Bob Smith

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert G. Caron of Rye. Robert was named New Hampshire's SCORE Counselor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. His outstanding service to the Portsmouth Service Corps of Retired Executives made him the perfect candidate for this year's award. I applaud his continued service and commitment to New Hampshire's small business community. His dedication to helping his fellow Granite Staters is exemplary. In his fourth year as a SCORE member, Robert is considered to be one of the most active counselors in the organization. Using his experience as the former senior vice president and CEO of an international chemical manufacturing company, he is able to effectively use his expertise in general management, marketing, profit and working capital improvement, strategic thinking and financial reporting. The business savvy that Robert brings to New Hampshire's small business community is to be commended. His continued service to the Granite State is a positive example for others. Robert so humbly stated, ``I'm grateful that SCORE has given me the opportunity to use my skills to help others in our community.'' New Hampshire is also grateful. It is an honor to represent you in the Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Peter F. Burger of Concord. Peter was recently named New Hampshire's Special District Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Currently practicing with the law firm of Orr & Reno, Peter's exemplary contribution to the small business community over the year made him the likely recipient of this award. I applaud Peter's commitment to the International Trade Resource Center of Portsmouth. He has made time over the past decade to volunteer his services and expertise to the center, teaching classes and taking clients on a pro bono basis. Peter's time spent volunteering has been crucial to the center's clients. Without his contributions, the ITRC would not have been able to offer competitive and complete services to New Hampshire's small businesses. New Hampshire's small business community is privileged to have such a dedicated member of their community. Peter has generously volunteered his time advising on numerous issues including trademark protection and licensing, contract issues related to e-commerce, financing, and mergers and acquisitions. Without the competitive edge ITRC and Peter offer to our State's small businesses, they would be at a disadvantage to their competition. I commend Peter on his dedication to the Granite State. It is an honor to represent you in the Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senators Inhofe and Ensign, to introduce the Post-Abortion Support and Services Act. On November 1, 2001, the Senate unanimously passed an amendment I introduced to the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill recognizing the existence of post-abortion syndrome. The amendment encouraged the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to ``expand and intensify research and related activities'' regarding this issue, and it is the first time that the United States Senate is on record acknowledging that post-abortion syndrome is a serious problem for American women. This bill is an extension of what has already passed the Senate, and provides the National Institutes of Health with Federal resources to research the emotional impact of abortion on women. The bill also creates a $1.5 million grant program to fund the development of treatment programs for women who suffer from post-abortion syndrome. What is post-abortion syndrome? Many people have never heard of it. Many others deny its existence. Post-abortion syndrome is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: severe depression, guilt, eating disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, addictions, anniversary grief, nightmares, lower self-esteem, intense anger, suicidal urges, sexual problems or promiscuity, difficulty with relationships, and unexplained sadness. A new study from the prestigious British Medical Journal reports that women who abort a first pregnancy are at greater risk of subsequent long-term clinical depression compared to women who carry an unintended first pregnancy to term. Among the key findings: the association between abortion and subsequent depression persists over at least 8 years. Many other studies show similar findings, and more. Post-abortion syndrome is a treatable disorder if promptly diagnosed by a trained provider and attended to with a personalized regimen of care including social support, counseling, therapy, medication, and if necessary, hospitalization. A number of women who have undergone abortions also experience debilitating physical health problems such as infection, cervical tearing, infertility, excess bleeding, and death. Thus, the bill also seeks to study the physical repercussions of abortion as well. After 29 years of legalized abortion, it is time that we recognize the suffering that so many women have undergone by carefully examining the women's emotional and physical health following her abortion decision. We have a responsibility to understand what they are going through and how we can appropriately diagnose and treat them. It is my sincere hope that we can pass this bill and give our support to potentially millions of women across the country who suffer alone with their private and profound guilt and depression. Many women who choose abortion have previously aborted. If we are ever going to end abortion in America, we must reach out with love and compassion to women who deeply regret their decision to abort their children, not only to encourage them through their present struggles, but also to help them so they will not choose abortion for themselves again in the future. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senators Inhofe and Ensign, to introduce the Post-Abortion Support and Services Act. On November 1, 2001, the Senate unanimously passed an amendment I introduced to the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill recognizing the existence of post-abortion syndrome. The amendment encouraged the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to ``expand and intensify research and related activities'' regarding this issue, and it is the first time that the United States Senate is on record acknowledging that post-abortion syndrome is a serious problem for American women. This bill is an extension of what has already passed the Senate, and provides the National Institutes of Health with Federal resources to research the emotional impact of abortion on women. The bill also creates a $1.5 million grant program to fund the development of treatment programs for women who suffer from post-abortion syndrome. What is post-abortion syndrome? Many people have never heard of it. Many others deny its existence. Post-abortion syndrome is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: severe depression, guilt, eating disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, addictions, anniversary grief, nightmares, lower self-esteem, intense anger, suicidal urges, sexual problems or promiscuity, difficulty with relationships, and unexplained sadness. A new study from the prestigious British Medical Journal reports that women who abort a first pregnancy are at greater risk of subsequent long-term clinical depression compared to women who carry an unintended first pregnancy to term. Among the key findings: the association between abortion and subsequent depression persists over at least 8 years. Many other studies show similar findings, and more. Post-abortion syndrome is a treatable disorder if promptly diagnosed by a trained provider and attended to with a personalized regimen of care including social support, counseling, therapy, medication, and if necessary, hospitalization. A number of women who have undergone abortions also experience debilitating physical health problems such as infection, cervical tearing, infertility, excess bleeding, and death. Thus, the bill also seeks to study the physical repercussions of abortion as well. After 29 years of legalized abortion, it is time that we recognize the suffering that so many women have undergone by carefully examining the women's emotional and physical health following her abortion decision. We have a responsibility to understand what they are going through and how we can appropriately diagnose and treat them. It is my sincere hope that we can pass this bill and give our support to potentially millions of women across the country who suffer alone with their private and profound guilt and depression. Many women who choose abortion have previously aborted. If we are ever going to end abortion in America, we must reach out with love and compassion to women who deeply regret their decision to abort their children, not only to encourage them through their present struggles, but also to help them so they will not choose abortion for themselves again in the future. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I am very pleased that the energy package the Senate will pass contains a solution to the MTBE problem. This comprehensive MTBE legislative package protects our drinking water while preserving air quality and minimizing negative impacts on gasoline prices and supply. Solving the MTBE has been one of my top priorities for over two years. My legislation was voted out of committee both last Congress and this Congress, and I am pleased that it was finally passed by the full Senate. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I held a field hearing in Salem back in April 2001 to hear from the folks in New Hampshire about their MTBE problems. I have come to the floor on several occasions to speak specifically about New Hampshire families and small businesses that have been impacted by MTBE contamination. I have visited with many of my constituents who suffer with MTBE contaminated wells. The Miller family--Christina and Greg, and their son Nathan--live in Derry, New Hampshire. This young family has been struggling for over three years with the MTBE contamination in their well. I spent time at the Four Corners Store and surrounding homes in the Town of Richmond, New Hampshire. Although the store's underground storage tanks are in compliance with the law, an MTBE plume persists from a tank that leaked years ago. This plume has contaminated a number of private wells of the homes near the Four Corners Store. The Goulas and Frampton families who live close to the Four Corners Store, were kind enough to invite me into their homes, and show me the massive