[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 161 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8617-S8627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE COOPERATION ACT OF 2009--MOTION TO
PROCEED--Continued
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there will now be 30
minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between the two
leaders or their designees.
In the absence of anyone seeking recognition, time will be charged
equally to both sides.
The Senator from Vermont is recognized.
Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act
Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, later on this afternoon, we are going to
be voting on a very simple and straightforward piece of legislation
called the Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act. This legislation is
cosponsored by Majority Leader Reid, Senators Leahy, Schumer, Sherrod
Brown, Whitehouse, Stabenow, Begich, Casey, Gillibrand, Lautenberg, and
Menendez.
What this legislation would do is, at a time when, for the second
consecutive year, seniors and disabled veterans have received no cost-
of-living adjustment, or COLA, on their Social Security, this
legislation would provide the equivalent of a 2-percent increase by
providing them with a one-time $250 check.
In addition to the Senate cosponsors, this legislation is supported
by President Obama, and I appreciate that. It is also supported, for
all the right reasons, by virtually every senior organization in the
country and every veterans organization, because this benefits not just
seniors, many of whom are struggling hard to pay their bills, when
their health care costs and prescription drug costs are rising, but it
also impacts disabled veterans.
Also supporting this is AARP, the largest senior organization in
America; the American Legion, the largest veterans organization in
America; VFW; National Committee to Preserve Social Security and
Medicare; Disabled American Veterans; The Alliance for Retired
Americans; The National Association of Retired Federal Employees; The
Vietnam Veterans of America; and many other veterans and senior
organizations.
Just this morning, earlier today, 253 members of the House, including
26 Republicans, voted to provide the same $250 COLA included in the
bill that we are going to be voting on within a short time. So it won
overwhelmingly in the House. In the House, they put it on the
suspension calendar and it needed a two-thirds vote, but they didn't
quite get that. I am confident that if we can come together here and
get the 60 votes that we need, the House will reconsider the measure
and pass it with a strong majority over there.
In the state of Vermont--and I think all over this country--seniors
are wondering as to why they are not getting a COLA this year when they
are experiencing significant increases in their expenses. And the
reason they are not getting their COLA is that, in my view, we have a
very flawed methodology in terms of how we determine COLAs for Social
Security. What the Department of Labor now does is kind of combine all
of the purchasing needs of all Americans--people who are 2 years old,
kids who are 16 years old, and people who are 96 years of age. The flaw
there is that while laptop computers, and iPads, and other
communications technology may in fact have gone down, lowering the cost
of inflation, the needs of seniors and what they spend money on have
not gone down.
Most seniors spend their disposable income on health-related costs--
visits to doctors, health care, prescription drugs. Those have in fact
gone up. So it is unfair for seniors when all of the Americans'
purchasing habits are combined, because I think what is not fairly
appreciated is what they are spending money on.
To give you one example, the New York Times reported last year that
2009 marked the highest annual rate of inflation for drug prices since
1992, with the prices of brandname prescription drugs going up by about
9 percent. Seniors spend a lot of money, not on flat-screen TVs or
iPads or computers but in fact on prescription drugs.
According to the AARP's Public Policy Institute, the average price of
brandname prescriptions most widely used by Medicare beneficiaries rose
by 8.3 percent from March 2009 to March of 2010.
Since 2000, Medicare Part B premiums have more than doubled, and
deductibles have increased by 55 percent.
Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans have seen
their premiums increase by 50 percent between 2006 and 2010, including
an 11-percent increase between 2009 and 2010.
In other words, the seniors who are calling my office, and I suspect
your offices, and offices all over this country, are saying: Excuse me,
our expenses are going up and we need some help.
This is especially true for the millions of seniors and disabled
veterans who are living on limited incomes. They are in trouble.
Furthermore, what I would say is that, in the midst of this great
debate we are having now on how we go forward in terms of taxes, there
are a lot of seniors out there wondering how we can provide hundreds of
billions of dollars in tax breaks for the top 2 percent, yet we cannot
provide a $250 check to a disabled veteran or a senior on Social
Security.
This is a very simple piece of legislation. The House has already
passed it with a strong majority. I hope very much we can pass it this
afternoon.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa is recognized.
Mr. HARKIN. How much time do we have?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Five and one-half minutes.
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I yield myself the remainder of the time.
I see no Republicans on the floor now.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, our first responders are genuine heroes.
On a routine basis, they walk into burning buildings, confront
criminals, and put their lives on the line to protect our families and
communities. These dedicated workers are on the front lines every day,
and they have invaluable skills and knowledge about how to best protect
the public and stay safe on the job.
Unfortunately, under current law, many of our first responders have
no voice in the decisions that affect their own lives and livelihoods.
Their workplace input is disregarded because they are denied the same
basic rights that other American workers enjoy. Currently, private
sector employees are covered by the National Labor Relations Act and
have the right to form a union if they choose, but we leave it up to
States to determine whether police and firefighters have the right to
form a union. Over half of the States allow collective bargaining, but
almost 300,000 police officers and 141,000 fire fighters nationwide are
legally forbidden from exercising their basic, fundamental right to
collective bargaining. That is an injustice to our police and
firefighters and is inconsistent with American values. That is why I
support the Public Safety Employee-Employer Cooperation Act, which
would extend this basic right to thousands of brave public servants.
This bill has the support of a broad bipartisan coalition of Senators.
The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act protects the
[[Page S8618]]
fundamental rights of our first responders by requiring States to
provide them with four basic protections: The right to form and join a
union; the right to sit down at the table and talk; the right to sign
an enforceable contract if both parties agree; and the right to go to a
neutral third party when there are disputes.
The benefits of this bill go to both our first responders and the
communities they serve. We know that collective bargaining helps
improve safety for workers. The firefighter fatality rate in States
without collective bargaining is about 52 percent higher than in States
that honor these rights. Collective bargaining relations have also
helped to address worker fatigue, on-the-job errors, employee fitness,
and safety hazards like asbestos. Equally important in these times of
State fiscal crisis, there are countless examples across the country of
union firefighters and police officers voting to forego scheduled
salary increases, defer pension payments, pay increased benefit
premiums, or reduce overtime hours in order to help States cut costs
and avoid layoffs.
While guaranteeing the fundamental right to organize, the act
preserves maximum flexibility for States and localities to shape their
own laws. The 26 States that already allow collective bargaining will
not have to change their laws at all. Other States will have to ensure
the four basic protections, but everything else about how to craft
their labor laws is left entirely to the States' discretion.
It is long past time to ensure that our dedicated public safety
officers have the same basic rights that private-sector workers across
the country already enjoy. This is a matter of fundamental fairness,
and an urgent matter of public safety. I urge all of my colleagues to
support this important bipartisan bill.
Mr. President, earlier today my colleague from Wyoming was on the
Senate floor and made some statements about this bill--my ranking
member, Senator Enzi. I just want to respond to a couple of those.
My friend from Wyoming said the bill didn't go through the HELP
Committee during this Congress, and we weren't given a right to
consider the bill in the appropriate venue. Well, Senator Gregg, on the
Republican side, has introduced this bill for the last five Congresses.
The HELP Committee has marked up this bill and approved it twice, and a
majority of the Senate has twice voted to consider the bill. So we have
been debating this bill for years. Simply because it didn't go through
the committee this time doesn't mean it didn't go through the committee
many times before, which it did.
Secondly, the bill does not impose an unfunded mandate on our States.
That was mentioned. It does not require cities and States to spend
money, only to engage in a dialogue. It does not allow strikes, and it
does not impose arbitration or require particular terms. These are
indeed left up to the States.
Mr. SESSIONS. Will the Senator yield for a question?
Mr. HARKIN. Yes.
Mr. SESSIONS. I think the Senator is using my time.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is still in his own time.
Mr. SESSIONS. All right. I was wrong, I am pleased to say.
I thank the Chair.
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, the American people are united in their
desire to provide generously for the new generation of veterans,
including those who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We
want these veterans to have every opportunity to reintegrate
successfully into civilian life, to find good jobs, and to build solid
careers. To that end, the Federal Government has provided opportunities
for these veterans to pursue advancement through higher education. That
is why we passed the post-9/11 G.I. bill on June 30, 2008, and it is
why we expanded existing education programs through the Department of
Defense--DOD.
