Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 105 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 105 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 143 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1997 No. 14 Senate The Senate met at 11 a.m., and was appoint the Honorable WILLIAM H. FRIST, a MORNING BUSINESS called to order by the Honorable WIL- Senator from the State of Tennessee, to perform the duties of the Chair. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- LIAM H. FRIST, a Senator from the pore. Under the previous order, there State of Tennessee. STROM THURMOND, President pro tempore. will now be a period for the transaction of morning business not to extend be- PRAYER f yond the hour of 12 noon with Senators The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John permitted to speak therein for up to 5 Ogilvie, offered the following prayer: RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY minutes each. Almighty God, nothing is impossible LEADER Under the previous order, the Sen- for You. You have all power. Nothing The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ator from Alaska [Mr. STEVENS] is rec- happens without Your knowledge and pore. The majority leader is recog- ognized to speak for up to 10 minutes. Your permission. You will what is best nized. Mr. STEVENS. I thank the Chair. for us as individuals and as a nation. (The remarks of Mr. STEVENS per- You desire to bless us with the wisdom SCHEDULE taining to the introduction of S. 281 and discernment we need to solve our Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today the and S. 282 are located in today’s problems. And yet, we have learned Senate will be in a period of morning RECORD under ‘‘Statements on Intro- that You wait for us to ask for Your business until 12 noon. At 12 o’clock, duced Bills and Joint Resolutions.’’) help. By Your providence You have the Senate will resume consideration Mr. STEVENS. I yield the floor and placed the Senators in positions of of Senate Joint Resolution 1, the con- suggest the absence of a quorum. great authority not because of their stitutional amendment requiring a bal- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- human adequacy, but because they are anced budget. I understand an amend- pore. The clerk will call the roll. willing to be available to You, atten- ment will be offered this morning or in The assistant legislative clerk pro- tive to You, and accountable to You. the early afternoon to that amend- ceeded to call the roll. Together, with one mind and heart, we ment, by a Member of the other side of Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I intercede for one another across party the aisle. I do not have the details of ask unanimous consent that the order lines and ideological differences. We that amendment at this time, but I for the quorum call be rescinded. know that if we trust You, You will be hope that we may debate it and dispose The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- on time and in time to help us in the of it in a reasonable timeframe early pore. Without objection, it is so or- crucial discussions and decisions. Give this afternoon. dered. us the courage to put the need of the Also, as a reminder, a consent agree- Mr. LAUTENBERG addressed the Nation first above political advantages. ment was reached today which limits Chair. You have promised that if we pray with debate to 30 minutes equally divided on The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- complete trust in You, You will inter- the nomination of Rodney Slater to be pore. The Senator from New Jersey is vene to answer our prayers. In the Secretary of Transportation. It is pos- recognized for 5 minutes. name of Him who is the way, the truth, sible we may proceed to that nomina- Mr. LAUTENBERG. Is 5 minutes the and the life. Amen. tion this afternoon, and all Senators time that is available under morning will be notified accordingly if we business? f schedule that vote. We hope that will The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- APPOINTMENT OF ACTING be done and I intend to do so, but I am pore. The Senator is correct. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE still working at getting final clear- Mr. LAUTENBERG. Is that the expi- ance. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ration of morning business? I remind my colleagues the Senate clerk will please read a communication The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- will be in recess today from 3 o’clock to the Senate from the President pro pore. Morning business ends at 12 to 4 o’clock to accommodate a con- o’clock. tempore [Mr. THURMOND]. ference meeting this afternoon. Once The legislative clerk read the fol- Mr. LAUTENBERG. May I further again, Senators may expect votes lowing letter: ask if the time is already accounted or today on an amendment to Senate distributed in such a way? U.S. SENATE, Joint Resolution 1, the balanced budg- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, Washington, DC, February 6, 1997. et amendment resolution, as well as a pore. There are a number of Senators To the Senate: possible vote on a nomination. under the previous order who are to be Under the provisions of rule I, section 3, of I thank my colleagues and yield the recognized for 10- to 15-minute inter- the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby floor. vals and they are not in the room. The

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S1049

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 Senator can ask for a longer period of leadership across the face of the globe. ber that we are Senators, not simply time. It looks forward to the future but does accountants. We have to look at any Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I not leave anyone behind. budget proposal and evaluate its im- ask unanimous consent to extend my This budget protects Medicare. For pact on the American people, their remarks for 10 minutes. example, rather than trying to impose lives and the economy. A budget—as The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- radical and untested structural the distinguished occupant of the chair pore. Without objection, it is so or- changes to Medicare, the President’s knows from his professional back- dered. budget ensures solvency through the ground as a physician tending to peo- f year 2006 while at the same time ple’s needs —a budget is far more than crafting pilot and demonstration numbers. A budget is programs like THE PRESIDENT’S FISCAL YEAR projects that will expand health 1998 BUDGET Medicare, Medicaid, educational oppor- choices for seniors without jeopard- tunity, cleaner environment. A budget Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, izing the quality of care. has to be a reflection of the American just a few hours ago, President Clinton This budget also makes critical in- people, their needs, their dreams, their delivered his 5-year balanced budget to vestments in education, transpor- hopes. That is what this budget, frank- tation, environmental cleanup, invest- the Congress. For the first time in a ly, is. I hope we will get to work quick- ments that are necessary if we are long while, no one was singing a fu- ly on a review of the budget if any going to have long-term economic neral dirge on budget day. The budget changes are going to be recommended. growth and an improved standard of is alive and it is well and already has a As I said earlier, let’s hear them. But living. sense of momentum and history to it. I am encouraged by what I have heard This is a budget that reflects main- We must make sure, however, that any new caps on discretionary spending to this point—not just those who want stream America. It does not favor one to hang a black drape and say it special group at the expense of an- will allow these investments to continue, because if we do not, we will be doesn’t work, it won’t go, it can’t go, it other. It does not pit generation shouldn’t go, but rather a more rea- against generation or rich against forced to make deep cuts during this 5- year period in programs like computers soned approach, I think. We all know poor. that we are on different sides of the The President’s budget reflects the in schools, highway modernization, safe drinking water grants, and com- aisle in terms of the parties, but I am hopes and the desires of all of our citi- talking about a more reasoned ap- zens, whether it is one of our seniors on munity policing. I hope, too, that as this budget proach that says maybe this budget is a fixed income worried about health evolves, we will take a closer look at one that we can work from, or work to, care or a family concerned about the cutting special-interest tax breaks and and we can get ourselves a budget that quality of education of their children subsidies to help offset the costs of reflects the interests of both of our or citizens fighting the pollution in the making sound investments. The Presi- parties, our country, and our people. neighborhood in which they live. The dent has proposed about $34 billion of It is time for a reasoned discussion. budget moves ahead toward the future savings in this area, and we should con- It is time for a deliberate discussion for without leaving anyone behind. sider this number only a beginning. a serious review. And I am optimistic As the senior Democrat on the Budg- Since we will spend over $2.8 trillion about the possibilities of being able to et Committee, I say to my colleagues for tax breaks over the next 5 years, I say to the American people that we did on both sides of the aisle this is a cred- think we can identify even greater sav- just what they wanted us to do. We got ible budget. Do not just knock it. Look ings in this area. The President’s budg- over the bipartisan squabbling. We are at it and see if you want to recommend et also includes $98 billion of tax relief not fighting anymore. What we are try- adjustments or amendments to it. It for middle-class Americans, and it is ing to do is to do what our constituents will reach balance by the year 2002. targeted toward child care, college tui- sent us here to do, and that is solve the There are safeguards built into this tion, and buying and owning a home. problems, folks, don’t just argue about budget to ensure that promise. Mr. President, this budget is an ex- them. President Clinton deserves a lot of cellent starting point, and I believe the I yield the floor. credit for presenting a real balanced Budget Committee markup is the ap- Mr. President, I suggest the absence budget that builds upon the deficit re- propriate venue for Republicans and of a quorum. duction of his first administration. Democrats alike to resolve their dif- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Since the President first took office, ferences. The American people deserve pore. The clerk will call the roll. that deficit has been reduced consist- to know and everybody within the The assistant legislative clerk pro- ently and dramatically to last year’s sound of my voice deserves to know the ceeded to call the roll. low of $107 billion. I can remember changes that the Republicans would Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask when President Clinton took office like to make to the President’s budget. unanimous consent that the order for that no one dreamed, no one thought it If they think they can do better, OK. the quorum call be rescinded. possible that we could have a budget Look at it and try to make some deci- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- deficit at that low level. It is now the sion. But they have an obligation to pore. Without objection, it is so or- lowest deficit as a percentage of GDP the American people to show ‘‘how,’’ dered. of any major industrialized country. ‘‘where,’’ and ‘‘when’’ and not simply Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, can I ask There are no dark clouds on the hori- carp. what the present proceedings are be- zon. The economy continues to grow Mr. President, Senate Majority Lead- fore the Senate? and surpass most expectations. The er LOTT has called for the so-called reg- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Federal Reserve Board Chairman, Dr. ular order to produce a budget through pore. The Senate is currently in morn- Alan Greenspan, recently testified be- the normal legislative process. I second ing business, and Senators are to be fore the Senate Budget Committee: that call. Regular order would be for recognized for up to 5 minutes. Several ‘‘The economy has retained consider- the Budget Committee to conclude its Senators, under a previous order, will able vigor, with few signs of the imbal- hearings in a timely manner and then be recognized for up to 10 or 15 min- ances and inflationary tensions that write a budget in early to mid March. utes. have disrupted past expansions.’’ And At that point, either the Republicans f last week we had more good news. The would use the President’s budget, or THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET GDP grew at a 4.7 percent rate in the Chairman DOMENICI will have a chance PROPOSAL fourth quarter of 1996. to put down a budget of his own. Con- The President has presented a for- gress would then stand a chance of Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I want to ward-looking budget that not only meeting the April 15 statutory deadline speak briefly this morning about the demonstrates fiscal stewardship but is for producing a budget and the bipar- status of the President’s budget. Obvi- oriented toward the 21st century and tisan goal of a balanced budget. ously, this is always a very significant its challenges and opportunities, what Mr. President, as we move toward the event when the President presents a America needs to regain its full-time balanced budget, we must also remem- budget. This year, I think the climate

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1051 and the substance of the budget is sig- after that period. Why is that? Because it because they cannot produce such a nificantly different than what has oc- there is no fundamental proposal for computer system? In large part, yes. curred in past years. There is a com- structural reform of the major entitle- More significantly, it is because our mitment by this Congress to get to a ment programs in the President’s budg- tax laws are so complex and convoluted balanced budget by the year 2002. et. That is where I believe this budget that they are simply unenforceable and A year ago, we sent a budget that is inappropriate. There has to be funda- ineffective, and is not a way that we would have accomplished that to the mental reform if we are going to hon- should be raising revenues for the citi- President, and he, regrettably, vetoed estly address this issue, if we are not zenry. The IRS has become a totally it. Now the President has come forward going to simply pass it off onto the overbearing and, in many instances, and accepted this challenge and said next administration, as would occur in inept organization which the American that he also believes that we should get this case, or the next Congress as people no longer have confidence in. to a balanced budget by the year 2002. might occur in our case, or, unfortu- That undermines constitutional gov- He sent up to us a proposal to accom- nately, the next generation, which is ernment when your tax-raising organi- plish that. His budget, as proposed, has exactly what we are doing as a Con- zations lose the confidence of the peo- many constructive functions in it. It gress and a Presidency if we pursue a ple. also has many questions. Regrettably, tentative course in addressing the enti- So there should be a proposal, or at it has a lot that is left undone and tlement reform. least a discussion of or an initiative for unaddressed. In the area of entitlement reform, how you reform the tax laws, how we On the constructive side, he does get there is in the President’s budget no take this great, huge, byzantine mo- to a balanced budget —at least as he initiative to try to put in balance for rass called the IRS and bring it into claims—using his numbers. Unfortu- any extended period of time the Medi- the 21st century and simply make it nately, the questions that are raised by care trust fund, part A, or the Medicare understandable and give the American the way in which he gets there are sig- system. The President of the Senate people an opportunity to file a tax re- nificant. For example, next year, the today has been one of the leaders on turn on a postcard, pay taxes, and deficit will go up and the following the issue of how you can reform Medi- know that they are being accounted for year the deficit will go up, under his care in a substantive way so we can correctly and recognize that we need budget. Even in the following year, the have a strong insurance system for our more efficiency. deficit goes up under his budget. It is seniors. So there is no proposal in here for not really until he is about to leave of- I have also put together something fundamental tax reform, and there fice that he alleges or represents he is called Medicare Choice, or Choice Care, should be. The President has missed an going to put in place programs which which would be a substantive struc- opportunity. It is basically a budget would bring the deficit down. That, to tural reform which would use the mar- which is based on optimistic economic me, is not what I would call a good ketplace to try to create an incentive assumptions, has in it new entitlement glidepath to a balanced budget. The for efficiency in the Medicare system proposals for spending, and has a very glidepath should be a downhill glide- which would give seniors choices, much low net tax cut, none of which really path, not a roller-coaster graph. as we have as Members of Congress, to accomplishes the basic goals of the bal- The President proposes about $258 go into the marketplace and choose a anced budget. If we are going to bal- billion of not cuts, but attempts to variety of different health care pro- ance the budget, we have to fundamen- slow spending over the next few years. grams, the type of structural reform tally reform the underlying drivers of Of this, it appears that about $80 bil- which myself and the Senator from our budget problem, which is the enti- lion comes from defense, about $58 bil- Tennessee, who is in the chair today, tlement system and our tax laws. Yet, lion comes from domestic discre- have talked about, are trying to ener- that is not addressed in this budget tionary programs, and about $21 billion gize and for which we have a lot of sup- proposal. It is, however, a starting comes from entitlement issues. Those port, by the way, here in Congress. It is point. are good, solid numbers—well, not nec- nowhere to be found in the President’s We as a Senate, and I as a member of essarily solid numbers, but good start- proposal, nor is there any other struc- the Budget Committee, intend to take ing numbers, and we will see whether tural reform which would address the it as such and to work with the Presi- they are solid numbers. underlying Medicare concerns to be dent to try to put in place something At the same time he is proposing $121 found in his proposal; just a variety of that should not only lead us to a bal- billion in savings over the next few traditional provider payment slow- anced budget in the year 2002 but will years in the rate of growth of entitle- downs and possibly an accounting give us an opportunity at least to see ments, he is also proposing $60 billion mechanism that would significantly some light at the end of the tunnel for of new spending on entitlement pro- adjust the way we pay for home health a long-term resolution of the major un- grams, such as new Medicare benefits, care. Neither is there a long-term solu- derlying public policy questions which Medicaid benefits, food stamp and SSI tion, but one which is a totally inap- we have in this country—Medicare, So- benefits, new health insurance benefits. propriate accounting gimmick. There cial Security, and our tax laws. And under his education initiative is a is no long-term solution as to how we So I appreciate the time, Mr. Presi- brand new entitlement program for make Medicare solvent. So the pro- dent, of the body. I yield back my time school instruction, allegedly, and a posal does not address Medicare re- at this point. brand new entitlement program for form. f school literacy—$60 billion in new The proposal also does not address spending, which gives you basically a the reform of our tax laws, which it THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE net in the entitlement areas over 5 should. It calls for a $98 billion cut in Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the years of $60 billion in reduction, which taxes. It also calls for an increase in close of business yesterday, Wednes- is not a very significant number. That taxes of about $76 billion. So essen- day, February 5, the Federal debt stood is about $10 billion a year on entitle- tially there is no tax cut in this pack- at $5,302,957,481,388.92. ment spending which annually rep- age. More importantly, there is no at- One year ago, February 5, 1996, the resents almost 55 percent of the Fed- tempt to address the underlying prob- Federal debt stood at $4,987,401,000,000. eral budget and is closing in on $700 bil- lem which our tax laws have. We just Five years ago, February 5, 1992, the lion. So it is not a big number. In fact, saw where the IRS spent $4 billion to Federal debt stood at $3,800,008,000,000. it is not a strong enough number in put in place a computer system to try Ten years ago, February 5, 1987, the order to get to a solid balanced budget to make the tax system work in this Federal debt stood at $2,233,219,000,000. because what happens is that, even if country, and it appears it can’t even Fifteen years ago, February 5, 1982, we get to the balanced budget, even if figure out who is filing what returns the Federal debt stood at we accept the figures which the Presi- when and how much they are owed. $1,030,621,000,000 which reflects a debt dent has proposed in his budget as get- After spending $4 billion, the IRS has increase of more than $4 trillion, ting to the balanced budget in the year openly admitted that it has failed; $4 $4,272,336,481,388.92, during the past 15 2002, we see those deficits exploding billion down the drain. Why is that? Is years.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT OUR itics. While Americans do not want cost. Now is the time to act on that HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Government involved directly in their charge. There is ample common ground Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, over 2 health care, they do believe that Gov- on the issue of extending health cov- years after the defeat of health reform ernment has a role in protecting their erage to children. Let’s prove there is in Congress, many opponents of change interests. ample will. still claim that Americans are satisfied Americans have voiced their con- with their health care and view Federal cerns and have asked for Government’s f oversight as the first step in a Govern- help—not in delivering health care, but ment takeover of the system. They as- in giving them greater security about TRIBUTE TO PAMELA CHURCHILL sert that minor tinkering may be need- their ability to afford and retain health HARRIMAN ed to shore up some of the system’s insurance. We should heed their call. Last year we passed the Kennedy- Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I have weak spots, but access to and quality sought recognition to pay tribute to a of care in our country are the best in Kassebaum bill, which helped workers who lose or switch jobs keep their very distinguished citizen of the world, the world. Pamela Churchill Harriman, whose un- If the public thinks the system isn’t health insurance. This year, Democrats believe it makes sense to build on that timely death occurred yesterday in broken, so the thinking goes, there is Paris, France, while she was per- no reason for lawmakers to try to fix success by giving working families financial assistance to help them insure forming her very distinguished duties it. as United States Ambassador to But are Americans so happy with the their children. France. current state of health affairs? These children do not come from the Evidence from a recent survey sug- poorest families, for the poor have Ambassador Harriman had an illus- gests that there is still much that Medicaid. The vast majority of the 10.5 trious career. She has graced Europe, troubles the public about our current million uninsured children in America she has graced the United States, and system, and they expect their elected are sons and daughters of working par- has capped an extraordinary life with representatives to help them address ents who do not have access to afford- very distinguished service for the past the problems they are experiencing. able coverage through their workplace. 4 years as our Ambassador to France, People are confused about how the Though many of these parents work 40 dealing, in fact, with some of the most system works; they are anxious about hours a week, 50 weeks a year, they are difficult problems of the world, as we the cost of medical care; and they don’t still not able to buy health insurance have tensions between the United always feel they can obtain informa- for their children. States and France and the problems of tion to help them make sound health Yet we know that a little financial NATO and a great many other issues. choices, get care when they need it, assistance goes a long way toward cov- During the past several years, I have and be assured of quality. ering kids and saving health care dol- had the privilege to come to know Am- And contrary to the widely pub- lars and precious lives down the line. bassador Harriman personally. I trav- licized view that most people think Numerous studies confirm that unin- eled to Paris in connection with my du- Government should not be involved in sured children don’t get the cost-effec- ties as chairman of the Senate Intel- health care, a bipartisan majority of tive preventive care they need and end ligence Committee and found her Americans feel that the Federal Gov- up costing the system more in the long knowledge, experience, and wisdom in ernment can play an active role—work- run, through more expensive emer- that field to be very extensive and, ing with the private sector—to make gency room visits, hospital admissions, candidly, it was somewhat of a surprise health care more affordable and im- and preventable chronic illnesses. to find such depth and knowledge and prove its quality. The Government Accounting Office understanding on the complicated mat- These are the findings of a poll of reports that uninsured children are less ters which involve intelligence. American households commissioned by likely than those with coverage to get She truly had an extraordinary life. the National Coalition on Health Care. needed health and preventive care, and Married to Randolph Churchill, the son The bipartisan coalition, cochaired by that the lack of such care can ad- of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and versely affect children’s health status she was privy to some of the really fas- Gerald Ford, is the Nation’s largest throughout their lives. These children cinating and great events of the era. are less likely to have routine doctor and most broadly representative alli- During the course of conversations visits or have a regular source of med- ance of large and small business, labor with her, I was struck to hear her tell ical care, less likely to get care for in- unions, consumer groups, religious of being at Checkers, the home of the juries, see a physician if chronically groups, and primary care providers. Prime Minister, one Sunday evening The National Coalition on Health ill, or get dental care, and they are less when the dinner was interrupted by a Care’s recent survey reveals a dis- likely to be appropriately immunized telephone call from President Franklin turbing lack of confidence among the to prevent childhood illnesses. Delano Roosevelt. And she told the majority of Americans with the state Each of us already helps pay for story about Prime Minister Winston and direction of health care. Eight out these children through implicit cost Churchill telling the story of President of ten agree that ‘‘there is something shifting for uncompensated care. But Roosevelt telling to Churchill the seriously wrong with our health care we pay too much, and we get far too United States was now in it with Great system.’’ Less than half say they have little. How much better it would be to Britain, because the attack on Pearl ‘‘confidence in the health care system help families obtain insurance for their Harbor had just occurred. to take care of [them].’’ children from the start; to provide con- Not surprisingly, the poll reveals tinuous, cost-effective health care from And then her reminiscences about that lower-income Americans are par- birth through age 18 so that children the events during the war. The Church- ticularly troubled by their experiences can grow up healthy and maximize ills had a basement at No. 10 Downing with cost, coverage, and treatment. their potential. Street for when the air raids came on. Perhaps more startling is the pervasive The Children’s Health Coverage Act, They had tiered bunkers. They were concern of middle-income Americans S. 13, provides tax credits to help work- not set up in very elaborate fashion. who also see major flaws in the system ing families purchase private coverage She slept in the lower bunk, pregnant related to quality, access, and cost. for their uninsured children. There are at the time, and Sir Winston Churchill While a majority feel that their med- many additional ideas being floated, would come in, she recounted, at 2 a.m. ical plan works for them, 4 in 10 report from both sides of the aisle, to help and snore loudly, awakening everybody reductions in coverage. Medicare re- families obtain coverage for their chil- in the compound. cipients are among those most satisfied dren. These ideas should be debated, When I heard of the news 2 days ago, and confident in their care. considered, refined, and crafted into bi- I called Charge d’Affaires Donald Perhaps most disturbing for the Con- partisan legislation that can pass the Bandler to find out what her condition gress is the coalition’s focus group’s Congress this year. was. She finished an arduous day, was finding that Americans believe im- The American public wants us to act on her way for a swim in the Ritz Hotel provements in the health care system responsibly on their behalf to assure and, before going into the water, had have been held hostage to partisan pol- access to quality health care at a fair suffered a seizure.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1053 I had a chance to talk briefly with crease for the Department of State. budget. Although these amounts are small in her son, Winston Churchill, who said at There will be many kudos, well de- absolute terms, the potential consequences that point it was apparent that his served, for Ambassador Harriman, but I of not having them are quite large. mother would not survive. think she was the one who finally got II. THE CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY While talking with her about the the message to the executive branch as With the Cold War over, it is natural that events of being an ambassador, I was to what was needed at the State De- the United States should focus more on do- struck with the difficulties that Am- partment. mestic concerns. Reducing the federal budg- bassadors of the United States are hav- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- et deficit must be a high priority. Ensuring that government programs are efficient and ing around the world and took some of sent that a Brookings Institute Council effective is an obligation owed to American the information and made a statement on Foreign Relations study recently taxpayers. However, domestic renewal must on the Senate floor praising the work published on the needs of the State De- not blind us to the world’s continuing dan- she was doing, illustrative of ambas- partment and the diplomacy of the gers and the requirements of America’s es- sadors generally, commenting about U.S. Government be printed in the sential leadership role. the need to support the State Depart- RECORD. The end of the Cold War has transformed ment and the activities which ambas- There being no objection, the mate- the nature of the challenges we face. Ethnic rial was ordered to be printed in the strife, regional instability, crime, narcotics, sadors were performing. terrorism, famine, environmental degrada- While there, I had an opportunity to RECORD, as follows: tion, fanaticism and rogue regimes with stay in the Benjamin Franklin Room, a FINANCING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP: PRO- mass destruction capabilities have taken the room of special significance to this TECTING AMERICAN INTERESTS AND PRO- place of the global communist threat on our Senator, Franklin being a Philadel- MOTING AMERICAN VALUES agenda. The United States cannot effectively phian really, not a Bostonian, and had (Statement of the Task Force on Resources protect its interests in these areas and pro- an opportunity to get some of the for International Affairs of the Brookings vide leadership for those who would work memorabilia from the Ben Franklin In- Institution and the Council on Foreign Re- with us unless we are prepared to spend the stitute to send to Ambassador Har- lations) amount necessary to protect our interests I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY and promote our values. riman to furnish the Franklin Room in Moreover, by strengthening friendly forces Relative to the average of the 1980s, spend- the style she wanted it to be. and by calming and defusing potentially ex- ing on international affairs has fallen nearly We have lost a really great world cit- plosive situations, our diplomats can reduce 20 percent in real terms, and it would decline izen with the passing of Ambassador the demands upon our military forces, avoid- by as much as another 30 percent under the ing unnecessary troop deployments and sav- Harriman. There is much more that plans proposed by the President and the Con- ing much more money in the defense account could be said about her, in terms of her gress for balancing the federal budget by than would be spent from the much smaller illustrious life. Many Senators knew 2002. foreign affairs account. With such objectives her; most of Washington knew her. She Noting this trend in foreign affairs spend- in mind, our diplomatic arm for example, ing, the Council on Foreign Relations and was a great citizen of Great Britain, has reinforced in recent years our basic Asia- the Brookings Institution, while taking no she was, in a sense, a citizen of France Pacific alliances with Japan, Korea, Aus- positions on the question as organizations, but, most of all, a great citizen of tralia, Thailand and the Philippines. In both convened an independent Task Force of dis- Asia and Europe, new concepts of regional America. tinguished private citizens with a strong security and economic cooperation have I yield the floor. commitment to foreign affairs to examine been advocated, including dialogues among Mr. HOLLINGS addressed the Chair. its consequences and to make such rec- former adversaries. Timely spending for con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ommendations as it might see fit. ator from South Carolina. The Task Force concludes that the cuts al- flict resolution can help to obviate the need Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I had ready made in the international affairs dis- for costly disaster relief, refugee resettle- cretionary account have adversely affected, ment and possible military deployments. the opportunity at the NATO con- The U.S. economy is increasingly inter- to a significant degree, the ability of the ference in November, as the ranking dependent with the rest of the world—a United States to protect and promote its member and former chairman of State, world that is increasingly competitive. Most economic, diplomatic and strategic agendas Justice, Commerce Appropriations, to recent increases in our nation’s manufac- abroad. Unless this trend is reversed, Amer- turing employment have come from in- spend an entire morning with Ambas- ican vital interests will be jeopardized. sador Harriman going over her par- The Task Force calls on the President and creased export volume which has produced ticular needs, her budget. I was really the Secretary of State to exert the strong jobs with higher than average wages and impressed with the overall view she and sustained leadership that will be nec- helped to drive the continuous growth of our economy. Our ability to sustain that growth had of the needs of the Department of essary to secure the understanding of the American people and the bipartisan support depends, in part, on our willingness and abil- State, particularly her grasp of bring- ity to employ the traditional instruments of ing the Department up to date in the of the Congress to provide the funds necessary to finance American global leader- foreign policy to promote exports, protect area of communications, upgrading its ship. This effort must be accompanied by a our products and ensure open trade. These computers, and other technological thorough review of the foreign affairs agen- are complex undertakings that include tasks issues. cies with an eye toward a structure and to ranging from sustainable development and I could tell that she understood, after processes that will be more efficient and ef- basic institution building (e.g. establishing we had some time together, that the fective in terms of today’s requirements. commercial codes where none have existed) lack of real financial support for the The Task Force recommends that the to multilateral trade negotiations such as in the World Trade Organization. We know how Department of State has been at the President call for an increase in international affairs spending from its 1997 level to do these things; we must establish the pri- executive branch, not here in the Con- orities and be prepared to spend the money gress. I have fought for many, many of $19 billion to $21 billion in 1998, with annual adjustments through the year 2002 to to deploy the assets, people and institutions years to try to get the needed increases offset projected inflation.1 In addition, this required to achieve them. for the endeavors of the State Depart- report calls for the creation of a bipartisan Managing today’s international, political, ment. And now with the fall of the commission to consider possible reforms in economic and security problems and seizing wall, defense is not our first line of de- the State Department and the other foreign the opportunities before us requires Amer- affairs agencies and identifies nearly one bil- ican leadership. Exercising that leadership is fense. The State Department is. difficult. It demands sustained official and We are trying to sell capitalism. We lion dollars in achievable reforms and economies. The amount of the net increase the public diplomacy, an array of economic and are trying to sell democracy and indi- military sticks and carrots, and preventive vidual rights the world around. And Task Force proposes represents only about one-tenth of one percent of the entire FY measures where they can be effective. And it that is the province of our Department 1997 federal budget and less than four-tenths will require money. of State, which has been cut back. We of one percent for the total discretionary Senator Richard Lugar in a recent admoni- have been closing consulates and clos- tion to the country’s policy makers summa- rized the view of the Task Force: ‘‘Too many ing embassies. 1 The corresponding amount of budget authority The record will show that the distin- leaders in both political parties have bowed would be roughly $22 billion in 1998, due to the fact to political expedience and embraced the fic- that increases in actual spending always lag in- guished Ambassador had really been to tion that international spending does not the President on these issues, and for creases in the authorization to spend. The amounts are similar to, but for technical reasons somewhat benefit Americans and therefore can be cut the first time President Clinton has greater than, spending and budget authority for the with impunity. As important as balancing made a substantial request for an in- ‘‘150 (foreign affairs) account.’’ the budget is, it will not happen if American

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 disengagement from the world results in nu- language and area specialists has been de- to 80 percent of the world’s population lives. clear terrorism, an international trade war, pleted and resources for public diplomacy IFI lending drives critical segments of devel- an international energy crisis, a major re- are fast disappearing. Yet the demands upon opment which, in turn, determine the future gional conflict requiring U.S. intervention, our missions continue to grow. Reports cir- market potential of these countries. or some other preventable disaster that un- culate that budget cuts may force the De- United States’ arrearages to the United dermines our security and prosperity.’’ partment to close more posts abroad and Nations present a more complicated and Americans want the United States to re- that the Department is being advised to sell troublesome case. An independent Council on main a world leader. Polling by the Chicago off its assets in order to meet operating ex- Foreign Relations-sponsored Task Force Council on Foreign Relations reveals that penses. Taken together, these developments chaired by George Soros recently concluded two-thirds of the public wants the United contribute to an image of decline and with- that where the United States had taken States to remain actively engaged in world drawal which disheartens our friends and al- clear and firm positions, the United Nations affairs. This number is actually higher than lies and undermines our effectiveness ‘‘has served US interests well.’’ The report during many parts of the 1970s and early abroad, as do the actual cuts out of our dip- noted further that its judgments of the UN’s 1980s, when we were in the winter of the Cold lomatic muscle. utility ‘‘have been shared by both the Bush War. Other poll data strongly support the be- More subtle is the extent to which the Ex- and Clinton administrations.’’ But the UN lief that the public is willing to pay for con- ecutive’s options have been severely limited will not continue to work for us, particularly tinued global engagement. for lack of readily available, flexible re- after we succeeded in imposing our will on the issue of a new Secretary General, if we III. PROJECTED EXPENDITURES sources with which to avert or respond to foreign crises. Future chief executives, re- are not prepared to meet our financial obli- What resources is our government cur- gardless of party, will find this every bit as gations. Nor will our efforts toward reform rently devoting to meeting these global chal- vexing as has the present incumbent. of the UN system gain momentum if it ap- lenges and opportunities? In the recent past our government has pears that the United States is unlikely to In FY 1997, the United States will spend been forced to choose, sometimes arbitrarily, settle its arrearages, which now amount to about $19 billion for its diplomatic and for- which situations it will engage in and which $300 million for the regular budget and $700 eign assistance. That amount is slightly it will ignore. Here are some recent exam- million for peacekeeping operations. more than one percent of the overall federal ples: To stabilize Haiti, the decision had to The damaging implications of the planned, budget. It is less in real or inflation-adjusted be made to reduce economic support for Tur- progressive reduction in the international af- terms than international discretionary key despite its critical relationship to our fairs budget are immediately evident upon spending in any year since 1979, and nearly 20 Middle East interests; the decision to pro- examination of the limited options for their percent below the average since then. vide aid to shore up the West Bank and Gaza implementation. The most obvious strategy International affairs is the only major cat- was made at the expense of funds originally would be to take most of the cut out of one egory of federal spending that has undergone intended to help demobilize the armed forces or the other of its largest components—de- a real reduction since 1980. Along with fund- of the parties to a Central American peace velopment assistance and the Israel/Egypt ing for the Pentagon, international spending agreement which the United States had programs. Either would be virtually elimi- is one of only two major components of the spent years negotiating; providing our share nated if it were targeted. The alternative federal budget to have been reduced since of the financing package assembled for Cam- would be to cut each component proportion- 1990. bodia’s first free election required deferring, ately. Under this scenario, the State Depart- As problematic as spending cuts have been for more than a year, support for smaller ini- ment could not avoid closing nearly 100 addi- to date, those now planned are much worse. tiatives in a dozen or so other countries; re- tional posts and funding for ‘‘new global The President’s last fiscal plan, of early 1996, sponding to the refugee crisis in Rwanda issues’’—including crime, corruption, nar- anticipated that real funding for inter- meant taking funds for democratic institu- cotics and the environment—would be at national affairs would decline from $19 bil- tion-building from the rest of Africa at a mo- risk. lion to $16.5 billion by 2002. If he agrees—as ment when positive trends were emerging The magnitude of the cuts proposed he may do—to use Congressional Budget Of- elsewhere on the continent; and when the through the year 2002 would make it impos- fice assumptions, the President would need United States needed $2 million to monitor a sible to avoid significant cuts in support for to cut significantly more. Under the Con- cease-fire between the Kurdish factions in the Middle East peace process and develop- gressional budget-balancing resolution of northern Iraq, ready money was not imme- ment aid, regardless of the strength and per- April, 1996, international spending would diately available, the situation deteriorated, suasiveness of their advocates within the US drop to $13 billion, or 30 percent below its and Saddam Hussein was afforded a pretext political process. Those programs are where current level and 45 percent below its 1980– to send forces into northern Iraq—a move the money is, and if total cuts of a cumu- 1995 average in constant 1997 dollars. That which culminated in US military action lative magnitude of nearly 50 percent are would be less than at any time since 1955. costing multiples of the originally needed made, they simply cannot be spared. In contrast with the defense and intel- sum. Advocates of sharp reductions in inter- ligence budgets, the international affairs ac- US investment in economic development, national spending frequently do not spell out count is not at all protected in the deficit- either through our bilateral programs or how their recommendations should be imple- elimination process. In the three year budget international financial institutions (IFIs) mented. They may be prepared to see one ac- agreement concluded between President like the World Bank, has declined to $8.5 bil- tivity or another savaged, but would prob- Bush and the Democratic-led Congress in lion from the $12 billion average of the ear- ably find at least one of the above-mentioned 1990 (the ‘‘Andrews Air Force Base Agree- lier 1990’s. It is projected to fall every year consequences of drastic cuts unacceptable. ment’’) the international affairs function as under both the President’s and the Congres- None of this is meant to imply that there well as the national defense function of the sional out-year plans. The consequences of is no room for selective reductions in foreign budget were fenced off and protected from di- not investing in development are impossible aid or no need for a tighter focus on admin- version to alternative spending. By contrast, to quantify, but the evidence of the benefits istering its distribution. Insufficient funding at the conclusion of the January, 1996 budget that development has brought to over one- is by no means the only problem with our negotiations, there was political agreement half of the world’s population is impressive. foreign affairs programs. However, any to put a floor under the national defense In the purely human dimension, US bilateral changes should be made with a scalpel rather budget, but international affairs was grouped leadership has been critical to recent world- than an ax. The Task Force has identified with all other non-defense discretionary ex- wide advances in agricultural and medical several specific areas where savings could be penditures and targeted by OMB for straight- research and basic human needs including made in order to enhance effectiveness and line reductions. Subsequent pleas from the primary education, family planning, child to offset partially the increases it proposes. State Department for the protection of for- nutrition and immunization programs. V. RECOMMENDATIONS eign affairs within a more expansive ‘‘na- Our own political and economic self-inter- To reverse the destructive funding trend of tional security’’ category were to no avail. est also benefit from the activities of the the last few years, the President must take IV. CONSEQUENCES IFIs. But as we fall behind in meeting our the initiative to ask for adequate funding for The State Department and its 260-plus commitments, we risk losing our ability to international affairs and to work together overseas posts constitute the basic and indis- shape their agendas in support of our objec- with the Congress to ensure that our foreign pensable infrastructure upon which all US tives. In the past, this influence has enabled affairs structure is organized to meet today’s civilian—and many military—elements rely us to mobilize multilateral funding to sup- requirements with maximum efficiency and to protect and promote American interests plement our own increasingly limited bilat- effectiveness. He must take responsibility around the world. The Task Force found un- eral funds for reconstruction in Bosnia, for doing what only he can do—explain to mistakable evidence that the readiness of Haiti, the West Bank/Gaza, to stabilize the the American people why we need to devote this infrastructure has been seriously erod- Mexican peso, and to reinforce the transi- resources to promoting our interests abroad. ed. Some 30 posts have been closed in the tions to democracy in Central Europe and At the same time, he must make clear to the past three years for lack of operating funds. the countries of the former Soviet Union. At foreign affairs bureaucracy that ‘‘business as Many of the remaining posts are shabby, un- home, US exporters expect to feel the effects usual’’ is unacceptable. All the poll data safe and ill-equipped. All are handicapped by if our support for the IFIs continues to de- show that the American people support con- obsolete information technology. Staffing is cline. Nearly one half of US exports go to structive engagement and recognize the dan- highly uneven. The Department’s cadre of Asia, Latin America and Africa, where close gers and opportunities abroad. They know

