Gordon Smith

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, as a proud Oregonian and a proud member of ``Beaver Nation,'' I congratulate Coach Pat Casey and the Oregon State University baseball team, who for the second straight year have brought home to Corvallis from the College World Series in Omaha, NE, the NCAA Baseball Championship trophy. By defeating the University of North Carolina in the championship, the Beavers have joined the elite group of college baseball teams who claim consecutive national championships. What's more, the Beavers swept to the title with the most lopsided scores in College World Series history. As impressive as the Beaver's athletic accomplishments are, even more impressive is the type of individuals they are. Each and every time a Beaver was interviewed, they didn't speak about themselves, they spoke about the team. They spoke of heart, character, and giving it your best. Oregonian Columnist John Canzano wrote, ``What you didn't see on the field Sunday was the pediatrics unit of Nebraska Medical Center. Coach Casey toured the place with players, visiting sick children this week. . . . What you probably didn't see where thousands of fans from Iowa and Nebraska who were dressed in orange, and cheering for Oregon State because they identify with hard-working, salt-of-the-earth overachievers and couldn't help themselves.'' I am delighted to join with my colleague Senator Wyden in submitting this resolution extending the congratulations of the United States Senate to Oregon State University, and I urge my colleagues to visit OregonLive.com to read touching stories about this truly inspiring team. Allow me to specifically mention the names of all the coaches and players who have made my State so very proud: Head Coach Pat Casey, Associate Head Coach Dan Spencer, Assistant Coach Marty Lees, Volunteer Assistant Coach David Wong, and players Erik Ammon, Darwin Barney, Hunter Beaty, Scotty Berke, Reed Brown, Brian Budrow, Mitch Canham, Bryn Card, Brett Casey, Jackson Evans, Kyle Foster, Drew George, Mark Grbavac, Chad Hegdahl Chris Hopkins, Koa Kahalehoe, Greg Keim, Blake Keitzman, Josh Keller, Eddie Kunz, Joey Lakowske, Lonnie Lechelt, Jordan Lennerton, Mike Lissman, Anton Maxwell, Jake McCormick, Chad Nading, Jason Ogata, Ryan Ortiz, Joe Paterson, Tyrell Poggemeyer, Joe Pratt, Jorge Reyes, Scott Santschi, Kraig Sitton, Alex Sogard, Dale Solomon, Michael Stutes, Daniel Turpen, John Wallace, Braden Wells and Joey Wong.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. On May 12, 2007 in New York, NY, Omar Willock attacked Roberto Duncanson, a gay man, on the street in Crown Heights. Willock allegedly yelled anti-gay slurs at Duncanson when they passed each other on the street. Later, Willock encountered Duncanson again and started a fist fight, eventually stabbing Duncanson. Willock is being held without bail and is charged with a hate crime. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Matthew Shepard Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, one of the privileges of representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate is having the honor of serving in the seat held for 30 years by Mark Hatfield. During his nearly half century of service to the people of Oregon as a State Representative, State Senator, Secretary of State, Governor, and U.S. Senator, Mark Hatfield earned a reputation for honesty and integrity. He also earned a reputation for having an outstanding staff--staff who often went on to outstanding careers in public service in their own right. I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most distinguished of the ``Hatfield Alumni,'' Warne Nunn, who passed away earlier this week in Oregon at the age of 86. Warne Nunn served as chief of staff to Mark Hatfield during his 8 years as Oregon's Governor, and when Oregonians sent Mark Hatfield to the U.S. Senate in 1966, Warne Nunn came east to help open up the Senate office. Mr. Nunn's heart, however, was in his beloved Oregon, and he soon returned home, where he was to make numerous positive contributions for four more decades. As a long-time executive with Pacific Power and Light, Warne Nunn was a respected leader in Oregon's business community. It was, however, through his philanthropic leadership where Warne Nunn left a legacy that should inspire us all. As a long-time member and chairman of the Willamette University Board of Trustees, Warne Nunn was a passionate advocate for quality education. His commitment to education could also be seen in the leadership he provided as a long-time trustee of the Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the largest and most generous philanthropies in the Pacific Northwest. During its 25-year history--throughout which Warne Nunn has served as a trustee or trustee emeritus--Meyer Memorial Trust has donated nearly $420 million to countless worthy causes. Senator Hatfield once told me of a journey he made to the Calcutta slums with Mother Teresa. During that journey, Senator Hatfield asked Mother Teresa how she could go on day after day, knowing that for every life she touched, there were thousands of lost souls she would never reach. She responded by saying: ``God does not call us to be successful. He calls us to be faithful.'' There can be no doubt that Warne Nunn lived a successful life. But his family and friends will tell you that more important to Warne was the fact that he lived a faithful life. He was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a faithful friend. He was a faithful businessman, public servant, and philanthropic leader. Above all, he was a faithful servant of God. I join many fellow Oregonians in paying tribute to the life and legacy of Warne Nunn, and in extending my sincere condolences to his wife Delores and his entire family.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Clinton, in introducing this important piece of legislation to help alleviate the nursing shortage in our Nation. This legislation will work to ensure that our nursing schools have increased capacity and the tools necessary to properly train nurses to enter into the workforce. As many of my colleagues know, the shortage of nurses is a current and ever increasing problem in our Nation. As baby boomers age and demands for health care continue to increase, we will further see a shortage of nurses, which is not sustainable for the health needs of our Nation. While the number of graduates from nursing programs is increasing, we are still facing ongoing critical shortages and we must do better. Incredibly, while we have an ever-increasing demand for nurses, we are also seeing our schools of nursing turn away scores of students each year who are viable candidates due to lack of capacity and lack of teaching staff. In fact, in my home State of Oregon, for each student position available in nursing programs, there are six applicants. This forces many young men and women who want to enter this field of work to give up on pursuing a nursing career. This is one of many reasons that we currently have 118,000 vacant positions for nurses nationwide, this translates to a national vacancy rate of 8.5 percent. Our entire Nation is on an aging trajectory in all areas, and the nursing workforce is no exception. In Oregon, nearly half of our nurses are age 50 or older, and the proportion of nurses over the age of 50 has doubled in the last 20 years. We also know that according to a survey in 2006, 55 percent of surveyed nurses reported their intention to retire between 2011 and 2020. Further, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, this will leave America with a deficit of more than 1 million nurses by the year 2020. The bill that I am introducing today with Senator Clinton will provide grants to enhance rural nurse training programs by improving the technology infrastructure. It also will provide grants for nurse faculty development so that schools of nursing can increase the number of nursing faculty in their programs, thereby increasing the number of students they can accept into their programs. This bill also will encourage pipeline programs to help increase the number of rural residents who pursue nursing in their communities. Lastly, it will provide grants for partnerships that advance the education, delivery and measurement of quality and patient safety in nursing practices. These important provisions will help in the recruitment and training of nurses as well as work towards enhanced quality and safety of nursing across the Nation. I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill, and I look forward to working with Chairman Kennedy and other members of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to secure its passage.