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, which I
chair, has been conducting an in-depth inquiry into the for-profit
sector of higher education. Most recently, we have taken a look at the
unprecedented surge of dollars from military educational benefits
programs to for-profits. I am here today to have printed in the Record
a new report that committee staff has prepared titled, ``Benefitting
Whom? For-Profit Education Companies and the Growth of Military
Educational Benefits.'' This report documents that between 2006 and
2010, combined Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
education benefits received just by 20 for-profit education companies
increased from $66.6 million to $521.2 million, an increase of 683
percent.
Mr. President, I will have more to say about the report in the
upcoming days.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a report and an appendix
be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act: Enacted in
June 2008, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has been in effect for only
one year. Even a look at this brief window illustrates that
students eligible for these benefits are being aggressively
pursued by for-profit schools. The 30 for-profit schools that
received document requests reported 23,766 students receiving
military benefits of any type in 2006, but 109,167 students
receiving benefits in 2009, and 100,702 students through
approximately just the first half of 2010.
Rapidly Increasing Veterans' Benefits: Of 20 for-profit
schools that provided usable data to the HELP Committee,
between 2006 and 2010, the combined VA and DoD total military
educational benefits increased from $66.6 million to a
projected $521.2 million in 2010, an increase of 683 percent.
For each year analyzed, growth in revenue from military
educational benefits was much higher than overall revenue
growth, and the growth accelerated dramatically after the
Post-9/11 GI Bill was enacted. Between fiscal year 2006 and
2007, overall revenue increased 8.4 percent while military
educational benefit related revenue increased 23.8 percent.
Between 2009 and 2010, while overall revenue increased a
healthy 26.1 percent, military revenue increased 211 percent.
DoD programs are also increasing rapidly.
Eighteen companies that provided documents to the HELP
Committee differentiated revenues from the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense for the entire
period 2006 through 2010. In that period, Department of
Defense educational benefits paid to these schools increased
from $40 million in 2006 to an expected $175.1 million in
2010, a 337.4 percent increase. Department of Veterans
Affairs educational benefits paid to these schools increased
more than tenfold from $26.3 million in 2006 to an expected
$285.8 million in 2010, including a five-fold increase from
$55.3 million to $285.8 million just between 2009 and 2010.
Increases in both programs occur across schools and are not
dependent on the size of the school or whether it offers
classroom-based programs or operates primarily online. For
one primarily online school, DoD revenues increased more than
seven-fold from $220,528 in 2006 to $1.64 million in 2010.
For a smaller privately owned school, they increased ten-fold
from $7,300 in 2006 to $75,300 in 2010. At a school with a
long history of serving active duty servicemembers, DoD
revenues increased from $26.44 million in 2006 to an expected
$98.14 million in 2010. When looking at VA benefits, a
primarily online school specializing in graduate programs saw
an increase from $375,108 in 2006 to an expected $12.35
million in 2010. At a smaller privately owned school, VA
benefits increased from $321,450 in 2006 to a forecasted $8
million for 2010.
Company 1: To better understand the dramatic impact that
changes to the DoD and VA programs have had on the amount of
funding flowing to for-profit schools, it is helpful to look
at three individual education companies. Company 1 operates a
for-profit school that is not publicly traded. It has a
strong physical presence near military installations, with a
history of enrolling students who are servicemembers or
veterans. The school actively recruits servicemembers and
veterans, and has military-oriented marketing on its website,
noting that it offers classes on, near, and around military
installations as well as online. It encourages active-duty
servicemembers to utilize the Top-Up program to spend Post-9/
11 GI Bill benefits in addition to Tuition Assistance in
order to cover tuition. In 2006, the school had 1,338
military students. With the availability of Post-9/11 GI Bill
benefits and the overall growth in enrollment, some growth in
both the numbers of students attending the schools and the
amount of military benefit dollars going to the schools would
be expected. In fact, steady growth is evident from 2006
through 2009, with military funding increasing from $3
million in 2006 to $3.4 million in 2009 and the number
of eligible students varying from 1,100 to 1,400. However,
for 2010 the growth is dramatic, with the school enrolling
5,223 eligible military students and receiving $23 million
in military benefits. At the same time, according to the
Committee's analysis of all the students enrolling in the
school's associate's degree programs between August 1,
2008 and July 31, 2009, 47 percent had dropped out by mid-
2010, as had 52 percent of students enrolled in the
school's bachelor's degree program. Students who dropped
out of these programs within the first year did so in an
average of 180 days, during which they would likely have
[[Page S8619]]
paid about $6,550 in tuition. The school also has an
overall repayment rate of just 33 percent, while one
campus has a repayment rate of just 8 percent. Although
military students may fare somewhat better than the
overall student population in completing the programs, the
fact that such a significant portion of military
educational benefits are going to a for-profit school with
high tuition, in combination with problematic outcomes and
poor repayment rates, raises serious questions about
whether the school might be shortchanging veterans.
Company 2: A second company, this one publicly traded,
similarly saw a significant increase of military benefits in
2009 and 2010. Unfortunately, it is impossible to examine the
increase because the company never tracked the amount of
military educational benefits received prior to 2009, and has
failed to provide a breakdown of how much of the military
educational benefits they receive is from the DoD and how
much is from VA. Similarly, the company failed to provide the
HELP Committee with the number of students receiving military
benefits for any year except 2009, when they stated that they
enrolled 2,764 students receiving military benefits. This
company, which received $1.02 billion in federal financial
aid dollars in 2009, generated $488.8 million in profits, and
spent $120,000 on lobbying in the first three quarters of
2010, has not produced basic information about company
revenues or its student body requested by the HELP Committee.
Supplementing the $1.02 billion in revenues from federal
financial aid dollars the company received in 2009, it is on
pace to receive $101.4 million in federal military
educational benefits in 2010, the highest dollar figure of
any for-profit school. In the first year of Post-9/11 GI Bill
eligibility (August 2009-July 2010), the company's campuses
received at least $79.2 million in benefits just from the
Post-9/11 program for 6,677 students, at an average cost of
$11,855 per student. Like Company 1 discussed above, the
overall student outcomes for this particular school were
poor. For students entering between summer 2008 and summer
2009, 53.1 percent of associate's degree students and 44.5
percent of bachelor's degree students had dropped out by the
summer of 2010, and had dropped out within a median of 90
days, or just under 3 months. The company has a loan
repayment rate of 31 percent with two campuses with repayment
rates of only 4%, and has 11 campuses with 3-year default
rates over 25 percent. Meanwhile, the company's revenues
provided a 37.1 percent profit margin for 2009. Again, these
figures raise a troubling question: Is this school putting
profit ahead of providing our veterans with a quality
education that will lead to a good job?
Company 3: A second publicly traded company also helps to
illustrate the dramatic and recent nature of the increases in
military educational benefits going to for-profit schools, as
well as the cost differentials among the schools. Company 3
received Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for 6,211 students
totaling $47.9 million. Company 2 received benefits for a
comparable 6,677 students, but received $79.2 million in VA
benefits. While Company 3 received an average of $7,710 per
student, Company 2 with similar programs and locations,
received an average of $11,855 per student! Company 3
provided clear data to the Committee showing that in 2006,
the school received benefits from three students under the
DoD Tuition Assistance program and 207 students through VA
programs, for combined military educational revenues of $2.69
million. These numbers remained relatively level through
2009, with six students receiving DoD Tuition Assistance and
148 receiving VA benefits for a total of $1.44 million in
revenues. In 2010, however, the same school enrolled 5,754
veteran students, and received veterans' benefits totaling
$57.99 million. Enrollment of active-duty students receiving
tuition assistance also soared from six students to 148
students receiving $2.43 million in benefits, a significant
one year increase on its own. However, for students entering
in 2008-2009, 56.4 percent of all bachelor's students and
54.3 percent of all associate's students had left Company 3's
schools within one year of enrolling, with the median student
staying 112 days or just under four months. The repayment
rate for the company's student body as a whole is 35 percent.
