John Warner

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, with a deep sense of humility, I thank my colleague. I am undeserving of those remarks. Each day I am here, each day I grow a little older, I grow more humble and thankful to the good Lord for allowing me to greet each day and do what I feel is best in the interests of this country.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to recognize the service of an outstanding leader and public servant. After more than 38 years of combined military and civil service, Mr. Terry R. Little will soon retire from the Department of Defense, DOD, and move into private life. Mr. Little is one of the most seasoned weapons acquisition program managers in the DOD. He has over 24 years of program management leadership in seven major weapon acquisition programs including two highly classified missile programs, the AIM-9X Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, the Joint Direct Attack Munition, the Small Diameter Bomb, the Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile, and the Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program. Each of these weapon systems has delivered, or promises to provide, unparalleled advancements in capability at affordable costs for the defense of our Nation. His creative ingenuity, tenacious organizational drive, and superior personal leadership directly enabled these advancements. Mr. Little is currently the Executive Director of the Missile Defense Agency, MDA. In this capacity, he is responsible for acquisition, personnel, and administrative policy. His intellectual commitment for excellence and genuine concern for people have aided immeasurably to the day-to-day operation of the Agency. His professional achievements are numerous, impressive, and reflect his dedication and commitment for achieving the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the service of the United States. Terry Little has devoted his adult life to improving the DOD acquisition process. He has inspired teamwork and efficiency in many venues, and he has trained the next generation of acquisition managers to continue his legacy. For these and his many other contributions, Americans owe Mr. Little a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of selfless service and for his profound contributions to our Nation and our security. Those of us in the Senate will miss his leadership and contributions. We wish him and his family all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize a dedicated law enforcement official at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, NCIS, David L. Brant, who is retiring after 28 years of service to the United States. Culminating a law enforcement career spanning over 30 years, Director David Brant has announced his retirement from Federal service effective December 9, 2005. Following graduation in 1975 with a master's degree in criminology from Indiana State University, Mr. Brant began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Dade County Metropolitan Public Safety Department in Miami, FL. Two years later, he accepted an offer from the Naval Investigative Service and began his service as a special agent assigned to NISRA Norfolk, VA. During his 4 years in the Norfolk area, Mr. Brant served in four different NIS offices and also completed an assignment as special agent afloat aboard the USS Independence. For 13 years, Mr. Brant served NCIS in a number of assignments in the United States and the Philippines, and he earned an appointment to the Senior Executive Service as Assistant Director for Counterintelligence in 1994. Mr. Brant served in that capacity until he succeeded Roy D. Nedrow as Director of the NCIS in May 1997. Mr. Brant has been widely recognized within the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense, as well as within the Federal law enforcement community, for his innovative and transformational approaches to enhancing law enforcement and counterintelligence capabilities. He has led NCIS in developing and implementing operational strategies, across all of the agency's mission areas, which serve as models for others to follow. Additionally, Mr. Brant established the Counterterrorism Directorate and built the Multiple Threat Alert Center, MTAC, specifically to enhance the ability of the NCIS to counter threats facing the Navy and Marine Corps. Other noteworthy accomplishments during Mr. Brant's tenure include the creation of both the NCIS Contingency Response Field Office, CRFO, to improve the capacity of NCIS to deploy agents to meet naval requirements in high-threat environments like Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Deployment Support Office, DSO, to better support those personnel once they are deployed. Mr. Brant has also led the creation of the Law Enforcement Information Exchange, LInX, Program, which has brought local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies together to great effect in support of naval force protection and crimefighting in the Hampton Roads area and other parts of the country. He has partnered NCIS with the FBI on Joint Terrorism Task Forces, and assigned agents to Defense Department Force Protection Detachments, FPDs, around the world. Moreover, he has been an outstanding spokesman for NCIS and the Department of the Navy in senior level law enforcement, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism venues around the world. Most of all, Mr. Brant appreciates that what makes NCIS a truly great agency is the quality of its people. He routinely fought to ensure that agents, analysts, and support personnel alike had the equipment, training, and support required to do their jobs. Under his leadership, NCIS gained civilian arrest authority and built a reputation as a first-class law enforcement agency. He established the Director's Advisory Board, DAB, to provide him with direct feedback for the field on emergent issues. Mr. Brant improved upon the NCIS support infrastructure by hiring specialists in the fields of communications, congressional affairs, human resources, and information technology. He increased the number of SES and other high-grade billets while also working diligently for the additional funding that will ensure the success of his agency for years to come. During his career, Mr. Brant has been recognized as an outstanding leader by multiple organizations. For his distinguished service, he has received the Department of Defense Presidential Rank Award and the Department of the Navy Distinguished Service Award. Recently, he was honored by the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, HAPCOA, with the Aguila Award for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and by the Women in Federal Law Enforcement, WIFLE, as the 2004 Outstanding Advocate for Women in Federal Law Enforcement. As he begins his well deserved retirement, Mr. Brant will remain in the Washington, DC, area with his wife Merri Jo, and his children, Emily and Andrew. I salute David Brant for his dedicated service to our country, and I wish him and his family well in the years to come.