Tuesday, March 18, 2014

In Your most holy and precious name I pray, amen.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The reading of the Journal.

THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, March 17th, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, March 16th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.

Presentation of petitions.

Messages from the Assembly.

Messages from the Governor.

Reports of standing committees.

Reports of select committees.

Communications and reports from state officers.

Motions and resolutions.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

At this time I'd like to adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 3997, 4060, and 4073.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:All in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 3997, 4060, and 4073, signify by saying aye.

(Response of "Aye.")

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Opposed, nay.

(No response.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

I believe there's a resolution by Senator Ritchie, Number 3997. It is at the desk. I ask that it be read in its entirety, and could you please call on Senator Ritchie and Senator Skelos before its adoption.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3997, by Senator Ritchie, memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 18, 2014, as Fort Drum Day in the State of New York.

"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support and promote the historic and significant achievements of Fort Drum and the United States Army 10th Mountain Division; and

"WHEREAS, Fort Drum is the largest Army post in the Northeastern United States, with 19,605 soldiers and 4,739 civilian workers; and

"WHEREAS, Fort Drum is the largest employer in Northern New York, with an economic impact on the North Country and the State of New York of $1.6 billion; and

"WHEREAS, Fort Drum traces its roots to 1907 when the post was known as Camp Hughes, after New York Governor Charles Hughes, and later as Pine Camp, and was founded in 1951 as Camp Drum, in honor of Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum, who commanded the First Army during World War II, and eventually designated as Fort Drum in 1974; and

"WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain Division, which earned honor during World War II fighting in the mountains of Italy in some of the roughest terrain in the country, and which was renowned for its expertise in mountain and winter warfare, was reactivated at Fort Drum in 1985, as a rapid deployment combat light infantry unit dispatched to trouble spots around the globe; and

"WHEREAS, Fort Drum continues to be home to the United States Army 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), which includes the most deployed combat brigade in the United States Army, with deployments to Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia; Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope, Somalia; Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti; Operation Joint Forge (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Operation Joint Guardian, Kosovo, as well as hurricane relief efforts inside the United States; and

"WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain Division's three combat brigades at Fort Drum have seen numerous deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, in fighting the nation's ongoing war against terror since September 11, 2001; and

"WHEREAS, Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division are commanded by Major General Stephen J. Townsend and a dedicated cadre of officers whose commitment to our nation and our troops is exemplary; and

"WHEREAS, Major General Townsend and his command headquarters are currently deployed in Afghanistan and the 10th Mountain Division is expected to be among the last military forces to leave that country in 2014; and

"WHEREAS, The 10th Mountain Division, throughout its operational history, has been awarded six campaign streamers, including two campaign streamers in World War II and four campaign streamers in the War on Terrorism, as well as two unit decorations; and

"WHEREAS, A total of seven soldiers posted to Fort Drum and its predecessors are recipients of the nation's highest military honor for valor, the Medal of Honor, including two members of the 10th Mountain Division, Pfc. John D. Magrath, for his actions at Castel d'Aiano, Italy, during World War II, and Sfc. Jared Monti, who received the medal posthumously in 2009, for his heroism in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and who is one of just six Medal of Honor recipients since 2001 and the start of the global war on terror; and

"WHEREAS, Thousands of New York men and women have passed through Fort Drum, as members of our Armed Forces, the Army, National Guard and Reserves, showing service, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment and living up to the 10th Mountain Division motto 'Climb to Glory'; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 18, 2014, as Fort Drum Day in the State of New York; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Major General Stephen J. Townsend, Commanding General of Fort Drum, and the 10th Mountain Division."

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Skelos.

SENATOR SKELOS:Thank you, Mr. President.

We're all honored today to have General Howard and soldiers from Fort Drum visiting with us today.

I want to thank Senator Patty Ritchie for making this day possible, and also for her support on a daily basis of the fine men and women of Fort Drum.

The 10th Mountain Division has an incredibly rich history. Since the first combat deployment in 1945, the division's soldiers have defended our country, fought for freedom around the world. This division also has a strong history of humanitarian missions, not only here in the United States but in places like Bosnia, Haiti and Somalia.

Fort Drum is an outstanding unit that has an enormous impact on the economy and is also a steadfast contributor to our nation's defense.

General Howard, your presence here is humbling. It reminds us how blessed we are to be Americans, to have brave soldiers who dedicate their lives to protecting our country.

All of us here cannot thank you enough. To say we appreciate your service is simply an understatement. Your courage, valor and dedication to this great nation is truly honorable. And we are so proud of everyone serving at Fort Drum.

To your colleagues who are overseas and to those deploying this year, they are and always will be in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to everyone's safe return home.

I thank you all for joining us here today.

And, Mr. President, if you could recognize Senator Ritchie.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Skelos.

Senator Ritchie.

SENATOR RITCHIE:Thank you, Mr. President.

I'm proud to sponsor Fort Drum Day once again in the New York State Senate and want to welcome General Howard and the soldiers and officers of the 10th Mountain Division here in the Senate chamber.

Your presence here reminds us of the thousands of men and women who volunteer to serve and defend our nation as members of our armed forces. Your presence also reminds us of the importance of Fort Drum, not just to our nation's defense but also to the communities that I represent in the North Country.

