Claire McCaskill

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. I reserve the right to object to the request made by the Senator from Utah to amend my request. I would say within my request there is, in fact, the opportunity to vote; and he had the opportunity to offer an amendment on the debt ceiling on the budget and he did not. I thank my colleague from Arizona and I renew my unanimous consent request.

Mrs. McCASKILL. There is an objection to the modified request.

Mrs. McCASKILL. Would the Senator yield?

Mrs. McCASKILL. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Mrs. McCASKILL. I say to the Senator, through the Chair, I have conferred with our budget chair while Senator McCain was debating this with the Senator from Utah, and maybe they are not aware that conference committees are open to anyone who wants to observe them. I would like Senator McCain to invite the Senator from Utah to sit in on the conference committee and listen to every word. This notion that our democracy is a backroom deal because of bills in conference--the Founding Fathers are shaking their heads in disgust at this notion. It is not a closed-door process. It is an open process. Anybody can come and listen.

Mrs. McCASKILL. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Mrs. McCASKILL. The Senate is a wondrous creation by our Founding Fathers in that a great deal of power was given to the minority in the Senate.

Mrs. McCASKILL. And I know the Senator from Arizona has enjoyed having that power from time to time, and I am sure when my party has been in the minority it has been important, and we have respected that in this body, although there have been some really dicey times, and I am sure the Senator from Arizona has been involved when we have been on the brink of blowing up the rights of the minority. I want to make sure I understand. The way I really see what is going on is we now have a superminority. If this were allowed to pass, what we would be doing is changing what the Founding Fathers had in mind in terms of the power of the minority and actually saying: Let's go back in history and say there were one or two or three Senators or four Senators who decided, by gosh, they weren't going to do voting rights legislation or they weren't going to do the vote for women or they weren't going to do some of the changes that have occurred in our country. Does the Senator from Arizona see a problem that if we allow a superminority--a minority of the minority--to hijack a process laid out in our Constitution, that what would happen is the majority would have no choice at that point other than to begin to circumscribe the rules for the minority?

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor six outstanding members of the U.S. Marshals Service--Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Patrick James and Deputy U.S. Marshals Theodore Abegg, Travis Franke, Nicholas Garrett, Jeremy Wyatt, and John Perry--who played an instrumental role in the March 8, 2011, apprehension of a fugitive in St. Louis, MO, an incident that claimed the life of Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry and resulted in the wounding of Deputy U.S. Marshal Theodore Abegg, as well as St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling. I commend the heroic service and incredible sacrifice of all these marshals, four of whom are from my home State of Missouri: Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Patrick James and Deputy U.S. Marshals Theodore Abegg, Travis Franke, and Nicholas Garrett. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jeremy Wyatt and fallen Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry hail from Illinois. Last week, my colleague Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois joined me at an awards ceremony in St. Louis to honor these distinguished U.S. marshals. Before I talk about the bravery these law enforcement officials demonstrated in the line of duty, I need to mention the tremendous service the U.S. Marshals Service provides to the people of this country every day. As the Nation's oldest Federal law enforcement agency, the U.S. Marshals Service plays several crucial roles, including protecting Federal judges, operating the Witness Security Program, seizing illegally obtained assets from criminals, and apprehending Federal fugitives--a function which led to its cooperation with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the formation of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in St. Louis. Since the Marshals Service's inception in 1789, over 200 federal marshals, deputy marshals, special deputy marshals, and marshals guards have lost their lives in the line of duty. When the U.S. Marshals Service's steadfast devotion to crime prevention and mitigation is considered alongside its traditional witness protection and judicial security duties, the law enforcement officials of this agency truly exemplify the values of ``Justice, Integrity, Service.'' From my days as a prosecutor, I know how critically important the U.S. Marshals Service is to the Federal justice system and the impact these officials have in communities across Missouri. These highly trained men and women help form the backbone of our legal system, and I salute the countless acts of bravery performed by Federal law enforcement officers across Missouri and this Nation. On March 8, 2011, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, which included St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers, engaged in an effort to apprehend a dangerous fugitive in St. Louis. In approaching the fugitive's residence, the officers and deputies, discovering there were two children at the home, safely removed them and entered the home behind a ballistic shield. Team Leader Deputy John Perry provided cover for Deputy Garrett, who used the shield to approach the second floor location of the fugitive. While ascending a stairwell, the officers and deputies were fired upon by the fugitive. Both Deputy John Perry and St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling were wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire. While other task force members engaged the fugitive, Supervisory Deputy James prompted Officer Anna Kimble to alert supporting officers of the shooting over the radio system. With two task force members injured, Deputies Abegg and Franke entered the home, and Supervisory Deputy James authorized Deputy Abegg to launch a rescue operation to secure Deputy Perry. Using ballistic shields, Deputies Abegg and Garrett, followed closely by Deputies Franke, Wyatt, and Supervisory Deputy James, entered the residence in order to retrieve the wounded marshal. In the course of the rescue attempt, Deputy Abegg was wounded in the leg. Deputy U.S. Marshal Melissa Duffy administered first aid to Officer Helbling, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Shawn Jackson provided protective cover, allowing wounded Deputy U.S. Marshal Abegg to withdraw. In the end, task force team members subdued the fugitive, although, tragically, Deputy Perry's wounds later proved fatal. The sincere dedication of these marshals to duty and their strong sense of justice are an inspiration to the American people. Marshals like these place themselves in harm's way every day, forsaking the safety many of us take for granted. They and their families make precious sacrifices so that we, the American public, may enjoy the freedom to live our lives to an extent made possible by the knowledge that someone stands watchful and ready on our behalf. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Patrick James and Deputy U.S. Marshals Theodore Abegg, Travis Franke, Nicholas Garrett, Jeremy Wyatt, and John Perry for their distinguished service to the people of this country.

