John Warner

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation for myself, Senator Stevens, Senator Allen Senator Cleland, and Senator Inouye to provide a exception to the rules governing burials at Arlington national Cemetery. This very limited legislation will permit individuals with extensive military service, who lost their lives on September 11, to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I am introducing this legislation today, along with my colleagues, to address a specific situation that involves Captain Charles F. ``Chic'' Burlingame III, a resident of Oak Hills Virginia and others who may have the same accrued entitlement. Captain Burlingame was the pilot of American Airlines flight 77, that ill-fated aircraft which was hi-jacked by terrorists and used as a horrible weapon of destruction against the Pentagon on September 11. Captain Burlingame, however, was more than the pilot of that plane-- he was also a retired veteran of the United States Navy. He served his country with distinction for 8 years by flying fighter planes off aircraft carriers--one of the military's most hazardous duties. He continued his military career as a reserve officer, honorably retiring with the rank of Captain. Ironically, Captain Burlingame's reserve duty was in the Pentagon, a building he knew so well. In the aftermath of September 11 we have learned of many heroic acts of those who lost their lives in trying to overcome the terrorists on that tragic morning. This is certainly true in the case of Captain Burlingame. Recent information from the FBI indicate that Captain Burlingame was killed by the terrorists prior to the crash of the Flight 77 into the Pentagon. Clearly, Captain Burlingame gave his life fighting to protect the passengers of the plane and those on the ground. One can clearly see that Captain Burlingame and those who lost their lives on September 11 were the first casualties of our War on Terrorism. Arlington Cemetery is the resting place for many American heroes who gave their lives to protect American freedoms. Certainly, Captain Burlingame's service to country and his sacrifice on Flight 77 should be recognized by our nation. Captain Burlingame's widow, Sheri, and his brothers and sisters, desire that Captain Burlingame be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Captain Burlingame's superb military service would make him eligible for burial in any of our other National Cemeteries. The very strict regulations which govern burials at Arlington, however, do not allow for burial of a person retired from the Reserves until they reach sixty years of age. Had he merely reached the age of sixty, he would have been fully eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, there may be others who lost their lives on September 11 who are in a similar situation. This bill will also allow those person to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I respectfully request that my colleagues support this effort. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I join Senator Thompson in introducing the Federal Emergency Procurement Flexibility Act. This bill will provide emergency contracting relief to Federal agencies in support of our Nation's fight against terrorism by allowing agencies to effectively buy what is needed to address the threats to our Nation. While the Federal procurement system has improved in the last decade, there are still many areas where changes should be made to support the current emergency. This bill provides for streamlining the contracting process to access new technology, provides for emergency authorities for small purchases, and maximizes the use of existing streamlined procurement authorities. The United States has some of the best ideas and technology in the world. To win the war on terrorism, the government needs to do all it can to gain access to this technology, much of which is located in the private sector. However, many firms, particularly in the biotechnology and information technology sectors, have been deterred from bidding on government contracts by the perception that government contracting is burdened with red tape and requirements. In this time of crisis, we can not afford to keep these businesses on the sidelines. To promote the participation of these firms in solving our homeland defense problems, this bill would authorize the use by federal agencies of ``other transactions'' authority for research and development and prototype projects. ``Other transactions'' authority is a streamlined acquisition approach currently available only to the Department of Defense. This authority has been enormously helpful in allowing the Department of Defense to gain access to the research and expertise of non-traditional defense contractors. I anticipate that the Department of Health and Human Services or the Environmental Protection Agency, for example, would be able to effectively use ``other transactions'' authority to research and prototype new vaccines, detection systems, and remediation technology to meet the bioterrorist threat. For production, service or research needs where ``other transactions'' authority is not appropriate, this bill authorizes ``commercial like'' contracting procedures for those contracts that facilitate the defense against terrorism or nuclear, chemical, biological or information attack on the United States. These commercial contracting procedures are exempted from many government unique requirements and allow for the use of a more streamlined acquisition approach.