Jeanne Shaheen

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Will the Senator from Maryland yield for a minute?

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Isn't it true that since 1994, Federal fishery failures have been declared on 29 different occasions and that nearly $827 million in Federal funding has been appropriated for fishery disaster relief?

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I will be brief because my friend from Massachusetts was eloquent in talking about the livelihood of people in our fishing industry who have been affected by the disaster, and as a result there have been low species and low catch numbers because of regulations in an effort to bring back those fish. I hope if we can support these disaster funds that as the Department of Commerce is allocating this funding, that they will do it with a collaborative process that invites fishermen and fishing businesses to have a say in that process. Given that their livelihoods have been affected, I think it is important for them to be part of the process of how this funding is given out.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the legislation before us, the repeal for Jackson-Vanik for Russia and Moldova and the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. The two main components of this package represent a win-win for U.S. businesses and for human rights defenders in Russia. Chairman Baucus and Chairman Kerry deserve a lot of credit for working together to get us to this point. I also want to join my colleague Senator Durbin in singling out and commending Senator Cardin of Maryland for his tremendous effort to bring this historic piece of human rights legislation to the floor tonight. As one of the original cosponsors of the Magnitsky Act, I remember back in May of last year when Senator Cardin first introduced the bill. Since that time, he has been the driving force that has pushed this measure forward. It has taken a lot of patience, a lot of perseverance, but his work on behalf of human rights in Russia has paid off, and he is a big reason why we are here debating this bill today. This legislation comes at a complex time in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia. The truth is the history of this relationship has always been full of complexity and seeming contradictions, and today is no different. Over the last 4 years the subtle change in tone brought on by the reset has allowed us to establish substantial progress on some limited areas of mutual interests including the New START Treaty, Afghanistan, and Iran. In addition, Russia has finally joined the World Trade Organization, which is another mutually beneficial outcome. Russia will become a more fully engaged member of the global trade community, and in exchange it will be forced to abide by internationally recognized rules on trade and investment, including international property enforcement, the elimination of some key tariffs, and greater transparency in its laws and regulations. Despite these obvious advantages for the United States, our businesses are currently stuck on the sidelines and unable to benefit from Russia's accession because of the outdated Jackson-Vanik legislation. Although it was successful in its time, Jackson-Vanik remains the last obstacle for U.S. businesses to gain critical access to Russian markets and create jobs here at home. The legislation before us now retires Jackson-Vanik and lets American businesses compete with the rest of the world to sell exports to and attract investment from Russia. Each and every State stands to gain from this legislation. In my home State of New Hampshire, exports to Russia have been on the rise over the last 2 years, particularly with respect to transportation equipment, computers, electronics, and machinery. If given the opportunity, I am confident that New Hampshire businesses will be able to successfully compete in the growing Russian market, and this legislation will help them to do that. So even as we seek areas of mutual interest with Russia, we should be honest and admit that areas of disagreement remain. Perhaps the most pressing issue for today's relationship with Russia is the human rights situation there. Indeed, over the last 6 months we have seen perhaps the worst deterioration in Russia's human rights record since the breakup of the Soviet Union. The Putin government has enacted a series of laws that restrict protests and public expression and severely constrain civil society in the country. As some may know, my home State of New Hampshire has a motto that is well known throughout this country. It is: ``Live free or die.'' We are not ambiguous regarding how we feel about the principles on which this country was founded. The United States is not, should not, and will not be shy about our staunch support for democratic values around the world. When it comes to Russia, we should be no different. The Magnitsky bill before us is an important tool to raise the profile of human rights in Russia. It is supported almost unanimously by opposition and civil society figures across Russia. The case of Mr. Magnitsky is a tragic one, as so many people have eloquently talked about today. We are here as part of this legislation to press for accountability in his death. However, this is really more than simply a question of one man's tragic case. The State Department's human rights report annually describes countless human rights violations, including attacks on journalists, physical abuse of citizens, politically motivated imprisonments, and government harassment and violence. There are numerous cases like Magnitsky and, unfortunately, there are likely to be many more. That is why this bill before us is so important. It seeks to ensure that no human rights abusers in Russia are granted the privilege of traveling to this country or using our financial system. A strong, successful, and transparent Russia that protects the rights of its citizens is squarely in the interest of the United States. The Magnitsky Act will demonstrate that we stand unambiguously for the rule of law, for democracy, and for respect for human rights in Russia. As we look forward and think about our relationship with Russia, we have to be both pragmatic and principled. A successful policy with Russia will find a way to both protect our interests and defend our values. I think the legislation that is before us today is a perfect example of how we can do both, and I certainly hope my colleagues will strongly support its passage and send it directly to the President for his signature. Thank you very much.