Herb Kohl

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, today I recognize and congratulate Washington High School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. As a proud alumnus, I take these moments to reflect on the purple and gold's story, success and accomplishments that have endured these past 100 years. Located in the Sherman Park Neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI, Washington High School, with its never-ending commitment to excellence, has welcomed students through its doors and ushered them out to embrace bright futures for ten decades. Throughout its evolution and changes, Washington High School has always provided its students with a first class education, instilling values and providing skills that help students pursue employment, higher education and individual dreams. Well-known for its focus on technology, the innovative high school created the first Career Specialty Program in 1976 focusing on computers and earning the school its reputation as ``the computer school.'' It has been nationally recognized for its curriculum which builds knowledge and critical thinking skills through the use of technology. The school proudly acclaims each graduating class including notable alumni who achieved excellence in business, attained the office of Governor of Wisconsin, served at the highest level of our military, became Commissioner of Baseball, reached stardom on Broadway and in Hollywood, joined the ranks of professional athletes, and even one who got elected U.S. Senator; each and every graduate a remarkable person who graduated from a remarkable place, Washington High School. Wisconsin's strong tradition of excellence in education has been shaped by Washington High School's rich, long history filled with a century of proud, hopeful students, and extremely dedicated faculty and staff. As alumni from varied graduating classes and walks of life, we gather as one body to celebrate collectively the spirit of our high school years, and the achievements, made individually and collectively by a century of alumni. As all Washington High School alumni have done before, we cheer for the purple and gold, the Purgolders and everything this fine institution represents. With a warm welcome to all who cherish and gather to remember, I proudly congratulate Washington High School, my alma mater, on its 100th anniversary, and my sincere best wishes for 100 more exceptional years.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Nursing Home Resident Pain Relief Act of 2011. This legislation will help ensure that nursing home residents have timely access to pain medication as needed in emergency situations. By streamlining processes that can now cause delays in administering these vital drugs, the bill will also allow designated health care professionals to administer controlled substances to residents whose medical conditions warrant quick pain relief. To accomplish these ends, the legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act, CSA, in several ways. First, it allows nurses and other appropriately licensed health professionals, designated by the nursing home and with approval from the physician, to order and administer pain medication to residents upon a physician's oral prescription. The bill also establishes a clear chain of accountability for these licensed health professionals, physicians, as well as for nursing homes and long-term care pharmacies. Last year, the Special Committee on Aging, which I Chair, held a listening session where we heard about a recent Drug Enforcement Agency, DEA, enforcement initiative that has kept nursing home residents from receiving much-needed medication to manage their pain. For many years, nurses had been able to call urgently-needed prescriptions into pharmacies upon a physician's order over the phone. Pharmacies would fill the order, residents would get their pain medication, and physicians would follow up with written confirmation of the prescription. Now, DEA requires physicians to directly issue prescriptions in writing for Schedule II pain medications before they can be dispensed, including in emergency circumstances. This poses a problem for nursing home residents because facilities often do not have physicians on site to fill out the necessary paper work in time to provide critically needed pain medicine. The DEA's enforcement initiative has created an unintended consequence where nursing home residents often have to suffer for several hours or even days before they receive pain medication. These delays have serious consequences. Here is an all-too-common scenario: an elderly resident that returns to a nursing home after surgery may be in more pain than his physician anticipated and need more medication than the physician prescribed to manage the pain. In order to access the medication he needs, the nursing home employees must first have his physician send a written prescription to a pharmacy. If the physician is difficult to locate or slow to respond, this can take hours or even days. The resident's pain may become so unmanageable while he waits that he must be transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency room. The ambulance ride and emergency room admission are not only expensive; they can set back the fragile resident's recovery from surgery. Our legislation would make these situations entirely avoidable. DEA's enforcement initiative effectively put nursing home providers in a difficult position: If they follow the letter of the law, they are in danger of violating Health and Human Services regulations requiring them to administer medications in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in monetary penalties. In addition, pharmacies could face fines under the CSA if they respond to the nursing home's order--which is almost always transmitted by a nurse--if they fill the order. As a result, a number of pharmacies, including several in the Midwest, are facing tens of millions of dollars in fines imposed by DEA. Last year DEA issued a policy statement to provide a way for nursing home residents to access some kinds of medication more quickly. Under this new policy, a nursing home's licensed health care professionals may, on a physician's behalf, transcribe the physician's oral prescription for Schedule III, IV or V medications to a pharmacy to be filled. While we appreciated DEA's efforts, without amending the CSA the agency does not have the statutory authority to allow licensed health care professionals to transmit prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, the category under which nearly all pain medications fall. Legislation is required in order to provide nursing home residents prompt, reliable pain relief when they are suffering from severe injury or illness. Our bill would provide a remedy by modifying the CSA to permit pain medication to be dispensed in emergency situations by nursing home professionals without a direct written order by a physician prior to its dispensing. Let me explain how this would work. A physician, if he or she chooses, would be able to authorize the administrator of a long- term care facility to designate one or more licensed health care professionals employed by the facility to act as a ``facility designee.'' In emergency situations only, and upon receiving an oral prescription from the physician, a facility designee would be permitted to contact a pharmacy to have the prescription filled and then dispense Schedule II medications to long-term care facility residents. This would allow a physician to provide the prescription information to the facility designee via phone when a resident urgently needs pain medication and the physician is unavailable to transmit a written prescription to a pharmacy for a Schedule II controlled substance. The facility designee must document the physician's prescription in writing and transmit the written document to a pharmacy so that the prescription can be filled. After the pharmacy fills the prescription, it must send a copy of the written document memorializing the prescription to the physician for his or her endorsement. The physician must then send the endorsed document, confirming the oral prescription, to the pharmacy within five business days. Diversion of controlled substances for illicit purposes is of great concern to me. That is why we have included numerous provisions to protect against diversion in nursing homes. For example, the bill requires careful recordkeeping by facilities and pharmacies, which can then be reviewed by DEA as necessary. It requires each actor--the physician, facility designee, and pharmacist--to make a record of his or her role in the process. Long-term care facilities are asked to maintain a written or electronic logbook that memorializes prescriptions and their administration. Additionally, the legislation enhances criminal and civil penalties for long-term care facility administrators and facility designees who divert drugs, or who violate recordkeeping requirements. These steps will help to ensure that pain medications get to those nursing home residents who need them. I appreciate the great interest of the stakeholders, including long- term care facility, physician and pharmacy organizations, in solving this problem and I look forward to working with them to finally end the needless delay in pain relief. I would like to thank Attorney General Holder, DEA Administrator Michelle Leonhardt, and their staff for working with me on this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to assure rapid approval by Congress. Nursing home residents cannot wait for pain medication when they are in debilitating pain and our straightforward bill can help provide some needed relief. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Nursing Home Resident Pain Relief Act of 2011. This legislation will help ensure that nursing home residents have timely access to pain medication as needed in emergency situations. By streamlining processes that can now cause delays in administering these vital drugs, the bill will also allow designated health care professionals to administer controlled substances to residents whose medical conditions warrant quick pain relief. To accomplish these ends, the legislation amends the Controlled Substances Act, CSA, in several ways. First, it allows nurses and other appropriately licensed health professionals, designated by the nursing home and with approval from the physician, to order and administer pain medication to residents upon a physician's oral prescription. The bill also establishes a clear chain of accountability for these licensed health professionals, physicians, as well as for nursing homes and long-term care pharmacies. Last year, the Special Committee on Aging, which I Chair, held a listening session where we heard about a recent Drug Enforcement Agency, DEA, enforcement initiative that has kept nursing home residents from receiving much-needed medication to manage their pain. For many years, nurses had been able to call urgently-needed prescriptions into pharmacies upon a physician's order over the phone. Pharmacies would fill the order, residents would get their pain medication, and physicians would follow up with written confirmation of the prescription. Now, DEA requires physicians to directly issue prescriptions in writing for Schedule II pain medications before they can be dispensed, including in emergency circumstances. This poses a problem for nursing home residents because facilities often do not have physicians on site to fill out the necessary paper work in time to provide critically needed pain medicine. The DEA's enforcement initiative has created an unintended consequence where nursing home residents often have to suffer for several hours or even days before they receive pain medication. These delays have serious consequences. Here is an all-too-common scenario: an elderly resident that returns to a nursing home after surgery may be in more pain than his physician anticipated and need more medication than the physician prescribed to manage the pain. In order to access the medication he needs, the nursing home employees must first have his physician send a written prescription to a pharmacy. If the physician is difficult to locate or slow to respond, this can take hours or even days. The resident's pain may become so unmanageable while he waits that he must be transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency room. The ambulance ride and emergency room admission are not only expensive; they can set back the fragile resident's recovery from surgery. Our legislation would make these situations entirely avoidable. DEA's enforcement initiative effectively put nursing home providers in a difficult position: If they follow the letter of the law, they are in danger of violating Health and Human Services regulations requiring them to administer medications in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in monetary penalties. In addition, pharmacies could face fines under the CSA if they respond to the nursing home's order--which is almost always transmitted by a nurse--if they fill the order. As a result, a number of pharmacies, including several in the Midwest, are facing tens of millions of dollars in fines imposed by DEA. Last year DEA issued a policy statement to provide a way for nursing home residents to access some kinds of medication more quickly. Under this new policy, a nursing home's licensed health care professionals may, on a physician's behalf, transcribe the physician's oral prescription for Schedule III, IV or V medications to a pharmacy to be filled. While we appreciated DEA's efforts, without amending the CSA the agency does not have the statutory authority to allow licensed health care professionals to transmit prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, the category under which nearly all pain medications fall. Legislation is required in order to provide nursing home residents prompt, reliable pain relief when they are suffering from severe injury or illness. Our bill would provide a remedy by modifying the CSA to permit pain medication to be dispensed in emergency situations by nursing home professionals without a direct written order by a physician prior to its dispensing. Let me explain how this would work. A physician, if he or she chooses, would be able to authorize the administrator of a long- term care facility to designate one or more licensed health care professionals employed by the facility to act as a ``facility designee.'' In emergency situations only, and upon receiving an oral prescription from the physician, a facility designee would be permitted to contact a pharmacy to have the prescription filled and then dispense Schedule II medications to long-term care facility residents. This would allow a physician to provide the prescription information to the facility designee via phone when a resident urgently needs pain medication and the physician is unavailable to transmit a written prescription to a pharmacy for a Schedule II controlled substance. The facility designee must document the physician's prescription in writing and transmit the written document to a pharmacy so that the prescription can be filled. After the pharmacy fills the prescription, it must send a copy of the written document memorializing the prescription to the physician for his or her endorsement. The physician must then send the endorsed document, confirming the oral prescription, to the pharmacy within five business days. Diversion of controlled substances for illicit purposes is of great concern to me. That is why we have included numerous provisions to protect against diversion in nursing homes. For example, the bill requires careful recordkeeping by facilities and pharmacies, which can then be reviewed by DEA as necessary. It requires each actor--the physician, facility designee, and pharmacist--to make a record of his or her role in the process. Long-term care facilities are asked to maintain a written or electronic logbook that memorializes prescriptions and their administration. Additionally, the legislation enhances criminal and civil penalties for long-term care facility administrators and facility designees who divert drugs, or who violate recordkeeping requirements. These steps will help to ensure that pain medications get to those nursing home residents who need them. I appreciate the great interest of the stakeholders, including long- term care facility, physician and pharmacy organizations, in solving this problem and I look forward to working with them to finally end the needless delay in pain relief. I would like to thank Attorney General Holder, DEA Administrator Michelle Leonhardt, and their staff for working with me on this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to assure rapid approval by Congress. Nursing home residents cannot wait for pain medication when they are in debilitating pain and our straightforward bill can help provide some needed relief. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I am honored to have the opportunity to congratulate Madison College on their centennial celebration marking 100 years of providing high quality education to students in my State. Wisconsin was the first State to establish schools for technical and vocational education. Madison College, founded in 1912 as the Madison Continuation School, was opened to provide vocational education to students who dropped out of school. School administrators also targeted adult workers to help them maintain and flourish in their current jobs and also work toward obtaining new ones by providing the classes to help them do so. Throughout the years, Madison College tailored its educational role by responding to the Great Depression with increased craft specialty offerings, such as millinery and woodworking, and later in the post-World War II era, with the help of Federal funding, by honing workers' skills necessary for wartime jobs. The focus and plan to ensure that every person gets a high-quality education remain true today at this fine institution. Currently, Madison College operates 12 locations in Madison and 4 regional campuses throughout a 12-county district in order to offer a wide variety of educational opportunities to the greatest number of students possible. Today, Madison College continues to add new programs, such as biotechnology and renewable energy, to keep up with the trends of the 21st century and continue to live up to their mission. For a century of service I commend Madison College and recognize the faculty, students, alumni, and communities they call home. In these tough economic times, access to high-quality education and workforce development are critically important to our State and country finding our way to better financial times. Madison College has stood the test of time as well as economic cycles. I am honored to recognize Madison College on its centennial celebration and for all it has done for the State of Wisconsin and its citizens.