[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15270-15272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, before we leave for the Fourth of July 
recess, I want to congratulate my colleagues for their hard work and 
focus over the past 6 months. We have worked hard to deliver meaningful 
solutions for the American people, and we have succeeded.
  From lawsuit reform to trade and energy policy, we have tackled a 
number of key issues that will make America stronger, more prosperous 
and more secure.
  We also confirmed six new members of the President's administration, 
including Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Homeland Security Chief Michael 
Chertoff, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Trade Representative Rob 
Portman, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, and the first ever 
National Intelligence Director, John Negroponte.
  As I reflect on the goals set out in January, we took on big and 
urgent challenges. And our actions have translated into solutions. 
Together we are moving America forward.
  When we began the 109th Congress 6 months ago, America faced a number 
of structural problems threatening our safety, prosperity, and freedom.
  America was drowning in lawsuit abuse. Our highways and ports were 
falling into disrepair. We were hitting our 10th year with no energy 
plan and becoming ever more dependent on foreign oil. Partisan 
obstruction was tearing apart the confirmation process. Our troops in 
the field needed our support. And over the Christmas holiday, a tsunami 
disaster devastated Southeast Asia.
  We needed to take bold action, so I laid out a plan.
  We began by passing the 5th fastest budget in Senate history. That 
allowed us to move on to the issues starting with class action. 
Frivolous lawsuits were so out of control that litigation in America 
had become the most expensive in the world. In 2003, the tort system 
cost an incredible $246 billion--more than the total economic output of 
my home State of Tennessee.
  Frivolous filings dull our competitive edge, clog up State courts, 
waste taxpayer dollars, and lead to outrageous settlements that award 
trial attorneys multimillion-dollar fees while their clients get 
pennies.
  Reform was long overdue. So we pulled together and finally passed a 
comprehensive class action reform bill with nearly three-quarters of 
the Senate voting in favor. One week later, the bill was signed into 
law. And we delivered to America a victory for fairness.
  With this success at our backs, we turned to bankruptcy abuse.
  Bankruptcy reform had long been in the works. Similar bills had 
passed the 105th, 106th and 107th Congresses. In this Congress, we 
passed the most sweeping overhaul of bankruptcy law in 25 years to 
restore fairness, integrity and personal responsibility to the system. 
And like class action, the bankruptcy bill passed with broad, 
bipartisan support.
  I thank my colleagues for finally getting these reforms through. It 
was not easy. A rich and powerful constituency had a lot to lose from 
reform. But common sense prevailed and we were able to return fairness 
to the system.
  There is still much to do to curb the lawsuit culture: asbestos, gun 
liability, and medical malpractice. But I am hopeful that the 
bipartisan spirit that carried us this far will continue to push us 
across the finish line.
  The highway bill was another area where we were able to come together 
and keep America moving forward.
  The highway bill was the result of a long, bipartisan process. It was 
based on more than 3 years of work, over a dozen hearings, testimony 
from more that 100 witnesses, and countless hours of negotiation. It 
was supported by a deep and broad coalition--from State and local 
highway authorities to national safety advocates.
  As every commuter knows, America's roads have become choked with 
traffic. In many American cities, rush hour now lasts all day long.
  Worse yet, car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for every age 
from 3 to 33. Last year, nearly 43,000 people died in car accidents.
  Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta rightly observed that, ``If this 
many people were to die from any one disease in a single year, 
Americans would demand a vaccine.''
  This year, we were able to provide relief. By a vote of 89 to 11, we 
passed the long overdue SAFETEA bill. As communities improve their 
roads and ports, America's drivers will face less time sitting in 
traffic, burning up time and gas.
  Which brings me to energy. Like the highway bill and lawsuit abuse 
reform, energy policy had languished for years--in this case, for over 
a decade.
  While Congress dithered, oil prices soared.
  Likewise, instead of the lowest natural gas prices in the 
industrialized world, we have the highest.
  And because of high natural gas prices, manufacturing and chemical 
jobs have been steadily moving overseas. Farmers are taking a pay cut. 
