September 13, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6335 

real estate and other goods, enroll 

their children in our schools, colleges, 

and universities, pay taxes, and enrich 

the communities in which they will 

live and work. 

As the availability of credit in the 

United States has become restricted, 

particularly for new and small businesses, many have turned to this program for capital. The program’s growth 

over the last several years has been 

significant. And with increased growth 

comes the need for the law to keep 

pace and for the administering agency 

to adapt to this growth and devote the 

necessary resources. As we move forward, I look forward to continuing my 

work on comprehensive legislation to 

make this program an efficient, more 

productive, and permanent part of our 

immigration law. We have already seen 

many instances of the way in which 

this program can harness together 

many individual investments to do big 

things in many communities. But the 

law can and will benefit from some improvement in the coming months, and I 

stand ready to work with any Senators 

who recognize the value and potential 

of this program. 

Our immigration law provides 10,000 

visas each year for this program. When 

this program reaches the point at 

which it is fully subscribed, based on 

the minimum required investment 

amount and the statutory job creation 

requirement, it has the potential to direct $5 billion in foreign capital investment into American communities each 

year, with the potential for the creation of 100,000 American jobs. And 

that calculation does not take into account the domestic capital that can be 

attracted when projects are capitalized 

and carried out through this program 

or the ancillary benefits that communities experience when local economies 

are strengthened, nor does it account 

for the immeasurable contributions 

that new Americans make to our communities across the country every day. 

We all recognize the need to take 

steps to do whatever we can to spur our 

economy and create jobs for American 

citizens. I have no doubt that the action taken unanimously by the Senate 

on August 3 and the decisive action 

taken by the House of Representatives 

today to complete the legislative process on this bill will help us meet this 

shared goal. 

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2012 OLYMPIANS 

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, every 4 

years families across the United States 

and around the world come together as 

summer begins to wind to a close to 

watch as supremely gifted athletes 

from across the globe showcase their 

talents in peaceful competition. The 

many thrilling moments that comprise 

this 16-day span are both awe-inspiring 

and riveting, and I congratulate each 

of the athletes who competed in the 

2012 Olympic games in London for their 

effort, sacrifice and competitive spirit. 

Being an Olympian is a tremendous 

feat and is the product of a relentless 

commitment to intense, event-specific 

training, coupled with the drive, determination, and perseverance to excel. 

These events and these athletes captured our imagination, and once again, 

reminded us that achievement is limited only by our will and our audacity 

to dream big. 

Representing their country in London is an experience these athletes will 

cherish for a lifetime. They leave with 

new bonds and new friendships borne of 

mutual respect. London was a welcoming and gracious host for these athletes, their family and friends, as well 

as the multitudes of fans that witnessed these enthralling sporting 

events firsthand. The venues were 

breathtaking, and the opening and 

closing ceremony was a feast for the 

senses, taking us on a splendid journey 

through history and foreshadowing 

what was to come. I, along with many 

across Michigan, applaud their effort. 

There were many firsts at these 

games. For the first time, a woman was 

a member of every Olympic delegation, 

including a Saudi Arabian woman competing bravely for her home country. 

The London games also featured the 

debut of women’s boxing. It was particularly gratifying to watch a Flint 

Northwestern High School student 

earn the first gold medal in Women’s 

Boxing for the United States. The 

poise, quickness and grit of Flint native Claressa Shield displayed en route 

to her victory was a delight to watch. 

There was also Oscar Pistorius, a bold 

and graceful athlete who has overcome 

many obstacles to compete alongside 

able-bodied athletes as peers. 

And none of us will forget Michael 

Phelps, who followed up his brilliance 

in Athens with another dramatic and 

impressive performance in London, solidifying his place among the greatest 

Olympians of all time. The medal total 

for this Michigan Wolverine is astonishing—22 Olympic medals, 18 of them 

gold. 

Nor will we forget the passion and 

spunk of the ‘‘Fierce Five’’, led by 

DeWitt’s own Jordyn Weiber. Jordyn 

experienced a range of emotion at 

these games, from the high of winning 

the team gold in gymnastics for the 

United States to disappointment of 

falling just short of qualifying, by the 

narrowest of margin, for the highly 

coveted individual All-Around title. 

Her grace in both victory and disappointment set a fine example for aspiring young gymnasts. 

And there was two-time Olympian 

Allison Schmitt, who earned three gold 

medals in swimming to increase her 

lifetime Olympic medal total to six. 

