Carl Levin

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the Senator from Kentucky is flat out wrong. There is no such language in the bill which denies the right to trial by jury. I think those are the same kinds of charges against last year's bill. We are trying to keep up with the false charges that the Senator makes, so we put language in this year's bill which says nothing in last year's bill does or could be implied to do any such thing as the Senator from Kentucky is charging. We have language in this year's bill and nothing from last year's bill. That was the same charge he made against last year's bill, shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus or deny any constitutional rights in a court ordained or established under article III of the Constitution to any person inside the United States. Then he makes a totally outlandish charge that they were outmaneuvered and they were sneakier than we were. Where does that come from? What is the basis for that kind of a charge against Senator McCain and me? We have put language in this bill which makes it absolutely clear that nothing we have adopted here in this Senate does anything like what the Senator from Kentucky said--denying the people the right to jury trial. I totally reject his argument. He does not quote any language in this bill that does what he says this bill does. The Senator from Kentucky actually started his statement by saying this bill has language which will deny a trial by jury. What language and what page? It makes the allegation and sort of lets it sit there. Well, it is flat out wrong. I yield the floor.

Mr. LEVIN. I very much thank my dear friend from Arizona.

Mr. LEVIN. I thank the Presiding Officer. The only one thing I will add to this subject before we vote--the Senator from Arkansas seeks to speak and we will run out of time soon--is that a provision which is in our bill, which both the ranking member and myself voted for, which was stricken, one of the arguments against it was made by the ACLU. Our friend from Kentucky talks about something in this bill which denies the right to jury trial and the proof he gives for that is something that is not in the bill, which is--it violates logic, to begin with, but putting that aside--one of the arguments against keeping it in the bill was made by the American Civil Liberties Union and surely they believe people's rights to trial and jury trial should not be denied. So the allegations made by the Senator from Kentucky are wrong. There is absolutely no substantiation for them, including the one which was just referred to by Senator McCain. But the statement he makes that there is language in this bill--here is the bill. Where is the Senator from Kentucky? What page of the bill is he referring to that contains the language he says denies people the right to trial? It is simply not there. I yield the floor.