Consumers are paying too much to heat and cool their homes. Communities 
across the country are suffering. And as many as 2.7 million 
manufacturing jobs have been lost because of soaring prices.
  All the while, we have grown dangerously reliant on foreign sources 
of energy. And some of those foreign sources do not have America's best 
interests at heart.
  With all of this as a backdrop, we were finally able, this week, to 
pass a comprehensive Energy bill. It took 10 years, but we made it. And 
I am hopeful that, soon, we will be able to deliver to the American 
people an energy plan the makes America safer and more secure.
  Another area where we simultaneously strengthened America's national 
and economic security was with the passage of the Central American Free 
Trade Agreement last night.
  The agreement, which President Bush signed in May of 2004, will 
eliminate most trade barriers between the United States, Costa Rica, El 
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republican.
  CAFTA will open the doors to 44 million new consumers of American 
goods. And more sales to Central America mean more jobs here at home.
  It also means a more shared values.

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  Twenty years ago, only two of the CAFTA nations were established 
democracies--Costa Rica and the United States. Today, all seven can be 
counted among the free nations of the world.
  By linking their economies with democratic capitalism, CAFTA will 
help gird these nations against the threats posed in the neighborhood, 
mainly Venezuela and Cuba. It will strengthen their democracies and 
provide a model for freedom seekers around the world.
  Which brings me to our outstanding work on the world stage. In April, 
by a near unanimous vote, we passed the emergency defense and war 
supplemental and Tsunami relief.
  On the morning of December 26th, the world woke up to the terrible 
tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia.
  Deep in the Indian Ocean, an enormous earthquake, estimated at a 
magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale--possibly one of the most 
powerful earthquakes in history--caused a devastating tsunami which 
killed over 155,000 people, seriously injured half a million, and 
displaced as many as 5 million from their demolished homes.
  Thousands of people were literally washed out to sea as the enormous 
wall of water traveling at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour in the 
open ocean struck the coasts of the Indian Ocean rim. As the waves 
receded, they took with them whole towns and villages.
  In the face of this terrible tragedy, America took swift action.
  We immediately dispatched military ships, planes and helicopters to 
deliver aid. Twelve thousand of our men and women in uniform worked 
around the clock to reach survivors. And Americans here at home, moved 
by the terrible images and stories, gave millions out of their own 
pockets to help.
  I had the opportunity to travel to the region with Senator Landrieu 
to survey the damage and meet with local doctors and government 
officials. We learned that it will take years for the region to 
recover. Many families never will.
  The legislation we passed in April provides an additional $880 
million to help the victims recover and rebuild. The tsunami story may 
no longer be grabbing headlines, but America is still hard at work 
doing its part.
  We are still also hard at work fighting the war on terror. And the 
emergency defense bill provides $75.9 billion in support for our brave 
soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq hunting down the enemy, helping to 
rebuild and spread freedom and democracy.
  As the President reminded the Nation this week, we are engaged in an 
epic struggle. The terrorists and insurgents want to deny the Iraqi 
people the freedoms that are the right of all mankind.
  They want democracy in Iraq to fail, so that they can seize power and 
spread their poison.
  But they will not succeed. We will win this war. But to do so, we 
must continue to stand together, united in support of our troops and in 
support of our values. The terrorists are no match for the will of the 
American people. And as Senators, we have no higher duty than to 
protect our fellow citizens' safety and well being.
  The past 6 months were not without their tense and dramatic moments 
in the Senate--none were more dramatic than the battle to confirm the 
President's judicial nominees.
  We appear to have begun to repair the confirmation process and 
restore dignity, fairness, and respect to our debates.
  As we said all along, each of these candidates was amply qualified, 
and enjoyed the majority support of the Senate. Each would be confirmed 
if brought to the Senate floor. And each of them were: Priscilla Owen, 
Janice Rodgers Brown, William Pryor, Richard Griffin, David McKeague, 
and Tom Griffith were all confirmed to the Federal bench.
  Unfortunately, in the process, they had to endure continuous, unfair 
attacks on their character. Some of the nominees in the last Congress 
found the process so painful, they dropped out rather than continue on.
