John Warner

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I would think 10 minutes would be adequate.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today with other colleagues to express my strong support for President Bush's nominee to be Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton. I have had a brief opportunity to visit with this distinguished American, and I heartily endorse the President's nomination. She has the qualifications, in my judgment, to serve in this important post. As many of my colleagues have detailed, she is an effective litigator, with over 20 years of experience in environmental and natural resources law. Prior thereto, she was a law clerk to a judge. And I had the privilege in my lifetime to have that experience. Her professional experiences and successes as Colorado attorney general, I believe, have given her a solid foundation and, indeed, the temperament--and it requires temperament because there will be a lot of heated issues in the course of her duties that she will have to resolve--necessary to be an outstanding Secretary. She has served on, as we say, ``both sides of the fence''--in the Federal Government and State government. She is skilled in the law and knows that States can be effective partners in preserving our public lands and managing its valuable resources. From her testimony before the committee, I was compelled by her recognition that the primary responsibility of Secretary of the Interior is one of protecting and fostering our public lands, our natural resources, and the treasures that make up our national park and wildlife refuge system. Mr. President, I want to finish up my statement on a personal note. I have three wonderful children. All of them are very active in philanthropic activities to protect the very things that I have enumerated here: our natural resources, national parks, wildlife, and the like. Their philosophy extends a little further than their old man's philosophy on this. I tend to be a centrist, trying to strike a clean balance between the necessity for carefully expanding the protected areas of America, and husbanding of our resources, while at the same time giving the private sector and, indeed, the States the rights to which they are entitled. My children have all communicated with me within the past few days about this nomination. I have told them very clearly, I am going to support this nominee. Their request to me was this: Father, that's fine, but keep a watchful eye. So I made a commitment to my family that I shall keep a watchful eye. But I assured them that, in my judgment, this eminently qualified individual would pursue a balanced course of action between the many competing interests for the precious resources we have. And in the words of my children, once these resources are withdrawn, once they are developed, they are gone forever. And that is correct. The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to some of our Nation's greatest natural and historic resources--from the Shenandoah National Park, our Civil War battlefields throughout the region, to the wildlife refuges on the eastern shore. The 20 national parks in Virginia have the fifth highest visitor rate in the Nation. It surprises people when I make that statement. We are No. 5 in the nation and located here in the East. That is why I am the first eastern Senator to speak on behalf of this distinguished nominee. I feel very strongly about it. My State is very actively engaged with the national park system. In fact, I have just taken the initiative to create another wilderness area in my State. In my 23 years in the Senate, I have been involved with a number of these wilderness areas, and I shall continue to press for the establishment and the preservation of these national treasures. We cherish, as Virginians, these resources and welcome a strong partnership with the Department of the Interior. These sites provide an outdoor classroom to tell the story of the founding of our Nation and other significant events that have woven the fabric of our form of government and, indeed, of our great Nation. I am drawn to the nominee's comments regarding the importance of partnerships between the Federal, State and local government, and private organizations. We have such partnerships in Virginia, and they work well. Partnerships with the Park Service and local governments have been tremendously successful in preserving historic battlefields, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley. These partnerships ensure that significant historic landmarks can be preserved without the expense of Federal ownership. The amount of land of natural and historic valve that should be somehow preserved is enormous. The Federal taxpayer cannot begin to provide the funds necessary to purchase all this land. In Virginia, we have shown how a farmer can continue his or her operation and pass it down through successive generations of their families and yet preserve that farm, while allowing visitors to come and study where historic battles, in the Shenandoah Valley for instance, were fought. It makes little difference to that visitor whether he or she is standing on Federal land or land preserved by the family. I urge our new Secretary to explore further opportunities in this area of public/private partnerships. In addition to our historic battlefields, Virginia is blessed with critical habitat for migratory waterfowl in our coastal areas including the Eastern Shore. We are home to six major national wildlife refuges. These sites provide undisturbed lands for the American bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and hundreds of migratory ducks and songbirds. Throughout my Senate career I have been pleased to work with local governments and local citizen organizations to expand our national park and our wildlife refuge system in Virginia. Permanent preservation of these lands ensures that future generations will have a ``hands on'' experience and that our wildlife will be able to flourish. I fully endorse the nomination of Gale Norton to be Secretary of Interior and I look forward to working with her to strengthen our national parks and wildlife refuges across this country. (The remarks of Mr. Warner pertaining to the introduction of S. 201 and S. 202 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce a bill to rename the Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts as the ``Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts''. Wolf Trap is the only unit of the National Park System dedicated to the performing arts. It provides an unrivaled setting for live performances in the rolling countryside of Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. To provide this unique experience, the National Park Service collaborates with the Wolf Trap Foundation in a public/private partnership to offer cultural, natural, and educational experiences to the community and to the nation. The National Park Service maintains the grounds and buildings of Wolf Trap Farm Park. The Wolf Trap Foundation, a ``501(c)(3)'' not-for-profit organization, creates and selects the programming, develops all education programs, handles ticket sales, marketing, publicity and public relations, and raises funds to support these programs. The Park Service has an annual budget of just over $3 million to maintain the facility while the Wolf Trap Foundation has an annual budget