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, there is a term that is often used here in the Senate when members refer to one another. That term is ``gentleman.'' No one fit that term better than Senator Craig Thomas. I join with all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in mourning the loss of Senator Thomas, and in extending our condolences to his wonderful wife Susan and the entire Thomas family. In the 10 years I was privileged to serve with Senator Thomas in this Chamber, I never once heard him raise his voice, and I never once saw him lose his temper. But that doesn't mean that Senator Thomas was not a fighter for his beloved Wyoming. In fact, he was a very effective advocate for the people of Wyoming and all of rural America. His accomplishments were not the result of shouting. They were the result of perseverance, integrity, and a whole lot of hard work. I was privileged to serve with Senator Thomas on a number of committees, where I saw firsthand the scope of his interests and his effectiveness. On the Finance Committee, I saw how he was a champion for better health care for rural Americans, and I saw how he worked to open markets for the cattlemen, farmers, and soda ash producers of Wyoming. On the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he brought Wyoming's unique perspective to the forefront on the energy debate, and, as chairman and ranking member of the National Parks Subcommittee, he brought the first reform overhaul to the National Parks Service in 20 years--a vital step in a State that is home to the Yellowstone National Park, one of the crown jewels of our park system. And I served with Craig on the Indian Affairs committee, where the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes of Wyoming's Wild River Reservation and Native Americans across the country could always count on his commitment to improving their lives. Although Craig Thomas spent the last 18 years of his life working in the corridors of the U.S. Capitol, he never forgot where he came from. He was a true westerner, a straight-talker, and he was always just ``Craig'' to his constituents. Always at Craig's side was his wife and partner Susan, who is always a remarkable, eloquent advocate for Wyoming. The last several months have been difficult and challenging ones for Craig, and Susan was always there for him. Mr. President, my wife Sharon joins with me in extending our condolences to Susan, the Thomas family, and the people of Wyoming. I can say without hesitation that the ``gentleman from Wyoming'' will always be remembered by those of us who were fortunate to serve with him, and by all those he served with such diligence and distinction.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined today by my colleague Senator Wyden, to introduce this important piece of legislation for America's rural hospitals. Our legislation will work to ensure that hospitals in under-served areas, including those in our home State of Oregon, have the flexibility they need to provide care to their communities. The Critical Access Hospital program, CAH, is an important safety net that ensures that communities have access to health care services in rural areas such as my hometown of Pendleton, OR. Hundreds of hospitals across the United States operate under a CAH designation, 25 of which are in Oregon. In order to obtain this designation, certain requirements, such as being located more than 35 miles from any other hospital, or receiving certification by the state to be a ``necessary provider.'' CAH's also must provide 24-hour emergency care services 7 days a week. One requirement, however, the 25-patient bed limit, has proven to be too constricting for facilities during times of unexpected, increased need, such as during an influenza outbreak or an influx of tourism to the community. Leadership for Oregon hospitals have expressed to me that these rules could lead to severe patient safety issues. As hospitals reach their 25-bed capacity, they could be forced to divert those in need of care to a hospital much farther from their home and families. Alternatively, should these small hospitals take the patient in they put themselves at risk of losing their important CAH status. Loss of such status could cause the closing of the facility altogether. Access to health care remains an issue in our Nation and this bill is one small way in which we can work to ensure that rural hospital doors remain open for millions of Americans living in communities who depend on CAH's for their medical care. This bill will provide the flexibility necessary for a CAH to choose to meet either the 25-bed-per day limit or a limit of 20-beds-per-day averaged throughout the year. Therefore, during a time of surge, they can care for more patients in need even if the hospital would exceed the use of 25 beds, which they could not do under current law. However, our bill ensures that during times of non- surge these hospitals are meeting the requirements under law that make them a CAH. This new yearly average is set lower than the daily limit to ensure that we are not expanding this program. We believe that this simple tweak in the current law is critically important to keeping our rural hospitals open and their communities' health care needs served. I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill, and I look forward to working with Chairman Baucus and other members of the Finance Committee to secure passage of this important bill.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution that recognizes November as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. I am pleased to be joining my colleague, Senator Clinton, in introducing this resolution, which represents a way to educate communities across the Nation about pancreatic cancer and the need for increased research funding, early detection methods, and effective treatments and programs. Like many Americans, I have seen the ramifications of cancer first hand. I support this resolution in honor and loving memory of the millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their families, and for my mother, Jessica Udall Smith, whom I lost to pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is hard to detect in its early stages as it doesn't cause symptoms right away. Also, because the pancreas is hidden behind other organs, health care providers cannot see or feel the tumors during routine exams. Because there are no early detection methods, pancreatic cancer often is found late and spreads quickly. This year, more than 37,000 Americans will receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and for over 33,000 of them, it will be their killer. While overall cancer death rates have declined, the number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is actually increasing. It is projected that this year, 440 Oregonians will die from pancreatic cancer. That represents a 17-percent increase in pancreatic cancer deaths in Oregon over the last 3 to 4 years. Individuals fighting pancreatic cancer continue to face discouragingly low odds of survival. In 1975, the 5 year survival rate for pancreatic cancer was 2 percent. Twenty-five years later, the survival rate remain at an unacceptably low level of 5 percent, making this cancer the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Indeed, pancreatic cancer is considered the deadliest cancer, of which 75 percent of patients diagnosed with this disease die within the first year and most within the first 3 to 6 months. Early detection tools, such as those that currently are available for ovarian, colon, breast and prostate cancer, would make a significant impact on pancreatic cancer, but those tools require a new investment in basic scientific research at the National Cancer Institute, NCI. In recent years, funding for cancer research has fallen behind the promise made during the doubling of the budget for the National Institutes for Health, NIH. When NIH funding was first doubled, success rates for first submissions of grant requests to the NCI were 30 percent overall and 15 percent for new investigators. Those rates now have dropped to an average of 10 percent across the board. Unfortunately, we are anticipating cuts to other NCI programs that advance research, such as the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence program, which provides vital opportunities to explore new areas of research. I support biomedical research and the great promise it holds in the development of new treatments and possible cures for the many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. Past investments at the NCI have helped drive new discoveries that led to the decline in overall cancer deaths in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. Now is the time to expand our efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer. I ask that my colleagues support this resolution, which will help increase research, education and awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. On July 7, 2002 in Tampa, FL, Devin Scott Angus attacked Sonny Gonzales and Stephen Hair as the two men were leaving a gay pride event at the Florida Aquarium. Angus allegedly yelled antigay slurs at the men, dropped his pants, and screamed additional obscenities. He then attacked Gonzales and Hair, repeatedly punching and kicking them. Gonzales suffered a gash in his head, while Hair suffered a skull fracture, a cracked sinus, and a broken front tooth. According to reports, Angus' sole motivation was the victims' sexual orientation. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Matthew Shepard Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to present to the Senate report No. 110-71, titled ``Economic Developments in Aging,'' as compiled by the Senate Special Committee on Aging for the 109th Congress. The Special Committee on Aging is required to report to the Senate at least once a Congress on findings from the work done by the committee. This report contains valuable insight uncovered by the committee over the past 10 years on the subject of the economics of retirement. The Aging Committee has a long and distinguished history of investigating and debating issues of importance to America's aging population. Along with robust deliberations on retirement security, the committee also has initiated discussions on ways to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and to expose companies that prey upon seniors using fraudulent marketing scams. I was proud to serve as chairman of this committee in the 109th Congress, when we began the process of compiling this report, and am pleased to continue my service as ranking member of the committee in the 110th Congress. The Aging Committee is tasked with a significant challenge to ensure that we, as a nation, are prepared for the significant demographic shift with the aging of our population. In a few short years, a vast wave of Americans will begin to retire. In fact, between 2010 and 2030, the number of people age 65 and older is projected to increase by 76 percent. This change will impact a wide range of social and economic issues, such as labor shortages, loss of experienced workers many of whom have skills that simply are not replaceable--and put a significant strain on the senior entitlement programs of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. To keep pace with the growing aging population, it is critical that Congress address these issues in a thoughtful manner that preserves benefits for those in need. The report compiles relevant high-level summaries of committee hearings related to retirement security that demonstrate the ongoing debate within Congress regarding the best approach to address these important issues. I look forward to continuing a healthy debate on ways to best prepare for the challenges that await us with our aging nation. I hope this report provides valuable insight as we continue these discussions throughout this Congress. I thank all the members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging from the past 10 years for their participation in these vital discussions. I especially want to thank the committee's current chairman, Senator Herb Kohl, as well as the committee's past chairmen for their dedication to ensuring a positive future for America's seniors.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to William E. Colson, a great Oregonian, who devoted his entire life to building and operating quality senior housing. Beginning in 1971 in Salem, OR, Bill Colson and his father Hugh built and operated independent living communities for seniors. The company they founded, Holiday Retirement Corp., earned a reputation for providing middle-income seniors access to outstanding housing and services. By steadily constructing and selectively acquiring senior housing properties, Holiday Retirement Corp. grew to become the largest owner and manager of senior housing in the world. Bill Colson and his partners, including his wife Bonnie, son Bart, and Dan Baty, Norm Brendan, Patrick Kennedy, Thilo Best, Mark Burnham, the Hasso family, Bruce Thorn, and their loyal employees and investors collectively built and managed over 80,000 senior living units in the United States, Canada, France and United Kingdom. Bill Colson has been recognized as a founding father of seniors housing by the American Seniors Housing Association, an organization he helped create in 1991. With his passing at age 66, Bill Colson leaves his wife, two sons, Brad and Bart, and three grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was beloved by his family and by the thousands of employees and residents he served so well over the years. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bill Colson and celebrating his lifetime of achievements building and operating outstanding housing for seniors across North America and Europe. He will be remembered by those whose lives he touched as a devoted family man, successful businessman, generous philanthropist, genuine friend and a great American.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, I rise with my colleagues Senator Dodd and Senator Reed to introduce an important bill for our youth, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2007. Nearly 3 years ago, the Senate first passed this Act with 39 cosponsors. At that time, we heard an outpouring of support and sharing from other members of the Senate who have lost members of their families. On September 9, 2004, my son Garrett's birthday, the House and Senate passed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act with overwhelming support. I remain thankful for their wisdom and support of the important programs this Act created that focused on youth suicide prevention. As I said in 2004, this Act represents the best of American Government, an opportunity when our Nation's elected officials can come together, put aside their political parties and politics, to debate and pass legislation. During the last 3 years, this effort has resulted in nearly $65 million in suicide prevention and intervention funding to States, tribes, and on our Nation's higher education institutions. I also want to recognize and thank my colleagues who have championed this cause for a great many years Senator Dodd, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Harry Reid and Senator Kennedy your work to raise awareness about youth suicide has been significant and for that I thank you. I also would like to thank Representative Patrick Kennedy for his support on this and so many other issues affecting persons with mental illness. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to ensure passage of this reauthorization bill. As most of you know, I came to be a champion of this issue not because I volunteered for it, but because I suffered for it. In September of 2003, Sharon and I lost our son Garrett Lee Smith to suicide. While Sharon and I think about Garrett every day and mourn his loss, we take solace in the time we had with him, and have committed ourselves to preserving his memory by helping others. Sharon and I adopted Garrett a few days after his birth. He was such a handsome baby boy. He was unusually happy and playful, and he also was especially thoughtful of everyone around him as he grew older. His exuberance for life, however, began to dim in his elementary years. He struggled to spell. His reading and writing were stuck in the rudiments. We had him tested and were surprised to learn that he had an unusually high IQ, but struggled with a severe overlay of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. However, it would be years later that we learned of the greatest challenge to face Garrett, his diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs of life that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. As his parents, we knew how long and how desperately Garrett had suffered from his condition. Yet, tragically, over three years ago Garrett reached a point where his illness took over and he could no longer fight. In his memory, I have committed myself to helping prevent other families from experiencing the tremendous pain that comes with the loss of a loved-one to suicide. We know that each year, more than 4,000 youth aged 15 to 24 die by suicide. From this number we know that since Garrett's death more than 14,000 young people have lost their lives to suicide. Too many young lives have been lost and continue to be lost. While we can always do more, this Act has taken that first, significant step toward creating and funding an organized effort at the Federal, State and local levels to prevent and intervene when youth are at risk for mental and behavioral conditions that can lead to suicide. The loss of a life to suicide at any age is sad and traumatic, but when it happens to someone who has just begun their life, has just begun to fulfill their potential the impact somehow seems harsher, sadder and more pronounced. Once signed into law, this bill will authorize $210 million in new funding over 5 years to further support States and Native American tribes in building systems of State-wide early intervention and prevention strategies. This bill will continue the current practice of ensuring that 85 percent of funding will be provided to entities focused on identifying and preventing suicide at the State and community level. Since the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act was signed into law in 2004, 29-States and seven tribes have received grants to help them plan for and implement youth suicide prevention strategies. The new and higher funding level will allow States that have never received a grant to receive funding. It also will allow States that have received grants in the past to expand their efforts to include more geographic