treatment system that had been installed by the State. I am very pleased that I can tell these families and many others in New Hampshire that we are one important step closer to having an effective solution to the MTBE problem. Specifically, this legislation bans MTBE; provides money for the cleanup of MTBE; eliminates the oxygen mandate in the RFG program, and maintains the current level of air quality protection. Additionally, the legislation requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an expedited review of state petitions to suspend the oxygen mandate in the RFG program. If the EPA fails to complete the review of a State petition within 30 days, the petition will automatically be granted. This provision could allow New Hampshire to begin to eliminate MTBE from the fuel system even before the oxygenate mandate is lifted. Finally, the language includes $2 million for the research of techniques to cleanup bedrock contamination and to establish a clearinghouse for sharing the information. According to Dr. Nancy Kinner, a scientist from the University of New Hampshire, tracking and cleaning up MTBE in fractured bedrock is one of the greatest challenges we face as a result of MTBE leaks. This research will help to address that problem. Mr. President, this was not an easy compromise to reach, but we have come together on an effective solution. I want to thank Senator Daschle for including my MTBE legislation in this energy package from the beginning of this process. I would also like to thank the Majority Leader for working so hard with me and other members to hammer out a compromise package and ensuring passage. Senators Murkowski, Inhofe, and Voinovich were in tough positions but they worked tirelessly to come to this agreement--without them, we could not have solved the MTBE problem. I would also like to thank the stakeholders, including the refiners, ethanol producers, and environmental groups--all of whom have worked with me over the last few years to reach a consensus. Last, I would like to thank all the Senate staff who worked on this package. Specifically, I would like to mention David Conover, Chris Hessler, Melinda Cross, Eric Washburn, Chris Miller, Alison Taylor, Janine Johnson, Dan Kish, Jamie Karl and Andy Wheeler. I am pleased that this comprehensive solution is supported by so many of my colleagues.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the brave and patriotic security officers who protect the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station in my State of New Hampshire. Recently, allegations have been made that have caused great concern to these highly trained professions. The Local 501 Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America have written a letter to me and provided a position paper representing their views of security at Seabrook Station and responding to the issues raised by others. One particular part of the position paper caught my attention as it exemplifies the character of the brave men and women who serve and protect our nuclear power plants. It reads, The last thing that you should know about us is that we are your family, your friends and your neighbors. Most of us live within 20 miles of the plant. We have families and children of our own. Everything that we have worked so hard for and love is in close proximity to this plant. We are not cowards and will not run. God forbid the day ever comes, but if it does, we will stay and fight for you and for our friends and families. I want to thank the President of Local 501, Clifford Bullock, and all of the professionals who are members of Local 501 for providing their well-informed perspective on security at Seabrook Station. Most importantly, Mr. President, I want to thank them for their bravery and commitment to protecting all of us--they are true patriots. I ask that the letter and position paper of Local 501 be printed in the Congressional Record. April 24, 2002. The Hon. Robert Smith, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Smith: We understand from news media reports that two former security officers from Seabrook Station are planning to meet with various Congressional staff members to discuss concerns they have about their service at Seabrook. As the Senator from New Hampshire and the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, we believe you would be interested in our position on the issues raised by the former officers. The attached paper represents the position of Local 501 of the Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America. We feel that it is especially important for you and your colleagues to have a full perspective on these issues. We would be pleased to provide any additional information or respond to any other questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Clifford Bullock, President, Local 501, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise in very strong support of the nomination of Jeffrey Howard to the First Circuit Court. I thank the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy, for bringing this nomination forward promptly, and also Senator Hatch, the ranking member. I spoke to Senator Leahy a couple of weeks ago, and he promised he would bring this nomination forward, and he did. I am deeply appreciative because Jeff Howard is very qualified for this position and I look forward to him having a long and distinguished career on the First Circuit Court. I am proud to support the nomination. I urge my colleagues to do likewise. I yield the floor.