of $22 million, 60% of which is generated through ticket sales with the rest raised through private donations. Wolf Trap offers a wide variety of educational programs including the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts for preschoolers, scholarships and performance opportunities for talented high school musicians, pre-performance preview lectures, the America's Promise mentoring program, the Mars Millennium project partnership with Buzz Aldrin Elementary School, the Folk Masters Study Units for teachers who want to incorporate the folk arts into their curriculum, a highly competitive internship program for college students, and master classes for people with all skill levels and interest. Wolf Trap has also gained world-wide recognition for its summer residency program for young opera singers, the Wolf Trap Opera Company. This legislation recognizes Wolf Trap's status as one of the crown jewels in the National Park System. Including Wolf Trap with the already designated National Parks is intended to raise awareness of the unique roll this facility plays in the nation's natural, cultural and educational life. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many achievements of Wolf Trap. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the Federal Employee Protection Act of 2001. This bill will significantly strengthen existing laws protecting federal employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. It is an unfortunate fact that too many federal employees are subjected to such treatment with alarming regularity. My bill will result in a more productive work environment by ensuring agencies enforce the laws intended to protect federal employees from harassment, discrimination and retaliation for whistleblowing. The Federal Employee Protection Act contains three main provisions: No. 1, when agencies lose judgments or make settlements in harassment, discrimination and whistleblower cases, the responsible Federal agency would pay any financial penalty out of its own budget, rather than out of a general Federal judgment fund; No. 2, Federal agencies are required to notify their employees about any applicable discrimination, harassment and whistleblower protection laws; and No. 3, each Federal agency is required to send an annual report to Congress and the Attorney General listing: the number of cases in which an agency was alleged to have violated any of the discrimination, harassment or whistleblower statutes; the disposition of each of these cases; the total of all monetary awards charged against the agency from these cases; and the number of agency employees disciplined for discrimination or harassment or retaliation. Additionally, the Federal Employee Protection Act requires each Federal agency to submit a one- time report to Congress and the Attorney General that includes the same information required for the annual reports going back for the last ten years. This report will provide a historical perspective to help evaluate current agency behavior. Under current law, agencies are not accountable financially when they lose harassment, discrimination and retaliation cases because any financial penalties are paid out of a government-wide fund and not the agency's budget. I firmly believe that because there is no financial consequence to their actions, Federal agencies are essentially able to escape responsibility when they fail to comply with the law and are unresponsive to their employees' concerns. Reports of Federal agencies being indifferent or hostile to complaints of sexual harassment and racial discrimination undermine the ability of the Federal Government to enforce civil rights laws and hamper efforts to recruit talented individuals for Federal employment. The Federal Government must set an example for the private sector by promoting a workplace that does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and that encourages employees to report illegal activity and mismanagement without fear of reprisal. I believe the Federal Employee Protection Act of 2001 will give Federal employees the protections they need to perform their jobs effectively and will give the taxpayers a government with more accountability. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the Federal Employee Protection Act of 2001. This bill will significantly strengthen existing laws protecting federal employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. It is an unfortunate fact that too many federal employees are subjected to such treatment with alarming regularity. My bill will result in a more productive work environment by ensuring agencies enforce the laws intended to protect federal employees from harassment, discrimination and retaliation for whistleblowing. The Federal Employee Protection Act contains three main provisions: No. 1, when agencies lose judgments or make settlements in harassment, discrimination and whistleblower cases, the responsible Federal agency would pay any financial penalty out of its own budget, rather than out of a general Federal judgment fund; No. 2, Federal agencies are required to notify their employees about any applicable discrimination, harassment and whistleblower protection laws; and No. 3, each Federal agency is required to send an annual report to Congress and the Attorney General listing: the number of cases in which an agency was alleged to have violated any of the discrimination, harassment or whistleblower statutes; the disposition of each of these cases; the total of all monetary awards charged against the agency from these cases; and the number of agency employees disciplined for discrimination or harassment or retaliation. Additionally, the Federal Employee Protection Act requires each Federal agency to submit a one- time report to Congress and the Attorney General that includes the same information required for the annual reports going back for the last ten years. This report will provide a historical perspective to help evaluate current agency behavior. Under current law, agencies are not accountable financially when they lose harassment, discrimination and retaliation cases because any financial penalties are paid out of a government-wide fund and not the agency's budget. I firmly believe that because there is no financial consequence to their actions, Federal agencies are essentially able to escape responsibility when they fail to comply with the law and are unresponsive to their employees' concerns. Reports of Federal agencies being indifferent or hostile to complaints of sexual harassment and racial discrimination undermine the ability of the Federal Government to enforce civil rights laws and hamper efforts to recruit talented individuals for Federal employment. The Federal Government must set an example for the private sector by promoting a workplace that does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and that encourages employees to report illegal activity and mismanagement without fear of reprisal. I believe the Federal Employee Protection Act of 2001 will give Federal employees the protections they need to perform their jobs effectively and will give the taxpayers a government with more accountability. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce a bill to rename the Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts as the ``Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts''. Wolf Trap is the only unit of the National Park System dedicated to the performing arts. It provides an unrivaled setting for live performances in the rolling countryside of Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. To provide this unique experience, the National Park Service collaborates with the Wolf Trap Foundation in a public/private partnership to offer cultural, natural, and educational experiences to the community and to the nation. The National Park Service maintains the grounds and buildings of Wolf Trap Farm Park. The Wolf Trap Foundation, a ``501(c)(3)'' not-for-profit organization, creates and selects the programming, develops all education programs, handles ticket sales, marketing, publicity and public relations, and raises funds to support these programs. The Park Service has an annual budget of just over $3 million to maintain the facility while the Wolf Trap Foundation has an annual budget of $22 million, 60% of which is generated through ticket sales with the rest raised through private donations. Wolf Trap offers a wide variety of educational programs including the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts for preschoolers, scholarships and performance opportunities for talented high school musicians, pre-performance preview lectures, the America's Promise mentoring program, the Mars Millennium project partnership with Buzz Aldrin Elementary School, the Folk Masters Study Units for teachers who want to incorporate the folk arts into their curriculum, a highly competitive internship program for college students, and master classes for people with all skill levels and interest. Wolf Trap has also gained world-wide recognition for its summer residency program for young opera singers, the Wolf Trap Opera Company. This legislation recognizes Wolf Trap's status as one of the crown jewels in the National Park System. Including Wolf Trap with the already designated National Parks is intended to raise awareness of the unique roll this facility plays in the nation's natural, cultural and educational life. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many achievements of Wolf Trap. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for Ms. Elaine Chao to be Secretary of Labor. This Nation can be no stronger than the men and women who get up everyday and accept the challenges to go out into the workplace and return home to care for their families, themselves, and their neighborhoods. The Secretary of Labor's responsibility is to look out for the welfare of these men and women across our country. I am confident that Ms. Chao will be a great champion of these individuals, and I commend President Bush on selecting such an excellent nominee. Ms. Chao brings to this important position a record of accomplishment both in the private and public sectors. Among other positions, Ms. Chao has served as president of the United Way, Director of the Peace Corps, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation, and Chairman of the Federal Maritime Administration. Her experience as an executive and experience in finding solutions to complex problems with limited budgets, gives her a solid foundation to lead the Labor Department. I have personally known Ms. Chao for a number of years. I was honored to be present at her confirmation hearing before the Senate's Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, of which I am now once again a member. Throughout her career, Ms. Chao has accepted the challenges that have confronted her and pursued her responsibilities with firmness, fairness, and always with a quiet dignity. Ms. Chao will be a great leader at the Department of Labor, and I look forward to voting in support of her nomination.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. I thank our colleague. We wish the Senator well in the coming weeks. He is about to experience something that will require courage and God's will and godspeed.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to advise my colleagues, I will not take a lengthy period. I commend my partner in the Senate, Senator George Allen, a man for whom I have had the highest respect for so many years. We have worked together now for close to two decades, and this is our first joint appearance on the floor of the Senate; it is for a very important reason. I commend my colleague for his remarks and wish to associate myself with each and every word he has said. Mr. President, I met Judge Gregory on July 13, shortly after he was nominated, and thereafter I sent a letter to the chairman of the Judiciary Committee in which I asked for hearings. I ask unanimous consent that letter be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER. I have prepared a letter to the President of the United States, George W. Bush, dated today, and my distinguished colleague has joined me in signing this letter. It is very short, and I shall read it: Dear Mr. President: As a Virginian, Judge Roger Gregory is now serving in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The circumstances preceding his oath of office taken on January 18, 2001 are well known. In the course of this process, we publicly announced-- That is Senator Allen and myself-- our support for then nominee Gregory and requested that the Judiciary Committee hold a confirmation hearing. Now, Judge Gregory's future tenure on the Fourth Circuit rests with your administration and, subject to your decision, then with the Senate's Judiciary Committee and the full Senate under its ``Advice and Consent'' responsibilities. We continue to support Judge Gregory's nomination. We have interviewed Judge Gregory, consulted with members of the bar, Judiciary, and others throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia about Judge Gregory's credentials. It is our belief that Judge Gregory is a well qualified candidate who will serve with distinction. We fully respect the responsibilities you have to carefully review the overall situation regarding the Fourth Circuit and the views of the Chief Judge. Historically, Presidents have sought to achieve geographic representation in a circuit with members drawn from the several states within the circuit. It may well be that following your review of the Fourth Circuit, you will consider nominating or supporting a slate of candidates to provide to each state within the Fourth Circuit as a judge. As you know, the Fourth Circuit serves the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maryland. Currently, of the 11 judges sitting on the Fourth Circuit, four are Virginians, three are South Carolinians, two come from Maryland, and two are West Virginians. We respectfully request that Judge Gregory's name be among those names that you support for confirmation to the Fourth Circuit. Now, a few personal observations. I always go back to the Constitution and article I: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States. . . . Then we proceed to article II: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States. . . . And lastly, article III: The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good Behaviour. . . . Three coequal branches of Government, and we are addressing an issue relating to a member of a coequal branch of the Federal Government, a sitting Federal judge. In my judgment, despite all of the unusual aspects of the nominating process, we should support this jurist, if for no other reason, out of respect for the Senate