Richard Lugar

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. I yield the Senator the time he may need.

Mr. LUGAR. May I inquire of the Chair, how much time remains on both sides of the aisle in this debate?

Mr. LUGAR. I thank the Chair. Mr. President, let me comment that we have been privileged to hear from 22 colleagues today. Thirteen Republicans and nine Democrats have spoken on the confirmation. I would comment, it has been my privilege to hear more of the testimony while I chaired the hearings and likewise the debate today. On both occasions, we have made clear to colleagues on both sides of the aisle that there would be ample opportunity, first of all, to question Dr. Rice during the confirmation hearings. And, as I pointed out earlier in the day, well over 300 questions were raised, some before the hearings, to which she gave response in written answers, and over half of the 300 actually during the hearings in face- to-face dialog with Dr. Rice. Let me point that out because I think the record for this nominee is as full as any confirmation procedure I have witnessed. Today, we have had 22 contributions that were substantial and thoughtful. Tomorrow, we will have another hour of debate prior to a vote and will come to a conclusion which I pray will bring about the confirmation of Dr. Rice to be our next Secretary of State, and a move forward as she assists our President and all of us in the statecraft of our country. In any event, I simply point out for the record that as we conclude the debate this evening--and we will do so shortly because no further Senators have sought to speak--there was at least on our side of the aisle 53 minutes available and on the other side 1 hour 22 minutes. Therefore, the time that was requested turned out to be more than ample. I am hopeful our debate will conclude constructively and affirmatively tomorrow. We certainly will attempt to work with that. I am advised that the distinguished ranking member of the committee, Senator Biden, will be present, and he will make a statement tomorrow, and that will be important as we conclude our debate. Mr. President, seeing no other Senators who seek recognition, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today I offer a resolution celebrating the December 26 election in Ukraine. I am pleased that Ukraine has dominated newspaper headlines and media broadcasts all over the world for the last sixty days. In that time, extraordinary events have occurred. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has found its hope for the future. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interests to recognize and protect these advances. I congratulate the people of Ukraine in their undeniable quest for freedom and democracy. Furthermore, I would also like to congratulate President Viktor Yushchenko, who was inaugurated last Sunday, for his victory. The December 26 election in Ukraine was a tribute to Ukraine's maturing democracy and places Ukraine on a path to join the community of European democracies. A fraudulent and illegal election would have left Ukraine crippled. The new president would have lacked legitimacy with the Ukrainian people and the international community. With the stakes so high, I commend President Bush, his Administration, and the international community for providing the people of Ukraine with the support they needed to withstand the threats to free and fair elections. Even in the face of repeated attempts to end any hope of a free and fair election, I was inspired by the willingness and courage of so many citizens of Ukraine to demonstrate their passion for free expression and the building of a truly democratic Ukraine. I am hopeful that the momentum to foster democratic freedom around the world will continue. In his inaugural speech last week, President Bush stated his unequivocal support for democracy and put securing individual freedom at the forefront of America's foreign policy. I agree with the President. We must be prepared to play an active role in ensuring that democracy and basic freedoms are promoted and preserved around the world. The future of Ukraine rests with its leaders and its people, but the United States and Europe must continue to support a foundation of democracy, rule of law, and a market economy, which will allow Ukraine to prosper and reach its full potential. I urge my colleagues to lend their support to U.S. policy in Ukraine and ask their support for this resolution.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet in open executive session during the session on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 10 a.m., to organize for the 109th Congress. The committee will also consider favorably reporting the nomination of Michael O. Leavitt, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 10, submitted earlier today by Senator Nelson of Nebraska.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 11, submitted earlier today.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 12, submitted earlier today by Senators Feinstein and Boxer.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that immediately following the vote on the Rice nomination, the Senate remain in executive session and proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 5, the nomination of Jim Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs; provided further that there be 30 minutes equally divided between the chairman and ranking member, and that at the expiration or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to a vote on the confirmation of the nomination, with no intervening action or debate; provided further that following the vote the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; provided further that following that vote, the Senate proceed to the consideration of the nomination of Michael Leavitt to be Secretary of Health and Human Services; that there be 2 hours of debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking members or their designees, and that following the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate proceed to a vote on the confirmation of the nomination, with no intervening action or debate. Finally, I ask unanimous consent that the President then be notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Mr. LUGAR. I thank the Chair.