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I also wish honor three St. Louis Metropolitan Police Detectives who played an instrumental role in the March 8, 2011, apprehension of a fugitive in St. Louis, MO, an incident that claimed the life of Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry and resulted in the wounding of Deputy U.S. Marshal Theodore, Ted, Abegg, as well as St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling. Before I talk about the heroic service and incredible sacrifice of these three officers, I have to mention the tremendous service the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department provides to the people of St. Louis every day. As the principal law enforcement agency serving the City of St. Louis, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, in addition to its routine functions, provides a variety of specialized services, including acting as a liaison with the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Since its inception in 1836, over 160 St. Louis police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. When the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's steadfast dedication to community involvement is considered alongside its traditional crime prevention and mitigation duties, the officers of this department truly exemplify the mission ``To Protect and Serve.'' I know how valuable police officers and other first responders are to communities across Missouri. While I was Jackson County prosecutor, I witnessed firsthand the essential skills and hands-on training needed to keep our neighborhoods safe from crime. I know that our first responders form the backbone of our communities, and I salute the countless acts of bravery performed by law enforcement officers across Missouri. On March 8, 2011, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, which included St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers, engaged in an effort to apprehend a dangerous fugitive in St. Louis. In approaching the fugitive's residence, the officers and deputies, discovering there were two children at the home, safely removed them and entered the home behind a ballistic shield. Upon entering the home and ascending a stairwell, the officers and deputies were fired upon by the fugitive. Both Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry and St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling were wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire. Tragically, Deputy Perry's wounds later proved fatal. While other task force members engaged the fugitive, Officer Anna Kimble alerted supporting officers of the shooting over the radio system and Officer Joe Kuster provided perimeter security. A rescue attempt was mounted by the U.S. Marshals, during which another deputy U.S. Marshal was wounded. In the course of the rescue attempt, the fugitive was subdued by task force team members. I am proud these three officers hail from my home State of Missouri. Their sincere dedication to duty and endless compassion for the residents of the city they serve are an inspiration to the people of St. Louis. First responders like these place themselves in harm's way every day, forsaking the safety many of us take for granted. They and their families make precious sacrifices so that we, the American public, may enjoy the freedom to live our lives to an extent made possible by the knowledge that someone stands watchful and ready on our behalf. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Detectives Jeff Helbling, Anna Kimble, and Joe Kuster for their distinguished service to the people of St. Louis. I thank them, and I thank all of you for joining me in recognizing these outstanding Missourians. Finally, Mr. President, I wish to honor two deputy U.S. marshals who played an instrumental role in the March 8, 2011, apprehension of a fugitive in St. Louis, MO, an incident that claimed the life of Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry and resulted in the wounding of Deputy U.S. Marshal Theodore ``Ted'' Abegg, as well as St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling. Before I talk about the heroic service and incredible sacrifice of these two deputies, I have to mention the tremendous service the U.S. Marshals Service provides to the people of this country every day. As the Nation's oldest Federal law enforcement agency, the U.S. Marshals Service provides a variety of crucial services, including protecting Federal judges, operating the Witness Security Program, seizing illegally obtained assets from criminals, and apprehending Federal fugitives--a function which led to its cooperation with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the formation of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in St. Louis. Since its inception in 1789, over 200 Federal marshals, deputy marshals, special deputy marshals, and marshals guards have lost their lives in the line of duty. When the U.S. Marshals Service's steadfast devotion to crime prevention and mitigation is considered alongside its traditional witness protection and judicial security duties, the law enforcement officials of this agency truly exemplify the values of ``Justice, Integrity, Service.'' I know how critically important the Marshals Service is to the Federal justice system and the impact these officials have in communities across Missouri. These highly trained men and women help form the backbone of our legal system, and I salute the countless acts of bravery performed by Federal law enforcement officers across Missouri and this Nation. On March 8, 2011, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, which included St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers, engaged in an effort to apprehend a dangerous fugitive in St. Louis. In approaching the fugitive's residence, the officers and deputies, discovering there were two children at the home, safely removed them and entered the home behind a ballistic shield. Upon entering the home and ascending a stairwell, the officers and deputies were fired upon by the fugitive. Both Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry and St. Louis Police Officer Jeff Helbling were wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire. Tragically, Deputy Perry's wounds later proved fatal. While other task force members engaged the fugitive, Officer Anna Kimble alerted supporting officers of the shooting over the radio system, Deputy U.S. Marshal Melissa Duffy administered first aid to Officer Helbling, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Shawn Jackson provided protective cover allowing wounded Deputy U.S. Marshal Abegg to withdraw. A rescue attempt was mounted by the U.S. marshals, during which another deputy U.S. marshal was wounded. In the course of the rescue attempt, the fugitive was subdued by task force team members. I am proud these two deputies are based in my home State of Missouri. Their sincere dedication to duty and strong sense of justice are an inspiration to the American people. Marshals like these place themselves in harm's way every day, forsaking the safety many of us take for granted. They and their families make precious sacrifices so that we, the American public, may enjoy the freedom to live our lives to an extent made possible by the knowledge that someone stands watchful and ready on our behalf. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Deputy U.S. Marshals Melissa Duffy and Shawn Jackson for their distinguished service to the people of this country. I thank them, and I thank all of you for joining me in recognizing these outstanding individuals.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, at this time, I am objecting to the Senate proceeding to the consideration of the nomination of Lt Gen. Susan Helms, USAF, Calendar No. 70 in order to provide additional time for myself and other Senators to gather additional information regarding Lieutenant General Helms' record of service, particularly her actions serving as a convening authority for military courts martial.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, the budget already includes a deficit-neutral reserve fund to assist servicemembers and veterans. It contains a provision supporting the transition of our military to the workforce by recognizing the process is too cumbersome for them in terms of credentialing requirements and licensing requirements. What my amendment does is it clarifies this section to ensure that a servicemember's military training, education, and experience shall be taken into account for both Federal and State licensing requirements. These men and women have performed technical jobs in the most difficult circumstances imaginable. We should recognize that and accept their service and their experience and their training and allow them to be easily credentialed when they return home. It helps them so much in the search for jobs. I would ask for a voice vote.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, I ask the Senate to join me today in honoring the work of Jim Symington, a friend and dedicated public servant who is retiring this year. In the summer of 1974 I came to Washington as an intern for Congressman Jim Symington. That experience, and the lessons I learned from this great leader were instrumental in my success as a political candidate and public official. As a member of a family steeped in public service, and as the son of the great United States Senator Stuart Symington, Jim did not hesitate to take up the mantle of serving his country. Jim started his career serving others when he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a high school graduate. Following his military service, Jim earned his Bachelor's degree from Yale University and his law degree from Columbia Law School. Jim served for 2 years following law school as the assistant city counselor for St. Louis before going into private practice. In 1958, Jim entered the Foreign Service where he served as assistant to the United States ambassador for the United Kingdom. Upon his return to Washington, DC Jim served our Government in various positions including administrative assistant to Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the Chief of Protocol for the Department of State. In 1968 Jim was elected to represent St. Louis, Missouri's 2nd Congressional District, where he served four terms. During his time in Congress, Jim served on the House Commerce Committee and the Committee on Science and Technology. He also served as the chair of the Subcommittees on Space Science and Applications; Science, Research & Technology; and International Cooperation. He was an active voice on space exploration during a time when space exploration was a central topic. Upon leaving Congress in 1977, Jim returned to private law practice, and has had a distinguished legal career at Nossaman LLP/ O'Connor & Hannan here in Washington, DC. However Jim Symington has never been an ordinary practicing lawyer. He and his wife Sylvia have been friends, mentors, and highly respected members of a small group of true leaders in our America's Capitol for many years. They are always in high demand as dinner partners or leaders of a civic endeavor. Together, their wit, intelligence, and musical prowess has constantly reminded the most powerful in our Nation that there is always more to learn and it is very dangerous to take yourself too seriously. It is my honor to call Jim a mentor and friend. Like no other man I know, I also realize that the number of people who count on his friendship would be a record for a town where Harry Truman famously noted that if you wanted a friend you should turn to a canine. I am thankful for his friendship, advice and service to Missouri and this great country. While these comments mark his retirement from the practice of law, I'm confident that he will continue to be a bright light of intellect, humor, and friendship for many years to come in our Nation's Capital. I ask that the Senate join me in honoring Jim Symington on this occasion of his retirement from the practice of law.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the period of morning business be extended until 2 p.m. today, and that all provisions of the previous order remain in effect.