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Madam President, today I wish to honor the military service of Jonathan Mickle. Jonathan died on October 30 in Rye, NH. He is remembered as a dedicated servicemember who served in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2006 to February 2007. Jonathan was born August 19, 1985 in Portsmouth, NH. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 2003 and went on to attend Southern New Hampshire University where he received high academic honors and made the dean's list. Jonathan joined the U.S. Army after graduating college. He became a Fire Direction Specialist with Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. For his service during the war in Iraq, he was awarded numerous medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Jonathan took pride in his service to his country. After returning from Iraq, he became a member of the Emerson Hovey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #168, supporting and being supported by fellow veterans and continuing to stay involved in the Army. He was also a dedicated New England Sports fan. There are no words to adequately thank this brave New Hampshire son for his commitment to our country. I hope that, during this hard time, Jonathan's friends and family can find comfort knowing that Americans everywhere share a deep and profound appreciation for their Jonathan's willingness to answer the call to defend America and our way of life. Sadly, Jonathan's mother, Katie Mickle, passed away suddenly in 2000 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 39. Jonathan is survived by his father Warren of Portsmouth, his brothers, Robert and Matthew and his wife, Kristy, of Kittery, ME; his sister Whitney Mickle and her fiance Michael Foley of Eliot; and niece Marlee Jane Mickle. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring the life and service of this dedicated servicemember and brave young American, Jonathan Mickle.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. If I could briefly reply, I very much appreciate the Senator's remarks about yesterday's reception and especially the wonderful tribute you made to Senator Rudman, who was a real giant, not just in the Senate but, of course, in New Hampshire. It was such a remarkable collection of celebrated political people from this country's history who were there yesterday to give tribute, and I so appreciate that. Also, I so much appreciate Senator McCain's support for this provision in the bill and thank the Senator for that.

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise to speak to a provision that is actually already in this bill, the NDAA authorization bill before us. It is a provision that would provide for reproductive health parity for women in the military. You know, we talk a lot in this Chamber and in the Armed Services Committee about the service of our men and women in uniform. We talk about their courage in the face of our enemies, we talk about their selflessness as they continually deploy around the world, sometimes uprooting their families and sometimes leaving them behind. We talk about our responsibilities to the men and women who are serving, from the tools they will need to accomplish their missions to the support they have earned when they return home. I am pleased, as I know we all are, about the growing recognition of the unprecedented contribution our female servicemembers are making to our national defense. There are over 214,000 women serving in our Armed Forces. They make up over 14 percent of our total Armed Forces. Women are flying our F-15 Strike Eagles, Apaches, and Black Hawks. Women are training to be Marine Corps infantry officers and working alongside our special operations units in Afghanistan. Women are an integral part of nearly all of our military operations. Earlier this year the Department of Defense opened 14,000 new positions to women. When he was asked about the move, Secretary Panetta said, ``Through their courage, sacrifice, patriotism and great skill, women have proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles on and off the battlefield.'' The women serving in the U.S. military continue to overcome barriers and strive for new opportunities to serve their country. They have carried on the finest traditions of our military and should make us all very proud. Yet despite their service, women in the military continue to face discrimination when it comes to reproductive health care. In the United States, women are receiving health care through Medicaid, Medicare, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and the Indian Health Service, so all of the Federal health care programs. All have access to the care they need if they face pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. Even women incarcerated in Federal prison are protected in the case of rape. Yet right now our women in the military are not granted the same access to abortion services in cases of rape or incest. To be clear, a general ban on abortion coverage remains for millions of women who receive health care through the Federal Government. However, in nearly all cases, these bans allow for coverage if the life of the mother is in danger or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. It is simply unfair that military women continue to be denied such reproductive health care. Like so many of us in the Chamber, I was so encouraged that during this year's markup of the NDAA, a strong bipartisan majority of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, including Chair Levin and Ranking Member McCain, supported providing reproductive health parity to our servicewomen. The NDAA bill before us will finally bring the Department of Defense policy on abortion coverage in line with the policies governing the rest of the Federal Government. Over the coming weeks, I will continue to work with my colleagues here in the Senate, many of whom are long-time champions on this issue, to ensure that this provision is included during the conference with the House and ultimately signed by the President. In the end, this is an issue of basic equality. Women serving in our Armed Forces should be able to access the same reproductive health services as the civilians they protect. Access to care should no longer be one of the sacrifices women in the U.S. military are forced to make. Women in the military deserve the best, most comprehensive health care we can provide. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support this provision has received thus far, and I am hopeful we will see it become law this year. It is way past time, and it is the least we can do for our female servicemembers. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and the ranking member, for your support on this provision.

