[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 100 (Monday, July 15, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5684-S5686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that we now proceed to a period of 
morning business, with Senators allowed to speak for up to 10 minutes 
each.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                       BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam President, I rise today to talk about 
the balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution that I recently 
introduced with several of my colleagues. These cosponsors include 
Senators Manchin, Begich, McCaskill, Heitkamp and Tester.
  Debates over the merits of balanced budget amendments have occurred 
for decades, and there is a wide range of conflicting thought on the 
topic. Proposing to amend the Constitution is something I do not take 
lightly. But after much thought and consideration, and having 
conversations with fellow Coloradans, I came to the conclusion that 
fundamental budgetary reform like this is necessary to restore 
Americans' confidence in our government and ensure long term fiscal 
health and stability.
  I introduced the same balanced budget amendment in 2011 when there 
was still a great deal of uncertainty about our economy and its 
recovery. Although there has been economic progress, it is clear that 
we have not yet completely emerged from the downturn that began in 
2008. It therefore remains critical that Congress continue to focus--in 
a bipartisan fashion on ways to promote job growth and economic 
recovery. It is to that end that I am proposing the idea of a balanced 
budget amendment to enforce budgetary discipline.
  The proposal I am introducing requires the President to submit a 
balanced budget each year and ensures that our Federal Government 
spends no more money than it takes in, while allowing for exceptions in 
times of emergency. But most importantly my proposal takes steps to 
ensure that Congress doesn't make some of the same budgetary mistakes 
that got us into the mess we are in now. For example, my amendment 
prohibits deficit-

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busting tax breaks for Americans who earn $1 million or more per year 
unless the Federal Government is running a surplus. That is a 
commonsense approach that makes sense to Coloradans. And importantly, 
this amendment would shield Social Security in order to keep Congress 
from taking money from the trust fund to mask budget deficits. It is my 
hope that this amendment would prevent the unwise budgeting we have 
seen too often over the last decade while upholding the principle that 
we should pay for our government in a responsible manner, with waiver 
authority to be used only in exceptional circumstances. I think most 
Americans can agree to that. Coloradans certainly do.
  As we all know, Congress will again debate spending and revenue 
issues very soon as we approach a new fiscal year and an imminent need 
to raise the debt ceiling if we are to avoid default on our debt 
obligations. The total national debt is projected to reach over $16.8 
trillion at the end of 2013 and over $17.5 trillion in 2014. Coloradans 
find those figures alarming. We are on an unsustainable path and it is 
critical that Congress consider--as one tool--the type of discipline 
this balanced budget amendment would require. I would not suggest to my 
colleagues that this measure will solve all of our existing problems 
unilaterally, but it will help prevent the country from amassing 
massive debt in the future.
  I know some of my colleagues are skeptical about any form of balanced 
budget amendment out of concern that it could be used to dismantle 
critical programs or force uncomfortable budgeting decisions that 
purportedly pick winners over losers. However, I truly believe a 
balanced approach such as the one I am introducing today will not 
require a slash-and-burn approach to programs that are the backbone of 
our national agenda, help grow our economy, and benefit hardworking 
American families. In fact, I believe the only true way to preserve the 
core programs that support America's seniors and provide care for the 
most disadvantaged members of our society, for example, is to ensure 
that we have the resources needed to fund them over the long term. 
Without fiscal reform, our social safety net programs will disappear. 
This result worries Coloradans.
  The last time I introduced this amendment, I quoted progressive 
Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat from Illinois who championed the concept 
of a balanced budget amendment. I am going to do so again today--
because his words carry such resonance.
  In debating the balanced budget amendment in 1993, Senator Simon 
said, ``I am here to tell you that the course we are on, unless it is 
changed soon, absolutely threatens all of the programs that you and I 
have fought for and believe in so strongly. The fiscal folly that we 
have followed for more than a decade has brought us to a crossroads. We 
face a basic decision, whether through default or through our actions 
to choose wisely the course that will lead us away from the brink.''
  Senator Simon continued:

       If we do not act, interest payouts will spiral upward until 
     they consume not only Social Security but health care, 
     education, transportation investments--every other need on 
     our national agenda. My warning to you today is that a rising 
     tide of red ink sinks all boats.

  Senator Simon's caution is even more timely today, and I have the 
same concerns about the budgetary path we are on. We have a structural 
deficit and the only way to fix it is to fundamentally change the 
spending and revenue picture.
  I have not given up hope that Congress may find common ground on a 
comprehensive plan to cut spending, reform the tax code, and shore up 
programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are critical to our 
Nation's middle class. For example, I laud the efforts of Alan Simpson 
and Erskine Bowles and the many other advocates who are putting real 
ideas on the table to reduce deficits and debt. These are people 
working across the aisle every day to find common ground to reduce our 
national debt. With that spirit in mind, last fall I led a majority of 
members of the Colorado delegation both Democrats and Republicans on a 
letter to our respective leaders in the House and Senate to support a 
balanced, comprehensive debt deal, which includes spending cuts, new 
revenue, and responsible reforms to shore up our entitlement programs.
  Because we have got to have the fortitude to ``go big,'' I endorse 
the general approach of the so-called Simpson-Bowles plan, which 
reforms all aspects of the budget. And I know many of my colleagues 
support that same framework. Finding agreement on comprehensive reform 
is the best possible action Congress can take to send a strong signal 
to main street businesses, financial markets and the American people 
that we are serious about stabilizing our budget for the long term. 
Similarly, this balanced budget amendment would chart a path toward 
long-term fiscal health and promote the kind of confidence and 
certainty we need to spur job creation, economic growth and prosperity 
for a growing middle class.
  With that said, I am convinced we will need additional tools that 
force long-term fiscal discipline. That is why throughout the years I 
have supported many policies to combat deficits such as a Presidential 
line item veto, establishing a committee to reduce government waste and 
a ban on earmarks.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to consider my reasonable proposal for a 
balanced budget amendment. The proposal may not be perfect, it may 
benefit from my colleagues' suggestions to improve it, and it may be 
just one piece of the larger fiscal puzzle. But I do hope that my 
colleagues will give this proposal serious consideration as we continue 
to debate the best way to eliminate the debt and deficit.