areas and youth populations. In my home State of Oregon, which has been especially active and forward-thinking in combating youth suicide, the Department of Human Services has been working in a number of counties throughout the State to increase referrals so care is available when needed, establish linkages to care and improve knowledge among clinicians, crisis response workers, school staff, youth and lay persons related to youth who are at-risk. The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. also has implemented the Native Youth Prevention Project, which serves nine tribes and tribal confederations in Oregon where American Indian youth have the highest suicide rate in the State. Programs such as these can be important catalysts for change across the Nation and we must continue to support them. The bill also reauthorizes a Suicide Prevention Resource Center, which provides technical assistance to States and local grantees to ensure that they are able to implement their State-wide early intervention and prevention strategy. It also collects data related to the programs, evaluates the effectiveness of the programs, and identifies and distributes best practices. Sharing technical data and program best practices is necessary to ensure that Federal funding is being utilized in the best manner possible and that information is being circulated among participants. The Center will receive $25 million over 5 years for these purposes. Since 2004, the Center has done great work to support the grantees under this Act as well as push forward broader science-to- service efforts to combat youth suicide. Finally, the bill will provide $31 million over 5 years to continue the colleges and universities grant program. This program works to establish mental health programs or enhance existing mental health programs focused on increasing access to and enhancing the range of mental and behavioral health services for students. Entering college can be one of the most disruptive and demanding times in a young person's life, but for persons with a mental illness the changes can become overwhelming. Loss of their parental support system, and lack of a familiar and easily accessed health care providers often can become too much of a burden to bear. We must ensure programs are in place to help them overcome these challenges. So far, 55 colleges and universities have received grants through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, including two in my home State, helping countless students. However, with more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States, there are many more campuses that will be helped by this reauthorization. I am pleased to be a champion of this cause and this bill and hope my colleagues will join me in supporting its passage.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, I rise with my colleagues Senator Dodd and Senator Reed to introduce an important bill for our youth, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2007. Nearly 3 years ago, the Senate first passed this Act with 39 cosponsors. At that time, we heard an outpouring of support and sharing from other members of the Senate who have lost members of their families. On September 9, 2004, my son Garrett's birthday, the House and Senate passed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act with overwhelming support. I remain thankful for their wisdom and support of the important programs this Act created that focused on youth suicide prevention. As I said in 2004, this Act represents the best of American Government, an opportunity when our Nation's elected officials can come together, put aside their political parties and politics, to debate and pass legislation. During the last 3 years, this effort has resulted in nearly $65 million in suicide prevention and intervention funding to States, tribes, and on our Nation's higher education institutions. I also want to recognize and thank my colleagues who have championed this cause for a great many years Senator Dodd, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Harry Reid and Senator Kennedy your work to raise awareness about youth suicide has been significant and for that I thank you. I also would like to thank Representative Patrick Kennedy for his support on this and so many other issues affecting persons with mental illness. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to ensure passage of this reauthorization bill. As most of you know, I came to be a champion of this issue not because I volunteered for it, but because I suffered for it. In September of 2003, Sharon and I lost our son Garrett Lee Smith to suicide. While Sharon and I think about Garrett every day and mourn his loss, we take solace in the time we had with him, and have committed ourselves to preserving his memory by helping others. Sharon and I adopted Garrett a few days after his birth. He was such a handsome baby boy. He was unusually happy and playful, and he also was especially thoughtful of everyone around him as he grew older. His exuberance for life, however, began to dim in his elementary years. He struggled to spell. His reading and writing were stuck in the rudiments. We had him tested and were surprised to learn that he had an unusually high IQ, but struggled with a severe overlay of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. However, it would be years later that we learned of the greatest challenge to face Garrett, his diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs of life that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. As his parents, we knew how long and how desperately Garrett had suffered from his condition. Yet, tragically, over three years ago Garrett reached a point where his illness took over and he could no longer fight. In his memory, I have committed myself to helping prevent other families from experiencing the tremendous pain that comes with the loss of a loved-one to suicide. We know that each year, more than 4,000 youth aged 15 to 24 die by suicide. From this number we know that since Garrett's death more than 14,000 young people have lost their lives to suicide. Too many young lives have been lost and continue to be lost. While we can always do more, this Act has taken that first, significant step toward creating and funding an organized effort at the Federal, State and local levels to prevent and intervene when youth are at risk for mental and behavioral conditions that can lead to suicide. The loss of a life to suicide at any age is sad and traumatic, but when it happens to someone who has just begun their life, has just begun to fulfill their potential the impact somehow seems harsher, sadder and more pronounced. Once signed into law, this bill will authorize $210 million in new funding over 5 years to further support States and Native American tribes in building systems of State-wide early intervention and prevention strategies. This bill will continue the current practice of ensuring that 85 percent of funding will be provided to entities focused on identifying and preventing suicide at the State and community level. Since the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act was signed into law in 2004, 29-States and seven tribes have received grants to help them plan for and implement youth suicide prevention strategies. The new and higher funding level will allow States that have never received a grant to receive funding. It also will allow States that have received grants in the past to expand their efforts to include more geographic areas and youth populations. In my home State of Oregon, which has been especially active and forward-thinking in combating youth suicide, the Department of Human Services has been working in a number of counties throughout the State to increase referrals so care is available when needed, establish linkages to care and improve knowledge among clinicians, crisis response workers, school staff, youth and lay persons related to youth who are at-risk. The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. also has implemented the Native Youth Prevention Project, which serves nine tribes and tribal confederations in Oregon where American Indian youth have the highest suicide rate in the State. Programs such as these can be important catalysts for change across the Nation and we must continue to support them. The bill also reauthorizes a Suicide Prevention Resource Center, which provides technical assistance to States and local grantees to ensure that they are able to implement their State-wide early intervention and prevention strategy. It also collects data related to the programs, evaluates the effectiveness of the programs, and identifies and distributes best practices. Sharing technical data and program best practices is necessary to ensure that Federal funding is being utilized in the best manner possible and that information is being circulated among participants. The Center will receive $25 million over 5 years for these purposes. Since 2004, the Center has done great work to support the grantees under this Act as well as push forward broader science-to- service efforts to combat youth suicide. Finally, the bill will provide $31 million over 5 years to continue the colleges and universities grant program. This program works to establish mental health programs or enhance existing mental health programs focused on increasing access to and enhancing the range of mental and behavioral health services for students. Entering college can be one of the most disruptive and demanding times in a young person's life, but for persons with a mental illness the changes can become overwhelming. Loss of their parental support system, and lack of a familiar and easily accessed health care providers often can become too much of a burden to bear. We must ensure programs are in place to help them overcome these challenges. So far, 55 colleges and universities have received grants through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, including two in my home State, helping countless students. However, with more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States, there are many more campuses that will be helped by this reauthorization. I am pleased to be a champion of this cause and this bill and hope my colleagues will join me in supporting its passage.