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Yes, there was an interesting bet between former Secretary Cohen and the Vice President relative to who would have the shortest speech, and I think the Vice President lost that. But I thank the Senator for his kind words, and the Senator would have loved it.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to come to the floor today, along with my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Ayotte, to honor the life and service of a distinguished former Member of this Senate and a proud son of New Hampshire, Warren B. Rudman. Senator Rudman was widely and deservedly hailed in both life and now in his death as a public servant who reached across party lines to get the job done for his country and his State. Warren Rudman didn't do this out of weakness, he acted so because of the strength and courage that marked his entire life. An Army combat veteran of the Korean conflict, Warren Rudman earned a Bronze Star Medal. He was an amateur boxer. As the attorney general for the State of New Hampshire, he was a ferocious prosecutor. His memoir was aptly entitled ``Combat.'' As a Senator, Warren Rudman relished taking on big battles. In the 1980s, he joined with Senators Fritz Hollings and Phil Gramm to tackle deficits. If the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act had been followed by subsequent Congresses, we would not be struggling today to reduce massive deficits. He didn't shrink from holding a President of his own party accountable either, when he served on the congressional panel investigating the Iran Contra affair. Nor was he reluctant to hold his fellow Senators accountable when he chaired the Senate Ethics Committee. Warren Rudman's public service did not end after he left the Senate. Most notably, he cochaired with another former Senator, Gary Hart, a national security commission that correctly predicted a terrorist attack within America's borders. Warren Rudman was always blunt and outspoken. During the Iran Contra hearings he said to Oliver North: The American people have the constitutional right to be wrong. And what Ronald Reagan thinks or Oliver North thinks or what I think or what anybody else thinks matters not a whit. He said he left the Senate because Congress was ``stuck in the mud of strident partisanship, excessive ideology, never-ending campaigns.'' That was how he saw Congress 20 years ago. Obviously, he was very aware of what was happening in this body. But it was his more quiet work that Warren Rudman was most proud of. His greatest achievement, he said, was his behind-the-scenes efforts to get David Souter, another son of New Hampshire, nominated to serve on the Supreme Court. Sometimes forgotten is Senator Rudman's authorship and successful push to enact the Small Business Innovation Research Program, which to this day still enables small businesses to compete for Federal research and development awards. Warren B. Rudman lived a long and full life. His service graced the Senate, and to the end he had New Hampshire granite in his veins. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Maj. Leigh Hasson, the defense fellow for Senator Begich, be allowed floor privileges for the remainder of the debate on S. 3254.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, first of all, I appreciate my colleague's graciousness in allowing me to speak first. I rise today in support of Senator Udall and his amendment, which would restore the Department of Defenses' ability to invest in advanced biofuels. I don't think we should be tying the hands of our military as they attempt to manage a significant national security threat our energy dependence. As our Nation has become more technology dependent, our energy use has increased dramatically. Businesses and families are more conscious than ever of how they use energy and its costs. Our military is no different. Advanced technology has not only reshaped our economy, it has also changed how we think about defense. No matter how you look at it, as long as we are dependent on other nations for our energy, we have a fundamental strategic vulnerability. Fortunately, for the first time since the oil crisis in 1979 our military is making real progress addressing it. I hope we will get out of their way. Over the past ten years the Department of Defense has invested significant time and resources into improving our nation's energy security. Energy security is not some sort of feel-good, pie in the sky, goal that would be nice to have. Energy security is imperative to the success of today's military, and it becomes more critical with each passing generation. As our Current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dempsey has said: Without improving our energy security, we are not merely standing still as a military and as a Nation, we are falling behind. Let's be clear: Energy security is national security. Our military leadership understands this. Our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines understand this. Other countries including some of our strongest competitors also understand this. And we ignore this fact at our own peril. As is often the case when our military commits itself to a new mission, particularly when you add a little friendly inter-service competition, we are seeing dramatic results. For example, new solar arrays and mini smart grids have allowed Marines at Forward Operating Base Jackson, in Helmand province, Afghanistan to cut their fuel use from 20 gallons to 2.5 gallons per day. More efficient cargo management and routing are projected to save Air Mobility Command half a billion dollars over the next decade. By reducing drag, new stern flaps are expected to save the Navy almost $500,000 annually per ship in fuel costs. I saw the Navy's new stern flaps in person earlier this year during an Energy Subcommittee hearing I chaired aboard the USS Kearsarge. The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the significant advancements the Navy continues to make in both energy efficiency and harnessing new, renewable energy resources. One of those important, home-grown energy resources is biofuels. Biofuels offer reliable, domestic energy, capable of powering our most advanced military equipment. The Navy recently demonstrated the capabilities of advanced biofuels during a massive exercise that featured a Carrier Strike Group powered exclusively on renewable energy, highlighted by a F-18 traveling at twice the speed of sound and a ship traveling at 50 knots. Despite biofuels' impressive performance record and their potential strategic impact, we continue to hear two arguments against further investment by the Department of Defense. The first is that energy investments should be handled by the Department of Energy and not the Department of Defense. Energy security is going to require an all-of-government approach, and