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, I want to thank my colleague. He and I disagree on many things, but we agree on many things also, and one of those things usually begins and ends with the State we love, Missouri, and certainly some of our most famous and beloved people who come from Missouri. Obviously, there is no one who deserves more love and respect than Stan Musial. There are so many memories about Stan Musial that I want to try to encapsulate today, but the interesting thing about the memories I have about Stan Musial is that I don't have these memories because I am a Senator. They do not belong uniquely to me because I am an elected official. I have these memories that I share with hundreds of thousands of people who were lucky enough to encounter Stan Musial during his time on Earth. You know, when you meet somebody, and you can tell they are kind of looking over you to try to find the person who is more important behind you or maybe they are impatient because they do not think you are a big enough deal to be taking their time? If you look at our sports icons today who travel with posses and have entourages and certain rules about who can come near them and who can't and when, that was not Stan Musial. Not one day of his career or one day after his career did he consider himself untouchable. He saw it as his duty and obligation to be there for all fans. Whether it was somebody who worked at the ballpark sweeping after the game was over or whether it was a very talented ballplayer from another team, everyone was equal in Stan Musial's eyes. What a wonderful American value. I could stand here today, Madam President, and talk about his amazing record as a baseball player, his unique swing, and the beauty of his accomplishments in America's favorite pastime, but what we need to focus on as we mourn the loss of this living legend is his character because it was his character that brought universal love, respect, and devotion to the man, our man, Stan ``The Man.'' I know Senator Blunt talked about this story, but I want to elaborate a little bit. It is 1952. Joe Black has just been called up to the majors after spending 1 year in the minors with the Brooklyn organization. He is facing Stan Musial. Now, keep in mind that this is an accomplished baseball player who had won two championships in the Negro Baseball Leagues, and it had only been a few years since Jackie Robinson had, in fact, broken the color barrier for Major League Baseball. He is facing Stan Musial, who already was the most feared hitter in baseball. He is standing there as a Black man on the mound in this baseball game, and out of the Cardinal dugout come jeers and taunts. In fact, one of the things said was, hey, Stan, you are not going to have any trouble hitting that ball against that dark background. When the game was over, Stan Musial decided not to stay in the Cardinal dugout. Joe Black told the story that as he sat in the dugout, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up, and there was Stan Musial from the opposing dugout saying to Joe Black: You are going to be a great pitcher. Now, that encapsulates the character of Stan Musial. Chuck Connors, ``The Rifleman,'' used to tell this story. He was a struggling hitter for the Chicago Cubs. I may need to explain to you, Madam President, but I certainly don't need to explain to anybody in Cardinal Nation that the Chicago Cubs are an opponent. Now, we don't like the Chicago Cubs in Cardinal Nation. Chuck Connors asked a teammate what he should do about his swing. He was struggling with being able to hit in the majors, and they all told him the same thing: The only guy who can help you is Stan Musial. So even though he was reluctant to approach a hitter on the opposing team, he went to Musial and asked for help, and, of course, Stan responded as all of us would expect he would; he spent 30 minutes in the cage with an opposing player trying to help him with his swing. Connors recounted that he really wasn't ever that good of a hitter, but he said he never forgot Stan Musial's kindness. And when he finished watching me cut away at the ball, Stan slapped me on the back and told me to keep swinging. After the 1946 season, the promoters from the Mexican League decided it was time for them to up the ante on baseball. At the time, Stan Musial was making the enormous sum of $13,500 playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mexican League came to Stan Musial and said: We are going to offer you--a king's ransom at the time--$125,000 for 5 years. That was a lot of money for Stan Musial and his family, but he turned down the Mexican League. When asked about it later, he said: Back in my day, we didn't think about money as much. We just enjoyed playing the game. We loved baseball. I didn't think about anybody else but the Cardinals. Harry Caray knew Stan Musial for over 50 years. He would often tell the story of Stan Musial wandering out of the ballpark after a steaming doubleheader--and trust me, we can have steaming doubleheaders in Missouri--looking as if he had been through 15 rounds in a prize fight and every single thing in his body language signifying that he was exhausted and just wanted to go home and lie down. Instead, when he got to his car, he found fans waiting for him. ``Watch this,'' Harry Caray told a friend. And sure enough, Musial's whole body straightened--like Popeye had just eaten a can of spinach--and he started shouting, ``Whaddya Say! Whaddya Say!'' And he signed every single autograph of all the fans surrounding his car. Harry Caray loved telling that story not because it was unusual--that is who Stan Musial was--but for the opposite reason: because it was ordinary. Even in his time, when baseball players weren't paid as much and so were more part of the community, Stan Musial stood apart by standing with the people in the community. It wasn't just Cardinal Nation that worshipped Stan Musial. His opponents, the opposing teams--can you imagine this happening today? Believe it or not, the New York Mets had a Stan Musial Day at their park. And in Chicago, the home of the Cubs, he once finished first in a favorite player survey, edging out the legendary Ernie Banks, who was also a very nice guy who was beloved by the fans of baseball in the Midwest. I could go on and on with stories that reflect this man's character. Yes, he has amazing statistics. Yes, him hitting a baseball was a thing of beauty to all baseball fans in America. But, really, what this man was about was that phrase we love to throw around in politics way too often; that is, American values. This was a man who didn't have to talk about his values because he lived them--his love for his family and how close they are. I am very fortunate to be friends with the Musial family and have visited with them in the days since his death. They received messages from every star in the constellation of American baseball, but one stood out. Joe Torre, upon hearing of Stan's death just a few days ago, sent a message to the Musial family, and it simply said this: Stan Musial was a Hall of Famer in the game of life. We will miss you, Stan Musial. I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, on January 23, 2013, at 10 a.m., in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Judicial Nominations.''