You remind us of its importance as New York's largest single-site employer and the billions of dollars that Fort Drum pours into our state and local communities.

There is something else I want to remind everyone today, that while General Howard and these men and women are here today to share with us Fort Drum Day, their commanding general, Stephen Townsend, and the entire headquarters battalion are currently in Afghanistan, serving alongside thousands of other soldiers from Fort Drum.

The 10th Mountain Division was reactivated at Fort Drum on September 11, 1984. In the days following September 11, 2001, Fort Drum and officers were the very first sent overseas in response to the World Trade Center attack. On September 11, 2014, as we remember that horrible day 13 years ago, members of the 10th Mountain Division will be preparing to be the last troops to return home.

Many if not all the men and women in uniform you see in this room were part of that campaign to defend America and keep us safe. Among them are many native New Yorkers. But from where I stand, I want to be clear that all the men and women of Fort Drum are New Yorkers. And the 10th Mountain Division is New York's 10th Mountain Division. And I want to thank all of you for your service.

I want to thank General Howard and General Townsend for allowing us to celebrate Fort Drum Day and the 10th Mountain Division.

I also want to acknowledge some guests who are here with us today who advocate on behalf of Fort Drum. And they're here to answer some of your questions.

For my colleagues who haven't had the opportunity to visit some of the displays that are out between the doors, it really brings home the sacrifice of the men and women that are here today and what they have to go through when they're deployed.

So, Senator Skelos, I would like to thank you and thank Senator Klein for allowing us to celebrate Fort Drum Day and the 10th Mountain Division here today.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Ritchie.

Senator Sanders.

SENATOR SANDERS:Thank you, Mr. President.

Allegedly, General Howard, there is a rivalry between the Marine Corps and the Army. And of course this is a mere allegation.

But we in the Marine Corps recognize that the 10th Mountain Division is a hard-core group that has served outstanding in every theater that they have been sent to. And I just wanted to stand up and congratulate you guys for doing what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will do for this country.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Sanders.

All in favor of adopting the resolution please signify by saying aye.

(Response of "Aye.")

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Opposed, nay.

(No response.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The resolution is adopted.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

And I believe Senator Ritchie would like to open the resolution up for everyone to cosponsor. And as the policy goes here, if someone for whatever reason wishes not to be a cosponsor, just let the desk know and we would proceed.

Mr. President, it is an honor for me at this time to introduce to my colleagues General Michael Howard, who will go to the rostrum and address the Senate today.

General Howard.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:General.

(Standing ovation.)

GENERAL HOWARD:I don't know of any rivalry between the Army and the Marine Corps.

(Laughter.)

GENERAL HOWARD:Senator Skelos, Senator Klein, Senator Stewart-Cousins and Senator Ritchie, of course, thank you so much for inviting me today.

You all know that General Townsend is in Afghanistan. As his deputy and as the senior commander at Fort Drum for the next year, it's a real pleasure to represent him today in front of you.

So in the spirit of the name Fort Drum Day in New York, I thought I'd take a minute to tell you a little bit about Fort Drum's soldiers, what the division is doing, how it is that the division and the community, the North Country community interact, and maybe talk a word or two about the drawdown, the drawdown in resources and potential drawdown in forces.

So let me start with soldiers. Last week I visited the Warrior Transition Unit at Drum. Many of you know that this is a very unique organization that takes care of those soldiers that require the most complex care as they heal and return either to their unit or back to their civilian lives.

So I was walking down the hall, and someone called out "Lieutenant Colonel Howard, is that you?" Well, the rank's wrong, I'm not a lieutenant colonel. But the name was certainly right. And I recognized the voice. So I turned around, and I faced a man that I served with in 2004 at Fort Drum when I was a lieutenant colonel.

I asked him if he was a patient at the WTU, and he told me no, he was a cadre member, that he was leading soldiers.

Unique about this guy is he's an amputee. He lost his leg in a horrific mine strike in 2004. The last time I saw him was just before his fifth operation. I told him that I recalled that day, and he smiled and told me he remembered it as well. He remembered it because I think we promoted him right around that time also. And he also told me that he stopped counting his operations after his 50th operation.

He's an amputee with a multiyear recovery that chose to stay on active duty and continue to serve.

Ladies and gentlemen, the ranks are filled with people like that, with those kind of great stories, who have given so much of themselves to the nation. And in these wars, if you give yourself to the nation, you're really giving yourself to the whole world, because these are world problems, not American problems. To me, their patriotism is overwhelming.

Senior leaders in the Army say all the time that the strength of the nation is the Army, and the Strength of the army is its people. And that's certainly true at Fort Drum, where we have 18,000 soldiers, most of whom are veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan or, in a lot of cases, both.

Many entered the service well after the war had begun, which means they joined the Army knowing full well that they were signing up to go to war. Last year we lost 20 soldiers from Fort Drum in the war, and we've lost more than 300 since the war began. That's not 300 lives lost, that's 300 families devastated. Those numbers are the dead. The injured number in the thousands. And again, that's not soldiers injured, that's families injured.

Some of the mainstream media talk about the war like it's over. Well, at the 10th Mountain Division, it's not over. The 10th Mountain was the first division to deploy; they're there now; they'll be one of the last if not the last division to leave Afghanistan.