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of Security State Bank. I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. For over a century, Security State Bank has provided its customers with the highest quality banking services. Since 1911, this locally owned institution has grown substantially and continues to promote economic growth throughout northern Wisconsin. Furthermore, Security State Bank has demonstrated an incredible commitment to customer service, as well as to the communities and employees it serves. Under the leadership of the bank's chairman and president, Mr. Willard Ogren, Security State Bank has prospered, further cementing its reputation as a fine lending institution but, more importantly, as a community leader dedicated to promoting financial stability and improvement. I have both personal and professional admiration for independent banks that are focused on strengthening communities in both the best and worst economic times. For more than 100 years, Security State Bank has embodied the importance of building strong local connections. It is for this commitment to providing every customer with the highest quality banking services and for their crucial role in community improvement that I am proud to recognize this occasion and 100 years of service that Security State Bank has provided to the people of the State of Wisconsin.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I have long supported reforming our patent system and was pleased with the bill the Senate passed in March. It was not what everyone wanted, but it was an effective compromise that would spur innovation and economic growth. I am disappointed with changes the House made to the bill, specifically the expansion of the ``prior user rights'' defense a provision which raises serious concerns for the University of Wisconsin's patent licensing organization which fosters innovative discoveries, spawning dozens of small businesses and spurring economic growth in Wisconsin. Let me explain why. A patent grants an innovator the right to exclude others from using an invention in exchange for making that invention public. The publication of patents and the research behind them advance further innovation and discovery. Anyone who uses the invention without permission is liable for infringement, and someone who was using the invention prior to the patent has only a limited defense for infringement. The purpose of limiting this defense to infringement is to encourage publication and disclosure of inventions to foster innovation. So by expanding the prior user defense we run the real risk of discouraging disclosure through the patent system. This is concerning to the University of Wisconsin because they depend on publication and disclosure to further research and innovation. I appreciate the inclusion of a carve-out to the prior user rights defense provision so that it does not apply to patents owned by a university ``or a technology transfer organization whose primary purpose is to facilitate the commercialization of technologies developed by one or more such institutions of higher education.'' However, I have some concerns about how the carve out will work in practice and I would like to clarify its application. It is my understanding that the term ``primary purpose'' in this exception is intended to be consistent with and have a similar scope as the ``primary functions'' language in the Bayh-Dole Act. In particular, if a nonprofit entity is entitled to receive assignment of inventions pursuant to section 207(c)(7) of title 35 because one of its primary functions is the management of inventions, presumably it falls under the primary purpose prong of the prior user rights exception. Is that the Senator's understanding of the provision?

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to support the budget agreement that has been so painstakingly negotiated over these past several weeks. This is not a perfect bill, but it will start to get our budget deficit under control. Failing to reach an agreement and allowing our nation to default is not an option. Failing to raise the debt ceiling would mean failing to honor the obligations we have already made. Previous Congresses and administrations have always recognized this duty, raising the debt ceiling over 70 times since 1962. This is not a partisan issue. President George W. Bush signed seven debt ceiling increases and President Clinton signed four. President Reagan raised the debt ceiling 18 times. We have also agreed to reduce our Nation's debt by over $2 trillion, which will help to put us on a more sustainable fiscal path. Much of this budget savings will be found by a new joint congressional committee. Their recommendations will likely be similar to the Bowles- Simpson recommendations, the Gang of 6 proposal, and other bipartisan efforts. I must say that I am disappointed we could not get a broader agreement to reduce our deficit. We know what we need to do. Every bipartisan proposal works by putting everything on the table: domestic spending, defense, entitlements, and revenue. It is not a good sign that this bill would force only spending cuts if Congress fails to pass the joint committee's deficit reduction bill. Refusing to put everything on the table means refusing to truly solve our budget problem. Our system of government is built on compromise. This deal shows that the Senate is still capable of governing, and now we need to return immediately to the most important job, getting our people back to work and getting the economy back on track.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I recognize the 150th anniversary of Wisconsin's own Farmers and Merchants Union Bank. I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. The year 1861 will forever mark the beginning of one of the most trying times in American history. With the onset of the Civil War, financial and banking institutions suffered as a result of the division of our Nation. Inspired by the courage and determination of President Abraham Lincoln, businessman John Wheeler chose that year to open two banks in the town of Columbus, WI. On September 5, John Wheeler became the first president of the Farmers and Merchants Union Bank of Columbus. Wheeler's passion and commitment to customer service continued in those who followed him as bank leaders. His grandson J. Russell Wheeler was committed to honoring the legacy his grandfather left behind and expanding the bank's profile, reach and influence. He commissioned renowned architect Louis Sullivan who has often been called the ``father of the skyscraper,'' to design and oversee the construction of the new Farmers and Merchants Union Bank building. Sullivan acted as a mentor to architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was diligent in making sure every detail lived up to the standards on which the institution was founded. The product of Sullivan's work has become one of Wisconsin's prized architectural attractions. On October 18, 1972, the bank was entered on the National Register of Historic Places, and later designated a national historic landmark. Today, Farmers and Merchants Union Bank strives to provide the best in modern banking to customers in Columbus, Fall River, Friesland, Juneau, and the areas that surround those Wisconsin communities. Their mission endures as ``an independent bank known for maintaining a reputation for integrity and fair dealing and promoting growth and stability in the communities they serve.'' I have great admiration for independent banks that are focused on building communities in both the good and hard times. For 150 years, Farmers and Merchants Union Bank has done just that; continued to represent the importance of local ties and their critical role in the health and vitality of the Wisconsin communities they serve. So for their commitment to providing every customer with the highest quality banking service and to reaching out to the community--a dedication that has helped sustain this institution for a century and a half--I am proud to celebrate this historic occasion and the 150 years of service that the Farmers and Merchants Union Bank has provided to the people of the State of Wisconsin.