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I wish to commend my distinguished colleague from Louisiana. I have been privileged to serve here many years in the Senate. In the 23 years I have been here I do not know of a single Senator who has ever taken the depth of interest and time and commitment to this ever growing, important subject in our land. This is not politics. This is not partisanship. This is plainly, simply trying to help those who, for many reasons, are less fortunate than ourselves. I commend the distinguished colleague from Louisiana. Madam President, I would like to address the Senate briefly on the question of the agriculture bill. The distinguished Senator from Indiana is managing this bill from our side. He and I have been discussing an issue with regard to the peanut section of the bill. Throughout my career here in the Senate, I have worked with those Senators from the areas in which peanuts have been grown and hopefully will grow in the years to come. We have always been able to reach a meeting of the minds to try to provide, not a tremendous profit, but a reasonable profit for the arduous work of growing peanuts. In my lifetime I had the opportunity to own and operate several farms. In many years we had a small peanut patch. It is not easy to grow those peanuts. It requires a lot of manual labor. There is a constant battle with disease. Now we see a bill before the Senate, indeed one was before the House, which fractures the coalition of States that for so many years have joined together to ensure that our respective peanut growers have a fair share, an opportunity to have the benefits provided by law for those who toil in the most respected profession of agriculture. Somehow that fracture, in my judgment, seems to hurt Virginia very severely. Virginia prides itself in growing a specialty peanut. Small family farms in rural areas. I have always enjoyed traveling through those areas. You see the old silos, the old barns, in many parts of the State the old farm machinery. But they are very proud of their operations, whether it is a half acre or 500 acres--whatever it may be. Oftentimes, generations pass down to future generations the various plots of ground on which these peanuts have been grown through the years. We recognize that as things have changed in this country, more and more we try to establish agriculture on its own two feet, independent from subsidization. We have done our best to preserve the ability of these families to continue to raise peanuts. Virginia, again, grows a specialty peanut. There is not a Member of this Chamber who has not at sometime enjoyed that rather large peanut. It is anywhere from about three-eights an inch up to a little bigger than a half-inch. It is quite white after it is finally processed for consumption. By and large, the specialty peanut is served in dishes and bowls where it can be seen. It is such an excellent peanut. But it is costly to grow this peanut. It has such extraordinary quality it really is not economical, in many ways, for them to break it up and put it into candy and cover it with chocolate. Very little goes into peanut butter. Because of the quality and flavor, and indeed the visual aspects of this peanut are so wonderful that it is served on the family table, particularly at festive times of the year. At Christmas, I would bet half the tables in America will have the quality-type peanut grown in this segment of our country, primarily Virginia, some in North Carolina, some in the other States. Farmers in Virginia are the ones who are, in terms of the numbers of farmers in it, perhaps the most concentrated in this specialty peanut. This legislation, unfortunately, leaves them behind--and I think unfairly. That is the principal thrust of my comments--fairness. I want to see that our farmers are treated as fair as the other peanut farmers, and that they get a fair return for this particular peanut. These rural areas are suffering from a loss of jobs. Young people are moving on to other areas of our State and elsewhere seeking jobs. If we do not correct this inequity with regard to the production of these specialty peanuts in Virginia, these rural areas are going to suffer an economic loss, one that on the horizon we do not see a recovery to provide the jobs that will be lost in this peanut industry if this bill is passed as it now stands goes through. The particular farm bill on which farmers all across our country are operating today does not expire until next September. Yet, for some reason, those who drew up this peanut provision said once the Presidential signature is affixed to this piece of legislation and it becomes the law of the land, the programs under which our peanut farmers have operated since the 1930s are gone. And such support as they receive, really what we call the no-net-cost-to-the-Federal- taxpayer-program, is gone. At a minimum, it would seem you would allow the peanut farmers in Virginia and elsewhere to finish out this growing cycle, a cycle that started first with the decision of the various farmers not to go for another crop, go to their bank, make their commitments for financial resources, and begin to till the ground and put the necessary fertilizer and other nutrients in that soil to raise next year's crop. Now all of a sudden, bang--the program stops. That is not the type of fairness our Congress wants to inflict on this very small number of farmers. I will urge and continue to work with the managers of this bill in hopes that, at a minimum, we can have such effective date of the legislation to enable the farmers to continue this growing cycle under the existing farm bill until it expires next September. I thank my colleague, the distinguished Senator from Virginia, Mr. Allen, who spoke on this earlier. I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, great credit goes to our distinguished colleague from South Carolina for his chairmanship and leadership to get this piece of legislation through, as well as our distinguished ranking member, Senator McCain, and Senator Hutchison, who have worked hard to get this done. I want to make two points. Virginia was struck in this tragic episode on what is referred to as 9-11, September 11. As a consequence, National Airport was closed down and still is operating at less than half capacity. The economic consequences to our area in Northern Virginia has been very substantial. Senator Allen and I, together with other members of the Virginia delegation, are working to do our very best to provide funding for the people who have suffered as a consequence of closing the airports down. I have followed this debate and I, again, congratulate our chairman for the manner in which he and others conducted that debate on the floor of the Senate, and for the strong vote they had for their bill, and for the fact that much of the Senate bill has survived this important conference. But in