Mr. LEVIN. Yes, that is correct. The language does not apply to fiscal year 2012 funds. We should all expect the agencies involved to adhere to the framework set forth in last year's memorandum of understanding.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, let me thank Senator Pryor for his tremendous contribution to this bill and to this body. The fight he is waging here is the correct fight. This was not done well by the Air Force, to put it mildly. We froze it. They amended it. We have some problems with the amendment, but we had to reach a compromise with the House, which favored their modified bill, and there are some rough edges to it. The Senator from Arkansas has very eloquently pointed out one of those rough edges. We put in this place in this bill a commission to try to avoid these kinds of problems in the future. That does not help this year. I wish it could. But, nonetheless, it is because of the efforts of the Senator from Arkansas and others, who pointed out the defects in the process this year, that we have been able to, hopefully, avoid a repetition of this in the future. I thank him for the many contributions he has made to this bill. His fight for his home State is passionate and effective, and I commend him for it. Mr. President, I yield back our time, if we have any remaining.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, in a few days, the Senate will no longer benefit from the service of a member who has left an indelible mark on national security policy and on the Senate. Senator Joe Lieberman has been my colleague and friend for more than two decades. We have shared triumphs and challenges, agreed and disagreed with one another, and each of us has served as a member of a committee the other chaired. One challenge we have shared is the need to strengthen our nation's manufacturing sector, the economic backbone of our two states and indeed of the nation. Senator Lieberman has served as chairman of the Senate Manufacturing Caucus, which has benefitted greatly from his energy and leadership. He has been a dedicated supporter of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which helps U.S. manufacturers strengthen and grow in the face of international competition. In this work, Senator Lieberman has been an ally of Michigan working families. Of course, Senator Lieberman and I have worked together on the Armed Services Committee, where he has been an active, thoughtful, principled and energetic member and subcommittee chairman. Senator Lieberman joined the committee in 1993, and from the start, he made an impact. He was the author of what came to be known as the Lieberman Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997, directing the Department of Defense to conduct a Quadrennial Defense Review. This review has become an integral part of our nation's defense planning, encouraging the Pentagon, Congress and all who contribute to defense strategy to confront tough questions about strategy, capabilities and resources. Over several years as chairman or ranking member of the Airland Subcommittee, Senator Lieberman has played an influential role in oversight of important modernization programs. His constant attention and leadership has helped the Army push through the challenges of acquiring and fielding the truly networked tactical force our nation needs, and of modernizing its helicopter force. He has provided close oversight of aircraft programs such as the F/A-18E and F, F-22, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the new KC-46 aerial refueling tanker. Of course, the committee has grappled with a number of difficult policy questions over the last two decades, from the need to repeal ``don't ask, don't tell'' to the conduct of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Senator Lieberman was the original sponsor of the legislation that repealed ``don't ask, don't tell'' and he played an important role in shepherding this legislation through the Armed Services Committee and the Senate. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Senator Lieberman on these issues, it's impossible to doubt his thoughtfulness and his dedication to finding the right solutions for our nation. Senator Lieberman is my chairman on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. I'm privileged to chair that committee's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, where a small but incredibly talented and dedicated staff has made immense contributions to consumer protections, government oversight and our defenses against financial wrongdoing. I am deeply grateful for Senator Lieberman's support for our subcommittee's work. We also have worked closely on the committee's efforts to protect Americans from potentially catastrophic releases from chemical facilities. I was a co-sponsor on legislation he authored with Senator Collins to address that threat, and I am thankful for his leadership in putting in place these vital protective standards. Senator Lieberman's work has also included badly needed reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster; improving our cybersecurity protections; and improving our defenses against disease pandemics. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is also where Senator Lieberman has accomplished what is likely his most lasting work: reform of our homeland security and intelligence communities in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Reforms of this scope by necessity have many authors, but certainly Senator Lieberman's role was at the forefront. His leadership was instrumental in passage of legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security, and in achieving vital reforms to the structure and practices of our intelligence agencies in the wake of the 9-11 attacks. These were sweeping, once-in-a-generation reforms, and Senator Lieberman was tireless in his advocacy for them. In these and so many other ways, Senator Lieberman leaves an important and lasting legacy as he prepares to leave the Senate. He is a trustworthy confidant and I shall miss him. Barbara and I wish Joe and Hadassah every happiness as they embark on their next adventure together. Olympia Snowe Mr. President, it is an unfortunate reality that the number of people in Washington working for bipartisan solutions is significantly smaller than the number of people claiming to do so or proclaiming the need to do so. Nearly everyone seeks the ``bipartisan'' label; fewer wear it comfortably or practice bipartisanship regularly. That is one reason I am sad to see Olympia Snowe leave the Senate. Over three terms, Senator Snowe has represented the people of Maine with intelligence and, yes, moderation. Here's how Time magazine put it in 2006, in naming Senator Snowe one of the nation's 10 best senators: ``Because of her centrist views and eagerness to get beyond partisan point scoring, Maine Republican Olympia Snowe is in the center of every policy debate in Washington.'' And I've been lucky to observe her work in those debates. Start with her work on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, where she has served both as chairman and ranking member. As a member of the committee, I have appreciated her dedicated advocacy for small business. She has worked hard to support SBA's Microloan program and programs for women owned businesses. She has helped improve SBA's trade and export finance programs; elevated the SBAs Office of International Trade and add export finance specialists to the SBA's trade and counseling programs; and established the State Export Promotion Grant Program, designed to increase the number of small businesses that export goods and services. Senator Snowe also has been an enthusiastic supporter of our nation's manufacturers. As a former co-chair of the Senate Task Force on Manufacturing, she has worked to strengthen programs such as the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which helps American manufacturers research and develop new technologies, increase efficiency, improve supply chains and out-innovate our overseas competitors. American workers from Maine to Michigan and beyond are better off for her support of this vital sector of the American economy. Beyond manufacturing, our states are linked in another way: the historical lighthouses that dot our shores. I was pleased that Senator Snowe joined me in offering the National Lighthouse Stewardship Act, which would help local governments or nonprofit groups preserve these prized structures for the appreciation of generations to follow. I was also fortunate to serve with her on the Armed Service Committee, where she served as Chair of the Seapower Subcommittee. She was a strong advocate for the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps, and worked diligently to ensure that the Department of the Navy had the people and hardware the Navy needs to defend our nation's interests. On these and other issues, Senator Snowe has worked across party lines for the good of her constituents and our nation. But I can think of no issue that better demonstrates her ability to reach beyond partisan interest than one of the most controversial issues of our time together here: the Iraq war. I worked with Senator Snowe and a bipartisan group of senators who believed the status quo in Iraq was no longer acceptable and who worked together to chart a new course. We joined together to advance our collective view that the primary purpose of United States strategy in Iraq should be to pressure the Iraqi political leadership to make the compromises necessary to end the violence in Iraq while accelerating the training of Iraqi troops to take responsibility for their own security. We made clear that the open-ended commitment of U.S. forces to Iraq was over, thereby undermining the al Qaeda narrative that we were there as occupiers and signaling to the people and Government of Iraq that the time for political reconciliation had come. As Senator Snowe rightly pointed out at the time, ``The Iraq government needs to understand that our commitment is not infinite. Americans are losing patience with the failure of the leadership in Baghdad to end the sectarian violence and move toward national reconciliation.'' She continued, ``It is imperative that Congress understands the importance of placing the future of Iraq's independence in the hands of those who should want it most--the Iraqi people and their government.'' As members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Snowe and I also worked as part of the Committee's effort to investigate the misuse of pre-war Iraq intelligence by policymakers. Senator Snowe's support for the investigation and its findings, in the face of strong criticism from some in her own party, was important to bring transparency to the decision to go to war in Iraq and will help to ensure the American public is not similarly misled in the future. Senator Snowe recently took another principled stand, in what will likely be her last vote as a member of the Intelligence Committee, when she was the only Republican member to vote to adopt the Committee's report on the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program. That report definitively shows that torture is not effective in eliciting intelligence and will hopefully significantly influence how our nation deals with the detention and interrogation of those we capture in the future. Olympia Snowe's service has been of enormous benefit to the people of her state. She is rightly respected in this chamber, and around this country, as a leader who has not just talked a good game when it comes to bipartisanship, but has followed words with action, often at the cost of no little political discomfort for her. To the very end of her tenure here, she has fought, as she put it just last week on this, ``to return this institution to its highest calling of governing through consensus.'' I want to thank her for the many ways in which she has supported programs important to Michigan, and for the thoughtful approach she has brought to the many challenges we have faced together. As she returns to Maine, I wish Olympia and Jock every success in whatever endeavors may come. And I hope we can take to heart Senator Snowe's wise words as we seek to answer the challenges before us. Scott Brown Mr. President, I want to give my thanks to Senator Scott Brown, who leaves the Senate at the end of this session. I have not had the privilege of working with Senator Brown for as long as I have worked with many of the other Senators who are concluding their service here. But I am grateful for his work as a member of the Armed Services Committee, and for his support for some of the important reforms that helped put a cop back on the beat on Wall Street. Scott's road to the Senate was not easy. Like all too many American children, he was the victim of abuse by those who were obligated to care for him. Senator Brown overcame great odds to become a United States Senator--odds that had little to do with politics. He is an example of our power to achieve despite great challenges, and we can all learn from that example. Senator Brown was one of a handful of members who crossed party lines to support the Dodd-Frank Act, which provided vital reforms of the financial sector in order to help prevent a repeat of the financial crisis that crippled our economy. He and I disagreed on several important provisions of the act, and we disagree in many ways on how it can best be implemented. But his vote was very important to its passage. As a servicemember for more than three decades, including a deployment to Afghanistan, Senator Brown has brought a valuable perspective to the Armed Services Committee. He has spoken eloquently of the need to honor our Nation's solemn obligation to our troops, our veterans and our families. He has advocated for the National Guard and supported significant policy changes that are important for our servicemembers, such as supporting victims of rape or incest and repeal of ``don't ask, don't tell.'' I thank him for his contributions to the committee's important work in fulfilling its obligation to servicemembers and their families. Daniel Akaka Mr. President, now that the 112th Congress will soon be coming to a close, the Senate will be able to take a moment to acknowledge and express our appreciation to those members who will be retiring when the gavel brings an end to the current session. One member who has had a great impact on so many of us on a personal basis is Daniel Akaka. Danny, as I have come to know him, has been one of the strongest and most loyal parts of our Senate Prayer Breakfast. That regular gathering that many of us attend gives us an opportunity to come together to share our faith and discuss the difference it has made in our daily lives. No one has played a more important role in those weekly meetings than Danny. His faith has brought him through some very difficult situations in his life and it has also helped him to pursue policies and programs that have made a difference in more lives than we will ever know. When Danny was in the House he was the song leader. His understanding of the importance of music helped him to better express his faith. He led our singing of our hymns by providing us with the history of each