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1055 leadership does not come cheaply and they $600 million should be available in ac- David M. Abshire, Center for Strategic and will support the President once he makes counts which the President can draw upon to International Studies. clear what is needed and that he is prepared take prompt, concrete actions to fix prob- Clark C. Abt, Abt Associates, Inc. to push for reform. lems of urgent and particular concern to the Graham T. Allison, Jr., Harvard Univer- Next, the Executive and the Congress must United States. Uses would include economic sity. reestablish the bipartisan and bicameral co- and security support, military education and Robert J. Art, Brandeis University. operation necessary to ensure that adequate training, foreign military financing, conflict Steven K. Berry, Holland & Knight. funds are provided. Otherwise, American in- prevention and resolution, democratic insti- Derek Bok, Harvard University. terests will be increasingly at risk in a rap- tution-building, non-proliferation, counter- Salih Booker, Council on Foreign Rela- idly changing and turbulent world. To the narcotics * * *. tions. extent that agreement can be reached be- Terrence L. Bracy, Bracy Williams & Com- tween the President and Congress on restruc- * * * * * pany. turing the foreign affairs agencies, it would VI. CONCLUSION Zbigniew Brzezinski, Center for Strategic be highly desirable to agree on basic terms The President has spoken very clearly and International Studies. in time for any necessary legislative action about the imperatives of global leadership John A. Burgess, Hale and Dorr. to be completed during the coming session of and its price. In Detroit last October he de- George Burrill, Business Alliance for Inter- Congress. clared: ‘‘The burden of American leadership national Economic Development. Specifically, in FY 1998, federal discre- and the importance of it—indeed, the essen- Richard R. Burt, International Equity tionary spending on international affairs tial character of American leadership—is one Partners. should rise to $21 billion from its 1997 level of of the great lessons of the 20th century. It John C. Campbell, Senior Fellow, Emer- $19 billion, with annual adjustments through will be an even more powerful reality in the itus, at the Council on Foreign Relations. the year 2002 to offset inflation. The rec- 21st century.’’ Frank C. Carlucci, The Carlyle Group. ommended figure is still well below the aver- What remains now is for the President to Charles E. Cobb, Jr., Pan Am Corporation. W. Bowman Cutter, Warburg, Pincus. age of the 1980–1995 time period but consider- recognize that without adequate resources it Patricia Davis, Washington Council on ably more than current projections. will not be possible to provide the inter- International Trade, Seattle. The Task Force was acutely aware of the national leadership that our national inter- Brewster C. Denny, University of Wash- continuing budget pressures and searched for ests require. There are three aspects to this ington. ways to cut existing costs. We present these challenge: reforms before outlining the increases that Mark D.W. Edington, Doedalus. First, the President must include in his Mickey Edwards, Harvard University. are recommended: 1998 budget request an amount adequate to Saving in the development assistance ac- Robert F. Ellsworth, Robert Ellsworth & fund American leadership and he must also count can be realized by dropping the Title I Co., Inc. reverse the out-year projections which PL 480 food program and through the amal- Ainslie T. Embree, Columbia University. gamation of the Agency for International threaten our posture abroad. Second, the Dante B. Fascell, Holland & Knight. Development’s extensive administrative sup- President must take the international af- Richard A. Falkenrath, Harvard Univer- port operations as discussed below. fairs resource issue to the American people. sity. Continuing administrative reforms in UN The President, more than any other indi- Richard W. Fisher, Fisher Capital Manage- organizations and the international financial vidual or institution of our system, bears the ment. organizations should produce savings for the responsibility for the success or failure of Bart Friedman, Cahill Gordon & Reindel. US of $100 million per year by the year 2002. American foreign policy. Better than anyone Jeffrey E. Garten, Yale School of Manage- Amalgamation and re-engineering of the else, he can make clear what it means not to ment. administrative support services of the for- have the resources required to protect and William E. Griffith, Massachusetts Insti- eign affairs agencies need not await the larg- promote American values and interests. As tute of Technology. er structural review recommended and there- Commander-in-Chief, the President can un- Adam R. Grissom. Harvard University. fore should be initiated immediately. This derscore the vital link between diplomacy Peter Grose, Harvard University. reform would be a logical follow-on to the and deterrence. Secretary of State Warren Richard N. Haass, Brookings Institution. newly agreed upon collaborative arrange- Christopher described the nature of this con- General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. (Ret.), ments for financing overseas administrative nection very clearly when he addressed the Worldwide Associates, Inc. support. The foreign affairs agencies should Corps of Cadets at West Point last October Morton H. Halperin, Council on Foreign be directed to move without further delay to 25: ‘‘We will serve the American people best Relations. eliminate overlap and duplication of policy of all if we can prevent the conflicts and William C. Harrop, Association for Diplo- and program functions among themselves, as emergencies that call for a military response matic Studies and Training. directed by the Vice President in 1995. These from ever arising. . . . If we hold that line Alan K. Henrikson, Tufts University. actions should produce savings of $100 mil- around the world, we are much less likely to Jessica Hobart, Center for Science and lion to $200 million by the end of the decade. have to send you and the troops you will International Affairs. A mission-by-mission review of all agen- command into harm’s way sometime in the Patricia L. Irvin, Cooper, Liebowitz, cies’ overseas staffing should be considered future.’’ Royster & Wright. as a means of sharpening focus and realign- Third, once the President has done these Paula C. Jacobson, Harvard University. ing resources with policy priorities. Such a two things he will be in a position to reach Kempton B. Jenkins, APCO Associates Inc. review could achieve additional savings in out to the leadership of the Congress to es- Willard R. Johnson, Massachusetts Insti- accounts other than 150. tablish understanding about international tute of Technology. We are persuaded that some restructuring affairs financing. This must be a collabo- Max M. Kampelman, Fried, Frank, Harris, of the foreign affairs agencies is needed and rative, non-partisan undertaking and the Shriver and Jacobson. that this would produce additional savings— President must commit, at the outset, to a Arnold Kanter, Forum for International although less than some advocates have sug- review of the structure and coordination of Policy. gested. Restructuring the foreign affairs the foreign policy agencies as recommended Lawrence J. Korb, The Brookings Institu- agencies is a task assigned by the Constitu- above. The initial move in this regard must tion. tion and by practical necessity to both polit- be the President’s and it must be accom- Lane Kirkland, President Emeritus, AFL– ical branches of the government and requires panied by a clear indication of his willing- CIO. the cooperation of leaders on both ends of ness to take the resource issue to the Amer- Carol J. Lancaster, Georgetown Univer- Pennsylvania Avenue. We urge the President ican people. He must then be joined by the sity. and Congressional leaders to come together Congress, which deserves nothing less than a Sally Lilienthal, Ploughshares Fund. on a mechanism—a bipartisan commission full understanding, a full voice in decisions, Franklin A. Lindsay, retired Chairman of appointed jointly by Congressional leaders and a full measure of responsibility. Itek Corp. and former Chairman of the Na- and the President is one time-honored meth- The American people do not want to swap tional Bureau for Economic Research. od—to develop a solution which all can sup- a budget deficit for a security deficit. We Sarah K. Lischer, Harvard University. port and which will improve the formation suspect most Americans would be alarmed if M. Peter McPherson, Michigan State Uni- and implementation of policy. these proposed budget cuts go through only versity. Disagreement over organization must not Major General David C. Meade (Ret.), to discover that America faces an influence be permitted to be the cause or the excuse United States Army. gap in world affairs as we enter the twenty- for failure to reach agreement on the funding Robert F. Meagher, Fletcher School of Law first century. increases that will be necessary—whatever and Diplomacy, Tufts University. We can afford to do more. We cannot afford structural reforms are agreed upon. The fol- Robert H. Michel, Hogan & Hartson. to do less. lowing summaries our recommendations for Richard M. Moose, Council on Foreign Re- increases relative to FY 1997 spending levels SIGNATORIES lations. (all numbers are annual unless otherwise in- Signatories include members of the Task Kenneth P. Morse, MIT Entrepreneurship dicated, should be maintained at this level in Force, regional participants who met in Bos- Center. real terms for the next five years, and are ex- ton and Seattle, and those who have since Joshua Muravchik, American Enterprise pressed in constant 1997 dollars): endorsed this Statement. Institute.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 Ted M. Natt, The Daily News. And we must grieve for Sandy, who could be honest with them—someone who David Nemtzow, The Alliance to Save En- will lose her husband of 31 years. But could be open-minded and listen and hear ergy. we can be at peace knowing that Mark their fears.’’ Richard A. Nenneman, The Christian is living out his remaining days to the So many times, he sat bedside at the mo- Science Monitor (Ret.). ment of death, helping people in their jour- Augustus Richard Norton, Boston Univer- fullest. He is at peace, and with his ney from this existence to the next. It sity. loved ones. couldn’t help but affect his own life. Gordon W. Perkin, Path Program for Ap- Mark eloquently described the chal- ‘‘How can it not?’’ Jerstad says. ‘‘I mean, I propriate Technology in Health. lenge we all face: ‘‘Unfortunately, peo- believe we are the sum of our life’s experi- Richard E. Pipes, Harvard University ple just can’t seem to live life to the ences. I really feel these very intimate (Ret.). fullest until they come face to face sharings of people as they were dying have Brent Scowcroft, Forum for International with their own death and incorporate touched my life deeply and richly. ‘‘They’ve helped me be at peace with my Policy. it into his or her own existence.’’ Mark Sarah B. Sewall, Harvard Law School. own dying, for sure.’’ John W. Sewell, Overseas Development has done just that, continuing his work Similarly, his years of teaching death and Council. as the chief executive officer of the dying classes at Augustana helped prepare George P. Schultz, Stanford University. Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls him as well. Eugene B. Skolnikoff, Massachusetts Insti- while sharing his remaining precious Jerstad would share his experiences in tute of Technology. days with friends and family from International Falls with his classes. But his Stephen J. Solarz, APCO Associates Inc. throughout the country. He is an exam- focus was more on living than dying. Theodore C. Sorensen, Paul, Weiss, ‘‘When you think about it, we’re all ter- ple for us all. minal. . . . We’re all dead men walking. We Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Mark, we wish you and your family Claude A. Soudah, Bank of America just don’t know when that final day will be,’’ NT&SA dba Seafirst Bank—Seattle. well. Let your faith, grace and dignity he said. Deborah L. Spar, Harvard Business School. be a lesson to all. ‘‘Unfortunately, people just can’t seem to Dick Thornburgh, Kirkpatrick & Lockart Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- live life to the fullest until they come face to LLP. sent that the text of an article from face with their own death and incorporate it Robert J.C. Van Leeuwen, World Affairs the Sioux Falls Argus Leader honoring into his or her own existence.’’ That isn’t a problem for Jerstad. Indeed, Council. Mark Jerstad be printed in the RECORD. Abelardo Lopez Valdz, Squire, Sanders & there never has been a moment in the last There being no objection, the article three months when he bolted upright in bed Dempsey. was ordered to be printed in the Cyrus R. Vance, Simpson Thatcher & Bart- in the middle of the night, sweating in fear RECORD, as follows: lett. about what awaits him. Paul A. Volcker, Wolfensohn & Co., Inc. [From the Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader] CERTAIN SADNESS Raymond J. Waldmann, The Boeing Com- CEO WHO COUNSELED THE DYING FACES HIS Obviously, there is sadness. He looked for- pany. OWN DEATH WITH FAITH ward to becoming a grandfather and bap- Louis T. Wells, Harvard Business School. (By Steve Young) tizing his own grandchildren. Jennifer Seymour Whitaker, Council on Mark Jerstad sat in an X-ray room at He thought maybe he would get to officiate Foreign Relations. Sioux Valley Hospital in November when at the marriages of his two daughters and his John C. Whitehead, AEA Investors Inc., cold reality swept over him. son—a possibility that now seems remote. Eden Y. Woon, Washington State China The chief executive officer of the Good Sa- ‘‘You know, I kind of wish it was summer Relations Council. maritan Society in Sioux Falls had just fin- rather than winter,’’ he said as he glanced Dorothy S. Zinberg, Harvard University. ished tests for what doctors thought might out his office window. ‘‘I like to be able to Mr. HOLLINGS. The report is en- be an appendix problem. sit out in my backyard in the afternoons and dorsed by former Secretaries of State He was waiting alone for the results to evenings, just watching the sun go down.’’ come back when he suddenly felt ‘‘like a Still, Jerstad won’t mire himself in what and those in the know both, in a bipar- might have been. He is a man of the moment. tisan fashion. I thank the Chair. peeled grape shaking in a snowbank at 40 degrees below zero.’’ When he was diagnosed with cancer, he had f The feeling lasted 30 seconds. When it to wait a couple of days before undergoing colon surgery. So Jerstad got a discharge TRIBUTE TO MARK JERSTAD passed, this Lutheran pastor and business executive knew exactly what was wrong. form, signed his name to it and checked him- Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I want ‘‘All of a sudden, it came to me.... al- self out of Sioux Valley for the day. most like a voice,’’ he recalls. ‘‘You have He then drove out to Good Samaritan and to take this opportunity today to attended the morning Bible study there. honor my dear friend, Reverend Mark cancer, and it is terminal.’’ He was right. After sharing news about his cancer with co- Jerstad, a Lutheran pastor and head of workers and staff, he ‘‘went home to my the Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Jerstad, 54, learned that he has an aggressive, advanced stage of colon cancer. There is kids, built a big fire in the fireplace and just Falls. After having spent much of his no cure. There is only the hope that chemo- kind of hung out. It really was a wonderful adult life comforting the dying and therapy might prolong his life a month, time.’’ grieving, Mark recently learned that maybe two. There have been many similar moments he has terminal colon cancer. This But this isn’t a story about one man dying. since. He talks about liking to begin each day by news was a sad blow to all those who Rather, this is a tale about one man’s incred- ible faith—and what it means to live in the snuggling in bed with his wife, Sandy, and know and love him. Yet, as we face the sharing a thought or two. loss of our friend, we are inspired by shadow of your mortality. Lean and angular, Jerstad greets visitors ‘‘Sometimes, I reach over and just touch the strength of character shown by in his spacious Good Samaritan office with her . . . and thank God for our partnership of Mark and his family. the same firm handshake that has been his 31 years.’’ He goes into the office most mornings and Mark’s ability to help others con- trademark. stays until the work day ends, or until he front their fears and prepare for their Though the chemotherapy leaves him peri- wear out. next journey has always been based on odically weak, he still routinely comes to his strong faith in God. Now it is this work to oversee affairs at the nonprofit GREETING OLD FRIENDS same faith that has enabled Mark to be monolith that provides services to senior In recent weeks, he has spent much time at peace with his own death. You see, citizens in 240 facilities in 26 states. greeting old friends who have sought him out This has been Jerstad’s job for 71⁄2 years. during his illness. One of them flew recently Mark believes himself to be a lucky He has been with Good Samaritan since 1985. from Alaska, another from Hawaii, yet a man. Unlike many, he has the time to Before that, he was campus pastor and a reli- third came all the way from Johns Hopkins say goodbye, and to reflect on the life gion professor for nine years at Augustana in Baltimore to spend 45 minutes with him. he has led. As he says, we are nothing College. And before that he served as a pas- ‘‘There was a tycoon I knew who wept like but the sum of our deeds. I believe him, tor in International Falls, Minn. a child and embraced me,’’ Jerstad said, his and by this measure Mark is truly re- In many ways, those years of ministering smile growing as he recounts the memory. ‘‘I markable for he has lived a life of kind- to church members and college students was able to comfort him, and we both were ness and love. We cannot help but to helped prepare him for what lay ahead. able to grow through that experience.’’ In International Falls, Jerstad counseled That, he will tell you, is one of the joys grieve for the fact that Mark will no scores of people and their families through about living when you are dying. It certainly longer be with us. We must grieve for death and grief. makes him thankful that his life did not end his children Rachel, Michael and ‘‘Honestly, I think I was given a gift of suddenly, that he has had weeks and months Sarah, who will be losing their father. working with dying people,’’ he said. ‘‘I to prepare.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1057 Undoubtedly, Jerstad thinks a lot about to the ceiling. These are our unbal- on this stack of unbalanced budgets. what death will be like. But he doesn’t fear anced budgets over the last 28 years, But we have yet to see if Congress will it. every last one. And yet every time we be able to work with this budget sub- ‘‘One of the things that fires me up,’’ he get into this debate, our friends on the mission to get us on the path to bal- said, and his voice breaks as his eyes fill with tears, ‘‘is knowing I’ll get the chance to other side of this issue come in and ance by 2002. meet my dad again. He died a couple of years say, ‘‘Oh, let’s just have the will to do We should all understand that the ago. I loved him dearly.’’ this. We can do it if we want to, if we backdrop to all this is that the Con- What a glorious reunion, the son said. Yet just have the will.’’ And we heard the gressional Budget Office has recently until then, this husband and father intends President the other evening talking painted a less rosy picture of the def- to revel in the support of his family, his about all you have to do is pass it and icit in the next few years under current friends and his faith—for as long as he has. I will sign it. policies. Let me just take this chart. ‘‘I have to say, I wonder if I have been Give me a break. That is what was As this chart shows, CBO predicts given a gift,’’ Jerstad said, marveling at his that the deficit will begin to rise this own outlook. ‘‘I mean, I’m surely not in de- said in every one of these instances. nial. If anyone has accepted the reality of And a number of them were listed as year and continue rising throughout their death much sooner than normal, it is balanced budgets during this time. It the foreseeable future. The CBO pre- I.’’ turned out to be horrendous budgetary dicts that the deficit will rise to $124 GIFT OF FAITH deficits rather than balanced budgets. billion in fiscal year 1997 and continue How can that be? How can anyone face You can just look at this stack—and to rise to $188 billion by fiscal year death with no resentment, anger or bitter- this is just 28 years. This does not 2002, the year we hope we will have bal- ness? count the other unbalanced budgets for anced the budget. The deficits just In a phrase, he said with a smile, it is a most of the last 60 years. This is just 28 keep rising until 2007, as you can see. gift. years, these stacks right here. Our annual deficit is projected to be, at ‘‘The gift of faith,’’ Mark Jerstad said. A lot of good intentions, a lot of peo- that time, $278 billion a year. ‘‘Maybe I’m not angry because I’m so hopeful ple working hard to try to do what is Added up, these deficits will add a for the life beyond this life. right but never accomplishing it be- total of more than 2 trillion additional ‘‘I’ll be honest; I know my life is in the hands of the Lord. I can’t fantasize anything cause they did not have the fiscal dis- dollars to the debt from now until the better than that.’’ cipline necessary to get it accom- year 2007. That is if we do what the plished. You cannot look at this and President is going to offer today. Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I sug- listen to these arguments of ‘‘Why The point is that we cannot yet con- gest the absence of a quorum. don’t we just do what we should do.’’ gratulate ourselves for a job well done. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- After 28 years—and we are just using There is work ahead for all of us to do, pore. The clerk will call the roll. the last 28 years like I am saying— and there is no assurance of success. The assistant legislative clerk pro- after 28 years we have to wake up and Based on the sad history illustrated by ceeded to call the roll. say we do need a fiscal mechanism to these 28 years of budgetary submis- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask help Congress to do its job because it sions, success has to be considered, by unanimous consent that the order for has not done its job in the last 37 years any reasonable person, to be in serious the quorum call be rescinded. and most of the last 60 years. doubt. That is why we need a balanced The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. If we put them all up here, we would budget amendment to the Constitu- ASHCROFT). Without objection, it is so not have room. Frankly, we are wor- tion. It has been called an insurance ordered. ried with this stack that we might be policy that we will get the budget actu- f violating OSHA rules. If these happen ally balanced in the year 2002 and, CONCLUSION OF MORNING to fall over, somebody’s leg could get more important, that we keep it bal- BUSINESS broken. anced afterward, instead of doing what We are returning to this debate, and it appears will be done up through the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The hour it is an important debate. It is about year 2007, a continual rising deficit of 12 o’clock having arrived, morning whether we have reached the turning each year, well over hundreds of bil- business is closed. point in our Nation’s history in our fis- lions of dollars. f cal affairs which will change the way I think the combination of these il- BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT we have been doing business. We are lustrations of the past and the projec- TO THE CONSTITUTION hoping that if we pass this amendment, tions for the future based on our cur- we will profoundly effect a legacy we rent policy suggest that the past is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under leave to all future Americans. prologue and should show us that we the previous order, the Senate will now We have, as I have said, had piled on need a balanced budget amendment. resume consideration of Senate Joint this table the failed budgetary history We have been through debates on this Resolution 1, which the clerk will re- of the last 28 years. These are the un- measure before. I would like to outline port. broken string of unbalanced budgets briefly for those watching these de- The legislative clerk read as follows: that we have had since 1969. bates what they are likely to hear from A joint resolution (S.J. Res. 1) proposing As Senator ABRAHAM observed last the opponents of this amendment based an amendment to the Constitution of the night, this is about as close to bal- on past debates and the positions out- United States to require a balanced budget. ancing the budget as we have come, lined to this point in this debate. The Senate resumed consideration of balancing these budget documents on First, let me point out this is not a the joint resolution. this table so they will not fall over. partisan disagreement or debate, and it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- That is about as close as we get to bal- should not be. That is only fitting and ator from Utah. ancing budgets. We are not sure we proper for a constitutional debate. You Mr. HATCH. I thank the Chair. have it balanced well even that way, so have to have people on both sides sup- We are returning to the balanced you can imagine how difficult it must porting a constitutional amendment or budget constitutional amendment de- be to try to balance them the real way. there is no way it even has a chance of bate. This is a singularly important de- We received today yet another budg- passing. This is a bipartisan amend- bate in our Nation’s history. And while et submission. In this one, President ment. I am talking, I am going to constantly Clinton has promised to point us to Some opponents of a balanced budget refer to just 28 of the unbalanced budg- balancing our budget by the year 2002. amendment will attempt to paint this ets since 1969—28 of them. We had to In the coming days and weeks, the Con- debate as a battle of parties, of a find a table strong enough to hold gress will be reviewing this budget sub- choice between a Republican amend- them, and we could not put them on mission to determine whether it will be ment or a Democrat amendment or top of each other. As you can see, they just another failed attempt that we Democrat opposition to the amend- are almost as high as I am, stacked in toss on top of this huge pile. Of course, ment. While I hasten to point out that twos and threes. If we put them on top since this budget for fiscal year 1998 all 55 Republican Senators, every one of each other, they would reach almost will not itself balance, it can be placed of us, are supportive of this balanced

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 budget amendment, there are numer- That is what the balanced budget time to let the American people debate ous Democrats who support it as well amendment is all about. The best way it in their State legislatures, but that and I commend them. Among the origi- to do that is to pass this constitutional cannot happen unless we pass it nal cosponsors are seven Democrats. amendment. If you take Social Secu- through both Houses of Congress. I be- An additional four Democrat Senators rity out from the purview of the bal- lieve it is time they will adopt a bal- voted for this version of the balanced anced budget amendment, the highest anced budget amendment to the Con- budget amendment the last time it was item in the Federal budget, that is a stitution if we give the people a considered in Congress, two of whom risky gimmick that would endanger chance. Let the people speak, and let voted for it in the House and have now Social Security’s future. So we are them speak without further delay. joined us in the Senate, and two other very concerned about what is hap- Let me just say one last thing about new Democrat Senators expressed sup- pening here. Social Security, because I think it is port for the balanced budget amend- Third, we will also hear those who one of the phoniest issues I have seen ment in their Senate campaigns. That believe that willpower, or another stat- in years. Without a credible sustained number alone will give us sufficient ute, will be the discipline we need. Let balanced budget, we will never have support to send this amendment to the me say, again, it has been 28 years, the money to pay our future benefits. States. Other Democrat Members have since 1969, since we have balanced the It is just that simple. A balanced budg- supported this text in the past, and I budget. That was the only time we did et means economic prosperity, pro- hope they will return. I would cer- it since 1960—37 years ago. So, in 37 ducing the revenues necessary to fund tainly be happy to welcome them back. years we have only balanced the budget the program. With a balanced budget, once and we have only 28 of those years Senate Joint Resolution 1 is a bipar- the big spenders in Washington won’t up here. We could not afford to take tisan undertaking and a bipartisan, bi- be able to target Social Security to pay the risk of violating OSHA rules by pil- cameral consensus amendment. for other programs, just as the admin- ing this any higher. So, willpower has The first division of opponents of the istration did in 1993. not worked. We have had no fewer than balanced budget amendment is between By the way, in the President’s own five major statutory attempts to rein those who say that they are for a bal- words, he said this: ‘‘Neither the Re- in our borrowing habits since 1978 anced budget amendment, just not this publicans nor I could produce a bal- one, and those who are against all bal- alone. No statute has worked. Finally, there are those who would anced budget tomorrow that could pass anced budget amendments. In effect, say that a constitutional amendment if Social Security funds cannot be the position is the same. Senate Joint is unnecessary because Congress and counted.’’ Resolution 1 is the product of years of the President both want to balance the That was said on January 28, 1997, refinement and debate. It is the only budget by 2002, we are moving toward just a week ago. Neither of us can do it balanced budget amendment which has that goal. While it is true that every- without that. any chance of being adopted by the one has adopted the goal of balancing I think it is important to make it Congress as a whole. the budget by 2002, we have not fin- clear that opponents of the balanced In past debates, substitute amend- ished that job yet. June O’Neill, the Di- budget will throw out any diversion to ments have been offered, not one of rector of the Congressional Budget Of- confuse the issue. They will even use which has garnered the support of even fice, testified last week before the scare tactics. The truth is, excluding a mere majority of the Members of this Budget Committee that the good news Social Security does nothing to secure body, let alone approached the 67 Sen- is pretty much over and the hard work benefits into the future, and the Presi- ate votes required for Senate approval. is ahead. As I pointed out, CBO dent’s own budget that is submitted Any of us might change a word or two projects that the annual deficit will today counts those surpluses to set it if we were writing our own Constitu- begin rising again this year from $107 in balance. tion. We might want the courts to do billion this year, which they act like is We have set aside most of our time this or the President to do that, or we nothing, to $124 billion next year, to this afternoon for our newest Members might want tax limitation or any num- $188 billion in the year 2002, the year of the Senate, our freshman class, to ber of other changes. But Senate Joint we all agree we will have a balanced come down and express their views on Resolution 1 is the only version that budget, or we will have to balance the this. has a chance of passing. So, when budget. Mr. LEAHY. Will the Senator yield someone in this debate says they have The lesson, then, is we cannot de- for a question? a better idea, you will know, in effect, clare victory and go home because Mr. HATCH. Yes. that they are working against passing things have recently improved to some Mr. LEAHY. The distinguished chair- a balanced budget constitutional extent. The hard work is ahead, and man is not suggesting, and I realize by amendment. the political pressures that have given parliamentary form he could arrange Second, there will be those who pro- us our decades-long debt habit will con- that to happen, he is not suggesting, is pose changes to the amendment to ex- tinue to push us off balance, toward he, that debate would be limited only empt certain items from the budget- mortgaging the future. Only the per- to those who are in favor of the con- balancing rule. While they will profess manent counterweight of the Constitu- stitutional amendment? that, of course, they are for balancing tion can get us to balance in the short Mr. HATCH. Of course not. We will the budget—we are all for balancing term and keep us in balance for the go back and forth as we did yesterday; the budget now; I don’t know of any- long term. either way, as far as I am concerned. body on this floor who does not say Let me conclude simply by saying Mr. LEAHY. I don’t object. that. They believe that certain items that I am pushing for this change in Mr. HATCH. For some of these fresh- are just too important to be left to our basic charter because I care about men Senators, it will be their first congressional prioritizing. Because the quality of life for all Americans, speech as U.S. Senators. I can’t believe they are so important, they propose for those now living, and for those fu- that there is anything more fitting pretending that, for purposes of the ture generations that cannot make than the balanced budget amendment Constitution, these items do not exist their wishes known at this time. I be- in their very first speech. This is a his- in the budget of the Federal Govern- lieve that if our colleagues will think toric issue, and I think these freshmen ment. Of course, these items are items about how Washington has worked over Senators will help us understand how that the Federal Government pays for, the last few decades—just look at it, truly historic it is. but never mind, they are not part of three decades almost—and the price Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, will the the budget for purposes of balancing real Americans pay now, and especially Senator yield again? the budget. will pay in the future, that they will Mr. HATCH. I yield. When it comes to this, I have to say agree that a vote for the balanced Mr. LEAHY. On that point, as the the No. 1 scheme on the part of these budget amendment is a vote for a bet- distinguished chairman knows, the new people is to exempt Social Security ter future for all Americans. Senator from Nebraska was on the from the balanced budget amendment. We have debated this amendment in floor yesterday. While he took a dif- We are here to save Social Security. Congress for many years. I believe it is ferent position than mine on this, I

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1059 commend him for his efforts and his the balanced budget amendment to the ernment was having difficulties raising work on this. While the chairman and Constitution. the funding to carry out the Revolu- I disagree on the need for this amend- One of my primary campaign prom- tionary War, it still managed to spend ment, I think we both agree that if ises when I was running for election to large sums of money to pay for tea and somebody is to give their first speech the U.S. Senate was to push for a bal- other wasteful items. in the Senate, there are few issues that anced budget, and I believe that the The dire financial straits of the Fed- will be of such significance as this. best way to force us to finally take the eral Government in the aftermath of Anytime one amends the Constitu- courageous steps necessary to balance the Revolutionary War seem to have tion, something that has been amended the budget is to establish a constitu- minimized the concern that the found- only 17 times since the Bill of Rights, tional balanced budget requirement. ers had to constrain the ability of the that is a significant effort. As I said Statutory balanced budget require- Federal Government to incur debt. In yesterday, for 200-some-odd years, we ments have proven to be insufficient as addition, Framers of the Constitution have resisted the temptation to amend Congress has proven its willingness to such as Alexander Hamilton believed our Constitution, which is one of the amend any such requirements. that the Federal Government would reasons why we are such a powerful de- I must emphasize that the modern voluntarily restrain itself, and that the mocracy and one of the reasons why congressional movement to establish public would provide an adequate our Constitution has stood the test of balanced budget requirements is not a check if the Government showed a time. partisan issue. In 1935, the first bill to tendency to get out of line. But it was I also note, I think on both sides of establish a statutory balanced budget not long before some in the Federalist the aisle there is strong support to bal- requirement was introduced by Senator Party began to voice their support for ance the budget, but what I want to re- Millard Tydings, a Democrat from a constitutional balanced budget remind everybody, as the President said Maryland. In the following year, Con- quirement. Thomas Jefferson was con- in his State of the Union Address, is all gressman Harold Knutson, a Repub- cerned with what he considered to be it takes is our vote and his signature lican from Minnesota, introduced the the extravagant spending practices of to balance the budget without a con- first proposal to place a balanced budg- the administration of John Adams and stitutional amendment. In the last 4 et requirement in the United States he felt that the best way to correct years, the deficit has come down. For Constitution. In light of the bipartisan this problem was to take away the the first time since I have been able to history of the balanced budget move- ability of the Federal Government to vote, the President 4 years in a row ment, I urge all of my colleagues to incur debt. He wrote to John Taylor on brought the deficit down and is now on join together in making the balanced November 26, 1798, ‘‘I wish it were pos- the fifth time. He deserves a great deal budget amendment the first and most sible to obtain a single amendment to of credit for that. important accomplishment of this our Constitution. I would be willing to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- 105th Congress. depend on that alone for the reduction ator from Utah. During the 104th Congress, the Fed- of the administration of our govern- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I honor eral Government surpassed a milestone ment to the genuine principles of its my colleague. He is a very fine Senator that our forefathers would have never Constitution; I mean an additional ar- and does a very good job, but give me thought possible—the debt incurred by ticle, taking from the Federal Govern- a break: All it takes is for us to do the the Federal Government surpassed $5 ment the power of borrowing.’’ Thus, job and the President’s signature. We trillion dollars. This is an astronomical Jefferson saw a balanced budget re- have had 28 years of that philosophy. sum of money, and it is something of quirement as the proper tool to con- Here it is. Twenty-eight years on bal- which we, as policymakers, should be strain the Federal Government within anced budgets and really, in the last 60 ashamed. We owe it to our children and its proper boundaries and to cure the years, there have been really very few grandchildren to do better. We owe it Government of any wasteful ten- balanced budgets. This would be three to them to pass a constitutional re- dencies. times this size if we put it up for the quirement to mandate that the Federal In spite of the concerns of those like last 60 years. This ought to give any- Government balance its budget by 2002. Jefferson who felt that the Federal body enough pause to say, ‘‘Hey, it’s Most people believe that the issue of Government needed to be constrained time to get this over with. It’s time to balanced budget constitutional amend- by a constitutional balanced budget re- let people move on from here.’’ ment is a relatively recent issue. But quirement, the Federal Government Our efforts to pass the balanced this issue actually surfaced before the seemed to be able to balance its budget budget amendment predate even my Constitution was ratified by the except in times of war and economic own election to the Senate some 20 States. downturns until the 1930’s. Budget defi- years ago. But these new freshmen New York and Rhode Island both in- cits were considered to be abnormali- Senators are absolutely critical and an cluded requests that the Federal gov- ties and Federal officials felt that they indispensable factor, it seems to me, in ernment be restricted in its ability to had a moral responsibility to their this debate. They came to the Senate borrow money. Gilbert Livingston of children and grandchildren to balance last month with new insights and New York proposed ‘‘that no money be the budget and even pay down the Fed- unbounded enthusiasm and energy and borrowed on the credit of the United eral debt. In his first inaugural ad- determined that some integrity and States without the assent of two thirds dress, Andrew Jackson stated, ‘‘Some sanity be restored to the Federal budg- of the senators and representatives of the Topics which shall engage my et process. Their commitment to this present in each house.’’ Admittedly, earliest attention as intimately con- process, to our children and our grand- Mr. Livingston was an anti-Federalist nected with the prosperity of our be- children is an inspiration to those of us who did not believe in the Union. But loved country, are, the liquidation of who have dedicated most of our polit- he and other anti-Federalists realized the national debt, and the introduction ical life to this message. I hope their that forcing the Federal Government and observance of the strictest econ- message is heard around the country. to live within its means would provide omy in the disbursements of the gov- All freshmen Senators are original an important check on its power. Re- ernment.’’ cosponsors and they can work in a bi- quiring the Government to go to the Jackson detested debt because of an partisan manner with their Democratic people for all of the revenues necessary experience that he had had as a young counterparts to ensure passage of the to run its programs would force it to be man in which he was nearly ruined fi- amendment this month. accountable to the people. nancially as a result of a debt on a par- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Indeed, in 1779 when the United cel of land that he had acquired as a ator from Colorado is recognized. States was still governed by the Arti- young man. Jackson considered it to be Mr. ALLARD. Thank you, Mr. Presi- cles of Confederation, Benjamin Frank- a matter of public honor and morality dent. lin angrily complained of the extrava- to retire the national debt. In a speech First of all, Mr. President, I would gances of the Federal Government that in 1831, he commented that when the like to recognize the leadership of my were afforded by its ability to print debt was retired, ‘‘we shall then exhibit colleague, the Senator from Utah, on money to pay its bills. While the Gov- the rare example of a great nation,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1060 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 abounding in all the means of happi- administrations engaged in unprece- cific date and say, ‘‘Here, all things must ness and security, altogether free from dented spending binges on patronage give way before a balanced budget.’’ It is a debt.’’ Although the debt had been paid and questionable pork-barrel and log- question of where the importance of a balanced budget comes in; but it must be the down on a nearly continuous basis rolling projects to reduce the budg- aim of any sound money program . . . When after the United States was brought etary surpluses to politically accept- it becomes clear that the Government has to under the Constitution in 1789, Jackson able levels. At the same time, they pro- step in, as far as I am concerned, the full finished paying off the debts incurred claimed their support for balanced power of Government, of Government credit, by the Nation in the Revolutionary budgets to the public. Thus, President and of everything the Government has will War and the War of 1812 in 1834—and Benjamin Harrison described unneces- move in to see that there is no widespread became the first and only administra- sary debt as criminal even though unemployment and we never again have a tion to ever retire the debt of the Fed- repetition of conditions that so many of you spending increased during his term here remember when we had unemployment. eral Government of the United States. from $299 million in 1889 to $383 million Based on Keynesian economic theo- In 1837, the worst economic downturn in 1893. in the history of the United States The rules of the Federal budgetary ries, Eisenhower approved discre- aside from the Great Depression caused game changed with the New Deal poli- tionary spending increases in fiscal the Government to resume running oc- cies developed by President Franklin year 1958 and fiscal year 1959 which resulted in deficits of $3 and $13 billion casional deficits. But Jackson’s succes- Delano Roosevelt in the wake of the respectively. sors shared his belief in a balanced Great Depression, the worst economic budget and ran balanced or surplus This regard for Keynesian economic downturn in the history of our Nation. theories caused administrations to budgets except in times of war or eco- FDR was a well-intentioned man whose change their views of deficit spending nomic downturn. In 1842, President primary goal was to end the suffering and encouraged the Federal Govern- John Tyler wrote that Americans were that he witnessed with any means at ment to try to micromanage the econ- a ‘‘people rendered illustrious among his disposal FDR detested the tendency omy and incur massive deficits in the nations by having paid off its whole of economists and others around him process. No longer did policymakers debt.’’ to try to think about the long-term im- consider it such a moral obligation to The Republican Party held the White plications of his policies, but instead House almost continuously from the balance the Federal budget. In the en- preferred to devise immediate solu- tire postwar period, we have run budg- outbreak of the Civil War until the be- tions to the problems that the people etary surpluses only eight times. It is ginning of the Great Depression. And faced. He established numerous agen- curious to note that the surpluses in although these Presidents managed to cies and public works projects to try to times of economic prosperity in the continue the trend of balancing the pull the Nation out of the depression Keynesian economic theories have al- budget or running surpluses except in while continuing to profess a sincere most entirely failed to materialize. times of war or economic downturn, desire to balance the budget. One of The last budgetary surplus occurred in these Presidents were not the model of FDR’s fiscal innovations that has had 1969 and the deficits run by the Federal efficient government that we should the most profound impact on our econ- Government have grown increasingly aim to follow. Prior to the Civil War, omy was the widespread use of entitle- larger reaching a high of nearly $330 the Federal Government spent a record ment programs which are defined as million in fiscal year 1992. Luckily, $74 million. After the Civil War, Fed- programs that make payments to all Keynesian economics has increasingly eral Government expenditures never individuals or companies who are eligi- been ignored in recent years as a usa- dipped below $244 million and often ble by current law and who apply for ble guide for fiscal policy. It has been times was in excess of $300 million, an the benefits. The most popular entitle- realized that the Federal Government increase of more than 400 percent. As ment program created during FDR’s does not have enough information at the Federal Government increased its administration was Social Security. its disposal to accurately predict the spending, it expanded into new areas of Also created under FDR were the Fed- onset of a recession. In addition, by the influence. Prior to the Civil War, the eral farm assistance programs which I time a stimulus package can get Federal Government had mainly con- am proud to say we successfully re- through Congress, economic recovery fined itself to matters relating to the formed and made more market-ori- is often already underway. In cases national defense. After the war, how- ented during last year’s debate on the such as these, precious taxpayer dol- ever, the Federal Government increas- farm bill. lars are wasted while the economy may ingly took over waterway and trans- Most economists agree that the be overstimulated resulting in infla- portation improvement projects from Great Depression ended only with the tion. the State and local governments. Al- outbreak of World War II, but the leg- In spite of the recent turn away from though the Federal Government only acy of the Depression era programs has Keynesian economic theories, in gen- spent a total of $3.7 million on river lived on. Several new entitlement pro- eral the Federal Government’s deficits improvement and harbor construction grams have since been established, have been growing larger over time, between 1850 and 1860, it spent $53.8 most notably the Medicare and Med- and this trend is only expected to con- million from 1869 to 1879—an increase icaid health programs which were tinue. This is due to the rapid growth of over 1,300 percent. started as a part of LBJ’s Great Soci- of entitlement and other mandatory Not only did the nature of Federal ety fiscal agenda. Although FDR was spending. About 55 percent of our Government expenditures change, the not completely convinced by Keynesian spending went to entitlements in fiscal attitude about fiscal responsibility had economic theories, in the aftermath of year 1996, and, as projected by the CBO changed as well. As a favor to their FDR’s administration, Keynesian eco- in its January 1997 report on the Eco- business constituencies, the Repub- nomics became an accepted theory in nomic and Budget Outlook for fiscal licans were intent upon maintaining determining fiscal policy. This theory, years 1998 to 2007, entitlement spending exorbitantly high tariffs ranging from best expressed by the Employment Act is expected to top $1 trillion in fiscal the 20 percent Morrill tariff which was of 1946, stated that the Government year 1999. This increased entitlement enacted to finance the Civil War in 1861 would run balanced or surplus budgets spending is expected to be accompanied to the Dingley tariff of 1898 and the in times of economic prosperity, but it by enormous deficits. In its January Smoot-Hawley tariff of 1930, both of would seek to run deficits and stimu- 1997 report, the CBO forecasts the def- which were in excess of 45 percent. As late the economy during recessions icit to reach roughly $280 billion in fis- these tariffs represented an enormous through increases in discretionary cal year 2007 if discretionary spending tax upon farmers and other consumers, spending projects. This theory encour- is allowed to increase with inflation. they were very unpopular. The tariffs aged a reluctant President Eisenhower This increase in entitlement spending generated enormous budget surpluses to run a deficit throughout much of his also corresponds to a continued large and, as a result, they were hard to jus- administration stating: role for the Federal Government in the tify to the public. Rather than finding Balancing the budget will always remain a economy, equal to 21 percent of GDP ways of returning the money to the goal of any administration . . . That does during the next decade, of which 14 per- people, Congress and the Republican not mean to say that you can pick any spe- cent of GDP would be represented by