Since the war began, Drum has deployed a brigade-sized organization -- that's roughly a 3,000-man-sized organization -- 33 times to Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year we averaged about 5,000 soldiers deployed at any one time, and today we have about 3500 in Afghanistan.

Despite the deployments, despite the hardships, despite the dangers, soldiers continue to join the Army in record numbers. They continue to reenlist in record numbers. Old soldiers like me that don't reenlist anymore return to Fort Drum voluntarily -- not because we have to, but because we want to, because we love the unit and we love the community. Of the folks that did reenlist last year, half stayed at Fort Drum.

So there's a reason why Fort Drum soldiers love the community, love the North Country. In my view, it's because they are so uniquely embedded in the North Country. In my 28 years of service I've moved 13 times and lived on nine army installations. Nowhere were the installation and the community as intertwined and dependent on each other as they are at Fort Drum.

So let me try to lay this out for you a little more clearly. Each year at Drum we publish an economic impact statement. Last year the positive economic impact on the North Country, on New York State, was $1.4 billion. Since we've been keeping these statistics since 1988, the impact has been over $19 billion.

The impact is measured in a number of ways. And I won't mention every one of them, because this speech would really be long if I did. But a couple really demonstrate the cooperation that I'm speaking of.

First, and probably the most obvious, is the size of the workforce and the associated payroll on Drum. The base employs 18,000 soldiers and about 4,000 civilians for a total payroll of $1.1 billion annually. That's $1.1 billion of groceries and gas and rent and electricity and firewood and tuition, et cetera. That's really, really helpful to the North Country. That's really, really useful to New York.

And this doesn't even include the more than 18,000 family members, many of whom work in the community.

Many Army installations that I've served on have a hospital. Drum does not. But we do great without one, because the hospitals in the area -- Samaritan, Carthage, River -- care for our soldiers and family members.

And in fact, every Saturday I send a member of our command group to all of the local hospitals to check on our soldiers and their families. This past Saturday we had nine new mothers and nine new babies in one of our local hospitals. It was Samaritan. And by the way, there wasn't a uniform in sight, a military uniform.

It's pretty easy to bond with the community that brings your children into the world and then cares for your new mothers.

And in return, by our count, we spent $29 million last year on medical care and another $5 million on dental care. And that's really helpful in the North Country.

Similarly, the other installations that I've served on have schools on-base. One that I served on has nine schools on the base. It's its own school district. And that's more the norm than not.

Drum, as you know, has no schools on-base. But that's okay, we do great without them, because our children go to school in the community. And that's about 8,000 kids, by the way.

My own children went to Carthage and Indian River, and they had hugely positive experiences. All three are in college now, and they all have lifelong friends from New York. Some of them are children from military bases like Drum, as you might imagine, but many are simply New York children that have never seen a military installation.

It's pretty easy to bond with an installation that helps you educate your kids and helps you raise your children.

In return, local school districts received $48 million last year in federal impact aid. That's just the school-aged children. We also have 3,000 soldiers that go to college in New York State colleges. And these colleges benefited from $1.5 million in federal tuition assistance.

So with such a strong bond, such an interwoven set of common interests, it's easy to understand why talk of reducing resources and force reductions cause anxiety. And if I could, I'll just talk to this for just a minute.

You know that our Army is reducing its strength from 560,000 to 490,000 by the end of FY 2015. And part of that reduction is our 3rd Brigade Combat Team, which will inactivate when they come back from Afghanistan later this year. Now, the loss of the brigade will be offset in part, but not completely, by growth in other units on the Fort.

You probably recall that the Army leadership reached out to elected leaders at all levels before they decided exactly what to cut. Recently our senior leadership announced that the Army would reduce again, now from 490,000 down to between 440,000 and 450,000. And if the budget cuts dictated by sequestration return in FY 2016, the force levels will drop even more, potentially as low as 420,000.

Senior leaders in the military warn that every Army installation has the potential to be impacted. As you might imagine, I get lots of queries on what this means for Fort Drum, for the North Country and for New York. And the truth is, right now I don't know. Nobody does.

What I do know is that the military is moving towards a lighter, more agile force that deploys rapidly. Well, that's exactly what the 10th Mountain Division is right now. That's why we were built in the 1980s and what we've been called repeatedly to do in the last 12 years of this war. In that regard, I think we're in pretty good shape.

I also know that our senior leadership has stated repeatedly that, as they did before the decision to cut to 490, that they want to hear from elected leaders again so that the impact on local and state governments is fully understood and considered in the decision-making. And based on the last reduction, I'm quite sure that you all fully intend to make your views known.

One final note worth considering while I'm talking about reduced resources. The Army has shouldered a heavy burden for well over a decade now, affecting many soldiers and many families. We must, we must maintain our commitment to these soldiers and families, especially families of the fallen and those who are caring for service members that were wounded in combat.

I ask that you think about how you and your delegations can take part in ensuring that we continue to provide post-conflict care and support to these folks. Like the soldier I mentioned earlier in my remarks, the man who endured more than 50 operations, many of our soldiers and their families have years to go before they're whole again.