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the professional dedication, vision and military service of GEN Leon J. LaPorte who is retiring from the U.S. Army after 37 years of dedicated service. It is a privilege for me to recognize the many outstanding achievements General LaPorte has provided the Army, and our great Nation. General LaPorte was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1968 upon graduation from the University of Rhode Island. He was commissioned an armor officer and served in numerous positions of increasing responsibility to include the position from which he will retire. General LaPorte's contributions throughout his career have made an historic impact and greatly improved our Nation's security. General LaPorte assumed command of the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea/United States Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea on May 1, 2002. On October 1, 2005, General LaPorte became the longest serving U.S. commander in Korea. Earning this distinction is a tribute to his performance and the excellent relationships he fostered with our Korean allies. General LaPorte's tenure has been highlighted by several very crucial periods in the alliance. During his time in command, we have witnessed multiple North Korean maritime violations and numerous DMZ and airspace incursions. These threats to the security and sovereignty of Korea led General LaPorte to develop deterrent options and force enhancements that provided increased deterrence against aggression. Despite the tremendous implications involved, General LaPorte remained unflappable and skillfully designed military force packages that could be deployed against anticipated threat scenarios to address the uncertain political-military situations. General LaPorte has been a principal participant in the fast-paced bilateral military and political discussions. General LaPorte earned the reputation as a well-respected ambassador for the United States. He developed and maintained close ties with the military and civilian leadership of the Republic of Korea in partnership with the U.S. Ambassador to Korea. He is credited with fusing a lasting bond between the two nations. General LaPorte is a soldier's soldier. Throughout his career foremost in his thoughts and his actions have been initiatives in the best interest of the soldiers, civilians, and family members. These priorities are reflected in every decision he makes. He expects those serving below him to do the same. This was never more evident than when he deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX as the Chief of Staff in October 1990 during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and more recently during the deployment of one of his battalions to Iraq in support of OIF. General LaPorte was tireless in ensuring that each soldier was properly prepared, trained and equipped for the mission and that every family was cared for by a Family Readiness Group. The reenlistment rates in his units demonstrate the love, loyalty and dedication of those who served under General LaPorte. During his illustrious career in the Army General LaPorte has been nothing less than brilliant. General LaPorte is a great credit to the Army and the Nation. As he now departs to share his experience and expertise with the private sector, I call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recognize his service and wish him and his wife Judy well in their new endeavors.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, the Committee on Armed Services has been working very conscientiously, as we should--and, indeed, all Senators should--on the question of the IEDs in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Yesterday, our committee invited over from the War College 10 young officers, each of them having commanded a battalion of U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, and, in some instances, some Navy as the Navy is taking a very significant role in the ground operations in Iraq. I have had the privilege of being associated with men and women of the U.S. military for many years, but I never saw 10 finer individuals. I sat in awe of how they, in a very confident and calm and professional manner, recounted their experiences over the last 18 months--different periods of time, ranging from 6 to 12 months--when they had command of the most magnificent troops, the most magnificent, dedicated military we have had in the contemporary history of America. We owe those troops a high debt of gratitude. No matter what our political affiliation is, no matter what our philosophical approach is, we owe them and their families a tremendous debt of gratitude. I think that was expressed by this body when 98 to 0 we passed the annual Armed Forces authorization bill. There was not one single dissenting voice. I went back and searched the Record. Indeed, during the Vietnam period when I was in the Pentagon, there was always a cadre that would vote against it. But I think it was a recognition in this Chamber--and I salute each Member of the Senate who voted for that bill and expressed on behalf of the men and women of the Armed Forces our gratitude. But much more remains to be done. In the judgment of this Senator--I am just speaking for myself--I believe the next 4 to 6 months is absolutely the most critical period of this conflict in Iraq. How and why we got into that conflict is debated. It has been taking place, but I urge colleagues to look forward to the future to see how we can best support our forces as each one of the volunteers fulfills the orders of the Commander in Chief and carries out the mission. During the course of the deliberation of our bill, the distinguished Senator from Connecticut, a member of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Lieberman, gave an eloquent speech regarding that classic statement at the conclusion of World War II by Arthur Vandenberg: ``Politics should be checked at the water's edge.'' I say to my colleagues with great respect for all, now is the time. The next 60, 90, 120, 180 days is most critical. I urge us to put aside our political differences, put aside our philosophical differences, and look forward and seize the opportunity to support the Iraqis in their forthcoming elections on the 15th of December and the formation of that government in the ensuing 30 days thereafter. We should be very strong in our efforts to impress upon this new government the urgency of time and the need to show a greater measure of strength and determination than ever before by the various transitional governments that have preceded this government. Now is the time for the Iraqi people and their new government to show determination, quadruple their efforts in forming their new ministries, standing them up so they can assume the full burden of that measure of democracy and freedom that they elect to have among themselves, and to rapidly try to bring this insurgency to a conclusion. The ground situation as it develops in the ensuing months dictates any thoughts of how and when our forces can be deemed to have completed their mission and begin the return home. Just days ago, this Chamber rejected an attempt again to set a timetable. We set no timetable. We are there in this critical period of the next 6 months to support the Iraqi people, to support this new government, but in return they must give us a full measure of support and equal effort to achieve these goals. If I may return to the subject of the IEDs which was a principal part of our discussion yesterday, I will be consulting with Members, but I believe the Department of Defense has to redouble its efforts to deal with this difficult situation of the IEDs. Each of these officers recounted the number of casualties they experienced in their units. This great Nation shows the magnificent compassion for the families of not only those who lost their lives but lost their limbs, and we are deeply indebted to them. We owe them no less than our full measure of support here at home. Let us check politics at the water's edge. I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Will the Chair advise the Senate with regard to the allocation of time at this point?

