Jeff Merkley

Mr. MERKLEY

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

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 44 and the bill referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. MERKLEY

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in the Record.

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Oregon's 150th birthday. On February 14 of this year, we will begin a year-long celebration of those who invested their lives in making Oregon a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I was born in Myrtle Creek, OR, the son of a sawmill worker and grew up in Roseburg, OR. I later moved to East Multnomah County with my family and am truly blessed to call Oregon my home and share all of its natural beauty with my family. There are so many diverse events that take place all across Oregon which give our State its unique character. The Shakespeare Festival held in Ashland, OR, draws tens of thousands of people from all over the country and is one of the oldest non-profit theater companies in the world. The Pendleton Roundup, located in Eastern Oregon, is one of the largest rodeos in the world and has been going strong for nearly one hundred years. Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse States in the country and people from all across the state love to celebrate the great Oregon outdoors. The Hood to Coast Relay, which starts at Mount Hood and ends in Seaside Oregon, is the largest relay in the world. Every year, Oregonians compete in six events at the Pole Peddle Paddle in Bend, OR, a relay race that begins at the top of Mount Bachelor and ends on the grassy banks of the Deschutes River. The Pole Peddle Paddle consists of a leg in alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biking, running, canoe/kayaking and a sprint to the finish line. Each of these events and the many other cultural, artistic and civic festivals held in the State--will have a special resonance this year as we honor our sesquicentennial. But even more than the beautiful vistas of Oregon or the countless celebrations, Oregon is defined by the people who live there. I've traveled all over the State and met so many amazing Oregonians who continue to carry on the legacy of innovation and hard work that has transformed our State into an influential civic laboratory and high tech hub. Oregon has taken the lead on issues vital to our natural resources and led the way in producing of some of the finest goods in the country. As a United States Senator, I couldn't be prouder to represent such a wonderful State, filled with people who are incredibly kind and welcoming. I encourage my fellow Oregonians to commemorate Oregon's 150th birthday by taking part in local celebrations of our culture and history and volunteering some of your time to a service project in your community. I invite my colleagues here in the Senate, your constituents, and citizens from around the world to come to Oregon this year and experience all our wonderful State has to offer. Regardless of where you live whether you are in North Carolina or Texas or Europe or South America a world of opportunity awaits you in Oregon. Come see how together we can make Oregon's next 150 years even more memorable. (Mr. MERKLEY assumed the Chair.)

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, this week, Millard Fuller, cofounder of Habitat for Humanity, passed away. Millard Fuller dedicated his life to helping families fulfill the dream of homeownership. Fuller was a selfless entrepreneur who left his fruitful career to start a nonprofit organization that used no-interest loans and ``sweat equity'' to give low income families the chance to own their own homes. I can tell you from firsthand experience that Fuller made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of American families. Millard Fuller's efforts didn't stop at our national borders. Indeed, Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with homeowners in virtually every country on the planet. Fifteen years ago, I was the executive director for Habitat for Humanity in Portland, OR. Helping build homes for those who couldn't otherwise afford them provides stability and gives families confidence. I saw in the faces of the Habitat family members how much it meant to own their own homes. These homes were also important to the children. I remember one family with two young daughters who were so excited to be able to have their friends over for the very first time in their lives. Millard Fuller will be missed, but his legacy and organization will live on. I know that I join hundreds of thousands of families in being so appreciative for everything Fuller has done for so many hardworking Americans and for our country.

Mr. MERKLEY

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a brave Oregonian who tragically lost his life last Monday in Kirkuk, Iraq. CWO Joshua M. Tillery, was a pilot with the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. Chief Warrant Officer Tillery was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq at the time of his death. Joshua Tillery was a recipient of the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal for Combat Service, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Air Assault Badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge for his courageous service to our country. Chief Warrant Officer Tillery represents the most selfless and most honorable of men in our country. His friends and family recall how he was to serve his country and how he always wanted to do whatever he could to help people. Joshua loved to fly and was on his way to becoming a flight safety officer. Like so many Oregonians, he enjoyed oudoor activities, and particularly loved snowboarding and riding dirt bikes. He was 31 years old when he passed, a devoted husband, and father of three young boys with another baby on the way. I offer my prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Oregon has lost one of its bravest and brightest young men, and I know I join all Oregonians in honoring the legacy of Joshua Tillery.