towards the coequal branch of another part of our Republic and the members therein. Now, as I say, I interviewed him. I have known him. He is a law partner of one of our distinguished living former Governors, Governor Wilder. My colleague pointed out he would be the first African American on the Fourth Circuit. It was my privilege many years ago, then as a relatively junior Senator, to nominate an African American, the first in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to serve in the Federal judiciary, James Spencer. I say to my colleague, I am privileged to join with him in now supporting this eminently qualified jurist for continuation on the Fourth Circuit. Out of respect to our former colleague, Senator Robb, we should note that he was very much involved in the nomination process that preceded in the fall. Lastly, I will say, with regard to the advice and consent role of the Senate, each time we exercise that important constitutional responsibility--I guess I speak for myself--I consider the nominees of a President are human beings, people with sensitivities that all of us have, people who have families, people who have friends. I will have that very much in mind as we proceed to consideration of our role with regard to Judge Gregory. Sometimes we lose sight of that. Couple that with the fact that we are examining a member of a coequal branch of our Federal Government and of our Republic. For that reason we should accord him every respect we can. Nevertheless, we shall examine thoroughly such qualifications as our colleagues wish to raise. It is my hope and, indeed, my expectation that eventually this Chamber will render its advice and consent such that Judge Gregory may continue as a member of the Fourth Circuit.

Mr. WARNER. Yes, indeed.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I express my profound appreciation and respect for my colleague from Delaware. We have enjoyed a very warm, personal, and professional relationship throughout my 23 years. I note that my colleague from Delaware has been here a number of years beyond that. And I don't know of any Members, except maybe Senator Byrd or Senator Thurmond, who feel more deeply about the traditions here than my colleague from Delaware. I believe this morning was the longest speech on record with regard to a visiting member of the clergy, but it was heartfelt and it was fascinating to sit and listen. These are some of the rare moments we share in this great institution when events such as that take place. I commend him and thank him. I know Senator Biden is the former chairman of the Judiciary Committee and he is well experienced regarding judicial nominations and the advice and consent role. Indeed, you noted the maiden speech of George Allen. The majority leader leaned over a few minutes ago and said beneath the tones of the system here, ``Usually, we wait 3 months.'' Two of us reminded the leader that this is a very important subject and one on which, indeed, the Senator could have extolled other aspects, particularly regarding education. But I think he chose the subject wisely, I say to my colleague from Virginia, and he chose the time wisely, because we should be without a moment's doubt in the minds of our colleagues about our support for this nominee and, indeed, our respect for the judicial branch. I thank my colleague for the privilege of joining him today, and I commend him for his remarks. I also thank my colleague from Delaware. I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may proceed irrespective of the adjournment order.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to give my strongest recommendation for the confirmation of the nomination of Anthony Principi to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. On January 5, 2001, then President-elect Bush announced his intention to nominate former-Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tony Principi, a man I have known for more than 20 years, to be his Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I support this nomination, and I am pleased that the President decided to recommend him for this important position. Tony Principi served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and as Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs for President Bush from 1989 to 1993. I am confident that he will, once again, be a competent, trustworthy, effective Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Tony Principi is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He earned a law degree from Seton Hall University in 1975. He was a professional staff member, Counsel and later Staff Director for both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. In 1996, Tony was named as the Chairman of the Military Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance Commission. This Congressional Commission reviewed the adequacy and effectiveness of the services and benefits available to active duty service members and veterans. A number of the Commission's recommendations fall under the cognizance of the Armed Services Committee. I have carefully reviewed the recommendations and have initiated action to implement many of the improvements and efficiencies recommended by the Commission. As Chairman of this important Congressional Commission, Tony did a superb job with a very difficult task. Tony's father is a veteran of World War II. His wife, Elizabeth is a veteran of 30 years of service as a Naval officer and his two sons are serving on active duty in the Air Force today. Tony's personal experiences in a family of veterans as well as a midshipman, Naval officer give him an excellent perspective on the issues facing veterans. His experience as a staff member on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees and as a Cabinet official in the Department of Veterans Affairs makes Tony uniquely qualified to address the many issues he will face as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mr. President, I had the opportunity to meet with Tony in my office the day prior to his confirmation hearing before the Veterans Affairs Committee. During our discussions, he assured me that he would take timely and positive action to ensure that employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs will assist veterans in applying for benefits and filing claims for reimbursement and payments. This was an important issue on which the Armed Services Committee took a leading role during consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001. I was pleased that Tony agreed that it is a duty of the Department of Veterans Affairs personnel to assist veterans in successfully navigating the difficult claims processes. We also discussed opportunities for increased cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the health care arena. I look forward to working with Tony on these and other important issues concerning active duty military personnel and veterans. I support this nomination. I urge my colleagues to support the nomination as well. Secretary Principi will be a crucial part of the great team that President Bush has assembled.