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. On May 18, 2007, in Greenville, SC, Sean Kennedy was beaten by an unnamed man which resulted in his death. Kennedy, a gay man, was punched in the face and knocked to the ground where he sustained injuries to his head. Kennedy died of his injuries later that night at a local hospital. The attacker was later brought into custody and charged with murder. Because Kennedy was attacked while leaving a gay bar and the attacker used anti-gay epithets, the Greenville County Sheriff turned the case over to the FBI for investigation as a hate crime. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Matthew Shepard Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I wish to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. On August 22, 2002, in San Francisco, CA, Jack Broughton and his female companion, Jean Earl, beat two women outside a gay poetry event. Police reported that Earl began kicking and punching people while shouting anti-gay epithets at the event's participants. After being kicked out, Broughton and Earl beat a 34-year-old woman outside. Broughton then punched the first victim's partner, who joined in the scuffle. The first victim suffered minor injuries, for which she was treated at a hospital. According to reports, the victim's were attacked solely because of their sexual orientation. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Matthew Shepard Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues Senator Kerry, Senator Domenici and Senator Kennedy to introduce a The Children's Mental Health Parity Act that will have tremendous impact on millions of low-income children who are living with a mental illness. This bill will ensure mental health parity exists in the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, which provides health care to our Nation's low-income children. Mental illness affects about one in 5 American children, yet an estimated \2/3\ of all young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need. Moreover, children in Medicaid and SCHIP have the highest rates of mental health problems. Despite the prevalence of mental illness among our Nation's children, a large majority of children struggling with these difficulties do not receive mental health care. Without early and effective identification and interventions, childhood mental illnesses can lead to school failure, poor employment opportunities and poverty in adulthood. We also ow that suicide is the sixth leading cause of death among 5 to 15 year olds and the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. Moreover, in 1999, more teenagers and young adults died as a result of suicide than cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, birth defects, stroke and chronic lung disease combined. Currently, between 500,000 and one million young people attempt suicide each year. A parent with a son who struggled with a mental illness, I know all too well the indiscriminate nature of the illness and the frightening statistics of its regular occurrence for those we love. That is why ensuring access to care is so vitally important. Yet, our Nation's health care program dedicated to delivering care to children is falling behind. Many States have imposed restrictive limits on mental health services that would not be permissible in Medicaid, including caps on both inpatient and outpatient care, annual cost restrictions, and limits on diagnostic services. These limits are not based on the medical needs of beneficiaries or best practice guidelines and result in coverage that is wholly inadequate for a child with a mental illness. This is why the introduction of this legislation is so critical. The Children's Mental Health Parity Act would prohibit discriminatory limits on mental health care in SCHIP plans by directing that any financial requirements or treatment limitations that apply to mental health or substance abuse services must be no more restrictive than the financial requirements or treatment limits that apply to other medical services. The bill also would eliminate a harmful provision in current law that authorizes states to lower the amount of mental health coverage they provide to children in SCHIP down to 75 percent of the coverage provided in the benchmark plans listed in the statute as models for States to use in developing their SCHIP plans. My home State of Oregon had the wisdom and foresight to see that mental health parity was necessary. The Oregon Health Plan, through which SCHIP kids are covered, offers parity with physical health services and a very comprehensive mental health benefit package, A 2004 report by the Governor of Oregon's Mental Health Taskforce found that in any given year, 75,000 children under the age of 18 are in need of mental health services. It also listed as one of the major problems facing the Oregon mental health system is the fact that mental health parity was not, at that time, in effect. That is no longer the case and I look forward to seeing significant improvements in the mental health system in Oregon as a result of the hard work done there. Although we are fortunate to have mental health parity in Oregon, there are millions children across the Nation that are in critical need of similar care. That is why the introduction of this Federal legislation is so important, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and work towards its swift passage.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues Senator Kerry, Senator Domenici and Senator Kennedy to introduce a The Children's Mental Health Parity Act that will have tremendous impact on millions of low-income children who are living with a mental illness. This bill will ensure mental health parity exists in the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, which provides health care to our Nation's low-income children. Mental illness affects about one in 5 American children, yet an estimated \2/3\ of all young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need. Moreover, children in Medicaid and SCHIP have the highest rates of mental health problems. Despite the prevalence of mental illness among our Nation's children, a large majority of children struggling with these difficulties do not receive mental health care. Without early and effective identification and interventions, childhood mental illnesses can lead to school failure, poor employment opportunities and poverty in adulthood. We also ow that suicide is the sixth leading cause of death among 5 to 15 year olds and the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. Moreover, in 1999, more teenagers and young adults died as a result of suicide than cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, birth defects, stroke and chronic lung disease combined. Currently, between 500,000 and one million young people attempt suicide each year. A parent with a son who struggled with a mental illness, I know all too well the indiscriminate nature of the illness and the frightening statistics of its regular occurrence for those we love. That is why ensuring access to care is so vitally important. Yet, our Nation's health care program dedicated to delivering care to children is falling behind. Many States have imposed restrictive limits on mental health services that would not be permissible in Medicaid, including caps on both inpatient and outpatient care, annual cost restrictions, and limits on diagnostic services. These limits are not based on the medical needs of beneficiaries or best practice guidelines and result in coverage that is wholly inadequate for a child with a mental illness. This is why the introduction of this legislation is so critical. The Children's Mental Health Parity Act would prohibit discriminatory limits on mental health care in SCHIP plans by directing that any financial requirements or treatment limitations that apply to mental health or substance abuse services must be no more restrictive than the financial requirements or treatment limits that apply to other