the course of this debate, I think mainly in the other body, there were inferences raised that Government employees were perhaps not first-class citizens but second-class citizens. I resented that. I am privileged to represent many of them, and I myself have had about eight or nine different Government positions in my lifetime. I have often said I am privileged to be a Senator because of the training and so forth I received from many of my supervisors in the course of long Government service. The Federal employees are a very valuable asset to the United States of America. Now this piece of legislation even trusts to them the safety of our passengers. I believe they will live up to this challenge and that there will be no basis for ever saying that Government employees are second-class citizens. They are first class just like the rest of us. Again, I am talking about any number of Federal people who are working throughout our system, whether it is the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and all types of people who have provided security. I am very pleased House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on an airline security package to fully federalize security at every airport in the United States. By approving this conference report today, the Senate is saying to the American people that the Federal Government is doing everything in its power to protect them when they travel by air. While this agreement is not a total solution to our aviation security problems, it is a strong first step. The problems with the current private security system are well documented and I will not repeat them here. Suffice it to say the current system is not giving the American people the protection they need in this era of terrorist threats, and I believe the action the Senate is taking today is the type of bold action necessary in these times of uncertainty. In every area except passenger and baggage screening at airports, protecting the public is performed by sworn law enforcement officers. Local police and sheriffs protect our cities and neighborhoods, State troopers patrol our highways, the FBI fights crime and prevents terrorism nationwide and the U.S. Border Patrol guards our borders. Why should passenger security at airports be a glaring exception to this rule? Federal Air Marshals are protecting passengers in the air. U.S. Customs agents conduct passenger and baggage screening for international flights to prevent contraband from entering or leaving the country. U.S. Department of Agriculture agents inspect baggage for dangerous plants and animals at our airports. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service agents monitor foreign nationals entering the United States at our airports. U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agents search for illegal drugs at our airports. Why shouldn't Federal law enforcement perform other security functions at our Nation's airports? With the economy potentially heading for recession and the airline industry on the verge of bankruptcy, the U.S. Government must do all it can to revive the air transportation system. We have already passed the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act. This important legislation provided $5 billion in capital and $10 billion in loan guarantees to keep the airlines financially viable. Now we are taking the next step which is to restore public confidence in the security of our aviation system. I thank the chairman and ranking member and others for this opportunity.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I thank my very valued and long time special friend, the Senator from Michigan, for his very kind remarks. I reciprocate with equal feelings toward him. We struggle together, and we are going to succeed. We have a big mission ahead of us in this committee with this conflict. We are behind our President. We want to give him that type of support, and the men and women of the Armed Forces fighting this engagement. In relation to what the Senator stated, it was Under Secretary James Ambrose with whom Les served. I appreciate Senator Levin singling out his combat record. The men and women of the Armed Forces, across the board, are trained to go into combat situations. Relatively few of them, however, certainly in recent years, because of the nature of combat, are put into those positions. I was combat trained in World War II, but I did not go into combat. I did visit the battlefields more than once in Korea, but my military career pales in the face of Les Brownlee's and those of the men and women who have really gotten into the thick of it, have been tested, and proved not only to survive, but continue their leadership. They have earned the recognition of their peer group through their personal decorations. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Colonel Brownlee and, indeed, for many other Members of the Senate with whom I have been privileged to serve in the past and today who have earned those decorations. While we acknowledge the long list of Colonel Brownlee's accolades, we recognize that the challenges of life are most successfully accomplished as a team effort. Colonel Brownlee's family have shared the challenges and rewards of both his professional military career and his career in the Senate. The journey which brought Colonel Brownlee to this prestigious nomination would not have been possible without the unconditional and loving support of his family. From the first day that Les and I began working together, he has always been guided by what he thought was in the best interest of our Nation's security, the best interest of the men and women of our Armed Forces, and in the best interest of the Senate. On behalf of a grateful nation, we congratulate Les on his nomination and thank him for his service to the United States Senate. Les brings a special dimension to the Army secretariat, and we wish him well. I thank my colleague. Madam President, I think that concludes the matters, and we can go to the standing order.

Mr. WARNER. I express my appreciation to our distinguished acting majority leader tonight for his courtesy. Senator Levin has now joined me on the floor. I defer to the chairman to lead off.