As evidenced by these and other impressive performances, Michigan was 

well-represented in London. Impressively, 30 athletes with strong ties to 

Michigan competed in these games, including Chas Betts in wrestling, Tia 

Brooks in track, Tyler Clary in swimming, Ellis Coleman in wrestling, 

Desiree Davila in track, Geena Gall in 

track, Jake Herbert in wrestling, Charlie Houchin in swimming, Connor Jaeger in swimming, Kara Lynn Joyce in 

swimming, Ken Jurkowski in rowing, 

Justin Lester in wrestling, Spenser 

Mango in wrestling, Sam Mikulak in 

gymnastics, Brett Newlin in rowing, 

Jamie Nieto in track, Tom Peszek in 

rowing, Jeff Porter in track, Ben 

Provisor in wrestling, Dathan 

Ritzenhein in track, Daryl Szarenski in 

shooting, Davis Tarwater in swimming, 

Sarah Trowbridge in rowing, Peter 

Vanderkaay in swimming, Lauryn Williams in track, and Sarah Zelenka in 

rowing. 

In addition to these outstanding 

American athletes, Michiganians 

proudly witnessed a number of talented 

athletes from other nations with 

strong ties to Michigan compete in 

these games, including Eric Alejandro 

in track, Bradley Ally in swimming, 

George Bovell in swimming, Nate 

Brannen in track, Syque Caesar in 

gymnastics, Milorad Cavic in swimming, Franklin Gomez in wrestling, 

Janine Hanson in rowing, Barry Murphy in swimming, Wu Peng in swimming, Krista Phillips in basketball, 

Tiffany Porter in track, Nicole 

Sifuentes in track, and Nick Willis in 

track. 

The joy and excitement on the faces 

of these fine athletes as they fulfilled 

their dream to compete against the 

best in the world was infectious. Their 

determination was searing. Watching 

them compete in a gracious way as the 

world tuned in reminds us of what is 

possible. They navigated cultural differences, overcame language barriers 

and set aside historical disputes to engage in fair, peaceful competition. 

While it is in many ways symbolic, it is 

nonetheless significant. It reminds us 

all that we are a human family and 

that respect and dignity is deserved for 

all. 

Barbara and I are honored to salute 

the many athletes with ties to Michigan who competed in London. Their 

hard work was evident; their skill was 

exquisite; and the competition that resulted was fascinating to watch. The 

inspiring example of excellence these 

athletes have put forth will not soon be 

forgotten. In homes across our State, 

young people are working a little harder, setting their goals a little higher 

and aspiring to equal or exceed the athletic prowess displayed in London time 

and time again. Our future is a little 

brighter as a result of each of them. 

f 

WORLD WAR II VETERANS 

Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, On September 23, nearly 100 World War II veterans from Montana will be visiting 

our Nation’s Capital. 

With a great deal of honor and respect, I extend a hearty Montana welcome to each and every one of them. 

Together, they will visit the World 

War II Memorial and share stories 

about their service. This journey will 

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S6336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 13, 2012 

no doubt bring about a lot of memories. I hope it will give them a deep 

sense of pride also. 

What they achieved together almost 

70 years ago was remarkable. That memorial is a testament to the fact that 

a grateful nation will never forget 

what they did nor what they sacrificed. 

To us, they were the greatest generation. They left the comforts of their 

family and their communities to confront evil from Iwo Jima to Bastogne. 

Together, they won the war in the Pacific by conquering an empire and liberated a continent by defeating Hitler 

and the Nazis. 

To them, they were simply doing 

their jobs. They enlisted in unprecedented numbers to defend our freedoms 

and our values. They represented the 

very best of us and made us proud. 

From a young age I remember playing the bugle at the memorial services 

of veterans of the first two world wars. 

It instilled in me a profound sense of 

respect I will never forget. 

Honoring the service of every generation of American veterans is a Montana value. I deeply appreciate the 

work of the Big Sky Honor Flight, a 

nonprofit organization that made this 

trip and the first trip in June possible. 

To the World War II veterans making 

the trip, I salute you. We will always 

be grateful, and we will never forget 

your service or sacrifice. 

f 

ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS 

CONGRATULATING THE NEVADA 

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 

∑ Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I 

wish to congratulate one of my home 

State’s local leaders in charitable giving, the Nevada Community Foundation, on obtaining its National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations 

accreditation from the Community 

Foundations National Standards 

Board. 

The Foundation’s commitment to the 

highest philanthropic standards for 

operational quality, integrity, and accountability has continuously provided 

the citizens of southern Nevada with 

invaluable services and leadership in 

their neighborhoods. 

