides competitive grant funding for dual enrollment programs that allow low-income students to earn college credit and a high school diploma at the same time. The Gates Foundation has been funding and evaluating such programs for several years now, and they have found that these programs work. Students can be motivated by a challenging curriculum and the tangible rewards of achievement, including free college credit and exposure to career opportunities. These programs have shown incredible promise as a tool for increasing attendance, graduation, and college enrollment rates, particularly among low-income high school students. Dual enrollment puts students on the fast track to college and increases the odds that they will not only graduate, but go on to continue their education and secure higher-paying jobs. Specifically, this bill authorizes $100,000,000 for competitive 6- year grants to schools, with priority given to schools that serve low- income students. The funding will help defray the costs of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other associated costs for students in early college high school and other dual enrollment programs. The bill also includes an evaluation component so we can measure the program's effectiveness. I believe this investment in our schools will help solve the dropout crisis and secure America's future by ensuring that all young people can compete in today's global economy. Further, I believe that all children, regardless of income or other factors, deserve equal opportunities to fulfill their potential, and it is both morally and fiscally responsible for this Congress to invest in high-quality educational programs that help them reach that potential. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, several weeks back I had the great pleasure of visiting with a constituent I would like to honor today. Milwaukee resident Harold O. Bourne recently received the Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot award for flying 50 years without incident. Mr. Bourne has given much to his country over the years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, entered flight school in 1953 and served one tour in Korea, two tours in Germany and two tours in Vietnam. In 1980, after 30 years of service he retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel and master army aviator. Upon his retirement, he moved to Milwaukee where his love for and expertise in aviation was put to good use. Mr. Bourne embarked on what would become a 20-year career with Astronautics Corporation of America, a world leader in supplying military and commercial electronics for aviation. At 78, Mr. Bourne is still flying. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Harold and his wife of 57 years, Anne, have given much of themselves over the years, not only to aviation but to their community and their church. And for that I congratulate and honor them.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I wanted to talk to today about the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. The compact enjoys broad bipartisan support, including all 8 Great Lakes States, Canadian provinces Ontario and Quebec, and 150 business and environmental groups. The Great Lakes are one of America's national treasures and one of the natural wonders of the world. Holding 20 percent of the worlds freshwater, the Great Lakes play a vital role in the daily lives of the people of Wisconsin providing drinking water, jobs, energy, shipping, and recreation. Something that important to our prosperity needs to be conserved so that future generations can benefit. The compact before us does just that. It is a binding agreement among the Great Lakes States to implement a conservation standard for regulating water withdrawals from the Great Lakes Basin. Specifically, the compact protects the Great Lakes by banning new or increased diversions outside of the Great Lakes basin. The compact also requires each State to implement water conservation measures, which will promote efficient water use and minimize waste. Not too long ago we faced the specter of foreign companies exporting water out of the lakes--threatening our environment. This compact is a response to those threats, making it clear that the Lakes are not to be exploited. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I am pleased the Senate passed this important compact.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act. Over the past year, the Committee on Aging has been taking a close look at the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and our Nation's physicians. Not only does the interaction between these two parties seem to be fraught with conflicts of interest, but it is likely that the marketing methods employed by drug companies--and the manner in which they educate doctors about their products--have an impact on the rising costs of prescription drugs in America. When it comes to knowing what treatment options are available to doctors, pharmaceutical sales reps are currently one of the most common ways physicians learn about the latest drugs on the market. However, these sales reps often seem to confuse educating with selling, and evidence shows that doctors' prescribing patterns can be heavily influenced by the sometimes biased information handed out by these sales representatives. The Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act offers an alternative method of providing information to doctors. It's called academic detailing, and we believe it can have a positive impact on both quality and cost of healthcare nationwide. Academic detailing provides physicians and other prescribers with an objective source of unbiased information on all prescription drugs, based on scientific research certified by HHS. The information is presented to doctors in their own offices by trained clinicians and pharmacists. Academic detailing ensures that physicians have access to the most comprehensive data available on drug safety of the full array of pharmaceutical treatment options, including low-cost generic alternatives. The proposed legislation would provide two sets of grants. The first grant program would create educational materials for doctors on the safety, efficacy, and cost of prescription drugs, including generic drugs and over-the-counter alternatives. A second set of up to ten grants would be used to dispatch trained medical staff--such as pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals--into physicians' offices to distribute and discuss the independent information. To ensure their neutrality, all grant recipients would be prohibited from receiving financial support from drug manufacturers. When doctors are better informed about the full range of drugs available on the market, they are more likely to prescribe the most effective treatment, as opposed to the latest brand-name blockbuster drug. The result is also lower health care costs. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine projected that for every dollar spent on academic detailing, two dollars can be saved in drug costs, due in part to the increased use of generic drugs. In this way, a Federal academic detailing program will likely pay for itself, while saving the government, consumers, and employers a considerable amount of money. I would like to thank my cosponsors in the Senate, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, HELP Committee Chairman Ted Kennedy, and Senator Bob Casey. I would also like to thank Representatives Henry Waxman and Frank Pallone, who are introducing a companion bill today in the House. We stand together with the goal of providing doctors with unbiased information on prescription drugs, and ensuring Americans receive the quality health care they deserve.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act. Over the past year, the Committee on Aging has been taking a close look at the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and our Nation's physicians. Not only does the interaction between these two parties seem to be fraught with conflicts of interest, but it is likely that the marketing methods employed by drug companies--and the manner in which they educate doctors about their products--have an impact on the rising costs of prescription drugs in America. When it comes to knowing what treatment options are available to doctors, pharmaceutical sales reps are currently one of the most common ways physicians learn about the latest drugs on the market. However, these sales reps often seem to confuse educating with selling, and evidence shows that doctors' prescribing patterns can be heavily influenced by the sometimes biased information handed out by these sales representatives. The Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act offers an alternative method of providing information to doctors. It's called academic detailing, and we believe it can have a positive impact on both quality and cost of healthcare nationwide. Academic detailing provides physicians and other prescribers with an objective source of unbiased information on all prescription drugs, based on scientific research certified by HHS. The information is presented to doctors in their own offices by trained clinicians and pharmacists. Academic detailing ensures that physicians have access to the most comprehensive data available on drug safety of the full array of pharmaceutical treatment options, including low-cost generic alternatives. The proposed legislation would provide two sets of grants. The first grant program would create educational materials for doctors on the safety, efficacy, and cost of prescription drugs, including generic drugs and over-the-counter alternatives. A second set of up to ten grants would be used to dispatch trained medical staff--such as pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals--into physicians' offices to distribute and discuss the independent information. To ensure their neutrality, all grant recipients would be prohibited from receiving financial support from drug manufacturers. When doctors are better informed about the full range of drugs available on the market, they are more likely to prescribe the most effective treatment, as opposed to the latest brand-name blockbuster drug. The result is also lower health care costs. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine projected that for every dollar spent on academic detailing, two dollars can be saved in drug costs, due in part to the increased use of generic drugs. In this way, a Federal academic detailing program will likely pay for itself, while saving the government, consumers, and employers a considerable amount of money. I would like to thank my cosponsors in the Senate, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, HELP Committee Chairman Ted Kennedy, and Senator Bob Casey. I would also like to thank Representatives Henry Waxman and Frank Pallone, who are introducing a companion bill today in the House. We stand together with the goal of providing doctors with unbiased information on prescription drugs, and ensuring Americans receive the quality health care they deserve.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate Chermack Machine, Inc., on its 75th anniversary. Chermack Machine was founded in Cameron, WI, in 1933. It has played a significant role in the defense of our Nation with manufacture of war materials for the United States during World War II. From humble beginnings, this business has become a full service operation specializing in assembly, welding, automated sawing, custom prototyping, production machining and conventional machining. Chermack Machine, Inc. is a wonderful example of American small business where commitment to quality products and customer satisfaction are dominant business principles. Chermack Machine's dedication to exceeding client expectations and helping our Nation compel me to congratulate them on their 75th anniversary.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today along with Senator Hatch to introduce a resolution to increase awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease, PKD, a common and life threatening genetic illness. Over 600,000 people have been diagnosed with PKD nationwide. There is no treatment or cure for this devastating disease. Families and friends struggle to fight PKD and provide unwavering support to their suffering loved ones. But there is hope. The PKD Foundation has led the fight for increased research and patient education. Recent studies have led to the discovery of the genes that cause PKD as well as promising clinical drug trials for treatment. More needs to be done, however, and the government wants to help. In order to increase public awareness of this fatal disease, I propose that September 14th through the 20th be designated as National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week. This week coincides with the annual walk for PKD which takes place every September. In Wisconsin, where over 10,000 patients are living with the disease, residents gather across the state to take part in this very special walk. Increasing awareness will help all those affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease, and I hope my colleagues will support this important resolution.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. We will certainly review those provisions in light of your concerns.