Mr. WARNER. I thank my good friend and chairman, Mr. Levin. We have served 23 years together, and throughout this day we met four or five times on the conference report and other matters. It is an extraordinary opportunity to serve America with such fine people as Senator Levin, Senator Reid, and others. Anyway, to the matter at hand. Madam President, I will start off. I wish to address the Senate with regard to the nomination by the President of the United States, of Colonel Les Brownlee, United States Army, Retired. I cannot in words express my gratitude to this wonderful American for his service to the Senate, to the Committee on the Armed Services, and to me personally over these 18 years that he has been a Member of the Senate family and organization. When I introduced him to the committee today, I reflected that some 32 years ago I sat in the same seat before the committee. Senator Thurmond was a member of the Committee, and I believe Senator Byrd may well have been a Member at that time; I would like to check the record on that. But there I was as a young man taking on the job as Under Secretary of the Navy, as my dear friend Colonel Brownlee is now taking on the job as Under Secretary of the Army. The war at that time was raging in Vietnam. A war tonight is raging beyond our shores, in the area of Afghanistan, where men and women of the Armed Forces are risking their lives. So he joins the Department of Defense at a critical time, as did I. While I came up sort of through the political ranks, he came up through the ranks as a professional soldier and 18 years of service to the Senate. It was on those qualifications that I was privileged to recommend him to the President. The recommendation was accepted and tonight he was confirmed by the Senate. It is an important day for Les Brownlee. It is an important day for the Senate and for our committee. I may say that his son, John, and his daughter, Tracy, and other family members are present at this time. Les has a distinguished career in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam. Our periods somewhat overlapped. For 5 years and 4 months I was in the Pentagon. During that period, or prior thereto, Les won the Silver Star with Oakleaf Cluster. That means two Silver Stars. He won the Bronze Star with two Oakleaf Clusters. That means three Bronze Stars. And, he won the Purple Heart. Les and I have a very close personnel relationship. We've traveled the world together on behalf of the Senate Armed Services Committee. There are times when we have strongly disagreed on subjects. At those times, we go into a room; he takes off his colonel's insignia and I take off the U.S. Senate insignia, and we have at it. Most often we reach a mutual decision. Occasionally, Judy Ansley, who moves up from Deputy to Staff Director, has arbitrated our disputes. Nevertheless, we've had a marvelous relationship in which he's given me the unvarnished truth and advice. Les Brownlee's record and knowledge about the Department of the Army is second to none. It is extraordinary. He returns to the service of the Army, an organization for which he expressed his love today in those very words, at a time when the Army is going through a very significant period of transition--transitioning in a manner to recognize the changed world in which we live. That world was beginning to change long before September 11 of this year. Our committee has been working with the previous Secretaries of the Army and Defense, and previous Army Chiefs of Staff. It has been a long evolution. But largely, under the current Chief of Staff and the current Secretary of the Army, one of the major elements of that transformation will take place, and Les Brownlee will be right there to assist and to provide the knowledge. He sent a note of humor about how he is in all probability returning to the very same office from whence he departed, to come to the Senate, 18 years ago having served as the principal military aid to the then- Under Secretary of the Army. What a fascinating coincidence. He will also be entrusted with the issues involving homeland defense. The Department of the Army has a very special mission in this area. Fortunately, the Senate Armed Services Committee established some years ago a subcommittee to take over certain responsibilities on emerging threats as best we could see them at that time. None of us could envision the events of September 11. Nevertheless our committee, under my chairmanship, following with the chairmanship of our distinguished Senator from Michigan, we continued that work. Les takes great credit, together with other staff members, in laying out the platforms and the goals of that subcommittee which we achieved in large measure. I also think, very clearly with a sense of humility, that he exemplifies the extraordinary quality of individuals who come to the Senate to work as staff members. He just gives those people inspiration. As that room was filled today in the hearing, you could see in their hearts and their minds--there were probably 30 to 40 of them assembled there--that someday any one of them could be sitting where he is. We are privileged in our committee to have had a number of our staff members move on into Presidential appointments in both administrations, Republican and Democrat. So it is a great day. Chairman Levin presided over it with his usual dignity and feeling. At this moment, I yield the floor so that perhaps he can add his own observations. We are joined in the Chamber by a very fine staff person, Judy Ansley, who, as I noted earlier, will succeed Les as Chief of Staff. Mrs. Ansley has been his Deputy for a number of years. I am pleased to recognize her presence here today.