                      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL J. MORELL

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Chambliss and 
myself we wish to recognize and pay tribute to Mr. Michael J. Morell, 
Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, who will leave 
his current position on Friday, August 9, 2013, and retire at the end 
of September. Mr. Morell's career spans over 33 years in the CIA during 
which he distinguished himself as a patriot, leader, and friend of the 
Senate.
  Michael Morell deserves the gratitude of the entire Nation for his 
three decades of selfless service at the CIA.
  An Ohio native, Mr. Morell received a B.A. degree in economics from 
the University of Akron in 1980 and an M.A. in economics from 
Georgetown University in 1984.
  Since joining the CIA in 1980, Michael's talents lifted him from 
being an analyst covering international energy issues to some of the 
toughest assignments that the CIA has to offer: Presidential Briefer, 
Associate Deputy Director, Director of Intelligence, Deputy Director, 
and toughest of all, twice he was called upon to serve as Acting 
Director. In each assignment, Michael provided exemplary leadership for 
the men and women of the Agency and demonstrated he was someone who 
knew how to manage operations, sharpen analysis, invest in new 
technologies, and assure the smooth functioning of the entire CIA 
workforce.
  As the President's Daily Briefer, Michael was at President Bush's 
side on that horrific day in September 2001. He was there at President 
Obama's side as Deputy CIA Director when the United States brought 
justice to Osama bin Ladin in May 2011. These are only two examples out 
of many where Michael helped guide the Agency and the Nation through 
some of the most complex and challenging times in our recent history.
  As the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Central 
Intelligence Agency, Michael has had frequent interaction with Senators 
and staff of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. His 
professionalism, mature judgment, frank and sage advice, and 
interpersonal skills earned him the respect and confidence of the 
committee. His sound judgment and candor also directly contributed to 
his successful representation of the CIA's interests before the 
committee and Congress.
  As the chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on 
Intelligence, we have had additional opportunities to see Michael's 
contributions to this Nation. We cannot speak of them here, but the 
American people should know that his service goes beyond the public 
record, and has spanned the globe.
  Throughout his career, Michael Morell demonstrated a profound 
commitment to our Nation, selfless service

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to the CIA, deep concern for Agency officers and their families, and a 
commitment to excellence. Michael is the consummate intelligence 
professional whose performance personified those traits of courage, 
competency, and integrity that our Nation expects from its professional 
intelligence officers.
  Mr. President, we ask our colleagues to join us in thanking Mr. 
Michael Morell for his honorable service to the Central Intelligence 
Agency and the people of the United States. We also thank Michael's 
wife Mary Beth and his children, Sarah, Luke, and Peter, for their 
support and understanding, as well as their sacrifices in allowing 
Michael to selflessly commit himself to protecting our Nation against 
those who would do us harm.
  We wish the Morell family all the best in the future.


                     TRIBUTE TO TIMOTHY P. IRELAND

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Chambliss and 
myself we wish to recognize and pay tribute to Mr. Timothy P. Ireland, 
Deputy Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, OCA, at the 
Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, who is retiring after a long and 
distinguished career of government service.
  Tim is not well known to the American people, but his quiet service 
and unflappable demeanor here made him a friend to the Intelligence 
Committee and staff
  After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1970 
with a bachelor's degree in international relations, Tim continued his 
education, earning a master's degree and Ph.D. from the Fletcher School 
of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. After teaching for 2 years, 
Tim joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1981, as an officer in 
the Directorate of Intelligence, focusing on European political and 
military affairs.
  Tim worked in a number of analytic and management positions in the 
Directorate of Intelligence, authored a National Intelligence Estimate, 
and served on the President's Daily Brief staff.
  Throughout his career, Tim worked in both policy and intelligence 
community positions. He spent 2 years in the Department of State's 
Bureau of Political-Military affairs working on arms control and 
strategic defense issues. For nearly 4 years he worked in the National 
Intelligence Council. Tim entered the field of resource management in 
1991 with a tour in the Office of Comptroller. He subsequently served 
in senior resource management positions in the Directorate of 
Intelligence, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the 
Office of the Chief Financial Officer, CFO.
  In this last capacity, Tim proved invaluable to the committee in 
understanding the CIA's programs and finances, giving direct, accurate 
answers to difficult questions. Twice, Tim served as the Acting 
Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, serving as the CIA's 
primary interface with congressional oversight committees, leadership, 
and Members. While serving in the offices of OCA and CFO, Tim was known 
for keeping the Congress fully and currently informed.
  In these capacities, Tim had frequent interaction with Senators and 
staff of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. His 
professionalism, thoughtfulness, and frank responses earned him the 
respect and confidence of the committee. His friendly demeanor and 
candor helped him successfully represent the CIA's interests before the 
committee and Congress.
  Tim Ireland throughout his career has shown a deep commitment to our 
national security, proud service to the CIA, and a calm yet thorough 
performance in his work. His more than 32 years of service as an 
intelligence officer has helped to keep our Nation and its citizens 
safe.
  Mr. President, we ask our colleagues to join us in thanking Mr. Tim 
Ireland for his honorable service to the Central Intelligence Agency 
and the people of the United States. We also want to thank Tim's wife 
Andy for her support and understanding, as well as her sacrifices in 
allowing Tim to selflessly commit himself to protecting our Nation.
  We wish Tim and Andy Ireland all the best in the future.

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