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. As the Senators know, the compromise fuels package in the Daschle energy bill, which includes my language to ban MTBE and clean up the contamination caused by this gas additive, will also dramatically increase the use of ethanol. This compromise came after lengthy negotiations with several members of the Senate. We all worked in good faith to reach this agreement. However, the increase in ethanol use will, over time, have a negative impact on the highway trust fund due to the ethanol subsidy which exempts ethanol from a good portion of the gasoline tax that pays into the trust fund. This is a concern that virtually all members of the Environment & Public Works Committee share, and it is problem that we will have to address. I believe that reauthorization of TEA-21 is the proper place to fix the trust fund problems caused by the increased ethanol use. Between now and the time we introduce TEA-21 reauthorization, I would encourage all parties to work together, in a similar fashion to the way we reached the fuels compromise, in order to reach a consensus on the ethanol tax subsidy. If we work together in good faith, I have little doubt we will find a solution that can be included in reauthorization. I look forward to working my colleagues in that process.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Frederick W. Bishop of Hooksett, NH. Frederick has been chosen as New Hampshire's Citizen of the Year for his exceptional leadership and devoted service to the community. I commend his active role in both the community of Hooksett and the Granite State. He has served countless hours on Boards and holds positions in numerous organizations within the state. Mr. Bishop has served as Chairman of the Hooksett Police Commission, President of the Hooksett Men's Club, member of the Memorial School Booster's Club, Chairman of the Hooksett Winter Carnival, Treasurer of the Hooksett Underhill School PTO, Chairman of the Librarian of the Year Award Event, and numerous other positions and memberships. Along with his positions, Frederick has found time to serve as a Little League Coach, a member of the Hooksett Emergency Medical Services Committee, and a volunteer for Catholic Charities. Frederick is also a member of the Business and Industry Association of NH, the New Hampshire Easter Seal Society, and the Kiwanis Club. His efforts to improve the community in which he lives serve as a positive role model for people in towns across the country. He has been instrumental in raising the membership of the Hooksett Kiwanis Club by personally sponsoring 180 new members. Frederick Bishop is one of the most deserving candidates of this recognition that I have encountered. His efforts and devotion have made the Town of Hooksett a better place to live. He should be proud of his accomplishments and service. It is truly an honor to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 3132 to the energy bill allowing for the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration and development. My decision to oppose this amendment was not made lightly. It was made after much thought and deliberation and after carefully reviewing all of the information available. I think it is important to put today's debate in context with the 1980 decision by Congress to set aside the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In 1980, just before the election of Ronald Reagan, this country was in the middle of economic disaster, the Carter ``malaise.'' Our Nation was just exiting a terrible energy crisis; we were suffering from stagflation; the Middle East was in crisis with Americans being held hostage in Iran; and gas prices, adjusted for 2002 dollars, were well over $2 per gallon. Yet it was in that atmosphere that the United States Senate established, by a 78-14 vote, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and prohibited drilling in the refuge. That strong bipartisan decision was supported by the overwhelming majority of both Republicans and Democrats, conservative and liberal, including many of both parties who are still in the Senate today. I believe that was the right decision then, and I believe the Senate should maintain its support for protecting this wildlife refuge. My support for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is nothing new. In fact, in 1990, I was a cosponsor of legislation in the House of Representatives to designate the wildlife refuge as wilderness in order to ensure protection from oil and gas exploration. I believed then, as I do now, this area represents one of our last complete and unspoiled arctic ecosystems in the world. It is a very special place deserving protection. While I have been a supporter for exploration of many areas of this country, in fact some areas that arctic drilling proponents have opposed, I believe it is a different case to drill and develop in a designated wildlife refuge that was set aside because of its wilderness qualities by Congress. I would like to quickly address the provisions in the amendment that limit the exploration and development