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I rise to offer a few comments before we vote on cloture on the Daschle amendment. I have and always will be strongly committed to our Nation's fire, police and emergency rescue personnel. Career emergency workers and the individuals who are members of our Nation's over 22,000 all volunteer fire stations are on the front lines in America's new war on terrorism. They have a critical role in our homeland defense initiatives. Virginia is a Right to Work State and has passed laws explicitly prohibiting public safety unions. Passage of the Daschle amendment would impose an unfunded Federal mandate on States and preempt the existing guidelines and laws in the 27 States which do not have comprehensive collective bargaining rights for public safety employees. States and localities must retain the flexibility to operate effectively and manage their public safety workforce as it is most appropriate for their particular needs. It is not the right time for the Federal Government to intervene with the rights of State and local governments, burdening them with additional requirements which may strain the limited financial resources of our local governments. In particular, many Americans are not aware of the staffing shortages we may face in our fire and rescue departments. The role of firefighter in our communities is far greater than most realize. They are first to respond to hazardous materials calls, chemicals emergencies, biohazard incidents, and water rescues. These are dangers which are fire rescue personnel deal with on a daily basis. Earlier this year the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit organization which develops and promotes scientifically based consensus codes and standards, adopted a standard on response operational and deployment issues pertaining to fire and rescue departments. Based upon that standard, almost two-thirds of fire companies across the country operate with inadequate staffing. The cost for many municipalities to meet these new safety standards, however, would be significant. In Virginia, many professional fire and rescue workers also volunteer at their local volunteer station. Their presence is invaluable to these communities. If Senator Daschle's amendment passes, however, these paid firefighters would be prohibited from serving as volunteers elsewhere. Over the past month, I have heard from a great number of professional firefighters present at the Pentagon that day and the days following. Volunteers and paid professionals worked side-by-side in the wake of the tragedies which occurred on September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon in Virginia. Volunteer stations from throughout Virginia also helped to serve communities when the fire and rescue personnel from that area were on duty at the Pentagon. I am pleased to be actively involved in several legislative initiatives to support our Federal, State and local fire and rescue services. We need to recognize our firefighters and emergency personnel around the country who continue to make sacrifices in their service to the public. We must provide our fire and rescue departments with sufficient funding to hire the necessary personnel in order to ensure that our nation's communities are adequately protected. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of legislation, S. 1617, introduced by Senator Dodd on November 1, 2001, that will provide States and localities with the necessary funding to hire additional firefighters. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act establishes a new grant program that will provide direct funding to fire and rescue departments to cover some of the costs associated with hiring and training new firefighters. In addition, our fire and rescue services have a critical role in our homeland defense initiatives. I am pleased to have cosponsored an amendment offered to the fiscal year 2002 Defense Authorization legislation to increase funding for the fire program from $300 million to $600 million in 2002. Funds from the fire program are granted to local fire departments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for, among other things, training of firefighters and emergency response personnel, toward the purchase of new equipment, and upgrading fire stations and fire training facilities. With the existing and emerging threats our Nation is facing, it is now more important than ever that our firefighters receive the necessary training and resources. Please know that I recognize the sacrifice firefighters, police, and all emergency personnel make in Virginia and across the Nation. I will continue to support initiatives that will help our Nation's firefighters and emergency workers.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from Connecticut, Senator Dodd, in introducing legislation that will address a pressing issue for many States and localities which do not have the necessary funding to hire additional firefighters. The SAFER Act establishes a new grant program that will provide direct funding to fire and rescue departments to cover some of the costs associated with hiring and training new firefighters. The brave women and men serving in our nation's fire service are on the front lines in America's new war on terrorism. They have a critical role in our homeland defense initiatives. The SAFER Act would help ensure adequate staffing for fire and emergency response. Earlier this year the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit organization which develops and promotes scientifically based consensus codes and standards, adopted a standard on response operational and deployment issues pertaining to fire and rescue departments. Based upon that standard, almost two thirds of fire companies across the country operate with inadequate staffing. The cost for many municipalities to meet these new safety standards, however, would be significant. Many Americans are not aware of the staffing shortages we may face in our fire and rescue departments. The role of firefighter in our communities is far greater than most realize. They are first to respond to hazardous materials calls, chemicals emergencies, biohazard incidents, and water rescues. These are dangers which our fire rescue personnel deal with on a daily basis. Well over 300 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty in responding to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. We need to recognize our firefighters and emergency personnel around the country who continue to make sacrifices in their service to the public. We must provide our fire and rescue departments with sufficient funding to hire the necessary personnel in order to ensure that our nation's communities are adequately protect. I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the important legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this measure and address this critical need of our fire and rescue services throughout the country.