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1061 spending on entitlements by 2002. We Sometimes they were tough, but al- habits now. What will be left, then, for simply cannot allow this to happen. ways they ended with our budget bal- schools, roads and bridges, for police We must establish efficiency and ac- anced and Oregon’s fiscal house being and for our national defense? If we countability in the Federal Govern- in order. don’t do something right now, then ment. Entitlements, which automati- Today we come to a decision about each year the deficit will grow higher cally grow without any action on the whether or not our Government needs and higher. We must have a mechanism part of Congress, are causing these tre- to have the same kind of commitment, that will ensure that deficit spending mendous deficits. Although we can re- that constitutional commitment that will stop. We must have an amendment duce the deficit by freezing discre- we have in most States. My colleague, that will ensure a balanced budget. tionary spending, entitlement reform Senator ALLARD, read repeatedly from I understand, as a former legislator that puts these programs on sound eco- the words of Thomas Jefferson. I like at the State level, how difficult it is to nomic footing is absolutely necessary Jefferson’s words in which he counseled say ‘‘no,’’ because whether you are a in order for us to balance the budget. us that it should be unthinkable for us Republican or a Democrat, you go As the 105th Congress begins, one of the to spend the money of the next genera- through the fire and pain of a cam- first things that we need to do is to get tion for our consumption in this gen- paign because you care about people, our fiscal house in order and send to eration. Indeed, we have done this to a you want to leave your community the States a balanced budget require- degree, now, that we begin to ham- better off. Everyone who comes to your ment. It is a disgrace that in fiscal string our economy and threaten the door has a legitimate and often heart- year 1996, we burdened the hard-work- future in ways that ought to make us rending story to tell. And if you could, ing taxpayer with $241 billion in net in- ashamed. you would say ‘‘yes’’ every time. But terest charges on the national debt. It During the course of a yearlong cam- the problem in this Federal city is that is even more disgraceful that if we fail paign, I would go home as often as I we never say ‘‘no’’ when we ought to say ‘‘no’’ for the betterment of our to balance the budget, the resulting could. But always when I did, I was very tired from long hours of cam- whole society. higher interest rates and lower foreign I spoke about these programs, these paigning. On one occasion, I sat in my exchange rate will doom our children entitlements that help our Nation’s el- living room and began to fall asleep. to a lower standard of living than they derly. I believe that to preserve and My son, who was 6 years old at the otherwise would have. For our children protect and strengthen Medicare and and our grandchildren, we, the Mem- time, toddled over to me and tapped me Social Security, we have to have a de- bers of the 105th Congress must be cou- on the wrist. As I was waking up, he bate about the whole problem. Many rageous and pass a balanced budget asked me the question, ‘‘Daddy, can I have talked about how Social Security amendment to the U.S. Constitution. have your watch when you’re dead?’’ needs to be protected. I share that con- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I thank At that time, and since then, I have cern, and I will always talk about that, the distinguished Senator from Colo- laughed at that comment many times and I will vote to protect Social Secu- rado for making such an impassioned because it was a question from an inno- rity. But it is not right to say that this statement on how important this bal- cent child. I have thought humorously program—in order to protect it—should anced budget amendment is. We are so about it since and yet, also, soberly. I be taken off budget as part of the bal- glad to have you in the Senate. You are would like my sons and daughters, and anced budget amendment. Not even our making a difference and we appreciate your sons and daughters, to be able to current President believes that and, and thank you so much for your good inherit more than just a watch, to be therefore, when speaking about his ad- comments. You are speaking for the able to inherit the kind of future and ministration’s deficits, always includ- vast majority of people in this country, the kind of America that we have had, ing the Social Security trust funds. 68 percent of whom, according to the and the kind which we have an obliga- There are those in the Senate that latest polls, want this amendment tion to pass on. say that we should exempt Social Secu- passed. I personally thank you and con- What drives our need for a balanced rity from the balanced budget amend- gratulate you for your speech. budget amendment? Pure and simple, ment. I disagree with that. I say that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- it is the growth in spending that is out passing the balanced budget amend- ator from Oregon is recognized. of control. It is immoral. It ought to be ment, which both Republicans and Mr. GORDON SMITH. Mr. President, illegal. I would like to use the growth Democrats have proposed, is the most it is an honor to rise in this Chamber of four programs to demonstrate how, important thing we can do to protect to make my first remarks as a U.S. frankly, when coupled with interest on Social Security and our seniors. If So- Senator. I’d like to begin by paying the national debt, we are spending our- cial Security balances are exempted, tribute to Senator ORRIN HATCH of selves into oblivion. The four programs additional cuts will have to be made Utah for the leadership he has shown are entitlements. They are important during years of surpluses. For example, on this issue for many sessions of Con- programs, and they have done great in the year 2002, Congress will already gress, to help focus us, the American things for the American people—for the have to save, in order to balance the people, upon this important and over- needy and the elderly—to take them budget, $188 billion. If those trust funds riding issue of balancing our Federal out of poverty. Entitlements don’t re- are exempted, then Congress will have budget. quire a vote of Congress each year. And to cut an additional $104 billion from I come to this Chamber, to this serv- interest on the debt is something we the budget. Thus, Congress will have to ice at the Federal level, from the State have to pay, again; it is not voted radically cut programs by $292 billion. legislature in Oregon—where I served upon. Just making the cuts to reach the $188 as a State senator and as the Senate Thirty years ago, in 1967, the Federal billion mark will be difficult. An extra president. It was our highest priority Government’s spending on these four $104 billion will be incredibly difficult in the State legislature to balance our programs—Medicare, Medicaid, Social and will, undoubtedly, cut discre- budget. Indeed, it was our constitu- Security, Federal and military pen- tionary and mandatory programs, tional responsibility to balance the sions, and then interest on the national many of which will help America’s budget. Every session, we would con- debt—represented just 25 percent of our aged, those 65 and over. vene in Salem; coming together as Re- budget. Ten years later, in 1977, just What does a balanced budget mean to publicans and Democrats, liberals and these four programs, plus interest, had Oregon, my State, and to your State, conservatives, to have an honest de- grown to 41 percent of the budget. In and to America? It guarantees that we bate about how we spent public money, 1987, just these four programs, plus in- will be fiscally responsible. It means and what taxes, if any, should be raised terest, had grown to 50 percent of the that we will restrain the rate of growth or reduced, and how best to be good budget. In 1997, these four programs, of deficit spending by the Federal Gov- public stewards. I say it was an honest plus interest, have grown to 61 percent ernment, and that we will increase the debate because we did not have the re- of our budget. In 2007, just 10 years rate of growth in the private sector. It course of deficit spending—of going to from now, they will make up more means that interest rates will be lower the credit card of our children. I took than two-thirds of our Federal expendi- for all Americans. That means lower pride in the kinds of debates we had. tures, if we don’t change our spending mortgage payments.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 For example, if you have a $100,000 ment to the Constitution. But I don’t Our Founders decided that trust Con- mortgage payment, on a 30-year basis, think today we can talk about this gress to guarantee freedom of speech, a 2 percent drop in the interest rate babble about putting the Federal Gov- that they couldn’t. That logic didn’t would result in a $140 per-month reduc- ernment on a budget like everybody make any sense. Our Founders decided tion in your mortgage payments. At else, except in the context of the latest that they couldn’t trust Congress to the same time, it means lower car pay- edition to this big stack of budgets guarantee freedom of religion. So they ments. For a $15,000, 5-year auto loan over here which have failed America put it in the fundamental contract at 9 percent, this would represent sav- and failed the working people of our which bypasses Congress, which by- ings of $1,200 over the life of the loan. country and piled hundreds of billions passes the President, and that is the Well, lower interest rates also means of dollars of debt on generations yet contract between the Government and lower interest on your credit cards. On unborn, without looking at the newest its people. That is what the Constitu- a credit card balance of $1,000, with a installment of this debate; that is, the tion is. rate of 14 percent, it would save you budget that the President has sent to The difference between our position $20. us this morning. and the President’s position is the That is real money to real people I want to make it clear, Mr. Presi- President is saying after 28 years of who have real problems in their lives. dent, that I am rising to talk about failure in a row, after piling now tril- It means more money in your pocket, this budget and to criticize it, in some lions of dollars of debt on generations as an American citizen, to be saved, if ways in harsh terms. I want to begin by yet unborn, that we ought to trust you choose, for things that are impor- pointing out that I rise to criticize this Congress; that we ought to trust the tant to your family, like buying a budget more in disappointment than in President to balance the budget with- home, providing for a child’s education, anger. I believe with the rhetoric that out being required to do it. Obviously, for food, for clothing, all the things both parties have been using that it is if you look at that big stack of budgets that real people need more than Gov- essential that we work together with over there on Senator HATCH’s desk, for ernment needs them. the administration. I do not believe we 28 years in a row under Democrat and This is a choice about a brighter fu- are going to balance the budget based Republican Presidents, under Demo- ture for America. I am very pleased on the efforts of one party, though I crat and Republican Congresses, we that I was able to support a balanced think both parties need to do a better have not done the job. I point out that budget amendment to the U.S. Con- job of doing their part. many of those budgets claim to be in stitution in my first remarks on the I am the new chairman of the Medi- balance. But as I will make clear in my floor of the U.S. Senate. It will send a care Subcommittee. I would like to do comments about the newest install- credible message to all of the world and something worthy of being remembered ment, the 29th budget to go on top of 28 its economic markets. It will mean by taking major, bold steps towards budgets that failed to get the job done, long-term economic growth. It will saving Medicare, and I know we can’t if we took this budget on its face and give greater control of our foreign-held do that if we do not work with the assumed that it was adopted whole by debt. It will restore integrity to our President. this Congress, it is probably the poor- budget process. Finally, this debate So I would like to focus my com- est blueprint among the 28 to get the will show American families that they ments on the President’s budget today, job done. have a choice for a brighter future. and really focus not so much on the de- In fact, for a President who says we Thank you, Mr. President. ficiencies of this budget and on those do not need to require a balanced budg- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I com- aspects of this budget which represent et, that we can do it, it is very instruc- pliment our distinguished colleague really a political shield that the Presi- tive to look at the fine print in the from Oregon. He became the president dent has erected to protect himself President’s budget. In fact, it is not of the Oregon Senate shortly after he from having to make hard decisions; I even in the budget document itself. was elected to the Oregon Senate. I would like to couch my comments You have to get over into the analyt- think we are very privileged to have about this budget in terms of what is ical perspectives to find any word as to him in our body today. He has made his left to be done, and what we have to do how the administration actually is maiden speech, and I can’t imagine any if we begin with the President’s budget going to ensure that the budget is bal- subject that would be more meaningful and we decide we are going to go from anced. In fact, it is the very last para- than this one. I am pleased he took the here to a balanced Federal budget. I graph in the section of the President’s time to make that speech on the bal- would like to talk about that first. budget that is entitled ‘‘Preview Re- anced budget amendment. It also shows Then I would like to talk about where port.’’ In other words, it is about as there is a new wave coming through we differ with the President. What is hidden as you can make something hid- this body. People are now getting seri- the real issue that we are going to have den. ous, after 28 years of unbalanced budg- to decide in writing the budget of the Let me read basically what it says. It ets. This stack represents the 28 unbal- United States of America for this year? says in very small italic print, ‘‘Mecha- anced budgets over the last 28 years. Then I would like to sum up. nism to ensure balance in the year 2002. These folks are coming in here saying First of all, let me say that, like The budget includes a mechanism to it is time to change it. You can hardly most of my colleagues, I was dis- ensure that the President’s plan see me behind this stack. But this has appointed when our President the reaches balance in 2002 under OMB or to be changed, and the only way we are night before last told us that we do not CBO assumptions.’’ going to change it is with a balanced need a balanced budget amendment to What is that mechanism? Here is the budget amendment. When people come the Constitution of the United States. mechanism. The mechanism is that if on the floor and just say, ‘‘Let’s have My guess is that at the founding of things don’t work out, the tax cuts the will to do it,’’ the only will they the Republic, when the Bill of Rights that the President has in his budget need to show is to pass the balanced was set out as the immediate follow-on this year would in the future be taken budget amendment so we will do it. For to the Constitution, there were those back. But the tax increases the Presi- 28 years—really, for most of the last 60 who said, ‘‘Well, we do not need to dent has in his budget this year would years, we haven’t had the will to do it. guarantee freedom of speech. We do not be forever. The President proposes I compliment my colleague and thank need to guarantee freedom of religion. spending more money now and increas- him for his cogent, good remarks here We do not need to guarantee freedom of ing the deficit now over the last year today. assembly. Let us do it ourselves. Let us where we have an actual figure on the I yield the floor. let the Congress do it. We do not need deficit, and that is fiscal year 1996. The Mr. GRAMM addressed the Chair. to guarantee the protection of the deficit would rise from $107 billion in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. rights of the States in those areas 1996 to $121 billion in 1998. But what the ENZI). The Senator from Texas. where the Federal Government doesn’t President says is, let me raise taxes Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, I rise have specific enumeration in the Con- this year. Let me increase spending today to talk about the issue which is stitution. Congress is capable of mak- this year. And then, if we do not bal- before us, the balanced budget amending those decisions.’’ ance the budget in 4 years, I want to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1063 take back the tax cuts that we would blessed that they have not, but judge us impose. The President increases have given you 4 years from now. And this diet if you needed to lose weight nondefense spending. In an era where, let me spend the money on all of these for your happiness or health. the President told us last year, big new programs—which we heard about First of all, the President takes the Government was over, the President the other night—but if, in fact, the amount of weight we need to lose and, proposes in his budget increasing non- budget is not balanced, then we are by assuming different things, he says defense discretionary spending by $73 going to have a mechanism to take let us assume half of the weight loss is billion. that money back. Where is the mecha- going to occur naturally. And with this increase in spending, nism? We do not know. Nowhere does The first thing the President does in guess what. Discretionary spending the President tell us where this mecha- his budget is he changes the economic goes up next year, the deficit from the nism is. assumptions of the nonpartisan Con- last real number we have in 1996 goes Mr. President, this is no guideline for gressional Budget Office which gave up next year, taxes go up next year. balancing the budget. This is no pro- him their outline that we are required Next year, taxes will be at the highest gram for achieving what the President by law to follow in our budget. Before level in the history of the United says he is committed to. What we need he ever wrote his budget, they told him States of America. Defense will be at more than anything else is to, No. 1, the rules Congress will be bound by in the lowest level as a percentage of the sign a contract with the American peo- writing our budget. budget since the mid 1930’s. And yet ple through the Constitution that What the President says in essence is the deficit will be rising relative to President Clinton can’t change and the that to achieve a balanced budget we what we have achieved in fiscal year Republican Congress can’t change com- have to have a certain amount of sav- 1996. Why? Because of new spending. mitting that we are going to do it. And ings. I am going to change assump- There are 101 other little tricks in the then, second, we need to buy an insur- tions, the President in essence says in budget, and each of these tricks is ance policy by setting out a program his budget, so we assume that half the aimed basically at having it both ways. that makes changes now—not 4 years weight loss is just going to occur natu- Let me get down to the fundamental from now—if we fail to get this job rally. So the President is talking choice we are going to have to make. done. about, if you look at a budget, in this First of all, if we are going to lose this So I think it is very instructive in case for a bloated Government which weight, if we are going to balance the this debate about a balanced budget has not been on a real diet in 28 years budget, we cannot start by assuming amendment to the Constitution that and shows it, losing half the weight that half the problem is going to solve when our President adds the 29th failed that Congress is bound in writing in itself. We have to assume that we are budget in a row, nowhere in the budget our budget to lose—to be able to claim going to have to do every bit of it. We itself does he talk about how we are that in fact we have a diet which will are going to have to make the tough going to achieve a balanced budget and achieve our goal, the President as- choices. And if we really want to do it, an enforcement mechanism. But in one sumes half the problem away right off we need to be conservative in making paragraph in Analytical Perspective, the top. choices so that if things do not quite he tells us that ‘‘most of the Presi- Second, we heard the other night work out, we still get the job done. dent’s tax cuts would sunset, and dis- about the President’s tax cut and what We cannot get where we are going by cretionary budget authority and iden- it was going to provide, but now that beginning in the wrong direction. If our tified entitlement programs would face we have the numbers—and I do not goal is to spend less, why spend more an across-the-board limit.’’ No one think it is unusual. I am not trying to in the first year, the only year of the knows what that mechanism really is. be partisan with regard to the Presi- budget that is binding? If our objective But it is very clear what the President dent. But let me just give you the rest it is to lower taxes, why raise taxes the intends here, and that is tax now, of the story. The President the other first year with a program that will cut spend now, and then 4 years from now night talked about a $98 billion tax cut taxes in the future—but only if you let somebody else worry about it. and all the good things we were going achieve the deficit reduction targets. President Clinton is not alone in to get. However, there is a more funda- these failures. We have budgets over Now that we get the President’s mental issue here, and this is one there in that stack from Republican budget, we discover some very star- where there is a legitimate difference, Presidents who have done the same. tling things. First of all, in the first and that is we have two competing vi- Isn’t it time that we stop this process year, 1997, taxes go up, not down. No. 2, sions. The President’s vision, despite with a balanced budget? I say yes. God the President has in his only enforce- all the rhetoric of a year ago, is a vi- willing, we will. ment mechanism a provision that says, sion of Government providing more Let me turn to a discussion of the 4 years from now, if we do not lose half benefits and more services to more peo- President’s budget. It is hard to come this weight by assumption and good ple. The President gives us a budget up with analogies because accounting, wishes, he is going to take back the tax where discretionary spending grows by especially when you are dealing with cut. So the first year he raises taxes $73 billion. The President believes, ob- billions of dollars, bores people to out and out, no doubt about it. Then he viously, as reflected in this budget, death. Quite frankly, most of us do not is going to give us a tax cut in the fu- that Government can spend the money know what $1 million is. I have one ture, but he has provisions in the bill of working families better than they constituent, Ross Perot, who knows that say, if we do not lose half the can spend it themselves. The funda- what $1 billion is. Nobody knows what weight we need on this diet automati- mental difference between the Presi- $1 trillion is. But let me try to set it in cally, he is going to take the tax cuts dent’s budget and the vision that most perspective. Let me just run through back. The President’s tax increases are Republicans share is, at its very root, a and talk about a few of the things that forever, but the tax cuts are tem- philosophical issue and a legitimate the President is proposing in his budg- porary. issue and it is what we ought to be de- et. Also, the President has all kinds of ciding in the budget, and that is what No. 1, think of the Government as offsetting receipts and hidden taxes kind of America do we want? being overweight and think of what we and user fees that let the President The President wants an America are trying to do here as going on a 4- claim we are controlling spending when with taxes at the highest level in his- year diet. We have been overweight, we are not. tory, spending at the highest level in and we have been claiming to be on a For example, the President assumes history for nondefense programs, diet for 28 years, but we have a new we are going to sell spectrum, sell the spending on defense at the lowest level diet that the President is going to put right to use the radio waves of the as a share of the budget in a half cen- us on here. Let me start and go country, and that we are going to get tury. That is his vision, as reflected in through the diet and I am sure at $36 billion from that, and that he is this budget. Our vision is different. Our least—well, let me be careful— some of going to spend every penny of that $36 vision is the vision that we want fami- my colleagues have been on diets as I billion. The President has nearly $47 lies to spend more money, whereas the have been. Others probably are so billion in new fees that he would have President wants Government to spend

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1064 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 $73 billion more on nondefense discre- in Congress? Or is the solution to let care program or would you rather have tionary programs alone. And, look, he working families keep more of what us cut your taxes so you could buy wants Government to spend it on good they earn and let them spend the health insurance that you choose for things. He wants Government to spend money sitting around their kitchen ta- your children? That is a fundamental it on education. He wants Government bles? That is the fundamental issue. It issue and that is what we ought to be to spend it on health. He wants Govern- is two different visions for two dif- deciding. But we cannot debate those ment to spend it on building schools. ferent Americas. issues when we are not debating apples He wants Government to spend it on If you want to go to the analogy to apples. all kinds of programs to help people. about bridges to the 21st century, it is So, my urging today to the President There is no evil or sinister scheme in the debate about, not how we are going is: Let’s go back and rewrite these what the President wants here. He to get to the century—we are certainly budgets. Let’s assume the same things wants Government to help you with $73 going to get there. I can guarantee you about where the goalpost is and what billion in new spending. The fact that today that, barring a calamity, we will we have to do to get to it. And then it will mean that social spending will have a 21st century. The debate is not let’s explain to America how we are be at the highest level in American his- about building a bridge to it, we are going to do it, not with a sleight-of- tory and taxes will be at the highest going to get there. The debate is what hand, where we are going to come in 4 level in American history, that does is the century going to be like when we years from now with an unspecified not change the fact that the Presi- get there. Is it going to be a century policy and raise taxes and cut spending dent’s intentions are both good, from dominated by Government? Is it going but we are not going to tell people how his point of view, and they are honor- to be a century where Government is we are going to do it now. Let’s put it able. taking care of us? We started out with all out on the table, let the American But here is the difference. We are not a Government taking care of the poor- people look at it, and then let’s make debating how much money is going to est of the poor. Now the Government is a fundamental decision. be spent on education. We are not de- taking care of more and more and more Finally, and I have spoken too long, bating how much money is going to be Americans. We are going to take care but let me end on a note about co- spent on nutrition or health. We are of moderate-income people because operation. There is one area where we debating who is going to do the spend- they cannot take care of themselves are going to have to have bipartisan- ing. President Clinton wants the Gov- with the confiscatory tax burden that ship. If all else fails, it is an area where ernment to do the spending and we has them paying 15 cents out of every it is absolutely essential that we not want the family to do the spending. We dollar in payroll taxes and often 28 let partisanship stop us from acting, want to take this $73 billion of spend- cents of the last dollar they earn, or and that area is Medicare. I know we ing increases on all the good things the certainly 15 cents of the last dollar talk about gloom and doom and the President wants to spend it on and we they earn to the Federal Government, world coming to an end, and it does not want to give that money back to the and then State and local taxes on top come to an end. And it is not going to families who earned it to begin with of it. Is the solution, when families are end until somebody more powerful by and we want to let them spend it on taxed so they cannot meet their funda- far than we are makes that decision. education and housing and nutrition. It mental needs, to tax them more and to But Medicare is going broke. It is in is fundamentally an issue of whether give them benefits? I don’t think so. the red this year. It will be bankrupt in Government can make better decisions I think the solution is to let them 4 years. It will have a cumulative def- for working families or whether work- keep more of what they earn and let icit of a half a trillion dollars in 10 ing families can make better decisions. them decide. That is the fundamental years. We have a crisis in Medicare Let me give an example, the most issue. That is what we ought to be de- that is far beyond the comprehension heartrending part of the President’s bating. My appeal to the administra- of most people, as to how big this prob- program, health care for children. Who tion is: Look, let’s clear all these other lem is. If we set out today to fix Medi- wants to debate health care for chil- issues off the table. Let’s not start out care permanently, it would cost more dren and be against it? Nobody. The assuming that half of the work to be money to fix Medicare and guarantee it President spoke with great eloquence done is just going to happen miracu- for our parents and our children than it and passion about it. He said 80 percent lously. Let’s not tell people we are giv- cost in real dollars to fight and win of the families that do not have private ing them tax cuts and then take them World War II. health insurance pay taxes; 20 percent away 4 years from now, or tell them we Those are the facts. So the one thing that do not have it, by and large qual- are giving them tax cuts when, in fact, we must do, if we are going to do any- ify for Medicaid but have never both- in the first year we are raising their thing this year worthy of being remem- ered to fill out the papers, in many taxes even if you believe everything in bered, is we have to begin to address cases because when a child gets sick the President’s budget. Let’s not say the problems in Medicare. The Presi- and they go into the hospital, at that we are going to make tough decisions dent has made a bunch of proposals, point they join Medicaid. in the sweet by-and-by, but in the first and in some form or another, I can sup- Now, here is the fundamental issue. year have the deficit rising from 1996 port virtually everything the President The President says working moderate- and have taxes rising and have spend- has proposed. I think, obviously, there income families are having trouble ing rising. If we are going to start on are areas, with some debate, where the making ends meet and, as a result, this diet, let’s not wait until next week administration would make some many of them do not have private and go on a feeding binge this week. changes, but here is the point. We are health insurance for their children. We Let us start today. going to have to do some fundamental agree, Mr. President. We are in total So, let’s debate real, permanent tax reforms in the system, and we are agreement. cuts. Let’s debate real decisionmaking. going to have to do them this year. But the issue is this. Is the solution And then let’s have the debate that In a sense, I will tell you the sky is to create another Government program America deserves, and the debate is a falling in Medicare by saying if we to help these people? Or is the solution simple debate but it is fundamental to don’t start this year fixing Medicare, to let these working families keep the future of our country. Do we have within a decade, we are going to be de- more of what they earn so they can buy too much Government or too little? nying benefits to people, within a dec- private health insurance for their chil- Can Government take care of you bet- ade we are going to have a tax rate on dren? Is the solution more Govern- ter than you can take care of yourself? the payroll tax that is going to be sub- ment? Or is the solution to let families Does Government love your children stantially higher than it is today, and have more freedom about spending more than you do? Has Government the crisis is going to be greater even their money? Is the solution to spend proven that it can educate your chil- then than it is now. So this is one area 73 billion more dollars, as the Presi- dren better than you could, if you got where every person who represents the dent has proposed, sitting around the to keep more of what you earn and good interest of the country should Cabinet table at the White House, sit- could invest it in their education? work together. I am certainly inter- ting around the committee tables here Would you rather have a new health ested in working with the President.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1065 We need a balanced budget amend- about the economic future of their shown that we have failed. Let’s look ment to the Constitution. I plan to children to teenagers who are worried at the history of our efforts. speak at some length on this subject about their future, the call for a bal- Next to me, I have two charts. The later. But I thought it was important anced budget has been loud. Some first documents 33 years of good inten- to note, when we have stacked up 28 would say it has been deafening. tions—5 more years than these unbal- budget failures, Democratic and Repub- Yet, the regrettable reality still ex- anced budgets—statutory efforts that lican budget failures that have not got- ists. Unable to pass the balanced budg- required or promised to balance the ten the job done, that have failed the et amendment, our Nation has run budget of our Nation. All the greatest American people, that have mortgaged staggering deficits year after year that hits from the past are here from the the future of our children, in the cur- stifle our Nation’s economic growth Revenue Act of 1964 through Gramm– rent form, the President’s budget and prosperity, suffocate our future Rudman-Hollings of 1987, and more re- issued today will fail. It cannot and generations, and ultimately eradicate cently was the infamous Budget Act. will not balance the budget, and our public confidence in our Nation’s fiscal But as we can see on this chart, the goal has to be to work with the Presi- management to the point where only 12 statutes don’t work. Gramm–Rudman- dent, if we can, to make this budget a percent of the American people, ac- Hollings II; Gramm–Rudman-Hollings real budget that will do the job. I, for cording to a CBS-New York Times poll, I; Recodification of title 31, 1982; one, am willing to work for that goal. think we will balance the budget by Bretton Woods agreement, 1980; debt I yield the floor. the year 2002. Unfortunately, Mr. Presi- limit increase, 1979; Byrd amendment; Ms. SNOWE addressed the Chair. dent, the American people are losing Humphrey-Hawkins Act; Revenue Act The PRESIDING OFFICER. The confidence in our willingness and abil- of 1978; and Revenue Act of 1964. These Chair recognizes the Senator from ity to act. They have lost confidence in are just some of the examples of our Maine. our ability as a nation to face the chal- statutory efforts in the past. Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I think lenges as we approach the 21st century. I might also add, over the years, we we all accept the fact that this body So let us in this debate consider some have had a number of balanced budget faces so many great decisions on such a of the facts, because facts, as has often amendments in both the House and the regular basis that it is sometimes dif- been said, are stubborn things. And the Senate, and I point back to October 1, ficult to focus on one vote or one de- facts, when properly considered, point 1982. The House failed to pass a resolu- bate that stands apart as a truly monu- us unequivocally toward the merit of a tion getting two-thirds, and the Senate mental decision, a truly monumental balanced budget amendment. adopted a balanced budget constitu- vote. First, I want this body to listen care- tional amendment, August 4, 1982. Un- But, let me be clear. I think the Sen- fully to an assessment issued just last fortunately, we didn’t pass it in Con- ate is now entering such a debate, and May by the Congressional Budget Of- gress, but as far back as 1982, we de- later this month, this body will face fice. The CBO, as my colleagues well bated a balanced budget amendment. such a vote. The stakes could not be know, is not a partisan voice; it has no Each and every time, when we have higher. With a balanced budget con- real stake in this debate, except to en- had those debates on the amendments, stitutional amendment, this Senate sure the facts are properly considered. everybody said, ‘‘We can do it on our will face perhaps its defining moment But its assessment of deficit spending own if we only have the will. We really as we lay the foundation for our fiscal could not be more troubling. don’t need a constitutional amend- agenda of our Nation’s coming cen- According to the CBO report: ‘‘The ment.’’ tury—as we decide how this Nation will budget deficits projected for future Yet, Mr. President, this graph speaks conduct its affairs. Who can doubt that years are so large that they could put for itself. Statute after statute has future generations will look upon this an end to the upward trend in living been passed by this body, but this def- debate and this vote with great histor- standards that the Nation has long en- icit has kept right on marching. The ical interest as a crossroads in our joyed. Thus, current U.S. budget poli- lesson, I think, is clear—fail to pass country’s national affairs. Who can cies cannot be sustained without risk- this amendment and we reject perhaps doubt, with this vote, these future gen- ing substantial economic damage.’’ the greatest fiscal lesson of modern erations will praise us for bringing Substantial economic damage, that’s times. America’s economic house in order, or right, Mr. President, is what we run This deficit is not going to be halted they will blame us for simply passing the risk of bringing to this Nation if we through statutes. I think this is a good the buck when we could have stopped a do not act now. The CBO report goes indication with these 28 years of unbal- mounting national crisis. further. Should we fail to bring our anced budgets. The last time we had a Mr. President, as an idea, the concept deficits to a halt, our economy will balanced budget is when Neil Arm- of a balanced budget is hardly new. enter what CBO calls a period of ‘‘ac- strong landed on the Moon. The only Many in this body have rightly cham- celerating decline.’’ way we are going to stop deficit spend- pioned it for many, many years. Lead- ‘‘Accelerating decline,’’ ‘‘substantial ing and reach a balanced budget is ing economists across our Nation have economic damage’’—in my 18 years in through an amendment. spoken and written of its value, and Congress, I have read a lot of CBO re- The second chart I have behind me many of the Nation’s brightest busi- ports, a lot of analyses of our Nation’s reveals some other important aspects ness minds from Wall Street to Main economy, and I can tell you, the warn- to this entire debate. First, a close ex- Street have urged its passage. There is ings and the wordings do not get more amination of our budget history dating no politics in any of these voices. They dire than these. back, I might add, to 1905, reveals that simply speak the truth: A balanced I know there are some who may say, deficits have been the norm, not the budget is the first step on the road to ‘‘Yes, I, too, support balanced budgets, exception, as we can see. The deficits long-term prosperity for America. and I, too, oppose deficits, but a bal- are in the red bars below the line. And But perhaps most convincingly, Mr. anced budget amendment, well, that the green—you can barely see it—is President, the balanced budget con- goes too far, that binds us unneces- above the line, which would represent stitutional amendment is not just sup- sarily.’’ the years in which we have had sur- ported by these impressive voices. It is Mr. President, let us be clear about pluses between 1905 and 2005. Some of also championed by a nation of citizens two further facts. First, these past those are estimates for the projections who, for months and years, have been three decades have shown that our po- by CBO for future years. That is last urging this body to take action, to pass litical culture, the ways of our demo- year’s estimate. They may be a little the balanced budget constitutional cratic governance, great as they are, do bit better than that with this year’s es- amendment for the sake of our Nation not always lend themselves well to fis- timate. But, nevertheless, it gives a and our children. According to a CBS- cal prudence. My colleagues will recall broad indication of the fact that we are New York Times poll conducted Janu- that we tried before to reduce our defi- going to continue to have major defi- ary 30 and February 1, an astounding 76 cits through statutory means. You can cits in the future. It also has shown percent of our citizens favor this see right here that these number of that we have had generally a century amendment. From parents who care budgets for the last 28 years have of deficits with very few exceptions.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1066 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 These deficits go back decades. Very that this Senate must take very, very Now, Mr. President, President Clin- rarely we found efforts in which we seriously. ton is talking about building a bridge have been able to have a surplus. So I So to those who say, well, the bal- to the 21st century. That is fine. But, think that this chart reveals that we anced budget amendment is just a with this vote, we will go far in defin- have had a century of failure of statu- product of deficit hawks, I say, take a ing what kind of bridge this will be. tory efforts to balance the budget. close look at these CBO numbers. This This bridge to the 21st century can be Now, some have said, well, a balanced is an economic growth initiative. This solid, constructed on strong beams, ca- budget amendment is just a gimmick. is about the future. This is about our pable of moving the American people As I have said before on the floor, and children and our grandchildren. This is safely and securely, or it can be a haz- I will say it again, if this amendment about economic security. It is about ardous and rickety bamboo bridge sus- was really a gimmick, we would have providing for a stronger standard of pended by worn ropes over the chasm passed it long ago because Congress living, not a lower standard of living, of our national deficit. loves gimmicks. because we are incurring debts and Pass the balanced budget amendment Mr. President, this is no gimmick. deficits to bequeath to the next genera- and we lay the ground for a solid foun- This is the first necessary step—a tion. dation for this bridge into the next brave, bold and thoughtful step—on the What about interest rates? I know century. Pass the buck on the balanced road to fiscal sanity. this body knows well that growth is in- budget amendment and we cross this The second point, in response to timately linked to the rates of bor- bamboo bridge literally on borrowed these critics, is that the balanced budg- rowing. That is no secret. Pay higher time. interest rates for a car, higher interest et amendment does allow us in the So the decision will be ours. I think rates for a house, and you soon find event of some national crisis, disaster we know the right thing to do. We less and less people able or willing to or massive economic downturn to run a know the danger, indeed, the very make that purchase. Production goes deficit. With a three-fifths majority we threat, to our Nation of ongoing defi- down, jobs get fewer. That, too, is no can take the steps necessary to address cits and deficits. We know that we need secret. any existing crisis that threatens our stronger steps of fiscal self-discipline. I Nation and requires a commitment of But consider for a moment, Mr. President, the actual impact the doubt that any Member of this great our national financial resources above body, knowing what they know about and beyond a balanced budget. amendment can have on our citizens. Look at the projections for lower inter- the dangers of deficits and our histor- When Members of this body vote yes ical inability to end them without this for a balanced budget amendment, they est rates if we pass a constitutional amendment to ensure the continuity of amendment and the many benefits of are not prohibiting our country from this amendment, can rise in good con- ever running a deficit. We are simply balanced budgets into the future, year after year after year, not just the year science to defend the status quo. making it the rare exception. So, Mr. Now only one question remains, and President, I view this as a most respon- 2002. We have had estimates by the Joint it is this: Will we have the strength sible approach to the problem. and the courage and the wisdom to im- I know some may be thinking that Economic Committee that says that we plement it? Mr. President, let this Sen- certainly we can escape this debate one could have a 2 percentage point decline ate answer this vital question without more time, we can duck the big ques- in interest rates by the year 2002 if we have a balanced budget. The DRI- hesitation. For the sake of our Nation tion one more time, we can conven- McGraw-Hill projection says that in- and its future, let this answer be yes. iently leave this decision to others one terest rates could drop even further, Mr. President, I yield the floor. more time. Well, again, Mr. President, could drop more than 2.5 percent if we Mr. DORGAN addressed the Chair. facts are stubborn things, and they pass this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The suggest a very different reality. That means lower cost to people in The deficit of this Nation was $107 Chair recognizes the Senator from terms of their mortgages and car loans billion last year. Left unchecked, ac- North Dakota. and student loans, whatever the case Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I have cording to CBO, it will double by the may be in terms of borrowing. And year 2004. And by the year 2007, if we been very interested in the discussion that is real money to the average today about a constitutional amend- fail to act, it is expected to reach a American family. staggering $278 billion. Put another ment to balance the budget. It is a seri- It means that Americans who now ous subject and one which the Senate way, the deficit comprised 2 percent of pay $570 a month on an $80,000 mort- the GDP in 1995. Should we stand aside should take seriously. We should have gage, when that mortgage is paid at an a robust, aggressive, provocative and and do nothing? According again to interest rate of 7.7 percent, if we pass statistics from CBO, this deficit will interesting debate on a question of this the constitutional amendment, this magnitude. rise to 5 percent of the GDP by the rate would fall to an estimated 5.7 per- I have told the Senate before, and I year 2010 and 37 percent by the year cent, bringing that mortgage payment would like to again at the risk of being 2030. The message of those statistics down to $464 a month according to the redundant, that I was privileged to be could not be more blunt: Time is tick- Joint Economic Committee. The result one of 55 people to go back into the ing. is a $1,272 mortgage savings per year In fact, in the year 2025 alone—in for this family, all because we have room in Constitution Hall in Philadel- that year alone—the deficit will be $2 taken the right steps through an phia on the 200th anniversary of the trillion. So the deficit, obviously, in fu- amendment. writing of the Constitution. 200 years ture years is going to double and triple. That again is real money to the aver- previous, 55 white men went into the Lest there be any doubt about the age American family who works hard room in Philadelphia Hall, some very ramifications of all this, consider this. and sees more of their hard-earned dol- great men, and they wrote a Constitu- If we can prevent these staggering defi- lars being taken in terms of taxes. We tion for this country. George Washing- cits and bring the budget into balance have seen the tax burden escalate in ton’s chair is still in that room. You permanently through this constitu- this country. It is the highest histori- can see where he sat in the front of the tional amendment, our Nation will be cally because taxes consume more now room and presided over the Constitu- the big winner. We will experience a 25 than food, shelter and clothing com- tional Convention. percent growth in the GNP per capita bined. Mr. President, 200 years later 55 peo- by the year 2030, according to CBO—a But also look at what a balanced ple—men and women, people from all 25 percent growth per person, Mr. budget amendment would mean in sav- ethnic and racial backgrounds—went in President. That means growth for our ings—in excess of $1,500 to the typical and had a celebration in that room. Nation’s economy. It means jobs. It middle-income family, counting their Coming from a very small town in means higher standards of living. It interest savings on all of these loans, southwestern North Dakota, I kind of means a positive difference in people’s on mortgage loans and car loans and got goose bumps that day because I lives and their futures and their chil- student loans, according to the Joint was sitting in the very room where dren’s futures. These are the things Economic Committee. they wrote the Constitution of the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1067 United States. It was a unique and spe- resentatives, provides for the establish- we do not want to have to have them cial privilege for me to be present and ment of the Senate of the United meet. Clearly, we need to make to be one of those participants. States, provides for the establishment progress in balancing the budget and fi- Senator BYRD, the distinguished Sen- of the Presidency, provides for the es- nally achieve fiscal stability and have ator from West Virginia, and I were tablishment of the Supreme Court of a budget that is balanced. That is just visiting moments ago about the the United States, and provides for the clear. U.S. Constitution and he gave me a mode by which that Constitution We have a debt problem. That is clear copy of the Constitution that he car- would come into being? Would the Sen- as a bell. ries in his pocket. It is a very small ator be surprised if I were to say to I say to people who come to the floor document, one of the most remarkable him that the language in the Constitu- and talk about this issue, however, it is documents ever written by people who tion that does all of these things that not just the Federal debt. We have cor- live on this Earth. It is the framework I just enumerated constitutes fewer porate debt that is rising just exactly for the most successful democracy in words than are used in this proposed like the Federal debt is. We have credit the history of the world. amendment to the Constitution? Would card debt that is rising faster. We have consumer debt that is rising just as It is this document, the Constitution the Senator be surprised at my saying fast. We have $21 trillion in debt out of the United States, that we are talk- that? Mr. DORGAN. Well, I am not sur- there in this country. ing about amending. We are debating In fact, you walk down the street, prised because I have read those provi- whether or not to alter this document. you walk past a picture window of a And we are in the midst of a blizzard of sions. But I fully understand the point business someplace, and you almost rhetoric about a stack of 6 or 8 feet of the Senator from West Virginia has hear the invisible tapping on the win- budget documents spanning some 29 or made. dowpane behind the bright red letter 30 years. Mr. BYRD. This is not Constitution- sign that says to you ‘‘Say, consumer, Well, those budget documents do not like language, to start with. come over here a second. It does not read like this: Has the Senator heard any proponent matter you cannot afford this. It does ‘‘We The People of the United States, in of this amendment come to the Senate not matter that you do not have money Order to form a more perfect Union, estab- floor and explain to the Senate and to for it. Come and buy this product. lish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, the people watching and listening to Come over here and buy this product. provide for the common defence, promote the debate through the electronic eye, We will give you the product. You take the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings has the Senator heard any proponent of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do the product home. We will give you a come to the floor and, section by sec- rebate. You do not make a payment for ordain and establish this Constitution for tion by section, explain this amend- the United States of America.’’ 6 months. Come over here. Credit bad, ment, how each section would work, it does not matter. We will give you You will not find this language in why each section is there, what each credit. Are you in college and have no that stack of documents. section means? job? We will give you a credit card. In This Constitution has a provision in I have heard quite a number of Sen- fact, we will give you four of them, it by which it can be amended. We have ators come to the floor and talk about from four different companies. You do some people in politics today who be- the need for balancing the budget. I not have to have a job and you can be lieve that this is an imperfect docu- think we are all in agreement on that in college and you get a pen pal or a ment. Some, in fact, in the last session and I think there is a consensus here as dozen of them, saying ‘Take our credit of Congress, some proposed three sepa- to a need for balancing the budget at card, buy our product. It does not mat- rate amendments in the period of 3 some point, bringing down the deficits, ter that you cannot afford it.’’’ months. Over the years we have had but I have not heard a single Senator— We have a debt problem in this coun- thousands of proposals to change this and I have not been able to listen to all try. It is an addiction and it is a prob- document. I do not see many people of the debate; I tried to listen to as lem in a range of areas in our economy. who look like Madison, Mason, Frank- much as possible, but the Senator has One area we can do something about is lin, or Washington walking around heard most of the debate—has the Sen- the Federal Government’s spending and making these proposals. I see a lot of ator heard any proponent of this the Federal Government’s fiscal policy. other folks making these proposals. amendment come fully explain this I want to talk about that. In 1993, My point is this: When we debate how amendment, talk about the amend- President Clinton won his election to and whether we should alter the Con- ment? Not about the need for balancing the Presidency. He came to this Con- stitution of the United States, we the budget, not about the need for get- gress and he said the Federal deficit is ought to be mindful of the need to get ting the deficits down, about which we a problem and he proposed that we do it right. Be careful. Do not dishonor all agree. I would be greatly enlight- something about it. He proposed a def- this great document by making alter- ened if a Senator would take the time icit reduction act. It included some ations that will in the long run weaken not to talk about something we all tough medicine, some things people did our country. agree on, but to talk about how this not like, some controversial items, That brings me to the debate about amendment will balance the budget, spending cuts, yes, real spending cuts. the current constitutional amendment how it will eliminate the deficits. Has Some tax increases, yes, very unpopu- to balance the budget. the Senator heard any proponent do lar. We passed it here in the Senate by Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, would the that thus far? one vote. I voted for it. Was it the pop- distinguished Senator yield at this Mr. DORGAN. I say to the Senator I ular thing to do? Of course not. The point without losing his right to the have not. Again, the Senator makes a popular thing to do would have been to floor? good point. There is a difference be- have voted against it and go home and Mr. DORGAN. I am happy to yield. tween balancing the budget and amend- crow about having voted in opposition Mr. BYRD. The distinguished Sen- ing the Constitution to require that it to this proposal. Now, that would have ator talked about the language of the be done. been the political thing to do—go home Constitution. In reading this amend- Mr. BYRD. I thank the distinguished and crow about your opposition to this ment, this proposed amendment to the Senator. proposal. We didn’t get one vote from Constitution, I have been struck as I Mr. DORGAN. I appreciate the com- the other side of the aisle, not one, not read it by the contrast in this language ments by the Senator from West Vir- even by accident. You would think in the proposed amendment in contrast ginia. maybe someone on that side would to the language of the Constitution. I will talk just for a moment about have made a mistake and voted for it. Would the Senator be surprised if I this issue of debt. Clearly, the amount No. We passed it by one vote. were to say to him that the Constitu- of Federal debt that we have is exces- I will read for my colleagues some of tion of the United States provides for a sive. The deficits that we have experi- the comments during that debate. If Congress of two bodies, the Senate and enced in recent years, in the last cou- you pass this legislation to tackle the the House of Representatives, provides ple of decades, especially, saddle our deficit in this way, some of my col- for the creation of the House of Rep- children with interest payments that leagues said, what is going to happen?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 ‘‘This bill is going to cost America haven’t. That happens today in normal when we are told by this constitutional jobs.’’ ‘‘It will kill jobs.’’ ‘‘It’s going to fiscal policy practice, and it is wrong mandate and by a budget that calls for be devastating.’’ ‘‘We are buying a one- today. It was wrong last year and, espe- a balanced budget—and this would be way ticket to a recession.’’ Another cially, it will be wrong and devastating true of the administration’s budget and Senator said, ‘‘It will turn a fragile re- to this country if you enshrine that also true of the majority party’s budg- covery into a solid recession.’’ Another practice into the Constitution of the et—in 2002, if the budget is in balance, said, ‘‘It will lead to a recession.’’ All United States. why in that year will the Congress be of that was said here on the floor of the I want to ask one question, and I required to increase by $130 billion the Senate. ‘‘Do this and you kill this want to come here this coming week limit on total Federal debt? economy.’’ and ask it repeatedly because I want to I want to ask this question again. I But we did it, and here is what hap- find someone who will stand up and an- want to ask this a fair amount and get pened to the Federal budget deficit swer the question. an answer to it. If the budget is bal- since then: 4 straight years of reduced To frame the question, I want to give anced by constitutional mandate, if the deficits; the unified deficit cut in real a little history. In 1983, the Congress budget is balanced by a budget plan terms by 60 percent—60 percent. said, ‘‘We have problems financing the submitted by anybody in the year 2002, Now, this isn’t the deficit the Repub- Social Security system.’’ We formed a why in the year in which the budget is licans use or the President uses be- commission, headed by Mr. Greenspan, balanced does CBO tell us that the debt cause neither one use the right num- who now chairs the Federal Reserve limit will have to be increased by $130 bers. This is a deficit without the So- Board. Mr. Greenspan and the commis- billion? cial Security funds in it, because you sion reported to Congress and said that I will give you my answer. My answer ought not be able to misuse those the way we are going to solve the So- is that the reason the debt limit has to funds. A 60-percent reduction in real cial Security problem in the long-term be increased the very year they say the terms in the unified deficit. is we are going to increase payroll budget is in balance is because the What happened to the economy? We taxes, we are going to increase the age budget isn’t in balance, and everybody have seen record numbers of new jobs. of retirement in the outyears, far out here knows it. It’s a charade. The economy continues to grow. in the outyears, and make a number of I want to ask that question and ask What did we do? We cut the deficit by other changes. When we do that, we are someone to come and answer it. I cer- 60 percent. I am glad I did that. Was going to deliberately develop a Social tainly intend to ask the sponsors to an- there a price to pay for that? Yes. The Security surplus—this year, inciden- swer it. If the budget is in balance, why popular thing would have been to do tally, it’s $78 billion—and that surplus are you then required to increase the something different. But we did this. will be available when the baby Federal debt? Now, how do you cut the deficit from boomers need it and retire, well after Does anybody sitting around their here to zero? Well, you can get a cos- the turn of the century. dinner table talking about how they tume and suit up and strut around and Why was that necessary? Because balance their checkbooks believe that bellow or bray or crow, or whatever it after the Second World War there was is what would happen? We are in per- is one wants to do. Or you can decide this massive outpouring of love and affect balance, our spending is meeting that the way to reduce the budget def- fection when our young men came the amount of money we have to spend icit is by individual spending and tax- home. Guess what? There was some- and, therefore, our debt is increasing. ing choices that we must make in a thing called the World War II baby Does anybody believe that would meet budget document. boomers, the largest baby crop in the the test of credibility in business? I history of our country. That large baby You can alter the Constitution of the don’t think so. It doesn’t meet the test crop has worked its way through our United States, I guess. You can take of credibility here. this little Constitution and alter it in a society. When it reaches retirement I will support a constitutional hundred places and when it’s done, in 5 age, we have a demographic problem in amendment to balance the budget. I seconds, not one penny will have been Social Security. That is what the have introduced one with six of my col- altered from this budget deficit. You Greenspan commission said. The Con- leagues, which does not misuse the So- gress recognized that and they said, can change the Constitution at 2:10 cial Security trust funds to the tune of ‘‘Let us save for that period of time, today and you won’t have done one a trillion dollars. I challenge those who collect more money now in the Social thing to change the budget deficit. say they want to alter the Constitution Security system so that we have it Why? Because changing the Constitu- of the United States to join us. We can available later when we need it.’’ tion doesn’t change the deficit. Only Now, the reason I say that they did pass it in 10 minutes, pass it with 75 men and women making individual de- that, here is the commission testimony votes. But that’s not what is at stake cisions on spending and taxing can before the Ways and Means Committee here. What is at stake are people who change the budget deficit. We did that on which I sat. It is what they claimed, want to talk about balancing the budg- in 1993. We didn’t have many friends what they said and recommended to us. et. when we did it, but we did it. It’s tough Create the surplus now so that it’s We did more than talk in 1993. We cut medicine, but it’s the medicine we have available later when we need it. It was the unified budget deficit by 60 percent to take. the sober and right thing to do. That is in real terms, at some political peril, Now, some come to us today and say exactly what was done. and we paid a price for it. Some people that if we simply change the Constitu- In fact, on the chart here are the So- want to talk about balancing the budg- tion, we will solve this problem. I have cial Security surpluses that are going et and about altering the Constitution. taken the position that I am willing to to accrue. This simply goes to 2010— What I want to talk about is doing alter the Constitution of this country. actually, the trust fund is in surplus what we promised the American people I have not been willing to do it often. out to about 2018, and in 2019 begins to we would do—saving over a trillion dol- I voted against most of the proposals— run a deficit. You will see the sur- lars in the next 10 years of Social Secu- term limits and dozens of proposals pluses. These are not insignificant rity dedicated trust funds that are around here—to alter the Constitution. amounts of money. We are talking a taken from workers’ paychecks. We I have not been very willing to change trillion dollars in the next 10 years promised those workers their money the Constitution. But I have said I alone. would be saved in a trust fund, saved think there is some merit in fiscal dis- Now, unfortunately, what has hap- for when we need it after the turn of cipline. I would vote to alter the Con- pened as a result of all of this is, in- the century. Yet here we see a Con- stitution. stead of this money being saved, it has stitutional proposal to misuse those But I will not, under any condition, been used as an offset against other trust funds and claim that we have bal- vote to alter this Constitution in a spending. Some say, well, that is all anced the budget. manner that, as the majority proposal technical garble. It is not technical A columnist in the Washington Post, does, takes the Social Security trust garble. who I shall not name—Charles funds, adds them in, and then claims to I want to ask this question as a re- Krauthammer—wrote a column last have balanced the budget when they sult of all of this: In the year 2002, week about this matter. This was his