Looking at individual schools' rapid acceleration in revenues
from both VA and DoD military educational benefits makes
clear that there is a concerted effort to attract students
eligible for military benefits to the schools. It
demonstrates that the increase in funds going to the schools
has occurred very quickly and is likely to continue and
possibly to escalate in the absence of increased oversight by
Congress or the relevant agencies. Given the troubling short-
term outcomes of many of the for-profit schools examined by
the Committee, and the unknown, but potentially troubling
prospects for students completing these programs, very
serious questions exist as to whether our servicemembers and
veterans are receiving the education intended by Congress.
With high tuition rates, and with half, or close to half of
the general student population dropping out in the first
year, it is incumbent on the Congress and the agencies to do
more to ensure that the servicemembers and veterans attending
for-profit schools are in fact getting the promised
educational benefits in exchange for this significant federal
investment.
MILITARY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS RECEIVED BY 30 FOR-PROFIT EDUCATION COMPANIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of
Company Fiscal year Department of Defense Veterans Affairs Total military
education benefits education benefits education benefits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alta Colleges, Inc............................. 2006.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2007.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2008.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2009.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2010.............................. $0.00 $12,794,916.35 $12,794,916.35
2010 Projected.................... $0.00 $15,353,899.62 $15,353,899.62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Career College........................ 2006.............................. $0.00 $1,930.00 $1,930.00
2007.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2008.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2009.............................. $0.00 $186,117.42 $186,117.42
2010.............................. $0.00 $662,251.00 $662,251.00
2010 Projected.................... $0.00 $1,135,287.43 $1,135,287.43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Public Education, Inc................. 2006.............................. $26,438,624.99 $2,241,622.12 $28,680,247.11
2007.............................. $42,666,884.40 $3,293,956.56 $45,960,840.96
2008.............................. $65,338,857.08 $4,807,090.49 $70,145,947.58
2009.............................. $85,377,635.60 $7,194,847.69 $92,572,483.29
2010.............................. $49,070,768.25 $7,070,234.33 $56,141,002.58
2010 Projected.................... $98,141,536.50 $14,140,468.66 $112,282,005.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthem Education Group......................... 2006.............................. $0.00 $27,500.21 $27,500.21
2007.............................. $0.00 $26,272.65 $26,272.65
2008.............................. $0.00 $22,908.17 $22,908.17
2009.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2010.............................. $0.00 $588,476.04 $588,476.04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apollo Group, Inc.............................. 2006.............................. $34,429,054.89 $4,305,292.85 $38,734,347.74
2007.............................. $34,600,039.42 $5,309,996.10 $39,910,035.52
2008.............................. $32,581,190.54 $6,782,860.27 $39,364,050.81
2009.............................. $39,123,465.11 $10,462,349.95 $49,585,815.06
2010.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
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Bridgepoint Education, Inc.*................... 2006.............................. $0.00 $12,366.45 $12,366.45
2007.............................. $0.00 $30,229.09 $30,229.09
2008.............................. $640,590.82 $91,495.61 $732,086.43
2009.............................. $1,926,211.44 $2,225,403.61 $4,151,615.05
2010.............................. $20,593,019.48 $6,139,962.76 $26,732,982.24
2010 Projected.................... $41,186,038.96 $12,279,925.52 $53,465,964.48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capella Education Co........................... 2006.............................. $56,335.00 $375,108.11 $431,443.11
2007.............................. $58,459.40 $318,253.00 $376,712.40
2008.............................. $161,197.00 $381,233.53 $542,430.53
2009.............................. $304,482.05 $2,484,172.59 $2,788,654.64
2010.............................. $174,333.49 $6,173,139.32 $6,347,472.81
2010 Projected.................... $348,666.98 $12,346,278.64 $12,694,945.62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Education Corp.......................... 2006.............................. $7,913,267.48 $15,964,584.60 $23,877,852.08
2007.............................. $7,532,830.67 $13,917,067.94 $21,449,898.61
2008.............................. $7,190,440.67 $15,474,386.19 $22,664,826.86
2009.............................. $10,589,096.30 $27,954,755.10 $38,543,851.40
[[Page S8620]]
2010.............................. $6,710,145.55 $39,433,890.52 $46,144,036.07
2010 Projected.................... $13,420,291.10 $78,867,781.04 $92,288,072.14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chancellor University.......................... 2006.............................. DID NOT EXIST
2007.............................. DID NOT EXIST
2008.............................. DID NOT EXIST
2009.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2010.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.*................ 2006.............................. $21,137.33 $97,271.44 $118,408.77
2007.............................. $17,973.80 $176,478.65 $194,452.45
2008.............................. $86,697.86 $244,802.49 $331,500.35
2009.............................. $185,118.31 $1,002,726.23 $1,187,844.54
2010.............................. $357,937.20 $1,697,880.32 $2,055,817.52
2010 Projected.................... $715,874.40 $3,395,760.64 $4,111,635.04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corinthian Colleges, Inc....................... 2006.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $39,388.00
2007.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $31,133.00
2008.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $64,761.56
2009.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED -$4,927.56
2010.............................. $485,045.00 $15,277,378.79 $15,762,423.79
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DeVry, Inc..................................... 2006.............................. $21,648.55 $2,667,497.87 $2,689,146.42
2007.............................. $42,539.74 $2,161,221.01 $2,203,760.75
2008.............................. $27,035.46 $2,119,896.25 $2,146,931.71
2009.............................. $59,402.67 $1,383,042.43 $1,442,445.10
2010.............................. $2,428,761.15 $55,557,510.47 $57,986,271.62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drake College of Business...................... 2006.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2007.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2008.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2009.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2010.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECPI Colleges, Inc............................. 2006.............................. $1,730,565.36 $1,250,382.30 $2,980,947.66
2007.............................. $2,103,251.46 $1,511,269.18 $3,614,520.64
2008.............................. $1,092,668.22 $1,243,855.32 $2,336,523.54
2009.............................. $1,641,698.50 $1,793,502.79 $3,435,201.29
2010.............................. $3,258,238.06 $19,850,057.30 $23,108,295.36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education America, Inc......................... 2006.............................. $0.00 $59,859.38 $59,859.38
2007.............................. $0.00 $113,752.59 $113,752.59
2008.............................. $44,524.00 $56,082.21 $100,606.21
2009.............................. $18,183.74 $22,690.19 $40,873.93
2010.............................. $340,611.65 $2,562,636.10 $2,903,247.75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education Management Corp...................... 2006.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $217,571.77
2007.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $394,176.02
2008.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $676,842.99
2009.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $2,039,710.81
2010.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $52,469,077.71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Canyon Education, Inc.................... 2006.............................. $220,528.58 $0.00 $220,528.58
2007.............................. $470,346.33 $0.00 $470,346.33
2008.............................. $738,209.25 $0.00 $738,209.25
2009.............................. $1,637,330.33 $0.00 $1,637,330.33
2010.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henley-Putnam University....................... 2006.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2007.............................. $21,279.00 $54,573.00 $75,852.00
2008.............................. $172,581.00 $347,384.00 $519,965.00
2009.............................. $295,592.00 $853,003.00 $1,148,595.00
2010.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Herzing Educational System..................... 2006.............................. $7,320.00 $0.00 $7,320.00
2007.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2008.............................. $2,750.00 $268,649.33 $271,399.33
2009.............................. $32,676.00 $772,004.18 $804,680.18
2010.............................. $46,000.00 $871,401.97 $917,401.97
2010 Projected.................... $75,306.96 $1,426,578.94 $1,501,885.90
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITT Educational Services, Inc.................. 2006.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2007.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2008.............................. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2009.............................. $0.00 $20,852,677.99 $20,852,677.99
2010.............................. $0.00 $50,696,494.57 $50,696,494.57
2010 Projected ................... $0.00 $101,392,989.14 $101,392,989.14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaplan Higher Education (Owned by Washington 2006.............................. $2,089,589.51 $498,798.23 $2,588,387.74
Post Co.).