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the Health Care Capital Access Reauthorization Act. This legislation will allow Critical Access Hospitals, CAHs, to continue to access the Federal Housing Administration's, FHA, 242 program. There are approximately 1,327 CAHs throughout the United States. These hospitals are vital to our health care system because they provide individuals who live in rural areas care they might not otherwise have. Many of these hospitals were built over 40 years ago and are in need of significant renovations. Without the exemption, many rural hospitals would not qualify for the low-cost loan insurance based on patients' average length of stay or because the hospital operates a nursing home, and as a result, many rural hospitals would face higher financing costs on construction and renovation loans. Many CAHs provide a significant level of non-acute or long-term services, and therefore do not qualify for the FHA 242 program based on length of stay. Additionally, some CAHs operate nursing homes, further lengthening the average stay and causing the hospital to be ineligible for the 242 program. In 2006, Congress recognized the uniqueness and importance of these hospitals and passed the Rural Health Care Capital Access Act. This Act provided an exemption from the acute care provision in the FHA 242 program for Critical Access Facilities. The exemption expires on July 31. After July 31, CAHs applying for financing will be unable to receive financing if the exemption is not extended. Since the initial exemption was passed in 2006, 10 rural hospitals in 10 states have received mortgage insurance through the program as a result of the exemption in Edgerton, Wis., Columbus, Mont., Springfield, Ga., Monticello, Ill., L'Anse, Mich., Cambridge, Neb., Hot Springs, S.D., Grand Coulee, Wash., Moab, Utah and Holyoke, Colo. The program has provided financing for these hospitals on loans ranging from $14 to $31 million and totaling more than $241 million. The legislation I am introducing today would provide a five-year extension of the exemption in the Rural Health Care Capital Access Act, allowing the many rural hospitals that provide significant levels of non-acute or long-term care to continue applying for financing under a FHA 242 program. Without the exemption, these rural hospitals would not qualify for an FHA loan based on patients' average length of stay, resulting in fewer options for construction and renovation loans. I would like to thank the original coponsors of this bill: Senators Conrad, Tim Johnson, Thune, Johanns, and Tester for their leadership and support for Critical Access Hospitals. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue to move the Rural Health Care Capital Access Reauthorization Act towards passage.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the Health Care Capital Access Reauthorization Act. This legislation will allow Critical Access Hospitals, CAHs, to continue to access the Federal Housing Administration's, FHA, 242 program. There are approximately 1,327 CAHs throughout the United States. These hospitals are vital to our health care system because they provide individuals who live in rural areas care they might not otherwise have. Many of these hospitals were built over 40 years ago and are in need of significant renovations. Without the exemption, many rural hospitals would not qualify for the low-cost loan insurance based on patients' average length of stay or because the hospital operates a nursing home, and as a result, many rural hospitals would face higher financing costs on construction and renovation loans. Many CAHs provide a significant level of non-acute or long-term services, and therefore do not qualify for the FHA 242 program based on length of stay. Additionally, some CAHs operate nursing homes, further lengthening the average stay and causing the hospital to be ineligible for the 242 program. In 2006, Congress recognized the uniqueness and importance of these hospitals and passed the Rural Health Care Capital Access Act. This Act provided an exemption from the acute care provision in the FHA 242 program for Critical Access Facilities. The exemption expires on July 31. After July 31, CAHs applying for financing will be unable to receive financing if the exemption is not extended. Since the initial exemption was passed in 2006, 10 rural hospitals in 10 states have received mortgage insurance through the program as a result of the exemption in Edgerton, Wis., Columbus, Mont., Springfield, Ga., Monticello, Ill., L'Anse, Mich., Cambridge, Neb., Hot Springs, S.D., Grand Coulee, Wash., Moab, Utah and Holyoke, Colo. The program has provided financing for these hospitals on loans ranging from $14 to $31 million and totaling more than $241 million. The legislation I am introducing today would provide a five-year extension of the exemption in the Rural Health Care Capital Access Act, allowing the many rural hospitals that provide significant levels of non-acute or long-term care to continue applying for financing under a FHA 242 program. Without the exemption, these rural hospitals would not qualify for an FHA loan based on patients' average length of stay, resulting in fewer options for construction and renovation loans. I would like to thank the original coponsors of this bill: Senators Conrad, Tim Johnson, Thune, Johanns, and Tester for their leadership and support for Critical Access Hospitals. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue to move the Rural Health Care Capital Access Reauthorization Act towards passage.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, in an era when Congress is actively debating health care programs that are of enormous consequence to our economy and our collective future, it is important to acknowledge that today, Medicare and Medicaid play an essential role in ensuring access to health and long-term care services for nearly 100 million Americans. In fact, these programs are embedded in the daily lives of nearly one of every three Americans. Medicaid is the program that currently pays for about half of all long-term care services in our country. Jointly financed and administered by states and the Federal Government, it is a program that all of us--taxpayers and beneficiaries and health care providers alike--have a major stake in seeing continue and succeed. As chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I know that for millions of older and disabled Americans who are confronting the need for long-term care services, anxieties are often high. The costs associated with long-term care can be catastrophic, and many families turn to Medicaid for assistance. In many parts of the country, Medicaid offers only limited choices of where and how to receive services. However, I am pleased and proud that a few States, Wisconsin among them, have developed Medicaid programs that are designed to offer beneficiaries real choices in where they will receive long-term care. The choices usually include nursing homes, assisted living residences, adult daycare, and personal care services delivered at home. Wisconsin and some other states are also increasingly offering beneficiaries the option to self-direct their care through programs that allow them to directly hire an aide--perhaps a family member or a friend--who can provide personal care within the confines of an approved individual budget. Wisconsin's Medicaid managed care program that covers long-term services and supports is known as Family Care, and it is one that the state has worked to develop for many years under several administrations, starting with former Governor Tommy Thompson. Family Care is well ahead of where many States are in terms of offering older adults and those with disabilities a real choice of how and where they can receive long-term care services. Today, one in five Wisconsin seniors and individuals with disabilities are enrolled in Medicaid. A similar proportion in six other States--California, Mississippi, Vermont, Louisiana, New York and Maine, as well as the District of Columbia, rely on the program. In every State, the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in the program numbers is in the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions. Last year, 321,700 seniors and individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin received coverage through Medicaid. During the last several weeks, I have heard a great deal from constituents--beneficiaries, aging and disability organizations, and officials--who have expressed concern about recent developments in Family Care. It is my understanding that the state budget that was recently signed into law includes a provision to cap, or freeze, the number of individuals in the program, and thereby remove the ability of those who become eligible in the future to choose whether they wish to receive services in a nursing home, at home, or in a community-based setting such as an assisted living residence. The State anticipates that the cap could save $265 million in