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1069 third column on this issue. He is all uity. Under this version of the balanced increasing revenues before then, thereby cranky about it. He basically said, budget amendment, total government ex- causing the surpluses to grow larger and last ‘‘DORGAN and those folks don’t know penditures in any year—including expendi- longer than current projections indicate). what they are talking about.’’ tures for Social Security benefits—could not This practice of building up the surpluses exceed total revenues collected in the same while most baby boomers are still working There is no Social Security trust year, including revenues from Social Secu- and drawing them down after they retire is fund? Social Security is pay as you go? rity payroll taxes. akin to what families do by saving for retire- Nonsense. What a bunch of nonsense. ment during their working years and draw- You have a right to be wrong in this What are the implications of that? It is pretty clear. We envisioned when we ing down their savings after they reach re- country. God bless political pundits tirement. who are wrong. You have a right to be passed the Social Security Reform Act This approach has important merits. It wrong. But if you want to see the So- that we were going to have a cir- promotes generational equity by keeping the cial Security trust fund securities, go cumstance where we save now and burden on younger generations from becom- to Parkersburg, WV. The bonds are spend out later. The balanced budget ing too high. In addition, if the Social Secu- rity surpluses were to be used in the next under armed guard. The trust funds amendment reported by the Judiciary Committee would not only allow the two decades to increase national saving rath- exist under law. Bonds are in the trust er than to offset the deficit in the rest of the fund. misuse of the savings now but also would prevent the expenditure later budget, that would likely result in stronger Pay as you go? Nonsense. The Com- economic growth, which in turn would better mission in 1983 said it was not going to when it was necessary to meet future enable the country to afford to support the be a pay-as-you-go system anymore, needs. baby boomers when they reach their twilight that we will raise more money—$78 bil- The leadership version, according to years. lion this year alone—and save that the Center on Budget and Policy Prior- To pursue this approach, the deficit in the non-Social Security budget will need to be money for the future. So Mr. ities, ‘‘would eviscerate the essential achievements of the Greenspan com- reduced significantly or eliminated in com- Krauthammer is just flat wrong. ing years—so the surpluses in the Social Se- A group that is right is the well-re- mission.’’ I ask unanimous consent to have this curity trust funds contribute in whole or spected Center on Budget and Policy large part to national saving—and further Priorities. They published something printed in the RECORD. This is an excel- reforms in Social Security will need to be in- on this issue this week. I want to read lent piece that has been written by the stituted to restore it to long-term actuarial part of it into the RECORD because I Center on Budget and Policy Priorities balance. heard some discussion here today say- on exactly this point. THE LEADERSHIP BBA AND SOCIAL SECURITY ing if we do not pass our constitutional There being no objection, the mate- Unfortunately, the balanced budget amendment to balance the budget, the rial was ordered to be printed in the amendment pushed by the Leadership would one that misuses all of these Social Se- RECORD, as follows: undermine this approach to protecting So- curity revenues, it is going to hurt our THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT AND cial Security and promoting generational eq- SOCIAL SECURITY uity. Under this version of the balanced kids. budget amendment, total government ex- You want to hurt kids? I will tell you In recent years, Congress has considered two versions of the balanced budget amend- penditures in any year—including expendi- how, and do it quickly. It is confirmed tures for Social Security benefits—could not by this study. What you do is take the ment. The version supported by the Repub- lican Congressional leadership (herein exceed total revenues collected in the same savings that are designed to be spent in termed the ‘‘Leadership version’’) requires year, including revenues from Social Secu- the Social Security system when our the ‘‘unified budget’’ to be balanced each rity payroll taxes. The implications of this kids are going to be out there working year, including Social Security. The other requirement for Social Security are pro- and you use the surplus now in order to version, which Senators Feinstein, Wyden, found. First, the budget would be considered bal- claim that you are balancing the budg- Dorgan and others introduced in the last anced when the deficit outside Social Secu- Congress, requires the budget exclusive of et and continue running the deficit. rity exactly offset the surplus inside Social Social Security to be in balance. That is why you are still increasing the Security. But when that occurred, the sound Federal debt even as you claim you The version that includes Social Security in the unified budget poses serious dangers objective of the Greenspan commission—to have a balanced budget. for the Social Security system. It also is in- accumulate a Social Security surplus partly That will really hurt kids, because equitable to younger generations, as it would to help build the nation’s capital stock and 10, 15 or 20 years from now you will likely cause those who are children today to productive capacity so we can better afford have to have massive tax increases on have to bear substantial payroll tax in- to pay for the baby boomers’ retirement— our kids to pay for the baby boomers’ creases when they reach their peak earnings would be stymied. Second, the benefits of the baby boomers years. The Feinstein/Wyden/Dorgan version retirement. The Center on Budget and would have to be financed in full by the introduced in 1996 does not pose these prob- Policy Priorities lays the whole sce- taxes of those working in the years the baby lems. nario out in this document. boomers are retired. Pass the constitutional amendment BACKGROUND The Leadership version thus would evis- that I have talked about, and you do In coming decades, Social Security faces a cerate the central achievements of the the honest thing. You save the money demographic bulge. The baby boomers are so Greenspan commission. we said we would save and you are bal- numerous that when they retire, the ratio of One reason the Leadership version would ancing the budget. workers to retirees will fall to a low level. have this effect is that even though the So- But let me go through this quickly. This poses a problem because Social Secu- cial Security trust funds would have been ac- rity has traditionally operated on a ‘‘pay-as- cumulating large balances, drawing down The report by the Center on Budget you-go’’ basis. The payroll taxes contributed those balances when the baby boomers re- and Policy Priorities reads as follows: by today’s workers finance the benefits of to- tired would mean the trust funds were spend- The version that includes the Social Secu- day’s retirees. Because there will be so many ing more in benefits in those years than they rity revenues in the unified budget poses se- retirees when the baby boomers grow old, were receiving in taxes. Under the Leader- rious dangers for the Social Security system. however, it will be difficult for the workers ship version, that would result in impermis- It also is inequitable to younger generations, of that period to carry the load without sible deficit spending (unless it were offset as it would likely cause those who are chil- large increases in payroll taxes. by a corresponding surplus in the rest of the dren today to have to bear substantial pay- The acclaimed 1983 bipartisan Social Secu- budget, a daunting and possibly roll tax increases when they reach their peak rity commission headed by Alan Greenspan unachievable task, especially since Medicare earning years. recognized this problem. It moved Social Se- and Medicaid costs also will rise when the The reason? Because the money we curity from a pure ‘‘pay-as-you-go’’ system baby boomers retire.) said was going to save the day is not to one under which the baby boomers would By precluding use of the Social Security going to be saved by those who want to contribute more toward their own retire- surpluses in the manner the 1983 legislation ment. As a result, the Social Security sys- intended, the Leadership version would be enshrine the misuse of it in the U.S. tem is now building up surpluses. By 2019, virtually certain to precipitate a massive Constitution. these surpluses will equal $3 trillion. After crisis in Social Security about 20 years from I will read another piece of this. that, as the bulk of the baby boom genera- now, even if legislation had been passed in Unfortunately, the balanced budget tion moves into retirement, the system will the meantime putting Social Security in amendment pushed by the Leadership would draw down the surpluses (although it is like- long-term actuarial balance. To help pay the undermine this approach to protecting So- ly that Congress will act to bolster Social benefits of the baby boom generation, the cial Security and promoting generational eq- Security’s finances by reducing benefits or nation would face an excruciating choice at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1070 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 that time between much deeper cuts in So- The Feinstein/Wyden/Dorgan version thus We have done some good things in cial Security benefits than were needed to improves intergenerational equity rather this country. And we have made some make Social Security solvent and much larg- than undermining it. It ensures the surpluses mistakes. er increases in payroll taxes than would oth- will be intact when they are needed. It also David Stockman, the Director of the erwise be required. There would be only one allows these surpluses to be drawn down other alternative—to finance Social Security when the baby boomers are retired, rather Office of Management and Budget deficits in those years not by drawing down than forcing large payroll tax increases and under President Reagan, has written the Social Security surplus but by raising benefit cuts at that time that go well beyond about one of our mistakes. And he was other taxes substantially or slashing the rest what is needed to make the trust fund sol- one of the architects of what was done. of government severely. As a result, the gov- vent. One of the mistakes made in the early ernment might fail to provide adequately for This version of the amendment also en- 1980’s, as he tells it, was this. ‘‘The root other basic services, potentially including sures that Social Security benefits will not problem’’—he is talking about the defi- health care and national defense. be cut—and Social Security checks not Given the numbers of baby boomers who cits now and where we are financially placed in jeopardy—if the balanced budget as a nation—‘‘The root problem goes will be retired or on the verge of retirement amendment leads to future budget crises and in those years, deep cuts in Social Security showdowns. However such crises are re- back to July 1981, the frenzy of exces- benefits are not likely at that time. Thus, solved, Social Security would not be in- sive and imprudent tax cutting that under the leadership version, it is almost involved, because cuts in Social Security shattered the Nation’s fiscal stability evitable that younger generations will face a would not count toward achieving budget * * *’’ He says, ‘‘A noisy faction of Re- combination of sharp payroll tax increases balance. publicans willfully denied this giant and deep reductions in basic government mistake of fiscal governance and their services. Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I will For these reasons, the Leadership version come back to the floor and ask this own culpability in it ever since. In- is inequitable to younger generations. Ag- question again: If the budget is bal- stead they have excessively poisoned gravating this problem, the Leadership anced, why is the Federal debt increas- the political debate pretending that version would undermine efforts to pass So- ing? Why do you want to put a process economic growth and spending cuts cial Security reforms in the near future. in and enshrine a practice in the Con- alone will cure the deficit.’’ Why should Congress and the President both- stitution that reaches this result, a That is David Stockman. That is a er to make hard choices now in Social Secu- budget that you claim is in balance Republican. rity that would build the surpluses to more The only point I am raising is not to ample levels if these surpluses can’t be used when the Federal debt is continuing to when the boomers retire? Under the leader- rise? point back and forth but just to say ship version, there is no longer any reason to I will continue to ask that question here is where we are. Here is how we act now rather than to let Social Security’s and ask if there isn’t a better way to got here. Let all of us decide, yes, let financing problems fester. decide to alter the Constitution of the us balance the budget. Let us put this LEADERSHIP VERSION ALSO POSES OTHER United States. country on a fiscal policy plane that PROBLEMS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY I want to just respond for one mo- makes some sense. Let us do this for Under the Leadership version, reductions ment to some of what we heard on the the benefit of our kids. in Social Security could be used to help Con- But let us not enshrine in the Con- floor about how we got to where we are gress and the President balance the budget stitution a practice that is not honest now. I will be very brief on this final when they faced a budget crunch. This could budgeting. Let us not do something point. lead to too little being done to reduce or that ends with this result of people eliminate deficits in the non-Social Security We are constantly told—in fact, one crowing about how we are balancing part of the budget and unnecessary benefit of my colleagues last year, and I will the budget, even for their children’s cutbacks in Social Security. never forget this, talked about how we benefit, who come to vote for increas- At first blush, that may sound implausible ought to somehow regret the last 50 politically. But the balanced budget amending the Federal debt and the same year years in our country. ‘‘Gee, what an ment is likely to lead to periodic mid-year claim the budget is balanced. How do awful place. What terrible decisions crises, when budgets thought to be balanced they explain that to their kids? at the start of a fiscal year out of balance were made in America in the last 50 If we are going to do something on during the year, as a result of factors such as years.’’ this floor, especially with this docu- slower-than-expected economic growth. In November I was in several coun- When sizable deficits emerge with only part ment, let us do it the right way and not tries in Asia, and one of the interesting the wrong way. of the year remaining, they will often be things that I discovered is that when very difficult to address. Congress and the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, will the President may be unable to agree on a pack- you talk to most of the citizens of Senator yield for a question? age of budget cuts of the magnitude needed those countries, they want to come to Mr. DORGAN. Yes. to restore balance in the remaining months the United States. Why? They think Mr. LEAHY. I ask the Senator: The of the year. Congress also may be unable to this is a wonderful place because of the Senator is aware, I am sure, that dur- amass three-fifths majorities in both cham- things that we have created—our edu- ing the first 7 or 8 years of the 1980’s bers to raise the debt limit and allow a def- cation policies, our achievements in a the national debt was doubled and tri- icit. whole range of areas such as health In such circumstances, the President or pled; that the administration, then possibly the courts may feel compelled to care, education, and the environment. President Reagan’s administration and act to uphold the Constitutional require- Most people see America as a beacon the budget they proposed and received, ment for budget balance. In documents cir- of hope and opportunity. Most people took all the national debt that this culated in November 1996 explaining how the around the world see this as a wonder- country had built up over 200 years, amendment would work, the House co-au- ful place in which to live. And much of first doubled it, and then they tripled thors of the amendment—Reps. Dan Schaefer what makes us a great country is Medi- it. and Charles Stenholm—write that in such care, Social Security, Head Start pro- The Senator, I believe, pointed that circumstances, ‘‘The President would be grams, and so many other things, al- bound, at the point at which the ‘Govern- out. Is that correct? ment runs out of money’ to stop issuing most all of which had to be done by Mr. DORGAN. That is the point I was checks.’’ This would place Social Security people standing up on the floor of the making. It is the point David Stock- benefits at risk. Senate saying let us do these things, man made. THE FEINSTEIN/WYDEN/DORGAN APPROACH let us improve this country, this is a It was the fiscal policy recommended The Feinstein/Wyden/Dorgan approach re- step forward. and designed by them. However, we solves the problems the Leadership version And others are standing up saying, also have a responsibility. Democrats creates in the Social Security area. It rein- ‘‘Oh, Lord no, we can’t do this.’’ I know and Republicans all have a responsi- forces the 1983 Social Security legislation people who are just opposed to every- bility for this problem and to solve it rather than undermining that legislation. It thing for the first time. We all know together but not create circumstances does so by requiring that the surpluses in the people like that. No matter what it is, where we can claim a balanced budget Social Security system contribute to national saving rather than be used to finance they oppose it for the first time, and 10 as the Federal debt continues to in- deficits in the rest of the budget and by ena- years later, of course, they think it is crease. That is my point. bling the surpluses to be drawn down when just fine because they then understood Mr. LEAHY. I agree with the Sen- the baby boomers retire. that it worked. ator’s point. Would the Senator not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1071 also agree with what President Clinton BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT been the case. We have shown anything said in the State of the Union Message TO THE CONSTITUTION but discipline when it comes to being a that we want a balanced budget? The The Senate continued with the con- caretaker of the tax dollars we raise. answer is right there in the Chamber sideration of the joint resolution. The American public sees that. That is where he spoke. We can vote for it, and Mr. GRASSLEY addressed the Chair. why, overwhelmingly, in mail and sur- he can sign it, and we can do that with- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- veys and everything else, the people of out amending the Constitution. ator from Iowa. the United States are telling the Con- The Constitution has been amended Mr. GRASSLEY. I rise in support of gress we need discipline in fiscal mat- only 17 times since the Bill of Rights. this constitutional amendment. I have ters and that they see a constitutional Is that correct? had an opportunity each and every amendment as bringing that discipline. Mr. DORGAN. That is correct. As I time—and I suppose this is the fifth or It has been 28 years since the time we pointed out, if the Constitution is sixth time now—in the period of time I last ran a surplus. Congress in that pe- amended at 2:25 today, at 2:26 the def- have been in the Senate to vote for a riod of time has made some feeble at- icit will not have decreased by one constitutional amendment because I tempts to bring our national debt penny. Why? Because altering the Con- believe that such a statement in the under control—but has failed. I have stitution will not decrease the deficit. Constitution would be a legitimate served with many fine Congressmen Only individual choices by men and part of the Constitution. I learned that and Senators who have made valiant women of goodwill in this Chamber from serving in a State legislative efforts to curb runaway spending. Re- who are willing to take some risks and body where I worked with such a state- gardless of their good faith, no bal- take a little heat for it will cut the def- ment within our State constitution, anced budget was produced. The goal icit and finally balance the budget. and I saw it bring discipline to both has remained out of reach. In the end, I am willing to do that. I dem- Republicans and Democrats in State then, we must conclude the will to bal- onstrated that in 1993, as did the Sen- legislative bodies to balance the budg- ance the budget has been weak. That is ator from Vermont. We had the fiscal et, to be fiscally responsible, and have why we desperately need the discipline discipline. each generation pay its own way. of a constitutional amendment. If we can get some others to join us, I have also voted for it because there The scope of the national debt is im- we can balance this Federal budget. I is not such a statement within the Fed- mense. Every year this monster grows just do not want us to play games, say- eral Constitution, and I have seen the as it gobbles up the American dream ing we balanced the budget, only then lack of discipline in the Congress of the for our young people. That American trying to explain to our children why United States to balance the budget. dream says that our children should the Federal debt continues to increase Since I have seen that discipline work have a better life than our generation at the same time. That is not bal- at the State legislative level and since as we had a better life than our moth- ancing the budget. State governments tend to be labora- ers and fathers, as our mothers and fa- Mr. President, I yield the floor. tories for our political system, I think thers had a better life than our grand- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank we can, with a great deal of certainty fathers and grandmothers. But the the Senator. I believe the other side and ease of mind, feel confident that American dream is being snuffed out wishes to have time, and I yield the we are doing the right thing by placing because of fiscal irresponsibility. floor. that discipline on Members of Con- This situation has gotten so bad that Ms. SNOWE addressed the Chair. gress. we now spend nearly 40 cents of every The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SES- The rule of law is something that is dollar that we collect in income taxes SIONS). The Senator from Maine. traditional to our British-American just to pay interest costs on this na- legal system. Other societies as well tional debt. The danger of this for the f might have a rule of law not exactly economy and the potentially disastrous effects for future generations have be- ORDER OF PROCEDURE like ours but still have a respect for basic documents. The purpose of the come impossible to ignore. You have to Ms. SNOWE. I ask unanimous con- rule of law is predictability and sta- look long and hard these days to find sent that at the hour of 2:30 p.m. today, bility for the future. public servants who do not say that the Senate turn to executive session to Constitutions are part of the rule of they support balancing the budget. consider the nomination of Rodney law. Constitutions are adopted by soci- That is on both sides of the aisle. Rhet- Slater under a previous consent agree- eties because it brings discipline to oric in support of budgetary control is ment. policymakers in Government. It brings at an unprecedented level. But it ends The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without a certainty to the relationship of peo- up that talk tends to be too cheap, I objection, it is so ordered. ple who govern and the people who are am sorry to say, and, as a result, the Ms. SNOWE. For the information of governed. Part of that certainty is dis- budget still remains unbalanced. all Senators, a rollcall vote is now cipline on the part of policymakers We must then have the structural scheduled to occur at approximately 3 like those of us in the Congress. So we discipline of a balanced budget amend- o’clock on the nomination of Rodney have a Constitution, and it has worked ment. Fortunately, there has been Slater. well to bring stability, to bring dis- some progress made lately in bringing I yield the floor. cipline, and to bring predictability to down the deficit. For the most part, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, could I the relationship between those who this is the result of two actions—one just ask the distinguished Senator govern and those who are governed. by the Republican-controlled 104th from Maine, and obviously I have no We see that discipline works in most Congress, and the other by President objection to this request, is it my un- of the policymaking between the Fed- Clinton. In the case of the Republican- derstanding that the Senate will then eral Government and our people, but controlled 104th Congress, some spend- go into a short recess for a caucus, or we have not seen discipline work in the ing restraint that we enacted; in the what is the plan? I just want to be ad- fiscal arena. Has it always been that case of President Clinton, it was his vised. way? No, it has not always been that suggestion for the largest ever tax in- Ms. SNOWE. That is correct. We are way, because for the first 160 years of crease that passed in 1993. going to recess from 3 to 4 for a Repub- our country, except during times of Now, of course, some of this reduc- lican conference. war, we had more years where we had tion in the deficit can be explained by Mr. LEAHY. The reason I asked that, budgets balanced and surpluses than better than expected economic growth, Mr. President, we have been trying, years we ran deficits. It was pretty which was mainly the result of the Senator HATCH and I and those who well understood that fiscal discipline, Federal Reserve’s wise economic poli- filled in for us, to go back and forth on even though it was not written in the cies. And, despite initial budgets of this debate, so I just alert people. Obvi- Constitution, was an integral part of President Clinton which projected defi- ously, it is the proponents’ of the the tradition of America. cits as far as the eye can see, the Con- amendment turn to go, and I yield the Since the year 1969, or for most of the gress has been able to submit a budget floor. time since World War II, that has not which balances by the year 2002. This is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1072 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 all good news. But the political balance them support the balanced budget porter. Passing this amendment, and is fragile, and we are still waiting for amendment. It has been our experience abiding by it, is the most important ac- the debt to be tamed. in Iowa that the state constitutional tion we can take to protect the future The American people have had balanced budget requirement works. of our children, grandchildren, and fu- enough. That is why they are telling Whether the legislature is controlled ture grandchildren. Congress’ insatia- us, by an overwhelming percentage: by Democrats or Republicans, our ble appetite for spending is mortgaging Adopt the fiscal discipline of a con- elected officials have abided by it. We the prosperity of these future genera- stitutional amendment. They sent us here in Washington have a great deal tions. Not only is this irresponsible, here to work to restore the American to learn from Iowa and the many other but it is immoral. dream for our children and grand- States where similar procedures have Our Founding Fathers recognized the children. been successful. basic principle that the Federal Gov- I hope my colleagues on the other As the only family farmer in the Sen- side of the aisle will work with us on ate, I think it is also important to note ernment must not spend beyond its this amendment. The national debt has that the American Farm Bureau Fed- means. Thomas Jefferson said, ‘‘We become the gift that keeps on taking. eration supports the balanced budget should consider ourselves unauthorized It is unconscionable that we would sad- amendment. Even though many farm- to saddle posterity with our debts, and dle our children and grandchildren ers, including those in my home State, morally bound to pay them ourselves.’’ with such a backbreaking public debt. have had to shoulder a large part of the Unfortunately, we have strayed far But, if we do not impose the fiscal re- load in budget reduction recently, they from Mr. Jefferson’s wise advice. straint that only the balanced budget know that their livelihood depends on The Federal Government’s uncon- amendment can provide, this debt will the long-term economic health of the trolled spending has built up an enor- be passed on to future generations, and country. They know that there can be mous national debt that currently they will be faced with crippling high no future for the American farmer, or stands at $5.3 billion. Apportioned taxes. Americans will be working hard- anyone else, if deficit spending is not equally, this means that every man, er and longer for less and less. reined in. We need the budget dis- woman and child in this country cur- Such a scenario simply cannot be tol- cipline mandated by the balanced rently owes almost $20,000. Put another erated, and is not tolerated today at budget amendment in order to guar- way, if you spent a dollar every second, the grassroots. It is only tolerated antee the survival of the American it would take 150,000 years to spend our here, in this Disneyland of Washington, dream for farmers and everyone who current debt. And our debt is still DC. benefits from their labor. growing by $4,500 per second—about the Passing the buck of the Federal debt Another alarming aspect of our Fed- same amount it would cost to send to our children and grandchildren is eral debt is the growing percentage three people to a community college. not just an economic problem that which is held by foreign interests. The they face. It is an immoral problem for proportion of overseas holdings in our The economic rewards for balancing us. Because, when you get right down debt is approaching 20 percent. In es- the budget should be reason enough to to it, this deficit spending is evidence sence, we have seen the slow drip of na- act. Many well respected economists that this generation, my generation, tional sovereignty going down the predict that if the budget were bal- can live high on the hog and leave the drain. If we do not control the Federal anced, interest rates would drop by bill to our children and grandchildren debt soon, this drip will become a about 2 percent. This would mean an- to pick up. We must bring the spending steady stream. So, in a very real sense, nual savings of $1,230 on a middle-class binge under control. And the only way irresponsible Federal budgeting has family’s home mortgage; $216 on an av- to do this in a serious and lasting way compromised our national security. erage student loan; and $180 on an aver- is to pass the balanced budget amend- The time to put a halt to this trend is age auto loan. In the Federal budget ment. now. world of billions and trillions, these I say this after having served as both So, Mr. President, I conclude today savings are all too often ignored, but a Congressman and a Senator and hav- by saying it is a moral imperative that these are real savings that would lead ing worked through several attempts we pass the balanced budget amend- to a better life for America’s families. to get the national debt and deficit ment. This is not a decision I come to Although Congress has talked end- under control. Everything we have lightly. I am very hesitant about mak- lessly about balancing the budget, the tried to date has failed. The Budget ing additions to our Constitution. But budget has not been balanced since and Impoundment Control Act, our Founding Fathers knew that there 1969. Without a balanced-budget con- Gramm-Rudman I and II, and so many would be critical moments in our Re- stitutional amendment, I doubt the other well-intentioned acts and proce- public’s history when problems of great President or Congress will ever have dures have all come up short. I’ll have difficulty would arise which would re- the political courage to balance the more to say on this later. quire constitutional force in order to budget. We simply lack the discipline Mr. President, now, more than ever, solve them. That is why the Constitu- to control our spending habits. We we have a moral duty to pass the bal- tion was designed to be amended in have ignored our responsibility to put anced budget amendment. It will force such circumstances. I would remind my our fiscal house in order, choosing in- both the Congress and the President, colleagues that all we in Congress can stead to leave future generations of regardless of which party is in control, do is send this measure to the States Americans with an overwhelming leg- to live up to their constitutional re- and let the people of America decide acy of debt. It is simply immoral to sponsibilities of confronting the na- whether it will become law. Why is a allow this deficit spending to continue. tional debt. And when those of us here vocal minority here in Congress so Our duty as elected officials must be to in Washington are forced to live within afraid of letting democracy work and preserve a strong and solvent nation our means, just like American families letting the people decide? for the next generation. do, every American will benefit. Inter- Our ever-expanding national debt is a est rates will go down, which will mean problem of fundamental importance Let us show the American people lower payments for car loans, student which justifies a constitutional solu- that we take our duties seriously. We loans, and mortgages. And by reducing tion. We cannot let another Congress must prove we are ready to embrace the cost of living, the American dream go by in which we do not confront this fiscal responsibility permanently. The will still be attainable. This is espe- issue and impose discipline on this in- moment has finally come for Congress cially important today when it often stitution. Our future and that of our to pass the balanced budget amend- takes two wage earners to make ends children and grandchildren depend on ment and send it on to the States. Let meet. it. us begin a national debate, in every When I talk with the folks back Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, yester- State legislature in this country. home in Iowa, they let me know that day, the Senate began debate on the Americans have waited decades for this we have to get our fiscal house in balanced-budget constitutional amend- opportunity. They have waited long order. An overwhelming majority of ment, of which I am an ardent sup- enough.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1073 EXECUTIVE SESSION in a manner that will help us form leg- His actions there, instituted imme- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under islation that will not only be fair but diately, facilitated the provision of al- the previous order, the Senate will now will address the Nation’s pressing ternative transportation, and then Mr. go into executive session to consider transportation needs into the 21st cen- Slater’s FHWA allowed the repair and the nomination of Rodney E. Slater, of tury. Certainly I look forward to work- rebuilding of the damaged highways Arkansas, to be Secretary of Transpor- ing with a Secretary of Transportation out there in record time. tation. who brings hands-on experience to the He has become familiar with all Department. modes of transportation, working at f On a personal note, I cannot ade- DOT—the civilian airline system; all NOMINATION OF RODNEY E. quately express my esteem for Rodney, the railroads, including the Nation’s SLATER OF ARKANSAS TO BE for the courage he has shown in over- rail passenger service, Amtrak; the SECRETARY OF TRANSPOR- coming a childhood of deprivation. He water borne transportation system, TATION is a native of Marianna, AR, the Mis- and everything else. So he is totally fa- sissippi Delta region, one of most im- miliar with it. I don’t know any better The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- poverished of our Nation. Many chil- compliment than that related by my ator from Arkansas is recognized. dren grow up in those conditions and distinguished colleague from Arkansas. Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I find that poverty overcomes them. Mr. Slater appeared with the strongest yield myself 5 minutes from the time They never come close to reaching bipartisan support of any nominee I allocated to Chairman MCCAIN. their full potential. Rodney serves, I have seen in my time up here, and I Mr. President, last week I had the op- believe, as a role model for countless think he deserves it. I have watched portunity to speak before the Com- Americans who pull themselves up him over the past 4 years, as I have merce and Environment and Public from poverty to make the American watched other Federal Highway Ad- Works Committees on behalf of my dream a reality. If you judge a person ministrators, but none has done a more good friend and our nominee for Sec- from what they overcome, then Rodney resourceful job, a more understanding retary of Transportation, Rodney Slater has overcome a lot, and should job, and a more effective job than Rod- Slater. I am proud today, and honored be esteemed. He has not only benefited ney Slater of Arkansas. today to be able to rise before the en- his own life, but the lives of those he It’s quite a journey from those rural tire Senate body and once again voice has touched through his selfless public roots to being chairman of the Arkan- my support for the President’s choice service. His experience in the region of sas State Highway Department to ad- for Secretary of Transportation. the world he came from, I think, gives ministering the Nation’s highway pro- I have known Rodney Slater since him a unique perspective of the value gram and now, I hope, to Secretary of the 1980’s, when I was first elected to of our Nation’s infrastructure and the Transportation. Mr. Slater’s journey the Arkansas State House of Rep- role it plays in economic development. began with a loving family and com- resentatives and Rodney was the exec- Another one of the great things munity, and we should, as he does, pay utive assistant for then Governor Bill about Rodney, which I have expressed tribute to them. They instilled in him Clinton. From the very beginning of many times, is his commitment to his the thirst for education, the drive to our relationship, I had the deepest re- family. Nobody could question that succeed at every job, and the deter- spect for Rodney on both a personal after watching the confirmation hear- mination to be fair in whatever he did. and professional level. ings. Several of his family members These are qualities that we should look Professionally, I think there is no came there at each time. for in every nominee for every office. question whatsoever that he is quali- I want to reiterate my comments But in addition to Mr. Slater’s personal fied to become the Secretary of Trans- from last week. I have no hesitancy story there are several other excellent portation. Before coming to Wash- whatsoever in giving my support for reasons for confirming Mr. Slater in ington, Rodney served for 6 years as Rodney Slater to be Secretary of the this very important Cabinet position. commissioner and later chairman of Department of Transportation. I be- He has high-level experience in trans- the Arkansas State Highway Commis- lieve the President made a fine choice portation dating back to 1987. Mr. sion. During this time, Rodney, with- and I look forward to casting my vote Slater has served as a member of the out hesitation, tackled the great chal- for that confirmation. Arkansas State Highway Commission lenge of improving a poor rural State’s Mr. President, I yield the floor. and later as the commission chairman. infrastructure. He took on that chal- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- In these positions he received high lenge, not just trying to please, but ator from South Carolina. praise for his ability to bring together trying to do the right thing. Arkansas, Mr. HOLLINGS. The distinguished diverse interests in order to get the job like most of our States, is a very di- Senator from Arkansas has been so done. Part of Mr. Slater’s success is at- verse place with many competing re- laudatory, I think the RECORD should tributed to his willingness to listen to gions. Rodney, though he hailed from show that Rodney Slater is a Demo- disparate points of view and a desire to the delta, was always fair to every part crat. learn from others. of the State of Arkansas. I think that The fact of the matter is, he has Mr. Slater was appointed to the Fed- is a preeminent qualification for some- strong, strong bipartisan support be- eral Highway Administration [FHWA] body who is going to be Secretary of cause he truly comes as an appoint- by President Clinton in 1993. As Admin- Transportation of the United States. ment, not on account of the color of his istrator, Mr. Slater managed a $20 bil- He will be fair with all modes of trans- skin, but the content of his character. lion annual budget in an agency with portation. He will be fair to all parts of As the distinguished Senator pointed 3,500 employees and an office in every our Nation. out, he started in the most humble State. In that capacity, he impressed In the last 4 years, Rodney has served Mississippi Delta section of Arkansas, both local officials and Members of as Administrator of the Federal High- attended the public schools, graduated, Congress with his ability to work with- way Administration, where he has then, from Eastern Michigan Univer- in the system to get things done. Dur- faced the demands of implementing sity, and then from the University of ing the last 4 years the FHWA under ISTEA. As you know, hearings on the Arkansas School of Law at Fayette- Mr. Slater has expanded our Nation’s reauthorization of ISTEA will begin ville. highways and linked isolated commu- next week. We will be dealing with Working as a commissioner on the nities to new jobs and opportunities. some of the most important and com- Arkansas Highway Commission, he One important example of this nomi- plicated issues of transportation when then was able to serve as its chairman nee’s abilities is the response of the we consider this vital piece of legisla- and came here just almost 4 years ago FHWA to the devastating earthquake tion. Rodney’s experience with na- as the Federal Highway Administrator. that took place in Northridge, CA. Mr. tional and local transportation needs You only have to go to Northridge, CA, Slater received high marks from those as well as his expertise in the intrica- to ask how he did. Right after that who witnessed his ability to cut red- cies of ISTEA give me great confidence earthquake out in California, Mr. tape and lessen response time so that he will be able to work with Congress Slater cut through all the bureaucracy. critical funds would be released