2007.............................. $2,369,904.04 $425,830.28 $2,795,734.32
2008.............................. $2,418,545.39 $404,151.80 $2,822,697.19
2009.............................. $5,972,872.54 $4,402,022.45 $10,374,894.99
2010.............................. $6,331,145.68 $18,124,289.68 $24,455,435.36
2010 Projected.................... $12,662,291.36 $36,248,579.36 $48,910,870.72
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keiser University.............................. 2006.............................. $111,165.68 $321,450.19 $432,615.87
2007.............................. $86,536.96 $518,763.27 $605,300.23
2008.............................. $37,662.86 $803,384.53 $841,047.39
2009.............................. $105,582.62 $2,055,617.94 $2,161,200.56
2010.............................. $241,513.31 $4,000,701.62 $4,242,214.93
2010 Projected.................... $483,026.62 $8,001,403.24 $8,484,429.86
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laureate Education, Inc.+...................... 2006.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
2007.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
2008.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
2009.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
2010.............................. NO DATA PROVIDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lincoln Educational Services Co................ 2006.............................. $32,459.33 $228,605.96 $261,065.29
2007.............................. $76,337.52 $373,731.31 $450,068.83
2008.............................. $70,674.03 $348,491.30 $419,165.33
2009.............................. $178,680.11 $1,692,342.53 $1,871,022.64
2010.............................. $150,709.45 $4,308,982.78 $4,459,692.23
2010 Projected.................... $301,418.90 $8,617,965.56 $8,919,384.46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National American University Holdings, Inc..... 2006.............................. $1,509,102.41 $137,834.34 $1,646,936.75
2007.............................. $1,657,352.56 $52,521.02 $1,709,873.58
2008.............................. $1,574,078.54 $55,651.56 $1,629,730.10
2009.............................. $1,682,427.90 $69,326.60 $1,751,754.50
2010.............................. $1,586,327.84 $1,159,039.09 $2,745,366.93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page S8621]]
Rasmussen, Inc................................. 2006.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $132,175.72
2007.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $166,960.14
2008.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $234,823.43
2009.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $444,169.05
2010.............................. NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $4,004,291.44
2010 Projected.................... NO BREAKOUT PROVIDED $5,339,055.25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strayer Education, Inc.+....................... 2006.............................. $2,962,040.38 NO DATA PROVIDED $2,962,040.38
2007.............................. $3,741,602.49 NO DATA PROVIDED $3,741,602.49
2008.............................. $4,516,986.99 NO DATA PROVIDED $4,516,986.99
2009.............................. $5,347,676.78 $5,385,138.68 $10,732,815.46
2010.............................. $3,335,773.12 $16,999,607.55 $20,335,380.67
2010 Projected.................... $6,671,546.24 $33,999,215.10 $40,670,761.34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TUI University................................. 2006.............................. DID NOT EXIST
2007.............................. DID NOT EXIST
2008.............................. $16,609,992.55 $3,234,619.17 $19,844,611.72
2009.............................. $33,227,991.92 $5,868,491.67 $39,096,483.59
2010.............................. $38,595,867.15 $7,155,399.56 $45,751,266.72
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Universal Technical Institute, Inc............. 2006.............................. $100,315.40 $1,492,759.54 $1,593,074.94
2007.............................. $160,044.19 $1,390,395.57 $1,550,439.76
2008.............................. $206,405.79 $1,403,107.49 $1,609,513.28
2009.............................. $209,842.94 $2,091,255.61 $2,301,098.55
2010.............................. $126,534.10 $10,701,869.77 $10,828,403.87
2010 Projected.................... $151,840.92 $12,842,243.72 $12,994,084.64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vatterott Educational Centers, Inc.*........... 2006.............................. $0.00 $801,274.13 $801,274.13
2007.............................. $0.00 $733,508.98 $733,508.98
2008.............................. $0.00 $720,618.66 $720,618.66
2009.............................. $0.00 $1,468,029.08 $1,468,029.08
2010.............................. $0.00 $1,934,796.33 $1,934,796.33
2010 Projected.................... $0.00 $3,869,592.66 $3,869,592.66
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes VA vocational rehabilitation funds.
+ Data combined with student cash payments.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.
DREAM ACT
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish to share a few thoughts about the
legislation that I understand we will be voting on--at least voting on
cloture--later this afternoon, and that is the DREAM Act. One of the
major themes of the recent election was an idea revolving around an
idea set forth in the Declaration of Independence--the idea that is a
bedrock principle of our country--and that is the government derives
its just powers from the consent of the governed.
Many Americans have believed for some time now that Washington has
become disconnected from the people it serves. Indeed, a recent poll
found that only one in five Americans believes the government is
operating with the consent of the governed.
Now, on the heels of a historic midterm election, the Democratic
leadership in this lameduck session is, I believe, further eroding
those bonds of trust by refusing to listen and moving an amnesty bill
that violates a clear American view that border security should be
first. The American people are correct in that. It is not negative,
mean-spirited. The American people understand, and I think Congress is
coming to understand also, that ending the lawlessness at our borders
is the first thing that must be done, and at some point after that we
can then wrestle with what to do about people here illegally or else we
are surrendering to lawlessness.
So our Democratic leaders have introduced now four versions of the
DREAM Act in just the last 2 months--three in the last 2 or 3 days--a
shell game that abuses the process. We have not had hearings on it in 7
years. Meanwhile, the DREAM Act has been proposed as a bill for
ambitious youth on a track to graduate from high school or college and
join the military. But the truth is far different from that talking
point.
In reality, the DREAM Act would grant nearly unrestricted amnesty--a
guaranteed path to citizenship--to millions of illegal aliens--adults
and youth alike. They do not even need a high school diploma. They
certainly do not need a college degree. And they do not need to join
the military. In fact, the bill's eligibility provisions are so broad
that even repeat criminal offenders would fall within its loose
requirements and qualify for this masked amnesty.
The public has pleaded with Congress time and again to secure the
border, but those pleas have been ignored by those who have been
pushing this bill. Why aren't we seeing calls for that? Americans want
us first to enforce the laws we have, but the bill will reward and
encourage the violation of American laws. Americans want Congress to
end the lawlessness, but this bill would have us surrender to it. It is
a give-up type of approach.
Consider the DREAM Act's core features. It is not limited to children
first. Illegal aliens as old as 30 or 35, depending on the bill, are
eligible on the date of enactment, and they remain eligible to apply at
any future age, as the registration window does not close. One does not
need a high school diploma, a college degree, or military service. A
person here illegally can receive indefinite legal status as long as
they have a GED--the alternative to a high school diploma. They can
receive that in a foreign language, and they can receive permanent
legal status and a guaranteed path to citizenship as long as they then
complete 2 years of college or trade school, but their status changes
upon application after having a GED.
My faithful staff has just discovered and made a copy of this Google
page, and it had 273,000 hits. The title of it is ``Fake Diploma,'' and
it has places on here that one could obtain a fake diploma, fake
degree, fake diplomas. Or how about another one: fake diplomas, fake
degrees, fake GEDs, high school diplomas. Buy a GED, high school
diploma, college diploma, college transcript, college degrees or high
school transcripts at Diploma Company, your online source. It goes on
down there: Fake diploma, fake diploma, fast delivery, fake diploma,
transcript, birth certificate.
So this is not going to be easy to enforce. I would assure you we
have insufficient personnel to go out and run down all these matters.
One version of the DREAM Act offers illegal aliens instate tuition,
for which many Americans are not eligible. All four versions that are
now pending provide illegal aliens with Federal education benefits,
such as work-study programs, Federal student loans, and access to
public colleges. These are already funded. We would like to have more
money for these loan programs. But it has to be spread out, and the
budget is tight. So more illegal aliens would then be rewarded by these
programs.
The CBO--the Congressional Budget Office--has said the bill, over
time, would add $5 billion to the national debt. But I believe the
number is likely to be higher because CBO clearly failed to account for
a number of major cost factors with the DREAM Act, including public
education costs, chain migration, and fraud. Nor does the CBO take
[[Page S8622]]
into account what history has proven--that passing amnesty will
incentivize even more illegality and lawlessness at the border.
I wish it weren't so, but experience teaches us that it is. If you
are here illegally, and you have a young brother, a nephew, they can
get into our country and get into a high school. They can't deny them
if they are here illegally. So they can get a degree or GED, and they
are put on a guaranteed path to citizenship. At the point that occurs,
they can even make application for their family member to be given a
priority--the one who was here illegally to begin with, who brought
them here. That is the reality under our immigration procedure.
