I absolutely will not support closing the doors to the public and hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting the Sunshine motion.

Such a significant decision, a decision with such profound consequences, should not be reached behind closed doors.

I believe my constituents and all Americans deserve to hear Senate deliberations from Senators--not leakers and speculators and commentators.

We are representatives of our nation. We are given responsibilities to deliberate on matters of public importance and vote in the public interest.

The United States Senate is, ultimately, the public's institution-- not ours.

I rise today in strong support of the Wellstone/Harkin motion. This motion would allow open Senate debate during the Impeachment trial.

The American people should not be excluded from one of the most important Senate deliberations in United States history.

The Phaon was an important part of mobile Service Squadron Ten, whose battle role was to remain within the battle area and conduct repairs.

Had it failed, the war would have lasted much longer at much greater cost in blood and dollars.

Mr. President, today I ask the Senate to join me in commending those brave Americans who served aboard the U.S.S. Phaon.

I hope that these remarks increase our knowledge and respect for the critical role that damage repair ships played in the Pacific campaigns.

Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, Commander of the Central Pacific Force, called the record of the Phaon and Service Squadron Ten achievements of which all Americans can be justly proud.

By the war's end, the Phaon had repaired at least 96 ships and more than 2,000 vessels and crafts of all types.