Mr. WARNER. Would it be appropriate, then, for the Senator from Virginia to seek time at this point for about 8 minutes?

Mr. WARNER. I yield the floor.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Madam President, parliamentary inquiry: What is the time allocation?

Mr. WARNER. I thank the Presiding Officer. I shall take 7 minutes, and my distinguished colleague from Alaska will follow.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the RECORDS on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the subcommittee on Airland be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on November 15, 2005, at 2:30 p.m., in open session to receive testimony on defense acquisition issues related to tactical aviation and army programs.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet to meet to conduct a hearing on ``Judicial Nominations'' on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 226. Witness List Panel I: Members of Congress. Panel II: Virginia Mary Kendall to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristi DuBose to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama; W. Keith Watkins to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security be authorized to meet on Tuesday, November 15, 2005, at 3 p.m. for a hearing regarding ``Iran: Teheran's Nuclear Recklessness and the U.S. Response--The Experts' Perspective.''

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on Tuesday November 15, 2005, at 10 a.m., on Public Policy Options for Encouraging Alternative Automotive Fuel Technologies.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 15, at 10 a.m. The purpose of this hearing is to evaluate and receive a status report on the environmental management programs of the Department of Energy.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet in open Executive Session during the session on Tuesday, November 15, 2005, at 10 a.m. to consider an original bill that will include the Committee's budget reconciliation instructions pertaining to expiring tax provisions and also additional incentives for hurricane affected areas.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 15, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. to hold a hearing on Treaties.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. At this juncture, the distinguished Senator from Michigan and I would like to offer our managers' package to this bill. I send a managers' package of some 64 amendments to the desk. They have been cleared by both sides.

Mr. WARNER. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the amendments en bloc, the amendments en bloc be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to any of these individual amendments be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, may we have order? I ask the Presiding Officer to once again restate the sequence of votes that are about to take place.

Mr. WARNER. I thank the Presiding Officer and again remind the Senators the votes are 10 minutes.

Mr. WARNER. The time reserved to me under the Bingaman amendment I yield to the distinguished Senator from South Carolina.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I presume, now that the quorum call has been withdrawn, that under the unanimous consent agreement, the Senate may now move to third reading of the bill.