In addition, the CBO assumes a large portion of these individuals
will obtain jobs, but there is no job surplus today. Indeed, there is a
surplus of labor that can't find employment. So this score does not
count unemployed American citizens who can't get jobs because of
additional competition. Estimates conservatively say between 1.3 and
2.1 million illegal aliens will be immediately eligible for the DREAM
Act's amnesty. But that number will grow significantly, as the bill has
no cap or sunset. Moreover, those who do obtain legal status can do the
same for their relatives, as I indicated.
Many with criminal records will also be eligible for the DREAM Act's
amnesty. They simply must have less than three misdemeanor violations--
less than three. Those potentially eligible would include drunk
drivers, gang members, even those who have committed certain sexual
offenses. Many of those are misdemeanors. And the most recent version
of the bill also gives the Secretary of Homeland Security broad
authority to wave ineligibility for even the most severe criminal
offenders and those who pose even a threat to national security.
Mr. President, I was a Federal prosecutor and State attorney general.
I know for a fact that every day, for a host of reasons--maybe a
witness didn't show up, maybe the caseload is overwhelming--prosecutors
allow people to plead to misdemeanors when the offense they have
actually committed is a felony. So allowing a person to have three
misdemeanors is a serious loophole and does not suggest that the
criminal activity they have been participating in is insignificant or
nonconsequential.
Surprisingly, those who commit document fraud or who lie to
immigration authorities are eligible for the amnesty as well. This is
particularly troubling as it contains a potential loophole for high-
risk individuals to be placed on a pathway to citizenship. One of the
warning signs missed prior to 9/11 was the fraudulent visa applications
submitted by the 9/11 hijackers.
The DREAM Act even contains a safe harbor provision that would
prevent many applicants from being removed as long as their application
is pending, even if they have a serious criminal record. This provision
would dramatically hinder our Federal authorities and will undoubtedly
unleash a torrent of costly litigation.
One of the things that has been happening too much is what we call
catch-and-release. People are apprehended and placed in jail and then
they are released--illegal aliens--and told to report back to the court
for a final disposition of their case. Not surprisingly, over 90
percent--I think 94 percent--don't show up. So when we allow these
processes to be delayed significantly, it reduces the ability of the
law enforcement officials to be able to process cases, and it allows
many to be released on bail, whereupon they abscond and do not return.
Mr. President, how much time is left on this side?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Twelve seconds.
Mr. SESSIONS. Twelve seconds. I thank the Chair.
So, Mr. President, this country needs to end the lawlessness, and
after that is done--and it can be done shortly--the American people
want us to wrestle with how to handle people who have entered our
country illegally. The reverse is not true.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.
Mr. SESSIONS. They do not want us providing amnesty before the border
is secure.
I thank the Chair, and I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I see the minority leader, Senator
McConnell, is on the floor. I will make a unanimous consent request,
but I want to make certain he has his opportunity to speak.
So I would ask unanimous consent that after Senator McConnell has
completed his remarks, I be given 10 minutes to speak, and an equal
amount of time offered to the Republican side of the aisle, before the
first rollcall vote.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Mr. McCONNELL. Did the Senator say 10 minutes?
Mr. DURBIN. Ten minutes each side, and I would offer the same amount
to your side.
Mr. McCONNELL. I would say to my friend from Illinois, we don't need
10 minutes.
Mr. DURBIN. Then I ask for 10 minutes to speak after the Senator has
completed his remarks.
Mr. McCONNELL. Is my friend from Illinois asking a consent?
Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent after Senator McConnell completes
his remarks that I have 10 minutes to speak, and I believe we will be
able to accommodate everyone's schedule.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I am just going to proceed for a couple
minutes on my leader time.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is recognized.
DEMOCRATIC MISPLACED PRIORITIES
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is perfectly clear our friends on
the other side are more interested in pleasing special interest groups
than in addressing our Nation's job crisis. Once again, they are
insisting the Senate spend its last remaining days before the end of
the session voting on a liberal grab bag of proposals that are designed
to fail. They don't even intend to pass these items. They just want to
show they care enough to hold these show votes, which raises a
question: Are we here to perform or are we here to legislate?
Our friends have focused on partisan votes for 4 years now.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans have lost jobs and homes and in many
cases hope. The Nation's debt has skyrocketed through misguided
programs Americans did not want. It is time to put them aside and
actually accomplish something the American people support. It is time
to give back the legislative process to the people who sent us here.
That means preventing a tax hike that is about to slam every working
American. It means doing something to address the jobs crisis, to give
families and small businesses the tools they need to revive this
economy and get people back to work. It is time to end the posturing
and to work together to accomplish something, not for the liberal base,
for the vast middle of America that needs us.
The White House has signaled its concern over the economy, that its
policies are not helping, and that it is time to work with Republicans
on forging a new path. We have reached a bipartisan agreement. It is
time Democrats in Congress reach a similar conclusion and enable us to
act for the good of the whole country. Americans are counting on us.
They have waited long enough.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Manchin). The Senator from Illinois.
The DREAM Act
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I thank the minority for giving me this
opportunity to speak. Later in this queue of votes there will be a vote
on an issue known as the DREAM Act. I introduced this bill 10 years
ago. What I am attempting to do in this bill is to try to resolve an
item of great injustice in America.
All across this country are young boys and girls, young men and women
who came to this country with their parents when they were only
children, who were brought in by parents who were here in illegal
status. They could have been parents who came here on a student visa
and stayed beyond when
[[Page S8623]]
they were supposed to. But the children have been raised in America.
They have grown up in this country.
I learned of this issue in Chicago when a young Korean-American
mother called and said: My daughter, I brought her here when she was 2
years old and I never filed any paperwork. She just completed high
school. She has been accepted at Juilliard School of Music. She is an
accomplished pianist. What should I do?
When I contacted our immigration authorities, they said: Send her
back to Korea. She is not an American citizen. She has no status in
this country.
Multiply that story many times over and you will know why I
introduced the DREAM Act. If you or I were driving down the highway and
speeding, pulled over by a policeman and given a ticket, we would
understand it. But if they also gave a ticket to your young daughter in
the backseat, you would say: That is not fair. She wasn't driving.
These children were not driving when their parents came to America, but
they have been trying to drive through the obstacles that are here for
all new immigrants into this country, and they have achieved some
remarkable things.
I met these young men and women across America. They are inspiring in
terms of what they achieve coming from poor immigrant families. They
are the valedictorians of their classes, they are presidents and stars
on the sports teams and the people who win the college bowls and they
are undocumented. They have no country and they have no place to go.
So we said, in the name of compassion and justice, give these young
people a chance. I introduced the bill 10 years ago and I have been
fighting ever since to pass it and this afternoon we will have the
chance to move to this bill, the DREAM Act. But we don't make it easy
on these young people. Despite the fact that half the Hispanics in this
country today do not graduate from high school, we require, for
example, that all children covered by the DREAM Act must graduate from
high school. As to this argument by the Senator from Alabama that they
may go to a phony or fake high school, let me tell you these young
people are going to be carefully scrutinized. They have to meet the
test.
That is not all they have to meet. There will be other tests too.
Have they been guilty of a felony or criminal activity beyond simple
misdemeanors? It disqualifies them.
Have they engaged in voter fraud or unlawful voting? It disqualifies
them. Have they committed marriage fraud? It disqualifies them. Have
they abused the student visa? It disqualifies them. Have they engaged
in any kind of activity that would create a public health risk? It
disqualifies them.
For 10 years, these young people will have a chance to do one of two
things: To enlist in our military--think of that. We have young
undocumented people in this country today who are willing to risk their
lives to serve in the U.S. military alongside our heroes, our men and
women currently serving.
Let me tell you the story of one I have met. This is Cesar Vargas.
This is an extraordinary young man who came to New York at the age of
5, brought here by his parents. When 9/11 occurred, Cesar Vargas went
down to the recruiters' office and said: I want to sign up. I want to
fight for my country.
They said: Mr. Vargas, this is not your country. You may have lived
here all your life, but you have no place here. You cannot enlist.