song as he explained the meaning of the words that were used to bring its message to life. His faith also showed itself with his work on a sailing ship that helped to bring missionaries around the Pacific to share their faith with those who might otherwise have never heard such stories. Danny is a veteran of World War II. His experience during the war gave him an understanding of the sacrifices our veterans made during their service and the importance of ensuring that we as a nation take good care of them and address their medical needs. That is why one of Danny's great accomplishments here in the Senate has been his efforts on behalf of his fellow veterans. Whenever an important bill was taken up and passed, Danny immediately got to work, trying to determine the impact each bill would have on our veterans and how any negative impacts could be addressed and reversed. Just as we owe our veterans a great debt of gratitude for their service, veterans everywhere have a special place in their hearts for everything Danny has done over the years to protect and preserve the benefits they have earned with their service. In addition to his great faith and his concern for our Nation's veterans, Danny also brought to the Senate his love of Hawaii and its great culture and history. It was a gift he shared with us over the years that increased our awareness of Hawaii's past and the great traditions of his home State. Through the years Danny has made a reputation for himself here in the Senate as a careful, thoughtful legislator who works quietly but effectively. The good work he has done on a number of issues has had an impact that will continue to be felt for many years to come. Thank you, Danny, for your service both here in the Senate and in our armed forces. You can be very proud of all you have achieved. You have represented your State very well. Thank you most of all for your friendship and for sharing your faith and the impact it has had on your life. You will be missed and not just by those of us in the Senate who have enjoyed having a chance to come to know you. You have been a great friend to our Nation's veterans, too, and they will always remember your commitment to them. Scott Brown Mr. President, now that the 112th Congress is coming to a close, the Senate will have an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of those Senators who will be returning home at the end of this session of the Senate. One Senator I know I will miss in the days to come is Senator Scott Brown. Looking back it is hard to believe that Scott has only been a member of the Senate for about 3 years. He has had an impact on our day to day deliberations over those years that far outweighs the time he has been a Member of the Senate. That speaks volumes about his ability to make the best use of his resources so that he could have an impact on those issues that concern the people of his home state. When Scott was elected to the Senate he became the first Republican Senator from Massachusetts to have made it here in more than 30 years. For me, that is proof of the kind of candidate Scott was and the effectiveness of the campaign he ran. His success in what was a very difficult race proved that Scott is a natural politician. He has a remarkable ability to grasp the core of the issues before the Senate and determine their possible impact on the people back home. He understands the people back home and he knows how they think and how they feel about the issues before the Senate. Equally important, Scott is able to explain those issues in simple, easily understood statements that stick in the minds of the people who hear him. He has a way with words that helps to win people over. When Scott came to the Senate people were not sure what to expect. Was he going to tend to follow one Party or the other exclusively? No. Scott took up each issue individually, measuring them all with the yardstick of his principles and his determination to be an effective representative of the people of Massachusetts who sent him to Washington. It was not going to be easy, but Scott proved himself to be well up to the task. As soon as he arrived, Scott found himself in the thick of a number of legislative battles. He took on each issue carefully and thoughtfully which thoroughly confused all those who thought they had Scott all figured out. Scott proved to be an independent individual who was determined to do everything he could to make a difference in Massachusetts and in Washington. He soon proved he was able to do all of that and so much more. For 3 years, Scott has been an important addition to the day to day life of the Senate. I have no doubt we have not heard that last from him. He only needs to take a moment to see what he is interested in taking on in the next chapter of his life. He has a wealth of talent and ability and more importantly, he genuinely cares about the future of our Nation and all of the people who make up his home State and our Nation. There is a lot of opportunity out there for Scott and I know he will take full advantage of it. Thanks, Scott, for your service. Thanks for working so hard to get here, and once you did, thank you for never doubting in your ability to make a difference. You have helped to make changes both here and back home in more ways than you will ever know. Thank you, too, for your friendship. For 3 years you have been a strong and powerful advocate for the future of Massachusetts and you can be very proud of all you have achieved during your time in the Senate. Jon Kyl Mr. President, it is a tradition in the Senate to take a moment at the end of the session to express our appreciation for the service of those Senators who will be retiring at the end of the year. This year it seems that we have quite a few retiring Senators who will be greatly missed because of the important role they have played in our leadership on both sides of the aisle. Such a Senator is Jon Kyl. I know we will miss him, his willingness to work with all of his colleagues, and his understanding of the issues and the need for us to come together to address them. Jon Kyl may very well be one of the smartest individuals I have ever met. More importantly, he is not just highly intelligent, he also has an abundance of wisdom. That means he not only knows what is right--he does it! Putting knowledge into action is always the toughest part of the equation. Here in the Senate, Jon has taken on a combination of assignments that most members would have found impossible. Jon not only served as our Party ``Whip'', but he also helped to direct our efforts with his great understanding of the many details that form such an important part of every issue we take up in the Senate. Jon has been such a great asset for our party because his focus is on the details of every issue that comes before the Senate. That is why, more often than not, when a complex matter is up for our consideration, many of us want to know what Jon thinks and what his recommendation would be. His insights have always been an important part of many of his colleagues' consideration of what each of us should do to further the interests of the people of our home States. One thing everyone who has spent some time with Jon knows about him is his great love for NASCAR. In fact it is more than just an appreciation--I don't think there are many who understand it with the depth that he does. He not only knows the stats, but he has a great feel for how each race played out, the strategy that was employed and the significance of the results. The way he describes ``how the game is played,'' the rules, and the key players in every race is enough to get anyone interested in attending the next event. NASCAR ought to make him their ambassador. He would increase interest in it right away. He had done a lot to make me a fan, too! Politically, Jon is a staunch conservative. In fact, I am sure if you look up ``staunch conservative'' in a reference book it will refer you to their article about Jon. Jon's great talent makes him the perfect example of what a conservative is, and his knowledge serves to highlight the positions and issues that are important to all conservatives. Something else that we have all come to know and appreciate about Jon is the strength of his faith and his belief in the importance of the family. One of his first considerations when we took up any legislation was how will this affect our Nation's families? It was that important to him. I can not imagine a better starting point for our discussions and deliberations. Thank you, Jon, for your willingness to serve. You have made a difference in more ways than you will ever know. In the months to come, I will miss seeing you around the Capitol building. I will also miss having the benefit of your advice and counsel--though I intend to keep your number handy. What I will miss the most, however, is your friendship. Keep in touch with us. We will always appreciate hearing from you. Jim DeMint Mr. President, one of our traditions here in the Senate is to take a moment as the current session of Congress draws to a close to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the service of all those members who will be leaving when the gavel brings to a close the 112th session of Congress. I know we will miss them all--especially those like Jim DeMint who have played such an important role in the work we do every day in committee and on the floor. I know I wasn't the only one who was surprised to learn that Jim DeMint was leaving the Senate to become the president of the Heritage Foundation. It is a great opportunity for him, and I know he will make the most of it in the years to come. We will miss him, though, because in a short time he had become an important voice in the Senate for the issues that meant a great deal to him. Looking back, I have no doubt that Jim learned at an early age that the law is a great teacher and by coming to Washington to help draft our laws he could help to teach people all across the Nation what it means to be a citizen. He could also help to ensure that our government responds more fully and substantively to the needs of the people of our Nation. I think that is what most interests him about the Heritage Foundation--the knowledge that it will be another opportunity and provide him with a different platform from which he can continue to have an impact on those issues that mean so very much to him. Over the years I have come to know Jim as he has taken his place as one of a very few who have been known as the conscience of the Senate. He is an individual of strong principles and core values and he brings his sense of direction to the work of the Senate every day. As I have watched him in action, I have seen his ability to bring our attention both carefully and forcefully to the flaws in the legislative matters we had taken up for deliberations. In everything we did, Jim would take a close look at the wording of each clause and every proposed amendment and make it clear to us the reasons why he believed something needed to be changed. Then as we began our debate, he would then present his points with greater clarity and substance as he made clear his strong opposition to or support for the issue that was before us. His views on how the Senate functions and how we could make it more effective and more efficient are clearly presented and strongly espoused in his books. I have no doubt that Jim's books could change the Senate if we could get every one of our colleagues to read them, consider them and then put some of his ideas into practice. Thank you, Jim, for your willingness to serve and for all you have helped us to accomplish during your time in the Senate. You have presented us with some strong, bold ideas about our future as a nation and I have no doubt they will continue to have an impact on the Senate for a long time to come. Thanks for sharing them with us. The new adventure you will now begin with the Heritage Foundation sounds like a challenge you will fully enjoy. I know we will continue to hear from you in your new post and we are looking forward to it. You have an important viewpoint to bring to our deliberations and it would be missed if you didn't continue to make your thoughts and concerns known. We will be watching and listening for your comments and suggestions in the days to come. Good luck and keep in touch! Herb Kohl Mr. President, now that the 112th Congress is coming to a close, we have an opportunity to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the service of our fellow Senators who will be retiring at the end of the year. Herb Kohl, one of those who will be returning home when the gavel brings to a close the current session of Congress, will be missed, for he has been very active and involved in the day-to- day work of the Senate for many years. My first contact with Herb came about when I found out that he had a ranch in Wyoming. I shouldn't have been surprised. As I have had a chance to come to know him, it seemed pretty clear that he had a lot of Wyoming in him. He is a gentleman and a gentle man in every sense of those words. He says what he means and he means what he says. For him, those words aren't cliches, they are an indication of the way he lives his life. I know I am not the only one who thought that about Herb. That is why he has a well-earned reputation for being a calm, thoughtful legislator. He has a knack for taking on a problem, giving it his full attention, and then working with members on both sides of the aisle to develop a workable solution to solve it. That is why he has been so successful on a number of issues. Herb's ability to patiently pursue an agenda, and then focus on a solution that would receive the support necessary to pass, has been a hallmark of his service. Never one to seek out public attention for his efforts, he has been rewarded with something far more important the knowledge that he has done a good job. His commitment to the future of his home State and our Nation has made it possible for him to have an impact on several issues of great importance to people from every corner of the United States. Herb has been such a successful legislator in part because of his small business background. He understands better than most the important role our businesses play in our local, State and national economies. He is a man of vision who put his great talents into action when he helped to take the family business to the next level. His success in that effort helped to put him on a path that made it possible for him to do some things that a lot of us only dream about. One of those great dreams he was able to make come true was his ownership of a professional sports team, the Milwaukee Bucks. There had been some speculation that the team might be bought and moved out of Milwaukee. Herb made sure that wouldn't happen. He bought the team and kept them in Milwaukee, and the people of Wisconsin appreciated his efforts to keep the home team--at home. None of that would have been possible if not for Herb's ability to organize his time so that he could make the best use of that precious commodity. That has been one of his greatest assets in the Senate, too. Back home, his constituents know that he is a thoughtful person who is interested in