Let me close by saying that we're professionals who are afforded a world-class installation called Fort Drum, in a world-class entity called the North Country, in the world-class State of New York. In return, we maintain our steady focus on training, on readiness and rapid deployment to answer the nation's call whenever it comes. The mission endures, and you can be sure that we'll be ready.

Thank you so much for inviting me here today. I'm very proud to be a New York soldier, and I'm very proud that March 18, 2014, is Fort Drum Day in New York.

Climb to glory.

(Standing ovation.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:General Howard, on behalf of all the members of the Senate, and certainly Senator Patty Ritchie, we welcome, again, you and the men and women of Fort Drum.

And not only do we appreciate what you do for the economy of this state and for protection overall, but as Senator Skelos said in his remarks, from the bottom of our hearts we can't thank you enough, and the men and women, for the sacrifices, as you said, of protecting us worldwide. Because every conflict that we seem to approach now is a worldwide conflict. And we have so lucky and so proud to have all of you on our side.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, I believe that Senator Stewart-Cousins has a resolution at the desk. It is Number 4073.

I ask that it please be read in its entirety, and I believe the Democratic Leader would like to stand and speak on the resolution.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4073, by Senator Stewart-Cousins, commending the Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of their outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week 2014.

"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves through excellence in musical performance and competition; and

"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of their outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week 2014; these talented students led the Super Bowl Championship Vince Lombardi Trophy in the NFL Experience Parade on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in New York City, and welcomed Super Bowl fans before the game on Sunday, February 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey; and

"WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York is a marching band that includes a drumline, flag team and dance squad, and is comprised of 70 Westchester and New York City middle and high school students; the name 'COBRA' stands for Commitment, Obedience, Belief, Respect, and Achievement; and

"WHEREAS, This award-winning, hardworking, and energetic band truly lives up to its name; the Marching Cobras of New York members practice five days a week, four hours a day, and also on Saturdays if they are not performing; some members travel as many as two hours each way to get to practice, and most of the group's members had no musical experience prior to joining; and

"WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York helps at-risk youth from across New York City's five boroughs and Westchester County beat negative influences by embracing music; and

"WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization working in collaboration with St. Christopher's School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the mission of the Marching Cobras of New York is to enrich the lives of teens by providing opportunities for artistic expression and teen development through music, marching, dance, and entertainment; several members of the band are students at St. Christopher's School; and

"WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York has distinguished itself in its many impressive accomplishments; successes include being named 1st Place Grand Champions in the 2013 New York City State Championships, taking first place in both the New York Salute to Israel Parade and the 'Cakeman Parade' in Brooklyn, and being awarded the Pace University Drum-Line Contract; and

"WHEREAS, The shining talent of these young musicians and performers has been widely recognized; the Marching Cobras of New York have appeared on 'The Joey Reynolds Show,' played the Opening Day Performance for Red Bull Arena in Newark, New Jersey, and were special guest performers at Jazz at Lincoln Center; they are soon to be featured in the upcoming Michael Keaton film 'Birdman'; and

"WHEREAS, The talent displayed by the Marching Cobras of New York is due in great part to the efforts of Director of Bands Terrel J. Stowers and his staff: Kevin Young, Sheldon Gomes, Pamela Bodley, and Clifford Wesley, skilled and inspirational tutors respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and

"WHEREAS, Achievements of this magnitude are not possible without the strong values of teamwork, commitment, and dedication, and the outstanding members of the Marching Cobras of New York City, as well as Coach Terrel J. Stowers and his staff, may take just pride in their accomplishments; and

"WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to wish the Marching Cobras of New York continued success in all of its endeavors; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of their outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week 2014; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Marching Cobras of New York."

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Stewart-Cousins.

SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:Thank you, Mr. President.

Certainly after the Fort Drum recognition, I just wanted to again thank Senator Ritchie and Senators Skelos and Klein for inviting our wonderful servicepeople to be here to be part of the day.

And I guess the second part is about a drumline, and the drumline is the Cobras. And we have in the gallery Sheikur Person and Quiney Jones -- you can stand, gentlemen -- Terrel Murphy, Javonte Mullen, Isaiah Williams. And some ladies. Marijah Alicea, Ora Conklin, Elijah Jones, Isaiah Taylor, Da'Niqua Jacobs, and Emmanuel Heredia.

These are the Cobras.

(Applause.)

SENATOR STEWART-COUSINS:As you heard, they are accompanied today by the director of bands, Mr. Terrel Stowers, and the assistant director of band and dance choreographer, Kevin Young. And Nakima Jones, who's the parent advocate.

Now, I think you heard in the resolution all they've done. This Saturday they were walking ahead of the elected officials in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, and they're show-stoppers every step of the way.

But it's important to note that, again, they're at St. Christopher's. And St. Christopher's is one of the what they call Special Act schools, 823 schools, where they have young people who have emotional or behavioral problems, learning disabilities, et cetera.

There are a number of St. Christopher's students in this band. The band is a number of 50. They also have students from all over New York City.

And they come together four days a week for about four hours a day. They take buses to St. Christopher's campus, where they work hard. They do their academics, and they practice their drumming, their marching and their dancing. It is a commitment that really underscores what "COBRA" stands for -- C for commitment, O for obedience, B for belief, R for respect, and A for achievement.