the 2011-2013 budget. Yet predictions also abound that waiting lists for home and community-based services for newly eligible beneficiaries will begin to rapidly grow again, after a period of years in which the Family Care Program worked to eliminate delays in receiving services. Such delays could prove costly, because when appropriate and cost- effective interventions cannot be accessed by frail elders and individuals with disabilities, more medically intensive services are likely to be required later. Moreover, individuals who wish to receive lower cost in-home services--but who may find that institutionally based care is their only option--are predicted to wind up costing some counties significantly more. This year, with the first cohort of boomers turning 65, we are launching our Nation's ``age wave.'' It is an exciting era for older adults, and it will be accompanied by new possibilities and challenges for our country. Wisconsin, which is aging more rapidly than many States, has a clear responsibility to continue to provide the best possible long-term care services to each and every one of its older and disabled citizens. In the coming weeks and months, I urge State and local officials to work closely and cooperatively with the Federal Government to keep Family Care strong. Over the last 12 years, Family Care has proven itself to be a valuable, popular, and cost-effective program--one that can be improved, yes, but one that also has a proven track record. It is my hope, and the hope of tens of thousands of beneficiaries of the program, that it will be preserved and carefully protected.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, some 9 years ago, the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership began a program for summer interns working in congressional offices. This 6-week program is designed to enhance their internship experience by giving them an inside view of how Congress really works. Each week, the interns meet with senior congressional staff and other experts to discuss issues ranging from the legislative process, to the influence of the media and lobbyists on Congress, to careers on Capitol Hill, and more. Interns are selected for this program based on their college record, community service experience, and interest in a career in public service. This year, 25 outstanding interns, most of them juniors and seniors in college who are working for Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate have taken part. I congratulate the interns for their involvement in this valuable program and I thank the Stennis Center and the senior Stennis fellows for providing such a meaningful experience for these interns and for encouraging them to consider a future career in public service. I ask unanimous consent that a list of 2011 Stennis congressional interns and the offices in which they work be printed in the Record.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Greenfield Chief of Police Frank Springob for 46 years of service to the community and State of Wisconsin. I am honored to have the opportunity to congratulate my friend and great member of law enforcement, Chief Springob, on his retirement. From an early age, Frank Springob was destined to become a police officer. Growing up on Milwaukee's south side, Frank spent a lot of time visiting his local police station and officers who became Frank's first mentors. Frank began his career as a police clerk trainee and with an unparalleled commitment to community service, spent the next 29 years working his way up through the ranks of the Greenfield Police Department, until he was appointed Greenfield's chief of police in 1994. Throughout his career, Frank remained endlessly committed to helping improve the lives of the residents he swore to protect and serve. During his time on the police force, Frank has seen the population of the city more than double. His encyclopedic knowledge of law enforcement and the history of the city helped ensure that the people of Greenfield received a special brand of policing--one focused, above all else, on helping people. During his time as chief, Frank has overseen the development and construction of the Law Enforcement Center, while maintaining one of the best, most cost effective departments in the State of Wisconsin. Still, Frank's greatest legacy as chief of police will be the team of officers he has helped shape and the incredible work they will continue to do serving the residents of Greenfield. Chief Frank Springob is an outstanding example of a true public servant and his dedication to protecting others has set a standard that we can all admire. The city of Greenfield and the State of Wisconsin have benefitted greatly from his service and I am proud to offer these words in recognition of his extraordinary career.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I am honored to have the opportunity to congratulate the Wisconsin Technical College System on their centennial celebration marking 100 years of contributing to my State and our Nation. The early 1900s brought the Industrial Revolution and marked the onset of what would ultimately become a pivotal time in our Nation's history. In Wisconsin, our paper, shipbuilding and steel industries were poised for growth and required workers who were highly skilled and educated in these burgeoning trades. It was this critical need that inspired one of Wisconsin's foremost educational pioneers, Dr. Charles McCarthy, the first director of what is now known as the Legislative Reference Bureau, to suggest a new model of education for Wisconsin. Dr. McCarthy's idea was based on the belief that, for many in Wisconsin, higher education could be obtained through a new model of learning. This model of learning would not only assist in meeting the new workforce demands of the Industrial Revolution, but would also provide expanded access for all residents to a higher level of education. In 1911, my home State of Wisconsin became the first State to establish a system of support for technical, vocational and adult education. What ensued in the following decades through the first World War and the Great Depression emphasized the importance of vocational skills training and propelled the growth of the technical system. By the time that World War II began, Wisconsin's Technical College System had garnered a national reputation for excellence, prompting the Federal Government to allocate over $4.6 billion into the State to aid the war effort. By the 1960s, the success and value of the system had been firmly established and the State legislature mandated that vocational districts be established throughout Wisconsin by 1970. What began with an idea more than a century ago, the Wisconsin Technical College System has continued to set the standard for our Nation. The system currently serves 400,000 students on 47 campuses every year, helping to shape the future of our State and prepare the workers for tomorrow. Even in these difficult economic times, access to high quality education for all people remains crucial in ensuring that not only Wisconsin but the Nation, moves forward. I am very proud to recognize the Wisconsin Technical College System on its centennial celebration and for all it has done for the State of Wisconsin and its citizens.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Manchin to introduce the Silver Alert Act of 2011. This legislation increases the chances of quickly locating missing senior citizens by establishing a national communications network to help regional and local search efforts. Every year, thousands of adults go missing from their homes or care facilities due to diminished mental capacity, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other circumstances. As the population of the United States ages, that number is likely to increase. Over five million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and it is estimated that 60 percent of these men and women are likely to wander away from their homes. Disorientation and confusion may keep many from finding their way back home. The safe return of missing persons often depends upon them being found quickly. If not found within 24 hours, roughly half risk serious illness, injury, or death. Only four percent of those Alzheimer's sufferers who leave home are able to get back without some assistance. Our bill would create a national program to coordinate existing state-based Silver Alert plans so that missing seniors can be returned safely to their homes and families. Not only will a federal network increase the success of efforts to find missing seniors, but it also eliminates duplicative search efforts, saving the public time and money. The Silver Alert Act creates this needed Federal network. The Amber Alert system, which the Silver Alert Act is modeled after, has a track record of success. The Amber Alert Act created a similar Federal program that filters information and transmits relevant details to the appropriate authorities as quickly as possible. Just as with missing and abducted children, timely notification and dissemination of appropriate information about missing seniors greatly improves the chances that they will be found before they are seriously harmed. Silver Alert plans use the same infrastructure as Amber Alert plans, so this Act enables us to protect another vulnerable group in our population, at very little additional cost. Over half of States have responded to the problem of missing seniors by establishing Silver Alert plans. These plans have created public notification systems triggered by the report of a missing senior. Postings on highways, radio, television, and other forms of media broadcast information about the missing senior to locate him or her, and return the senior safely home. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Manchin to introduce the Silver Alert Act of 2011. This legislation increases the chances of quickly locating missing senior citizens by establishing a national communications network to help regional and local search efforts. Every year, thousands of adults go missing from their homes or care facilities due to diminished mental capacity, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other circumstances. As the population of the United States ages, that number is likely to increase. Over five million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and it is estimated that 60 percent of these men and women are likely to wander away from their homes. Disorientation and confusion may keep many from finding their way back home. The safe return of missing persons often depends upon them being found quickly. If not found within 24 hours, roughly half risk serious illness, injury, or death. Only four percent of those Alzheimer's sufferers who leave home are able to get back without some assistance. Our bill would create a national program to coordinate existing state-based Silver Alert plans so that missing seniors can be returned safely to their homes and families. Not only will a federal network increase the success of efforts to find missing seniors, but it also eliminates duplicative search efforts, saving the public time and money. The Silver Alert Act creates this needed Federal network. The Amber Alert system, which the Silver Alert Act is modeled after, has a track record of success. The Amber Alert Act created a similar Federal program that filters information and transmits relevant details to the appropriate authorities as quickly as possible. Just as with missing and abducted children, timely notification and dissemination of appropriate information about missing seniors greatly improves the chances that they will be found before they are seriously harmed. Silver Alert plans use the same infrastructure as Amber Alert plans, so this Act enables us to protect another vulnerable group in our population, at very little additional cost. Over half of States have responded to the problem of missing seniors by establishing Silver Alert plans. These plans have created public notification systems triggered by the report of a missing senior. Postings on highways, radio, television, and other forms of media broadcast information about the missing senior to locate him or her, and return the senior safely home. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment, and I call up my amendment No. 389.

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Graham to introduce the Justice for Troops Act. This legislation offers a simple solution to a serious problem that affects the well-being of our troops and their families. Today, when service men and women face civil legal problems they often have no access to legal assistance. When these troops face such problems, like child custody issues, complications with leases, mortgage payments or credit card debt that should be protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or disputes over a bank account, they often have no access to legal assistance. Without representation, troops run the risk of losing custody of their children, being evicted from their home, or facing financial ruin. This is unjust, especially when there are many lawyers willing to volunteer their services for free. The Justice for Troops Act would solve this problem by connecting service men and women with pro bono lawyers. It would do so by authorizing the Department of Defense, DoD, to use up to $500,000 of funds already appropriated for operation and maintenance to support programs that make these connections and ensure that our troops have access to the legal representation they need. All branches of the military provide our service men and women with basic legal services on-base through legal assistance officers, Judge Advocate Generals, JAGs, but they generally cannot represent service members in court or provide legal assistance in other parts of the country. When troops encounter legal problems that JAGs are not able to handle, they are left on their own to find a lawyer. This burden can arise if a service member is stationed in one state, but his or her home, family, or bank accounts are located in another. On-base JAG officers are unable to help with bankruptcy, child support issues, and other legal challenges that arise in a different state. As the number of deployed troops has increased since 2001, the gap between their legal needs and the offerings of JAG offices has widened. In some cases, JAG officers have referred troops who cannot afford a lawyer to programs that connect them with pro bono lawyers. Other cases have been left unresolved, to the detriment of our troops, their families, and the readiness of our armed forces. Today, there are limited services available to help troops with legal problems that cannot be handled by JAGs, but they are unable to fully meet the growing need. Some law school clinics, state bar associations, and the American Bar Association's Military Pro Bono Project connect active-duty military personnel and their families to free legal assistance beyond what military legal offices can offer. They maintain lists of attorneys who are willing to provide their services free of charge to service members and, in conjunction with the DoD, reach out to on-base JAG offices to encourage them to refer troops to their programs. Unfortunately, these programs have a long way to go to meet the increasing demand for their pro bono legal services, and too many troops still go without legal help. Furthermore, existing programs are limited in their ability to connect troops with pro bono lawyers because funding to support them is scarce. With access to only $500,000, pro bono projects would be able to build more connections, ensure that every JAG office knows how to refer service members to the programs, and grow their databases of pro bono lawyers. This small investment would be leveraged into providing free legal assistance to countless men and women who serve our country. We will no doubt enhance our military readiness by eliminating the stress and anxiety caused by legal problems. The Justice for Troops Act is supported by the Department of Defense, the Military Officers Association of America, the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Wisconsin National Guard Association, the Association of the US Army, the Air Force Association, and the Gold Star Wives of America. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Graham to introduce the Justice for Troops Act. This legislation offers a simple solution to a serious problem that affects the well-being of our troops and their families. Today, when service men and women face civil legal problems they often have no access to legal assistance. When these troops face such problems, like child custody issues, complications with leases, mortgage payments or credit card debt that should be protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or disputes over a bank account, they often have no access to legal assistance. Without representation, troops run the risk of losing custody of their children, being evicted from their home, or facing financial ruin. This is unjust, especially when there are many lawyers willing to volunteer their services for free. The Justice for Troops Act would solve this problem by connecting service men and women with pro bono lawyers. It would do so by authorizing the Department of Defense, DoD, to use up to $500,000 of funds already appropriated for operation and maintenance to support programs that make these connections and ensure that our troops have access to the legal representation they need. All branches of the military provide our service men and women with basic legal services on-base through legal assistance officers, Judge Advocate Generals, JAGs, but they generally cannot represent service members in court or provide legal assistance in other parts of the country. When troops encounter legal problems that JAGs are not able to handle, they are left on their own to find a lawyer. This burden can arise if a service member is stationed in one state, but his or her home, family, or bank accounts are located in another. On-base JAG officers are unable to