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 promptly to the communities hit by on the seamless transportation net- it as quickly as possible and I urge my the earthquake. His adept maneuvering work that ISTEA envisions. An exam- colleagues to support this nomination. through the bureaucracy resulted in ple of one of our most pressing issues The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who the provision of alternate transpor- for ISTEA is the long overdue replace- yields time? tation and the rebuilding of vital high- ment of the bridges over the Cooper Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I have ways in record time. River in Charleston. These bridges are about 4 minutes, I would say. Can I be In nominating Mr. Slater, President essential to the movement of cargo to yielded some time? Clinton said: ‘‘* * * he was rec- and from the port. Mr. HOLLINGS. Yes, 4 minutes. In conclusion, Mr. Slater has earned ommended by more people from more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- my support and my vote because I am places in more ways for this job than ator from West Virginia. any person for any position I have ever impressed with the intelligence, dedication, and ability I believe he will Mr. BYRD. I thank the distinguished seen.’’ Nothing is more true. Look at Senator from South Carolina. the Members of Congress, on both sides bring to this job. I urge my colleagues Mr. President, I rise in support of the of the aisle, who have supported this to join me in confirming this excellent nomination of Rodney E. Slater to be nomination. During the Commerce appointment. the Secretary of the Department of Committee hearing on his nomination, Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise Transportation. Over the last four Mr. Slater was endorsed by Senators today to talk about a person who has years, Mr. Slater has served the Presi- WARNER, BUMPERS, and HUTCHINSON been honored by President Clinton to serve as the Secretary of Transpor- dent and the Nation, and he has served and Congressmen HUTCHINSON and tation, Rodney Slater. Last week, Mr. well in his capacity as our Federal BERRY. That’s a good cross-section of Highway Administrator. He has done support—the chairman of the Trans- Slater testified before the Commerce so with the same distinction and effec- portation Subcommittee of the Senate Committee. He talked about his com- tiveness that he demonstrated pre- Committee on Environment and Public mitment to public service, his back- viously while serving then-Governor Works and four members of the Arkan- ground, and his desire to make sure that the United States remains the Clinton in several capacities back in sas congressional delegation, two from leader in aviation. He talked about the his home State of Arkansas. each party. He has also received high challenges facing the Transportation I am pleased that the President has praise from our House colleagues. Con- Department, but more importantly, nominated such an able and accom- gressman WOLF, chairman of the House the challenges facing all of us and our plished and dedicated public official to Appropriations Subcommittee on constituents. head the Department of Transpor- Transportation, called the nomination Mr. Slater showed himself to be tation. We will face many critical chal- ‘‘a natural.’’ House Transportation and forthright and straightforward. In re- lenges in the transportation arena in Infrastructure Committee Chairman sponse to some tough questions, he did the next several months and years—the BUD SHUSTER said he considers the not flinch. He looked each of us in the reauthorization of all of our critical nominee one who ‘‘can work well with eye and committed to work through highway and transit programs; the both parties.’’ difficult problems, to rebuild our Na- Mr. Slater’s nomination is not just need to reform the entire financing tion’s roads and bridges, and to make mechanism for the Federal Aviation endorsed within the Washington Belt- our transportation system as safe as way. Indeed, the transportation indus- Administration; the need to find more possible. He also said something else in Federal resources to stem the deterio- try uniformly praised Slater both for response to a tough, but fair comment his abilities as the FHWA Adminis- ration of our transportation infrastruc- from our chairman, Senator MCCAIN. ture; the need to reverse the recent in- trator and for his interest in learning He said he wanted to give people a rea- the promises and prospects of the other crease we are witnessing in drunk driv- son to vote for someone, rather than ing as well as the need to improve our modes of transportation. against someone. Mr. Slater did that in From my perspective as Senator safety record in all modes of transpor- his testimony. tation. from South Carolina, I am very pleased Mr. Slater also brings something else to have a nominee who has a firm grasp I heard the President speak about the to DOT—he has served for 4 years as dangers of smoking, and I am for the of the highway system that is so vital the head of the Federal Highway Ad- great crusade that has been conducted to my State. Moreover, in Mr. Slater ministration. Mr. Slater’s support be- across this Nation against smoking. we have the opportunity to confirm as fore our committee was bipartisan, But I would like to see a similar cru- Secretary of Transportation a man who both Senators and Congressmen. Sen- sade against drinking alcoholic bev- knows the value of the other modes of ator WARNER talked of his first-hand erages. Let’s have a crusade to match transportation as well: The Nation’s experience with Mr. Slater in working the crusade against smoking. Let’s civil aviation system, Amtrak, and the with flood victims in Virginia. Mr. have a crusade against drinking, be- country’s waterborne transportation Slater has similarly responded to prob- cause my wife, your wife, my daugh- system. lems in Kentucky and other States. With Mr. Slater, we will have a Sec- Mr. Slater is one of the first nomi- ters, my grandchildren can get into an retary who knows that we must rebuild nees for the Secretary’s position to automobile and leave the house and the Nation’s infrastructure if we are to have worked for one of the modal ad- never come home alive again because grow and prosper in the 21st century. ministrations. That experience alone of some drunken driver who is all over He is a man who believes, as I do, that will benefit our communities. Mr. the highway. Let’s have a crusade the number of ships that steam into Slater understands, for example, that against alcoholic beverages. I would be our ports means little if road or rail opening up foreign aviation markets to happy to help by speaking out against transport is insufficient to speed the our carriers will benefit our commu- the drinking of alcohol. cargo on its way to points inland; and nities. Mr. Slater understands the im- I know from several meetings that I that increasing tourism in Charleston portance of developing a new ISTEA have had with Mr. Slater that he recog- or Boston or New Orleans won’t matter bill. Mr. Slater recognizes the need to nizes clearly how important a vibrant unless trains and planes are available appoint members to the National Civil and efficient transportation system is to bring the tourists to those cities. Aviation Review Commission, so that to the Nation’s future. He knows that, He is also a man who is well aware we can move forward with improving as a nation, we have allowed our trans- that a carefully constructed reauthor- the Federal Aviation Administration. portation infrastructure to deteriorate ization of the Intermodal Surface Funding for the FAA, improving avia- to the point that we have a backlog of Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 tion safety, and continuing to make unmet needs totaling well over $100 bil- [ISTEA] can give us the boost we need strides in aviation security are matters lion. This backlog of unmet needs for toward the year 2000. We in South that the new Secretary will confront unsafe bridges, deteriorated highways, Carolina have worthwhile intermodal on day one. Let’s make tomorrow day airports, and transit systems serves as projects that need funding. These one. a continuing drag on our Nation’s pro- intermodal projects will relieve choke Mr. Slater has many challenges ductivity. He knows that poor high- points in the States, giving us a start ahead of him. We should let him get to ways restrict access to jobs, to schools

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1075 and to health care—that poorly main- tive transportation systems also im- our infrastructure, to preserve ISTEA, tained ships and waterways can lead to prove our overall quality of life. to enhance safety, and to ensure ade- environmental disaster. This year we are facing renewed de- quate funding for our transportation At my request, Mr. Slater has visited bate on the importance of transpor- needs. I look forward to working close- my home State of West Virginia on a tation as we discuss the authorization ly with him to ensure that all Ameri- number of occasions. He has seen first of ISTEA. And I am pleased that Rod- cans can travel safely and efficiently hand the benefits flowing to my con- ney Slater will be taking the lead for as we move into the 21st century. stituents and the entire Nation from the administration in the reauthoriza- Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise ongoing efforts such as the completion tion effort. to express my strong support for the of Appalachian Corridor ‘‘G.’’ But he Mr. President, ISTEA is a bold and confirmation of Administrator Rodney also knows that much more needs to be innovative law that is helping to in- Slater to be the next Secretary of done to improve mobility, not just in crease mobility, ensure access to jobs Transportation for this great Nation. West Virginia but throughout the en- and sustain our environment for future With 1 of every 10 workers and over tire Nation. generations. It has improved planning $700 billion dollars being devoted annu- Mr. Slater comes from humble ori- and flexibility, emphasized local deci- ally to transportation products and gins, having been born in the small sion making and encouraged new tech- services, we certainly need a person of community of Tutwiler, MS. With a nology. Mr. Slater’s caliber. population of 1,391, just a few more Mr. President, we need to extend Transportation touches the lives of people than we have in Sophia, WV, ISTEA to meet the transportation and each and every American citizen on a from where I come. Tutwiler has about economic challenges of the 21st cen- daily basis; and while we can be proud 200 more residents than the town of my tury. We need to build on the legisla- of our railways, interstate, highways, upbringing, Sophia, WV. I know some- tion’s innovative intermodal system. and airport systems, there are still sig- thing about humble beginnings. And I We should continue to promote State nificant challenges which lie ahead. know that humble beginnings can give and local flexibility. We should con- Mr. President, both personal and some people a clarity of vision and te- tinue to use technology, or so-called business travel are at all time highs nacity of purpose. These are the at- Intelligent Transportation Systems, to and the concern for safety is shared by tributes that we find among true na- increase our capacity and efficiency. all Americans. We are continually facing the prob- tional leaders—and Rodney Slater’s And we must maintain ISTEA’s com- lems of congestion and pollution in leadership at this vital time in the Na- mitment to promoting safety. metropolitan areas while attempting tion’s history as Secretary of Trans- I believe Rodney Slater shares my to meet the demand for increased mo- portation will be critical as we strive commitment to these goals, and I am to balance the Federal budget without bility. looking forward to working closely And, in New Mexico, like many other decimating the Nation’s physical infra- with him throughout the debate on structure. I look forward to his con- rural States, we are witnessing a demo- ISTEA. graphic shift which is placing a strain firmation. I am glad today to speak in Mr. President, as we develop so- support of his nomination enthusiasti- on our current regional transportation called ISTEA Two, all of us will need systems. cally and without any reservations. to remember that the choices we make I thank the Senator from South In addition, there are still the grow- will directly affect the lives of millions ing demands for speed and efficiency in Carolina. I yield the floor. of ordinary Americans. Our decisions Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I the transportation of goods. With the will affect where and how we live. rise to offer my strong support for Rod- emergence of just-in-time manufac- Where we work. How we’ll get there. ney Slater to be the next Secretary of turing, transportation authorities And how long it will take. Transportation. must continue to research transpor- Mr. President, as Administrator of In many cases, our choices also will tation innovations and utilize new the Federal Highway Administration, be a matter of life and death for thou- technologies which will help preserve Rodney Slater has demonstrated the sands of Americans. And we shouldn’t time and money. leadership, intelligence, and vision forget that. We will be deciding the Mr. President, I believe Mr. Slater’s that is required to lead the Department safety of our roads, our rails, and our creativity and fresh thinking will be an of Transportation. I am confident he air travel. Unfortunately, over the past asset to the President as we begin to will do an excellent job as Secretary. 2 years, safety often has taken a back face these issues and look towards the During the past 4 years, Adminis- seat to other considerations. We have future of transportation in America. trator Slater has overseen a $20 billion lost our national speed limit. We have And that future begins with the reau- U.S. Highway System and a nationwide lost our motorcycle helmet and seat- thorization of the Intermodal Surface work force of 3,500. In that capacity, he belt laws. And, meanwhile, the problem Transportation Efficiency Act transformed FHWA policies and pro- of drunk driving has worsened. In my [ISTEA]. grams to better serve the people and view, it’s long past time that we made I believe we must build upon the pri- industries who rely on our highway safety a top priority. orities set forth in this important leg- system. He has also been a strong advo- Mr. President, I raised this issue with islation while continuing to provide cate for the advancement of women Administrator Slater during the infor- the necessary funding to ensure the and minorities. mational hearing in front of the Senate strongest transportation infrastructure As Secretary, Mr. Slater will play a Environment and Public Works Com- possible. critical role in ensuring that our Na- mittee. He assured me that safety is, ISTEA’s reauthorization must be tion makes much-needed investments and will continue to be, his top priority based upon principles that will sustain in our transportation infrastructure. I as Secretary of Transportation. I com- a strong globally-competitive economy know he shares my commitment to mend him for that commitment. and ensure the mobility and safety of that goal. Transportation generates 20 Administrator Slater also assured me our people. percent of our GNP, and every $1 bil- that he is an advocate for healthy I believe Mr. Slater recognizes the lion invested in our transportation sys- transportation funding this fiscal year challenges ahead of him as Secretary tem yields more than 25,000 construc- and in the years ahead. In the coming of Transportation and I am truly en- tion-related jobs. months, Congress and the administra- couraged by his commitment. Investment in transportation is also tion will be working together to bal- Administrator Slater’s history is necessary to keep us internationally ance the budget. As that process moves clearly is one of hard work and dedica- competitive. Americans spend more forward, all of us who care about trans- tion. He served as assistant attorney than 1.6 million hours a day stuck in portation will have to work hard to en- general for the State of Arkansas and traffic, at a cost to U.S. businesses of sure that transportation is given the later worked as an assistant to the about $40 billion per year. That’s a bur- priority it deserves. Governor on economic and community den our economy simply cannot afford. Mr. President, I am confident that programs. By reducing congestion, improving Rodney Slater will be a Transportation Administrator Slater began his focus air quality and enhancing safety, effec- Secretary who will work to maintain on transportation by serving as the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1076 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 chairman of the Arkansas State High- in construction, and in the delivery of authorization of the Intermodal Sur- way Commission. transportation services. From the per- face Transportation Efficiency Act And I believe in this era of new fed- son who drives the light rail train (ISTEA). The new Secretary will lead eralism, his experience in running a through my own hometown of Balti- the administration’s efforts on this im- state highway agency will be an excel- more, to the scientists and engineers portant bill. The Senate begins its lent background as we look to provide designing the transportation networks work on the reauthorization of ISTEA State governments with enough flexi- of the future, transportation means with this confirmation. As the Senate bility to produce local answers to jobs. Mr. Slater understands that. debates the nomination of Rodney transportation issues. Under Mr. Slater’s guidance, the De- Slater to be Secretary of Transpor- In addition, Administrator Slater partment of Transportation will con- tation, I would like to take a few mo- served as a member of the American tinue to encourage new technologies, ments to discuss some of the transpor- Association of State Highway and promote safety, and protect our envi- tation priorities I want our new Sec- Transportation Officials’ Executive ronment. He is the right person to retary and the Senate to consider. Committee of Commissions and Boards manage our national infrastructure, First, the new Surface Transpor- and is currently serving as the first Af- and lead the way to better and safer tation law should promote a national rican-American to head the Federal roads and transit systems, airports, transportation infrastructure which Highway Administration where he and to keep us globally competitive. addresses rural and urban needs. That worked as an effective leader in escort- Mr. President, I look forward to legislation must recognize that trans- ing the National Highway System leg- working with Mr. Slater on making the portation investments in small popu- islation through Congress. Department of Transportation a more lation, crossroads States like Nebraska In speaking with Administrator effective and efficient agency. We must contribute to the productivity and effi- Slater on many occasions, I have al- work together to meet the transpor- ciency of the entire nation. ways been impressed with his desire to tation needs and challenges that we Second, ISTEA 2 should be truly participate in open discussions with face as we enter the 21st century. Much intermodal by including an authoriza- one priority in mind—and that is to has been done and continues to be done tion for Amtrak, and assistance for reach a solution which is best for the as we work as partners to revitalize communities dealing with an increasing density of rail traffic. The Congress American people. America’s transportation system. In fact, as Federal Highway Adminis- Mr. Slater is equipped for this task. has a tremendous opportunity to en- trator, Mr. Slater personally traveled He was appointed to the Arkansas hance safety where rails meet roads in from coast to coast as part of an out- State Highway Commission in 1987, and America. Third, safety must remain the pre- reach program which he initiated. made its chairman in 1992. Mr. Slater eminent focus of transportation policy. From Buffalo, NY to Laredo, TX and understands the needs of local and In spite of long-term progress on the from San Francisco, CA to our Nation’s State governments. He understands the safety front, more than 41,000 Ameri- Capital—Administrator Slater sat need for our rural, suburban, and urban cans will die and more than 3 million down with real people to discuss their areas to be connected, and provide the Americans will be injured this year on thoughts and concerns about our Na- access to opportunity. the Nation’s roads and highways. We tion’s highways and interstates. As the Administrator of the Federal can reduce that number by focusing I believe Administrator Slater, in his Highway Administration, Mr. Slater much needed attention on two groups new capacity as Secretary of Transpor- has shown his commitment to put peo- of drivers—Teenagers and repeat of- tation, will continue to provide all ple first, and to rebuild America. He fenders. Traffic accidents are the lead- Americans with a transportation net- has listened to thousands of constitu- ing cause of death among Americans work that will be second to none. ents and incorporated their concerns ages 15–24. The reauthorization of And it is in my judgment that Ad- into the Federal Highway Administra- ISTEA provides an opportunity to seri- ministrator Slater has first hand tion’s decisionmaking process. He has ously address this problem. knowledge as to what the future needs led this agency as it rebuilt and ex- Fourth, in aviation, I applaud the are for this Nation’s transportation in- panded our Nation’s highways, and in Secretary-designate for his strong frastructure. the process created jobs and opportuni- statement in support of the Essential I commend President Clinton for his ties. Air Service Program. Air service is nomination, and shall cast my vote for I look forward to working with Mr. critical to the economic survival of his confirmation with confidence and Slater as he works to meet the trans- many rural communities. Last year, wish him the best as he begins to face portation needs of Maryland and those the Congress solved the chronic fund- the transportation challenges of this across this great Nation. I urge my col- ing problems of the Essential Air Serv- great Nation. leagues to confirm the nomination of ice program. I am pleased that the Sec- Mr. President, I yield the floor. Mr. Rodney Slater as Secretary of the retary-designate supports that action. Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise Department of Transportation. Finally, Mr. President, I pledge to today to offer my strong support for Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I rise to the new Secretary that I will continue the confirmation of Rodney Slater as support the confirmation of Rodney to do everything I can to end the hem- the new Secretary for the Department Slater to be the new Secretary of orrhage of the airways trust fund. The of Transportation. Transportation. Perhaps only the Sec- lapse of the aviation ticket tax is Mr. Slater has the experience, the retary of Agriculture has as a profound draining the trust fund at an astound- sense of purpose, and the commitment effect on economy of my State as the ing rate of $18–20 million a day. As a to make sure that our transportation Secretary of Transportation. new member of the Finance Com- infrastructure is ready for the new cen- As a large geography, small popu- mittee, I consider funding the Nation’s tury. He is well suited to head the De- lation State at the Nation’s crossroads, investments in airport safety, security, partment of Transportation, a large Nebraska has a great deal at stake in and efficiency a top priority. I am and complex agency which is so vital America’s transportation policy. Per- proud that our committee yesterday to America’s infrastructure. Transpor- haps only the Secretary of Agriculture took swift, bipartisan action on this tation is one of the underpinnings of has as profound an effect on the econ- important matter. our economy, and plays an essential omy of my State as the Secretary of Mr. President, with this confirma- role in the daily lives of all Americans. Transportation. tion, we begin work on the transpor- A safe and efficient system of transpor- Coming from rural Arkansas, Rodney tation policy for a new century. The tation is needed to keep our growing Slater understands the transportation Senate should not underestimate the economy strong. problems of Nebraska and the Nation. importance of this task or the signifi- Rodney Slater understands that He has demonstrated skill and vision cance of this confirmation. Future em- transportation is an engine for job cre- as Administrator of the Federal High- ployment, economic growth, inter- ation. He knows that it provides hun- ways Administration. national competitiveness, and national dreds of good paying jobs in the devel- One of the most important bills the productivity are all at stake. I am con- opment of transportation technologies, 105th Congress will consider is the re- fident that Rodney Slater understands

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1077 the importance of his mission and I these skills that Congress will need reforming the FAA, negotiating and look forward to working with the new during the reauthorization of ISTEA implementing meaningful open-skies Secretary. and other transportation matters. agreements with our trading partners, Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I support this nomina- and implementing the train whistle Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise tion without reservation and urge my ban in a manner that respects the safe- today to express my strong support for colleagues to do the same. ty records of the communities that will the nomination of Rodney Slater to be I yield the floor. be affected. the next Secretary of Transportation. Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am I enthusiastically will vote in favor Most of my colleagues know Rodney pleased to support the nomination of of Mr. Slater’s confirmation, and I urge Slater from his tenure as the Federal Rodney Slater to be the next Secretary my colleagues to do the same. Highway Administrator—a position he of Transportation. Mr. Slater has dis- Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I sug- has held since 1993. Mr. Slater has tinguished himself by his fine service gest the absence of a quorum. proven his ability to grasp and under- to the people of Arkansas and to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without stand transportation issues that are Nation as Federal Highway Adminis- objection, it is so ordered. The clerk important to all regions of this coun- trator. I have had the opportunity to will call the roll. try. meet with Mr. Slater and discuss a The legislative clerk proceeded to Even though he is a native of Arkan- range of transportation issues with call the roll. sas, I can tell my colleagues that he him. I am confident that he has the Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask recognizes the needs of areas such as necessary skills and knowledge to de- unanimous consent that the order for the West. In fact, he has traveled to velop a national transportation policy the quorum call be rescinded. Montana three times to see first hand and to prepare our Nation for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the vast expanse of land and low popu- transportation challenges of the next objection, it is so ordered. lation that is our State. These trips century. Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, the Sen- have enabled him to appreciate the The greatest challenge before Mr. ate, in just a minute, will vote on the true meaning of the word rural. Slater is to establish a comprehensive nomination of Rodney Slater to serve And this experience will come in transportation policy for the 21st cen- the Nation as Secretary of Transpor- handy in the coming months. One of tury. When Mr. Slater came before the tation. the key issues the 105th Congress will Commerce Committee, I spoke of the I congratulate Mr. Slater on the face is the reauthorization of the Inter- need to develop such a policy and I em- honor of being selected by the Presi- modal Surface Transportation Effi- phasized my belief that such a policy dent for this very important post, and ciency Act or ISTEA. This legislation must prominently include passenger I urge the Senate to confirm his nomi- will set the highway and transit fund- rail service as an integral component. nation. ing levels for every State and an under- Despite rail’s proven safety, efficiency Mr. Slater currently serves as the top standing of the needs of rural States and reliability in Europe, Japan, and official at the Federal Highway Admin- will be critical. ISTEA expires on Sep- even here in the United States, our Na- istration and has received much praise tember 30 of this year and we have our tion continues to seriously underfund on both sides of the aisle and from work cut out for us. and shortchange passenger rail. Indeed, across the country for his good work in There will be many difficult and con- over half the Transportation Depart- that important capacity. troversial issues to be debated during ment’s spending authority is devoted On January 29, the Senate Commerce reauthorization. One such issue will be to highways and another quarter to Committee conducted a thorough hear- the question of highway funding for- aviation; rail is still in distant last ing on the Slater nomination, and, yes- mulas. I would remind my colleagues place with roughly 3 percent of total terday, the committee voted unani- that we are one Nation—not 50 sepa- spending authority. During the con- mously to refer his nomination to the rate ones. We all come from different firmation hearing, I stated that I be- full Senate with our approval. States with diverse transportation lieve the time is long overdue to As part of the committee’s examina- needs. But our goal should be to craft a change our approach and to afford tion, we submitted a battery of ques- reauthorization bill that will move this greater consideration to our commit- tions to the nominee regarding his country forward into the next cen- ment to intermodalism. I hope to work qualifications and fitness to serve as tury—not one that takes us back. with Mr. Slater in the years ahead to Secretary; about his priorities in serv- Mr. President, transportation in develop and deploy a comprehensive, fi- ing the transportation needs of our Montana is not just limited to high- nancially stable, intercity transpor- country; and about his plans to ensure ways. There is another important com- tation network that includes passenger that he and the Department effectively ponent of our transportation system— rail as an integral component. serve the public interest in keeping the Essential Air Service program. A second and important challenge with the highest standards of profes- The Essential Air Service program Mr. Slater will face will be the reau- sional conduct. ensures that some of this country’s thorization of the Intermodal Surface He faithfully responded to our many most rural and vulnerable communities Transportation Efficiency Act or questions and while members may dis- have access to air transportation. It is ISTEA. I am by no means alone in agree about some of his policies, the truly an essential transportation pro- counting on the administration to play nominee is experienced in the transpor- gram. a central role in this debate. Soon, the tation arena; has proven himself to be Montana is second only to Alaska in administration will submit its proposal a dedicated public servant; and has as- the number of EAS communities— for reauthorizing ISTEA. I expect this sured the committee that he has not seven. Every year, Congress must fight proposal to fairly allocate highway engaged in any activity which would for the necessary funding to continue funds and to consider the aging and cast doubt on his ability or fitness to this program. However, Mr. Slater has crumbling infrastructure of the crowd- serve. pledged his commitment to support ed cities in the Northeast. These cities Mr. Slater, has a very difficult job this program. I look forward to work- are important population centers and ahead of him. The Transportation sec- ing with him and the rest of the De- significant gateways for international tor affects every facet of our country’s partment to ensure the stability of this trade and tourism. Those of us rep- economic and social life. The ability of program into the future. resenting northeastern States are plac- our citizens and the Nation’s goods to Rodney Slater has repeatedly shown ing great faith in Mr. Slater—faith travel freely, economically and safely, an ability to bring diverse interests to- that he will afford due consideration to will be directly and deeply influenced gether for a common goal. He has also our legitimate needs and will offer suf- by the policies established by the new displayed a skill for taking innovative ficient support to ensure that those Secretary. approaches to many of the problems needs are addressed in a fair and equi- Our Nation faces severe challenges in facing the transportation community. table manner. the effort to keep our transportation He has always been responsive to me I look forward to working with Mr. systems the most modern, efficient, and other Members of the Senate. It is Slater in several other areas including and safest in the world. In particular,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1078 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 upgrading the Nation’s highways, rail- Coats Harkin Moseley-Braun sion, making him the first African- Cochran Hatch Moynihan ways and aviation infrastructure in an Collins Helms Murkowski American to hold the job. Five years era of necessary budget constraint will Conrad Hollings Murray later, he was promoted to chair the be especially difficult and will require Coverdell Hutchinson Nickles commission. vision and leadership. Craig Hutchison Reed As Federal Highway Administrator D’Amato Inhofe Reid Above all, the new Secretary’s top Daschle Inouye Robb since 1993, Mr. Slater has managed a priority must be protecting public safe- DeWine Jeffords Roberts $20 billion annual budget in an agency ty in all modes of transportation. And, Dodd Johnson Rockefeller with 3,500 employees and offices in Domenici Kempthorne Roth he must apply himself to prioritizing Dorgan Kennedy Santorum every State. He tackled the politically national needs and eliminating unjusti- Durbin Kerrey Sarbanes difficult task of putting together the fied programs so that limited resources Enzi Kerry Sessions National Highway System, a 160,000- can flow to the Nation’s most pressing Faircloth Kohl Shelby mile network of roadways. Stitching Feingold Kyl Smith, Bob requirements according to merit and Feinstein Landrieu Smith, Gordon together that system involved pains- need. Achieving these lofty goals will Ford Lautenberg H. taking negotiations with 50 State gov- take a Secretary who can say no, as Frist Leahy Snowe ernments, regional transportation Glenn Levin Specter well as yes, and who can keep an un- Gorton Lieberman Stevens agencies, and city governments. De- flinching eye on the interests of the Graham Lott Thomas spite these difficulties, he won praise country rather than on politics. Gramm Lugar Thompson from all sides for his candor, political Mr. Slater, assured us that he under- Grams Mack Torricelli skills, and ability to work within the Grassley McCain Warner stands the magnitude of the respon- Gregg McConnell Wellstone system to get things done. sibilities awaiting the new Secretary, Hagel Mikulski Wyden Rodney Slater’s nomination has and is qualified and eager to take them NOT VOTING—2 drawn wide and bipartisan support. As on. Having questioned and examined President Clinton put it, he ‘‘was rec- Bennett Thurmond this nominee, and given his track ommended by more people from more record of public service, the committee The nomination was confirmed. places in more ways for this job than trusts and believes that is so. I urge my Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I move to any person for any position I have ever colleagues to confirm Rodney Slater, reconsider the vote. seen.’’ He has won praise from leaders and we look forward to working with Mr. KERRY. I move to lay that mo- from both parties and both Houses of him to best serve the transportation tion on the table. Congress. Senator JOHN WARNER, who needs of our Nation. The motion to lay on the table was chairs the Senate Environment and I ask for the yeas and nays on this agreed to. Public Works Transportation Sub- vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The committee, described him best as ‘‘an Chair notes that under the previous The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a effective partner with Congress.’’ order, the President shall be notified of sufficient second? As a true Arkansas traveler, Rodney the confirmation of the nomination of There is a sufficient second. has demonstrated he understands rural Rodney Slater. The yeas and nays were ordered. transportation needs. He has certainly Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Rod- Mr. HOLLINGS. If my colleague become a good friend of South Dakota. ney Earl Slater is the right choice to would yield. When we needed help, in good times become the next U.S. Secretary of Mr. MCCAIN. I am happy to yield to and bad, we knew we could count on Transportation. He has earned the him. South Dakotans are deeply grate- the Senator. unanimous vote by which he was con- Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I ask ful for his assistance, which we will firmed. He has taken a remarkable never forget. unanimous consent to extend—— path from a childhood of poverty to Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, under The nomination of Rodney Slater being selected to head the $39 billion validates a life of hard work. He has the previous order, we were supposed to Department of Transportation. His vote at 3 o’clock. That is my under- earned this nomination. From his roots hard work and talents have proven in- in rural Arkansas, he worked his way standing. valuable to every effort he has under- The PRESIDING OFFICER. That was through college and law school. Here in taken. Washington, he has rebuilt and ex- the agreement. Rodney was born in 1955 in the dirt- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I yield panded our Nation’s highways and poor Mississippi Delta. His first taste linked isolated communities to jobs back remaining time. of hard work came early, when as a boy Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I and opportunities. He has built bridges he picked cotton and peaches. He was both of steel and of goodwill to bring yield back. recruited to play football at Eastern The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time people closer together. He is the right Michigan University, rising to become person to help us meet the many trans- is yielded back. The question is, Will co-captain of the team. the Senate advise and consent to the portation challenges we face as we His performance in speech class so enter the 21st century. nomination of Rodney E. Slater, of Ar- impressed his professor that he per- kansas, to be Secretary of Transpor- I supported Rodney Slater’s nomina- suaded him to join the college’s debate tion with enthusiasm. He fully de- tation? On this question the yeas and team. He went on to become a national nays have been ordered and the clerk served the unanimous vote by which he finalist in debate competitions. The was confirmed. will call the roll. coach of his college debate team de- The legislative clerk called the roll. scribed him well: ‘‘I knew way back f Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the then that here was a very disciplined, Senator from Utah [Mr. BENNETT] and goal-oriented young man who was driv- LEGISLATIVE SESSION the Senator from South Carolina [Mr. en by his own competitiveness. He The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- THURMOND] are necessarily absent. wasn’t competing against other stu- ate will return to legislative session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there dents. He was competing against his Mr. LOTT addressed the Chair. any other Senators in the Chamber de- own measure of success.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- siring to vote? Rodney Slater went on to an out- jority leader. The result was announced—yeas 98, standing career of public service. He nays 0, as follows: served several years in the Arkansas f [Rollcall Vote No. 6 Ex.] State Attorney General’s Office. After YEAS—98 4 years as an assistant to then-Arkan- ORDER OF PROCEDURE Abraham Bingaman Bumpers sas Governor Bill Clinton, he directed Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unan- Akaka Bond Burns government relations for Arkansas imous consent that the recess be de- Allard Boxer Byrd State University. layed in order for Senator GRAHAM of Ashcroft Breaux Campbell Baucus Brownback Chafee In 1987, he was appointed to the pow- Florida and Senator SESSIONS of Ala- Biden Bryan Cleland erful Arkansas State Highway Commis- bama and Senator GRAMS of Minnesota

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1079 to speak, and following their remarks have very little opposition, if any, divided it by that $1.6 billion national the Senate stand in recess under the here, we might waive the time and go debt, my father came into the Earth previous order. ahead and try to vote before we leave owing $28. That was his share of the na- Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, reserving here next week? tional debt. the right to object, I have a little Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, as we have I was born in November 1936. On that speech I would like to make on a non- done on other nominees we have voted date, the national debt was $33.8 bil- germane matter. It will take me maybe on, it would be our intent to do that. lion. Between my dad’s birth and my 15 minutes. We want to get as many of them done birth, we had fought the Spanish- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I amend as we can next week. We hope that per- American War, the First World War, the request for the Senators that I haps we will reach a point where we and suffered a deep depression, which mentioned, Senators GRAHAM of Flor- can vote on the U.N. Ambassador’s po- we still were in the midst of on the ida, GRAMS of Mininesota, Senator SES- sition, and we think there may be an- date of my birth. On that day, dividing SIONS, and the Senator from West Vir- other one ready. the then national debt by the then pop- ginia to be able to speak, and that we Mr. FORD. Secretary of Energy. ulation, I owed $264. That was my in- stand in recess under the previous Mr. LOTT. All right. So if any of debtedness to the Nation at the time of order after those speeches. those will be cleared, we will try to get my arrival. Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I thank those up Thursday. My first child was born in January the distinguished majority leader. Mr. FORD. The only reason I asked, 1963. When Gwen was born, the national The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without there will be kind of a time crunch, and debt was $310 billion. In 1963. That was objection, it is so ordered. I wanted others to understand we not very long ago in the scale of life. Mr. LOTT. I further ask unanimous might get the committees to move And my daughter owed $1,640. That was consent that when the Senate recon- their hearings up a day. her share of the national debt as re- venes at 4 p.m. today—and it looks like Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, the Senate cently as January of 1963. And 27 years there may actually, in view of the will be in session on Friday of this after her birth, my daughter Gwen had speeches to be given there, not be much week for debate on the pending bal- a daughter, Sarah. Sarah was born in of a recess at all, but at approximately anced budget constitutional amend- 1990, and upon her birth the national 4 p.m. Senator DURBIN will be recog- ment. However, no votes will occur debt, if you can believe it, had soared nized to offer an amendment to the during Friday’s session. It is my under- from $310 billion 27 years earlier to $3.2 pending constitutional amendment. standing that Senator WELLSTONE will trillion when my first granddaughter, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without be in position on Monday to offer two Sarah Logan, was born. Sarah came objection, it is so ordered. amendments to the balanced budget into this world with a proportion of the Mr. LOTT. For the information of all issue. It will be my intent to schedule national debt of $12,830. Senators, the Senator from Illinois those votes to occur after the weekly Since Sarah’s birth, I have had seven [Mr. DURBIN] will offer this amendment luncheons on Tuesday, February 11, other grandchildren, the most recent when the Senate reconvenes after our somewhere between 2:15 and 3 o’clock. born in 1995. When those four grand- conference. He will then debate his I thank all Senators for their co- children, triplet granddaughters and a amendment throughout the remainder operation. grandson, Mark Ernest, were born, the of today’s session as long as he needs. I yield the floor, Mr. President. national debt had soared again now to It is my understanding that Senator f $4.9 trillion, or they came into the DURBIN will be willing then to vote in Earth with a indebtedness of $18,932. relation to his amendment on Monday, BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT Between my father’s birth, with a $28 February 10, at 5 p.m. TO THE CONSTITUTION indebtedness, to my youngest grand- I wish to say that we had been hoping The Senate continued with the con- child’s birth, $18,932 per person is what maybe we did not need to have that sideration of the joint resolution. we have inflicted upon our children, vote, but in view of the fact that we Mr. GRAHAM addressed the Chair. our grandchildren, and generations be- are not scheduled to be in session next The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. yond. Friday and the funeral services are GRAMS). The Senator from Florida. Such history has brought me to the scheduled for Thursday for Ambassador Mr. GRAHAM. I thank the Chair. conclusion that if we are to reverse Harriman, we do need to get as much Mr. President, we as a Nation have this profligate policy, if we are to begin work done as we can on Monday. So we come to an important crossroads in our to return to the principles of our par- will look toward having this vote at 5 history. We must decide whether or not ents and grandparents, we, unlike they, o’clock on Monday and then votes we should alter our supreme and most must have the discipline of a constitu- early Tuesday morning, and continue respected document, the U.S. Constitu- tional amendment which will require on through the remainder of the week tion, to establish the principle of a bal- that each generation assume responsi- to accomplish as much as we can in anced Federal budget. bility for its indebtedness. terms of taking up amendments on the As we all know, regrettably our Na- I make these observations not with- constitutional amendment and also tion is deeply in debt and goes more so out recognition that we have made confirmations that we hope to be able each year. The budget deficit has be- considerable progress in recent years in to move. We think we will have a cou- come a permanent fixture of our Na- terms of gaining some control over our ple more perhaps that we will be able tion’s fiscal policy. While there are deficit. America reached its all-time to vote on in the next week. those who say we can without a con- high, in terms of an annual deficit, in So with that in mind, I would like to stitutional amendment balance the 1992. In 1992 the national deficit soared announce there will be no further votes budget, recent history raises serious to over $290 billion in that one year. It today and the next rollcall vote is ex- doubts. took us 100 years to get to $1.6 billion. pected to occur at approximately 5 Mr. President, I should like to hu- In one year we had a deficit of $290 bil- p.m. on Monday, February 10. manize this issue by putting it in the lion. Mr. FORD. Mr. President, will the context of a family, my family. My fa- This year, the estimate is that our majority leader yield for a question? ther was born in Croswell, MI, in 1885— deficit will be $107 billion. So we have Mr. LOTT. I will be pleased to yield February 10, 1885, to be exact. When he made substantial progress and I believe to the Senator from Kentucky. was born, the national debt, after al- that President Clinton and the Mem- Mr. FORD. It appears that some of most 100 years of American history, bers of Congress during this period de- the nominees may not get out until after having purchased Louisiana from serve some recognition for the fact Wednesday or so of next week without the French, having fought the Revolu- that we have pulled that line of deficits any problems but just because of when tion, the War of 1812, the Civil War, we in a downward position, albeit still, the next committee meeting will had accumulated a total national debt each year, contributing substantially occur. Is it the majority leader’s inten- on the day my dad was born of $1.6 bil- to our accumulated national debt. tion that if they get out, say, unani- lion. If you took the population of the But, despite this progress, current mously, without any opposition, and United States in February of 1885 and projections forecast large deficits into