medical services. The bill also would eliminate a harmful provision in current law that authorizes states to lower the amount of mental health coverage they provide to children in SCHIP down to 75 percent of the coverage provided in the benchmark plans listed in the statute as models for States to use in developing their SCHIP plans. My home State of Oregon had the wisdom and foresight to see that mental health parity was necessary. The Oregon Health Plan, through which SCHIP kids are covered, offers parity with physical health services and a very comprehensive mental health benefit package, A 2004 report by the Governor of Oregon's Mental Health Taskforce found that in any given year, 75,000 children under the age of 18 are in need of mental health services. It also listed as one of the major problems facing the Oregon mental health system is the fact that mental health parity was not, at that time, in effect. That is no longer the case and I look forward to seeing significant improvements in the mental health system in Oregon as a result of the hard work done there. Although we are fortunate to have mental health parity in Oregon, there are millions children across the Nation that are in critical need of similar care. That is why the introduction of this Federal legislation is so important, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and work towards its swift passage.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007. This measure has the potential to make a significantly positive impact on the ability of Americans to save for their retirement years. This is a truly bi-partisan bill and I am pleased to be joined today in introducing this important legislation with Senators Conrad, Kerry, Bingaman and Snowe. Preparing for retirement and achieving financial security are daunting tasks for all Americans; however, women face many unique challenges. Women are more likely to work part-time or work in industries where employers are less likely to offer retirement benefits. And many women have significant gaps in their work histories due to caring for children or elderly parents. As a result, women receive substantially less income during retirement than men. What makes this trend even more disturbing is the fact that women generally live longer. So if anything, women should be entering retirement with more income. The Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007 works to narrow the retirement income gap between men and women. For example, because women are more likely than men to work part-time, the bill will require employers to allow long-term, part-time employees to make elective deferrals to their 40l(k) plans. In addition, the bill expands the Saver's Credit, which is a tax credit for certain low and moderate- income individuals, so that more Americans will benefit. The bill also creates automatic IRAs. Over 75 million Americans work for an employer that does not sponsor a retirement plan. This is almost half of all working Americans. The Women's Retirement Security Act will allow those employees not covered by a qualified retirement plan to save for retirement through automatic payroll deposits to IRAs. Under the bill, employers with more than 10 employees that don't sponsor a retirement plan would be required to offer an option for their employees to make regular payroll deposits to IRAs. This concept is very similar to direct deposit of paychecks to employees' bank accounts, which many employers already do. Another key component provides incentives for lifetime payments. Since women generally live longer than men, they must be particularly concerned with protecting against the risk of exhausting their retirement income. Life annuities help ensure that older Americans will not outlive their retirement savings, adding stability and security in retirement years. The Women's Retirement Security Act encourages annuitization by allowing individuals to exclude from taxation a portion of payments from qualified or nonqualified annuities that last a lifetime. I look forward to working with my colleagues to narrow the pension gap between men and women by enacting the important reforms in this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of this legislation be printed in the Record. I also ask unanimous consent that my statement be included in the Record next to the bill. Thank you.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007. This measure has the potential to make a significantly positive impact on the ability of Americans to save for their retirement years. This is a truly bi-partisan bill and I am pleased to be joined today in introducing this important legislation with Senators Conrad, Kerry, Bingaman and Snowe. Preparing for retirement and achieving financial security are daunting tasks for all Americans; however, women face many unique challenges. Women are more likely to work part-time or work in industries where employers are less likely to offer retirement benefits. And many women have significant gaps in their work histories due to caring for children or elderly parents. As a result, women receive substantially less income during retirement than men. What makes this trend even more disturbing is the fact that women generally live longer. So if anything, women should be entering retirement with more income. The Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007 works to narrow the retirement income gap between men and women. For example, because women are more likely than men to work part-time, the bill will require employers to allow long-term, part-time employees to make elective deferrals to their 40l(k) plans. In addition, the bill expands the Saver's Credit, which is a tax credit for certain low and moderate- income individuals, so that more Americans will benefit. The bill also creates automatic IRAs. Over 75 million Americans work for an employer that does not sponsor a retirement plan. This is almost half of all working Americans. The Women's Retirement Security Act will allow those employees not covered by a qualified retirement plan to save for retirement through automatic payroll deposits to IRAs. Under the bill, employers with more than 10 employees that don't sponsor a retirement plan would be required to offer an option for their employees to make regular payroll deposits to IRAs. This concept is very similar to direct deposit of paychecks to employees' bank accounts, which many employers already do. Another key component provides incentives for lifetime payments. Since women generally live longer than men, they must be particularly concerned with protecting against the risk of exhausting their retirement income. Life annuities help ensure that older Americans will not outlive their retirement savings, adding stability and security in retirement years. The Women's Retirement Security Act encourages annuitization by allowing individuals to exclude from taxation a portion of payments from qualified or nonqualified annuities that last a lifetime. I look forward to working with my colleagues to narrow the pension gap between men and women by enacting the important reforms in this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of this legislation be printed in the Record. I also ask unanimous consent that my statement be included in the Record next to the bill. Thank you.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Education for All Act of 2007 with my colleague from New York, Senator Hillary Clinton. This legislation will focus U.S. efforts to help provide all children worldwide with a basic education. At this time, at least 77 million children of primary school age around the world are not in school. Basic education is a critical part of a child's development. In addition to providing children the tools necessary to succeed in life, education provides a secondary purpose of helping to reduce poverty and inequality. A strong basic education system also lays the foundation for sound governance, civic participation, and strong familial institutions. Without an education, children are less able to contribute to a country's development, often becoming a burden on society. A recent Government Accountability Office concluded there are seven U.S. Federal agencies providing international basic education services in approximately 70 countries. Unfortunately, the GAO also found instances when agencies did not coordinate the planning or delivery of international basic education activities. To maximize the impact of U.S. aid dollars, we must efficiently coordinate between government agencies to decrease redundant spending on overlapping programs. The Education for All Act will help achieve this. In 2000, at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, the United States was one of 180 countries to commit to the goal of universal basic education by 2015. Since then, we have enhanced our efforts to provide basic education overseas. From fiscal years 2001 to 2006, USAID, the Departments of State and Defense and the Millennium Challenge Corporation allocated $2.2 billion to support our basic international education efforts. During this same period, the Departments of Agriculture and Labor