that is the direction we are currently going with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy playing a fundamental role on the biofuels initiative. In addition, as the largest fuel consumer in the world today--and by far the largest in the U.S. Government--the Department of Defense has a special role to play in this effort. Moreover, because of our dependence, we continually send our men and women in uniform into harm's way to maintain our access. In the past year alone, the Arab spring, conflict in Libya, and the threat of Iranian mining of the Strait of Hormuz have all demonstrated the challenges of assuring continuous access to overseas oil. Not only is access to oil difficult to maintain, instability in the global price of oil continues to plague our economy and our defense budget as well. Every $1 dollar increase in the price of oil per barrel costs DOD $130 million. Last year alone, the Department was forced to shuffle $1.3 billion from other accounts to cover increased fuel costs. The second criticism we often hear is that biofuels are too expensive. It is true that advanced biofuels are not yet in full production and cannot compete with an oil market that is over 100 years old. However, in the last two years alone, DOD investment has caused the price to drop dramatically. Moreover, biofuels are more immune from the price- shocks that are increasingly consuming our defense budget. In addition, as many of you know, there are significant costs to traditional foreign sources of energy--unseen at the gas pump-- associated with protecting our shipping lanes and oil supplies. For over 60 years, we have been patrolling the Persian Gulf. These costs for oil remain underappreciated. The fact is, throughout its history, our military has played a leading role in energy innovation and development. From wind, to coal, to oil, to nuclear power, their ability to exploit new forms of energy has been key to our Nation's technological edge and combat effectiveness. As Admiral Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, has noted, ``efforts to reduce the Navy's dependence on fossil fuels and outdated energy technologies is in the finest traditions of military scientific leadership.'' For our military the issue of energy security and investment in biofuels is simple: dependence on foreign oil is a strategic vulnerability, creates problematic fluctuations in the defense budget, and puts our men and women in uniform at unnecessary risk. We need to make sure our military leaders are able to continue their historic tradition of identifying long-term challenges and seeking innovative ways to solve them. Energy use is no different and nothing-- including the Congress--should get in the way. We can't allow the debate over the military's energy use to become a proxy for other ideological debates around energy. We should let our military do what it does best. We should let them lead. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent to speak for about 5 minutes on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mrs. SHAHEEN. I am here to join my colleagues, as I had the great pleasure of being in the chair for a while this afternoon to hear some of the expression of support for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was very eloquent, and it was bipartisan. I begin by thanking Senators Kerry and Lugar for their efforts in the Foreign Relations Committee to not only pass the treaty in committee but to bring it to the Senate floor for this consideration. I certainly support ratification of the Disabilities Convention because it is the right thing to do and because it puts the United States back where we belong: as leaders of the international community and defending, protecting, and promoting the quality of rights of all people in our world, regardless of their situation. From equality and nondiscrimination to equal recognition before the law, to access to justice, this convention touches on all these issues that Americans have long held near and dear to our hearts. Ratifying this convention would reaffirm our leadership, leadership that was established under the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act legislation that this Congress passed in 1990. This was the first of its kind, domestic legislation that addressed the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. It sent a message to the world that we would support the principles of equal treatment and nondiscrimination with respect to those with disabilities. I want to recognize Senator Tom Harkin for his leadership in getting that legislation passed, and it had strong bipartisan support when it was passed back in 1990. That legislation still stands as a model for those who want to replicate our commitments and defend the rights of the disabled in their countries. I have had a personal opportunity to see what a difference the Americans with Disabilities Act could make in the lives of people, to see the impact this convention could have around the world, because I grew up before ADA was passed and my grandmother was disabled. She couldn't speak or hear. I remember in those days, when she would come to visit us--which wasn't very often because she lived a long way away--we didn't have any technology to allow her to watch television or to answer the phone, the kind of technology that now is available as the result of passing the ADA, technology that I would hope, along with the human rights that come with passing this convention, will soon be available to people in all parts of the world. We in the United States are already the gold standard when it comes to defending the rights of the disabled. So why would we not want to demonstrate to the world our intention to continue to fight for those less fortunate? This treaty is not only about ending discrimination against people with disabilities around the world, it is also about protecting the millions of U.S. citizens who travel or live abroad. Ratification will provide the United States with a platform from which we can encourage other countries to adopt and implement the convention standards and to work to end discrimination against people with disabilities. Let me just respond to some of the concerns we have heard, and some of these have been addressed already. I want to talk about what the treaty does not do. It in no way, shape, or form infringes on America's sovereignty as a nation. It does absolutely nothing to change American law. The treaty doesn't impose any legal obligations on the United States, and these facts were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice during our consideration of the measure. The convention has overwhelming support from across the political spectrum. Over 165 disability organizations support the treaty, as do 21 major veterans and military service organizations, including the VFW, the American Legion, and