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to give my strongest recommendation for the confirmation of the nomination of Donald H. Rumsfeld to be Secretary of Defense. On December 28, 2000, then President-elect Bush announced his intention to nominate former-Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, a man I have known for more than 20 years, to be his Secretary of Defense. I support this nomination, and I am pleased that the President decided to recommend him for this important position. Don Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense for President Ford from 1975 to 1977. I am confident that he will, once again, be a competent, trustworthy, effective Secretary of Defense. He has the experience, knowledge, skill and ability to oversee the best--the largest--military force in the world. His challenge will be to prepare that force for missions in the ever-growing, increasingly complex threat environment of the 21st century. He must ``jump start'' the pace of transition from cold war thinking to new thinking. Don Rumsfeld has been extremely successful in the business world in the years since he last served as Secretary of Defense. He has served as the chief executive officer of G.D. Searle and Company, a worldwide pharmaceutical company, and as chairman and chief executive officer of General Instrument Corporation, a leader in broadband and digital, high-definition television technology. While leading these major private-sector businesses, he continued his public service by serving in a variety of Federal posts and as a member of several commissions. Many Senators are familiar with the excellent work Secretary Rumsfeld has done on both the Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to the United States, which issued its report in 1998, and the Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization, which issued its report on January 11, 2001. President Bush has articulated a vision for the U.S. military and has set three broad goals for national defense: first, to renew the bond of trust between the President and the military; second, to defend the American people against missiles and terror; and third, to begin creating the military of the next century. I know that Don Rumsfeld is committed to these goals as well. In a speech at the Citadel in September 1999, then-Governor Bush said, ``Those who want to lead America accept two obligations. One is to use our military power wisely, remembering the costs of war. The other is to honor our commitments to veterans who have paid those costs.'' I doubt that any Member of the Senate would take exception with those obligations. Don Rumsfeld will certainly accept these obligations with enthusiasm. Public service is a demanding vocation for the family as well as the nominee. I want to express my personal appreciation to Mrs. Joyce Rumsfeld for rededicating herself to public service as well. The Nation will never fully appreciate the sacrifices spouses, such as Joyce Rumsfeld, make supporting those who serve our country. Mr. President, I want to commend my friend and colleague, Senator Levin, for the manner in which, as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he dealt with this nomination. Chairman Levin and I worked together very closely as the committee considered the nomination in a deliberate and timely manner. I support this nomination. I urge my colleagues to support the nomination as well. Secretary Rumsfeld will be a crucial part of the great national security team that President Bush has assembled. The nominations were considered and confirmed, as follows: Department of Agriculture Ann Margaret Veneman, of California, to be Secretary of Agriculture. Department of Defense Donald Henry Rumsfeld, of Illinois, to be Secretary of Defense. Department of Commerce Donald Louis Evans, of Texas, to be Secretary of Commerce. Department of Energy Spencer Abraham, of Michigan, to be Secretary of Energy. Department of the Treasury Paul Henry O'Neill, of Pennsylvania, to be Secretary of the Treasury. Department of State Colin Luther Powell, of Virginia, to be Secretary of State. Department of Education Roderick R. Paige, of Texas, to be Secretary of Education. nominations

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. I thank the Chair. May I say, I congratulate the Presiding Officer for assuming the chair. I assume this is her first opportunity. Madam President, I was among the class of chairmen to hold out for the one-vote majority, not for any reason personal against my distinguished friends and colleagues on the other side of the aisle but because of the enormity of the annual bill of the Armed Services Committee on which our distinguished colleague from West Virginia serves and my distinguished chairman from Michigan serves. That bill last time was brought to the floor with about 450 pages. It grew to 900 pages. It took us 5 weeks. Therefore, with that type of responsibility, whether I am the chairman or others are chairman or, indeed, on this side of the aisle, should it occur on a split, you need the authority to do the job. Then you have to accept the responsibility. I fought the battle along with others. My distinguished leader, Mr. Lott, gave me every opportunity to express my views. The decision was made within our conference. I accept that decision, and I today publicly commit to make it work. We have to make it work. We have an obligation to 281 million people to make it work. Our great Republic, three branches, coequal in authority, has gone through one of the great chapters of American history, a hard-fought election by the contenders in the executive branch, that decision then thrust upon the judicial branch, finally decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. Now to the legislative branch is posed a challenge to make it work. That we will do. I say to my friends in the Senate, we will draw from that treasure that we have in this institution called personal friendships and relationships. They are not well known publicly, but I am blessed, I say with humility, to have so many close, personal relationships throughout this Senate, ones in which I pose great trust and confidence. If I may be personal to my good friend from West Virginia, or my good friend, Senator Reid, and Senator Levin, we shall make this work in the interest of our country. Because the other two branches are going to make it work, we will. The legislative agenda of President Bush will rotate around the axle of the Senate--no disrespect to the other body. This split will be the axle around which it rotates, and we will make it work and move forward in the interest of this country. I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President. I rise today to pay tribute to Senator Robert Kerrey of Nebraska. As Undersecretary, then Secretary of Navy for over five years during the war in Vietnam, I learned first hand the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the armed forces who served our Nation. Lieutenant, USN, Bob Kerrey earned our nation's highest recognition for his valor and unwavering leadership during that conflict. Those same extraordinary personal attributes Bob Kerrey brought to the Senate. Serving with Bob is a reward all Senators will cherish. Though the challenges of education will be his next call to duty, I predict he will someday soon be back in public office. Enjoy this respite, my friend, but harken to the bugle-call in years to come for another career to strengthen our nation with your ``brand'' of leadership. I shall miss our vigorous floor debates, our trips abroad to visit our troops, our moments of levity as two old bachelors. As we sailors say, ``well done sir''!

