i know some point out the weaknesses on this major, largentity, the defense department, and some of the management and problems that arise, but i have to say without any doubt whatsoever that that institution has quality people, people of integrity, men and women who love their country and serve their country and do whatever you ask them to do, and i just see that every day when we work with people like commander kerrigan, and he will be successful in whatever he does, whatever his next assignment will be. so as we wrap up this defense bill, i just wanted to thank him for his service, to thank all of our men and women in uniform who do their work and hope that we in the congress can be worthy of their trust. i thank the chair and would yield the floor. quorum call: mr. coats: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from indiana. mr. coats: mr. president, i ask unanimous consent that the call of the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: the senate's not in a quorum call. mr. coats: mr. president, saner heads have prevailed. i think the news that we just received abou