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from Connecticut, Senator Dodd, in introducing legislation that will address a pressing issue for many States and localities which do not have the necessary funding to hire additional firefighters. The SAFER Act establishes a new grant program that will provide direct funding to fire and rescue departments to cover some of the costs associated with hiring and training new firefighters. The brave women and men serving in our nation's fire service are on the front lines in America's new war on terrorism. They have a critical role in our homeland defense initiatives. The SAFER Act would help ensure adequate staffing for fire and emergency response. Earlier this year the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit organization which develops and promotes scientifically based consensus codes and standards, adopted a standard on response operational and deployment issues pertaining to fire and rescue departments. Based upon that standard, almost two thirds of fire companies across the country operate with inadequate staffing. The cost for many municipalities to meet these new safety standards, however, would be significant. Many Americans are not aware of the staffing shortages we may face in our fire and rescue departments. The role of firefighter in our communities is far greater than most realize. They are first to respond to hazardous materials calls, chemicals emergencies, biohazard incidents, and water rescues. These are dangers which our fire rescue personnel deal with on a daily basis. Well over 300 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty in responding to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. We need to recognize our firefighters and emergency personnel around the country who continue to make sacrifices in their service to the public. We must provide our fire and rescue departments with sufficient funding to hire the necessary personnel in order to ensure that our nation's communities are adequately protect. I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the important legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this measure and address this critical need of our fire and rescue services throughout the country.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I associate myself with my colleague's remarks. I say to Senator Allen, indeed, you knew her very well. I had come to know her in later years. The Presiding Officer might be interested in this little story. I had a chance to be with her about 6 or 8 months ago, it seems to me, when she won an award in Northern Virginia and I was sort of the toastmaster of that evening. We had a very friendly conversation--as we often do. I talked to her about my father, who had likewise died from cancer. He was a medical doctor who devoted his life to others. We engaged briefly in a conversation. I said: It took great courage for you not to seek the Lieutenant Governor's post. She acknowledged that, and then, with a twinkle in her eye--she was a very attractive woman, by the way--she said: Yes. I thought about the Lieutenant Governor post because that was going to be a way stop to come and have a campaign against you, Senator Warner. And she could have waged a campaign against this old Senator that would give him a wakeup call, for sure. Our State has lost one of its shining stars, but that is God's will, and we must accept it. I share with the Senator our prayers for her family and her friends.

Mr. WARNER. Will the Senator yield for a moment?

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, may I say to our distinguished majority leader that having been a part of that meeting for well over an hour this morning, which you and Senator Lott and other leaders conducted, we all were given a full opportunity to express our views, but throughout, we recognized the enormous pressure that you, as our leader, have been under because of the hit on your personal office staff. Throughout that meeting and indeed throughout these days, you have stood with enormous personal courage and have won, if it were possible, even greater admiration than we had, from those of us who serve in this institution. This is my 23rd year to be privileged to be a Senator. I have served under several majority leaders, assistant majority leaders, Republican leaders and Democratic leaders, all kinds and types, but you will be remembered in the annals of the history of this institution for the courage, personal and professional, that you have exhibited. I thank you also for working with Senator Lott and others in striking the proper balance, the obligation we have to our staffs, those who are visiting the Capitol, the infrastructure that serves us, balancing the need to give them adequate protection and at the same time enabling the Senate to continue to function. As I said this morning, our Nation is at war. We have men and women of the Armed Forces in harm's way at this very moment carrying out the orders of our proud and strong Commander in Chief, the President. It is important, as they read about this chapter in the Congress, that they believe we are showing commensurate courage in facing the unknown. That is important. Indeed, the world will be observing us. I commend my distinguished leader and the Republican leader and others. In the days to come, we will face the situation, and we are fortunate to have an extra group of experts coming in to advise all of us. I thank the majority leader very much.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, my colleague from the State of Virginia and I do this on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. It is all very clear to each and every one of us in the Senate that for reasons which are justifiable--because of security considerations--this airport had to be closed the longest of all. As a consequence, the Airports Authority has an extensive financial package that has been in place for several years. The ability to gain revenue to service that package has been taken away from it. We have a number of small businesses and others associated with conducting, in the physical plant, the airport itself, their business activities; they have suffered just irreparable injury. We all know that. And we all want to help. There are various ways by which this can be done. I am prepared to hear from the distinguished manager, who I believe will be speaking on behalf of the leadership, about how this serious financial situation at this particular airport--mind you, all other airports were able to open shortly afterwards. I am not quarreling at all with the justification for closing it, but this one remained closed, and also it is functioning at somewhere between 15 and 25 percent of flight capacity as of now. The projections are, as we go to additional phases, that capacity will be increased, but we have no assurance at what point we reach 50 percent, 60 percent, and are able to gain the revenue to service the necessary financial requirements. So if I might, for the moment, yield the floor in hopes that the managers, who have been very helpful to me and to others on this question, will address this issue. I would be happy to consider that before proceeding.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, those are very reassuring comments from my two long-time friends and associates here in the Senate, colleagues I trust and colleagues who, when they make commitments, follow through. Given that, and the fact that you have entertained the petitions of other Senators with respect to facilities in their States----