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on January 23, 2013, at 9 a.m., to hold a hearing entitled, ``Benghazi: The Attacks and the Lessons Learned.''

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me today in honoring the work of Barbara Koirtyohann, a friend and long- time Hallmark executive who is retiring this year. Barbara has worked at Hallmark for 39 consecutive years, and has been active in the Kansas City community. Barbara is from the Kansas City area and still calls Kansas City home. She is currently the Director of Public Affairs for Hallmark Cards and she is the founding member of the Greeting Card Association's Postal Affairs Committee. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that any postal reforms have minimum negative impact on the ``citizen mailer.'' During her time away from the office Barbara has been a solid member of Kansas City's civic community. She has been active with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as the chairman of their Public Policy Council. In addition, Barbara is a current board member at Hope House, a shelter for battered women and their children. She has also served on the boards of Children's Mercy Hospital and Missouri Citizens for the Arts. Kansas City is a better place because of Barbara Koirtyohann. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me in congratulating and honoring Barbara Koirtyohann on her retirement.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and congratulate my friend, Mr. Sam Hamra. Born in Steele, MD, Sam received both business and law degrees from the University of Missouri and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Field Artillery and Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. He began practicing law in Springfield, MO, and later became the city attorney for Nixa and St. Robert and the governmental relations attorney for Branson. As Sam's practice became more successful, he never forgot his modest roots, or those less fortunate. In 1976, Sam was elected president of the newly formed Legal Aid Association of Green County, MO, known today as the Legal Services of Southern Missouri, LSSM. The Legal Aid Association was created to help low income citizens whose legal needs would otherwise be unmet. Under Sam's leadership, LSSM has helped thousands of Missourians in 43 counties. On October 11, Legal Services of Southern Missouri will dedicate their new building, the ``Sam F. Hamra Center for Justice.'' It is my hope that this building will help LSSM provide services to Missourians for many years to come. In addition to his contributions to the legal community, Sam is very active in many local organizations. He served on the board of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Springfield area Sports Hall of Fame, and the Springfield/Branson Transportation Study Committee. As the chairman of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Building Fund, he raised over $300,000 for the construction of a new Chamber building. Sam's dedicated service is an inspiration to all Missourians. His achievements and commitment to helping those in need deserves the highest commemoration and I am proud to honor him today. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Sam Hamra.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I wish to lead the Senate in congratulating Mrs. Birdie Elise Davidson on reaching her 100th birthday on September 7 of this year. Birdie was born in Muskogee, OK, to Essie and Max Davidson and grew up with three brothers. She moved to St. Louis when she married Mr. Louis Sachs. She and Mr. Sachs have three children, seven grandchildren, and six great granddaughters. Her daughter, Marjorie, is married to Mr. Louis Susman, the U.S. Ambassador to Court of St. James in the United Kingdom. Her daughter, Nancy, lives in Highland Park, IL. Her son Louis, Jr., lives in San Diego, CA. After retiring with her husband to Key Biscayne, FL, Birdie earned recognition for her philanthropic activities. She is best known for her work for the American Cancer Society. The social and technological developments that Birdie has witnessed in her lifetime are truly incredible. She has lived through two world wars, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and the Great Depression. She has experienced the birth of the Internet, humanity's journey into space, and the eradication of polio and smallpox. Birdie was born before women had the right to vote, but ninety-six years later, she supported President Obama's 2008 Presidential campaign. Upon meeting then-candidate Obama, she told him: ``Young man, I have been alive through 17 Presidents and I am counting on you being the 18th--don't disappoint me!'' She urged President Obama to set new records and to challenge conventional wisdom because she knows the scope and speed of change possible in American life as few others do. Today, I join with my colleagues in the Senate in congratulating Birdie and her family on this amazing occasion, and wishing her good health and happiness.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to express my concerns about S.3414, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. Like many of my colleagues, I voted today to allow the Senate to fully debate and consider amendments to this bill, but I want to make it clear that I have some significant concerns about this legislation and unless improvements are made, I cannot support the legislation in its current form. At the outset, let me just say, I do firmly believe that the Congress should take action to address our Nation's vulnerability to cyber threats. A cyber attack on our critical infrastructure, whether it be our energy grid, a regional water supply, or our financial markets, could significantly harm our economy, our national security, and our way of life. However, the legislation before us today still needs significant improvement before it can become the law of the land. I have heard from many in Missouri, including many companies operating or associated with the types of critical infrastructure that will be subject to the provisions of this legislation. They have raised concerns that, as currently structured, S. 3414 would create redundant oversight structures and add additional standards. Moreover, the bill may have the effect of creating a new Federal system that these entities will have to comply with even though many already work within well-established systems related to developing security standards and responding to cyber threats. I cannot support legislation that creates new and duplicative systems that will impact Missouri businesses in a negative way. While addressing the critical national security aspects of improving our Nation's defenses against and ability