[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4560-S4562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AUTHORIZING PRODUCTION OF RECORDS
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AMERICAN EAGLE DAY
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SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
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SUPPORTING INCREASED MARKET ACCESS FOR EXPORTS OF U.S. BEEF AND BEEF
PRODUCTS
Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en
bloc consideration of the following Senate resolutions: S. Res. 542, S.
Res. 543, S. Res. 544, and S. Res. 545.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolutions.
Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent the resolutions be agreed to, the
preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the
table en bloc, and any statements related to the resolutions be printed
in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has
received requests from Federal and State government entities seeking
access to records that the subcmmittee obtained during its recent
investigation into Wall Street and the financial crisis of 2008,
examining the role of mortgage lenders, bank regulators, credit rating
agencies, and investment banks in causing the crisis.
S. Res. 545 would authorize the chairman and ranking minority member
of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, acting jointly, to
provide records, obtained by the subcommittee in the course of its
investigation, in response to these requests and to other government
entities and officials with a legitimate need for the records.
The resolution (S. Res. 543) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 545
Whereas, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
conducted an investigation into Wall Street and the financial
crisis of 2008, examining the role of mortgage lenders, bank
regulators, credit rating agencies, and investment banks in
causing the crisis;
Whereas, the Subcommittee has received requests from
federal and state government entities for access to records
of the Subcommittee's investigation;
Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United
States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no
evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate
can, by administrative or judicial process, be taken from
such control or possession but by permission of the Senate;
Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or
in the possession of the Senate is needed for the promotion
of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote
the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the
Senate: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of
the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, acting
jointly, are authorized to provide to law enforcement
officials, regulatory agencies, and other entities or
individuals duly authorized by federal, state, or foreign
governments, records of the Subcommittee's investigation into
Wall Street and the financial crisis of 2008, examining the
role of mortgage lenders, bank regulators, credit rating
agencies, and investment banks in causing the crisis.
The resolution (S. Res. 542) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 542
Whereas on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was officially
designated as the national emblem of the United States by the
founding fathers at the Second Continental Congress;
Whereas the bald eagle is the central image of the Great
Seal of the United States;
Whereas the image of the bald eagle is displayed in the
official seal of many branches and departments of the Federal
Government, including--
(1) the Office of the President;
(2) the Office of the Vice President;
(3) Congress;
(4) the Supreme Court;
(5) the Department of the Treasury;
(6) the Department of Defense;
(7) the Department of Justice;
(8) the Department of State;
(9) the Department of Commerce;
(10) the Department of Homeland Security;
(11) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(12) the Department of Labor;
(13) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(14) the Department of Energy;
(15) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(16) the Central Intelligence Agency; and
(17) the Postal Service;
Whereas the bald eagle is an inspiring symbol of--
(1) the spirit of freedom; and
(2) the democracy of the United States;
Whereas, since the founding of the Nation, the image,
meaning, and symbolism of the bald eagle have played a
significant role in the art, music, history, commerce,
literature, architecture, and culture of the United States;
Whereas the bald eagle is prominently featured on the
stamps, currency, and coinage of the United States;
Whereas the habitat of bald eagles exists only in North
America;
Whereas, by 1963, the population of bald eagles that nested
in the lower 48 States had declined to approximately 417
nesting pairs;
Whereas, due to the dramatic decline in the population of
bald eagles in the lower 48 States, the Secretary of the
Interior listed the bald eagle as an endangered species on
the list of endangered species published under section
4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1533(c)(1));
Whereas caring and concerned individuals from the Federal,
State, and private sectors banded together to save, and help
ensure the recovery and protection of, bald eagles;
Whereas, on July 20, 1969, the first manned lunar landing
occurred in the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module, which was
named ``Eagle'';
Whereas the ``Eagle'' played an integral role in achieving
the goal of the United States of landing a man on the Moon
and returning that man safely to Earth;
Whereas, in 1995, as a result of the efforts of those
caring and concerned individuals, the Secretary of the
Interior listed the bald eagle as a threatened species on the
list of threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
Whereas, by 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested
in the lower 48 States had increased to approximately 10,000
nesting pairs, an increase of approximately 2,500 percent
from the preceding 40 years;
Whereas, in 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested
in the State of Alaska was approximately 50,000 to 70,000;
Whereas, on June 28, 2007, the Secretary of the Interior
removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened species
published under section 4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
Whereas bald eagles remain protected in accordance with--
(1) the Act of June 8, 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.)
(commonly known as the ``Bald Eagle Protection Act of
1940''); and
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(2) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);
Whereas, on January 15, 2008, the Secretary of the Treasury
issued 3 limited edition bald eagle commemorative coins under
the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem
Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-486; 118 Stat. 3934);
Whereas the sale of the limited edition bald eagle
commemorative coins issued by the Secretary of the Treasury
has raised approximately $7,800,000 for the nonprofit
American Eagle Foundation of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to
support efforts to protect the bald eagle;
Whereas, if not for the vigilant conservation efforts of
concerned Americans and the enactment of strict environmental
protection laws (including regulations) the bald eagle would
probably be extinct;
Whereas the American Eagle Foundation has brought
substantial public attention to the cause of the protection
and care of the bald eagle nationally;
Whereas November 4, 2010, marks the 25th anniversary of the
American Eagle Foundation;
Whereas the dramatic recovery of the population of bald
eagles--
(1) is an endangered species success story; and
(2) an inspirational example for other wildlife and natural
resource conservation efforts around the world;
Whereas the initial recovery of the population of bald
eagles was accomplished by the concerted efforts of numerous
government agencies, corporations, organizations, and
individuals; and
Whereas the continuation of recovery, management, and
public awareness programs for bald eagles will be necessary
to ensure--
(1) the continued progress of the recovery of bald eagles;
and
(2) that the population and habitat of bald eagles will
remain healthy and secure for future generations: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'';
(2) applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins
by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to
generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles;
and
(3) encourages--
(A) educational entities, organizations, businesses,
conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared
interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and
develop educational tools for use in the public schools of
the United States; and
(B) the people of the United States to observe American
Eagle Day with appropriate ceremonies and other activities.