Mr. WARNER. And that there has been a uniform practice here between the chairman and the distinguished ranking member as to how to deal with those amendments, I am prepared, at this time, to withdraw the amendment, with those assurances that at the stimulus package juncture, this body will study that.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk on behalf of myself and Senator Allen and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. WARNER. I thank the Senator. Amendment No. 1896 Withdrawn Mr. President, at this time I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be withdrawn.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, it is a pleasure for me to take the opportunity today to say a few words about an outstanding young American who the President has nominated and the Senate has confirmed to be the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of the Commonwealth of Virginia. John Brownlee is exceptionally well-qualified to serve in this position. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the Law School of the College of William and Mary. Following his graduation from law school, John served for two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Sam Wilson, Chief U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. He served four years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney here in the District of Columbia where he gained extensive experience as a federal prosecutor. John also has experience in the private sector as an attorney with the law firm of Woods, Rogers and Hazlegrove in Roanoke, Virginia. I have known this outstanding young man for almost eighteen years and have followed his career development with great interest. John is very capable and dedicated, with extraordinary character and high moral standards. A graduate of the ROTC program at Washington & Lee University, where he also lettered in varsity football each year, John entered the U.S. Army upon graduation as an infantry officer. He also volunteered for and graduated from the Army's Airborne and Ranger training programs. John's 4-year military career was primarily as an officer in the Army's 3rd Infantry, the ``Old Guard'', where he served initially as a Rifle Platoon Leader and later commanded the prestigious Army Drill Team. While on duty at Ft. Myer, Virginia, John also served as a military social aide to President George H.W. Bush and, through night courses, earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration. John continues to serve his country as a Major in the Army Reserve. John and his lovely wife, Lee Ann along with their two year old daughter, Thompson Ann, currently live in Roanoke. Lee Ann is a news anchor for Channel 10 and one of the most popular personalities in southwest Virginia. John was appointed Acting U.S. Attorney on August 30, 2001. He is already hard at work as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the Western District. John has already tried and won his first case as the U.S. Attorney. I am particularly proud of this young man, having watched him develop over many years. As many of my colleagues know, John is the son of Les Brownlee, the Republican Staff Director of the Armed Services Committee, who has worked for me and the Armed Services Committee for almost 18 years. So, it is with a great deal of pride and personal pleasure that I have urged my colleagues to support unanimously the confirmation of John L. Brownlee as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of seven employees of the Defense Intelligence Agency who lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attacks that befell our Nation on the morning of September 11, 2001, and to pay tribute to the duty and sacrifice these citizens have rendered in service to their country. Today, Vice Admiral Thomas R. Wilson, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency, will preside over a memorial service at Bolling Air Force Base for these innocent victims of terrorism. As part of the ceremony, the names of these brave citizens will be added to DIA's Patriots Memorial at the Defense Intelligence Analysis Center at Bolling, joining other members of DIA who were killed in service to their Nation. As I read the biographies of these fellow countrymen, I was struck by the picture they paint of our great Nation, young and old, ethnically diverse, two veterans, family men and women. They represent the very fabric of America and embody the American values of opportunity and freedom. They also represent the finest traditions of selfless service to family, community, and Nation to which we all aspire. We mourn with their families. I now call the roll of those seven citizens, members of the Defense Intelligence Agency, who died, in service to their Nation at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001: Rosa Marie Chapa of Springfield, VA; Sondra N. Foster of Clinton, MD; Robert J. Hymel of Woodbridge, VA; Shelley A. Marshal of Marbury, MD; Patricia E. Michley of Springfield, VA; Charles E. Sabin of Burke, VA; and Karl W. Teepe of Centreville, VA. Rosa M. Chapa served as a Senior Management Officer in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Force Structure and Management. Ms. Chapa began her civilian career with DIA on November 23, 1997 and served with the Federal Government for over 30 years. Ms. Chapa was responsible for ensuring that critical manpower information flowed smoothly to automated management systems. Ms. Chapa is survived by her husband, Jose Chapa, and five children, Roger, John, Elza, Gracie, and Julie. Sandra N. Foster served as a Senior Management Officer in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Force Structure and Management. Ms. Foster began her civilian career with DIA on August 27, 1978. Ms. Foster was responsible for conducting analysis and evaluations of the manpower and functional implications of plans and programs, and developing and executing complex resource management activities. Ms. Foster is survived by her husband, Kenneth Foster. Robert J. Hymel served as a Senior Management Officer