He was disappointed, but he didn't quit. He went on to finish
college. He is now in law school. Cesar Vargas is a student at the City
University of New York School of Law, where he has a 3.0 GPA. He is
fluent in Spanish, Italian, French and English and he is mastering
Cantonese and Russian. When he graduates from law school, he will be a
choice candidate at some major law firm, but that isn't what he wants
to do. He wants to enlist in the military of the United States of
America. He cannot do it today because Cesar Vargas, who has lived his
entire life, to his knowledge, in this country, has no country. The
DREAM Act will give him a chance to volunteer to serve America. If he
does, it puts him on a path to become a citizen. I think that is fair.
We also say that if a young person completes 2 years of college, we
will put them on the path to legalization. Do you know what percentage
of undocumented students go to college today? Five percent, 1 out of
20. It is a huge obstacle for these people. Yet they are prepared to
clear that obstacle and, if they do, they will wait for 10 years with
conditional immigrant status. What does it mean? They have no legal
rights for 10 years, even if they do these things--enlist in the
military or go on to finish 2 years of college. For 10 years, they
cannot draw a Pell grant, a Federal student loan, no Medicaid, no
government health programs--they don't qualify for any of it for 10
years. Then, we put them in a process of another 3 years of close
examination and scrutiny before they reach the stage of legalization--
13 years.
Do you know what. Some of them are going to make that journey
successfully because that is who they are. If you meet these young
people, you will understand some of the things said on the floor are so
wrong. These are the most energetic, idealistic young people you can
meet in your life. They are tomorrow's lawyers and doctors and
engineers. That is why major business groups have endorsed this
legislation, saying we need this talent pool. That is why the Secretary
of Defense has endorsed this legislation, saying we need these young
men and women in our military to serve our Nation. We can give them a
chance to serve, we can put them on a road that will be difficult but
no more difficult than what they have gone through in their lives or we
can say, no, wait for another day.
Some of my colleagues have said we will take up the DREAM Act once
the borders of America are safe. I have signed up for every bill,
virtually everything that has been proposed to make our borders safe.
Come July, we put $600 million more into border protection. I didn't
object. Do it. Let's make our borders safe. But for goodness' sake, is
it fair to say to these young people you cannot have a life until our
borders are the safest in the world, when we have the longest border in
the world between the United States and Mexico? Keep working on making
those borders safe but give these young people a chance. These people
embody what I consider to be the immigrant spirit which makes America
what it is today.
I am proud to stand here as the 47th Senator from Illinois and the
son of an immigrant. My mother came to this country at the age of 2
from Lithuania, and I thank God her mom and dad had the courage to get
on that boat and come over here and fight the odds and give me a chance
to become an American citizen and a Senator.
That is what America is about. That is the story of our country, the
strength, the determination of these immigrants and their children.
These people are important to our future. These young men and women
deserve that chance, and we will have an opportunity today. I know some
vote against it for a variety of reasons, and I don't question their
motives at all, but I hope they get a chance to meet these young
people. They are all over Capitol Hill. They do not have paid
lobbyists. They are walking around, usually in graduation gowns and
mortar boards because that is what they want, a chance to go to school
and improve themselves. If you meet them and talk to them, you will be
convinced, as I am, that this is the single best thing we can do for
the future of our country, the single best thing we can do in the name
of justice. This is our current challenge when it comes to the future
of immigration.
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ignore and set
aside some of the arguments that have been made that do not stand up to
scrutiny. To understand what we are doing in this bill is to give these
young people a chance but to hold them to a standard which very few of
us can live up to. We want to make sure they apply within 1 year of
this bill passing. We want to make sure they have their chance to
succeed. When they do, we will be a better nation for it.
All across this country the leaders at universities and colleges tell
us these are the young people we want who will make this a better
nation. Some of the arguments that have been made suggest this is going
to be a piece of cake, it is so easy for these young people. It will
not be. It will be a hard process and a difficult road to follow. But
in the name of justice, in the name of fairness, give these young
people a
[[Page S8624]]
chance--a chance to be part of this great country.
Every single one of us, but for those who were Native Americans here
long before the White people arrived, have come to this country as
immigrants--not this generation perhaps but in previous generations.
Those who were African American have come against their will. The fact
is, they are here, and they are what makes America the great Nation it
is. Our diversity is our strength and these young people are as strong
as they come.
Let's pass the DREAM Act. Let's make these dreams come true. Let's
stand, once and for all, and say this just Nation not only has room but
welcomes all this talent that has come to our shores.
I yield the floor.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the DREAM
Act. This important legislation would give eligible young people, who
were brought to the United States as children, the opportunity to
contribute meaningfully to the United States.
This bill addresses just one small piece of the immigration debate,
but it has a profound impact on the lives of undocumented youth. I have
supported the DREAM Act since it was first introduced in 2001 by
Senators Hatch and Durbin. Since then, the DREAM Act has had wide
bipartisan support. It passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee
twice.
Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented youth graduate from
American high schools. Most of these undocumented youth did not make a
choice to come to the United States; they were brought here by their
parents. Many of these young people grew up in the United States and
have little or no memory of the countries they came from. They are
hard-working young people dedicated to their education or serving in
the Nation's military. They have stayed out of trouble. Some are
valedictorians and honor roll students; some are community leaders, and
have an unwavering commitment to serving the United States.
Through no fault of their own, these young individuals lack the
immigration status they need to realize their potential. Because of
their undocumented status, they are ineligible to serve in the military
and face tremendous obstacles to attending college. For many, English
is their first language and they are just like every other American
student.
Now reaching adulthood, these young people are left with a dead end.
They can't use their educations to contribute to their communities.
They can't serve the country they call home by volunteering for
military service.
The DREAM Act provides an opportunity for these students to fulfill
the American dream. It would permit students to become permanent
residents if they came here as children, are long-term U.S. residents,
have good moral character, and attend college or enlist in the military
for 2 years.
These students would have to wait for 10 years before becoming lawful
permanent residents and undergo background and security checks and pay
any back taxes. This is a multistep process, not a free pass.
In addition, DREAM Act eligible students would not be eligible for in
State tuition at State colleges and universities or Federal education
grants. These students would only be eligible for Federal work study
and student loans.
The DREAM Act also contains tough criminal penalties for fraud and
excludes students from participation in health insurance exchanges,
Medicaid, food stamps, and other entitlement programs.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the DREAM Act would
increase Federal revenues by $2.3 billion over 10 years and increase
net direct spending by $912 million between 2011 and 2020. In addition,
the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation
estimate that enacting the bill would reduce deficits by about $1.4
billion over 10 years.
I would like to tell you about a few college students in California,
who would benefit from the DREAM Act.
Arthur Mkoian came to the United States from Armenia with
his mother when he was 3 years old. Arthur attended Bullard
High School in California, maintaining a 4.0 grade point
average. Arthur graduated in 2008 as his class valedictorian.
He is now in his second year at U.C. Davis, majoring in
biochemistry. Arthur maintains A grades, and is on the Dean's
Merit List. He hopes to continue on to study medicine, but
without the DREAM Act, his future remains uncertain.
Nayely Arreola came to the United States with her parents
and younger brother in 1989, when she was only 3 years old.
Her family made their home in California, working hard to
succeed. The family was taken advantage of by a negligent
immigration attorney, who was later disbarred, who took away
their chance to legalize their status. Despite this, Nayely
is an excellent student. She was the first member of her
family to graduate high school and went on to graduate from
Fresno Pacific University. While she was in college, Nayely
maintained outstanding grades and became president of her
class.
Ivan Rosales came to the United States when he was 10
months old. His family settled in San Bernardino, CA, where
Ivan excelled in school. He found out about his undocumented
status in the 7th grade when he could not accept an award he
earned at a science fair because he didn't have a Social
Security number. Ivan is a presidential scholar who graduated
within the top 1 percent of high school graduates in San
Bernardino County. He is currently a senior at the California
State University and is a pre-med biology major. He hopes to
become a doctor in the army someday and says that it would be
an honor to provide care to the brave men and women risking
their lives for this country.
The United States is worse off if it lets the talents of these young
people go to waste. They have demonstrated their commitment to this
country's ideals through their academic success, leadership, and
dedication to their communities. It is in the Nation's best interest to
provide talented young people the ability to become full members of our
society.