Many of us watched the Super Bowl, and we didn't think we had a stake in it because the Giants weren't playing, we didn't have a New York team. Many of us did actually go to the Super Bowl -- I know Senator Gianaris was there, and he said that he saw the bands. The Cobras were there, with Rutgers and with Syracuse, welcoming people into Super Bowl XLVIII, doing their extraordinary performance and really bringing great pride to we New Yorkers who knew that there was someone in the person of the band members there who represented us so well.

Because you are so young and because you are so talented, I wanted to make sure that you came to this great chamber to be acknowledged by the Senate of the State of New York, to let you know that your efforts are not unrecognized, and to let you be among people who support and wish the very best for you and who applaud you for being magnificent on and off every field that you get a chance to perform in.

Congratulations.

(Applause.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Stewart-Cousins.

Congratulations, Cobras.

The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.

(Response of "Aye.")

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Opposed, nay.

(No response.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The resolution is adopted.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

I believe that a previously adopted resolution by Senator O'Mara, Number 3934, is at the desk. Could we have the resolution read in its entirety and call on Senator O'Mara.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3934, by Senator O'Mara, commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the founding of Watkins Glen International.

"WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in the State of New York has been greatly enhanced by the presence of certain extraordinary recreational facilities; and

"WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the founding of Watkins Glen International; and

"WHEREAS, On October 2, 1948, Watkins Glen International's incredible history began with its inaugural race, 'The Day They Stopped the Trains'; this fulfilled founder Cameron Argetsinger's dream of bringing European-style competition to the village where he spent his summer vacations; and

"WHEREAS, This event was the first road race in the United States after World War II, and laid the foundation for one of the country's premier racing facilities; and

"WHEREAS, For five years, the top names in American sports car racing visited The Glen, and huge crowds came out to watch them race; after using a temporary track, a new 2.3-mile permanent circuit was built in 1956; the following year, The Glen hosted its first professional race, a NASCAR event, won by Buck Baker over Fireball Roberts; and

"WHEREAS, True international competition began in 1958, with the running of a Formula Libre race; in 1961, the stars of Formula One were all present for the Inaugural Watkins Glen U.S. Grand Prix, which would become a fall tradition at the circuit through 1980; Innes Ireland won the inaugural running, with great drivers such as Clark, Hill, Stewart, Lauda, Fittipaldi and Hunt among the winners of later Grand Prix; and

"WHEREAS, In 1986, NASCAR returned to Watkins Glen International with the NASCAR Winston Cup series, featuring Tim Richmond's triumphant return; and

"WHEREAS, This event, now called the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, has returned to The Glen on the same weekend for the past 22 years, and has featured some of the biggest names in auto racing; this annual competition has grown to become the largest weekend sporting event in New York State; and

"WHEREAS, In 1997, International Speedway Corporation became sole owner of the historic road course, purchasing the remaining interests of major benefactor Corning Incorporated; this sale completed Corning's mission of refurbishing the facility while revitalizing the Southern Finger Lakes Region; and

"WHEREAS, Watkins Glen International has undergone many changes over the years; the addition of the Inner Loop has increased the length of the long course to 3.4 miles and the short course to 2.45 miles; in 2005, The Glen underwent many major capital improvements; these new turns have enhanced competition while adding quality spectator viewing for racing fans; and

"WHEREAS, The Glen cemented its distinction as North America's fastest road course when Davy Jones won the pole for the Camel Continental IX with a fast lap of 150.334 MPH on the reconfigured 2.45-mile short course; and

"WHEREAS, Today, this remarkable institution continues to hold many popular events, including The Sahlen's Six Hour IMSA sports car race, the SCCA National Competition, the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen NASCAR race in August, Glenora Wine Cellars US Vintage Grand Prix, and the Ferrari Challenge; and

"WHEREAS, More than 150 days of BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, Mazda and various other club event days from all over the Eastern Seaboard are presented each year; and

"WHEREAS, As a world-renowned premier racing venue, Watkins Glen International brings over $200 million in annual economic activity to the Southern Finger Lakes region, including the creation of thousands of jobs, from track operation and maintenance on-site to lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment spending by its fans; and

"WHEREAS, The Glen's contributions to its community go beyond motorsports; it proudly hosts the Finger Lakes Beer Festival, as well as the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, now in its 18th year, which provides a unique opportunity for people to enjoy products by New York wineries from every corner of the State; and

"WHEREAS, Throughout its 65-year history, Watkins Glen International has embodied more than giant crowds and great speed; the racing community continues to return year after year to witness its historic moments and unique charms that have made this place one of the premier motorsports facilities in the world; and

"WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and take note of certain celebrated recreational institutions and to bring such institutions to the attention of the people of this state that it strives to serve; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the founding of Watkins Glen International; and be it further

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Watkins Glen International."

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator O'Mara.

SENATOR O'MARA:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise today in support of this resolution that was just read honoring Watkins Glen International for its 65th year in Schuyler County, New York, one of the least populated counties in New York, about 18,000 people.

The racetrack of Watkins Glen International sits on a hilltop above Watkins Glen, New York, surrounded by farmland, overlooking the southern end of Seneca Lake, beautiful wine country all around. It brings people in from all over the world.

Within a 300-mile radius of Watkins Glen, less than about a five-hour drive, 25 percent of the U.S. population resides. In addition, we have markets in Canada that this racetrack reaches out to and brings people in.