infrastructure to 2,000 acres. I think that there are misconceptions about what these provisions actually do. This provision reads, ``the maximum amount of surface acreage covered by production and support facilities, including airstrips and any areas covered by gravel berms or piers for support of pipelines, does not exceed 2,000 acres on the Coastal Plain.'' Supporters of this amendment believe that this provision will limit production to just 2,000 acres of the coastal plain, an area about the size of a large airport. What needs to be kept in mind, is that the oil reserves in ANWR are not found in a concentrated area. They are spread out over the coastal plain in various pockets that differ in size. Production activities will not be limited to just one section of the coastal plain. Oil rigs, pipelines and other facilities will be spread throughout the area, resulting in a spider-web effect of infrastructure than could cover much of the coastal plain. This is especially true since pipelines are not included in the amendment, just the support beams. To put this all in perspective, the infrastructure associated with existing oil development on the North Slope has a ``footprint,'' as defined in this amendment, of 12,000-acres, but in reality covers an area of more than 640,000 acres, or 1,000 square miles. It is safe to assume that in this amendment the so-called 2,000 acre limitation in ANWR would likely impact an area over 50 times that size. This Nation must have a comprehensive energy strategy that ensures a reliable, environmentally friendly, safe and economic supply of energy. I applaud President Bush for his commitment and I am proud to be a strong supporter of nearly all of his plan. I have been a long advocate of incentives for next generation vehicles and alternative fuels. These are vehicles that will not only provide clean transportation, but will dramatically reduce our oil dependency. I have also introduced legislation providing incentives for the construction of energy efficient buildings. However, I do not believe that allowing oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the right answer.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Madam President, today I show my support for Alex Marion for his heroic efforts at the McIntyre Ski Area. He, along with Shawn Page, Adam Anderson, and Andrew Emanuel, helped to save the life of a fellow skier. While enjoying a day of recreation at the ski slope, he noticed a child hanging from the seat of a chairlift. The skiers formed a human net to catch the boy when he fell. Alex helped save the boy and prevent any serious injuries. I commend this heroic act of Alex Marion. He helped to save the life of a fellow citizen and brought comfort to a worried family. As long as we have such dedicated citizens our nation will continue to be strong. Alex exemplifies the ideals of a Granite Stater and I am honored to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Codi Vachon of Manchester, NH. Her heroic actions saved the life of a drowning boy. While life guarding she noticed twelve-year old Julio Velez at the bottom of the pool. Codi later learned that Julio had experienced a seizure and by acting quickly she was able to bring the boy to safety. Codi Vachon is to be commended for her selfless actions. As long as we have such dedicated citizens, our nation will continue to be strong. Codi exemplifies the ideals of a Granite Stater. It is an honor and privilege to represent her in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support to Elizabeth ``Boo'' Murray of Danville, NH. Her heroic efforts saved the life of an elderly neighbor. Walking through her Danville neighborhood one day in June, Elizabeth noticed flames and smoke coming from her neighbor's house. Realizing that the elderly woman was likely to be still inside, Elizabeth raced in to save her. She found her in the home and removed her from danger. Although her neighbor later died of injuries she sustained, Elizabeth put her life in the foreground to rescue the life of another. I commend you Boo for your commitment to life. You are an example of heroism to New Hampshire residents and the nation alike. I am honored to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Arthur Moreau of Manchester. Arthur, with the assistance of his friends Russ Lauriat and Russ VanderHorst, rescued the life of 28- year-old Scott Derendal. The three friends came upon a wrecked, burning vehicle while driving through Wear last July. Feeling a civic duty to aid a fellow person in need, Arthur, Russ and Russ raced to rescue the individual trapped in the car. They managed to save the life of Scott. I commend you Arthur for the selfless act of kindness you imparted on an unknown individual. You gave of yourself without a second thought as to how it might affect your life. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Russ VanderHorst of Goffstown. Russ, with the assistance of his friends Russ Lauriat and Arthur Moreau, rescued the life of 28- year-old Scott Derendal. The three friends came upon a wrecked, burning vehicle while driving through Wear last July. Feeling a civic duty to aid a fellow person in need, Arthur, Russ and Russ raced to rescue the individual trapped in the car. They managed to save the life of Scott. I commend you Russ for the selfless act of kindness you imparted on an unknown individual. You gave of yourself without a second thought as to how it might affect your life. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to show my support for Shawn Page for his heroic efforts at the McIntyre Ski Area. He, along with Adam Anderson, Alex Marion, and Andrew Emanuel, helped to save the life of a fellow skier. While enjoying a day of recreation at the ski slope, Shawn noticed a child hanging from the seat of a chairlift. The skiers formed a human net to catch the boy when he fell. Shawn helped save the boy and prevent any serious injuries. I commend this heroic act of Shawn Page. He helped to save the life of a fellow citizen and brought comfort to a worried family. As long as we have such dedicated citizens our nation will continue to be strong. Shawn exemplifies the ideals of a Granite Stater. I am honored to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to show my support for Edward Roy of Manchester, NH. His heroic actions saved the lives of numerous residents sleeping inside their multi-story apartment building. He put his own life on the line to preserve the lives of others. On a December morning in 2001, the off-duty firefighter was driving home from work when he noticed smoke in the distance. He raced to the site and found a burning apartment building. In an attempt to awaken and evacuate the residents, he knocked on all the doors of the building. In the process of knocking on residents doors, his coat caught on fire, but Edward continued to rescue people. Edward met the arriving fire fighters and helped them extinguish the fire. Firefighters, like Edward, work valorously everyday. Every time they respond to a call for help, they are putting their own lives in jeopardy to help the community in crisis. Firefighters are among our country's bravest heroes, and I applaud Edward for his dedication to keep New Hampshire safe. I commend the altruistic act of Edward Roy. It takes true courage and honor to put other's lives above one's own. I am confident that as long as we have people like Edward, our nation will continue to be strong. New Hampshire is proud to have such dedicated citizens. It is truly an honor to represent Edward Roy in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Dustin Sherwood of Barnstead. Dustin, along with his two friends John Lank and Nick Poulin, saved the life of a distressed boater. While boating on Suncook Lake in July, the three boys noticed a boat that was moving erratically. Upon closer inspection, they realized the driver had lost control and had fallen into the water. Skillfully the three regained control of the boat and dragged the Vermont teen to safety. I commend you Dustin for your selfless act of heroism. You gave of yourself to help another in need. There is no greater gift. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to John Horan of Nashua, NH, for risking his life to save the life of a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. In August of 2001, John was driving with his friend Nathan Langlais when they came across a vehicle that had plunged through a guardrail and down a hill. John and Nathan, without regard for their own lives, raced to the aid of the trapped motorist. They discovered a smoking car and a semi-conscious driver. The men attempted to extract the driver from the vehicle but were unsuccessful in their first attempt. Loud noises began coming from the gasoline tank and the back of the car began to ignite. With little time to spare, the men rescued the driver from the passenger's side of the vehicle. I commend John Horan for his bravery. His selfless act saved the lives of a fellow citizen, and set a positive example for the people of the Granite State. I am confident that as long as there are Americans like John Horan who are willing to put the well-being of others before themselves, our Nation will continue to be strong. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for the Pembroke Fire Department, including Deputy Chief Paul Gagnon; Lieutenants Rob Farley, David Bouffard and Brian Lemoine; Firefighters Patrick Maccini, Ricky Bilodeau, Jeff Bokum, Stacy Amyot, Josh Ginn, Mike Perron, Steve Perron and Eric Stromvall; and Engineers Brad Robertson, Chet Martel, Chuck Schmidt and Steve Ludwick. Their heroic actions saved numerous lives and helped preserve one of New Hampshire's historical landmarks. They placed their own lives at risk to protect and serve the people of New Hampshire. On an early morning in July of 2001, the Pembroke Fire Department received what appeared to be a routine call. They learned that a historic Bed and Breakfast was in flames and worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames of the burning building. Upon learning that guests were trapped in the residence, the firefighters successfully made several rescues. Leading six victims down their ladders, they brought them to safety. The firefighters further risked their lives to perform room-by-room searches to confirm that everybody was out of the building safely. These firefighters work valorously everyday. Each time they respond to a call for help, they are putting their own lives in jeopardy. This is just one example of the hard work and dedication of New Hampshire's firefighters. By consistently