The DREAM Act has widespread support from labor, business, education,
civil rights, and religious groups, who recognize that the potential of
these young people should not be lost.
The presidents and chancellors of several universities including the
University of California, California State University, the University
of Washington, Arizona State University, the University of Minnesota,
the University of Utah, and Washington State University recently wrote
a joint letter expressing their support of the DREAM Act. In that
letter, they state that in this age of international economic
competition, ``the U.S. needs all of the talent that it can acquire and
these students represent an extraordinary resource for the country . .
. it is an economic imperative.''
Businesses such as the Microsoft Corporation support the DREAM Act.
The Microsoft Corporation believes in the DREAM Act because, ``It is
essential to our nation's competitiveness and success to nurture the
talent we have and to incorporate bright, hardworking students into the
workforce to become the next generation of leaders in this country.''
Retired GEN Colin Powell, a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and a former Secretary of State, and other current and former
military leaders support the DREAM Act because it would greatly enhance
military recruitment. The DREAM Act is included in the Department of
Defense's fiscal year 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to help the military
``shape and maintain a mission-ready All Volunteer Force.''
In 2006, then-Under Secretary of Defense David Chu testified that
many of the DREAM Act eligible students have the attributes needed in
the military--``education, aptitude, fitness, and moral
qualifications.'' They should not be prevented from joining the
military because of their undocumented status.
These students have been raised in the United States and educated
here. Often times, they did not choose to be here, but this is the only
home they know. They have worked hard to graduate from high school
under adversity. Many are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to
serve in the military of this country--the country they feel is their
own. They are class presidents, gifted athletes and musicians, aspiring
scientists, engineers, teachers, and physicians. We should not put up a
barrier to their potential to give back to this country. Instead, we
should pass the DREAM Act and allow these students to succeed.
Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, one of the many values that makes America
so great is that no matter where we start off from in life, we believe
that we all deserve to have a shot at the American dream.
We all deserve an opportunity to work hard, support our families, and
give back to the Nation that has been there for us all of our lives.
[[Page S8625]]
This is an American value I cherish. It is one I feel very strongly
we ought to maintain and strengthen. And it's why I stand here today to
talk about the DREAM Act, which would help us do exactly that.
This bill is about giving those that know no other country but the
United States an opportunity.
An opportunity to give back as a successful member of society, an
opportunity to serve in the military and to risk their lives to defend
the values we hold dear, an opportunity to reach a legal status that
allows them to come out of the shadows, and an opportunity to reap the
benefits of the fact that they have worked hard and played by the
rules.
The DREAM Act would allow a select group of undocumented students a
path to become permanent residents if they came to this country as
children, are long-term U.S. residents, have good moral character, and
attend college for at least 2 years or enlist in the military.
Under this bill, tens of thousands of well-qualified potential
recruits would become eligible for military service for the first time.
These are young people who love our country and are eager to serve in
the Armed Forces during a time of war.
It would also make qualified students eligible for temporary legal
immigration status upon high school graduation which would lead to
permanent residency if they attend college.
And most importantly--it would tell young people--who have studied,
who have worked multiple jobs, who have often overcome poverty and
hurdles that few other young people face--that the American dream is
alive and well.
This is about our values as a Nation.
But it is also about real communities. And real people in my home
State of Washington and across the country.
I recently heard from a student named Jessica who is a senior at
Washington State University.
Jessica shared how she is on the verge of completing her degree and
would like nothing more than to continue on to get her master's degree
in education so she could give back to her community.
But like so many young people who would benefit from passage of this
bill, for Jessica this is simply not a reality.
Because we cannot move this bill, Jessica's dream of helping to
improve our education system has been dashed.
Jessica writes that while the rest of her classmates attend career
fairs and interviews she battles with the nightmare of having to do
menial labor for the rest of her life or returning to a country she has
never known.
She ended her letter about the chance this bill would provide her by
saying the following:
The DREAM Act is the only hope that I have to be a
productive citizen in the future.
I am amazingly thankful for the opportunities that this
country has offered me and my family and the only thing that
I want to do is to give back.
I would like to be given the opportunity and privilege to
be able to obtain the American Dream which is entitled to the
citizens of this beautiful country.
Please don't continue to close the doors on exemplary
individuals.
We want to become a part of this nation and continue to
live on the values and principles written in the Constitution
because this is the only way we know.
The only way that can happen--the only way any of these young people
can get that shot--is if we pass this bill.
Jessica is just one of the young people whose life this affects--but
I have received hundreds of stories just like hers.
And this issue touches so many more across the country.
This bill is a first step towards fixing an immigration system that
is clearly broken with real solutions that will help real people.
And for me, this isn't just about immigration, it is about what type
of country we want to be.
America has long been a beacon of hope for people across the world.
And I believe that to keep that beacon bright we need to make sure
young people are given a shot at the American dream.
The dream that was there for me, that is there for my children and
grandchild, and that is there for millions of others across this great
country.
So once again, I am calling on Senate Republicans to end their long
efforts to block this legislation.
Let's pass this bill today. Let's allow young people who have lived
nearly their entire lives here to help boost our economy, help enrich
our schools, and help defend our country.
Let's get back to common sense.
And let's keep working toward comprehensive immigration reform that
helps our economy, affords the opportunities we have offered to
generations of immigrants, maintains those great American values that I
hold so dear, and improves our security.
Mr. BROWN of Massachusetts. Mr. President, I come to the floor today
because I have not forgotten what happened on September 11, 2001. I
have not forgotten the brave men and women who risked their lives and
lost their lives on that fateful day when 19 men brought the fight
against terrorism to our American shores.
Today the Senate held a procedural vote on whether to proceed to a
House bill that would create a program dedicated exclusively to provide
screening and treatment to the first responders and other men and women
who participated in rescue efforts at the World Trade Center.
As I have said repeatedly, the intent of the House bill and the work
of my colleague, Mrs. Gillibrand, are honorable and good. As I have
said in every meeting that I have held--whether meeting with
firefighters and police officers in Massachusetts, whether it be with
Mayor Bloomberg of New York City or New York City Police Commissioner
Kelly--I support their efforts and their good work and dedication to
make sure that none of the heroes from September 11, 2001, are left
behind or forgotten.
We should not forget the lives that were lost that day. The lives
that were risked that day. And those who continue to live with scars
from that day. And I can assure you, we won't.
I agree with my colleague, Mrs. Gillibrand that the House bill is a
good start on how we can provide benefits to the first responders but
that we need to do so in a realistic and pragmatic way.
Like many of my colleagues, I do not agree with how the House
proposes to pay for these benefits. Taxing businesses--especially in
this economic environment--is not a realistic way to generate revenue.
And I think my colleague from New York and others agree that raising
taxes on businesses to the tune of billions of dollars is neither
appropriate nor realistic.
I am encouraged that the Senators from New York are serious about
seeking a compromise and finding an alternative mechanism to provide a
funding source. They have offered additional ideas for how we can
provide these benefits. And I have offered ideas on how we can provide
these benefits. This is not an easy task. Finding nearly $8 billion in
funding that will garner enough support in the Senate is not easy.
I remain committed to working with my colleagues on this issue.
Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to speak in support of the
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, a bipartisan measure
that will guarantee our Nation's law enforcement officers, firefighters
and emergency medical personnel the right to bargain collectively with
their employers. I have been proud to work with Senator Gregg on this
important legislation for many years. I also want to acknowledge my
good friend, Senator Ted Kennedy, who long championed this bill.
Now more than ever, the risks taken by our first responders are
greater than they have ever been. From the increased risk of terrorist
attacks, to the catastrophic hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires that
have ravaged our country from coast to coast, each and every day we ask
more from our emergency workers, and they always rise to the challenge.
These are people who have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving
their communities--making the streets safe, fighting fires, providing
prehospital emergency medical care, conducting search-and-rescue
missions when a building collapses or a natural disaster occurs,
responding to hazardous materials emergencies, and so much more.