The economic engine that this track has delivered over 65 years in Watkins Glen has just truly been amazing. I've been going there my entire life, as a boy with my father, and meeting such great drivers as Jackie Stewart and Mario Andretti and, in more recent years, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Danny Kilpatrick, all the great names coming to Watkins Glen.

And it's not just the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the Cheez-It 355, but the Sahlen's Six-Hour race at the Glen, the nationwide series Zippo 200, and about 150 other days of racing for a variety of sport scar clubs from up and down the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. All these teams, these drivers, the crews come in, they stay in the area's lodging, hotels, eat in the restaurants. It's an amazing economic engine that we have.

So we're very proud to honor that great tradition here today. And I want to introduce, in the gallery with us today, Michael Printup, the president of Watkins Glen International; Jon Beckman, the vice president of Watkins Glen International; and Andrew Smith, the director of marketing and promotions. They are here with us today and will be helping us celebrate the heritage of Watkins Glen throughout this entire year.

We're looking forward to a very exciting racing season coming up. The track at Watkins Glen International, which is owned by International Speedway Corporations -- which includes many tracks around the country, including Daytona that we're most familiar with -- they continue to do impressive capital improvements to the track's facilities, to the track itself, year in and year out, to keep it the premier road-racing course in the United States and one of the top premier in all of the world.

To keep it to those standards is not an easy task. To keep it up to snuff for the drivers and teams to want to come there and race is a constant job that these gentleman work at day in and day out.

I thank you for your service to our community, for the great economic engine that you are in the Finger Lakes region. Thank you for being here today.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator O'Mara.

Senator Little.

SENATOR LITTLE:Thank you, Mr. President.

As chairman of Tourism, I'd just like to add my congratulations on 65 years of Watkins Glen. That's many, many years of racing, many years of people attending the races, having a great time, having the pleasure of watching the races and being there, many years of good dollars being spent in the area. And that's so important to all of us.

But we in New York State are proud to be hosts to Watkins Glen. So thank you for all you've done for it.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Little.

Senator Marchione.

SENATOR MARCHIONE:Thank you. I also rise to speak on the resolution.

I come from a NASCAR family, and I lived the circuit my entire life, starting at 3 years old, with a father who was a stock car racer and did the NASCAR circuit his entire life.

And I just want to thank you, not from the economic standpoint, but from the families of people who go to the races, who make it their Friday, Saturday and Sunday events. Because I tell you how good it is for families as they bond together. Where maybe other kids in their teenage years are out doing their own thing, race car families who enjoy the sport stay together and enjoy their Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as a unit.

And it's because of the efforts and the economic engine that you have placed in the other race car events. And I have one in my own district, Lebanon Valley. And I just want to thank you on behalf of a race car family for what you have done in cementing our relationships as families.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Marchione.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

I want to stand and join my colleagues, particularly Senator O'Mara, who put this resolution on the floor.

Watkins Glen is a great place. And I don't know if any of my colleagues have ever been there, but it's exciting. You should take it in. You should go to a race. You should listen to the roar of the motors and smell the tires. And it really is exciting.

I mean, maybe there's something wrong with those of us who love it, but I've got to tell you why we're all so very special. You know, I've been to Phoenix, I've been to Dover, I've been to a number of tracks. And you know, they're oval tracks. We have a beautiful raceway at Watkins Glen. It is a challenge to drivers. It's not just drivers going in a circle and on a bank.

I mean, it is a beautiful, beautiful track. It is a challenge to the pros that are in NASCAR. And we have it right here in New York.

So if you can't make the big race in August, there are other races that go on. And I would ask you to call up Senator O'Mara, I'm sure he'll get you there, he'll give you directions. You'll have to pay for your tickets, because that's very important.

But when you go there, if you've never been, I guarantee you, even if you walk away and say, "Well, I'm not sure," there's something about when they say "Start your engines" and you hear those engines rev and you smell those tires turn. It is one of the most exciting sporting events that you'll ever go to.

So I'm very proud that you are here today, gentlemen. I'm excited that this resolution is before us. And I wish you many, many years of success at Watkins Glen.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Libous.

The resolution has been previously adopted.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Larkin has Resolution Number 4060 at the desk. Could we have the title read, and I believe the colonel would like to be called on.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 4060, by Senator Larkin, paying tribute to the memory of Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, United States Army, upon the occasion of his posthumous designation as recipient of the Medal of Honor.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Larkin.

SENATOR LARKIN:Thank you, Mr. President.

You know, it's not every day that an individual receives the Congressional Medal of Honor. But Master Sergeant Negron was cited for action taken on the 26th of April, 1951. Do you realize how long this has been?

He first was recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, which he received. And five years ago, people starting looking around and saying "Why didn't he get it?"

This sergeant, when he was found on April 27th, he was unconscious, and there were 35 Chinese laid out around him. He killed them, some of them with a bayonet.

You know, I look around here and I don't see anybody who remembers April of 1951. Not you. But I did. I remember the battles that were going on in that time because we were trying to push out of the Pusan. We were trying to get ready for the invasion of Seoul. The Marines were going on the east coast. There was a lot of casualties. And a lot of people got awards, and a lot didn't.