them and is always on the watch for those things he can do as their Senator to make their day-to-day lives better. His constituents have greatly appreciated his work in Washington on their behalf, and that is why they returned him time after time so he could keep doing such a good job of representing them. Herb has compiled an important record that he should be proud of because it reflects his commitment to the future of his home State and our Nation. Ben Nelson Mr. President, at the end of each session of Congress, as is our tradition, we take a moment to express our appreciation and acknowledge the many contributions each retiring Senator has made to the day-to-day work of the Senate. We will miss them when the gavel brings to a close the 112th Congress--especially Senators like Ben Nelson who have made an important difference during their service. Since he is from Nebraska, Ben is a neighbor to my home State of Wyoming and he understands more than most the inherent problems and challenges faced by rural America. The people of Wyoming, Nebraska and the West have taken on a rugged way of life and it shows itself in their independence, their unique spirit and their great love of their community and their country. Ben's upbringing and his ties to his State of Nebraska gave him an important understanding of the issues that surround our rural way of life. He took an active role in the Senate's work on agriculture and energy issues because he understands how great a concern they are back home. Ben learned at an early age that he could make a difference if he worked hard and dedicated himself to the people of his State. It was a plan of action he put into everything he has ever done in life. It helped him to make a successful run for governor, after which he decided to run for the Senate. He knew it wouldn't be easy, and it wasn't, but when the votes were counted he had won an important Senate seat and was headed here to represent his beloved home State. Soon after he began his Senate career he cast a vote to lower everyone's taxes. That took courage. In the years since then, he has shown that he has a lot of that important quality in abundance. Since we are neighbors and share an appreciation and understanding of rural America and our unique way of life, it shouldn't come as a surprise that we have a great deal in common. We both love our great outdoors and there are places in Nebraska that are almost as beautiful as Wyoming. We both love to hunt, and Ben has had some very interesting opportunities to pursue his hobby all over the world. My hunting has all taken place in Wyoming. Because of our love of hunting and my great affection for fishing, Ben and I co-chaired the Sportsmen's Caucus. We have also worked together on a number of issues related to the great outdoors. They are matters that mean a lot to us and to our constituents back home. Thanks, Ben, for your service and for your determination to make the position of your constituents known here in Washington. You have made a difference in many ways and you can be very proud of your legacy of service. Thanks, too, for your friendship. I have enjoyed coming to know you. Whatever you have planned for the future, I hope you continue to enjoy the great adventure of your life. Jim Webb Mr. President, as we have all learned, it doesn't always take a lifetime of service to make a difference, especially here in the Senate. Jim Webb is one of those unique individuals who had an impact here although he only served for one term before deciding to retire. I know I will miss him and his great support for our Nation's military and his heartfelt concern for our Nation's veterans. As I have had the opportunity to come to know Jim a little better, it is clear that he is a man of strong convictions. As we say in the West, he is someone who means what he says and says what he means. He walks his talk. When he first arrived in Washington he made it clear he wasn't going to be someone who could be taken for granted, especially when it came to those things in which he strongly believed. He put his home State of Virginia first and he was going to work hard to ensure that the concerns of the people back home were heard--and heard clearly-- whenever an issue was taken up that was going to have an impact on them. A Vietnam veteran himself, he had a great interest in national security issues. His determination to make a difference in that area became very clear right from the start. Serving on the Veterans' Affairs Committee he worked very hard to ensure that our veterans were able to access the benefits they had earned with their service. Jim is a good writer and he has several books to his credit. They have received a great deal of notice and one of his stories has been made into a movie. I know I join with many of my colleagues in wishing him all the best as he returns to Virginia. I don't know what his next great adventure will be, but I do know his skills and talents will provide him with a number of opportunities to choose from in which he can continue to play an active part in his State. Thank you, Jim, for your willingness to serve--not only here in the Senate but in our Nation's military. The recognition you earned with your efforts will continue to inspire others. Because of you our Nation's veterans have had a champion in committee and a warrior on the Senate floor who did everything you possibly could to ensure our veterans would never have to settle for anything less than the best. They have earned that and so much more with their service, their many sacrifices on our behalf and their unsurpassed love for our country. Jeff Bingaman Mr. President, at the close of each session of Congress, the Senate has traditionally taken a moment to express our appreciation for the service those who are retiring have provided to the people of their home State and our Nation. It gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions that every Senator makes to the day to day operations of the Congress and the work they have been a part of as we have worked together to craft the laws that govern the Nation. Over the years I have learned a great deal about how the Senate works and how to be an effective representative for the people of my home State from one of the best, Jeff Bingaman. He has compiled quite a record that he can be very proud of, and he has done it quietly, almost behind the scenes as he has shown himself to be ``a workhorse and not a showhorse.'' For those of us from the West, that is quite a compliment. In a nutshell, it means that someone is a lot more concerned with getting results than in getting the credit. It proves the old saying that you can get just about anything done if you don't care who gets the credit for it. When I first arrived in the Senate, I had always believed in the importance of getting acquainted with how things work by taking a close look at how the people who were getting the results I was equally committed to achieving were doing it. Using that as my standard, one Senator who caught my attention quickly was Jeff Bingaman. Jeff is a fellow Westerner and he knows and understands the issues that are so important to the people back home. As I watched him in action, I could quickly see why he was a success story here. He had a reputation for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle to get the results the people of his home State had sent him here to achieve. He had an understanding of the ramifications of the legislation we were working on that was second to none. Taken together, all of that had helped to make him an important ally in any legislative battle that needed to be won. As I got to know him, I looked to him for his leadership on the issues that were on the minds of the people back home in Wyoming. He was taking the lead on a number of them as he worked to increase the awareness of our colleagues about matters like open spaces, water and the future of our energy industry. Over the years, Jeff has been a mentor to me. I have learned a great deal from him from our work together on Western issues and from our service on the task groups we both worked on. Jeff has an ability to summarize a difficult issue simply so that it can be understood on a number of levels by those of us who come from backgrounds that are quite different from Jeff's and all our Western colleagues. He was then able to propose commonsense solutions that not only made sense to our fellow Senators, but were also able to obtain the support they needed to be considered and passed by the Senate. That would have never been possible if not for one of Jeff's great gifts--his ability to find common ground in the midst of some sharp disagreements. He knows how to take the views of all concerned into account and then develop a plan of action taking a variety of viewpoints into consideration. Somehow he had a knack for finding a way to make it all work. None of that should have surprised us. After all, Jeff has one credential on his resume that not everyone has the persistence and determination to acquire. Jeff was active in Boy Scouts at a young age and with a lot of hard work and determined effort, he was able to reach the rank of Eagle. Some people might be surprised that I mention Jeff's Eagle, a great achievement that he was able to attain so many years ago. I have found that the Eagle speaks volumes about the strength of someone's character as they grew up. It proves that they were focused on more important things--like setting goals and then planning a course of action to reach them--one by one. There is no more valuable skill to have in the pursuit of a career and the development of a life than that. During his service in the Senate, Jeff has compiled a record of which he can be very proud--as proud as the people of New Mexico are proud of him. That is why they kept sending him back to the Senate. It is also why his record of service will continue to receive the notice it deserves as the issues he has worked so hard on will have an impact on the West and the Nation for many years to come. I don't know what Jeff's plans are for the future, but I feel certain we haven't heard the last from him. I hope he will continue to keep in touch with all of our Western delegations. I am certain we could all use a little New Mexico wisdom from time to time on the issues that come before us that are of such great concern to the West and rural communities all across the country. Thank you, Jeff, for your service to New Mexico and to the United States. We appreciate your willingness to come to Washington to ensure the concerns of your State were heard and that they received the attention they deserve. Thanks most of all for your friendship over the years. I have learned a great deal from you and about you and I know the lessons I have learned from you about the Senate and our Committee structure will continue to make me a more effective advocate for Wyoming and the West. Whatever the next chapter of your life holds in store, I know you will give it your best--just as you have done with every other great adventure in your life. Kay Bailey Hutchison Mr. President, now that the campaigns are over, the elections have been held, and the Senate is winding down its current session, I appreciate having this opportunity to express my great appreciation to those Senators who have had a great impact on me and our work together in the Senate. Such an individual is Kay Bailey Hutchison, who has had a remarkable career as the Senator from the great State of Texas. Senator Hutchison and I go back quite a way--in fact, we go back to the days before I was elected to the Senate. That was when I had just beat the odds and managed to receive the nomination of my party to the Senate. A great part of the reason for my success had to do with the support I received from my family and the enthusiasm we put into everything we did that year. It really had an impact throughout the State during the primary season. Now that the primary was over, however, the real battle was about to begin. I knew, as soon as I was nominated, that I had a problem. I was running against a very strong candidate, a woman with a wealth of experience in politics who had already waged and won a statewide race. I had no doubts that we could still win, but I wasn't kidding myself that it would be easy, either. Fortunately, I had a secret weapon--Kay Bailey Hutchison. She agreed to come to Wyoming and campaign with me. That was a tremendous blessing because she had a natural feel for politics and she more than made up for my lack of experience in running a statewide campaign. She gave me a lot of good advice and we took it all. Then we set out on the campaign trail and that is where she really proved to be an asset. Each stop we made Senator Hutchison showed that she was a natural politician. People responded to her and the way she spoke during our events. She made it clear that she was a hard worker who said what she meant and meant what she said. Her Texas style played well in Wyoming and it really made a difference for me. Then, when I came to Washington to begin my work in the Senate, I watched her take on some pretty difficult issues. She had a talent for seeing the best solutions to those complicated problems and that helped her to make a difference in her home State and here in Washington. What most impressed me was her ability to see a problem as it was developing and then formulate a strategy to deal with it before it became any more difficult. She was very focused on the needs of her home State and what she could do here in the Senate to make sure that the issues of most concern to the people of Texas were addressed. Back home, Senator Hutchison has always been concerned about our young people and what she could do to ensure they realize they can be anything they want to be if they are willing to work hard to succeed. That is why the young women of Texas look up to her and see her as a model of what they can also hope to someday achieve. That led her to publish a collection of stories about successful women. Senator Hutchison knows that a good biography is more than a source of inspiration, it is a very specific ``how to'' manual that young women all across the country can look to for inspiration, guidance and direction on how they can hope to achieve the same kind of success in their own lives. Senator Hutchison has a remarkable family and I know that she is very proud of them. Not too long ago, she and her husband decided to adopt a child. They wound up adopting not one, but two children who are blessed to have two such special parents. It's just another example of the way Senator Hutchison has been reaching out to help those who need her in so many ways over the years. Senator Hutchison has blazed a trail in so many ways during her career in public service. She was the first woman ever elected to the Senate from Texas, and during her service she has helped young women all across her home State of Texas to realize that there are no limits to their future. They can be anything they want to be if they are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, just as Senator Hutchison has done. She is not just a role model, she is an example of what is possible for everyone to achieve. Kent Conrad