operating above and beyond the call of duty, these men and women save the lives of fellow citizens and bring comfort to the community. I commend the selfless acts of the Pembroke Fire Department. It takes courage to place somebody else's life above one's own. I am confident that as long as we have firefighters like those in Pembroke our Nation will continue to remain protected. New Hampshire is proud to have such dedicated citizens and it is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for John Lank of Barnstead. John, along with his two friends Nick Poulin and Dustin Sherwood, saved the life of a distressed boater. While boating on Suncook Lake in July, the three boys noticed a boat that was moving erratically. Upon closer inspection, they realized the driver had lost control and had fallen into the water. Skillfully the three regained control of the boat and dragged the Vermont teen to safety. I commend you John for your selfless act of heroism. You gave of yourself to help another in need. There is no greater gift. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Christopher Smith of Seabrook, NH. His heroic actions, along with the help of Timothy Dillon, saved the life of a woman trapped in a burning vehicle. He put his own life on the line to rescue a fellow citizen. In October of 2001, Christopher was riding with his mother when he noticed that a burning car had driven off the road. Christopher and Timothy raced to the scene of the accident and discovered an elderly woman trapped in the burning vehicle. She was pinned in the vehicle by the deployed air bag and the crushed dashboard. Christopher attempted to break the driver's side window, while Timothy broke through the back of the car. Christopher smashed the window using a tire iron and then entered through the front of the car. Putting their own lives in jeopardy, the two men were able to pull the woman to safety. I commend the selfless acts of Christopher Smith. It takes true courage to put somebody else's life above one's own. I am confident that as long as we have people like Christopher, our Nation will continue to be strong. New Hampshire is proud to have such a dedicated citizen. It is truly an honor to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Melissa Bogacki of Chester, NH. Her quick action and bravery helped save the life of her drowning brother. I commend Melissa for immediately responding to this stressful and dangerous situation. While she was taking a walk with her siblings, she noticed that her three-year old brother had fallen into a swampy area. Responding immediately, she jumped in to rescue him. After dragging him to safety Melissa immediately notified her mother for help. Melissa's valorous deed serves as an example to the people of Chester as well as the Granite State. She saved the life of a family member and brought comfort to her family. I am confident that as long as we have dedicated citizens like Melissa our Nation will continue to be strong. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I show my support for Russell Keat of Grantham, NH. He helped recover numerous bodies that had been buried beneath the rubble at Ground Zero, as well as three American flags. He put his own life on the line to bring comfort to a grieving nation. After the second airline crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, one of the most catastrophic days in our Nation's history, Russell offered his support for the rescue efforts. Russell specializes in rescue missions and had previously rescued individuals from airline crashes, collapsed buildings, and caves. However, no other rescue meant as much to this patriot as his work at Ground Zero. He recovered the bodies of victims and helped with the clean up effort. Russell also led a group of five other heroes who uncovered three United States flags. Russell risked working on unstable structures and inhaling hazardous materials in order to perform his patriotic duty. I commend the selfless acts of Russell Keat. It takes true courage and honor to value one's Nation above their own life. I am confident that as long as we have people like Russell our Nation will continue to be strong. New Hampshire is proud to have such a dedicated citizen. It is an honor to represent Russell Keat in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Kathleen Moore of Goffstown, NH. Her heroic actions, along with the help of Henry Gerlack Jr., saved the life of a man trapped inside a burning vehicle. In April of 2001, Kathleen was driving down a local highway when she came to the aid of a motorist trapped inside a burning vehicle. She, and nearby resident Henry Gerlack, heard cries for help coming from the vehicle. The two found 34-year-old Mark Renaud wedged between a crushed steering wheel and the dashboard. Kathleen and Henry, putting their own lives in jeopardy, pulled the man out of the car through the driver's side window. The car exploded moments after they pulled Mark to safety. I commend the bravery and heroism of Kathleen Moore. It takes true courage to place somebody else's life above your own. I am confident that as long as we have people like Kathleen, our State and Nation will continue to be strong. New Hampshire is proud to have such a dedicated citizen. It is truly an honor to represent you in the U.S. Senate.