But, you know, today here we have a New Yorker, came from Puerto Rico, settled in the Bronx. His daughter is in the White House today with others receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor.

For those interested, there will be a reception Friday night in Senator Carlucci's district in Nanuet, and then on Saturday there will be a public invitation with the medal, with his daughter and others, including the commanding general of the National Guard of Puerto Rico.

But, you know, just think for a minute. The man died in 1996. His memories were of what happened. His unit was almost wiped out. But it took us, America, till 2014 to recognize his bravery.

The Buccaneers was the last Army unit to use bayonets. I mean, you look in the movies and you'll see these old-time movies with bayonets and that. But this was real. This was this country's battle. And it took us that long to recognize an individual.

The Army thought he was deserving of it. The commands of the Third Infantry Division surely said it, because they recommended him. But time passed, and he's passed away. But at least his daughter is alive, and she's in the White House today receiving that award.

And you know, I'm a little disappointed there aren't more in this chamber, because this man gave everything he had. Had it not been for him, most of his battalion, when you read the fight that went on, his battalion would have been wiped out. But he laid there shooting and throwing grenades. And at the last minute, he was out of grenades and he took his bayonet and he ended the life of some of his enemies.

This man did a lot for our country. The least we can do is say thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Larkin.

The question is on the resolution. All in favor signify by saying aye.

(Response of "Aye.")

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Opposed, nay.

(No response.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The resolution is adopted.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, Senator Larkin did tell he'd like to open up the resolution. And all members will be put on it.

If for some reason you choose not to be put on it, you should address the desk.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. If you do now wish to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

I believe there's a previously adopted resolution by Senator Montgomery, Number 3332. I believe it is at the desk. Could you please read the title, and Senator Montgomery would wish to speak on the resolution.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Legislative Resolution Number 3332, by Senator Montgomery, commending Dr. Esmeralda Simmons upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction with Women's History Month 2014 in the State of New York.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Montgomery.

SENATOR MONTGOMERY:Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I rise to pay tribute to another one of those great women in New York State during this month as we celebrate women.

Today I celebrate Dr. Esmeralda Simmons, Esquire, who is the founder and executive director of the Center for Law and Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York. The center is a small but very effective community-based legal advocacy and research institution that is a unit of Medgar Evers College of City University of New York.

Prior to founding the center at Medgar Evers, Esmeralda has already had an accomplished career as the First Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights for New York State and as a civil rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Education, and also as a New York State Assistant Attorney General and a New York City Assistant Corporation Counsel. She had also served as a law clerk to a federal judge.

In addition, she has served on several major public boards in New York City government, including the New York City Board of Education and the New York City Districting Commission. An activist and a leader, she has been involved in the community empowerment movement in central Brooklyn and in progressive political causes for over 35 years.

Dr. Esmeralda is an attorney who specializes in racial justice issues such as quality public education for students of color, voting rights, and cultural rights. She chooses to work locally with community organizations using advocacy community education, coalition building and organizing methods, as well as civil rights and human rights legal tools.

Dr. Esmeralda Simmons is a deeply spiritual woman who is grounded in African culture, who finds constant inspiration in the vision of her ancestors, her belief in piece and her respect for life and cultural diversity.

Today it is my pleasure and my honor to recognize Dr. Esmeralda Simmons for the many years of her contribution to her community, including to people who I serve in the Borough of Brooklyn. So I am happy that we are able to pause today to celebrate the contribution of this great New York State woman.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Montgomery.

Are there other members wishing to be heard on the resolution?

Senator Parker.

SENATOR PARKER:Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Let me first begin by thanking Senator Montgomery for her leadership in making sure that every week that we take some time during Women's History Month to actually honor women of the great State of New York, and particularly from the People's Republic of Brooklyn.

And particularly today, as we pause in our deliberations to honor the work of Esmeralda Simmons, I absolutely had to rise to add my voice.

This is someone who has been a real champion for the people of the State of New York and particularly of Brooklyn. A lot of the work that she has done -- and you've heard how extensive her resume is. I think that what you don't get is her sense of caring about people, about the dedication, the level of sacrifice that she has made in her personal life to make sure that she's helped create a world which we're happy to call our own and raise our children in.

Her dedication in particular, her work around civil rights has been, you know, nothing less than astonishing. She is someone who always is on the right side, as an attorney always ready to offer her legal skills and expertise.

And in particular, she has been really, really involved around the issues around redistricting and making sure that fair redistricting happens in the state and, again, particularly for the districts in Brooklyn.

And so we want to thank her -- at least I want to thank her, on behalf of the constituents of the 21st Senatorial District, for all her work, and encourage her to continue the work that she's been doing, because she's really, really, greatly needed for all of us.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Parker.

Senator Espaillat.

SENATOR ESPAILLAT:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise also to speak in support of this resolution and to say that I met Esmeralda Simmons back in the early '90s when the Board of Estimates was done away with in the City of New York and the City Council expanded to the number of seats that they have today in the City of New York.

She was entrusted, along with the late Frank Macchiarola, to head a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission that led to the creation of 52, I believe it was, new seats. And with that expansion of the City Council, we got the first LGBT member of the City Council from that community. We had the first Asian-American elected to the City Council. We had the first West Indian member, Jamaican member, for the City Council, the first Dominican-American elected to the City Council.