Mr. LEVIN

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

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, there are many people in this town who say they are worried about the deficit. But all too often, those claiming the mantle of ``deficit hawk'' are pretty dovish about making the hard decisions required to reduce the budget deficit and bring down the national debt. Some use the deficit to argue for damaging important programs that provide for the safety and well-being of Americans. Others, in a brazen bit of obfuscation now decades-old, make the disproven claim that the budget-busting tax cuts they prefer would actually reduce the deficit. In this maze of distortion and debunked arguments, Kent Conrad is like a clean prairie breeze. He cares deeply about the fiscal health of our Nation, and for more than two decades, he has been dismantling faulty arguments and fuzzy budget math with facts and figures and with charts, yes, charts. In naming Senator Conrad one of the 10 best Senators in 2006. Time magazine reported that the support staff here in the Senate had become so overwhelmed by Senator Conrad's chart requests that they gave up and gave him his own printing equipment. Kent Conrad doesn't just know the facts. He wants you to know them too--and in bright colors. Behind the flash charts are deep substantive knowledge and a rigorous approach that eschews wishful thinking. Senator Conrad knows that the way out of our deficit problem, the path that avoids the fiscal cliff, means looking at our entire budget picture, both the spending that goes out and the revenue that comes in. He laid out the facts recently here on the Senate floor, saying: The public understands we face both a spending and a revenue problem. Spending is near a 60-year high, as this chart shows. The red line is the spending line; the green line is the revenue line. But for those who say it is just a spending problem, I don't think the facts bear that out, because the revenue is near a 60-year low. I think most logical people would say we have to work both sides of this equation. This logical approach makes Senator Conrad a strong ally. I have been proud to join with him on efforts to end some of the many distortions and loopholes that increase the deficit and make our Tax Code less fair to working families. Earlier this year, he and I introduced the CUT Loopholes Act, which would reduce the deficit by $155 billion over 10 years through elimination of several offshore tax loopholes, and through elimination of the stock-option loophole, which forces American taxpayers to subsidize the large stock-option packages regularly awarded to corporate executives. In March, we were joined by Senator Whitehouse in advocating for inclusion of a portion of the CUT Loopholes Act in the Senate's surface transportation bill, and our amendment was adopted by the Senate. It did not become law, but the Senate's action represented real progress in the fight against tax loopholes. Senator Conrad and I have worked together on another important issue--the effort by many multinational corporations to secure a ``repatriation'' tax break for some of the billions of dollars they hold offshore. That was tried once, in 2004, and as Senator Conrad accurately notes, that repatriation holiday was ``a complete and utter failure at job generation.'' He also has been a forceful advocate for the need to address the tax rates on capital gains and dividend income. The low rates on these forms of income is a driver of our budget deficits and of rising income inequality. As Senator Conrad said in a recent interview about the need to address tax rates: It's very clear to me. You do have to have rate increases, especially on capital gains and dividends it's needed and fair. Not just needed, he said--fair. And that is what I think we should keep in mind about Senator Conrad's work to address the deficit in an honest and forthright way. Yes, he knows the facts and figures, knows them as well as anyone. But knowing the numbers is not enough. Budget math is not an academic exercise. We are not here to represent numbers on spreadsheets. We represent people--actual human beings, with dreams and ambitions and hope. And always, Kent Conrad has marshaled the facts and figures in support of real people. He knows the toll that out-of- control deficits can have on generations to come. He recognizes the need to address rapidly rising entitlement spending--but also the need to preserve important programs that have made so much of a difference in the lives of Americans, especially the most vulnerable. He and his wonderful wife Lucy have been dear friends to my wife Barbara and me. The four of us have hosted dinners together to deepen our understanding of both the pressing issues of the day and of transcendent issues such as the origins of matter and the universe. Senator Conrad is leaving the Senate, but the need for his kind of rigorous approach and concern for the impact of our policies is not going away. I hope we can learn from and follow his example as we move forward to confront our Nation's challenges. Ben Nelson Mr. President, there are few issues we deal with on the Armed Services Committee in which the stakes are so high or the policy questions so complex as in dealing with our Nation's strategic forces and capabilities. The fearsome power of our strategic weapons, the urgency of avoiding mistakes, the difficult strategic calculations they require, the advanced technologies involved, all of these combine to make strategic forces complicated and of paramount importance. It has also been the signature issue for Senator Ben Nelson during his service on the Armed Services Committee. Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee since 2009, Senator Nelson has long been one of the Senate's most thoughtful voices on issues related to our nuclear arsenal, space programs, missile defense and other strategic issues. As he prepares to leave the Senate, we are losing an outstanding contributor to our nation's strategic thinking and decision-making. Certainly the presence of Offut Air Force Base and U.S. Strategic Command in Senator Nelson's home State give him first-hand evidence of the importance of these issues. And appropriately, he brings a common- sense Nebraska viewpoint to our consideration of them. Senator Nelson's efforts were important to the Senate's 2010 aproval of the New START treaty, a significant step forward in our nuclear arms reduction efforts. He made it clear in that debate that he is a firm believer in the need to ensure that the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons laboratories are modernized and able to support the existing nuclear stockpile so that we do not have to return to nuclear testing. His common-sense approach has been especially noticeable in issues involving management of the nuclear weapons laboratories as they balance the science behind stockpile stewardship and meeting day-to-day problems with the deployed nuclear forces. As Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, he has helped ensure strong oversight of and support for the development, testing and deployment of effective ballistic missile defenses, including the Phased Adaptive Approach to missile defense in Europe that is already providing protection for our forward deployed forces, our allies and partners against Iran's current and emerging ballistic missiles. He has been an advocate for improving our deployed and planned homeland ballistic missile defense capabilities, including efforts to understand and correct the problem that led to a flight test failure of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system in December of 2010. In this regard, he has supported rigorous and operationally realistic testing of our missile defense systems. Of course, strategic issues are not Senator Nelson's only concern. On the Armed Services Committee, before he chaired Strategic Forces, he was chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee, demonstrating a keen understanding of the issues and a deep concern for the men and women of our military and their families. He has been a tireless advocate for the National Guard and for Nebraska's farm families, and a fighter for working families across America, advocating for a reasonable minimum wage and for important workplace protections. And he has been among our most passionate voices for an end to the partisan gridlock that has marked Washington, and the Senate, for far too long. None of these issues are simple. All of them are vitally important. Senator Nelson's thoughtful, careful contributions have without question made our Nation safer, made our military forces more effective, our use of precious taxpayer dollars more effective. He has earned the respect and affection of the people of Nebraska, and he will be sorely missed on the Armed Services Committee and in the Senate. Barb and I wish all the best for Ben and Diane as they continue their efforts to serve their State and our Nation. Jim Webb Mr. President, Jim Webb has served our Nation in ways that few Americans can match. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts. His experiences in Vietnam helped him shape a series of novels for which he has received justified critical praise and which helped readers understand the experience of war and those who fight it. He served as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, and later as Secretary of the Navy. He won enormous praise for his television coverage of the Marine mission to Beirut in the 1980s, and later for ``Born Fighting,'' a history of Scots-Irish immigrants to America. For the last 6 years, he has been serving his Nation in the capacity we in the Senate have seen firsthand, as United States Senator from Virginia. It has been my privilege to serve with him on the Armed Services Committee, and as chairman, I have benefitted greatly from his intelligence, his experience, and his dedication to the men and women who wear the uniform of our military. Let me reflect on a few of the ways in which I have seen up close Senator Webb's dedication to service. Senator Webb is rightly recognized for his work on national security, but that has not been his only concern in the Senate. He has been a welcome voice here on issues of economic fairness. Soon after his election to the Senate, he wrote in the Wall Street Journal of an urgent need to address growing economic inequality. He wrote: [T]he current economic divisions in society are harmful to our future. It should be the first order of business for the new Congress to begin addressing these divisions, and to work to bring true fairness back to economic life.] And he has acted on those words, fighting for a tax system that is more equitable to working families; for trade policies that recognize not just the benefits, but the costs, of free trade; and for education policies that give all Americans, including those already in the workforce, the skills and opportunities to prosper. An issue on which I have been able to work closely with Senator Webb is the posture of U.S. military forces in the Asia-Pacific region and, in particular, the plan to realign Marine forces in the Pacific. I traveled with him to Okinawa and Guam, and even the island of Tinian, and saw firsthand his extraordinary knowledge and understanding of the issues. I have benefitted greatly, as I know Senator McCain has, from his insights on this complex and difficult issue, which involves pressing strategic issues, enormous budget pressures, and the concerns of our close ally Japan. Senator Webb's hard work on this issue has helped resolve the impasse that was blocking progress on the plan to move some of the marines off of Okinawa and move us closer to an achievable, affordable plan for Marine realignment that will benefit the people of Japan and the United States while better serving our national strategic and security interests in this important region. But what is perhaps most notable about Senator Webb's service in the Senate is the way that he has joined three of his concerns--America's national security, the need for greater economic fairness, and his affection for the men and women of our military. This is perhaps best expressed by the post-9/11 GI bill, legislation he introduced on his first day in office, and whose passage he pursued with great determination. When signed into law in 2008, the post-9/11 GI bill provided the largest expansion of educational benefits for veterans since World War II. Just as the original GI bill honored the service of World War II veterans and helped pave the way for millions of servicemembers to earn college degrees, so, too, has Senator Webb's legislation honored the generation that has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere. The impact of this legislation, in improving the lives of our veterans and in its benefits for our Nation as a whole, will be large and long lasting. Senator Webb has been a tireless advocate for the men and women of our military, and in particular for our junior enlisted troops. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Personnel, he has fought for adequate pay and benefits, and against the unscrupulous who would seek to profit by taking advantage of these young men and women. Senator Webb speaks eloquently of the great strains of more than a decade of high operational tempo on these men and women and their families, and of the ``moral contract'' between our Nation and the troops who defend us. He speaks as the descendant of veterans, as a veteran himself, and as the father, father-in-law and brother of veterans. The Senate, and the Nation, have been better off the last 6 years having that voice in the Senate. I have been grateful for his counsel, and I am sorry we soon will no longer have the benefit of his service on the Armed Services Committee or in the Senate. But even though we will miss him, I have no doubt Jim Webb's service to our Nation will long continue, and I wish him every success. Jon Kyl Mr. President, if success in the United States Senate depended only upon working alongside those with whom we agree, this would be a pretty uncomplicated and uninteresting place. We are a large and complex Nation, made up of people with varying interests, preferences and beliefs. This is where the representatives of a diverse Nation come to try to resolve those differences into coherent national policy. And success in this body depends on the efforts of Senators of differing beliefs and backgrounds who labor to discover common ground. This is on my mind as I consider the career of Senator Jon Kyl, who is leaving the Senate at the end of his third term representing the people of Arizona. We have differed many times here in the Senate. And we also have sought common ground. These efforts are totally consistent. In the wake of the 2001 terror attacks, our Nation's response took many forms. Our military, intelligence and security agencies were obviously essential to that response, but importantly, we did not neglect a less obvious need: the need to cut off terrorist financing. Senator Kyl played an important role in this. He was a co-sponsor with me of legislation to give financial regulators important new authorities to act against terror financing. We found common ground on the need to speak out in strong and clear opposition to the repressive regime in Iran. Last year, he and I were part of a bipartisan group that offered a resolution calling for an end to the violent repression Iran's government has carried out against its own people, urging international action to support the people of Iran, and reaffirming America's commitment to universal freedoms. I was proud to work with Senator Kyl on these and other important issues before the Senate. I respect and deeply appreciate his commitment to protecting our Nation and to the universal standards of human rights that are such an important part of America's legacy. I wish Senator Kyl and his family every success and happiness as he returns to Arizona. Daniel K. Akaka