The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act provides these
brave men and women with basic rights to bargain collectively, a right
that workers in many other industries have
[[Page S8626]]
used effectively to improve relations with their supervisors. This bill
is carefully crafted to allow States a great deal of flexibility to
implement plans that will work best from them. All it requires is that
States provide public safety workers with the most basic collective
bargaining rights--the right to form and join unions and to
collectively bargain over wages, hours, and working conditions. It also
will require a mechanism for settling any labor disputes. These are
rights that a majority of States, including my home State of
Connecticut, already provide these workers, and this bill does nothing
to interfere with States whose laws already provide these fundamental
rights.
This bill will allow States to continue enforcing right-to-work laws
they may have on the books, which prohibit contracts requiring union
membership as a condition of employment. This bill even allows States
to entirely exempt small communities with fewer than 5,000 residents or
fewer than 25 full-time employees.
Importantly, this bill takes every precaution to ensure that the
right to collectively bargain will not interfere with the critical role
these workers play in keeping our communities safe. It explicitly
prohibits any strikes, lockouts, or other work stoppages. But the key
to this bill is truly to foster a cooperative atmosphere between our
first responders and the agencies they work for. Cooperation between
labor and management will inevitably lead to public safety agencies
being better able to serve their communities. Unions can help ensure
that vital public services run smoothly during a crisis, and this bill
will further that goal.
I would add that this legislation enjoys enormous bipartisan support.
During the 110th Congress, the House passed it by a vote of 314-97, and
the Senate voted to invoke cloture by a vote of 69-29. In the 111th
Congress, the Cooperation Act has five Republican cosponsors, including
the lead sponsor, Senator Gregg. Moreover, the House version has 50
Republican cosponsors. In an era that is all too often dominated by
party-line votes, this is an extraordinary show of support from both
parties. That is because we recognize the unique and essential role
these workers play in every single community, and we recognize that by
granting them these basic rights they will be able to better serve
those communities.
This bill addresses some of the most critical concerns of our
Nation's first responders. It goes beyond negotiating wages, hours and
benefits. In this circumstance, for this group of people, it means so
much more. It means that the men and women who run into burning
buildings, resuscitate accident victims, and patrol the streets of our
towns and cities can sit down with their supervisors to relate their
real life experiences. They can discuss their concerns and use their
on-the-ground expertise to help improve their service to the community.
Granting our first responders this basic right is not only in their
best interest--it is in all of our best interests. It will allow these
men and women to better serve their communities by fostering a spirit
of cooperation with the agencies and towns that employ them.
When tragedies have struck us, from the September 11 attacks to
Hurricane Katrina, it is these workers who are the first people on the
scene and the last to leave. We owe them everything, and all they have
asked of us in return is dignity and respect in the workplace. They
stand with us every single day on the job, and it is time we stand with
them. I urge all my colleagues to join me and the millions of first
responders who form the backbone of our Nation's homeland security by
voting to pass this crucial legislation.
Cloture Motion
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under
rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion to invoke
cloture.
The bill clerk read as follows:
Cloture Motion
We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the
provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
hereby move to bring to a close debate on the motion to
proceed to Calendar No. 662, S. 3991, the Public Safety
Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2010.
Harry Reid, Patrick J. Leahy, Tom Harkin, Carl Levin,
Daniel K. Inouye, Richard J. Durbin, Byron L. Dorgan,
Jack Reed, Jeff Bingaman, Dianne Feinstein, Mark
Begich, Robert Menendez, Daniel K. Akaka, Sherrod
Brown, Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray, Debbie
Stabenow, Barbara Boxer.
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, parliamentary inquiry: Was there 10
minutes to both sides?
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Senator McConnell said his side did not
want the 10 minutes.
Mr. SESSIONS. I ask unanimous consent to have 3 additional minutes
before we vote.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is
so ordered. The Senator from Alabama.
Mr. SESSIONS. Just briefly, I would say to my distinguished
colleague, Senator Durbin, who I know cares deeply about this issue, I
think there is not an injustice today. The law is if you are born here,
even from illegal parents, you are a citizen. But if you come into the
country or are brought into the country, you are here illegally. That
is what the law is. It is not an injustice to enforce the law.
No. 2, I would note that millions of people apply and wait for
citizenship, but these individuals who came illegally--maybe at age 14,
15, 16--apply and get to the head of the line over people who have
waited for a long time. I do not know that that is justice.
The military already allows people who are not citizens and people
who are illegally in the country to join the military and they are
given citizenship.
Lots of them achieve citizenship that way. This bill is not necessary
to do that. For 10 years, the cost is scored by CBO. It is $5 billion.
There is a cost. In addition, for Pell grants--these are grants, not
loans students get to go to college--these individuals would be
eligible for those as soon as they get in college, after even a GED
instead of a high school diploma.
This idea that we are already doing enough at the border and we are
doing everything that is possible, I would note this administration has
not completed the fence Congress authorized. We are not deporting
people effectively. They have sued the State of Arizona that tried to
help the Federal Government enforce the law. They have refused to make
the E-Verify Program permanent. No workplace raids are being conducted.
They were stopped soon after this administration took office.
So I would say, for a host of reasons, we are not doing what can be
done and should be done to bring the lawlessness to an end, and to
therefore put us in a position to wrestle, as a nation, with how to
deal with people who violated the law and came illegally.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unanimous consent, the mandatory quorum
call is waived.
The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that the debate on the
motion to proceed to S. 3991, a bill to provide collective bargaining
rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political
subdivisions, shall be brought to a close?
The yeas and nays are mandatory under the rule.
The clerk will call the roll.
The bill clerk called the roll.
Mr. KYL. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator
from Kansas (Mr. Brownback) and the Senator from New Hampshire (Mr.
Gregg).
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber
desiring to vote?
The yeas and nays resulted--yeas 55, nays 43, as follows:
[Rollcall Vote No. 266 Leg.]
YEAS--55
Akaka
Baucus
Bayh
Begich
Bingaman
Boxer
Brown (OH)
Cantwell
Cardin
Carper
Casey
Conrad
Coons
Dodd
Dorgan
Durbin
Feingold
Feinstein
Franken
Gillibrand
Harkin
Inouye
Johnson
Kerry
Klobuchar
Kohl
Landrieu
Lautenberg
Leahy
Levin
Lieberman
Lincoln
Manchin
McCaskill
Menendez
Merkley
Mikulski
Murray
Nelson (NE)
Nelson (FL)
Pryor
Reed
Reid
Rockefeller
Sanders
Schumer
Shaheen
Specter
Stabenow
Tester
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Webb
Whitehouse
Wyden
NAYS--43
Alexander
Barrasso
Bennet
Bennett
Bond
Brown (MA)
Bunning
Burr
Chambliss
Coburn
Cochran
Collins
[[Page S8627]]
Corker
Cornyn
Crapo
DeMint
Ensign
Enzi
Graham
Grassley
Hagan
Hatch
Hutchison
Inhofe
Isakson
Johanns
Kirk
Kyl
LeMieux
Lugar
McCain
McConnell
Murkowski
Risch
Roberts
Sessions
Shelby
Snowe
Thune
Vitter
Voinovich
Warner
Wicker
NOT VOTING--2
Brownback
Gregg
The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this vote the yeas are 55, the nays are 43.
Three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn not having voted in
the affirmative, the motion is rejected.
The majority leader.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, as always happens, there are always bumps in
the road here in the Senate, most of which we don't foresee. We have
scheduled now four votes. We are going to move to the next one as soon
as we can. The House of Representatives is in the process of voting on
the DREAM Act, but they may not get to it for a couple of hours. I need
to have them finish their vote before we vote over here. So having said
that, we may be in a little downtime here after we finish this vote for
a couple of hours or whenever we can get to it. They have to have that
vote completed over there. They know we are in a hurry. We also will
get today from them the continuing resolution that will allow us to do
something about spending. I am doing my best to work through these
issues, including the issue that has overwhelmed us all the last few
days, and that is the framework for the tax thing that has been
negotiated. The main reason for interrupting is the next two votes will
not flow automatically. We need to do them sometime tonight. I am
working with Senator Collins and Senator Lieberman, Senator Levin and
others to try to come up with some way to move forward on the Defense
bill. We will see if that can be done. There are a lot of other things
going on around here such as the START treaty and a few other things.
We are trying to work through that. I am sorry we will not be able to
proceed right through these votes, but we may have to have a downtime
for a few hours.
____________________