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1080 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 the future. Our national debt is ex- can say from that experience that this bama, and I will devote all my re- pected to reach not the $4.9 trillion requirement of a balanced budget in sources toward ensuring that their best that it was in 1995, but $5.4 trillion at our State constitution, and the fidelity and most honest instincts are well the end of this fiscal year, by the end of generations of State officials to that served in this institution. of September of 1997. objective, has served my State well. It I am also delighted to have heard the With this history in mind, and wit- will serve America well. I will support remarks of the senior Senator from nessing numerous attempts—many of the specifics of this amendment be- Florida. Those remarks are most perti- which carry the names of Members of cause I believe that this specific nent and important for us all. Congress—attempts and failures to amendment is better than the status I think, also, I should note the great enact legislation to force ourselves to quo, is better than the history of the respect that I have for Senator HATCH meet the standard of a balanced budg- last century. But I think we should not and the work he has done on building a et, I believe the time has come to pass let this opportunity pass without striv- balanced budget amendment that is an amendment to the Constitution to ing for additional perfection in this sound and that will be a good addition mandate a balanced budget. It is unfor- amendment. to our Constitution. It is a well-written tunate that we need a constitutional The U.S. Constitution appropriately amendment and it ought to be passed amendment to force us to do something is not amended frequently, or without in its present form. that we ought to do voluntarily. How- the most serious considerations. There- I think it is, indeed, appropriate that ever, a constitutional amendment is fore, whenever its amendment is con- the first bill under consideration on necessary to provide Congress and sidered, we should give attention to the the floor of the U.S. Senate, is the bal- Presidents, today and in the future, details of that amendment and strive anced budget amendment. The people with the necessary constitutional to assure that we are leaving to future of Alabama have made their support backbone to maintain a policy of a bal- Americans the best possible statement for this legislation clear, and I intend anced budget. of national policy. To this end, next to do all I can to ensure that they have I have long supported a balanced week or as soon thereafter as possible, the opportunity to have this amend- budget amendment. I am an original I will offer an amendment to the bal- ment placed before them for their rati- cosponsor of the current amendment anced budget amendment that will fication. Americans know through ex- that is before us this afternoon. I sup- strive to accomplish four things. perience that Washington cannot be port an amendment as an important First, it will eliminate almost $2 tril- trusted to keep its financial house in principle, both to maintain the mo- lion in the total debt that we will accu- order. This has been demonstrated to mentum of the last 4 years toward re- mulate over the next 25 years under them by Washington’s failure to bal- ducing and eliminating the annual the amendment in its current form. ance more than one budget in the last deficits, and to assure that, once we Second, the amendment to the bal- 28 years. The 28 years of unbalanced are at a point of balance, we will stay anced budget amendment that I will budgets stacked right here before us there. It is imperative that we not let offer will protect our Social Security demonstrate Congresses past history of this opportunity pass by, that we not trust fund. Third, it will stimulate eco- failure. lose the progress of the last 4 years. We nomic growth. Finally, it will be hon- Americans know the burdens of must continue on a path toward a bal- est with the American people, by being Washington’s excesses are going to fall anced Federal budget by the year 2002. consistent with their expectations of primarily on their children, a result If I could speak in the context of my what a balanced budget truly means. which is unjust and unconscionable. State of Florida, we have a unique in- The failure to pass a balanced budget They have reached the same conclu- terest in the outcome of this debate. amendment this year will be a great sions that I have: Enactment of the Florida will continue to grow. It will mistake. For too many years we have balanced budget amendment is the be one of the fastest growing States in delayed the hard discussions until to- only way Washington’s tax-and-spend the Nation. Our population, which morrow. Mr. President, tomorrow has mentality can be curbed and provides today is something over 14 million peo- come. It is our generation’s duty to as- the only way for integrity and account- ple, is projected to reach over 16 mil- sure that we pay our Nation’s bills ability in Government spending. It will lion by the year 2005. The benefits of a rather than asking our children and force us to honestly confront the issues balanced budget amendment are na- grandchildren to do so. It is our chal- and to make choices. tional and numerous, but one of the lenge to pass a constitutional amend- most important benefits, as recognized ment to establish as a national policy Someone has suggested we really by virtually all economists, is that a that each generation of Americans will don’t need to amend the Constitution, balanced Federal budget will lead to balance its Nation’s budget. the budget deficit is dropping. But in lower interest rates and increased eco- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Judiciary hearings last week, Senator nomic growth. ator from Utah. BIDEN, a senior Democratic Senator Americans deserve the benefits that Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I cannot from Delaware, discussed that very a balanced budget will bring and the tell you how much I personally appre- point. people of my State, citizens in a State ciate the distinguished Senator from He noted at the time that the only which each year must finance the con- Florida, his courage and boldness in reason, in his opinion budget deficits sequences of growth—additional standing up for the balanced budget have been dropping is because of the homes, schools, all of the things that a amendment, which he has always done. fear that this body and the House, growing population requires—with He and Senator BRYAN are the two along with the President, would pass a money which has largely been bor- principal Democratic cosponsors of balanced budget amendment. Without rowed, will benefit especially by the this amendment, and they have both discipline, budget deficits will increase lower interest rates that a balanced worked very hard with us to try to again at an alarming rate. That is why Federal budget will bring. bring this to fruition, not only on the Senator BIDEN supported a balanced If capital is readily available at re- floor but through the whole Congress. I budget amendment. duce cost, virtually everything Ameri- want to personally thank him for his The arguments in favor of a balanced cans do that involves borrowing money kind remarks, good remarks this day, budget amendment are not new. In is easier and will have a positive finan- and I look forward to the rest of the de- fact, the concerns Americans raise cial impact on States with expanding bate. today were advocated by our Founding population, such as Florida. Most The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Fathers, and none more vocal than States have a constitutional require- ator from Alabama. Thomas Jefferson. Where today’s fami- ment for a balanced budget within Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I am lies worry about the crushing debt that their own fiscal houses. As a State leg- honored to rise to address this Cham- is being passed onto their children, Jef- islator, and for 8 years as Governor of ber and I am reminded of the responsi- ferson warned, and I quote, ‘‘Each suc- Florida, I operated with a balanced bility given to me by my fellow Ala- cessive generation ought to be guaran- budget amendment to our State Con- bamians. It is both an honor and privi- teed against dissipations and corrup- stitution and with a balanced budget. I lege to represent the people of Ala- tions of those preceding.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1081 And corruption it is. It is irrespon- fidence the American public—who must This is especially true when an admin- sibility. It is a corruption of the high- live within its budgets—feels for its istration proposes a budget in which est duties and responsibilities of office Federal Government. much of the budget savings are in this Government that we fail to On this point, I am reminded of a backloaded with the supposed balance make the hard choices when confronted story arising at the time I served as to be occurring in the years after they with competing priorities and simply U.S. attorney and attended a Federal leave office. adopt both priorities and pass that Judiciary Conference. The attending Such ‘‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’’ pro- debt to our children. judges were complaining because Con- posals are a shunning of responsibility During the first Judiciary Committee gress was requiring sentencing guide- and reflect the same business-as-usual hearing on this bill, Senator ORRIN lines that would restrict their ability thinking that has led us to the fiscal HATCH placed a debt clock before us. It to sentence. In fact, the guidelines trouble we now face. graphically illustrated the point. Each mandated certain sentences for certain In truth, the only instrument capable second that passes sees another $4,500 types of offenses. of creating the kind of binding dis- being added to our national debt. At one point, a senior judge stated to cipline needed to bring our budgets in Think about that. The national debt is the entire conference: ‘‘Gentlemen, the balance is this amendment. While end- growing at the rate of $4,500 a second, plain fact is, the U.S. Congress no ing deficits may be tough for pork-ad- $270,000 a minute, $16,200,000 an hour, longer trusts you to sentence.’’ dicted politicians and for inefficient $388,800,000 a day. This is in addition to The fact today is that the American Government agencies and departments, the current national debt of $5.2 tril- people no longer trust the President or it will become much easier, once the lion. the Congress to bring their spending in people speak, with this amendment. At this moment, our current debt is order. They are insisting upon a bal- Remember, there will be economic equal to a $20,000 obligation being anced budget amendment to end the benefits from balancing the budget, placed on every man, woman, and child deficit, because it is a people’s initia- such as increased savings and lower in- in this country, and it is our children tive. terest rates. The American public who will face the brunt of this problem. A constitutional amendment is need- would also be the recipient of another Make no mistake, the increases in to- ed, I submit to you, because we have a important benefit—that of greater po- day’s debt will be funded directly by systemic weakness. We have observed litical independence. taxes levied on our children and grand- in the last 28 years, by these budget On this issue, former Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat from Illinois, and a children, limiting the opportunity for deficits here before us, that this Con- supporter of the balanced budget them to enjoy the same standard of liv- gress cannot be trusted. Our system is amendment, has raised a significant ing we enjoy. By continuing these prac- weak without fiscal discipline, and it is and often overlooked point. During tes- tices, we are mortgaging their right to proper and appropriate for this body timony before the Judiciary Com- participate in the American dream. and the people of the United States to mittee, Senator Simon noted that lim- Having paid no heed to Jefferson’s amend that Constitution and fix that iting our ability to increase our debt advice, we have failed to protect our systemic weakness. Nation from the dissipations and cor- A balanced budget amendment is will necessarily mean that we reduce the amount of our Nation’s debt held ruptions of the present generation. In- needed to regain the people’s trust, be- by foreign governments. deed, we have violated the very prin- cause the people know that there has He recounted a jarring story in which not been a balanced budget since 1969, ciple of our founding: taxation without he was once approached by a Treasury representation. We are, in effect, tax- and they know that we are continuing official before an important pending ing future generations without their to run budget deficit after budget def- vote on a Saudi Arabian arms sale. The consent as a result of our own irrespon- icit. They are skeptical of our ability official told him that if the vote failed sibility. to keep our promises, because they do to pass, the Saudis might stop buying I would like to take a moment to re- not believe that we have the political bonds which finance our debt. This sort flect upon the tragic waste of resources will to keep them without a law requir- of economic extortion is intolerable. that the interest on this debt is causing it. And they are right. American policymaking is and should ing us. We lose $800 million a day sim- When Treasury Secretary Rubin tes- always remain the sole province of the ply on interest payments. In fact, over tified before the Judiciary Committee, American people’s representatives, not the course of a fiscal year, we spend I asked him about the current adminis- foreign bondholders. As most people nearly as much money on interest pay- tration’s commitment to a balanced know, it is not a good idea to get into ments as we do on the Nation’s defense. budget. I specifically asked him how he a fight with your banker. For example, in the year 1995, we spent could commit to achieving a balanced The time to restore the American $232 billion on interest on the debt and budget in 2002 when neither he nor people’s trust is now. We simply cannot $273 billion on defense. The money we President Clinton would even be in of- afford to let this opportunity pass us use to pay the interest on the debt is fice at that time, because under the by. As I campaigned throughout Ala- money that could be diverted to other Constitution, President Clinton will bama last summer I was struck by the areas or simply returned to the Amer- leave office in the year 2000. They can- unanimous and universal support this ican taxpayer. This is an intolerable not give an answer to that, and that is amendment enjoyed. Whether I was waste of our resources. A balanced the point. meeting peanut farmers in Dothan or budget amendment would offer protec- Mr. President, I was pleased to hear teachers in Mobile, small businessmen tion against a continued waste of our the President speak of the need for a in Huntsville or police officers in Bir- revenue resources. balanced budget in his address to the mingham, the support for this amend- A balanced budget amendment would Nation. But what needs to be remem- ment remained constant and strong. also afford protection against another bered in this debate is that while the The broad-based support is not con- evil Jefferson foresaw: the inability of President may offer visions of a bal- fined simply to Alabama but is also re- Congress to restrain its spending with anced budget, and he may offer flected nationally. Survey after survey any degree of self-discipline. When Jef- timelines for achieving that goal, he shows that over 80 percent of the ferson warned, ‘‘Public debt is the will not be in office when the target American public supports enacting a greatest of dangers to be feared by a re- date for the balance arrives and there- balanced budget amendment. In fact, publican government,’’ he did so before cannot be held accountable. support for this concept has already cause he could foresee that self-inter- In essence, the promises of a bal- been powerfully demonstrated on the ested politicians could be expected to anced budget are nothing more than il- State level with 48 States having en- choose spending over restraint and re- lusory commitments. Simply offering a acted provisions which restrict each sponsibility. Our $5.2 trillion national vision of balance will not guide this State’s ability to incur debt, including debt is a sad testament to that fact. Nation to its goal. An efficient enforce- my home State of Alabama. And it Our inability to live within our means ment mechanism needs to be in place works well. on the national level is unacceptable in order to ensure that a commitment Support for this amendment is so and adds to the increasing lack of con- to a balanced budget becomes a reality. wide ranging that it transcends party

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1082 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 lines. I note with some interest that Mr. LEAHY. I know the distinguished trates just how difficult it is to my predecessor, former Senator Howell Senator from Utah would do that in produce a balanced budget void of gim- Heflin of Alabama, and a Democrat, in- any event. I will not object. But I micks and accounting tricks, and illus- troduced a balanced budget amend- would like to make one comment after trates the very real need for the bal- ment as his very first piece of legisla- the order is entered. anced budget amendment. tion in 1979. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Mr. President, this morning we got a Further, bipartisan support was evi- ENZI). Is there objection? Without ob- first glimpse of the President’s budget denced in last year’s vote on the issue, jection, it is so ordered. for fiscal year 1998. After a quick re- a vote which saw Republicans and Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the dis- view of this massive document, I must Democrats in both Houses come to- tinguished Senator from Utah—if I say my initial feeling has been mixed. might have his attention for one mo- gether to fall just one vote short of On the one hand, I am pleased that ment—the distinguished Senator from passage. The reason for this bipartisan the President has agreed to many of Utah and I have tried very hard to have support is clear: The American people our goals, such as a balanced budget by speakers pro and con. It is my under- demand and deserve an opportunity to the year 2002, tax relief for American standing that the distinguished major- consider and vote on this amendment. I families, and Medicare reform, and a ity leader wants this debate to go on trust in the judgment of the American strong national defense. for a few days, and as well it should. people to assess this amendment’s mer- On the other hand, I am very con- its as well as its defects, and I encour- Also, I understand the distinguished Senator from Utah wanted an oppor- cerned about what I see as serious age my fellow Members to trust in the flaws included in the President’s plan. American people’s collective wisdom as tunity for some of the new Members of well. the Senate to speak on this, as well Let me begin my observations with As I began this speech by quoting they should. It is an important issue. the President’s education proposals, Thomas Jefferson, I would like to fin- I urge those who do wish to speak to which he described in his State of the ish it by quoting another of our Found- cooperate with the floor leaders, as Union Address as ‘‘My No. 1 priority ing Fathers, George Washington. I be- they have. The distinguished Senator for the next four years.’’ lieve his words are applicable to our from Utah and I have been trying to do The President proposes $51 billion for current debate. In his words: this informally—not through an order, education spending next year. That is but informally—to have one Member * * * whatsoever is unfinished of our sys- an increase of 20 percent, rising to tem of public credit can not be benefited by speak in favor of the amendment, one nearly $60 billion by the year 2002, a 40- procrastination; and as far as may be prac- Member speak in opposition to the percent increase. ticable we ought to place that credit on amendment, and go back and forth so This includes $36 billion in tax incen- grounds which can not be disturbed, and to the debate will bear relevance to the tives for education and training; $5 bil- prevent that progressive accumulation of issue. I hope that all Senators will un- lion for school construction; $1.2 billion debt which must ultimately endanger all derstand that and will work and co- for a new reading program; and in- governments. operate with the two of us to make creased funding to connect schools to Mr. President, the balanced budget that possible. the Internet. amendment does place our credit on Mr. HATCH. I thank the distin- Mr. President, we all agree that there ‘‘grounds which can not be disturbed’’ guished Senator. We will do that, ex- exists a strong correlation between and would prevent future accumula- cept if the floor is vacant we will let education and steady economic growth. tions of debt. It has been 200 years whoever is here speak. since Washington uttered these senti- Mr. LEAHY. Of course. That is right. Investing in the skills and abilities of ments. We have procrastinated long Mr. HATCH. Whether in opposition the future U.S. work force will enable enough. The time to pass the balanced or a proponent of the amendment. So us to achieve and maintain high levels budget amendment is now. Thank you we will just work this out and work to- of knowledge and productivity in the very much. Mr. President, I yield the gether. I yield the floor. workplace—helping to improve our floor. Mr. GRAMS addressed the Chair. standard of living and ability to re- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I want to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- main globally competitive. compliment the distinguished Senator ator from Minnesota. However, the core question is not Mr. GRAMS. Thank you very much, from Alabama. When Senator Heflin whether the Government should invest Mr. President. left the Senate, I have to say that I in education, but how those taxpayer I commend the chairman, the Sen- dollars should be spent—and, ulti- personally felt very badly about it. But ator from Utah, for all the hard work I think Senator Heflin, who worked mately, whether more spending is the he has done on this amendment. answer to our education problems. very hard for the balanced budget Mr. President, it was 2 years ago I The United States has outspent every amendment, would really have appre- rose as a freshman Member of this body other G–7 country in education and ciated this wonderful set of remarks to express my strong support for a con- leads in the attainment of secondary that the distinguished Senator from stitutional amendment to balance the and university degrees. Our total gov- Alabama gave today. I want to com- Federal budget. ‘‘There is no question ernment spending in all levels of edu- pliment him for it. that Congress must pass a balanced cation as a percentage of GDP has in- Mr. President, as I understand it, budget amendment and send it to the creased from 4.8 percent in 1985 to 5.1 there was a unanimous-consent re- States for ratification.’’ That is what I percent in 1993—the highest among the quest. I ask unanimous consent, if I said here on the Senate floor. can get this, that the order be Senator I thought that with the will of the G–7 countries. Eighty-four percent of GRAMS, who I understand was supposed American people behind us, at that our population successfully completes to go first, then Senator BYRD, then fi- time we had every reason to be opti- secondary education—once again, that nally Senator DURBIN, who has an mistic about its passage. is the highest among the G–7 countries. amendment that he will bring forward. Well, here we are again, 2 years later, Twenty-four percent of our population I ask unanimous consent for that. debating the same question we debated receive a college or university diploma, Mr. LEAHY. Reserving the right to in 1995. And I am here once again to a percentage more than twice that of object. call for the passage of the balanced Germany, the United Kingdom and Mr. HATCH. With the right of the budget amendment. France. It is significantly greater than minority leader to come and speak We have already heard many of the that of Japan. whenever he desires. arguments in support of Senate Joint Despite hundreds of billions of dol- Mr. LEAHY. Thank you. Resolution 1, and I will not use this op- lars in education spending and hun- Mr. President, I will not object, portunity to repeat them all. But let it dreds of Federal programs, American knowing the right of the distinguished simply be said that there are indeed students continue to perform poorly Democratic leader, Mr. DASCHLE, to many. compared to students in other coun- speak has been protected. However, the release of the Presi- tries, particularly in terms of basic Mr. HATCH. Yes. dent’s budget just this morning illus- science and math skills. The science

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1083 and math scores of our students are the tensive debate we have undertaken in But what we received today were more lowest among Canada, France, Italy, the past 2 years over fiscal policy has like baby steps, the first tentative wob- Switzerland, Taiwan, and Korea. Our helped us understand that working bles of an infant. Under the President’s Scholastic Aptitude Test scores among families are indeed overtaxed. In fact, budget, Washington will actually spend college-bound students have barely in- families today spend more on taxes 3.5 percent more in the next fiscal year creased over the last decade, and re- than on food, clothing, and shelter than we are today. While the Presi- main below those scores attained in combined. A $500 per child tax credit— dent’s budget appears to reach balance the 1960’s and 70’s. without limitation—is more appro- in 2002, more than 60 percent of his def- We are spending more and achieving priate and necessary to allow families icit reduction are slated to come after less. Clearly, this proves that spending to make more of their own spending de- he has left office. Leaving those tough more money on education is not the so- cisions. decisions not to the Clinton White lution. If it were, the United States As a long-time advocate for tax re- House, but the administration of the would have long been No. 1 in the world lief, I would prefer a zero capital gains Nation’s next Chief Executive. in attaining academic success. Unfor- tax on all investment incomes. While I Mr. President, I commend the Presi- tunately, throwing more money at the do applaud the President’s proposal to dent for the blueprint he has prepared problem appears to be this administra- provide a capital gains tax cut for for us, and I look forward to working tion’s only solution. The administra- homeowners, his plan is really just a with him and my colleagues to improve tion would do well to look at my State small step forward. It is hard to justify on and implement these historic of Minnesota, where a recent study the exemption of this type of invest- changes in our Government. In the ad- conducted by the St. Paul Pioneer ment gain from other investments, ministration’s budget, we have before Press showed that the school districts such as the individual who chooses to us a good foundation on which to build with the highest per-student spending live in a relatively modest home and that bridge to the 21st century the produced test scores that were among invest in stocks and perhaps the forma- White House is so fond of speaking the lowest. The President’s education plan fails tion of a small manufacturing com- about. But without addressing some of miserably at addressing the real issues pany. Why should those individuals be the serious concerns I have outlined that face our Nation. This is unaccept- taxed more harshly than those who in- today, I am afraid that bridge may col- able. We must dedicate ourselves to vest in a personal residence? lapse before we are able to cross it. In my view, a general cut in the cap- improving our education system, but Mr. President, I yield the floor. Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I thank we must do it right. ital gains tax must be provided to en- First and foremost, in my view, an courage savings, and to treat all inves- the distinguished Senator for his re- honest education budget should be one tors equally. The current tax system marks in this area. that restores and revives our tradi- discourages national savings and in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tional values in American education: It vestment, which will adversely affect Chair recognizes the Senator from should ensure our current resources are our long-term economic growth. Fun- West Virginia. used efficiently; it must have incen- damental reform is needed to change Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I thank tives built into Federal programs to re- the system. the Chair. (The remarks of Mr. BYRD pertaining ward students as well as teachers who The President’s budget includes tax improve their performance; it must cuts totaling $98.5 billion, with most of to the introduction of Senate Joint focus on improving basic science and it going toward the family tax credit, Resolution 15 are located in today’s math skills of our primary and sec- education tax subsidies, and expanded RECORD under ‘‘Statements on Intro- ondary school students; it must ensure IRA’s. However, the Clinton budget duced Bills and Joint Resolutions.’’) Mr. DURBIN addressed the Chair. a crime- and drug-free learning envi- proposes new tax increases targeted at The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ronment; it must ensure that taxpayer airline passengers, small and large in- ator from Illinois is recognized. dollars are actually helping educate vestors, and the Nation’s job providers our youth. totaling some $76 billion. We can do the AMENDMENT NO. 2 Now let me turn to the President’s math ourselves: The President’s budget (Purpose: To allow waiver of the article in tax proposals. I am pleased the Presi- leaves a net tax cut of just $22.4 billion. the event of an economic recession or seri- dent has acknowledged the tremendous I do not believe that is what the Amer- ous economic emergency) good we accomplish by allowing work- ican people intended when they re- Mr. DURBIN. I send an amendment ing families to keep a little bit of their elected the President to a second term. to the desk. own money through the child tax cred- Another serious concern lies with the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The it. The President has moved one step President’s proposed new entitlement clerk will report. closer to the $500 per-child tax credit spending. If the President is serious The legislative clerk read as follows: my Republican colleagues and I have about adding another $60 billion in new The Senator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN) long been advocating, and we welcome entitlement spending, he must show us proposes an amendment numbered 2. him on board. However, there still ex- why we need new spending programs On page 3, between lines 11 and 12, insert when we have yet to repair the ones we the following: ists a big gap between his proposal and ‘‘The provisions of this article may be ours. already have. waived for any fiscal year in which there is First of all, the President’s child tax Finally, Mr. President, I remain con- an economic recession or serious economic credit has too many limitations. For cerned about the economic assump- emergency in the United States as declared instance, the President extends his tax tions the White House has relied upon by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority credit only to preteen children, those in drafting its plan, which are signifi- of the whole number of each House, which under 13 years of age, taking away the cantly more optimistic than the pro- becomes law. tax credit dollars just when families jections of the Congressional Budget Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, first let need them most. In the President’s Office. The President’s budget has not me thank the chair of the Senate Judi- budget, the tax credit begins at only a yet been scored by the CBO. Once it is, ciary Committee for his cooperation in $300 per-child for the first 3 years and it may very well be $70 billion short of this effort. Though we may not see eye is finally increased to $500 in the year our deficit targets. to eye on this amendment or the un- 2000. Moreover, the President’s plan be- President Clinton came here to Cap- derlying amendment to the Constitu- gins phasing out the tax credit for fam- itol Hill just over one year ago and tion, he has been gracious and gentle- ilies with a combined income of $60,000, stood in the House Chamber to declare manly throughout. I appreciate that with more limited credits for families that, ‘‘The era of big government is very much. making as much as $75,000. Finally, the over.’’ I am afraid that sentiment is I would also like to salute the Demo- President’s tax credit would not be not reflected within the 2,418 pages of cratic leader from that same com- available unless deficit reduction tar- the President’s budget. I had hoped for mittee, the ranking member, the Sen- gets are met. bold steps from the President in ad- ator from Vermont, for extending the Now these limitations greatly dilute dressing the very real need to control same courtesy, both personally and the purpose of child tax relief. The ex- the growth of the Federal Government. through his staff.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 This is only the second time that I cal response. It would tip the balance economy on track, and he has cau- have taken the floor of the Senate to against working families and make it tioned us that this is a mistake, a mis- speak. And I consider it a high honor harder to help them recover from a re- take for us to embody in this Constitu- to follow the Senator from West Vir- cession or other economic emergency. tion detailed economic policy, that we ginia. In the context of constitutional In times of recession or economic slow- forswear the flexibility necessary to debate, I think we are all anxious to down it would force us to do exactly make certain that this Government of, learn the views of the Senator from the wrong thing by making it more dif- by, and for the people can respond to West Virginia because he reveres this ficult for the Federal Government to the needs of the people in times of re- Constitution, this great document, as respond to adverse economic cir- cession. much if not more than any other Mem- cumstances. In the case of a regional What these economists and Mr. ber of the U.S. Senate. economic downturn, or other economic Greenspan are warning us of is that the In the course of the last 14 years I emergency that fell short of a national balanced budget amendment if not have served in the U.S. House of Rep- recession, it would leave us unable to changed will exacerbate the economic resentatives. I have cast about 7,000 respond unless a supermajority of 60 slowdowns we experience. It will put votes. There were many important percent or more agree to take action. our Nation into an economic strait- votes among them. The most impor- That is why I offer this amendment jacket that will make it hard to re- tant vote in my estimation was when I to allow Congress and the President to spond to economic downturns. was called on to vote and decide wheth- waive the requirement of a balanced Let us talk for a moment about the er or not the United States would go to budget in those times when our coun- mechanisms that work in our economy war. I knew with that vote and the de- try is experiencing an economic reces- in times of recession. Tax receipts fall. cision made by this Congress that lives sion or serious economic emergency. I Certain types of Federal spending in- would be lost. Husbands, fathers, sons, do not stand alone with this point of crease. Consider the obvious, the plant daughters, loved ones would put their view. More than 1,000 of the Nation’s closes in your hometown where work- lives at risk because of that vote. I do most respected economists recently ers who have spent a lifetime showing not think I cast a more important vote joined together to condemn the pro- up every day doing their job and pay- in my congressional career. posed balanced budget amendment as ing their taxes end up out of work, per- But immediately behind that vote I unsound and unnecessary. And here are haps for the first time in their lives would have to put consideration of con- their words: finding themselves drawing unemploy- stitutional amendments. It is so rare The proposed amendment mandates per- ment compensation from this Federal that we in this body or in the other verse actions in the face of recessions. In Government. Perhaps if things go body have an opportunity to address economic downturns, tax revenues fall and badly for a family for a longer period of amending this great Constitution that some outlays, such as unemployment bene- time, they may be called on to apply I hope we will all take it with a great fits, rise. These so-called ‘‘built-in stabi- for food stamps to make sure there is deal of seriousness. Since 1791, 205 lizers’’ limit declines of after-tax income and food on the table, maybe even Medicaid years ago, we have chosen to amend purchasing power. To keep the budget balanced every year would aggravate recessions. to make sure there is hospitalization this great document only 27 times. Of protection for members of the family, course, the first 10, the Bill of Rights, The more than 1,000 economists who and then of course trying to find an- were in that year, 1791. And each time signed this statement include at least other job. They may need to call on the an amendment has been suggested we 11 Nobel laureates and many present Government for job training courses or have tried to step back and measure it and former Government officials, in- education to prepare themselves for an- against this Constitution, this docu- cluding the former chairman of Presi- other career; another opportunity. ment, and to determine whether or not dent Nixon’s Council of Economic Ad- What I have just described is not rad- that amendment or that suggestion visers, current and former Federal Re- ical. It is a natural outgrowth of a free really ranks with the importance of serve Board Chairmen, and former market capitalist economy with busi- this great document. Democrat and Republican Directors of ness downturns and with the vagaries This amendment that we are consid- the Congressional Budget Office. The of the business cycle leaving some fam- ering, the balanced budget amendment, group includes a friend of mine and a ilies and some workers needing help. is one that has been debated at great man I respect very much, Robert The fiscal changes I have described length. And it has been debated by Eisner, professor at Northwestern Uni- that take place when the Government many people of both political parties versity in my home State of Illinois steps in are described as economic sta- for a long period of time. who has a solid grasp of the economic bilizers because they kick in automati- I hope that every Member of the Sen- ramifications of Government budget cally in times of unemployment and re- ate will come to this debate as I have policies. cession, and they help the economy re- with a new energy and a new deter- Most Members of this Senate, Demo- cover, as they help individuals get back mination to make certain that what- crat or Republican, would concede that on their feet. That is why Robert ever we do in accepting or rejecting our economy has moved forward in the Greenstein from the Center on Budget this amendment that it will bear the last 4 years. Some credit fiscal policy and Policy Priorities described the ef- test of history, that those who come emanating from the President and Cap- fect of the balanced budget amendment after us will judge us as having been itol Hill, and others credit monetary in this way in his testimony before the thoughtful and reflective in deter- policy from the Federal Reserve. I Judiciary Committee: think it has taken both efforts to put mining whether or not this amendment In years when growth is sluggish, revenues belongs in this great document and this economy on the right track. rise more slowly while costs for programs whether this amendment will stand the During the course of his testimony like unemployment insurance increase. As a test of time. before our Budget Committee the result, the deficit widens. Under a balanced Mr. President, I do not believe that Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan budget amendment, more deficit reduction this balanced budget amendment as of- Greenspan, was asked point blank thus would be required in periods of slow fered stands the test of time, and that about the balanced budget amendment. growth than in times of rapid growth. is why I am offering an amendment And in the Chairman’s words he said he This is precisely the opposite— today to address what I consider to be was ‘‘opposed to putting detailed eco- The opposite, in his words— a fundamental flaw in the balanced nomic policy in our Constitution.’’ of what should be done to stabilize the budget amendment. This is a man who must on a day-to- economy and avert recessions. The constitu- Mr. President, the balanced budget day basis sit with his staff and cohorts tional amendment consequently risks mak- amendment that is before us today and determine the course of the Amer- ing recessions more frequent and deeper. In does not provide an adequate means for ican economy. He is a man who is as the period from 1930 to 1933, for example, Congress repeatedly cut Federal spending dealing with economic recessions or dedicated to balancing the budget as and raised taxes, trying to offset the decline other serious economic emergencies any person in this Nation. He is some- in revenues that occurred after the great that could unexpectedly throw the one who has made tough and difficult crash of 1929. Yet those spending cuts and budget out of balance or require a fis- decisions time and again to put this tax increases removed purchasing power

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1085 from the economy and helped make the If we accept what this balanced budg- Depression of 1929 to 1933, and 21 reces- downturn deeper; they occurred at exactly et amendment offers, it will become in- sions this century, which means that the wrong time in the business cycle. creasingly difficult for us to use the roughly every 5 years we will face this In Dr. Greenstein’s words: stabilizers that have kept America at recession. This is why a balanced budget amendment work, have kept families together, The balanced budget amendment requirement is called ‘‘pro-cyclical.’’ It exac- have kept small businesses in business does not assume that this is going to erbates the natural business cycle of growth happen. It assumes it will not happen. and recession. It also is why most econo- and family farmers on the farm. mists who favor tough deficit reduction That is what is at stake in this de- And if Congress is going to respond to measures strongly oppose a constitutional bate. The reason I have offered this this occurrence, which we know has balanced budget amendment. amendment is to suggest that there is been fairly regular, it requires a super- Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin a more reasonable way to approach majority for us to spend the money to gave a similar warning when he testi- this. If those who support the balanced stabilize the economy. fied before our Judiciary Committee. budget amendment want to make cer- In part because of the economic sta- He said as follows: tain that this Congress goes on the bilizers that are now part of our econ- A balanced budget amendment would sub- record to make certain that we go on omy, the average length of recession ject the Nation to unacceptable economic the record with a record vote and be since World War II has only been 11 risks in perpetuity . . . A balanced budget held accountable when we do not bal- months compared to 18 months in the amendment could turn slowdowns into reces- ance the budget, my amendment re- previous half century. sions, and recessions into more severe reces- quires that as well, but it does not re- A recession is not just an abstract sions or even depressions. quire a supermajority. economic concept. It is lost jobs, lost Mr. President, this would happen be- In response to the claim by some wages, personal and family financial cause the so-called automatic stabi- that Congress could still easily respond crises. lizers in our economy that have been to economic recessions with the bal- The Federal Government has devel- developed over the past 50 years to re- anced budget amendment, Secretary oped many mechanisms to deal with it. duce the extremes of the business cycle Rubin added the following comments: I have mentioned a few: Unemployment and help avoid another Great Depres- compensation, Medicaid applications, sion would remain inoperative by this You recognize recessions quite a bit after they have started. Predicting economic cir- food stamps and so forth. proposed constitutional amendment. cumstances is well nigh impossible, in my Let me tell you a story that I think I have a chart which I would like to judgment, at least with any degree of reli- illustrates this as well as any that I bring up at this point. ability. And under those circumstances you could tell you on the floor of the Sen- This chart I think demonstrates can be well into an economic downturn be- ate. In my hometown of Springfield, graphically what I have described: fore you realize you have to deal with it, IL, we were blessed for decades with What has happened in the business cy- and— manufacturing plants which created cles of America from the year 1870 to In Secretary Rubin’s words— good jobs, good-paying jobs for men 1990. I think that is one of the very serious prob- and women who would come to work You will note that in our free market lems that the balanced budget amendment with a strong back, a good work ethic, economy we have our ups and downs, creates. and usually little more than a high but note the changes that took place Why does it take time for us to rec- school diploma. One of those plants after World War II. It is true that those ognize these recessions? The general spikes below the line still occurred, but was known as the Fiat-Allis plant. It working definition of a recession is was a plant organized by the United they were not as deep as they had been that it is at least two consecutive before. You look back to the Depres- Auto Workers, producing heavy equip- quarters—a quarter being a 3-month sion, the Great Depression of 1929, you ment and producing great jobs for a lot period of time—of decline in real gross see the recession that we faced in the of families and a great boost to the domestic product. It obviously takes 6 mid 1940’s, but look at what happened Springfield economy. months to trigger this definition. So afterwards. We have had our Over a decade ago that plant closed, sometimes we have started into a re- downturns, but they have been mod- and hundreds of workers who had relied cession moving below the line here, un- erate in comparison. on this plant were thrown out on the These are something more than mere employment starting to show up and street. You can repeat the example and statistics. These reflect Americans we do not see it. It is hidden to us until story I am about to describe in vir- working and out of work. They reflect 3 months or 6 months later. tually every city in America. This hap- businesses being forced to shut down. The more technical definition of re- pens all too frequently. Let me tell you They reflect the misery that families cession also includes inherent lags. We about one friend of mine who had feel when we go into an economic have found that the decline in eco- worked at Fiat-Allis for years. His downturn. nomic activity associated with a reces- name is Bob Bergen. Now, what happened at this point sion is not always widespread. Often- Bob saw it coming. He had heard a that caused such a great change for the times it is confined to a sector of the lot of talk about the plant closing 40 years reflected? We built into our economy or region of the country. We down. So Bob decided that he would do economy certain ways to moderate re- also find that sometimes these declines something about it. He went to the cessions. Those moderations or stabi- are cumulative in nature, not re- community college before the plant lizers are Government programs in- stricted to just 1 month or 1 quarter. closed down and started taking courses volving Government expenditures. Again, it takes time to measure these in heating and cooling, thinking about When our economy goes into a down- criteria. opening his own business, furnaces and turn, tax receipts are diminished, the So, as a general principle, what Sec- air conditioners and the like. So, when opportunity to balance the budget is retary Rubin has said to us is we may the plant did close down, Bob had a made more difficult, and we are called not know we need to help until we are short transition, but one that he on at the same time to respond and in the middle of our problem. There is planned, drawing some unemployment, spend. a lag time, to accumulate and analyze some trade adjustment assistance, fin- So as tax revenues are going down, data and recognize the decline that ishing up his course work at Lincoln calls for expenditures to stabilize the may have already started. Land Community College, and ulti- economy go up. That is a recipe for an So how often do we face these reces- mately opening his own business. unbalanced budget. But it is also a rec- sions? Are they rare occurrences in the It worked. Our investment in Bob ipe for stabilizing an economy, for end- American economy? We have been Bergen and his family paid off. We ing a recession, for bringing people blessed in recent years, but historically cushioned the shock of unemployment. back to work, for giving small busi- recessions occur very frequently. By We gave Bob an avenue to follow to- nesses a chance to survive, to say to the National Bureau of Economic ward a new course of livelihood, and he family farmers it was a bad year but Research’s official determination, our took it. Now he is in business. In fact, next year can be better; we are going Nation has experienced 9 recessions he put the furnace in my home just a to help you through this. since World War II, 11 since the Great few years ago and does a pretty good