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, for the last 22 years, Daniel Akaka has represented the people of Hawaii in this body. They have been the better for his service, and I have greatly appreciated the wisdom, humility, and passion with which he has served here. One issue on which we have been able to work closely as fellow members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is oversight of the Federal workforce, a key issue for his State and for taxpayers everywhere. Senator Akaka's passion for Federal workforce issues comes from his passion for public service and for effective government. Just in this Congress, I was an original cosponsor of his Federal Whistleblower Protection Act, to strengthen the law protecting Federal employees who bring to light fraud, waste, and abuse in Federal programs. That Akaka bill is expected to be signed into law before the end of the year. Also this Congress, I was proud to cosponsor his Hatch Act Modernization Act to allow hard-working employees of State and local governments, who are covered by the Hatch Act, to serve as elected officials in their communities. In addition to his focus on Federal workforce issues, Senator Akaka has long been a valued member of the Armed Services Committee. We have worked together on legislation to reform Defense Department business and financial management systems; strengthen oversight and accountability of wartime contracting; and strengthen the Defense Department's management of the substantial funds it spends to acquire property and services. Senator Akaka joined in 2002 with Senator Inhofe to form the Senate Army Caucus, and through this bipartisan group they have focused welcome attention on the programs and needs of our Army. Senator Akaka, himself an Army veteran, has been an important source of insight into the challenges facing our soldiers and their families. Of course, as the former chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Akaka has long demonstrated an intense dedication to those who have helped defend our Nation. His steadfast advocacy for veterans health programs, education benefits, and other important programs has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families. When people describe Daniel Akaka, one of the first words used to describe him is ``humble.'' He is indeed that. He has been a dedicated and principled servant of the people of Hawaii and our Nation, an unfailing ally of our veterans and their families, and a valued colleague and friend. I will miss him, and I will always remember how he taught us that gentleness and effectiveness are not mutually exclusive characteristics. Herb Kohl Mr. President, in his four terms representing the State of Wisconsin in this body, Senator Herb Kohl's focus has been precisely where it should be: the welfare of the people of his State and of our Nation. Whether in supporting American manufacturers and the jobs they provide, in fighting for protection from crime and for adequate nutrition for our children, in protecting senior citizens from elder abuse, or in preserving the Great Lakes that our two States share, Senator Kohl has accomplished much on behalf of American families. I have been fortunate to work closely with Senator Kohl on issues of vital importance to our States. He has long been a strong supporter of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which helps U.S. manufacturers with technical support and services that make them more efficient and competitive in the global marketplace. His support for adequate MEP funding has made a significant difference for American companies and workers. Now, we in Michigan bow to no one in our love for the Great Lakes, but even I would admit that Wisconsin, second only to Michigan in its length of Great Lakes coastline, is a close competitor. As a member of the Great Lakes Task Force, which I cochair, he has supported cleanup of toxic hot spots, the fight against invasive species, protecting Great Lakes water quality, and sufficient funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We have also shared an interest in consumer protection. Senator Kohl chairs the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and from that platform, he has battled those who would prey on American consumers, whether they are abusive credit card companies or oil-exporting cartel nations. But where Senator Kohl has left what may be his most lasting impression is in his hard work on behalf of our Nation's most vulnerable citizens: children and seniors. He has long advocated solutions to help make college more affordable. He has helped expand the availability of nutritious breakfasts for school-age children and programs to help parents afford food on the table for their families. He has worked to strengthen afterschool programs. And in 2007 and again in 2008, he introduced the Patient Safety and Abuse Protection Act, which allowed employers to perform background checks on nursing home employees to help prevent elder abuse. When this legislation was included in the Affordable Care Act in 2009, it was a major step forward for patient safety. I will miss working with Herb Kohl on these and many other issues. I will miss the opportunity to give him a hard time whenever our Detroit Pistons beat his Milwaukee Bucks. I hope we can continue the important work he has helped move forward: protecting good jobs, our Great Lakes, our students, and our seniors.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, over a half century ago, Rosa Parks sparked a revolution in American race relations when she decided that she would no longer tolerate the humiliation and demoralization of racial segregation on a bus. The strength and spirit of this courageous woman captured the consciousness of not only the American people but the entire world. Her stand on that December day in 1955 was not an isolated incident but part of a lifetime of struggle for equality and justice. Twelve years earlier, in 1943, Rosa Parks had been arrested for violating another one of the city's bus related segregation laws requiring blacks to pay their fares at the front of the bus then get off of the bus and re-board from the rear of the bus. The driver of that bus was the same driver with whom she would have her confrontation years later. Rosa Parks, by her quiet courage, symbolizes all that is vital about nonviolent protest, as she endured threats of death and persisted as an advocate for the simple, basic lessons she taught the Nation and from which the Nation has benefitted immeasurably. The bus boycott which Rosa Parks began was the beginning of an American revolution that elevated the status of African Americans nationwide and introduced to the world a young leader who would one day have a national holiday declared in his honor, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. February 4, 2013, marks the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Rosa Parks. In recognition of this occasion, I am immensely proud to be joined by 56 bipartisan cosponsors of S. Res. 618, which was just adopted unanimously by the Senate, observing the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy. I am especially pleased to have had the input of Senators Stabenow, Sessions, and Alexander in the crafting of this resolution, which is befitting one who so significantly contributed to the breaking down the barriers of legal discrimination against African Americans, and equality for us all. Although Rosa Parks will be forever associated with one day in Montgomery, AL, she lived most of her life in my home state of Michigan, and we proudly claim her as our own. She continued to dedicate her life to advancing equal opportunity and to educating our youth about the past struggles for freedom, from slavery up to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. In 1987, Rosa Parks and Elaine Steele co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. Its primary focus has been working with young people from across the country and the world as part of the ``Pathways to Freedom'' program. With the work of the Institute, we can truly say that in addition to having played a major role in shaping America's past and present, Rosa Parks is continuing to help shape America's future. In the spirit of the enormous contributions of Rosa Parks to this Nation, the Henry Ford Museum of Dearborn, MI will commemorate the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks by calling for a national day of courage; and sponsoring a program that highlights her contributions to the civil rights movement. The activities will include a day-long celebration, with both virtual and on-site activities featuring nationally- recognized speakers, musical and dramatic interpretative performances, a panel presentation of ``Rosa's Story'' and a reading of the tale ``Quiet Strength,'' and will feature the actual bus on which Rosa Parks sat as the centerpiece in commemorating Rosa Parks' extraordinary life and accomplishments, and affording everyone the opportunity to board the bus and sit in the seat that Rosa Parks refused to give up. Mr. President, in November of 2005, upon her passing, Rosa Parks became the first woman in the history of the United States to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda. And, a few years earlier on June 15, 1999, Rosa Parks was presented with the highest honor of Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, of which I was pleased to coauthor. I was also pleased to be a part of the effort in directing the Architect of the Capitol to commission a statue of Rosa Parks, which will soon be placed in the U.S. Capitol, making her the second African American woman to receive such an honor. Mr. President, the cosponsors of the resolution are: Senators Stabenow, Sessions, Alexander, Landrieu, Cochran, Harkin, Shelby, Cornyn, Boxer, Murray, Coburn, Kerry, Hutchison, Gillibrand, Mr. Leahy, Sanders, Reid, Mikulski, Durbin, Pryor, Nelson of Florida, Brown of Ohio, Lieberman, Mr. Conrad, Lautenberg, Kohl, Cantwell, McCaskill, Wyden, Coons, Baucus, Whitehouse, Manchin, Bennet, Cardin, Hagan, Casey, Begich, Menendez, Warner, Udall of New Mexico, Klobuchar, Inouye, Corker, Johnson of South Dakota, Franken, Rockefeller, Udall of Colorado, Blumenthal, Akaka, Reed, Shaheen, Webb, McCain, Lugar, and Grassley.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, Michigan and Texas have much in common, despite the fact they are North vs. South, cowboy boots vs. snowshoes, mesquite vs. pine. One of the things we have in common is water. Our States are, economically, historically, and culturally tied to great waters: Texas to the Gulf of Mexico, Michigan to the Great Lakes. And this shared interest has afforded me the pleasure of working alongside Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a true Texas pioneer. As the lead cosponsor of the Harbor Maintenance Act, Senator Hutchison has been an invaluable ally in the effort to ensure that America's harbors receive the maintenance funding they need to help our economy grow. Her efforts were instrumental in recruiting 37 cosponsors on our bill and in securing language regarding harbor maintenance for the first time in a transportation bill. Her efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the thousands of American workers whose jobs are directly tied to well-maintained harbors, from the Port of Galveston to the scores of ports dotting Michigan's shoreline. Senator Hutchison has shown important leadership on other transportation issues, such as a more equitable formula for Federal surface transportation funding, and for adequate funding for State maritime academies, including academies in Texas and Michigan, that help meet the needs of our commercial shipping industry as well as the Department of Defense. She has been an able and dedicated advocate for our Nation's veterans. She pioneered the concept of the homemaker IRA, which helped millions of American women achieve greater retirement security. She has energetically pushed for stronger science and educational programs, including the establishment of a groundbreaking medicine, engineering, and science academy in her State. We shouldn't be surprised at these and other successes. When she first graduated from the University of Texas Law School, she bumped up against the misguided tendencies of the law firms at the time to dismiss female candidates, no matter how talented. Undaunted, she walked into a local TV station and asked for a job as a reporter and became the State's first female television reporter. She took a detour, but her experience covering politics led to the Texas House of Representatives, the State treasurer's office, and eventually to become the first Texan woman elected to the U.S. Senate. The Senate will miss her dedication, her quite effectiveness, her ability to seek practical, bipartisan solutions. She has made a habit of making history, and I wish her the best in whatever history-making endeavors she turns to next. I yield the floor.