Mr. KOHL. I appreciate the care with which you have reviewed the Nursing Home Transparency Act. I will take under serious consideration the issues that you have raised. Again, your cosponsorship of this legislation is important in view of the many efforts you have made and continue to make to improve the lives of America's older citizens.

Mr. KOHL. I would appreciate hearing of those concerns, Senator.

Mr. KOHL. Thank you, Senator Wyden. Given your long commitment to aging and health issues, your support is especially important and meaningful.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to praise the efforts of the innumerable men and women who contributed to the success of the Berlin Airlift as we observe its 60th anniversary this year. The Berlin Airlift began in an effort between British and American forces to supply a post-WWII West Berlin population with the daily food rations necessary to sustain the entire city. In 1948 the Soviets began gradually closing down routes to West Berlin; routes by road, rail, and water were all eventually closed. Ingeniously, American and British commanders discovered the existence of air corridors over West Berlin due to a loophole in a 1945 agreement allowing 20-mile air corridors therefore providing free access to the city. It was concluded that roughly 3,475 tons of daily supplies would be needed to sustain the city; the supplies included flour, meat, cereal, wheat, fish, milk, potatoes, sugar, coffee, salt, vegetables and cheese. The first supplies were dropped to West Berlin on June 26, 1948, by American C-47 aircraft under the orders of GEN Lucius Clay. By April 1949 airlift operations had been running with almost flawless efficiency thanks to the perfection of airlift methods by LTG William Tunner after the Black Friday incident. Lt. Gen. Tunner decided to show the capabilities of his airlift operation to boost morale and break the spirits of the opposition at the same time; he decided to break any existing tonnage records. On Easter Sunday 1949, 12,941 tons of coal had been delivered to West Berlin from 1,138 flights without a single accident. This event raised daily airlift tonnage and contributed to the downfall of the Blockade. The Blockade officially ended May 12, 1949 yet airlift operations continued until September 30 of that year. In the struggle to supply the citizens of West Berlin with daily rations of food, 31 Americans lost their lives thus paying the ultimate price for the freedom of others. Mr. President, I would like to honor those men who lost their lives as well as all the men and women who contributed to the Berlin Airlift. They saved two millions lives through their heroic actions and shall never be forgotten.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the importance of Man Mound and congratulate the citizens of Sauk County and the Sauk County Historical Society for their extensive and successful preservation efforts. Hundreds of years ago, before the Europeans came to this land, a band of Native Americans began efforts to alter the landscape by creating effigy mounds. Although the purpose is still unclear, effigy mounds were primarily used for religious purposes, though some served as burial mounds. Particularly in the Midwest, American Indians often built the earthen mounds in the shape of animals; however, Man Mound, located in Sauk County in Greenfield Township, WI, is the one of the few effigy mounds in the shape of a man. Over 900 mounds once existed in Sauk County, yet over 75 percent of the mounds have been plowed, erased by floods or destroyed by looters and construction. Although the legs of Man Mound were partially destroyed during road construction in the early 1900s, preservation of Man Mound continues and further destruction to the mound has not occurred. Due to the shrinking number of mounds and the rare human shape of the mound in Greenfield Township, Man Mound needs to be recognized as a valuable part of history. The Sauk County Historical Society dedicated Man Mound Park, the area surrounding the mound, in 1908 and has since made efforts to keep the mound in its original state. The efforts of the people of Sauk County and the Sauk County Historical Society to protect the effigy mound were progressive and laudable. Man Mound is believed to be the best preserved man-shaped Native American effigy mound remaining in the United States, a title only possible through the commitment of the Historical Society and the citizens of Sauk County. On August 9, 2008, citizens from many parts the State of Wisconsin will gather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the preservation of the Man Mound. The commemoration will highlight this unique Native American effigy mound, increase awareness of its value as a landmark and allow for further investigation as to whether there are more mounds in the area. Man Mound will serve as an educational resource for the people in Greenfield Township, Sauk County and Wisconsin. The preservation efforts by the people of Sauk County have not gone unnoticed. The Sauk County Historical Society, the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Wisconsin Archeological Society, the General Federation of Women's Clubs-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Archeological Survey and the Sauk County UW Extension, Arts and Culture Committee have dedicated valuable time and resources toward the commemoration of Man Mound. The individuals involved deserve recognition, praise and thanks for their hard work.