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 job now, and I am glad to call him a During that period of the Govern- recession or other serious economic friend. His life and experience are illus- ment shutdown, 170,000 veterans did emergencies. trations of what I am talking about. not receive their GI bill education ben- For all these reasons, I am offering Imagine a recession closing down efits on time, 200,000 passports were not an amendment to allow Congress to plants across this country and imagine processed, more than 2 million people waive the requirements of the balanced this Congress, faced with the need to could not visit the Smithsonian muse- budget amendment by a majority vote balance the budget to the dollar, being ums and other facilities in the Wash- for a joint resolution in times of reces- unable to provide unemployment com- ington area, and 7 million people could sion or serious economic emergency. pensation that Bob Bergen needed; not visit their national parks. Mr. My amendment will ensure that Con- being unable to provide the trade ad- President, 1,300 workplace safety com- gress can continue to respond to reces- justment assistance that Bob Bergen plaints went unanswered and 3,500 in- sions and other serious economic emer- used to keep his family together while vestigations involving pension, health, gencies with fiscal policies that will al- he got his business started; being un- and other employee benefit plans were leviate the pain of recession and short- able to provide job training, the schol- suspended. Delays were created in en its duration rather than driving us arship assistance at community col- 250,000 cases trying to find deadbeat deeper into economic stagnation. lege, the things which people rely on in dads who were delinquent in their child America to get back on track. If we are I urge my colleagues to support this support payments, and cleanup of hun- amendment. hidebound, tied to the provisions of dreds of Superfund sites was delayed. this balanced budget amendment, and All of this happened because we could The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- forget the Bob Bergens of the world not muster a majority, a majority ator from Arkansas is recognized. and what it means to them, I think we vote, let alone a supermajority. Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I have lost sight of our responsibility. This balanced budget amendment rise in support of the balanced budget How much of a difference do these will enshrine in our Constitution the amendment. I think it is one of the economic stabilizers make to our econ- requirement of a three-fifths vote in most important pieces of legislation we omy? Secretary Rubin testified, if you times of an economic recession to come will be debating in this body, in this want to look at this in a larger con- to the rescue of American families. For Congress. I might add, I appreciate the text, ‘‘Without automatic stabilizers, those who think this is an easy re- preceding Senator, Senator DURBIN, ac- the Treasury Department has esti- quirement, it is rare in our Constitu- knowledging, as he presented his mated that unemployment in 1992 that tion to have any supermajority re- amendment to the balanced budget resulted from the 1990 recession might quirement and it certainly should not amendment, his overall opposition to have hit 9 percent instead of 7.7 per- be imposed on people who, through no the underlying amendment to the Con- cent.’’ Statistics aside, Secretary fault of their own, are victims of this stitution. We are going to, I suspect, Rubin tells us that would have meant 1 economy. hear many amendments—several million more Americans out of work. My amendment brings the super- amendments at least—offered in the We would have had 1 million more un- majority requirement of three-fifths coming weeks, with the primary goal employed Americans, 1 million more down to a majority requirement. I of ultimately defeating the balanced families pushed to the economic preci- think that is reasonable. It is still not budget amendment to the Constitu- pice if our economic stabilizers had not going to be easy. Each and every per- tion. been there. son, whether a Member of the House or As I said, I believe this is one of the These recessions also tend to be re- the Senate, must stand and justify that most important pieces of legislation we gional in nature. Proponents of the un- vote in terms of a recession, a national are going to debate. The opponents of a derlying balanced budget amendment economic emergency, something that balanced budget amendment argue that argue that it contains an escape hatch justifies slipping away from the bal- to compel Congress to balance the that allows a waiver of its provisions anced budget requirement that year. budget will forever damage and elimi- by a supermajority vote of three-fifths I think we have to maintain flexi- nate the ability to provide our seniors of both Houses of Congress. But mus- bility to respond to recessions, disas- with the protection they have earned. tering a three-fifths vote is not always ters, and other economic emergencies Their plan—and we will be hearing an easy matter. Millions of working in a timely fashion. I do not think we more of it; we have already heard quite families in America might have to suf- have to say, ‘‘I’m sorry, Mr. Bergen, I a lot—to exempt Social Security is fer if we cannot come up with 60 per- am sorry you have been laid off, but be- nothing more than a risky gimmick. I cent on a vote to waive the balanced cause of the balanced budget amend- say again it is a risky gimmick to put budget requirements in times of reces- ment, we are not going to be able to such an exclusion onto the balanced sion. make the payments to you for your un- budget amendment. Their arguments I recall, and I think most do as well, employment because we just have to are aimed at scaring the most vulner- what happened not that long ago, in balance the budget. We cannot help able segments of our population. fact, just 2 years ago, when we were you when it comes to food stamps, we In the last 2 years, in my experience called upon in Congress to pass a debt have run out of money. We cannot help in the House of Representatives and as limit, a debt limit which said we put your family when it comes to job train- I observe the deliberations in the U.S. our full faith and credit as a governing or Medicaid.’’ Senate, we have seen a great deal of ment behind the debt of the United Think about that for a second. Is those efforts to scare those who are States. It took only a majority vote to that fair to people we represent? Is most vulnerable in our society. So I do that, and we could not bring it to- that fair to this economy? Will it, in suppose it is not that unusual, as we gether. As a consequence, we faced fact, result in these spikes going lower enter a debate on the balanced budget some of the most serious shutdowns in instead of moderating, as we have seen, amendment to the Constitution, to our Nation’s history. The Government as these stabilizers have been put in hear those who would frighten and shutdowns that occurred, two succes- place? That, unfortunately, might be those who would scare the most vulner- sive shutdowns, literally sent thou- the verdict for Bob Bergen and others able in our society. They assert Social sands of Federal workers off the job. like him if this supermajority require- Security checks will be withheld be- The Government shut down not once ment allows 41 Senators or 175 Rep- cause there will be no money left in the but twice, a total of 27 days. The Office resentatives to prevent a response that Treasury. of Management and Budget has esti- involves deficit spending. mated that the overall cost of the shut- Our Founding Fathers established Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- downs was more than $1.4 billion. only a few circumstances where super- sent that an editorial from the Arkan- America knew it. More than 750,000 majorities would be necessary for Fed- sas Democrat Gazette be printed in the Federal workers were affected, some eral action. We should not adopt a new RECORD. during the Christmas and Hanukkah supermajority requirement that pre- There being no objection, the edi- season, including more than 250,000 vents us from helping our most vulner- torial was ordered to be printed in the who were furloughed. able and neediest citizens in times of RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1087 [From the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Feb. sarily clutter the Constitution we all revere. recent efforts in 1990 and, again, in 5, 1997] He would explain that such an amendment 1993. These have come in the form of BUDGETSCARE: HOW TO DEBASE A CAUSE would create an even more unwieldy process bills, statutory efforts, and proposed in a Congress already prone to procedural Bill Clinton doubtless wants to defeat the constitutional amendments. An aver- knots. Perhaps he would contend that the Balanced Budget amendment in the worst age, Mr. President, of more than 30 proposal for a super-majority is undemo- way which is just how he’s going about it— cratic. Or he could argue that while America measures per Congress have been intro- by scaring old folks again. Yep, once more is not a strict democracy, its citizens are duced in recent years. he’s saying a proposed reform will put Social loathe to depart from majority rule without I believe one reason that we have Security—Social Security!—at ‘‘grave risk.’’ seen such statutory efforts and so Now when have we heard that before? Only a pretty darned good reason. But these are all arguments that, unlike many offers of various constitutional every time somebody tries to get the federal the usual scare tactics, would have to be pa- government to put its fiscal house in order. amendments is because many of those tiently explained in order to carry the day. By now the clintonoids have made this sim- who occupy the Halls of Congress They would compliment the intelligence of ple scare campaign a fine art First, scare the today, both at the other end of the the American people, not insult it. It’s so seniors; then scare ‘em some more; then Capitol in the House of Representatives much easier to proclaim that Social Secu- leave ’em petrified. And never, ever let the rity and the sky are falling. So, once again, and in the U.S. Senate, once served in facts get in the way. William Jefferson Clinton has chosen to State legislatures where they have the Despite its name, the Balanced Budget frighten any older citizens he can. yearly annual experience of seeing amendment would not keep Congress from The result: Our president and head of state, their State budgets balanced. They passing an unbalanced budget. Instead, it an official who should be most responsible of came from State legislatures where just puts a slightly larger hurdle in the way. all, introduces still more mistrust into a po- It would require a three-fifths vote of both there were constitutional provisions litical system already overburdened with it. houses of Congress to run a deficit. It’s not that required them to balance their He encourages suspicion and cynicism—alan insuperable obstacle; most controversial budget, and they saw year after year ways corrosive agents in a system that relies business in the Senate already required a after year that it could be done. on consent and understanding. In doing so, three-fifths vote—because that’s what it So when they came to Washington, he tears at the fabric of the very constitu- takes to prevent a filibuster. tion he claims to be defending. they came with a determination, they But here comes the president, warning came with a deliberation that we would Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, a that ‘‘disbursement of Social Security have, in fact, that same provision em- part of that editorial says this: checks could cease or unelected judges could bodied in the U.S. Constitution. But it reduce benefits to comply with this constitu- The chances of Social Security checks has been frustrating. Year after year tional amendment.’’ being sequestered fall into the same range of Not very likely. Not very likely at all. The probability as the Loch Ness monster posing and time after time, we have seen chances of Social Security checks being se- for photographs. Both possibilities are great those efforts defeated. questered fall into the same range of prob- for scaring folks, but for little else. The opponents of a balanced budget ability as the Loch Ness monster posing for I believe that is very, very true. amendment, I believe, are pursuing a photographs. Both possibilities are great for campaign of deliberate disinformation. Again, nothing could be a more risky scaring folks, but for little else. There has been and will continue to be gimmick to be put onto the balanced Social Security is an entitlement written an effort to distract and to divert the budget amendment than to exclude So- into law, it is not dependent on annual ap- attention of the American people from propriations by Congress. It’s recipients paid cial Security from the provisions of the the real issues that are at stake in the into the program, they’re entitled to their amendment. It is attempting to replace debate over a balanced budget and over checks—even if Congress doesn’t approve a the truth with fear. a balanced budget amendment. The op- budget. It’s automatic. The plain truth is that the President ponents would distract and divert the The federal government would have to go does not have the power to withhold broke before one of those unelected judges American people from the real threat appropriations, such as Social Secu- the president uses as a bogeyman would have to Social Security, which is chronic rity. Only Congress can give him that to decide what creditors got paid first. And deficits and enormous accumulated power. It is our responsibility to appro- recipients of Social Security would stand at debt. They would like the debate over priate the funds necessary to carry out the head of the line because their benefits the coming weeks to be about Social are part of a separate law. Behind them the domestic and the foreign policy Security, but the debate is not about would come all of the programs that are cov- programs of this Nation. In reality, the ered by annual appropriations—everything Social Security. The debate is about balanced budget amendment will en- the chronic deficits that threaten the from education to the federal courts, from sure that money is there to spend. the Smithsonian to the space shuttle, and future economic stability of this Gov- Today, annual deficits and the na- the multitude of grants for essentials like ernment and our economy in years to battery-operated grocery carts and solar tional debt are the greatest threat to come. That’s what it is about. powered cars. Social Security’s existence. If we talk If you care about Social Security, All told, spending for these appropriated about the threat to the future of Social you should care about a balanced budg- programs amounts to five times the size of Security, let us not forget that the et amendment to the Constitution, be- last year’s deficit, meaning that the govern- greatest threat is continued chronic ment’s default would have to be of Depres- cause that is the best way of ensuring deficits and an unwillingness or a lack fiscal sanity being restored to our sion-sized proportions before Social Security of discipline and a lack of will on the might be threatened. And even then such a budget process. Without a credible, sus- dramatic catastrophe isn’t likely. Because part of the politicians of this country tainable balanced budget, we will never this amendment has more escape hatches to bring our books into balance. have the money to pay out future bene- than an old-time movie serial. I believe this very vivid depiction of fits. It is just that simple. A balanced The president knows the process. He has to having 28 budget books stacked on top budget amendment needs economic know that Social Security isn’t in the immi- of each other is very clear evidence prosperity that will produce revenues nent danger he’s conjured up. Once again he that the notion—as the President put necessary to fund the program. With a is playing to the darkest fears of the most it in the State of the Union Address— vulnerable citizens in order to achieve a par- balanced budget, the big spenders in that we can just do it, we pass it and he Washington will not be able to target tisan end. Why, with all the arguments will sign it, we will balance the books, available to him, is Bill Clinton invariably and, therefore, raid Social Security to attracted to the lowest common one? Some will not happen, as we see with 28 budg- pay for other programs. days it’s as if he’ll do anything but raise the ets before us. It has to stretch the Opponents of the balanced budget level of public discourse. credibility of not only the executive amendment will throw out, I think, A mere citizen can still yearn for a leader branch but a Congress that is more in- any diversion to confuse the issue. who, acting on principle, takes an unpopular clined to continue spending on ever-ex- They will use scare tactics. The truth stand without resorting to demagoguery. To panding entitlement programs. is that excluding Social Security does make his case, such a leader would not paint Since the 1930’s, literally dozens of nothing to secure benefits into the fu- a doomsday scenario of little old ladies proposals have been made to require a starving in the cold, but would rely on rea- ture. The President’s own budget son supported by fact and informed by sober balanced budget to limit the size or the counts these surpluses to achieve his judgment. growth of the Federal budget or public balance. About that misnamed Balanced Budget debt, or some combination of these What if Social Security is excluded? Amendment, he would say it would unneces- ideas, including several very notable Social Security will not be protected,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 but between the years of 2002 and 2007, Rubin, when he testified before the I would just say again, as I conclude, the deficit will appear $700 billion larg- House Judiciary Committee, was asked Mr. President, that there is a funda- er. That means either a mammoth tax by my brother, Congressman HUTCH- mental immorality that goes along hike on American families, almost INSON, whether there was any balanced with chronic deficit spending. For dec- $1,100 per year per household, or dev- budget amendment that he could envi- ades and for generations of our history astating cuts in important programs sion that he would be able to support? as a Nation, a constitutional amend- like Medicare, cancer research, Head In other words, if you went ahead and ment requiring a balanced budget was Start, and environmental cleanup. excluded Social Security, or if you put not necessary because there was an in- In the years since 1960, the budget in a recession provision, or if there herent fundamental belief on the part has been balanced only once. Deficit were some other addition to a balanced not only of our policymakers and our spending during that period has in- budget amendment, was there any such politicians but the people of the United creased the official national debt from amendment that Secretary Rubin or States as a whole that spending more less than $284 billion to over $5 trillion, the administration could support? And than you take in, whether it is your and the 28 budget books that are when finally pressed, Secretary Rubin family budget or whether it is the Fed- stacked right over here give vivid evi- said no. He said he could not envision eral budget, is simply wrong. To trans- dence of that failure of Congress to dis- any amendment to the Constitution refer our spending in the form of debt to cipline its spending habits. quiring a balanced budget in any form our children and to our grandchildren, Interest payments on the debt now that the administration would support. for them to assume through higher consume about $240 billion annually; I think that really tells the story, $240 billion annually just on interest to taxes and through a lower standard of that while there will be efforts to di- living, is simply wrong. service the national debt. The $240 bil- vert attention, while there will be ef- lion that we are spending in interest forts to distract the attention of the The intrinsic value, though, of the payments is larger than the combined American people, all of the amend- balanced budget amendment rests on a budgets of the Departments of Com- ments that are offered are in the end simple point—it affects every Amer- merce, Agriculture, Education, Energy, ultimately being offered with the goal ican. It will affect how and where we Justice, Interior, Housing and Urban of defeating this very, very important spend taxpayers’ dollars. It will affect Development, Labor, State, and Trans- amendment to the Constitution. the process by which those decisions portation. I want to put a human face on the are made. Moreover, it will affect the I suggest that if we have a commit- balanced budget amendment. We can real value we place on the taxpayers’ ment to education, then we ought to often become too consumed with who money, when we are restricted in the have a commitment to a balanced has political advantage in policy de- ways we spend it. budget amendment to the Constitution bates that we forget who sent us here The time has come for Government to ensure that these exploding interest and how it often affects them. Let me payments will finally be reined in. In to learn how to work with less, how to tell you about one of my constituents. the future, the debt problem will only see the citizen’s money as being pre- Bob Boyd, a small business owner in get worse. The Government’s current cious, and to permanently reduce its Little Rock, is the kind of person who debt calculation fails to include the 10 size so that its people’s wealth can ex- can speak to the importance, I think, to 20 trillion dollars worth of unfunded pand. I yield the floor, Mr. President. of a balanced budget amendment to the liabilities. These are promises to pay Mr. HATCH addressed the Chair. Constitution. future benefits like Social Security, Mr. Boyd was a delegate to the White The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Medicare, Government employee re- House Conference on Small Business. ABRAHAM). The Senator from Utah. tirement and other programs. In short, During that time, he and the con- we will soon long for the days of $200 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I just ference made several recommendations billion deficits unless something is want to take a second here and thank to President Clinton. The one proposal done, and that something should be the the distinguished Senator from Arkan- which received the most votes, more balanced budget amendment. sas for his remarks that he has made. I When you exclude Social Security, than any other policy recommendation do not know when I have been more you derail the very purpose of the by the White House Conference on impressed with a group of new Sen- amendment. I was interested, as I lis- Small Business, was for the adoption of ators than I have now, unless it was tened to the deliberations of the House a balanced budget amendment to the the last time when we brought the bal- Judiciary Committee earlier this week Constitution. Unfortunately, that pro- anced budget amendment up and lost on the balanced budget amendment, in posal has only collected dust at the by one vote, when all of the new Sen- the testimony of a former Congress- White House. But this was from the ators spoke together on the last one. I man, my former colleague, Tim Penny. White House Conference on Small Busi- was just really impressed with that. He referred to this gimmick of taking ness, the recommendation that re- And these Senators this year have been Social Security off budget and out of ceived the most support. doing very well. I appreciate the Sen- the unified budget as being the great- When asked why so many of the con- ator coming to the floor and making est money-laundering scheme in his- ference voted on this proposal and these cogent remarks. I thank my col- tory, because future creative Con- voted for this proposal, Bob simply league. says: gresses will find it not too difficult to Mr. LEAHY addressed the Chair. begin to shift programs into the Social . . . as a small business owner, we know The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Security trust fund so as to circumvent the importance of the bottom line and [the] government doesn’t, they have lost the prin- ator from Vermont. the purpose and the goal and the intent ciple of being responsible for their debts. of a balanced budget amendment to the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, while the Bob said that the President told Constitution. It is a loophole so large, Senator from Arkansas is still on the not only can a truck drive through it, them ‘‘that small business is the en- floor—and while I indicate a different but tons and tons of red ink can flow gine that drives our economy.’’ Unfor- view than his on the amendment, I, through it. tunately for Bob, and for all the small too, join the chairman in compli- Finally, the goal of such an amend- businesses in Arkansas and America, menting him and the other new Sen- ment is to defeat the balanced budget the national debt, and the taxes it ators who have spoken. When you amendment to the Constitution. needs to pay for it, are taking up all think back to what your first speech As I said, I am glad that Senator the fuel. was, it is nice to know it was on a DURBIN acknowledged his underlying I strongly believe that ratification of major issue. So I compliment him for opposition to an amendment to the a constitutional amendment is the that. Constitution requiring a balanced only way to turn around this unending Mr. President, I would note though budget altogether. So while he offers sea of financial debt. It is time to put that it is an important issue. That is this amendment to the BBA, he still the harness of the U.S. Constitution on why we should take it as serious as opposes the concept of an amendment Congress and the President. It is time possible. We talked about amendments. requiring a balanced budget. to require these institutions to be more Secretary Rubin—who was quoted fiscally responsible than our prede- Senator DURBIN, the distinguished earlier this afternoon—Secretary cessors have been. Senator from Illinois, has also spoken,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1089 in one of his first speeches on the floor offer suggestions, if we have them, of 2000-something, maybe there will be of the Senate, as eloquently and as how it may be improved. Senator DUR- this untried amendment to the Con- completely and as logically and co- BIN’s amendment to waive this article stitution, only the 18th amendment to gently as he used to speak in the other in the event of an economic recession the Constitution since the Bill of body. The Senator from Illinois has or serious economic emergency is right Rights. Instead, we should have the spoken of an amendment that he has on point, and it does improve the legis- courage to vote to bring the deficit offered. While we will not vote on it lation. down now. today, we will eventually vote on it to One should listen in that regard to Some of us in this Congress and the the balanced budget amendment. He the economic experts. More than 1,000 House and Senate have had the courage also expressed his concern about the of the Nation’s most respected econo- for 4 years in a row to cast those votes underlying amendment. mists, including at least 11 Nobel lau- to bring down the deficit. I wish we There is nothing inconsistent with reates, as well as a former chair of were not paying that half billion dol- saying that one does not want to President Nixon’s Council of Economic lars a day in interest from the doubling amend the Constitution of the United Advisers, the current and former Fed- and tripling of the national debt during States on this issue but will propose an eral Reserve Board Chairman, former the 1980’s. But to President Clinton’s amendment to the constitutional Democrat and Republican Directors of credit and the credit of those men and amendment as presented by the distin- the Congressional Budget Office, all women who have voted with him to guished Senator from Utah and others. agree this amendment is unsound eco- bring down the deficit, it is coming I think there is nothing inconsistent nomic policy. down. with this because all of us have a re- The distinguished senior Senator Let us think about the flexibility you sponsibility, however we vote, to try to from the State of West Virginia [Mr. do need in difficult times. President make what is the final product as good BYRD] held a news conference in which Herbert Hoover, who was a great engi- as possible. he released the signatures of more than neer and had many wonderful charac- All Senators know that there are 1,000 economists and had a number of teristics, but not a sense of the econ- issues that come to this floor where we economists, Professor Tobin and oth- omy, felt during an early recession in may have made up our mind how we ers, who pointed out why they felt this his term that the most important would vote on the underlying piece of proposed constitutional amendment thing he could do to bring about some legislation, either for or against it, but was bad economic policy. These econo- confidence in this country was to take yet we will be involved in numerous mists, incidentally, were across the po- whatever steps necessary to have a bal- amendments before we get there. litical spectrum. They all agreed that anced budget—basically taking the I have voted against amendments on the proposed amendment would hamper steps that would be required by this a bill when I finally voted for the final the Government’s ability to cope with constitutional amendment. By doing bill and vice versa. I have had legisla- economic downturns. that, it plunged this country into the tion of my own that I have sponsored Economists and financial experts worst depression it has known in its and have then supported amendments agree that this proposed balanced 200-year history. to my own legislation, amendments of- budget constitutional amendment will If the economy today takes a down- fered either by myself or other Sen- straitjacket the economy in hard turn and Americans are losing their ators. I have supported amendments to times. It will hamstring the adjust- jobs as happened in the early 1990’s, my own legislation offered by Senators ment mechanisms that have been de- then this proposed constitutional from the other side of the aisle on veloped since the Great Depression to amendment makes it more difficult for major pieces of legislation on numer- preserve jobs and restore the economy our Government to respond to the ous occasions because while I thought I after a downturn. needs of working families. had brought a good piece of legislation Being opposed to the constitutional As Treasury Secretary Rubin, a man to the floor of the Senate, other Sen- amendment is an entirely different who has proven by his own life that he ators brought up amendments that I thing than being opposed to a balanced understands the economy and econom- realized, in listening to the debate, budget. This Congress, under very ics, testified before the Judiciary Com- made that legislation even better. strong leadership from President Clin- mittee—and, incidentally, without any I can think of various times during ton, has brought the deficit down 4 expert refuting what he said—Sec- the years when I was chairman of the years in a row and is now going to go retary Rubin said he thought ‘‘a bal- Senate Agriculture Committee, when I for the fifth year in a row. Certainly anced budget amendment would sub- would have a farm bill, a major piece of since I have been old enough to vote, ject the Nation to unacceptable eco- nutrition legislation, and others on the no President, Republican or Democrat, nomic risk in perpetuity. * * * A bal- floor—legislation that I had been the has done that before. The deficit is anced budget amendment could turn principal author of—and Senators on coming down. slowdowns into recessions and reces- both sides of the aisle, both Repub- Were it not for the fact that we were sions into more severe recessions or licans and Democrats, had come up now paying almost half billion dollars even depressions.’’ with amendments which, after listen- a day in interest on the deficits run up To date, no competent, recognized ing to them, I felt that they made the in President Reagan and Bush’s budg- expert has come forward and refuted underlying piece of legislation better ets, we would not even have a deficit what Secretary Rubin said. Thus, the and voted for them. today. We would have a surplus, and we 1,060 economists and 11 Nobel laureates I can think of a couple instances could start applying that surplus to who are opposing the proposed con- when I have had legislation on the the national debt. stitutional amendment condemn it be- floor where Senators have been very I urge Senators to understand that cause the amendment ‘‘mandates per- candid and told me they would not vote people like the Senator from Vermont verse actions in the face of recessions.’’ for my piece of legislation, but on the and others who have cast very, very I am deeply concerned about the im- possibility it might pass they had an difficult votes, politically unpopular pact the balanced budget amendment amendment which at least in their votes to cut programs, to cut spending, will have on jobs for working families thought would make it better. It is a to bring down the deficit, do not need in Vermont and across the country very legitimate thing to do. We de- to be shown a constitutional amend- during times of recession. If I put a bated those amendments. Some were ment that some day in the next cen- human face on it, I put a human face of accepted, some were not. tury, the next millennium, it might 560,000 Vermonters. We are a fiscally The underlying amendment, the un- have some effect. We can vote right conservative State. We find when we derlying proposed constitutional now. As President Clinton said in his sell bonds from Vermont, they sell out amendment, is unsound economic pol- State of the Union Message, all it virtually immediately because people icy and should be rejected for that rea- takes is our vote and his signature to know how we feel about keeping our son. But you also go on the assumption bring down any deficit. We can do it books. We do not have a constitutional that any piece of legislation may pass. now rather than saying, well, some- amendment to balance the budget in It is the responsibility of each of us to time in the next millennium, the year the Vermont State Constitution. What

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 we have are 180 Vermont legislators What if citizens of New England, who have resisted the temptation to amend who treat every tax dollar as though it have fewer Members of the House of the Constitution unnecessarily—17 were their own. Governors, Repub- Representatives than other regions of times since the Bill of Rights, that’s licans and Democrats, felt the same, the country, needed help? Or, con- all. Surely, we have had more than 17 who realized, however, at such time as versely, what if a very populous region times in this country when we have Vermont, a small State, has gone into of the country suddenly had a reces- had the urge to do it, when it has been a recession, there are times it has had sion? Do they become the only ones politically popular to do it, when we to spend some money to help us out of who can get help? Could New England could point to political polls of the mo- it as a responsibility to the people of get Senators and Representatives from ment that said 70 percent of the coun- Vermont. other States, which are still experi- try wanted us to amend the Constitu- I hate to think what might happen if encing good times, to waive the con- tion. We have taken polling where peo- we go into a deep recession and people stitutional balanced budget require- ple have taken our Bill of Rights— are being laid off from jobs and are ment to help protect their livelihoods? those things that protect us from un- told, ‘‘Well, we cannot help out.’’ There Prof. Robert Eisner of Northwestern lawful search and seizure, protect us in are none of the programs we normally University, a past president of the our right of free speech and religion— see to ease recessions and get our econ- American Economic Association, un- there have been polls and studies done omy going again. I realize it is 25 below derstood the economic problems under that would just break down the words zero in Vermont. I realize you have this proposed constitutional amend- and ask the people, and the majority just been laid off from a job you have ment when he wrote: would say, oh, no, we could not vote for had for 15 years, but the various Fed- One need only recall the near collapses, in that. Then they are surprised to find eral programs that we started after the recent years, of the economies in New Eng- that it is in the Bill of Rights. Great Depression cannot be funded. land, California, and Texas. Who would bail The Constitution should not be a As Secretary Rubin explained, the so- them out if their own tax revenues again de- prisoner of that moment’s public opin- called automatic stabilizers in our cline and there were surges of claims for union polls. The Constitution should be economy would be ineffective under employment benefits, food stamps, and gen- protected by the best instincts and the eral assistance? this proposed constitutional amend- greatest sense of responsibility of ment. These are mechanisms that have One of the reasons for having this every man and woman in the Senate been developed over the last 50 years to great Nation of 50 States is so that we and in the House. If we start voting by reduce the extremes of the boom-and- can work together to help each other, popular public opinion poll and not by bust cycles. They are intended to pre- knowing that if a tornado hits one part a sense of history and not by what is vent another Great Depression. They of the country and not others, or a re- best for the next generation, then we have proven effective over time. cession hits one region and not others, fail in our own responsibilities here. Secretary Rubin testified: relief would be available. Relief for Mr. President, I grew up in a family ‘‘[W]ithout automatic stabilizers, the economic recessions and emergencies that revered the Constitution. I grew Treasury Department has estimated unem- has to be flexible. None of us can pre- up in a family that understood the first ployment in 1992 that resulted from the 1990 dict, and certainly cannot write into a amendment. I grew up in a family that recession might have hit 9 percent instead of constitutional amendment, when the knew that so much of what makes us 7.7 percent, which would have been in excess next natural disaster will hit or the Americans is in the Bill of Rights. In of 1 million jobs lost.’’ next recession will take place, because my public life as a prosecutor, as a law- Some of these things that helped, usually a swift response from the Fed- yer and, more important, as a husband when I think about 1988 and 1992, we eral Government is needed to aid State and a father, I have realized the advan- were adding around 40,000 people a and local relief efforts. Economic emer- tages I have that no one in any other week to the food stamp rolls to help gency relief by constitutional super- country has because of the protections bring us back. In the last 4 years, we majority mandate is a prescription for in the Constitution. I also realize that have been taking millions back off the gridlock, not swift action. those protections came because my food stamp rolls. It shows it can work. It would make no sense—if there is a predecessors, and all our predecessors The preamble to the Constitution terrible earthquake in California, or in these bodies, resisted the temptation and its stated purpose to ‘‘promote the awful flooding in the Midwest, or a to amend the Constitution every time general welfare, and secure the bless- drought in the Southeast, or a reces- that it was popular. I hope we will not ings of liberty to ourselves and our pos- sion in New England—to say we can’t do it now. terity,’’ ought not be overridden by a do anything to help because we need a The sponsors of this measure repeat- constitutional amendment that denies supermajority vote. edly outline the dangers of a budget jobs to hundreds of thousands of work- When your State or region is hit by a deficit. We are all in favor of bringing ing families in hard times. major recession or emergency, do you down the deficit, as we have done for People talk about the Federal Re- want critical Federal assistance to the last 4 years. But these sponsors serve Board. Federal Reserve Chairman hang on the whims of 41 Senators or 175 have failed to address how the proposed Alan Greenspan reiterated his opposi- Representatives? That is all it would constitutional amendment will provide tion to the proposed constitutional take. We have 535 Members of Con- for the flexibility needed in economic amendment during questioning by Sen- gress. All 535 Members of those bod- downturns, without holding working ator LAUTENBERG during his testimony ies—save a critical 41—could vote and families and hard-hit regions hostage before the Senate Budget Committee. you may not be helped. to a supermajority vote. Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan Our Founders rejected this require- Senator DURBIN’s amendment re- urged the Senate Budget Committee to ment of supermajorities. We should stores that flexibility by requiring a continue to eliminate the deficit. He look to their sound reasons for reject- simple majority vote to respond to eco- did join Secretary Rubin and our Na- ing supermajority requirements before nomic recessions and emergencies. tion’s leading economists in the con- we impose on our most vulnerable citi- Whether you are for or against this clusion that this proposed constitu- zens a three-fifths supermajority re- constitutional amendment, we should tional amendment places too many quirement to provide Federal relief take the effort to make it a better con- constraints on our economy. from recessions and serious economic stitutional amendment. Certainly, Sen- This so-called escape hatch allowing emergencies. ator DURBIN’s amendment does that, a waiver of its provisions by a super- In fact, I urge some to go back and and it deserves our support. majority vote of three-fifths of both read ‘‘The Federalist Papers,’’ read Mr. President, I see my friend from Houses of Congress is small comfort to what our Founders wrote. I hope that Utah on the floor. Maybe he can give America’s working families, because all Senators have read them. But if us some idea of what he plans to do many national recessions start out in they haven’t, now is as good a time as with our lives for the rest of the day. different regions of the country. For any to add to your education, improve Mr. HATCH. I think we have a few example, the most recent recession hit your mind, and acquire a sense of his- more remarks. The distinguished Sen- New England first. tory. It is why Senators, for 200 years, ator from Wyoming would like to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1091 speak, and the distinguished Senator ish market is merely the suggestion of stacked full of Social Security funds. from Maine wants to speak. I could a balanced budget. Laws enforcing a The revenue from Social Security is in- then wrap up, and that should end it balanced budget would perpetuate a vested into Government-backed securi- for the day. Do you have anybody over bullish financial market. Currently, in- ties like Treasury bills. To disregard there desiring to speak? terest rates are low and the economy is Social Security plays games with the Mr. LEAHY. I will check. It would be healthy, due again in part by Congress budget. It would require an additional your turn to go now. I will yield the and the President getting serious about $80 billion match up front. Later, when floor so your speakers may proceed. balancing the budget. All of these posi- baby boomers reach retirement, the And we will find out if there is anybody tive trends are occurring as a result of fund will go broke without an enor- else on this side. just the possibility of balancing the mous infusion of funds from our chil- Mr. HATCH. I yield to the Senator budget. dren and grandchildren. An amendment from Wyoming [Mr. ENZI]. What about the claim that a bal- is not just for the next 8 years. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- anced budget amendment would hobble It is for that time when there is an ator from Wyoming. our economy in a recession? First of extra burden on Social Security. Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise in all, there is a clause in the amendment As the only accountant in the U.S. support of the passage of the balanced that would allow Congress, by a three- Senate, I believe that in order to en- budget constitutional amendment. fifths vote, to spend more than it sure stability and longevity of Social Without that amendment, our children takes. In an emergency situation of Security, we need to go to a modified and grandchildren will be saddled with three-fifths vote would not be difficult accrual system of accounting for each a mountain of debt. They will be left to attain. Financial experts agree that of the trust funds. with no hope of fulfilling their hopes recessions have occurred at times due We need to talk also about Medicare and the other trust funds, not just So- and dreams. to Federal mismanagement of mone- cial Security. It happens to be the only I feel that it is time to correct the tary, tax, or regulatory policies. Mis- one that fits with the argument of the misleading reports that have been put takes are usually made when the Gov- forth by many of the opponents of Sen- opponents. ernment intervenes too much in the This accrued system would assure ate Joint Resolution 1 over the past private sector. The amendment has a few weeks. Their arguments are not that the moneys coming in match up— built in method that allows the Federal at some point in the critical near fu- new. They have been the same argu- Government to quickly react to these ments for the past 20 years—actually, ture—to the time that the money has types of glitches. to go out. A modified accrual method for almost three decades Congress has The economist John Keynes knew failed to balance the budget. I am would show that any surplus revenue that Government should attempt to for this year’s budget is already com- standing almost in the shadow of the create a surplus in the good times and mitted further down the line. mountain of budgets that don’t bal- that Government must borrow during I believe we should pass a balanced ance. That failure has led to the cur- bad times. The problem with our situa- budget amendment even though the rent fiscal mess that holds us hostage. tion is that Congress is borrowing dur- growth rate of the deficit is falling But what has really kept us from a ing the bad and good, wartime and without the amendment. The budget balanced budget amendment? The same peacetime, national emergency or no deficit is expected to rise from $107 bil- old excuses and fear-mongering still emergency. Look at where we are now. lion in fiscal year 1996, to $124 billion in prevail, scaring everyone from the chil- We are supposed to be having the best fiscal year 1997. This is not a reduction dren to the senior citizens of this coun- economy in years—with a focus on rein the size of the deficit. Some are try. The excuses take a little different inventing and downsizing government, praising the progress in reducing the form each year, but the same basic a huge reduction in military expenses, deficit. We aren’t reducing the deficit fears are still being played upon. The and a Congress and President that or the national debt. I don’t know easy position to take is to continue want to balance the budget. We lack where their numbers are coming from. spending the taxpayers money on feel- the will and discipline, however, to ul- They sure aren’t coming from the Con- good programs instead of grappling timately balance the budget before the gressional Budget Office. But if we with the tough issues. end of the 20th century. move toward a balanced budget by fis- The debt we are incurring for our We have had commission after com- cal year 2002, a fiscal dividend of about kids amounts to taxation without rep- mission study this issue to sheer bore- $34 billion is in sight. resentation. We are forcing people who dom. We all know that revenue is up The Clinton administration and a haven’t even been born yet to cosign on right now for Social Security. We are number of Members of this body have a note. A balanced budget constitu- also well aware that the program will already begun a reign of terror on the tional amendment would tie the hands start running a deficit in 2013. Let’s not American people regarding the bal- of the spenders in DC. It doesn’t throw make political hay out of Social Secu- anced budget amendment. Members of the baby out with the bath water. In rity. Let’s start dealing with reality. the administration have criticized the fact, it is the life cord that connects Opponents of the amendment want amendment by claiming it is unen- the budget to the baby. It would pro- Social Security exempted or taken off forceable. These attacks are not only tect generations yet to come. budget. It is catchy wording that some unfounded, they represent a sad cri- A balanced budget will do away with senior citizens have bought hook, line tique on the administration’s view of the hidden taxes Americans pay in the and sinker. It has absolutely no con- fulfilling its constitutional obligations. form of higher interest rates. If we pass sistent meaning to anyone and it pro- On January 7, I swore a solemn oath the balanced budget constitutional vides a false sense of security. There is to preserve, protect, and defend the amendment now, a middle-class family a vague feeling that ‘‘off budget’’ Constitution of the United States. All could easily save $1,500 a year. That is means that we don’t want to cheat on of my colleagues in the Senate and the a nice raise. This is assuming a drop in Social Security and damage the ability House have taken this same pledge. mortgage rates from 7.7 to 5.7 percent, to support our seniors. President Clinton took the same oath a drop in interest rates on a car loan I say right now that nobody wants to on January 20. This is one of the most from 9.2 to 7.2 percent, and decline in damage Social Security. Nobody wants serious pledges a person can take in his student loan rates from 8.5 to 6.5 per- that to happen. Everyone, including or her lifetime. It binds all Members of cent. Interest rates should be 2 percent me, wants to protect senior citizens. It the Congress and the President to fol- lower with a balanced budget. is absurd to say otherwise. low all the provisions in the Constitu- How would the financial markets Right now Social Security is a par- tion. If the balanced budget amend- view the balanced budget amendment? tial pay-as-you-go system. The people ment was added to the Constitution, According to many financial market paying Social Security taxes are pay- we would be bound by our most solemn experts, such as David Malpass, the ing for the people who are retired oath to pass a balanced budget in each more restraint on Government spend- today. It is not a fully funded system. and every fiscal year. ing, the better the markets will re- It doesn’t build up a trust fund. It’s a For the administration to criticize spond. Part of the reason for the bull- bunch of IOU’s. There is no secret vault this amendment as unenforceable is a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 very serious charge indeed. Does the I am very grateful to have had the that I would have done it differently. I President intend not to fulfill his con- good people we have listened to all day know the pressures on Washington to stitutional duty to preserve, protect, today. It makes a lot of difference to spend money, even borrowed money. and defend the Constitution by deliv- me. By and large, each Congress sets out to ering a balanced budget proposal to I am happy to yield the floor. be fiscally responsible, but our na- Congress before each fiscal year? Is the Ms. COLLINS addressed the Chair. tional debt still grows. The truth is ex- administration insinuating that Mem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- perience has taught us that even in bers of the Senate and the House of ator from Maine is recognized. good times we need the discipline of a Representatives are willing to bla- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise constitutional amendment. tantly violate the clear language of our to add my voice to those of my distin- To those who say that this issue does Constitution which they took an oath guished colleagues who have spoken in not rise to the level of constitutional to uphold and defend? favor of a balanced budget amendment protection, I respectfully disagree. It is I do not share the Clinton adminis- to the U.S. Constitution. the unique genius of the U.S. Constitu- It is not surprising that with a na- tration’s cynical view that our con- tion that serves to protect our people tional debt which is $5.3 trillion and stitutional officers will openly and fla- and their property from the excesses of still growing this debate is awash in grantly flout their solemn duties. If we their Government. It is difficult to statistics, each more staggering than pass the balanced budget constitu- imagine a greater excess, at least in the last. As someone who ran for office tional amendment, I have every con- the realm of property, than a debt bur- to fight for more opportunities and bet- fidence that Members of this noble den of more than $5 trillion. The legacy ter jobs, I find the costs in those areas Chamber as well as our friends in the we are leaving our children and our of our chronic failure to balance the House will take their oath to defend grandchildren, many of them not yet budget to be particularly troubling. born, is taxation without representa- the Constitution very seriously. We In light of the President’s call for a will balance the budget because we tion in its most egregious form. crusade for education, one of the more As I said earlier, this is a debate in have sworn to uphold the Constitution. telling statistics is that last year the which there has been no shortage of We will balance the budget because we Federal Government spent about $240 statistics and no shortage of speeches, desire to leave our children and grand- billion to service our national debt, an but buried somewhere beneath that children a legacy of hope and pros- amount that is almost eight times pile of numbers and mounds of rhetoric perity instead of the horror of a $5.3 greater than the amount we spent on is a very simple principle. That is that trillion debt. education. Think about that. If we had all of us, including the Congress of the I want to stress that the enforcement been operating the Government with- United States, must be personally re- of the balanced budget amendment will out debt, we could have spent nine sponsible for our actions. In the con- rest first and foremost with this Con- times more on educating our children. text of the budget, personal responsi- gress. Under section 6 of the balanced Now, that is what I call a crusade. bility means not spending what is not budget constitutional amendment, Whatever the long-term benefits to ours to spend. Congress must pass implementing leg- the public sector from balancing the The 104th Congress struck a strong islation to enforce this amendment. budget, they pale in comparison to the blow for personal responsibility in its This provision indicates that it will be benefits to our families. The Concord welfare legislation. It told able-bodied primarily Congress—neither the Presi- Coalition has estimated that had we welfare recipients that they could not dent nor the Federal courts—which not run deficits for the past two dec- live off the efforts of others; that they will provide the means of enforcement. ades, the average family’s annual in- would have to earn their own way. For Claims that this amendment will result come would be $15,500 higher. Looked those who grew up in a culture of de- in new powers of Presidential impound- at prospectively, the General Account- pendency, this was a harsh message. ment or judicial involvement in the ing Office has said that we will in- But it was the right message because budgetary process are unfounded. crease per capita income by 26 percent responsibility for one’s own actions is These are nothing more than further over the next two decades if we balance the core of the American effort. attempts by the amendment’s detrac- our budget. I think it important that the Con- tors to sidestep the serious obligation These are not partisan statistics, just gress and the President not hold them- we all have of safeguarding the finan- as this is not a partisan issue. The selves to any less of a standard of per- cial future of our Nation, and our kids numbers I have cited to demonstrate sonal responsibility. During the past and grandkids. the enormous costs of our past fiscal quarter century, a culture of depend- I urge my fellow Senators to join me failures can be found in a recent letter ency has developed right here in the in voting for Senate Joint Resolution to the editor from former Democratic U.S. Congress, and it is reflected in our 1, the balanced budget constitutional Senator Paul Simon, a leader in the dependency on the money of future amendment. This will be a giant step battle for a constitutional amendment, generations. In each of the past 27 in restoring responsibility to our Gov- whose 22 years of congressional service years, we have borrowed from our chil- ernment, and it will demonstrate to fu- ended before the goal to which he was dren and our grandchildren to buy ture generations that we were willing so deeply committed could become a things for ourselves, building up an im- to act responsibly in the most serious reality. mense debt with no end in sight. of our tasks. And if we do not balance The economic evidence that favors a The legacy we are leaving, however, the budget, we become the longest run- balanced budget is overwhelming. But is not just financial. It is a legacy of ning game show with the lowest rat- one legitimately may ask how I make excess, of taking advantage of those ings in history. the jump from the need for a balanced who cannot protect their own inter- Mr. President, I yield the floor. budget to the need for a constitutional ests, of practicing not deferred gratifi- Mr. HATCH addressed the Chair. amendment mandating a balanced cation but, rather, deferred responsi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- budget. That is a political not an eco- bility. ator from Utah. nomic issue but the evidence is equally I recognize that deficits are some- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I thank as overwhelming. times unavoidable and that, indeed, the distinguished Senator from Wyo- The simple fact is that the road to they are sometimes critical to finance ming for the excellent remarks he has our huge national debt has been paved wars or to get the economy moving out made here on the floor today. I have with good intentions. We have had the of a recession. The balanced budget really been appreciative of the new Deficit Reduction Act, the Gramm- amendment would still permit deficit Senators coming and talking about Rudman Act, the Budget Enforcement spending in the event of war, recession, this because each and every one of Act, and yet we still have deficits. The or other emergency, but deficit spend- them is a prime cosponsor of this old saying that ‘‘We have met the ing today is no longer a tool carefully amendment. What a change that is enemy and it is us’’ has never been used by Congress and the President to from two Congresses ago when we lost more applicable. respond to emergencies. Rather, it has this by three votes, one Congress ago As a freshman Senator, I do not sit in become a permanent feature of our fis- by one vote. judgment on my predecessors and say cal landscape.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1093 Just how permanent deficit spending Year after year of unbalanced budg- stable economy, which will help us has become is reflected in the stag- ets and all we get from the other side avoid economic problems in the first gering fact that if every man, woman, is, ‘‘All we need is the will to do it, to place. and child in this Nation brought all of balance the budget.’’ This President We should learn from other countries their currency to Washington, DC, it says we are going to do it by the year in the world that are trying to ‘‘spend would not be enough to pay off our na- 2002, but he’s going to do 75 percent of their way out of recession.’’ Several tional debt. Those who argue that we the balancing in the last 2 years ac- European countries and Japan have do not need a constitutional amend- cording to the budget filed today. Give been trying to do this lately. The re- ment to solve this problem are simply me a break. It is just more of the same. sult has been continued recession and ignoring our fiscal history. That is why we are here. even larger debt. On the other hand, a I yield the floor. I don’t think it takes any brains to number of the world’s up and coming Mr. HATCH addressed the Chair. figure this one out. It is a no-brainer to countries are enjoying booming econo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- know that these people who file these mies while keeping their national ator from Utah. amendments do not want any balanced budgets in balance or even surplus. Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I believe budget amendment, they do not want Perhaps we should be more concerned I will be the last to comment today, any constraints; they want to keep that we do not spend ourselves out of and I deliberately waited to the end to spending just like they always have. prosperity. I think we ought to think allow some other speakers to have a We have plenty of unbalanced budgets about that. Are we spending ourselves turn, but we do have an amendment around here. We have done it for 28 out of prosperity? which has been filed by the distin- years straight, and actually for the One commentator has wryly stated guished Senator from Illinois [Mr. DUR- most of the last 60 years. We just put 28 that the theory of borrowing and BIN], and I do believe I need to make a budget submission volumes up here be- spending out of a recession ‘‘is the few remarks about that. But I do not cause we thought to stack up our budg- game plan that propelled Argentina intend to take too much time here. etary failures any higher would be and Bolivia into economic superpower Senator DURBIN has offered an truly dangerous. In fact, I am not sure status in the 1970s.’’ That is pretty sar- amendment to the balanced budget this little table will hold this through- castic, but I think a pretty good com- amendment that would allow for sus- out the whole debate. ment. pension of the balanced budget rule in Let me say this. Even during times of The balanced budget amendment in times of ‘‘economic recession or seri- significant national growth, under this no way prevents us from running a rea- ous economic emergency.’’ I wonder proposal of the distinguished Senator sonable surplus which could be used to offset the effects of an economic down- what those words mean. Some words, from Illinois, we could have a waiver of town. This surplus would allow us to when placed into the Constitution, can the balanced budget amendment during use fiscal policy within the balanced have almost any meaning. times of economic boom, just when we budget rule better than we can now The very purpose of this provision of should be balancing the budget or run- the distinguished Senator from Illinois without it. ning a surplus. Even if we were to drop below bal- is to make the balanced budget amend- I believe the general three-fifths ance using the intended rainy day sur- ment easier to waive. Instead of trying waiver already provided for in the bal- plus, the balanced budget amendment to find ways to avoid fiscal responsi- anced budget amendment strikes the has anticipated this sort of need. A bility, we ought to be working toward right balance. It will allow Congress to three-fifths vote in Congress will allow passing a strong balanced budget waive the balanced budget rule during the balanced budget amendment rule amendment that will help us to keep times of real need, but it will prevent to be suspended for a year. That way out of recessions in the first place. those who are simply trying to find an we have the flexibility to run reason- As an initial matter, any definition easy way out of a budget crunch from of ‘‘downturn’’ is malleable and could able deficits if we need to. The three- strapping even more debt onto the fifths requirement makes sure we do be abused by any future Congress bent backs of our children and future gen- not waive the amendment unless it is a on deficit spending. This amendment is erations. The general three-fifths waiv- true need and not just an attempt for no different. Trying to deal with a con- er provision will give Congress an in- us to avoid making tough choices, cept as loose as an economic downturn centive to plan ahead, rather than to which is something that goes on here without even an attempt at defining borrow and spend in good times and all the time. terms can make this a loophole you bad, just like we have up to now, and So, we do not need any exceptions or could drive a truck through. It will not then when things get tough, just go loopholes. What we need is a strong be long until a convoy starts rolling borrow some more. That is what we do. balanced budget amendment as a through. Furthermore, there is a loop- This is a recipe for instability. mechanism in the Constitution to help hole within the loophole, because the You will find the people who bring us to get to a balanced budget. We amendment does not limit the waiver these amendments by and large are should be less concerned about when in any way, such as to amounts related people who were never, never going to we can spend more and more concerned to the emergency. vote for a balanced budget amendment. about when we must spend less. Under this provision, even during But they will do anything to stop it, Some say we are spending less. We times of significant national growth, anything to stop us from having to live have been hearing a lot in just the last certain regions may experience an eco- within budgetary constraints. 2 days about what a wonderful job we nomic downturn which might give Con- Mr. President, this amendment is have done in reducing the deficit. Of gress a reason to trigger this waiver, based in part on the largely rejected course, we do not hear much about the whether we actually need to borrow to notion that increased borrowing will fact that so long as we still have a def- respond or not. Or there could be a gen- help us out of a recession. Fred icit, our debt is increasing. In fact, we eral feeling of ‘‘economic anxiety,’’ or Bergsten, a noted economist who had are not spending less. You would think a perceived sense of anxiety felt in testified in support of the balanced a $107 billion deficit was a wonderful Washington about the economy. We budget amendment in past years, sug- nirvana-like state. Only in Washington can create anxieties about anything gested the better way to go is to shoot do we celebrate a reduction in the in- around here. For instance, I am very for a yearly surplus, and let that take crease in the debt as an achievement, anxious about these 28 years of unbal- care of any truly automatic fluctua- only here in this surrealistic place anced budgets that are represented by tions and any truly pressing needs at where we have these surrealistic budg- this stack of budget submissions right that time, if there are any. ets, all of which were unbalanced for 28 here. We have had people worrying all Further, financial market experts straight years, some of which were pro- day that these volumes might fall off have stated that increased borrowing posed to be balanced budgets but were and crush somebody. I just hope it is and spending is not a cure for reces- not. None of these since 1969 have been not us. But the debt burden they rep- sions. The better way is to get Federal balanced. resent are crushing the American peo- spending and borrowing under control, Another fact we do not hear much ple. which will make for a stronger, more about is even though the economy is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 doing fairly well, we are still in a def- eight hundred and eighteen years is cycle comes from John Maynard Keynes. Re- icit. Opponents of the balanced budget somewhat difficult to comprehend, so cessions, he believed, started when all the amendment keep talking about how let me put it in more descriptive terms. buyers in the economy suddenly stopped spending. the deficits are related to the economy. Had the legendary founder of Rome, Sellers usually respond to such a decline in It seems to me, that given the current Romulus, gotten on his horse in 753 demand by cutting output and jobs, rather health of the economy, the budget B.C. and started down that road of dol- than cutting prices, the Keynesian view should be balanced right now. But of lar bills at a rate of 500 miles per day, went. That threw more people out of work, course it is not. And of course the he would still be some six decades away and further reduced aggregate demand. blame must be Mr. Reagan’s or Mr. from reaching the end of that road. In Only government could turn this cycle Bush’s. the course of his travels, he would have around, by pumping money into the econ- Give me a break. The Reagan tax omy. It did so by hiring people for public circled the globe more than 20,000 works programs, for example. cuts actually produced 40 percent times. But because the government collects less greater increase in revenues. What That is our debt. It is no longer cycli- in taxes during recessions, those public pro- really cost us were two things, part of cal. It has become a permanent struc- grams had to be paid for with debt, Keynes which was President Reagan’s fault. ture in Washington. It even has its own argued. One was the increase of strength to our Government office, the Bureau of Pub- The evidence shows that public works pro- military. But, on the other hand, I lic Debt. I am not kidding; that office grams have done nothing to solve recessions, a 1993 article by economist Bruce Bartlett in think most commentators now will really does exist. Our deficits have not The Public Interest magazine pointed out. give President Reagan credit for hav- been countercyclical, they have been Spending packages aimed at fighting reces- ing brought down the iron curtain and counterproductive. sion have never been enacted before a reces- having ended the cold war. But the What we need is to change the way sion ended on its own, as the chart shows. other side of that equation was, during Congress thinks. Only a requirement In fact, Congress often enacts these pack- all of Reagan’s 8 years, and all of with the strength and staying power of ages the very month the recession is over. Bush’s 4 years, the House of Represent- They are usually nothing more than pork- a constitutional amendment can make barrel spending dressed up as compassion. atives where all money bills originate that change. Only the balanced budget Recessions are usually defined as two was controlled by liberals. In par- amendment can get our fiscal house in straight quarters of falling GDP. So no one ticular, during the Reagan years it was order and keep it there. actually knows a recession is happening Tip O’Neill who led the liberal on- Before we are done with this debate, until six months after it starts. No one slaught against the budget. Even we will likely see amendments to ex- knows it’s over until three months later. though Reagan cut taxes and reduced Even then, it takes Congress time to pass empt certain programs, exempt certain a law for extra spending. And it takes still marginal tax rates, and revenues actu- groups, and waive the balanced budget more time for that money to make its way ally went up—not as high as we would amendment whenever the times get through the economy. have liked, but they went up some 40 tough. But this is precisely the type of So even if Congress could tell when a reces- percent—even though that happened, thinking that has brought us 30 sion was starting—unlikely, given the the liberals in Congress were spending straight years of deficits and a $5.3 tril- records of most economic forecasters—it us into bankruptcy. That, coupled with lion national debt. still wouldn’t have more than a small effect. the increase in the military, of course, And Keynes was wrong not just in practice, The way to avoid the hardships of re- but in theory as well. did get us to the point where we are. cession is to pass a strong balanced He based his whole theory on the notion (Ms. COLLINS assumed the chair.) budget amendment and get our run- that government experts acted rationally, Mr. HATCH. It is an old expression away deficit spending under control. while the average person did not. Central that the time to save money is when That will take some guts. Because it is planners could know enough and act quickly you have it. If this economy is so good, tough, you will see all of these amend- enough to save people from the consequences as some of our colleagues are saying, ments to try and protect one constitu- of their own bad decisions—clearly not the Madam President, why do we not have case. ency after another. The fact is, we have There are programs, such as unemploy- a balanced budget. Why? Because it is to keep all the budget together and ap- ment insurance, that kick in automatically easy to spend other people’s money in proach it in an intelligent and thought- when recession hits, without having to wait good times and bad. That is why we ful way. And those programs, like So- for Congress to act. The amount those pro- need to correct Congress’ spending bias cial Security, that are so justifiable grams actually increase during recession with a constitutional amendment. are better than capable of competing, could be easily handled within a balanced This country has enjoyed some re- budget, however. and they will compete well. Some of Between 1980 and 1984—which includes markable economic progress in the lat- the programs that are not quite as ter half of this century, and yet the years of deep recession—real spending on good—all of them have some merit— jobless benefits rose $47.4 billion above its United States has borrowed ever more but some that are not quite as good level in 1979, an economic peak. That in- money, despite the fact that most of may have to have some changes. All of crease was just 1% of government spending those years were both peaceful and our budget has to have some changes if over those four years. prosperous. So when people hear the we are ever going to get the budget and Recession have been less severe in the opponents of the balanced budget economy of this country under control postwar period, many economists argue, largely because of the greater role govern- amendment talk about needing to and save the future for our children spend more in recessions, they should ment has played in easing recessions. But it and grandchildren. is not certain that they are less severe, and consider whether we have spent less in Madam President, I ask unanimous it is even less certain that this is due to gov- prosperous times. Of course, we have consent to have printed in the RECORD ernment. not. The debt has simply gone up high- an excellent editorial by the Investors On the surface it seems true. From 1920 to er and higher. It now stands at over Business Daily of today’s date entitled 1938, recessions averaged 20 months, with a $5.3 trillion. ‘‘Perspective: Balanced-Budget Blath- 14.2% decline in real GNP. Since 1948; they Let me just take a moment to illus- averaged 11 months, with 2.4% drop in real er,’’ as well as an excellent editorial by GNP. Unfortunately, it’s hard to compare trate just how big that is. This chart Bruce Bartlett entitled ‘‘Dangers that shows, if you were to lay the debt of the two periods, because the prewar data are Don’t Hang in the Balance.’’ quite crude. $5.3 trillion in $1 bills end to end on a There being no objection, the mate- National Bureau of Economic Research road, they would stretch 514,283,460 rial was ordered to be printed in the economist Christina Romer, in an key 1986 miles. Were you to drive to the end of RECORD, as follows: American Economic Review article, tried to that road traveling an average of 500 compare apples with apples. She adjusted the BALANCED-BUDGET BLATHER miles per day at 65 miles per hour, it more recent data so that it was calculated would take you 2,818 years. You would Without deficits, recessions would be much like those of the prewar period. longer, deeper and harder to pull out of, the have to drive along the road paved with And she found the evidence of a change in common wisdom says. Treasury Secretary the length, frequency and severity of busi- dollar bills for 500 miles a day at 65 Robert Rubin echoes that in opposing a bal- ness cycles was weak. miles an hour for 2,818 years. anced-budget amendment. But it’s not true. Even if recessions are less severe, it may That gives us a little understanding The idea that deficit spending could have little to do with government. The grow- of how big the debt is. Two thousand smooth out the rough spots in a business ing importance of the service sector, where