In the fall of 1988, the Nevada Community Foundation was incorporated 

as the first community foundation of 

Nevada. Designed to be a center of philanthropy for Nevada, the foundation is 

dedicated to improving the lives of current and future generations of southern 

Nevadans. By encouraging philanthropy, providing leadership, and promoting grant lending, the Nevada Community Foundation has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of southern 

Nevada. The foundation is committed 

to supporting local services, including 

education, social services, health, arts 

and culture, and the environment. 

Serving the southern region of the 

Silver State for more than 24 years, the 

Nevada Community Foundation has remained a trusted philanthropic partner 

and champion for community investment. I applaud the Foundation’s values of community, humility, and stewardship that have helped to enrich our 

communities and hope that they serve 

as an example for others within the 

state. 

Today, I ask my colleagues to join 

me in recognizing the Nevada Community Foundation on receiving its National Standards accreditation. On behalf of the residents of southern Nevada, I congratulate the Nevada Community foundation on this accomplishment and commend the foundation’s 

dedication to my home State.

f 

∑ 

MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT 

Messages from the President of the 

United States were communicated to 

the Senate by Mr. McCathran, one of 

his secretaries. 

f 

EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED 

As in executive session the Presiding 

Officer laid before the Senate messages 

from the President of the United 

States submitting sundry nominations 

which were referred to the appropriate 

committees. 

(The messages received today are 

printed at the end of the Senate proceedings.) 

f 

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE 

At 12:55 p.m., a message from the 

House of Representatives, delivered by 

Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House has passed the 

following bills, in which it requests the 

concurrence of the Senate: 

H.R. 3857. An act to amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to require the Secretary 

of Homeland Security to include as an eligible use the sustainment of specialized operational teams used by local law enforcement 

under the Transit Security Grant Program, 

and for other purposes. 

H.R. 5544. An act to authorize and expedite 

a land exchange involving National Forest 

System land in the Laurentian District of 

the Superior National Forest and certain 

other National Forest System land in the 

State of Minnesota that has limited recreational and conservation resources and 

lands owned by the State of Minnesota in 

trust for the public school system that are 

largely scatered in checkerboard fashion 

within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and have important recreational, 

scenic, and conservation resources, and for 

other purposes. 

H.R. 5865. An act to promote the growth 

and competitiveness of American manufacturing. 

H.R. 5949. An act to extend the FISA 

Amendments Act of 2008 for five years. 

ENROLLED BILL SIGNED

At 6:39 p.m., a message from the 

House of Representatives, delivered by 

Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, 

announced that the Speaker has signed 

the following enrolled bill: 

H.R. 6336. An act to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept a statue depicting Frederick Douglass from the District 

of Columbia and to provide for the permanent display of the statue in Emancipation 

Hall of the United States Capitol. 

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MEASURES REFERRED 

The following bills were read the first 

and the second times by unanimous 

consent, and referred as indicated: 

H.R. 3857. An act to amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to require the Secretary 

of Homeland Security to include as an eligible use the sustainment of specialized operational teams used by local law enforcement 

under the Transit Security Grant Program, 

and for other purposes; to the Committee on 

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

H.R. 5544. An act to authorize and expedite 

a land exchange involving National Forest 

System land in the Laurentian District of 

the Superior National Forest and certain 

other National Forest System land in the 

State of Minnesota that has limited recreational and conservation resources and 

lands owned by the State of Minnesota in 

trust for the public school system that are 

largely scattered in checkerboard fashion 

within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and have important recreational, 

scenic, and conservation resources, and for 

other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. 

H.R. 5865. An act to promote the growth 

and competitiveness of American manufacturing; to the Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation. 

f 

MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME 

The following bill was read the first 

time: 

H.R. 5949. An act to extend the FISA 

Amendments Act of 2008 for five years. 

f 

EXECUTIVE AND OTHER 

COMMUNICATIONS 

The following communications were 

laid before the Senate, together with 

accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as indicated: 

EC–7441. A communication from the President of the United States, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to an alternative plan for pay increases for civilian 

Federal employees covered by the General 

Schedule and certain other pay systems for 

2013; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

EC–7442. A communication from the Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a 

vacancy in the position of Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 

received in the Office of the President of the 

Senate on September 10, 2012; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

EC–7443. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report 

on D.C. Act 19–439, ‘‘Compulsory/No Fault 

Motor Vehicle Insurance Amendment Act of 

2012’’; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 

EC–7444. A communication from the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report 

on D.C. Act 19–440, ‘‘Automated Traffic Enforcement Amendment Act of 2012’’; to the 

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