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, tomorrow, following morning business, the Senate will resume debate on the nomination of Condoleezza Rice to be Secretary of State. Under the order, there will be 1 hour of debate on the nomination prior to the vote on confirmation. Again, the vote on the Rice nomination will occur at 11:30 a.m. Following that vote, the Senate will act on two additional Cabinet nominations; Jim Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Michael Leavitt to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Under the agreement just entered, we will require some time to debate each nomination, but rollcall votes will not be necessary. The Senate may also act on other nominations should they become available.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26. I further ask that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, the Journal of the proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved, that there then be a period of morning business equally divided until 10:30 a.m., with the first half of the time under the control of the Democratic leader or his designee, and the remaining time under the control of Senator Brownback or his designee; provided that at 10:30 a.m. the Senate proceed to executive session, as provided under the previous order; provided further that the vote occur on the Rice nomination at 11:30 a.m. with the debate prior to the 11:30 a.m. vote occurring in the following order: Senator Lugar, Senator Biden, Senator Boxer, Senator Byrd, Senator Reid, and Senator Frist. I further ask that the last 5 minutes be reserved for Senator Lugar or his designee.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a bill that I have introduced with Senator Carl Levin authorizing the extension of permanent normal trade relations treatment. Ukraine is still subject to the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which sanctions nations for failure to comply with freedom of emigration requirements. Our bill would repeal permanently the application of Jackson-Vanik to Ukraine. In the post-cold-war era, Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to meet these requirements, and in addition, has expressed a strong desire to abide by free market principles and good governance. Last November, I served as President Bush's personal representative to the runoff election between Prime Minister Yanukovich and Viktor Yushchenko. During that visit, I promoted free and fair election procedures that would strengthen worldwide respect for the legitimacy of the winning candidate. Unfortunately, that was not possible. The Government of Ukraine allowed, or aided and abetted, wholesale fraud and abuse that changed the results of the election. It is clear that Prime Minister Yanukovich did not win the election. In response, the people of Ukraine rallied in the streets and demanded justice. After tremendous international pressure and mediation, Ukraine repeated the runoff election on December 26. A newly named Central Election Commission and a new set of election laws led to a much-improved process. International monitors concluded that the process was generally free and fair. This past weekend Viktor Yushchenko was inaugurated as President of Ukraine. Extraordinary events have occurred in Ukraine over the last three months. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has embraced democracy and openness. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interest to recognize and protect these advances in Ukraine. The United States has a long record of cooperation with Ukraine through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction. Ukraine inherited the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with the fall of the Soviet Union. Through the Nunn-Lugar program the United States has assisted Ukraine in eliminating this deadly arsenal and joining the Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear State. One of the areas where we can deepen United States-Ukrainian relations is bilateral trade. Our trade relations between the United States and Ukraine are currently governed by a bilateral trade agreement signed in 1992. There are other economic agreements in place seeking to further facilitate economic cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, including a bilateral investment treaty which was signed in 1996, and a taxation treaty signed in 2000. In addition, Ukraine commenced negotiations to become a member of the World Trade Organization in 1993, further demonstrating its commitment to adhere to free market principles and fair trade. In light of its adherence to freedom of emigration requirements, democratic principles, compliance with threat reduction and several agreements on economic cooperation, the products of Ukraine should not be subject to the sanctions of Jackson-Vanik. There are areas in which Ukraine needs to continue to improve. These include market access, protection of intellectual property and reduction of tariffs. The U.S. must remain committed to assisting Ukraine in pursuing market economic reforms. The permanent waiver of Jackson-Vanik and establishment of permanent normal trade relations will be the foundation on which further progress in a burgeoning economic partnership can be made. I am hopeful that my colleagues will review this legislation and join Senator Levin and I in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senators Leahy, Lincoln, Dole, and Smith, I rise today to introduce the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act of 2005. This important legislation allows for expanded charitable tax deductions for contributions of food inventory to our nation's food banks and would permit farmers and businesses of all sizes to take advantage of this tax deduction. Demand on food banks has been rising, and these tax deductions would be an important step in increasing private donations to the non-profit hunger relief charities playing a critical role in meeting America's nutritional needs. To a certain degree, donations have not diminished or have even modestly increased, but most areas surveyed report that donations cannot keep up with the growing demand. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Sodexho USA ``Hunger and Homelessness Survey'' released in December 2004, requests for emergency food assistance has increased fourteen percent. Fifty-six percent of the people requesting emergency food assistance are either children or their parents. The number of elderly persons requesting food assistance has increased by twelve percent. The success of welfare reform legislation has moved many recipients off welfare and into jobs. Over the last decade, in many states, welfare roles have been reduced by more than one half. But we need to recognize that these individuals and their families are living on modest wages. As the states' unemployment rates have risen, so have the demands placed on the food banks and soup kitchens. The problem of hunger goes well beyond the unemployed. The Mayors' survey points out that thirty-four percent of people requesting food assistance were working. Due to increases in rent, underemployment, multigenerational residences, families have to make the tough financial decisions. As a result, food needs of families have been pushed further and further down the priority list. This is coupled with the nutritional value becoming less important to some families because fast food and ``junk'' food is more economical to those on a tight budget. Private food banks provide a key safety net against hunger. According to the 2002 report by U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 13 million children were hungry or at the risk of being hungry. America's Second Harvest, a nationwide umbrella group of over 200 food banks and food rescue organization, released a 2001 report entitled ``Hunger in America'' stating that 23.3 million people sought and received emergency hunger relief from just their network of charitable organizations. That would be the equivalent of the populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, San Diego, Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, and Detroit combined. In 1997, the USDA estimated that up to 96 billion pounds of food goes to waste each year in the United States at a cost of an estimated $1 billion in increased disposal fees paid by municipalities. This is food and fresh produce that is left unharvested or in storage bins, discarded by wholesales, restaurants, and grocery stores, or reduced by the manufacturing or transportation process. If a small percentage of this wasted food could be redirected to food banks, we could make important strides in our fight against hunger. I believe the enactment of this legislation would be a great incentive in redirecting this food from being discarded to being distributed to hungry families. The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act would allow farmers and small business owners to take a deduction when they donate food to their community food bank. Currently this reduction is available to large corporations but not for small businesses. This approach would stimulate private charitable giving to food banks at the community level. Each citizen can make an important contribution to the fight against hunger at a local level. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit numerous Hoosier food banks, and have been especially impressed by the remarkable work of these organizations. In many cases, they are partnered with churches and faith-based organizations and are making a tremendous difference in our communities. We should support this private sector activity, which not only feeds people, but also strengthens community bonds and demonstrates the power of faith, charity, and civic involvement. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, the tidal waves, tsunamis, that traversed the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific on December 26 have caused death and destruction in at least 12 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The tsunami disaster constitutes a humanitarian tragedy of incredible proportions. Currently, experts estimate that more than 150,000 people have perished and countless people are injured. Millions are homeless and at risk from disease. These tragic numbers are expected to rise as we obtain additional information. The United States is a compassionate country that will respond generously to this human catastrophe. Under the leadership of President Bush, the agencies and resources of the U.S. Government have been mobilized to assist in the initial humanitarian effort. In addition, innumerable individual Americans and U.S. businesses have donated millions of dollars directly to international relief efforts. As the world leader in international disaster assistance, the United States must work closely with the international community to implement the most effective response possible in the coming weeks and months. Beyond the compelling humanitarian reasons for swift action, a stable and prosperous Asia is essential to the global effort on a range of shared problems, including weapons proliferation, terrorism, narcotics, and contagious diseases. The worldwide economic and political consequences of this natural disaster could be even more severe unless we commit ourselves to advancing a strong recovery in the region. This resolution explains the gravity of the situation, offers condolences to the victims and their loved ones, and sets the stage for Congress to make additional appropriations that will aid in the recovery. Congress must work with the President for a generous supplemental appropriation that goes well beyond the amounts of money already committed. A summit pledging conference is scheduled to occur in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday. The United States should be there in a leadership position. This will be an important opportunity to work with the world community in responding to this tragedy. American humanitarian, diplomatic, and national security interests will be deeply affected by the outcome of this conference. My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy. While financial and in-kind assistance cannot replace the huge loss of life that countries in the region have suffered, the United States' contribution will, at least, help the survivors rebuild their lives.