help with bankruptcy, child support issues, and other legal challenges that arise in a different state. As the number of deployed troops has increased since 2001, the gap between their legal needs and the offerings of JAG offices has widened. In some cases, JAG officers have referred troops who cannot afford a lawyer to programs that connect them with pro bono lawyers. Other cases have been left unresolved, to the detriment of our troops, their families, and the readiness of our armed forces. Today, there are limited services available to help troops with legal problems that cannot be handled by JAGs, but they are unable to fully meet the growing need. Some law school clinics, state bar associations, and the American Bar Association's Military Pro Bono Project connect active-duty military personnel and their families to free legal assistance beyond what military legal offices can offer. They maintain lists of attorneys who are willing to provide their services free of charge to service members and, in conjunction with the DoD, reach out to on-base JAG offices to encourage them to refer troops to their programs. Unfortunately, these programs have a long way to go to meet the increasing demand for their pro bono legal services, and too many troops still go without legal help. Furthermore, existing programs are limited in their ability to connect troops with pro bono lawyers because funding to support them is scarce. With access to only $500,000, pro bono projects would be able to build more connections, ensure that every JAG office knows how to refer service members to the programs, and grow their databases of pro bono lawyers. This small investment would be leveraged into providing free legal assistance to countless men and women who serve our country. We will no doubt enhance our military readiness by eliminating the stress and anxiety caused by legal problems. The Justice for Troops Act is supported by the Department of Defense, the Military Officers Association of America, the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Wisconsin National Guard Association, the Association of the US Army, the Air Force Association, and the Gold Star Wives of America. 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 introducing the Savings Enhancement by Alleviating Leakage in 401(k) Savings Act of 2011, otherwise known as the SEAL 401(k) Savings Act. This bill, which I introduce together with my friend Senator Mike Enzi, will reduce leakage from retirement plans and help ensure that retirement savings in defined contribution plans last throughout retirement. With the recent shift from defined benefit retirement savings plans to 401(k)-type defined contribution plans, many Americans are now responsible for making the proactive decision to save for their retirement. These decisions include how much to save and where to invest their savings. Meanwhile, they also must resist the urge to tap into their savings in times of hardship through withdrawals and loans. During these difficult economic times, we are increasingly seeing 401(k) funds being treated as rainy day funds, as participants take out withdrawals and loans. According to a recent study by Aon Hewitt, as of the end of 2010, about 28 percent of active participants in defined contribution plans had an outstanding loan. This is a record high. Withdrawals from defined contribution plans also have increased since the 2008 financial crisis. This leakage from these plans can significantly reduce workers' savings and put their retirement security at risk. To determine how to best tackle the issue of leakage from retirement plans, the Special Committee on Aging, of which I chair, held a hearing in July 2008 entitled, ``Saving Smartly for Retirement: Are Americans Being Encouraged to Break Open the Piggy Bank?.'' The Committee also requested a GAO report entitled, ``401(k) Plans: Policy Changes Could Reduce the Long-term Effects of Leakage on Workers' Retirement Savings,'' which was released in August 2009. The SEAL 401(k) Savings Act builds on the recommendations the Committee received from witnesses during our hearing and from the GAO and would reduce leakage and increase retirement savings. First, the bill would extend the time workers have to repay loans. When an employee with a 401(k) plan loan loses his job, he generally is put to the choice of defaulting on his outstanding loan and incurring tax penalties or immediately repaying the entire outstanding loan balance. Paying back a loan after just losing your job can be difficult so our bill would give people more time. While having access to a loan in an emergency is an important feature for many participants, a 401(k) savings account should not be used as a piggy bank for revolving loans. Also, the administrative burden of managing multiple loans for a few individuals can increase the costs for all workers in a plan. The SEAL Act reduces the overall number of loans that participants can take to three at one time. Currently employers determine the number of loans available, and many employers, like the Federal Thrift Savings Program, have chosen to restrict the number of loans to reduce leakage and overall cost. The bill also would allow 401(k) participants to continue to make additional contributions during the 6 months following a hardship withdrawal. Currently, after an employee takes a withdrawal from a 401(k) plan due to a hardship, he or she is prohibited from making contributions to the plan and all other plans maintained by the employer for at least six months. This loss of both employee contributions and company matching contributions during this period can exacerbate the long-term negative effects on retirement savings. Finally, the bill would ban products that promote leakage, such as the 401(k) debit card. By offering a 401(k) debit card, plans send the message that it is okay to use your retirement savings for every day purchases, despite the fact that the high fees associated with its use will drastically diminish their savings. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass 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 introducing the Savings Enhancement by Alleviating Leakage in 401(k) Savings Act of 2011, otherwise known as the SEAL 401(k) Savings Act. This bill, which I introduce together with my friend Senator Mike Enzi, will reduce leakage from retirement plans and help ensure that retirement savings in defined contribution plans last throughout retirement. With the recent shift from defined benefit retirement savings plans to 401(k)-type defined contribution plans, many Americans are now responsible for making the proactive decision to save for their retirement. These decisions include how much to save and where to invest their savings. Meanwhile, they also must resist the urge to tap into their savings in times of hardship through withdrawals and loans. During these difficult economic times, we are increasingly seeing 401(k) funds being treated as rainy day funds, as participants take out withdrawals and loans. According to a recent study by Aon Hewitt, as of the end of 2010, about 28 percent of active participants in defined contribution plans had an outstanding loan. This is a record high. Withdrawals from defined contribution plans also have increased since the 2008 financial crisis. This leakage from these plans can significantly reduce workers' savings and put their retirement security at risk. To determine how to best tackle the issue of leakage from retirement plans, the Special Committee on Aging, of which I chair, held a hearing in July 2008 entitled, ``Saving Smartly for Retirement: Are Americans Being Encouraged to Break Open the Piggy Bank?.'' The Committee also requested a GAO report entitled, ``401(k) Plans: Policy Changes Could Reduce the Long-term Effects of Leakage on Workers' Retirement Savings,'' which was released in August 2009. The SEAL 401(k) Savings Act builds on the recommendations the Committee received from witnesses during our hearing and from the GAO and would reduce leakage and increase retirement savings. First, the bill would extend the time workers have to repay loans. When an employee with a 401(k) plan loan loses his job, he generally is put to the choice of defaulting on his outstanding loan and incurring tax penalties or immediately repaying the entire outstanding loan balance. Paying back a loan after just losing your job can be difficult so our bill would give people more time. While having access to a loan in an emergency is an important feature for many participants, a 401(k) savings account should not be used as a piggy bank for revolving loans. Also, the administrative burden of managing multiple loans for a few individuals can increase the costs for all workers in a plan. The SEAL Act reduces the overall number of loans that participants can take to three at one time. Currently employers determine the number of loans available, and many employers, like the Federal Thrift Savings Program, have chosen to restrict the number of loans to reduce leakage and overall cost. The bill also would allow 401(k) participants to continue to make additional contributions during the 6 months following a hardship withdrawal. Currently, after an employee takes a withdrawal from a 401(k) plan due to a hardship, he or she is prohibited from making contributions to the plan and all other plans maintained by the employer for at least six months. This loss of both employee contributions and company matching contributions during this period can exacerbate the long-term negative effects on retirement savings. Finally, the bill would ban products that promote leakage, such as the 401(k) debit card. By offering a 401(k) debit card, plans send the message that it is okay to use your retirement savings for every day purchases, despite the fact that the high fees associated with its use will drastically diminish their savings. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass 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, I wish to honor Reverend Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette University in Milwaukee. Father Wild began his duties as president of Marquette University on June 17, 1996, with a pledge that he would ``spare no effort in keeping Marquette on a strong and clear path into the future.'' As he enters retirement on July 31, 2011, it is my belief that my friend has not strayed from his pledge. As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette promotes an academically rigorous, values-centered curriculum. Throughout his presidency, Father Wild has encouraged the practical preparation of students for work in an increasingly complex and diverse world, advocating for the formation of individuals as ethical and informed leaders in their religious, cultural, professional, and civic communities. Through this work, Father Wild has demonstrated a deep care and understanding of the development of young people. Early in his career as president, Father Wild oversaw the rewriting of Marquette's mission statement in an effort to clearly define what all people, young and old, should strive toward on a daily basis. The mission statement was reorganized under the key values of excellence, faith, leadership and service. These values have permeated all aspects of Father Wild's tenure as he has constantly inspired the Marquette community in the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. Father Wild has boldly committed Marquette to making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of financial means. To accomplish this, Marquette became the first university in the country to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to offer full-tuition scholarships. This program and others have helped many first-generation students attend college, so much so that 20 percent of Marquette's students are the first in their families to attend college. The more than 36,000 students who have received a Marquette degree under Father Wild's tenure have had the advantage of learning from renowned faculty members who work to advance knowledge and improve the world around them. Over Father Wild's career, faculty members and students have seen a 130-percent increase in total research and sponsored project dollars. Beyond research and academics, Father Wild has placed an emphasis on community interaction that has made Marquette a focal point for discussion of the region's most important and complex societal issues. Thanks to these interactions, Marquette's presence in southeast Wisconsin is stronger than ever before. Father Wild has expanded the university's outreach through service and faculty research, and currently more than 85 percent of Marquette students serve their community. The physical growth of the Marquette campus is one of the most obvious indicators of Father Wild's commitment to the university. Father Wild oversaw the financing, construction and completion of a new facility for the Marquette University School of Dentistry, training the State's future dentists and promoting oral health through outreach programs that target underserved patients in six clinical sites throughout the State, making Marquette one of the largest Medicaid providers in the State. All of this growth has been fueled by unprecedented fundraising led by Father Wild. In addition to promoting academics and service, Father Wild was strategic in helping Marquette enter the Big East Athletic Conference in 2005. In 6 short years, the school has enjoyed success in many of its athletic programs, most prominently a Sweet 16 run in the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I offer my gratitude and sincerest thanks to my friend Father Wild on his retirement from Marquette University. His presidency, based in the values of excellence, faith, leadership and service, has inspired countless individuals not only in the Marquette community but in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin that will be felt for years to come.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I rise today to praise the work of fraternal benefit societies, little-known but critical nonprofit organizations that meet the needs of millions of Americans day in and day out. There are over 9 million fraternal members across the country. Every day, their volunteers supplement the social services provided by overburdened government agencies-- serving children, the elderly, veterans, and others who need help. In the past year alone, fraternal members invested 91 million hours in community service and contributed $400 million to charitable programs. In the State of Wisconsin, there are 252,232 fraternal members, and in the last year, these members spent over 4 million hours volunteering and donated over $25 million throughout the state. Fraternal benefit societies are tax-exempt organizations that sell financial products such as life insurance and annuities, and use the profits to meet community needs. From a small Federal investment of $50 million a year, over $400 million is put back directly into communities. A recent study found that fraternal benefit societies contribute more than $3 billion annually to society. The fraternal benefit societies leverage additional community resources through fund matching programs and by bringing people together to do good. These community needs would not be met without fraternal benefit societies, especially at this time of shrinking federal, state and local resources. From acting as a first-response network in the face of natural disasters, to building homes for families in need, to assisting families struggling with overwhelming medical bills, to providing scholarships to deserving students, fraternals are dedicated to improving the lives of their members, families, and communities. Many of these societies have been around for over a century. They began, in large part to meet needs of immigrant populations that could not otherwise be met--helping families when a breadwinner got sick or died; helping a community member find a place to stay or meet medical needs. While the organizations have evolved, today they still meet needs that are otherwise not met. They help pay for medical bills, have scholarship funds, assist in neighborhood playground builds, clean up after disasters, stock food pantries and bring meals to seniors. I want to honor these groups during their annual meeting. I want to take the opportunity to thank the 9 million fraternal members for all of the great work they do around the country.

Mr. KOHL

Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Wisconsin, was established in 1911 with a commitment to creating better places to work and live through architectural design and advocacy. This year, we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Wisconsin's AIA Chapter. I would like to congratulate all past and present members of AIA Wisconsin for a century of service and their devotion to designing the buildings that are hallmarks of Wisconsin's architectural landscape. Over the years, AIA Wisconsin has developed into four active local chapters, each covering a quadrant of our State. With more than 1,300 members, AIA Wisconsin brings fellowship to Wisconsin's architects while providing educational, public awareness and advocacy opportunities. Wisconsin architects are at the forefront of technology, keeping abreast of energy efficient solutions that they integrate into their designs. These innovations help Wisconsin communities become more sustainable and livable, a goal we can all agree on. Further, I am pleased to commend AIA Wisconsin for its community involvement. Wisconsin AIA provides educational opportunities through organized programs, public lectures, architectural competitions and educational summer camps in our state. I am confident that AIA Wisconsin will continue to provide these opportunities and creative design solutions to create a green economy in Wisconsin. On behalf of our State and Nation, I thank AIA Wisconsin for a century of work that has connected and improved Wisconsin's architects, creating the landmarks we have come to recognize as part of our great State's heritage.