[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

[[Page S4561]]

       (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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