So the work, the groundbreaking work that she did as a member of the -- get this, fellow Senators -- independent redistricting commission led to the -- I know that we're going back a few years and our memories may betray us, but the work that she did made the City Council a more representative body of the City of New York. It left no one out, and I mean no one out.

And she's a tremendous advocate for not only Brooklyn, we share -- the whole city shares her. And I'm happy to be affiliated with this resolution, Mr. President.

Thank you.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Espaillat.

Senator Hassell-Thompson.

SENATOR HASSELL-THOMPSON:Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise to commend Senator Montgomery for the continuing work that she does to recognize Women of Distinction. And they're not necessarily the women that will ever be made famous within the history books, but who do so much for the State of New York. And Dr. Esmeralda is certainly one of those people.

As I listened to Senator Espaillat talk about her work, I wanted to just stand and say that I have too have been a tremendous beneficiary of her work around redistricting. She came to Westchester County and helped us to really understand the relationship between the census and how to really do that census in a proper fashion to allow us to get the best benefit out of redistricting that's possible.

And she did not just confine herself to Brooklyn, but anywhere that people asked her to come to educate them about the process, she was more than willing to come. And in most cases she came with no remuneration whatsoever.

So when we were putting together ideas in my first term here, we were in the middle of our first redistricting for our seats. And she was one of the best people that helped us to understand what this process meant from a legislative perspective. And while we still struggle to make sure that the redistricting happens in a way that is as least partisan as possible, we have the benefit of her education, her knowledge, and her commitment to do the right thing even if we don't choose to.

So I commend you, Senator Montgomery, and I commend Dr. Esmeralda Simmons for the continued work around social justice issues that she does for the people of the State of New York.

I thank you, Mr. President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Hassell-Thompson.

Senator Smith.

SENATOR SMITH:Thank you very much, Mr. President.

And I rise also to congratulate my colleague Senator Velmanette Montgomery for honoring and bringing forth the name of Dr. Esmeralda Simmons.

I rise because I want you to get a full appreciation for the depth of what Dr. Simmons has done, not just in Brooklyn, not just in Manhattan, not just in Mount Vernon, but also in Queens as well.

The seat that I represent today was drawn many years ago because of Dr. Esmeralda Simmons, where Senator Andrew Jenkins was in that seat. Senator Alton Waldon, who was the first African-American elected to Congress, and then Congressman Floyd Flake, which was the seat in which my colleague Senator Addabbo's father actually sat in, she was part of that redrawing as well.

So you really don't get a full understanding of the impact that this young lady has had on not only New York State politics, but across the country. And there are so many people, especially this young lady, who has had an impact on politics in this state that you would never know. You have never heard her name, you wouldn't have known who she was. She's a very short young lady, unassuming.

But yet and still, when she would walk in a room, for those of us who knew her, we would genuflect, because we recognized the power of her intellect, the power of her pen. When she stood on the floor of any courtroom, we knew when she set forth an argument, it would be one that would change the course of history.

So, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, let me thank you with a sincere heart, because what you have done today and the name that you brought forward allows us to remember. Because, you know, as colleagues sometimes we can forget, we can get wrapped up in our moments and kind of forget how we got here and why we're here. But I will tell you, when you bring forth names like Dr. Esmeralda Simmons, it allows us to humble ourself but reminds us that we are here for a cause, and a cause that somebody else put their life on the line to make sure that it happens.

So I thank you, and God bless you for it.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Thank you, Senator Smith.

Are there any other members wishing to be heard on the resolution?

This resolution was previously adopted on February 4th.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Could we return to motions. And I believe Senator Savino has a motion.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Senator Savino for a motion.

SENATOR SAVINO:Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Avella, on page 24 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 278, Senate Print Number 6599A, and ask that the said bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:So ordered.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Griffo, on page 13 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 152, Senate Print 3149, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:So ordered.

Senator Libous.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, sir.

On behalf of Senator Hannon, on page 10 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 104, Senate Print 6477A, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:So ordered.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, at this time could we take up the reading of the noncontroversial calendar.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The Secretary will read.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 194, by Senator Robach, Senate Print 1020, an act to amend the Correction Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Announce the result.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 253, by Senator Young, Senate Print 2203, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Announce the result.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 256, by Senator Libous, Senate Print 4195, an act to amend Chapter 455 of the Laws of 2011.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Announce the result.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 259, by Senator Ritchie, Senate Print 3968, an act to amend the Education Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59. Nays, 1. Senator Hoylman recorded in the negative.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 268, by Senator Marcellino, Senate Print 1480, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of November.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Announce the result.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 272, by Senator Lanza, Senate Print 2455, an act to enact.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Read the last section.

THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Call the roll.

(The Secretary called the roll.)

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:Announce the result.

THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 60.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:The bill is passed.

Senator Libous, that completes the noncontroversial reading of the calendar.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Mr. President, is there any further business at the desk?

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:There is no further business at the desk.

SENATOR LIBOUS:Thank you, Mr. President.

There being no further business, I move that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday, March 19th, at 3:00 p.m.

ACTING PRESIDENT CARLUCCI:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 19th, at 3:00 p.m.

(Whereupon, at 4:28 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)