the Wounded Warrior Project. I can't imagine why, at a time when more of our warriors are returning home with injuries and disabilities, we would not want to stand in support of ensuring their rights and protections at home and around the globe. In closing, I want to quote from John Lancaster, who is a disabled veteran and the former executive director of the National Council on Independent Living, which is one of the oldest disability grassroots organizations run by and for people with disabilities. Mr. Lancaster testified at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of the treaty. I think his message was one of the most powerful, and it is one that I hope all of our colleagues will heed in thinking about consideration of this treaty. At the hearing he said: I'm appalled with some of the conversation that has been going on here today. He was referring to some of the testimony at that hearing. He said: As a veteran and as someone who volunteered, laid my life on the line for freedom, rights, dignity, and now, to have this whole debate that we're not willing . . . to walk the talk in international circles? To step up in a forum where they advocate these things and to say ``We're not afraid to sign this thing?'' We aspire to what's in this convention. This is what we are about as a nation--including people, giving them freedom, giving them rights, giving them the opportunity to work, to learn, to participate. Isn't that what we're about? Isn't that what we want the rest of the world to be about? Well, if we aren't willing to say this is a good thing and to say it formally, what are we about, really? I think Mr. Lancaster put it very powerfully, and I couldn't agree more with his assessment. This is exactly what we are about as a nation. We should ratify this treaty. We should remind the world why defending the rights of the disabled is a principle that should be at the heart of every civil society. Mr. President, I hope when we get to the vote on this convention we will see the required votes to ratify this treaty and send to the entire world Mr. Lancaster's message. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the heroic service of SFC Ryan James Savard, who was killed in action October 13 in Kunduz Province as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Savard was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of U.S. Army Special Operations Command out of Fort Bragg, NC. He was killed while serving a sixth tour of duty--a remarkable accomplishment--after completing four tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a brave patriot who served his country with honor and distinction. He was a loving husband and a devoted son. Ryan was born on February 27, 1983 in Salt Lake City, UT. When he and his family moved to Jefferson, NH, Ryan attended eighth grade at the Lancaster School and spent 3 years at the White Mountains Regional High School in Whitefield. After graduating from high school in Arizona, Ryan followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the Army. In fact, he completed his very first day of basic training on September 11, 2001. Ryan began his 10 years of service repairing helicopters and then went on to earn great distinction in the Special Operations Forces as a Green Beret. In June 2004 he graduated from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, becoming a weapons sergeant in Company A, Third Battalion, Third Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg. Ryan rose steadily in this role, deploying three times as a senior weapons sergeant in 2008 and twice as a Special Operations Team Member in two tours beginning in 2010. Ryan received a significant number of awards for his distinguished service, including three Army Commendation Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Meritorious Unit Commendation and three Good Conduct Medals. In addition, he was posthumously awarded a third Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and a second Purple Heart. Ryan is remembered by those close to him as a true friend with an infectious laugh and an unmatched sense of humor. He was a great listener and an extremely hard-working young man. Ryan knew the type of commitment that was necessary to be a real friend and the type of commitment that was necessary to be the best soldier possible. His drive to succeed has left an indelible mark on his family, his friends, the State of New Hampshire and the Nation. We are extremely proud and deeply appreciative of Ryan for his willingness to serve and ultimately, to lay down his life, like so many others before him, in the defense of the freedoms that we as Americans hold dear. Ryan has been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Kayla, of Fayetteville, NC; his parents, SGM Garett Savard and Marie Savard, of Lancaster, NH; his five sisters, Rachel, Rebekah, Virginia, Karen and Mariah; and his two brothers, Jedidiah and Garrett. This American hero will be sorely missed. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring the heroic service of SFC Ryan James Savard.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I wish to honor the service of a brave New Hampshire son, U.S. Army Special Forces CPT Shawn G. Hogan, who was killed in a tragic accident during a military training exercise on October 17 in Golden Pond, KY. Captain Hogan was commander of Company A, 4th Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group headquartered at Fort Campbell, KY. He received his Green Beret earlier this year. Shawn was born in Albany, NY and grew up in the Town of Salem, New Hampshire. An alumnus of Salem High School, Shawn attended the Virginia Military Institute where he was captain of both the cross-country team and the track and field team. He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation in 2006. Shawn's military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Sapper Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Special Forces Tab, and the Parachutist Badge. Shawn was an avid runner, hiker, rock climber, and skier and is remembered for his love of the great outdoors and for his impressive athletic ability. At the Virginia Military Institute, for instance, Shawn placed seventh out of 3,600 cadets in an Army ROTC competition. When he wasn't outperforming the competition on the playing field, Shawn was outperforming his peers in the classroom. Friends and teachers recall Shawn's intense intellectual curiosity and independent mind. He was a finalist in the prestigious Rhodes and Marshal Scholarship competitions, won an award for the best thesis in science and engineering, and was valedictorian of his class at the Institute. Shawn is also remembered for the kindness he showed others and for his willingness to help anyone in need. He stood out as an athlete, a student, and a person, and his death is a huge loss for all who knew him, for New Hampshire, and for the country. Shawn dedicated his talents and his life in the service of his community and his country. He answered the call of duty to defend our way of life, and for that, all Americans are forever grateful. Sadly, Shawn is the fifth Salem High School graduate in recent years to die while serving our country. To honor Shawn and all others who have served before him, it is our duty to remain committed to the cause of freedom and to our returning veterans and their families. Shawn is survived by his parents, Jean and Richard Hogan of Salem; and his sister, Nicole, also of Salem. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring the bright life and service of CPT Shawn G. Hogan.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, 10 years have passed since the first consumer enrolled in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, an insurance option for Federal employees, retirees and their loved ones created by the Long-Term Care Security Act. This law set a new standard regarding providing for the unique and important medical needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Participants in the program are now confident that they will receive help financing the care that they may require. I am pleased to recognize the 10th anniversary of the first enrollment in this important program, and I am proud that its administration is handled by Long Term Care Partners, LLC, which is located in my home State of New Hampshire. Today, 1 in 10 Americans aged 55 and older carries a long-term care insurance policy; however, it is estimated that 70 percent of people over age 65 will eventually require long-term care. Our Nation's changing demographics and significant medical advances have contributed to an aging population, and addressing the issue of how best to care for seniors and individuals with disabilities should be part of our national discourse on how we support ourselves and our families. These services are critical for so many Americans who need assistance to continue living independently and actively in their communities. The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program was the first benefit offered to the Federal workforce that was completely employee-funded, coming at no cost to the taxpayer. The program is unique in that, at the time of its inception, it was the first benefit offered uniformly to all Federal employees, including military personnel and staff of the U.S. Postal Service. It is also the Nation's first successful large- scale, long-term care insurance program with consistent benefits, regardless of where the recipient lives. With nearly 270,000 enrollees, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program has made a difference in the lives of so many in the Federal workforce. It is the largest group long-term care insurance program in the country and has already paid nearly $215 million in claims. The program helps its beneficiaries stay where they are most comfortable, with more than 85 percent of these claims going to home and community- based services. Every family needs to plan for retirement and how to best care for aging loved ones and those with disabilities. Long-term care insurance is one way that millions of Americans get the support they need to remain independent and active in their communities. For Federal employees, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is an important option that provides a sense of security and comfort in knowing that family members will be cared for in times of need. I stand today to recognize the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program's 10th anniversary and to wish the program continued success as it embarks on its second decade of assisting Federal employees and their families in planning for their retirements.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Technical SGT Brian A. Bell, who died at the age of 54 at his home in Brookfield, NH on August 5. Brian served his country bravely for 29 years in both the 157th Air Refueling Wing of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, and in the United States Navy, deploying to Kuwait in 2005 and 2011. Besides his love of country, Brian was best known for his deep devotion to his family and friends. He appreciated the small things in life such as going to concerts with his wife, heading out on fishing or hiking trips and going kayaking. He took so much joy in being a grandfather to his two grandchildren, James and Jocelyne. Brian dedicated more than half of his life to defending our Nation, a devotion matched by his loyalty to his community. People who knew Brian say he was always willing to lend a helping hand when it was needed. His friends and loved ones knew him as a man driven by a fierce determination to defend the freedom we hold dear as Americans. Our country is better off today because of his efforts. Today and every day, Americans like Brian heed the call to defend this great nation. They offer their service so we may live freely and securely. I hope that, even at this challenging time, Brian's family can find comfort in knowing that we share a deep appreciation for his life in the service of others. Brian is survived by his loving wife Christine, daughter Natasha Nemetz, mother Helen Sue Bickford, brother James D. Bell, III, sister Rosanne Combs, and his beloved grandchildren. He will be loved and missed by all. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in honoring the life and service of Technical SGT Brian A. Bell.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and service of U.S. Army SPC Jared Davison. Specialist Davison, who died unexpectedly on September 4, was a dedicated servicemember, son, brother, and friend. Jared was born on February 20, 1988 in Boston, MA. He graduated from Milford High School in 2006 and went on to attend Norwich Academy in Vermont and then the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. Jared served as a watercraft engineer with the 558th Transportation Company, Special Troops Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Eustis in Virginia. Before his death, Jared was working toward a promotion to sergeant. Jared first realized his passion to serve in the military on a family trip to Sequoia National Park in California. He was inspired by CPT Charles Young, one of the park's first superintendents who was also one of the first black graduates of West Point. Following that trip, Jared was determined to join the military. He read every military book he could get his hands on and even designed his own exercise regimen to prepare for the physical challenge of service. Jared's enthusiasm to serve his country was matched only by his enthusiasm to live life to its fullest. Jared was a youth leader in his church and worked as a counselor at a summer camp in Maine. He was a strong role model for the children he mentored, and those who knew him remember his infectious smile and the kindness and respect he showed to everyone he met. Although Jared was naturally an exceptional student and athlete, he understood the value of hard work. His combination of natural talent and diligence earned him many commendations and decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Our Nation can never adequately thank this young son of New Hampshire for his willingness to heed the call to defend the American people and our way of life. I hope that, even in these dark days, Jared's family can find comfort knowing that his was a life well lived. He is gone, but his service to this country will not be forgotten. Jared is survived by his mother and father, Paula and James Davison, and his brother, Jeremy Davison. He will be missed. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring the life and service of this brave American servicemember, U.S. Army SPC Jared Davison.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today to again raise my concerns about and the desire to see action in the House to pass the Senate bill reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. We need to continue this critical funding for survivors of domestic violence. In the discussions on the Senate floor, we have heard about the protections offered in the Senate bill that have not been included in the bill the House has pending. They are protections that would help women on college campuses, women on tribal lands, gay and lesbian victims, and immigrants. However, it is really important for us to remember not just those provisions but all of the other ways the Violence Against Women Act has benefited not just the victims of domestic violence but really all of us because domestic violence isn't just a women's issue. It affects all of us. It affects our entire economy. It affects our families. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the direct health care costs associated with domestic violence are about $4.1 billion every single year. We know this is a conservative estimate because so many of the victims never come forward. The protections offered by the Violence Against Women Act have proven to be absolutely essential in preventing abuse. Last week was the 18th anniversary of the original passage of VAWA, so this is a good time to reflect on the progress we have made. Over the past 18 years, the reporting of incidents of domestic violence has increased by 51 percent. At the same time, according to the FBI, the number of women who have been killed by an intimate partner has decreased by 34 percent. So clearly it is having some effect. Researchers at the North Carolina School of Public Health estimate that VAWA saved $12.6 billion in its first 7 years alone. So even if one doesn't support the legislation because it does good work for families, this is a bill that is also a good investment. This is about telling the victims of violence that we stand with them because having safe, healthy citizens benefits all of us. We all do better when fewer women are going to the emergency room, are missing work or giving up their children in order to protect those children from violence at home. We are all in this together. I have had a chance as we have had this debate in the Senate to visit a number of crisis centers in New Hampshire--centers that benefit directly from the funding in the Violence Against Women Act. Recently I visited the city of Keene's Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention and had a chance to speak with one of the caseworkers there and with two of the survivors. Those two women told me what it was like as they were trying to figure out how to leave their abusers. I asked them: What would have happened if this center wasn't here? Both of them said they had nowhere else to go. One of the women said: My husband would have killed me. That was how desperate she was. While I was there, I also had a chance to meet some of the children who were staying at the center. I wish to take a minute to talk about how important this is for them, the children who were witnesses of domestic violence or who, as the result of that violence, are victims themselves. Centers all over New Hampshire and the United States have advocacy programs that are funded by VAWA that offer support groups for children. Children are particularly vulnerable and ill-equipped to deal with the trauma of domestic violence. This is trauma that affects them for their entire lives. A study by the World Health Organization found that children raised in households where domestic violence occurred are more likely to have behavioral problems, to drop out of school early, to experience juvenile delinquency. It is not surprising. A child who witnesses domestic violence between parents is more likely to view violence as an acceptable method of conflict resolution. Boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to become abusers, and girls who witness domestic violence are more likely to become victims of domestic violence as adults. One advocate at the Bridges Crisis Center in Nashua, NH, works to prevent this cycle by providing safety planning for children. She teaches them they can live a life that is free of violence. This free preventive care for children is made possible by a grant from VAWA. Our children deserve this. This is why we need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. This is about women who are in danger, about children and families who are at risk. One of the stories I found particularly touching when I was at Bridges was about a young boy named Brian. The caseworker told me that Brian was really nervous about going back to school. He was supposed to bring with him a story about something fun he had done over the summer, but he had been in the shelter at Bridges with his mother and it really hadn't been a very fun summer. So the child advocate organized a barbeque in the park across the street, and everybody from the center came and joined in that barbeque and gave him a happy memory that he could take with him to the first day of school. This is the kind of healing we need more of. We can help this continue by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. I hope that as Senators go home for the next 6 weeks, as we go back to our States and travel around and hear from people in our States the issues they are concerned about, we won't forget about the task we have at hand when we come back. We need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. We need to get the House to join with us in passing the Senate bill so we can include those expanded protections that are needed so much by women and families across this country. I know the Presiding Officer joins with me in recognizing that we still have time to get this done this year. Thank you, Mr. President. I note the absence of a quorum.