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate Oldenburg Group on the 150th anniversary of the Oldenburg Lake Shore product line. The Oldenburg Group has a major presence in Milwaukee and Rhinelander, WI. What began on the shores of Lake Superior as a line of outboard motors has grown into a significant contributor to our Nation's defense. As a qualified small business with both military and commercial product lines, Oldenburg Group has shown that they are a leader within the Nation's defense industry. Their products support the U.S. Navy with refueling systems to allow our ships to remain at sea and ready. They support the U.S. Army with systems for offloading war-fighting equipment when no port facility is available, as well as supporting the U.S. Department of Defense in many other ways as well. Oldenburg Group's history of customer satisfaction and excellence is immensely important as it contributes daily to the security of our Nation. It is because of quality products and exceptional support service that the U.S. Department of Defense trusts Oldenburg Group to provide vital equipment and services used by the military. Oldenburg's dedication to continually looking toward the future and considering how products can practically be applied to homeland security is one reason for their considerable success, and I congratulate that spirit.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I am very pleased that the Senate has passed legislation which will help our troubled housing market. This bill will reform the oversight of the government-sponsored enterprises--Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks--and also provided much needed relief for communities and homeowners combating foreclosures. The first piece of this large housing bill is the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act. This legislation will modernize the regulation of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks and expands their housing mission. By creating one regulator for the GSEs, it will make it easier for them to respond to the housing market and continue to create affordable housing opportunities for Americans across the country. The bill also includes key provisions which will help homeowners and communities combat foreclosures. Foreclosed properties drive down the property value of surrounding homes, and communities are losing tax revenue, which will impact public services. Communities need the ability to take excess homes and make them livable again in order to recover lost revenue. The $4 billion in CDBG funding included in this bill will allow for States and local municipalities to rehabilitate foreclosed properties and then get them back onto the market for homeowners to purchase or to be made into affordable rental housing. This money is vital to the economic recovery of communities that have been devastated by foreclosure. Additionally, the bill has funding for housing counselors to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Housing counselors will be able to reach troubled homeowners and find viable and affordable solutions in order to keep them in their homes. One of the most creative provisions to help at risk homeowners is the Hope for Homeownership Program in FHA. This program will allow homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments to refinance into a fixed-rate FHA insured mortgage and ultimately stay in their homes. The quicker these provisions are signed into law, the quicker families and communities can respond to their housing needs. I am very pleased that the amendment which myself, Senators Collins, Lincoln, and Mikulski offered was agreed to and incorporated into the bill. There are many problems that are a result of the collapsing housing market, and the emergence of financial scam artists is one of them. The amendment will better protect homeowners from scam artists trying to steal the equity out of their homes. The passage of this housing bill is the first step to help our country from the collapse of the housing market. I hope that the House will act quickly and Congress can produce a comprehensive piece of legislation which the President will sign.