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I say with gratitude that we have such a marvelous Chaplain, one who with great skill and such strength of feeling and emotion is able to deliver the message of prayer and incorporate those historic moments of history. That election of Thomas Jefferson was one, fortunately, we avoided this time around; for Congress was involved, as our distinguished Chaplain and others know, and the vote in Congress was razor thin.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a genuine leader in the United States Senate, my colleague and friend--Senator Slade Gorton. We have served together over his entire 18 year career in the Senate. Of the 23 men and women who have served the State of Washington in the Senate, Slade has earned a ranking commensurate with those classic giants Senator Henry ``Scoop'' Jackson and Senator Warren Magnuson. Slade has served the State of Washington with distinction, but he has also served the nation, exceptionally well. Beginning with his service in the United States Army in 1946, Slade has served his state and the country for nearly 40 years in a number of elected offices. He has fought for balanced budgets, tax relief, and health care reforms. We served together on the Armed Services Committee, and I, as Ranking Member, was the beneficiary of his wise and steadfast counsel. Slade, you are a valued friend. I wish you and your wife Sally well in the years ahead.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator Connie Mack of Florida. There are many ways to discern the character of a Senator. Connie Mack has made his mark with strong leadership coupled with an unusual quality of gentleness. A true gentleman of the Senate. Senatorial courtesy was his hallmark. He loved this institution; it loved him. One unique, but subtle mannerism reveals the inner security of this great man--how he handled the gavel. The gavel is that symbol of authority so coveted by all Senators. As we all know, a gavel consists of two parts: the relatively small handle to hold, and the large hammer-like head to strike the blow. Senate Chairmen love the sharp ``bang'' connoting authority and decision. Senator Mack is the only Senator, the only Chairman, whom I have observed in my 22 years of service who simply used the hammer head for the grip and conveyed his authority by gently tapping the end of the handle. ``May we have order, please.'' Immediately following was always quiet acceptance. This symbolized to me how this elegant man commanded the great respect of all in the Senate. As with the gavel, his voice was always firm, and always with the soft tone of confidence. We wish him well, together with his wife and family, as they accept life's next challenge.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a man I have worked with my entire Senate career: Senator Bill Roth. He is a true friend and gentleman, as well as a superb legislator whose contributions to the nation are many. Senator Roth will likely be best remembered as the co-author of the famous Kemp-Roth tax cuts, initiated during President Reagan's tenure and for the Roth IRAs which have made it possible for millions around the country to invest taxable income that can be withdrawn tax-free in their retirement. Senator Roth has represented Delaware for 29 years, making him the longest serving Senator in our ``First State's'' storied history. Senator Roth is a decorated veteran of World War II, and began his Congressional service in 1966. He has served his country for almost 40 years. We all are indebted to him for his remarkable service. I wish Senator Roth and his wife, Jane, well and hope that they will cherish the years to come in the same way they have those that have past. Bill Roth's gentlemanly nature, his quietness and his humility were his hallmarks and strength.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a colleague and friend who will be greatly missed by the United States Senate--Senator John Ashcroft. Senator Ashcroft, served Missouri and the nation with distinction. In the Senate, he was a leader in passage of landmark welfare reform legislation, authoring the Charitable Choice provision. He fought for lower taxes, a strong national defense, greater local control of education, and enhanced law enforcement. A popular, former two term governor of his home state, John brought a real ``can-do'' sense of purpose to his work in the Senate. I have always felt that those who come to the Senate with experience as governor, have especially valuable experience that the entire nation benefits from. There is a term used throughout the 211 year history of the Senate called ``Senatorial courtesy.'' John won the admiration of his colleagues in many ways, especially his caring tradition of writing wonderful personal notes--not by computer--but always taking time to write them by hand. We wish you, your wife and family well as you take on your new challenges.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of my colleague and friend, Senator Spencer Abraham from Michigan. Senator Abraham began his service in government in Washington, DC in 1990, when he had the honor of serving in President Bush's Administration as Deputy Chief to Vice President Dan Quayle. In 1993, Spencer Abraham returned to Michigan to run for the United States Senate seat vacated by Senator Don Riegle who was retiring. Senator Abraham won that Senate seat in 1994 and became the first Michigan Republican elected to the United States Senate in 22 years. I have had the pleasure of working with Senator Abraham on a number of issues including high technology and immigration over the last six years. Not only is Senator Abraham a colleague of mine, Spence and his family are friends as well. Spence Abraham is a dedicated public servant, and he has represented the state of Michigan well in the United States Senate. During the past six years, Senator Abraham took the lead in the Senate on high tech issues and immigration. He has been a strong supporter of tax cuts. Senator Abraham has also played a prominent role in trying to protect our Social Security Trust Fund--having fought hard for a Social Security Lock Box. The Senate is going to miss Spencer Abraham's leadership. And, those of us who know him well are going to miss his friendship in the Senate.