  It is no wonder that we now hear reports that smart, qualified judges 
do not want to be considered for confirmation to the Federal bench. 
They have concluded that Washington is no place to risk your 
reputation--you may never get it back.
  Unfortunately, we see this now with the nomination of John Bolton to 
the United Nations.
  I have listened to my Democrat colleagues and heard their requests. I 
have no choice but to conclude that some on the other side are engaged 
in plain, partisan obstruction.
  John Bolton has a long record of successfully serving his country. He 
has been confirmed by the Senate no less than four times.
  I have been more than willing to try to reach a fair accommodation 
with the various requests, but the goalposts keep moving.
  This is a critical time for the United States and for the world. 
Because of the President's vision and commitment, democracy is on the 
march around the globe. And with sensible reform, the United Nations 
can and should be vital in advancing these developments. But we need to 
get a U.N. ambassador in place to make that change happen.
  We have before us a smart, principled, and straightforward candidate 
who will effectively articulate the President's policies on the world 
stage.
  We were assured that the partisan obstruction would stop. But as we 
see with the John Bolton nomination here we are again. I urge my 
colleagues to do what is right for the country, to set aside 
partisanship and let the Senate do its work, vote up or down, yes or 
no.
  We have much to do when we get back. It will be a busy month. I look 
forward to getting down to business and passing more legislation, like 
the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act we passed in February, that makes 
America more secure.
  I thank my colleagues for their hard work. I wish them a safe, 
productive and energizing holiday recess.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Kentucky.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at the 
conclusion of my very brief remarks about the retirement of Justice 
O'Connor, Senator Voinovich be recognized for up to 15 minutes.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection?
  Mr. STEVENS. May I inquire, does the Senator from Ohio intend to 
speak about Justice O'Connor?
  Mr. VOINOVICH. I do not.
  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, would the Senator mind if I made a short 
statement about Justice O'Connor before he speaks?
  Mr. VOINOVICH. I have been here since 10 minutes to 10 waiting to 
give a speech. I have a schedule today. I would like to have my time.
  Mr. STEVENS. Very well.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The Senator from Kentucky.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to briefly celebrate the 
service of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I met Justice O'Connor through 
my wife, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. Justice O'Connor swore her in for 
two of the positions she has held in the Federal Government, as 
chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and, also, most recently, 
as Secretary of Labor. Through Secretary Chao, I have seen her on 
several occasions socially. I must say that she is an extraordinary 
individual. During her time on the Court, Justice O'Connor has proven 
herself to be a brilliant jurist and a strong defender of the 
Constitution. She is known for her fairness and her desire to seek 
practical solutions for even the most difficult decisions upon which 
the Court had to rule.
  Justice O'Connor has proved to be an independent thinker and a 
vigorous questioner, narrowing in on precise legal issues with laser-
like precision from the bench. She has lived up to the promise to 
respect the Constitution and to interpret the law judiciously, seeking 
the narrowest reach possible for the Court's rulings. Justice O'Connor 
is known for approaching each case individually, seeking to arrive at 
practical conclusions.
  Justice O'Connor has been a great advocate for the Court. She has 
traveled

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the globe, speaking to thousands of students, lawyers, foreign 
dignitaries, and others on the judiciary, the Constitution, and the 
law. Justice O'Connor's love of this Nation, its judicial process, and 
the law is widely known.
  In her most recent book, ``Majesty of the Law, Reflections of a 
Supreme Court Justice,'' she insightfully describes the institution of 
the Court, its history, customs, and some of its most able members. 
Certainly, we will all agree that Justice O'Connor will long be 
remembered as one of the most distinguished persons ever to serve on 
the High Court. We wish her very well in her retirement.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the 
Senator from Ohio is recognized for 15 minutes.
  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I just found out that Sandra Day 
O'Connor has resigned from the Supreme Court. I think regardless of 
what our political persuasion is or our ideology, we all respect her 
for living up to her oath of office in that her presence on the Supreme 
Court is going to be missed by this country.

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