in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Force Structure and Management. Mr. Hymel began his civilian career with DIA on March 7, 1994 after retiring from the Air Force with over 23 years of active duty service. Mr. Hymel was responsible for DIA joint manpower issues that focused on military human intelligence management and organization. Mr. Hymel is survived by his wife, Pat Hymel and daughter, Natalie Connors. Shelley A. Marshall served as a Senior Management Officer in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Force Structure and Management. Ms. Marshall began her civilian career with DIA on June 6, 1987. Ms. Marshall was responsible for budget formulation, budget execution, and preparing agency budget plans. Ms. Marshall is survived by her husband, Donn E. Marshall, and two children, Drake and Chandler. Patricia A. Mickley served as a Senior Financial Resources Manager in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Program and Budget. Ms. Mickley began her civilian career with DIA on August 2, 1998 after working as a Budget Analyst for the Department of the Air Force since 1980. Ms. Mickley was responsible for the development, presentation, and execution of detailed budget estimates with a primary focus on infrastructure financial management and the program/ budget interaction process. Ms. Mickley is survived by her husband, Joseph R. Mickley, and daughter, Marie. Charles ``Chuck'' E. Sabin was a Senior Financial Resources Expert in DIA's Comptroller's office. Mr. Sabin started his career with DIA in August 1981 as an Accountant in the Financial Policy and Accounting Division, Comptroller. He was selected as a Defense Intelligence Senior Level in August 1999. Prior to arriving at DIA, he served several years with the Department of Army. He served for 31 years in Federal service. Mr. Sabin is survived by two sons, Charles E. Sabin Jr. and Paul Sabin. Karl W. Teepe served as a Senior Financial Resources Manager in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Program and Budget. Mr. Teepe began his civilian career with DIA on September 3, 1991 after retiring from the Army with over 20 years of active duty service. Mr. Teepe was responsible for the development of the General Defense Intelligence Program budget. Mr. Teepe is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, Adam and Wendy. One cannot help but be moved by the tragedy that befell these victims and their families, as well as the thousands of others who suffered as a result of these despicable acts of terror at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York. They all went about their daily lives that day, striving to have an honorable, decent life and toiling to provide for their families, their communities, and their country, each in their own way. None expected or deserved to experience the senseless terror that intruded upon our Nation on September 11. There is an imperative that emerges from this tragedy. These brave men and women of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and their compatriots that also perished that day, must not be forgotten and must not have died in vain. Today, their names are engraved on a DIA memorial to courage and service. Today also, our Nation is united in purpose as seldom before in its history to rid the world of terrorism. It is a noble cause, destined for success, largely because these tragic losses have awakened a sense of justice and decency in our Nation and amongst civilized peoples around the world. On behalf of a mournful, but grateful Nation, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost, so tragically, on September 11. Together, we celebrate lives lived well and honorably. Together we mourn lives ended prematurely and families devastated by loss and grief. Together we unite to remember and muster the resolve to ensure, never again.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of one of our servicemen who perished at the Pentagon during the horrific events of 11 September, Navy Captain Robert E. Dolan. During one of my many recent visits to the site where so many tragically lost their lives, I met Captain Dolan's widow, Mrs. Lisa Dolan. As we stood together on the southwest lawn of the Pentagon, we spoke of her husband and of his devotion to his family and the Navy in which he was so proud to serve. Mrs. Dolan then handed me a copy of a letter of tribute to her husband which she had written. While this letter was written to specifically honor Mrs. Dolan's husband, it could easily apply to many of those who paid the ultimate price on that terrible morning. Captain Bob Dolan, a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was first and foremost, a loving husband and devoted father to his two children. He was also a model Naval officer, having spent nearly half of his 20 year career on sea duty. Captain Dolan served on a variety of surface ships, ranging from the amphibious helicopter carrier, U.S.S. Inchon, LPH-12, to the state-of-the art Aegis cruiser, U.S.S. Thomas S. Gates, CG-51, and culminating in his superb command of the destroyer, U.S.S. John Hancock, DD-981, with its very appropriate motto, ``First for Freedom''. His shore tours included time on the staff of the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and his exceptional service was recognized with multiple awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. I ask unanimous consent that the letter of tribute which Mrs. Dolan wrote to the friends and family of her late husband be printed in the Record. I hope it will serve as a reminder to us all of the terrible losses inflicted on this Nation by an unseen and cowardly enemy.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I cannot exercise the decision of the leaders as to when it would be brought up. It certainly can be introduced today as a freestanding measure, again with the second-degree amendment of the Senator from Idaho. I indicated I would like to be a cosponsor. As to the time it will be considered by the Senate, that is within the purview of the two leaders.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, if I might for 1 minute, I think the Senator from New Mexico has some very constructive suggestions. I am familiar with them. I spoke just this morning with Senator Lugar about a letter which he wrote to the Secretary of Defense, which is the subject matter of one of these amendments. I would have signed the letter with him. Yesterday I was engaged here. I hope in the context of the conference and otherwise we can address these important matters.

Mr. WARNER. And the Senator from Florida.