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen and Mrs. Janet Langhart Cohen. As Secretary of Defense for almost four years, Bill Cohen has led the Defense Department and the military services with leadership and a strong commitment. In contemporary political history, persons of a political party other than the party of the Administration, have offered to serve this Nation. It takes a special courage; Bill Cohen has that courage. He has earned--with distinction--a place in history. Bill Cohen and I were first elected to the Senate in 1978. We served together on the Armed Services Committee from 1979 until Bill retired from the Senate in 1996. Throughout his service with the Senate, he was recognized as a leader. A prodigious student of history, diplomacy, foreign policy and national security, he was recognized as one of the most able and productive members of the Armed Services Committee. He worked hard to develop and maintain a bipartisan consensus on national security policy. For Bill Cohen, partisan politics--in the words of the famous Republican senator from Michigan, Senator Arthur Vandenberg--``stopped at the water's edge.'' Fortunately, the President recognized the wealth of knowledge and experience Bill had developed during his service in the Congress. Bill Cohen also had the good fortune of being the son of parents he loved and admired. That gave him inner strength. In December 1996, he was nominated to be Secretary of Defense and was promptly confirmed by the Senate. When Bill Cohen accepted the nomination, he undestood the extraordinary challenges that lay ahead. He understood that he would be responsible for a department and for military services that had undergone, and were undergoing, the most significant reduction in force and personnel and equipment in almost thirty years. The problems associated with these reductions were compounded by increasing operational commitments. Comparing the period between the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of Operation Desert Storm to the period between Operation Desert Storm to today, these commitments have increased by over 400 percent. And there would be no foreseeable end to our extended commitments in many parts of the world. It was at such a critical crossroad in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces that a leader with a strong sense of purpose and keen intellect was needed at the helm of the Department of Defense. That leader was Bill Cohen. We, in this chamber, knew very well the profound depth of his intellect and leadership through his oratory, his writings, his poems and, yes, his occasional ``doodles'' on the notepad. Like Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a Union Army soldier and son of Maine, that Cohen revered, he likewise accepted the daunting challenge with which he was presented. Upon taking the helm at the Department of Defense, Bill Cohen quickly identified those key areas that required his immediate attention. Shortly after his confirmation hearing, Secretary Cohen stated that he would dedicate his time in office to working on the quality of life for military personnel and their families and to addressing continuing shortfalls in readiness and modernization of the Armed Forces. So began his four years of labor to lead the largest agency in the Federal Government--one of the largest organizations in the world. But this was a labor of love for the new secretary. Bill Cohen recently described his tenure as ``the most demanding, exhilarating experience'' he has ever had--work he would do ``forever.'' Sharing this experience with Bill Cohen is his wife, Janet Langhart Cohen. She has been equally enthusiastic in her role supporting him-- and military personnel throughout the world--as a ``First Lady of the Pentagon.'' Janet Langhart Cohen's tireless and selfless work for our men and women in uniform, and their families, has been remarkable. She has been committed to making sure that the American people's hearts and minds are fully joined with those who are wearing the uniform. Thanks to Janet Langhart Cohen, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have come to know how much they are appreciated by their fellow Americans. To this end, Janet Langhart Cohen called on the USO--and their volunteer entertainers--to bring the message from the homefront to our forward deployed military men and women. She recognized that the USO helped those in the military who are far from home give in to laughter rather than give way to loneliness and despair. With the USO, Janet Langhart Cohen reinvigorated the spirit of our warriors. Understanding the important relationship between the men and women of the Armed Forces and the USO, Janet Langhart Cohen led the effort to build a lasting exhibit to the USO in the Pentagon. Thanks to her, the tribute was unveiled just a few short weeks ago. To many, she is now also recognized as the ``First Lady of the USO.'' Together, Bill and Janet have been a dynamic team. They have tackled many of the problems facing military families today. They have also circled the globe together to demonstrate their combined conviction and support for our men and women in uniform wherever they are deployed. Only recently, Bill and Janet completed their third trip to Kosovo since the June 1999 end of the air campaign. In our brief years, Secretary Cohen, through tireless work, study, and travel, has continued to develop his already formidable understanding of global, economic and national security issues. And as had been the case during his 24 years of service in the Congress, Secretary Cohen's conviction for supporting the troops continued without question. Anyone who has been privileged to serve in the Department of Defense, especially as the ``Top Gun,'' knows there is no more difficult a job in the Executive Branch of our government. Bill Cohen earned his place in history, alongside the best, and the men and women in uniform render a respectful ``hand salute.''