Mr. LEVIN

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

Mr. LEVIN. When 7-year-old Danny Inouye saw the Japanese planes over his Hawaii home on December 7, 1941, his first impulse was to help. So he ran to help. He had emergency medical training. He used that training to help bind the wounds of the Americans injured in the attack on Pearl Harbor. His second impulse, just as strong, was to defend our country. But the America of 1941 did not want his service. In fact, it considered Danny and his fellow Japanese Americans suspect and called them enemy aliens and confined more than 100,000 of them to internment camps. When Danny Inouye tried to enlist to defend his country, his country told him: You are not welcome. That Danny Inouye did not allow anger and resentment to overcome his love of country says something remarkable about him and about our country. When in 1943 President Roosevelt allowed Japanese Americans to enlist in the fight against Nazi Germany, Inouye and thousands of young men answered the call. He burned with desire to defend the Nation that had told him and people of his background: You may not serve; a nation that still held thousands of Japanese Americans behind barbed-wire fences. When he left Hawaii for the Army, his father told him: This country has been good to us. Whatever you do, do not dishonor this country. Danny, on more than one occasion, told stories about his Army training in Mississippi, about the racial segregation he saw. He told the story of how after he returned from World War II he stopped in California on the way home to Hawaii to stop to get a haircut and was told: We don't serve Japs here. He stood there in full dress uniform, his chest covered in medals, a hook in place of the arm blown apart by a German rifle grenade. Even then he had to confront hatred. There is so much that is remarkable about the life of Dan Inouye, the story of his service on the battlefields of Italy is indeed remarkable, physical courage he displayed in winning the Medal of Honor is alone enough to earn the title ``hero.'' But rising above his physical courage and the guts he showed is the moral courage it took for Dan Inouye and his fellow Japanese Americans to even set foot on that battlefield. What is it that spurs some of our countrymen to offer their lives in defense of a country that shuns them? Where does that love of country come from? How can we impart some of it to those who too often take this country for granted? It would be a wonderful tribute to Dan Inouye to seek out ways to encourage such service by future generations. Dan Inouye's work did not end when he took off his soldier's uniform. In many ways, it was just beginning. Forced by the loss of his arm to give up dreams of a medical career, he entered politics. His was one of the most remarkable careers in public service our country has ever seen. We will miss Dan Inouye so much in the Senate, his leadership, his legislative talent, yes, but also his friendship, his humor, his humility, his steadfast belief in the American people. He was the last remaining Senator who voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In that vote and so many others, he served the Nation and the Senate with distinction that few have ever matched. In Michigan we proudly claim an early connection to this noble man. Much of his recovery from the wounds he suffered in Italy took place at a veteran's hospital in Battle Creek, MI. There he met two other young men, a soldier from Kansas named Bob Dole and one from Michigan named Phil Hart. They formed a lifelong bond, one that endured all the way to the Senate. In 2003, when we dedicated that former hospital in Battle Creek, now a Federal office facility, as the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, Senator Inouye told the audience: All of us have chapters in our lives, milestones. My most important chapter, he said, was a Battle Creek chapter. This is where I learned what democracy was all about, where I learned what America was all about. To have imparted any lessons on America to Dan Inouye would be a remarkable honor. What we may have taught him pales in comparison to what he taught us. A few years ago, in a speech honoring his fellow Japanese-American veterans, Danny told his audience that our greatness as a nation lies in part in our willingness to recognize the flaws in our past, including our treatment of Japanese Americans and our determination in whatever limited way we could to make amends. Dan Inouye served his country because of his dream of what we could be: a nation unbound by our all too human failings. He believed to his core that we are able to shed old prejudices. He believed that our Nation, despite its flaws, shines with such bright promise that we could inspire remarkable service and sacrifice, even in those who suffer from our shortcomings, a nation so great that those we treat with disdain or even hatred can respond with love that knows no limit. This love was as powerful as the love that Dan Inouye showed for all Americans and for the very idea of America. I am so grateful for the lessons that Danny taught me, so grateful for his friendship. Barb and I send our deepest condolences to Irene and all of Danny's family, to the people of Hawaii, and to all of those touched by this remarkable man.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I want to bring attention to a significant disaster situation in the Great Lakes region. As a result of a deadly combination of the Midwest drought and an unusually warm winter, the Great Lakes are at near record low water levels. The Army Corps of Engineers reports that Lakes Michigan and Huron are more than 2 feet below their long-term average. Lake Superior is more than 1 foot below its long-term average. Keith Kompoltowicz, chief of watershed hydrology for the Army Corps of Engineers, has said regarding the Great Lakes water levels, ``There is a good chance of setting record lows.'' The situation in the Great Lakes has resulted in freighters getting stuck in channels, ships carrying reduced loads leading to millions of dollars in losses, harbors closing or being threatened with closure, and so-called Harbors of Refuge not being able to provide shelter to boaters in distress.