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, as a nation, we must always keep in mind that our military successes come at a high cost in the loss of promising young human lives. I rise today to pay tribute to two Hoosier marines who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Cpl Lance M. Thompson, 21, of Upland, IN, was killed in action while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Corporal Thompson graduated from Eastbrook High School in 2001 and married Dawn Case, of Van Buren, Indiana, in 2002. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Corporal Thompson was an outstanding marine. He will be missed. LCpl James Eric Swain, 20, of Kokomo, IN, was killed in action while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Lance Corporal Swain, a member of the National Honor Society, graduated from Kokomo High School in 2002. He was involved in numerous church and community projects in Kokomo. Lance Corporal Swain was an outstanding marine. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with both of these families as they remember and celebrate the lives and dedicated service of these marines. Michigan's Fallen Heroes

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I commend to my colleagues the November 2004 Task Force Report of the Foreign Affairs Council entitled ``Secretary Colin Powell's State Department: An Independent Assessment.'' This nonpartisan report prepared under of the sponsorship of the Council and on behalf of the 11 organizations that comprise the Council represents the work of some of the most distinguished leaders in our Nation's foreign policy establishment. The report chronicles the impressive achievements of Secretary Powell and Deputy Secretary Armitage and their team over the last 4 years. One of Secretary Powell's greatest achievements was his effort to reform the leadership culture of the State Department. Through an increased focus on the management, training and empowerment of the Department's Foreign Service officers and civil servants, the Secretary strengthened the team of individuals who execute our Nation's foreign policy. Secretary Powell complemented these management changes with key steps to raise morale and foster team spirit. The Secretary has been personally committed to working with interested Members of Congress to strengthen the Department over the past 4 years. He most notably worked to improve diplomatic readiness including: the hiring of new officers, a commitment to long-term training, especially language training; and significant improvements in information technology infrastructure. He addressed staff shortages stemming from budget cuts in the Nineties by recruiting and hiring more Foreign Service officers, consular officers, and diplomatic security personnel. In the area of information technology, Secretary Powell provided desktop access to the Internet for all State Department employees worldwide and developed a state-of-the-art messaging system to replace the current World War II telegram system. Most recently, he decided to strengthen the Department's capacity to play a major role in planning, organizing and leading the civilian component of stabilization and reconstruction operations. Secretary Powell worked to overcome a crisis in embassy construction and security in which only one new safe and functional embassy was being built each year. The State Department is currently managing $4 billion in construction projects in comparison to the $700 million when Secretary Powell took office. Committed to improvements in embassy security, the Secretary has overseen the construction of 13 embassies in 2-year period--completing these projects on time and under budget. Twenty-six additional embassy projects are currently underway. With Congressional support for full funding, this building program can be completed and all our departments and agencies operating overseas will enjoy safer and more functional work environments as soon as possible. The foreign policy achievements of Secretary Powell are many. Soon after assuming his post, the Secretary adeptly managed the crisis over the shoot down of an American P-3 aircraft over China. He has worked tirelessly to achieve United States objectives in the war on terrorism. He has sought to strengthen important relationships with Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and has provided critical support for further expansion of NATO. The Secretary has exhibited distinguished leadership promoting United States interests around the globe. He has represented our country honorably and ably overseas and is widely known and admired on every continent. Secretary Powell has also worked to strengthen relations on the domestic front. Upon assuming his position, the Secretary committed to improving relations between the State Department and the Congress. I think many who have worked with the Secretary during his tenure would attest to the achievement of this goal. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Secretary Powell on his success and in wishing him well in any future endeavor he undertakes. I ask unanimous consent that the executive summary of this report be printed in the Record.