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, in the 211-year history of the United States Senate, the State of New York has one of the richest and most storied legacies. Since 1789, New York has sent to the Senate 63 Senators. I have had the distinct privilege of serving with four of them, most memorably, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. When the people of New York elected Pat Moynihan to represent them nearly 25 years ago, they sent to Washington a uniquely gifted and talented man. Those are the reasons, Senator Moynihan is one of only two, out of 63 Senators from New York, to have been elected to four consecutive terms in the United States Senate. Senator Moynihan began his service to this nation more than 50 years ago when he served in the United States Navy from 1944-1947--and he never stopped being ``Mr. Public Servant.'' He served one governor, New York's Averell Harriman, and four United States Presidents: two Democrats, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and two Republicans, Presidents Nixon and Ford. What a record. Pat Moynihan has given more than three quarters of his life to his nation and his state. This country, the United States Senate, and New York are joyously thankful. He has been a leader in so many areas that it challenges one to list them all. But his impact on public architecture, monuments for future generations, are the hallmarks which this quiet gentleman reveres. For over fifteen years now, I have had the privilege of serving with Pat on the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. I have been fortunate to work closely with him and observe his tireless effort and commitment to maintaining the architectural integrity of our great public institutions. Some 40 years ago, the Kennedy Administration made the decision to revive Pennsylvania Avenue and restore the Federal Triangle. It was an extraordinary stroke of fortune that Pat Moynihan, a deputy to Labor Secretary Goldberg who played a primary role in the effort, had the responsibility to draft a report that contained core ideas for redevelopment. The Federal Triangle, including the Ronald Reagan Building, and the Judiciary Building--to mention just a few--are dramatic evidence of his contributions that will live for years to come in the foundation of these magnificent buildings. I cannot resist the temptation to recall that Senator Moynihan was fond of noting that it was Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon who initially championed the idea of reviving the Federal Triangle and establishing it as an international trade and cultural center. It took a man of Pat Moynihan's talent, character and foresight to pick up and finish that vision, started in the early 1930s, in such a grand manner. I would be remiss were I not to take a minute to thank Senator Moynihan for his leadership and the personal courtesies he extended to me, as he took the initiative to name the departmental auditorium at the Commerce Department building, the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. It truly is a remarkable structure and aptly named. Over 200 years ago, Pierre L'Enfant, as he laid plans for the new United States capital, could only hope that a man like Senator Moynihan would one day work with such compassion and perseverance to keep alive the true spirit and design envisioned in the original blueprints of George Washington's federal city. One of the most rewarding assignments in my own career in public service, has been the opportunity to serve with Senator Moynihan as a member of the Smithsonian's Board of Regents. The talented men and women who have served on the Board are unquestionably committed to the arts and preserving this nation's cultural heritage. And I am certain, that all of them who have served with him would agree that Pat Moynihan's leadership and guiding wisdom have been indispensable. Beyond the physical monuments to his achievements, I will always remember Pat Moynihan for his humor, his intellect, his grace, his eloquence, and his humility. All of us here, before we cast the first vote, before we discharge the first responsibility, take the oath of office. We solemnly commit ``to support and defend the constitution. . . .'' ``Against all enemies. . . .'' we commit ``to bear true faith and allegiance'' and we undertake ``to faithfully discharge'' our duty. Senator Moynihan was a man of his word and here in the Senate he has always been true to his principles and true to his oath. Pat Moynihan has been a giant in the Senate for some time. I only hope that the years ahead give him the time he has always wanted to do those things he has never quite had the time to do. The Senate and the nation know Senator Moynihan as a true patriot, a gentlemen, and a statesman. His legacy is a remarkable gift we will benefit from for years to come. In closing, I would like to submit for the Record two articles that appeared in the Washington Post--one, written by George Will and the other by Benjamin Forgery. I ask to have printed in the Record these articles, so all citizens can read of the enormous contributions Senator Moynihan has made to this institution, his home State of New York, and, indeed, this country. The Nation's Capital--in the words that Navy men and women understand--bids you a final ``Well done, Sir. We salute you as the L'Enfant of this century.''