Mr. LEVIN. In addition to response, recovery and mitigation related to Hurricane Sandy damage, I also understand this bill provides funds to help respond to other natural disasters. I would ask the manager of the bill, Senator Leahy, is that correct?

Mr. LEVIN. Would the near-historic low water levels of the Great Lakes caused by drought and mild winters be considered a natural disaster?

Mr. LEVIN. I thank the Senator. I am pleased the bill includes $821 million to dredge federal navigation channels and repair damage to Corps projects nationwide related to natural disasters. Would federally-authorized Great Lakes harbors and channels be eligible for that funding?

Mr. LEVIN. I thank the Senator for his clarification. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that $35 million could be utilized in operations and maintenance funding just to restore minimum operations in the Great Lakes system. I am hopeful that $35 million of the $821 million for dredging will be directed to Great Lakes projects. I thank the Senator for his work on this important legislation, and I thank my friends for their support in addressing the low water level impacts on the Great Lakes navigational system through this supplemental appropriations bill.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, over his time in this body, Jeff Bingaman has worn many hats: champion of education, expert on energy policy, steward of our nation's nuclear arsenal, thoughtful voice on national security. He has approached each of these varied responsibilities with an attitude aimed not at attention-grabbing or point scoring, but at practical, fact-driven problem solving. In the accurate description of the Washington Post, ``Bingaman isn't one to grab the spotlight, but this six-term senator's logical, cerebral approach tends to get things one.'' He has indeed gotten things done, for the people of New Mexico first and foremost, but his practical approach has benefitted Americans from every State. I know first-hand that the people of Michigan have benefitted from his leadership. I have worked closely over the years with Senator Bingaman to preserve programs that are vital to America's manufacturing sector, the heart of my State's economy. His support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program and the Technology Innovation Program has made a major difference in the ability of American manufacturers to research and develop new technologies, to increase efficiency, to improve supply chains and to out-innovate our overseas competitors. The people of Michigan also have benefitted from Senator Bingaman's leadership of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He worked with me to enact legislation that has brought significant improvements to Michigan parks and recreational lands. With Senator Bingaman's assistance, we have established the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, preserving the site of one of the most important battles of the War of 1812; made major progress toward completion of the North Country National Scenic Trail; enhanced wilderness protection at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; and made many improvements at Keweenaw National Historical Park. So, he has played a major role in helping preserve and protect numerous jewels of our State's rich history, culture and natural beauty. From his post on Energy and Natural Resources, Senator Bingaman has been one of our Nation's most influential voices on energy, an issue that affects nearly every aspect of economic and environmental policy. He has worked with skill, intelligence and determination to find practical, bipartisan solutions in an issue area too often dominated by politics and powerful interests. As we seek to strengthen our Nation's competitiveness, his advocacy on renewable energy, energy efficiency and other important topics will yield important advantages. While we have not had the benefit of his service in this Congress, Senator Bingaman served in the past with distinction on the Armed Services Committee. In his committee tenure he chaired the Emerging Threats and Capabilities and Strategic Forces subcommittees. His deep knowledge of science and technology issues was of great value in committee deliberations, in particular during the difficult debate over the Bush administration's determination to invade Iraq. His expertise on energy and nuclear issues gave heft to his skepticism over claims that Iraq had sought to acquire uranium from Niger, claims that turned out to be false. As the son of two educators, it only makes sense that Senator Bingaman would be careful, detail-oriented, and reliant on facts rather than assumptions. And it's no wonder that in addition to his work on energy, defense and natural resources, he has been one of the Senate's most consistent and effective advocates for quality education. On all of these issues, and so many others, Jeff Bingaman has sought solutions and consensus rather than attention and division. His careful, deliberate style, his focus on facts, and his determination to find practical answers to difficult challenges have been of enormous value to the Senate, to the people of New Mexico, and to the Nation. They will be missed in the Senate, and so will he. I wish Jeff and Anne all the best as the move on from the Senate. Richard Lugar Madam President, the Senate has traditionally been seen as a moderating force in American politics, as a place where partisan interests give way to practical problem-solving, and where men and women of good will could, while they might often disagree and debate, find agreement on the challenges our nation must face. Richard Lugar has, for more than 30 years, upheld that Senate tradition. All of us, regardless of party, have great respect for his intelligence, his integrity, and his concern for the good of our country. We have worked together on many matters. Manufacturing is a vital sector in the economies of both our states, and Senator Lugar has been a strong supporter of federal programs that benefit manufacturing, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which helps U.S. manufacturers research and develop new technologies, increase efficiency, improve supply chains and out-innovate our overseas competitors. We have worked together on other issues of mutual interest to Indiana and Michigan, including preservation of the Great Lakes and strengthening America's agricultural sector. These are important contributions. Senator Lugar's most lasting legacy, however, is likely to be his work protecting Americans, and people all over the world, from the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As a Midwestern Senator, he has followed in the finest tradition of Arthur Vandenberg, a Republican Senator from Michigan who famously coined the concept that ``politics stops at the water's edge.'' In 1992, Senator Lugar joined with Senator Sam Nunn in a bipartisan effort to deal with a pressing national security challenge arising from a major national security success: the collapse of the Soviet Union. While the end of the Cold War made the world a safer place, the splintering of a superpower meant the fearsome Soviet arsenal of nuclear and chemical weapons was now in the possession of 15 separate nations. Many worried, with good reason, that these newly independent nations, struggling in the aftermath of the Soviet collapse, might be unable or unwilling to prevent the misuse or diversion of these weapons. The answer was the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, more commonly known as Nunn-Lugar, and widely hailed as one of the smartest investments America has ever made in our security. Nunn-Lugar has eliminated more than 7,000 former Soviet nuclear warheads, and nearly 2,500 nuclear-capable missiles. It has secured two dozen nuclear weapon storage sites, and significantly strengthened controls over remaining weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their deadly materials. As the WMD proliferation challenge has evolved, Senator Lugar has worked hard to ensure that the Nunn-Lugar program has adapted to meet that challenge, in new regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has, in short, been an integral part of our national security strategy ever since the end of the Cold War, making our nation more secure, keeping us safe. This is a legacy of which any Senator would be justifiably proud, and it is one on which Senator Lugar has continued to build. We saw the value of his leadership as the Senate debated and passed the New START Treaty, and we've seen it in the countless instances when Senator Lugar has advocated for and helped the Senate approve international agreements that have made our nation, our allies and our planet a safer place. The Senate will miss Richard Lugar's leadership. I hope that each of us who will return to the Senate in the New Year can keep in mind his legacy of bipartisan leadership and practical problem solving as we confront our nation's challenges.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Streamlining and Strengthening HUD's Rental Housing Assistance Programs, Part II.''

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on December 11, 2012, at 10 a.m., in room SD-215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on December 11, 2012, at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, let me first thank Senator Leahy and members of the Judiciary Committee for the hearing they held on Terry Berg's nomination for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. I know how hard Senator Leahy works to get these judges and their judicial nominations to the floor, and we are deeply appreciative for all the efforts over all the years--indeed, may I say decades--of my good friend Senator Leahy. I think every member of the Judiciary Committee who had the chance to read the record or to be there during the hearing will agree Mr. Berg is an outstanding nominee for our district court bench. I will not go through all his background. Mr. Berg's qualifications are extraordinarily impressive. He will make an excellent addition to the Eastern District Court. He is going to serve with great distinction, and all of us--and I know I speak for Senator Stabenow as well in terms of strongly supporting this nomination--thank our colleagues for bringing this nomination to the floor and for the strong support it got in the Judiciary Committee.

Mr LEVIN

Mr LEVIN. Mr. President, Terrence, or ``Terry'' Berg, whom the President has nominated to the federal bench in the District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, received a ``Well Qualified'' rating from the American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. He graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center, and then went on to clerk for U.S. District judge. His career has been dedicated to public service. Since 2003, he has worked at the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan where he has worked on various cybercrime issues, has supervised criminal, civil, and administrative divisions, and has handled a full fraud case docket, including theft of trade secrets, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, corporate fraud and other white collar crime cases. During this time, he received the Assistant Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service and the Director's Award for Superior Performance in a Managerial or Supervisory Role. Prior to that service, Mr. Berg worked for the Michigan Attorney General where he established and supervised the State's first computer crime prosecution unit. He also served at the U.S. Department of Justice here in Washington as a Computer Crime Fellow. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Berg has served on the Catholic Lawyers' Society Board of Directors, American Constitution Society and the State Bar of Michigan Committee on Judicial and Professional Ethics and has published numerous articles on cybercrime.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I understand now under the existing unanimous consent agreement we are going to be proceeding to debating a judge. I ask unanimous consent that immediately after the disposition of that nomination, I be the first Democratic Senator recognized when we return to the pending trade bill.