further allocated an estimated $1 billion to programs with basic education as a component. I am proud of our country's generosity and commitment to this important goal. Our bill will ensure the United States provides the resources and leadership necessary to supply all children with a quality basic education. It calls on the President to establish a comprehensive strategy for achieving universal basic education by 2015. This strategy should include actions toward improving coordination, reducing duplication, expanding public-private partnerships, leveraging resources and maximizing the use of American technical experts. The bill also establishes a U.S. Education for All Coordinator, an ambassador-level position appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Coordinator will manage U.S. efforts to ensure aid dollars are used in the most effective manner possible. The bill further establishes a fellowship program at USAID which allows qualified individuals to serve 3-year terms as Basic Education fellows, helping establish and carry out basic education policy and programming. This fellowship will broaden U.S. capabilities in the areas of technical assistance and training. Finally, the bill authorizes $1 billion for fiscal year 2008, $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2009, $2 billion for fiscal year 2010, $2.5 billion for fiscal year 2011, and $3 billion for fiscal year 2012 for international basic education programs. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting the noble ambition of achieving universal basic education by endorsing the Education for All Act of 2007.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Education for All Act of 2007 with my colleague from New York, Senator Hillary Clinton. This legislation will focus U.S. efforts to help provide all children worldwide with a basic education. At this time, at least 77 million children of primary school age around the world are not in school. Basic education is a critical part of a child's development. In addition to providing children the tools necessary to succeed in life, education provides a secondary purpose of helping to reduce poverty and inequality. A strong basic education system also lays the foundation for sound governance, civic participation, and strong familial institutions. Without an education, children are less able to contribute to a country's development, often becoming a burden on society. A recent Government Accountability Office concluded there are seven U.S. Federal agencies providing international basic education services in approximately 70 countries. Unfortunately, the GAO also found instances when agencies did not coordinate the planning or delivery of international basic education activities. To maximize the impact of U.S. aid dollars, we must efficiently coordinate between government agencies to decrease redundant spending on overlapping programs. The Education for All Act will help achieve this. In 2000, at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, the United States was one of 180 countries to commit to the goal of universal basic education by 2015. Since then, we have enhanced our efforts to provide basic education overseas. From fiscal years 2001 to 2006, USAID, the Departments of State and Defense and the Millennium Challenge Corporation allocated $2.2 billion to support our basic international education efforts. During this same period, the Departments of Agriculture and Labor further allocated an estimated $1 billion to programs with basic education as a component. I am proud of our country's generosity and commitment to this important goal. Our bill will ensure the United States provides the resources and leadership necessary to supply all children with a quality basic education. It calls on the President to establish a comprehensive strategy for achieving universal basic education by 2015. This strategy should include actions toward improving coordination, reducing duplication, expanding public-private partnerships, leveraging resources and maximizing the use of American technical experts. The bill also establishes a U.S. Education for All Coordinator, an ambassador-level position appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Coordinator will manage U.S. efforts to ensure aid dollars are used in the most effective manner possible. The bill further establishes a fellowship program at USAID which allows qualified individuals to serve 3-year terms as Basic Education fellows, helping establish and carry out basic education policy and programming. This fellowship will broaden U.S. capabilities in the areas of technical assistance and training. Finally, the bill authorizes $1 billion for fiscal year 2008, $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2009, $2 billion for fiscal year 2010, $2.5 billion for fiscal year 2011, and $3 billion for fiscal year 2012 for international basic education programs. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting the noble ambition of achieving universal basic education by endorsing the Education for All Act of 2007.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country. On January 5, 2006, in Fairfax County, VA, Leslie Carver was charged with murder for killing Marvin Greenwell. Greenwell was one of nine gay men murdered in what was known as the ``pickup murders'' of 1993 and 1994. The ``pickup murders'' were a series of attacks against gay men in the Washington, DC area. While most of these murders remain unsolved, DNA evidence was able to link Carver to the Greenwell murder. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Matthew Shepard Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Madam President, I thank my distinguished colleague and the Senators from New Mexico, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Arkansas, and New Jersey. Nanotechnology will have a significant, positive impact on the security, economic well-being, and health of Americans as fields related to nanotechnology expand. In order to maximize the benefits of nanotechnology to our citizens, the United States must maintain world leadership in the field. According to the National Science Foundation, foreign students on temporary visas earned 32 percent of all science and engineering doctorates awarded in the United States in 2003, the last year for which data is available. Foreign students earned 55 percent of the engineering doctorates. Many of these students expressed an intent to return to their country of origin after completing their study. To maintain world leadership in nanotechnology, the United States must make a long-term investment in educating U.S. students in high schools and colleges, so that our students are able to conduct nanoscience research and develop and commercialize nanotechnology applications. Preparing students for careers in nanotechnology requires they have access to the necessary scientific tools, including scanning electron microscopes designed for teaching, and involves training to enable teachers and professors to use the tools in classrooms and laboratories.

Mr. SMITH. I agree with my colleague from Oregon and I also hope that the Director will give special attention to grant proposals that include a nanotechnology element. Nanotechnology is not a specific technology, but a descriptive term encompassing a range of fields from biology to computer science, and from medicine to engineering. This legislation will enable high schools and colleges, in partnership with local businesses, to purchase basic tabletop nanotechnology tools for classroom use--not laboratory use for research, but classroom use for education--to help create the next generation of scientists of all kinds, and to ensure that they will have the skills to apply nanotechnology to whatever specific scientific field they enter.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Heroes Helping Heroes Demonstration Program of 2007, along with my distinguished colleague from Iowa, Senator Harkin. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record. Our intention is to expand the use of peer-support approaches to assist the reintegration of America's veterans as they return from active duty to their homes and communities. We hope that this legislation will demonstrate the effectiveness of peer-support approaches and ease the burden of the social, economic, medical and psychological struggles our veterans face. Deployed soldiers face extreme stress and at times devastating injuries. Left untreated, this stress can have devastating impact on soldiers and their families. Army researchers have found that alcohol misuse went from 13 percent among soldiers to 21 percent one year after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It also has been found that soldiers with anger and aggression issues increase from 11 percent to 22 percent after deployment. Furthermore, the best studies to date have shown that up to one-third of our current war veterans are coping with a serious mental health problem, most notably Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to these personal struggles, returning soldiers also face serious social and economic challenges. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that unemployment among soldiers returning to civilian life is 15 percent--three times the national average. Those soldiers planning to divorce their spouse rose from nine percent to 15 percent after time spent in the combat zone. Unfortunately, as more troops are deployed, deployments are extended and breaks between deployments become shorter these problems will only become more prevalent. At present, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are struggling to meet the needs of returning veterans. Situations like those recently uncovered at Walter Reed Hospital demonstrate a health care system stretched to its limits. Furthermore, it would require significant additional resources to build up traditional service organizations and approaches to be sufficient to deal with these serious problems. I have risen on this floor many times to speak about the need to adequately address the mental health and physical health needs of our citizens. However, there has never been a case when the responsibility and duty of this body and our country has been clearer than the duty to aid our veterans who have sacrificed their bodies, minds and lives for this country. Fortunately, ``peer-support'' approaches offer a low cost and effective adjunct to traditional services by allowing the heroes of our country to help each other. Veteran peer-support offers two things that no kind of professionalized service can ever hope to: the support of someone who has had the same kinds of experiences and truly understands what the veteran is going through; and the potential of a large pool of experienced volunteers who can assist and support returning veterans at very little cost. The effectiveness of these approaches has been documented in a variety of domains. Specifically, for mental health disorders like PTSD and depression, peer-support programs have shown that participation yields improvement in psychiatric symptoms and decreased hospitalizations, the development of larger social support networks, enhanced self-esteem and social functioning, as well as lower services costs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), and even the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, have recognized peer-support approaches as an emerging best practice that is helping people recover from traumatic events. Although the peer-support approach is promising, the need for this type of assistance is growing and far exceeds the services that are available. A report from the National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans hosted by AMVETS recognized this need in Voices for Action: A Focus on the Changing Needs of America's Veterans. The legislation that I am introducing today requires the Veterans Administration to create a pilot project. This project would demonstrate and assess the feasibility of funding community based veterans' organizations and groups to create and expand peer-support programs for veterans. It also authorizes $13.5 million over three years for this program. These funds will be used to support the development or expansion of peer-support programs in up to 20 non- profit organizations that support the reintegration of veterans on a local and national level. The use of peer-support approaches is supported by veterans, veterans' organizations and mental health professionals. I ask for unanimous consent to include in the record the following letters from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Vets4Vets and the American Psychological Association. I am pleased that Senator Harkin has joined me in this effort. Our legislation is an important step to expand and improve the support available to our veterans and their transition back to community life. We hope that this bill will continue to focus attention on the needs of our veterans who have given so much to their country. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Heroes Helping Heroes Demonstration Program of 2007, along with my distinguished colleague from Iowa, Senator Harkin. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record. Our intention is to expand the use of peer-support approaches to assist the reintegration of America's veterans as they return from active duty to their homes and communities. We hope that this legislation will demonstrate the effectiveness of peer-support approaches and ease the burden of the social, economic, medical and psychological struggles our veterans face. Deployed soldiers face extreme stress and at times devastating injuries. Left untreated, this stress can have devastating impact on soldiers and their families. Army researchers have found that alcohol misuse went from 13 percent among soldiers to 21 percent one year after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It also has been found that soldiers with anger and aggression issues increase from 11 percent to 22 percent after deployment. Furthermore, the best studies to date have shown that up to one-third of our current war veterans are coping with a serious mental health problem, most notably Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to these personal struggles, returning soldiers also face serious social and economic challenges. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that unemployment among soldiers returning to civilian life is 15 percent--three times the national average. Those soldiers planning to divorce their spouse rose from nine percent to 15 percent after time spent in the combat zone. Unfortunately, as more troops are deployed, deployments are extended and breaks between deployments become shorter these problems will only become more prevalent. At present, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are struggling to meet the needs of returning veterans. Situations like those recently uncovered at Walter Reed Hospital demonstrate a health care system stretched to its limits. Furthermore, it would require significant additional resources to build up traditional service organizations and approaches to be sufficient to deal with these serious problems. I have risen on this floor many times to speak about the need to adequately address the mental health and physical health needs of our citizens. However, there has never been a case when the responsibility and duty of this body and our country has been clearer than the duty to aid our veterans who have sacrificed their bodies, minds and lives for this country. Fortunately, ``peer-support'' approaches offer a low cost and effective adjunct to traditional services by allowing the heroes of our country to help each other. Veteran peer-support offers two things that no kind of professionalized service can ever hope to: the support of someone who has had the same kinds of experiences and truly understands what the veteran is going through; and the potential of a large pool of experienced volunteers who can assist and support returning veterans at very little cost. The effectiveness of these approaches has been documented in a variety of domains. Specifically, for mental health disorders like PTSD and depression, peer-support programs have shown that participation yields improvement in psychiatric symptoms and decreased hospitalizations, the development of larger social support networks, enhanced self-esteem and social functioning, as well as lower services costs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), and even the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, have recognized peer-support approaches as an emerging best practice that is helping people recover from traumatic events. Although the peer-support approach is promising, the need for this type of assistance is growing and far exceeds the services that are available. A report from the National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans hosted by AMVETS recognized this need in Voices for Action: A Focus on the Changing Needs of America's Veterans. The legislation that I am introducing today requires the Veterans Administration to create a pilot project. This project would demonstrate and assess the feasibility of funding community based veterans' organizations and groups to create and expand peer-support programs for veterans. It also authorizes $13.5 million over three years for this program. These funds will be used to support the development or expansion of peer-support programs in up to 20 non- profit organizations that support the reintegration of veterans on a local and national level. The use of peer-support approaches is supported by veterans, veterans' organizations and mental health professionals. I ask for unanimous consent to include in the record the following letters from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Vets4Vets and the American Psychological Association. I am pleased that Senator Harkin has joined me in this effort. Our legislation is an important step to expand and improve the support available to our veterans and their transition back to community life. We hope that this bill will continue to focus attention on the needs of our veterans who have given so much to their country. Mr. President, I yield the floor.