The resolution (S. Res. 543) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 543
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder
that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is the most commonly known
genetic cause of life-threatening obesity;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome affects--
(1) males and females with equal frequency; and
(2) all races and ethnicities;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and
insatiable appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity;
Whereas morbid obesity is the major cause of death for
individuals with the Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes cognitive and learning
disabilities and behavioral difficulties, including
obsessive-compulsive disorder and difficulty controlling
emotions;
Whereas the hunger, metabolic, and behavioral
characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome force affected
individuals to require constant and lifelong supervision in a
controlled environment;
Whereas studies have shown that individuals with Prader-
Willi syndrome have a high morbidity and mortality rate;
Whereas there is no known cure for Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome allows
families to access treatment, intervention services, and
support from health professionals, advocacy organizations,
and other families who are dealing with the syndrome;
Whereas recently discovered treatments, including the use
of human growth hormone, are improving the quality of life
for individuals with the syndrome and offer new hope to
families, but many difficult symptoms associated with Prader-
Willi syndrome remain untreated;
Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome--
(1) may lead to a better understanding of the disorder,
more effective treatments, and an eventual cure for Prader-
Willi syndrome; and
(2) is likely to lead to a better understanding of common
public health concerns, including childhood obesity and
mental health; and
Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports raising awareness and educating the public
about Prader-Willi syndrome;
(2) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations
that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide
education, support, and hope to those impacted by Prader-
Willi syndrome;
(3) recognizes the commitment of parents, families,
researchers, health professionals, and others dedicated to
finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for Prader-
Willi syndrome; and
(4) expresses support for the designation of a National
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.
The resolution (S. Res 544) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 544
Whereas in 2003, United States beef exports to China,
Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam
were valued at $3,300,000,000;
Whereas after the discovery of 1 Canadian-born cow infected
with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) disease in the
State of Washington in December 2003, China, Japan, Hong
Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam, among others,
closed their markets to United States beef;
Whereas for years the Government of the United States has
developed and implemented a multilayered system of
interlocking safeguards to ensure the safety of United States
beef, and after the 2003 discovery, the United States
implemented further safeguards to ensure beef safety;
Whereas a 2006 study by the United States Department of
Agriculture found that BSE was virtually nonexistent in the
United States;
Whereas the internationally recognized standard-setting
body, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), has
classified the United States as a controlled risk country for
BSE, which means that all United States beef and beef
products from cattle of all ages is safe for export and
consumption;
Whereas China continues to prohibit imports of all beef and
beef products from the United States;
Whereas Japan has opened its market for United States
exporters of beef and beef products from cattle less than 21
months of age, but has not yet opened its market for all
United States beef and beef products from cattle of all ages;
Whereas Hong Kong has opened its market for United States
exporters of deboned beef from cattle less than 30 months of
age, but has not yet opened its market for all United States
beef and beef products from cattle of all ages;
Whereas Taiwan has opened its market for United States
exporters of deboned and bone-in beef and certain offal
products from cattle less than 30 months of age and has
agreed to open, but has not yet opened, its market for all
United States beef and beef products from cattle of all ages;
Whereas South Korea has opened its market for United States
exporters of beef and beef products from cattle less than 30
months of age and has agreed to open eventually, but has not
yet opened, its market for all United States beef and beef
products from cattle of all ages;
Whereas Mexico has opened its market for United States
exporters of deboned and bone-in beef and certain offal from
cattle less than 30 months of age, but has not yet opened its
market for all United States beef and beef products from
cattle of all ages;
Whereas Vietnam has opened its market for United States
exporters of beef and beef products from cattle less than 30
months of age, but has not yet opened its market for all
United States beef and beef products from cattle of all ages;
Whereas between 2004 through 2009, United States beef
exports declined due to these restrictions, causing
significant revenue losses for United States cattle
producers, for example, United States beef exports to Japan
and South Korea averaged less than 15 percent of the amount
the United States sold to Japan and South Korea in 2003; and
Whereas, while China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South
Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam remain important trading partners
of the United States, unscientific trade restrictions are not
consistent with their trade obligations: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) sanitary measures affecting trade in beef and beef
products between the United States and China, Japan, Hong
Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam should be
based on science;
(2) since banning United States beef in December 2003,
China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, and
Vietnam have, to varying degrees, failed to comply with
internationally recognized scientific guidelines with respect
to United States beef and beef products;
(3) China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico,
and Vietnam should fully comply with internationally
recognized scientific guidelines;
(4) China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico,
and Vietnam should open their markets to United States
exporters of all beef and beef products from cattle of all
ages, consistent with OIE guidelines; and
(5) the President should continue to insist on full access
for United States exporters of
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beef and beef products to the markets in China, Japan, Hong
Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam.
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