[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING DR. JAMES SCHLESINGER

  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, the George C. Marshall Institute will honor 
Dr. James Schlesinger on June 16 with its Founders Award, which is 
given annually in recognition of distinguished contributions to science 
and public policy. This year's award acknowledges Dr. Schlesinger's 
stellar career in public service.
  James Schlesinger served three presidents as Director of the Central 
Intelligence Agency, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Energy. His 
career has been a model of dedication to public service, and has been 
marked by his intelligence, integrity, and commitment to our Nation's 
well being. We continue to benefit from his wisdom, strength of 
character, and willingness to contribute when called.
  Dr. Schlesinger's insight and expertise--both during and after his 
time in government--have been instrumental in winning key policy 
battles. For example, his active role in the national debate over the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty aided those Senators, myself included, 
who argued strongly that ratifying the treaty would lead to the decline 
of our nuclear weapons infrastructure and would damage U.S. national 
security interests. There is no doubt that Dr. Schlesinger's stature 
and contribution were instrumental in bringing about the treaty's 
defeat. Since that time, I have continued to regularly consult with him 
on the future of our nuclear capability and other issues. Indeed, Dr. 
Schlesinger's advice on a broad range of key national security issues 
has been invaluable; I am grateful for his counsel.
  The Marshall Institute should be commended for recognizing a true 
national treasure, Dr. James Schlesinger.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I am pleased today to note the 
anniversary of the Griswold v. Connecticut Supreme Court decision.
  Griswold v. Connecticut marked a major turning point for generations 
of women. For the first time, the Supreme Court recognized that women 
have the fundamental right to make their own, private decisions about 
family planning. The decision paved the way for widespread access to 
contraception that has dramatically reduced unintended pregnancies, 
STDs, and abortions, and opened the door of opportunity for women to 
educational and career advancement that has made women a critical part 
of our workforce. However, we still have significant work to do. The 
United States has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancies 
and STDs among industrialized nations, and too many women do not have 
access to basic preventive health care while the ranks of uninsured 
Americans continue to grow.
  As we commemorate the Griswold decision, it is critical that we keep 
taking steps forward to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and 
improve access to women's health care. Therefore, I have introduced 
legislation, the Prevention First Act, which would improve women's 
health, reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, and prevent 
abortions. The legislation takes common sense steps towards 
strengthening access to contraception for women while also reducing 
health care costs borne by taxpayers and employers.
  We should all be able to agree that reducing the number of unintended 
pregnancies and improving access to women's health care should be a 
priority. I will continue to fight for the Prevention First bill so 
that we can keep building on the progress of Griswold v. Connecticut 
for generations to come.

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