to respond to cyber attacks, cybersecurity legislation must improve the regulatory scheme and streamline processes for businesses, not the opposite. Additionally, the carrot-and-stick approach that is created by the current bill would limit the sharing of cyber threat information, in a protected fashion, to those private entities which are participating in the voluntary cybersecurity program the bill would create. Those in the program would have to adopt specific standards and in return would receive relevant real-time cyber threat information. Those not accepting those standards and entering the program would not receive the protections of the program and would be limited in the cyber threat information they receive. Given that sharing such information could potentially thwart a cyber attack, it seems absurd that such information would go unshared because a particular entity was not a participant in the voluntary system. Such a provision inhibits the very type of information sharing we are trying to promote in order to enhance cyber security. In this respect, the carrot-and-stick approach simply does not make sense. I also remain concerned with the scope of responsibility this legislation provides to the Department of Homeland Security. As we have found throughout the history of DHS, it has relied heavily upon a contract workforce in order to satisfy its mission. At this time, the Department does not have the necessary expertise it will need to guide a multi-agency, multi-sector council in evaluating whether or not proposed cybersecurity standards are sufficient to address the evolving nature of cyber threats. The decision to place DHS in such a critical role leadership role in regards to many aspects of the cybersecurity scheme proposed by this legislation needs to be revisited. I have other concerns with this legislation, but these are my chief concerns. I am pleased that both of the Senate's leaders have indicated that this legislation will be subject to a robust amendment process. I look forward to evaluating the amendments brought forward to this legislation, and I am hopeful that the amendments will improve the bill enough so that I can support it. If not, I will oppose the legislation and send it back to the committee process, where more work can be undertaken to generate an acceptable piece of cybersecurity legislation. Whether now or in the future, the Senate does need to pass legislation. But it must be legislation that is well crafted, balanced, and workable for the businesses that will operate under its scheme. I yield the floor.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Edward J. ``Eddie'' Hamill, who is retiring on July 31, 2012 after more than three decades of exemplary service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. On July 17, the Missouri Farm Service Agency, FSA, held a reception for Eddie recognizing his service. Today, I would like to stand to honor his contributions to agriculture and the people of Missouri. Eddie is a lifelong Missourian who has served the people of Missouri through his work at the Farm Service Agency since 1979. In addition to his dedicated work at the Farm Service Agency, Eddie's passion for public service is evident in his willingness to serve beyond his normal workload. He is active in the Perry Lion's Club, Mark Twain Young Farmers, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Farmer's Union, and serves as a member of the Ralls County Health Department Board of Directors. On top of all this, Eddie operates a family farm with 1,200 acres of cropland and pasture for a cow-calf herd. In July 2009, Eddie was appointed by President Obama to serve as the State Executive Director of FSA, responsible for overseeing the delivery of the income support, disaster assistance, conservation and farm loan programs. With more than 100,000 farms, Missouri agriculture employs nearly 250,000 people. Immensely productive and highly diverse, it is the backbone of Missouri's economy. The task of ensuring that Missouri's farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to provide for our families and communities is vital. During his tenure as Missouri FSA Director, Eddie has worked tirelessly to ensure the agency is doing everything it can to properly serve our State. With nearly 100 offices in counties throughout the State, the local Farm Service Agency office is where Missouri farmers turn for assistance. A husband, father of four, and a farmer himself, Eddie believes in improving economic stability for Missouri farmers one family at a time. From the letters that have come in to my office from Missourians expressing the importance they place on their local Farm Service Agency office, the value of his approach and dedication is clear. Perhaps nowhere has the value of Eddie's leadership been clearer than in response to the devastating natural disasters Missouri agriculture has faced. From the devastating flooding we experienced along the Missouri River, to the catastrophe at Birds Point, to this year's crippling drought conditions, Eddie and the entire Missouri Farm Service Agency staff have answered every call to help. I am happy today to pay tribute to Eddie Hamill. He stands out amongst public servants, and he has my thanks and surely that of all Missourians for his service to our State. I wish congratulations and good luck to him and his entire family.

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, today I voted in support of invoking cloture on Senate Amendment 2521 to S. 2237, offered by Senator Landrieu. I supported cloture on this substitute amendment because, overall, Senator Landrieu's legislation would help our Nation's small businesses grow and find new markets. However, I had some concerns with aspects of the legislation that would increase sole-source contracting. In general, we need to ensure that where noncompetitive contracting programs are authorized, they are narrow and fair. In light of the fact that cloture was not invoked on the amendment, I look forward to working with Senator Landrieu on her legislation in the future.

Ms. McCASKILL

Ms. McCASKILL. Mr. President, Senator Nelson of Nebraska's amendment No. 2242 to S. 3240 passed the Senate today by voice vote. I was not in the Senate chamber at the time the voice vote on the amendment was taken. Had I been present or had the amendment been subject to a roll call vote, I would have voted ``present.''

Mrs. McCASKILL

Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I was unable to arrive at the Senate Chamber in time for Senate rollcall vote 119. I would have opposed tabling amendment No. 2393 to S. 3240. The outcome of the vote would not have been changed had I been present. I thank the Chair. I suggest the absence of a quorum.