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

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, it is my sad duty to rise in tribute today to the brave service of Staff Sergeant Brandon Cullen- Towle. Staff Sergeant Cullen-Towle, who was known as ``CT'' to his friends, died on August 25 in a motorcycle accident. He was as dedicated to his country as he was to his family and friends. Brandon was born on April 29, 1987 in Dover, NH. He graduated from Dover High School where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Brandon briefly attended the University of New Hampshire before realizing his true calling to serve our nation in the United States Air Force. Brandon successfully completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and was assigned as a Tactical Air Control Party Member in the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron in Pope Field, NC. In this role, Brandon was responsible for calling in air strikes to support ground forces. He performed exceptionally well during his three tours of duty in Afghanistan; he took his responsibility seriously and it showed. In fact, Brandon's skill earned him a spot with the Special Operations Forces Tactical Air Control Party in the 21st Special Tactics Squadron. Brandon received many awards for his service, including the Order of the Purple Heart, three Army Commendation Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal and an Army Achievement Medal. Most impressively of all, President Obama and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton Schwartz personally recognized Brandon for his courageous service during a mortar attack in Afghanistan. After being injured himself in the fight, Brandon saved an interpreter's life and called in an airstrike that successfully secured the base and neutralized the threat. He demonstrated great courage and tremendous poise under incredible pressure. Brandon is remembered by family and friends as a giving person with an infectious laugh and a contagious smile. Always willing to lend a hand to those in need, Brandon consistently put others before himself. He valued his relationships and had an impact on everyone with whom he came in contact; people simply gravitated toward him. Our Nation can never adequately thank. this young New Hampshire son for his willingness to serve his country and to protect our freedom, and also never fully thank his family enough for their sacrifice. I hope that Brandon's family knows that all Americans share a deep appreciation and abiding respect for his brave service. Brandon is survived by his mother Laura Towle and her husband Dennis; his father Brad Cullen; his stepfather, Mike Towle; two sisters, Stephanie and Kaylee Towle; brother Kameron Towle; his significant other Marlena Cullen-Towle; grandparents Norma and James Hughes, Fern Cullen, Rick and Kay Towle; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. This young hero will be missed by all. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in honoring Staff Sergeant Brandon Cullen-Towle.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the career of David Wood, the founding Executive Director of Affordable Housing, Education and Development (AHEAD), Inc. in Littleton, New Hampshire. After over 20 years of hard work to make affordable housing and home ownership a reality for hundreds of NH families, David will step down from his position at the end of this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his remarkable commitment to helping those in need. Since 1991, AHEAD has provided safe and affordable rental housing, family support, and financial education to thousands of people living in rural northern New Hampshire. Under David's direction, the organization now owns and operates 304 units of affordable multifamily rental housing in nine communities in our State. Furthermore, AHEAD has assisted more than 600 families buying their first homes and helped rescue another 250 households facing foreclosures. AHEAD has received numerous awards over the last 20 years in recognition of the positive impact that David and his staff have brought to our North Country. These accolades include the USDA Rural Development New Hampshire Partner of the Year in 2002, the Federal Home Loan Bank- Boston Partner of the Year, and the Citizens Bank Champion in Action in 2005. In addition to his full-time responsibilities at AHEAD, David has served on the Board of the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority for 20 years, spending four of them as its chair. He has been an active member of the National Neighbor Works Association and spent 6 years on the Advisory Council for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. David has also been a crucial voice in Housing Action New Hampshire's advocacy efforts to promote affordable housing across our State. These impressive accomplishments demonstrate David's dedication to improving the lives of families in Coos and northern Grafton Counties. I am sure that David will modestly attribute this success to his talented and dedicated team of staff and supporters, but it was his vision for community development that led to the founding of AHEAD. His belief in stable families as the foundation of a vibrant community resulted in projects like the McKee Inn in Lancaster and Littleton Town & Country Family Housing. Because of his commitment to this cause, hundreds of families in New Hampshire now have access to safe, warm, and affordable homes. Put simply, Mr. President, David has made New Hampshire a better place to live and raise a family. I know that the great energy and spirit with which he has led AHEAD for the past 20 years will endure at this enormously successful non-profit organization. I congratulate David on all his achievements and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor a remarkable citizen, Kristen McGonigle of Concord, NH. On June 9, 2012, Kristen saved the life of a fellow runner during a local road race. Every June, Portsmouth, NH hosts a 10K road race in conjunction with Market Square Day, an annual celebration honoring the renovation of one of the historic city's vibrant downtown areas. Kristen was participating in the race when she noticed another runner, Steve Whitney, showing signs of a significant heart attack. As a cardiac care nurse at Concord Hospital with more than 16 years of experience, Kristen immediately recognized Steve's symptoms and took swift action to save his life. Kristen possessed the skills necessary to keep Steve alive until paramedics arrived. In fact, Kristen continued to perform chest compressions even after the arrival of emergency medical technicians. Her quick action ensured that Steve safely reached the qualified health care providers at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Sadly, nearly every American knows an individual impacted by heart disease, and all too many people suffer a catastrophic cardiac event similar to the one Steve Whitney experienced. Nursing professionals dedicate their working lives to caring for those in need, providing the comforts and necessities required for their patients to regain strength and recover good health. The frequent acts of heroism performed by these men and women often go unnoticed, but it is impossible to overvalue the work they perform. The daily efforts of nurses for the betterment of others serve as an invaluable bridge to care between doctor and patient. I applaud and thank Kristen for her devotion to those in need. She has spent her career helping others while also caring for her family, including her husband Kirk and her two children, Camden and Ally. Her exemplary behavior gives her family, her workplace, her community, and the State of New Hampshire great pride. I wish to thank Kristen McGonigle for her service and her actions on June 9, 2012, and commend her kindness, compassion, and dedication to her field and her fellow citizens.

Mrs. SHAHEEN

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