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1095 employment tends to be stable, could be one DATES OF RECESSIONS AND ANTI-RECESSION lieve the balanced budget amendment reason. And technology has helped ease the LEGISLATION—Continued is necessary. Chronic budget deficits sharp boom-bust cycle of the farm and fac- and cumulative national debt currently tory sectors. Beginning End Legislation Legitimate gripes about a balanced-budget threaten to undermine our ability to amendment are easy to come by. But Rubin’s Aug. 57 ...... April 58 ...... April-July 58. act in the public interest. April 60 ...... Feb. 61 ...... May 61, Sept. 62. is not one of them. Dec. 69 ...... Nov. 70 ...... Aug. 71. Budget deficits make it much harder Nov. 73 ...... Mar. 75 ...... Mar. 75, July 76, May 77. for our country to focus on what is TOO LATE July 81 ...... Nov. 82 ...... Jan.-Mar. 83. July 90 ...... Nov. 91 ...... Nov. 91, April 93. really important: the objectives we want to achieve. Only by balancing the End of recessions Date of anti-recession legislation Source: The Public Interest (summer 1993). budget will we be able to reclaim our Apr. ’58 ...... Apr.—July ’58. Mr. HATCH. Madam President, there country’s ability to decide to make im- Feb. ’61 ...... May ’61—Sept. ’62. Nov. ’70 ...... Aug. ’71. will never be a time when we have a portant investments in our commu- Mar. ’75 ...... Mar. ’75.—July ’76, May ’77. Nov. ’82 ...... Jan.—Mar. ’83. true economic need and a true eco- nities, such as fixing crumbling Nov. ’91 ...... Nov. ’91.—Apr. ’93. nomic emergency that we will not get schools, investing in mass transit, pro- Source: The Public Interest. a three-fifths vote. As a general mat- viding pension security, ensuring that ter, whenever we needed it for unem- our airways are safe, or caring for the DANGERS THAT DON’T HANG IN THE BALANCE ployment compensation, whenever we poor. (By Bruce Bartlett) needed it for emergencies, there has al- Unless we take a long-term view of Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin strongly ways been more than three-fifths. That opposes the Balanced Budget Amendment to budgetary problems and require perma- the Constitution. His main concern is that it requirement of consensus to borrow, nent fiscal prudence, the Federal Gov- will hamper the government’s ability to re- which allows for flexibility but not ernment will be forced to spend its respond to an economic downturn. While this complete laxity, is the value of this sources on paying interest to bond- is a valid concern, it is overstated. Congress amendment and the strength of this holders, rather than on addressing the can always abandon the balanced budget re- amendment. priorities of the American people. quirement by a super-majority vote, which it So we can’t just do what our friend In the name of intergenerational fair- certainly would do in the event of an eco- from Illinois would like to do, and that nomic crisis. More importantly, however, ness—fairness to these young people there is no evidence that deficit spending has is to just have a nebulous set of terms who are here as pages and their genera- been necessary to recover from past rescis- that would allow this Congress to do tion—in the interest of intergen- sions. whatever it wants to about spending in erational fairness, we need to keep in It is undeniably true that Congress always the future. What we are trying to do is mind the needs of the next generation, passes some sort of anti-recession legislation establish some restraints and get this not just current short-term issues. every time there is an economic slowdown. place under control. While we want to be able to respond But the history of such legislation is that it This constitutional amendment’s ap- always comes too late to do any good. In to the next emergency and to the next fact, the date that anti-recession legislation proach is a bipartisan approach. It is one, not telling the truth about the becomes law often corresponds to the very not a Republican approach; it is not a budget and not making the tough date that the recession ends. More fre- Democrat approach. It has taken a lot choices required forces us to continue quently, the legislation comes well after the of us working together year after to try to finance our future with debt. recession’s trough. And since the actual year—in my case, over 20 years now— That accumulation of debt, however, spending does not come into effect imme- to get this bipartisan amendment, the diately, it has always been the case that will make America less competitive only one having a chance of going and less able to respond effectively to anti-recession spending did not impact on through, and everybody knows that. So the economy until long after the recession’s future emergencies and future prior- end—sometimes many years afterward. hoping for a version more to one’s lik- ities. The table illustrates this point, looking at ing is no excuse not to vote for this. Because of persistent deficits and a every major postwar recession as defined by Everybody knows this is the amend- huge national debt, the value of what the National Bureau of Economic Research. ment. We are hopeful this amendment Government is doing is being lost. So- As one can see, there is not a single case in will pass intact and be sent to the cial Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which anti-recession legislation was enacted House, and if it receives the required in a timely fashion, so as to mitigate the for example, have reduced poverty economic downturn. In fact, one can argue votes in the House, it will be a great among the elderly to the lowest levels that such legislation may have made mat- day for America. since statistics first started being kept. ters worse. By overstimulating the economy I yield the floor. Social Security has administrative Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN addressed the during upturns, it may have sown the seeds costs of less than 1 percent of benefits of future recessions. Chair. The problem is that for anti-recession The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- paid, and Medicare has administrative spending to work, forecasters would have to ator from Illinois. costs of less than 3 percent of benefits see a recession coming. Legislation would Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Thank you, paid, both far better in terms of admin- have to be enacted into law well in advance, Madam President. I rise to speak on istrative costs than their private coun- and programs implemented so as to coincide the balanced budget amendment to the terparts. with the beginning of the downturn. These These programs account for almost are virtually impossible requirements to Constitution. meet. Forecasters seldom, if ever, accurately Madam President, I am a liberal. I 50 percent of all noninterest Federal predict turning points in the economy. And also support a balanced budget amend- spending, and they have made it pos- if they could, it is doubtful that they would ment to the U.S. Constitution. To sible for literally tens of millions of be persuasive enough to convince Congress some, this might appear a contradic- Americans to enjoy a secure, healthy and the administration to act in time. And tion in terms. To others, including my retirement, and they have helped in- even if they did, it usually takes a year or predecessor in office, Senator Paul crease longevity. more to get programs implemented and The Federal Government has also money flowing. Simon, it is as logically consistent as Thus it is absurd to argue that the Bal- the classical definition of ‘‘liberalism,’’ built the Interstate Highway System, anced Budget Amendment should be defeated and I quote: ‘‘Belonging to the people; set aside national parks and created a because it will hamstring the government’s giving freely; generous; tolerant of space program that put men on the ability to respond to economic downturns. views differing from one’s own; broad- Moon, and will soon begin a space sta- All recessions really do is give politicians an minded; favoring reform or progress as tion. excuse to enact pork-barrel public works in education; favoring political reforms We financed an American military programs in the name of mitigating the re- that won the cold war, and we went to cession. If the amendment prevents such tending toward democracy and per- wasteful spending it will serve a useful pur- sonal freedom for the individual; pro- the Persian Gulf and achieved victory pose. gressive.’’ at the lowest possible cost in American Those are all definitions to be found lives. DATES OF RECESSIONS AND ANTI-RECESSION LEGISLATION in Webster’s New World Dictionary of a In short, Madam President, Govern- ‘‘liberal.’’ ment can work. But Government suc- Beginning End Legislation It is precisely because I believe in cesses are being swallowed up in inter- Nov. 48 ...... Oct. 49 ...... Oct. 49. this definition of liberalism that I be- est costs that were only 40 years ago

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 about a penny out of every dollar and aging as a population. That is impact- rity from the rest of the budget be- now today are 15 cents out of every dol- ing on our budget situation and the de- cause, again, Treasury bond purchases lar, and growing. Is there any wonder cisions that we here in the Congress and sales continue to bind Social Secu- that Americans felt more prosperous in have to make. rity tightly to the rest of the budget. the 1950’s and in the 1960’s than they do By the year 2012 the Social Security Perhaps most important, it does noth- today? trust fund will begin spending more ing to protect the long-term future of The balanced budget amendment will money than it takes in. By the year Social Security. The only way to pro- not undermine the value of what the 2029 the trust fund will have exhausted tect the long-term future of Social Se- Federal Government does. The bal- all its resources. After 2012, when there curity and to keep the important So- anced budget amendment will help are no more surpluses, Federal deficits cial Security contract with the Amer- clear out that undergrowth of debt, will really begin to explode, an explo- ican people is through reform of that making room for more investment in sion that will be fueled by the looming system. the values that we hold dear. retirement of the baby-boom genera- Madam President, the balanced budg- According to the Congressional Budg- tion. et constitutional amendment will not et Office, the Federal Government is It is true that for the next 15 years solve these problems overnight. What right now spending $684 million every Social Security will be running a sur- it will do, however, is force the Con- day for interest payments on the na- plus. It will be taking in more than it gress, the President, and the American tional debt. That is $684 million that spends. I agree that the existence of people, to face the truth about the could otherwise be used for Head Start, these annual surpluses does make the budget, all of it, both on the revenue for housing programs, for our battle consolidated budget deficit look small- and on the expenditure side of the against crimes or drugs or to repair our er in the relative short run. But that equation. crumbling school infrastructure. And surplus is a temporary phenomenon. Unless we get the deficit under con- $684 million a day is a resource hemor- After 2012 Social Security will begin trol, we will be leaving to our children rhage that we, as a nation, can ill af- consuming that accumulated surplus. and to our children’s children a legacy ford. Madam President, the temporary or of debt that will make it impossible for In fiscal year 1996, we spent $241 bil- the permanent nature of the surpluses them to achieve the American dream. lion to service our national debt. The perhaps would not be important if it We owe it to our children and their national debt, as you no doubt have were actually possible to decouple So- children to get our fiscal house in order heard, is now $5.2 trillion, and it is cial Security completely from the rest now. If we fail to do so, our legacy to growing. We cannot allow these trends of the Federal Government. Social Se- future generations will be one of great- to continue unchecked. If we do not act curity, however, is intimately related er problems and diminished opportuni- now, if we wait until the country is on to the rest of the Government as long ties. the brink of financial ruin, we will as the Social Security system invests Madam President, I come from a have totally failed our obligation to in Treasury bonds. working-class family. The availability the American people and to our coun- Right now the Treasury Department of public education made it possible for try and our children, and the next gen- is selling U.S. Government bonds to me to get advanced degrees. I have no eration will pay the price for that fail- the public, both here and abroad, and doubt that without the commitment of ure. to the Social Security system. What my parents’ generation to create a na- Madam President, I served on the Bi- that means is that whether Social Se- tional community which would nurture partisan Commission on Entitlement curity is part of the budget or not, the my talents, I would not be here today and Tax Reform. One of the conclu- Treasury Department will be selling speaking to you as a U.S. Senator. It sions that was made clear there was exactly the same amount of bonds to saddens me that it is harder for a child that unless we get the deficit under the public, including those sold to the to get a quality education or for a control, by the year 2003 mandatory trust fund. And it is the amount of teenager to pay for college or for a spending, which is entitlements plus bond sales to the public that is the real young couple to have a single wage interest on the national debt, by that measure of the Federal deficits in any earner outside the home today than it year they will account for fully 73 per- given year. was a generation ago. cent of the total Federal budget. These The unbreakable connection of an The recent dismantling of our na- few programs already consume almost even theoretically off-budget Social tional commitment to support poor two-thirds of Federal resources. So do- Security system to the rest of the Fed- children is just the beginning of the mestic discretionary spending, that is eral budget will become even more chilling effect that these chronic budg- to say, the kinds of things we appro- clear by the year 2012 when the Social et deficits will have. We are faced with priate here, will be frozen out alto- Security trust fund ceases to take in making hard choices by which this gen- gether if we do not get a handle on the more money than it pays outs. After eration will define our national com- continuing deficits. that year, Social Security will begin munity. That is again why I support Even though, Madam President, the cashing in its Treasury bonds. So this amendment. current economic news is generally whether Social Security is on budget But, Madam President, whether we good and the economy continues to ex- our not is irrelevant, frankly, to the look to the future or look to the past, pand, we know that markets go up but fact that the Treasury Department will the arguments in favor of passage of then markets also go down again. So have to find the cash to pay off those the balanced budget amendment are the trend, given the changes in our Treasury bonds. compelling. country and the demographic changes, There are only three basic ways that As one of our Founding Fathers, is not likely to continue. that can be done: issuing new bonds to Thomas Jefferson, stated: A recently released Congressional the public, thereby increasing the Fed- We should consider ourselves unauthorized Budget Office report entitled, ‘‘The eral deficits in those years; raising to saddle posterity with our debts, and mor- Economic and Budget Outlook: Fiscal taxes by the amount necessary, which ally bound to pay them ourselves. Years 1998–2007,’’ points out: is another option; or cutting spending This proposition is as true today as it Despite the improved outlook through on other programs by the amounts was when he stated it centuries ago. 2007. . .the budget situation will start to de- needed. I hope we never have to get to Madam President, our country’s debt teriorate rapidly only a few years later with making those Draconian cuts. I believe did not emerge from a national emer- the retirement of the first baby boomers and that passing the balanced budget gency nor from some massive Federal the continued growth of per-person health amendment will keep us from having initiative to build roads or educate care costs. to make those choices under that gun. children or to create jobs for poor peo- Madam President, the demographics Madam President, taking Social Se- ple. It came in peacetime and, frankly, of our time are something that we have curity out of the budget, therefore, largely while no one noticed. When a to come to grips with. I like to tell peo- does nothing to make our long-term national consensus against chronic ple that this year alone a baby boomer budget problems either better or worse. deficits did emerge, it came after the will turn 50 every 9 seconds. So we are It does nothing to protect Social Secu- debt had reached historic proportions.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1097 Madam President, we should have to waive the Budget Act. I believe in Critics also claim that a balanced known better. George Washington, in the event of an emergency or a reces- budget amendment poses enforcement his farewell address warned the Nation: sion, Congress would be able, would be problems, and I will for a moment ad- As a very important source of strength and anxious to obtain a three-fifths major- dress that. For instance, there are security, cherish public credit. One method ity to enact a countercyclical package fears that disputes would go to the of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as of tax cuts or investment spending to courts. I believe that elevating the bal- possible, avoiding occasions of expense by counter the economic downturn. The anced budget amendment requirement cultivating peace, but remembering, also, requirement of the three-fifths major- that timely disbursements, to prepare for to constitutional status will, in and of ity, however, will ensure that the cre- itself, be enough to guarantee that it danger, frequently prevent much greater dis- ation of a specific deficit is done with bursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the will be upheld. Every Member of this deliberation and care, and is not a cas- accumulation of debt, not only by shunning Congress has taken an oath to uphold ual occurrence. occasion of expense, but by exertions in the Constitution of the United States. times of peace, to discharge the debts which This safety valve also applies to fears about risks of default. Should outlays The American people expect, as they unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not have every right to, that the officials ungenerously throwing upon posterity the exceed receipts and if our country were burdens which we ourselves ought to bear. faced with a situation where we were in to whom they entrust the Constitution Again, Madam President, sage advice danger of not being able to pay interest will not betray that public trust. from the Founding Fathers did not, on our debt, Congress could respond Nor, however, do I believe that the could not, overcome the pressures of with a three-fifths vote to increase the amendment will unduly involve the the political and demographic realities debt. However, this dilemma could be Federal judiciary in matters of fiscal of our times. Legislators are often avoided if Congress and the President policy. Senate Joint Resolution 1 pro- judged by constituents on their ability followed the tenets of the amendment vides ‘‘the Congress shall enforce and to—you may not have this expression and actually balance the budget, or, implement this article by appropriate in your State. But we do in Illinois— better yet, establish a rainy day emer- legislation * * *’’ In other words, Con- ‘‘bring home the bacon’’ whether in gency fund. gress is directed to enact legislation to Madam President, an economist terms of actual pork barrel project spe- make the amendment work. That can friend of mine who I had dinner with cific spending or in terms of across the include, if necessary, actions to limit argued passionately that we should not board program funding. Each and every the remedies a court could grant in a constituency wants its share. Each has be concerned about the debt because after all it is money that we owe our- case brought under the balanced budg- legitimate rationale for its demands. et amendment. However, these constituency de- selves. After all, the interest is paid on mands must be seen in the long term Treasury bonds, so reduced to its es- In addition, the courts have already and overarching context of our respon- sentials, it is money that is recir- developed a number of doctrines which sibility to the public interest. The de- culated in other ways. I do not dispute will limit the type and the number of that point. However, it seems to me mographic changes the future holds lawsuits which may be brought under that recycling large and growing will mean more demand, not less, for the act. First and foremost, all liti- amounts of taxpayer money to bond- health care and retirement security, at gants must have standing in order to holders represents a real problem that precisely the time that changes in bring a claim. This generally requires we ought to face up to, as well. We are technology and the global economy re- the potential plaintiffs to show they putting off the books and out of Con- quires more, not less, investment in have suffered an injury, in fact, that gress’ control, scarce resources which education, transportation, and infra- was caused by the alleged unlawful are then no longer available for our na- structure. The confluences of these conduct and which is redressable by tional priorities. trends which government does not con- the courts. Courts have been extremely My friend also argues, further, that reluctant to confer standing to liti- trol make more important than ever the balanced budget amendment does gants based on their status as tax- that we make decisions about those not allow for capital investment. payers. Furthermore, courts have a things we do control. Passage of the Again, while most States that have a longstanding practice of avoiding con- balanced budget amendment will force balanced budget amendment do provide troversies that involve a political ques- a discipline in our decisionmaking for a separate capital budget, the bal- which may well be the only force great anced budget amendment that we are tion. So, I believe, again, that there are enough to counter the institutional considering here today does not pre- adequate safeguards to make certain force in favor of secret spending. clude Congress from enacting capital that the courts do not take over the I am not keen about tinkering with budgeting at the Federal level. constitutional function of this legisla- the Constitution. Happily, the Found- Another criticism is that should a ture under a balanced budget amending Fathers envisaged the periodic pop- three-fifths vote be necessary, it would ment. ularity of constitutional amendments, be difficult for Congress to obtain the Madam President, the opponents of and required absolute consensus in the votes to address emergencies. Again, Senate Joint Resolution 1 have a great process. I hope the balanced budget the need to achieve a three-fifths vote many arguments to support their view amendment is one of the few to make majority is not a foreign concept to that a balanced budget amendment is it through the Congress and ratifica- this Congress. In the Senate, 60 votes unnecessary and unwise. I do not doubt tion by the States. are required to invoke cloture on a bill. the sincerity of their opposition, for There have been amendments to the Sixty votes are also necessary to waive their ranks include a number of Sen- Constitution proposed for just about the enforcement provisions of the ators with whom I usually find myself everything in recent years. I hope, Budget Act. In each case, the 60-vote in agreement. On balance, however, I however, that this one which had been mark is achieved or negotiations and believe that the only way we will be suggested at the time of the Constitu- compromise to develop an alternative able to turn the current budget trends tional Convention, that this one finally way of proceeding. around is to face reality with the help makes it through. One might point out now the way we of the balanced budget amendment. We Now, Madam President, critics of the obtain the majority necessary to raise must honestly address the budgetary, amendment have argued or warned us the debt is for both parties to get the fiscal, and social issues of our time that a balanced budget amendment votes from their Members. Taking out without resorting to the pocketbook could worsen economic recessions or partisanship is no less necessary under resources of future generations. downturns. The amendment, however, a 60-vote margin. On the important contains a safety valve for just this issue of approving more debt, three- As I stated at the outset, I am a lib- sort of situation. The safety valve fifths is large enough to assure the de- eral. My support of the balanced budg- would allow Congress to provide for a cision is made with due deliberation et amendment is logically consistent specific deficit by passing a law with a but not so large that a minority in ei- with that definition of liberalism that three-fifths vote in each House; the ther House can deadlock the Govern- I previously outlined, for several rea- same vote, I point out, that is required ment. sons. The balanced budget amendment

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 will save our ability to invest in peo- to congratulate those new Members But who should get the credit for the latest ple. It will protect our capacity for hu- who have made their first addresses on deficit figure? Bill Clinton likes to say his mane government. And the balanced this important issue. I appreciate their tax increase did the trick, although in a mo- participation. ment of weakness he admits he raised taxes budget will help expand people’s oppor- too much. He also emphasizes his ‘‘cuts’’ in tunities. It is good policy and it is an Second, I would like to add just a few spending, although in the package ulti- idea whose time has come. additional thoughts on the notion of mately enacted most of the claimed slow- Madam President, every generation the so-called automatic stabilizers and down in spending growth takes place after of Americans has been able to address the moderation of the business cycle. 1996. Is the Clinton economic plan of 1993 re- and resolve challenges unique to their Madam President, I believe the im- sponsible for the decline in the deficit? time. That is what makes this country portance of automatic stabilizers has It’s especially helpful to focus on the out- great. Our current fiscal challenges are been overstated. comes in two fiscal years, two years apart, reflecting two Congresses: 1994 and 1996, the daunting, but I am convinced that pas- In her testimony before the Senate Budget Committee just last month, first being the product of a Democratic Con- sage of this amendment will preserve gress, and the latter of a Republican Con- our Government’s ability to act to face CBO Director June O’Neill responded gress. our underlying budget problems—hon- to a question about the effectiveness of In April 1993, soon after taking office, Mr. estly and directly—and save our ability automatic stabilizers by citing better Clinton proposed a budget for 1994 that fore- to invest in people. monetary policy and the Nation’s move cast a 9.2 percent increase in receipts—from Passing a balanced budget amend- away from an agricultural based econ- an estimated $1,146 billion for 1993 to $1,251 billion. The latter figure included $36 billion ment will not prevent the Government omy, with the inherent ups and downs that go along with agriculture, as fac- in additional taxes from his economic plan from acting to help address problems, (‘‘A Vision of Change for America’’) an- and working to create expanded oppor- tors at least as important as automatic nounced two months earlier. Actual receipts tunities for Americans. It will mean stabilizers in minimizing recessions. in 1994 were $1,258 billion—$7 billion more that we will not abandon our responsi- Additionally, the move to a service than the initial forecast, and an increment bility to help educate our children, to economy and better inventory manage- due to the economic boost attributable to assist the poor in moving into the eco- ment practices has reduced the fluctua- further spending restraint (see below). In the budget, Mr. Clinton proposed a 3.2 percent nomic mainstream, to protect our envi- tions associated with inventory over- stocks and the factory economy. increase in outlays—from an estimated $1,468 ronment, or to exercise leadership in billion to $1,515 billion, the latter figure re- any number of areas of important pub- The global economy and greater business information and efficiency have flecting his plan’s $5 billion net reduction lic policy. Balancing the budget may from the spending baseline. Actual outlays be the critical element in our efforts to also contributed to a more stable econ- in 1994 were $1,461 billion—$54 billion less preserve the American dream of a bet- omy. than Mr. Clinton asked for. Clearly, the def- Finally, there has been much discus- ter tomorrow. icit reduction in 1994—from $255 billion (ac- I have no doubt but that this genera- sion of who can take credit for the re- tual) to $203 billion (actual) was due more to tion of Americans is as compassionate cent reductions in the deficit. spending restraint by Congress ($54 billion) I believe that, like the increases in than to Mr. Clinton’s economic plan ($41 bil- and creative and patriotic as previous the deficit, the credit is to be shared. A lion). generations were. We will be forced to recent article by Jim Miller, a former In 1995, receipts were $13 billion higher make artificially draconian choices if than forecast, such forecast reflecting $47 OMB Director shows various ways cred- we continue to spend what we do not billion in new taxes from President Clinton’s it might be shared, and I ask unani- have, and delude ourselves that debt economic plan. Outlays were within $1 bil- mous consent that that article be passed on to future generations is not lion of Mr. Clinton’s request, which reflected printed in the RECORD following my re- debt. The balanced budget amendment an $18 billion reduction from the baseline marks. due to his economic plan. The actual deficit will force a fiscal discipline which will The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fell from $203 billion to $164 billion, and in be the first step toward ensuring our objection, it is so ordered. this instance one can argue that Mr. Clin- generation will adequately and hon- (See exhibit 1.) ton’s economic plan is the major factor. estly address its needs so that future Mr. HATCH. Madam President, the In February 1995, President Clinton sub- generations will at least have the same fight to adopt a balanced budget mitted his budget for 1996. In it, he forecast a 5.2 percent increase in receipts—from $1,346 opportunity. amendment is a bipartisan one. Madam President, I yield to the Sen- billion to $1,416 billion, the latter figure re- I congratulate my Democrat col- flecting a $54 billion increase due to his eco- ator from Utah. leagues who have argued for the bal- Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I nomic plan. Actual receipts, announced a anced budget amendment. Their sup- week before the election, were $1,453 billion— thank my distinguished colleague from port shows that this constitutional $37 billion more than forecast, arguably at- Illinois. She may call herself a liberal, amendment is a nonpartisan solution tributable to Congress’ additional budget re- and that is fine with me. But she has to a nonpartisan problem. straint (see below). In that same budget, Mr. Clinton proposed a 4.7 percent increase in stood up on this amendment as one of EXHIBIT 1 outlays—from $1,539 billion to $1,612 billion, our principal cosponsors on the Demo- [From the Washington Times, January 15, the latter figure reflecting a $34 billion re- cratic side of the floor, and that is one 1997] duction from the spending baseline due to of the reasons this amendment is as (By James Miller) good as it is and why it is a bipartisan passage of his economic plan. Actual outlays GIVING CREDIT WHERE DUE FOR LOWER were $1,560 billion—$52 billion less than Mr. amendment. I’m personally grateful to DEFICIT Clinton asked for. Thus, the sizable reduc- her for her courage in standing up for A week before the election, President Clin- tion in the actual deficit in 1996—from $614 this. I think the generations will, as we ton announced the scorecard for fiscal 1996 billion to $107 billion—was due to additional pass this amendment, thank the distin- (which ended Sept. 31): the deficit was $107 spending restraint by Congress ($52 billion) guished Senator from Illinois for stand- billion—lower than any time since 1981. As as well as the combined effects of the spending up and being willing to articulate someone who would easily take credit for a ing restraint and the new taxes in President why this is so important. So, again, I brilliant sunrise or a starry night, Mr. Clin- Clinton’s original economic plan ($88 bil- want to personally express my fondness ton wasted no time in claiming the deficit lion). record was the product of his ‘‘economic Thus, if you give President Clinton all the for her and my feelings of what a great plan.’’ credit for the forecast changes due to his job she does on this issue and how I Credits aside, the deficit record is very economic plan, he accounts for $194 billion of personally appreciate it. I have enjoyed good news indeed. More U.S. saving is avail- reduction from the baseline deficit over the her remarks. They have been right on able for private investment, and the Federal three fiscal years, whereas Congress deserves point. I think she covered the issues Reserve is less likely to act in such a way as credit for at least $107 billion because of fur- very well and, frankly, I hope every- to restrain the economy. Tragically, had ther spending restraint. If you give Congress body in this country is listening to it. Congress adopted the budget discipline credit for the $57 billion revenue boost in President Reagan recommended in his 1988 1996 (see below), Congress can claim credit As we close, I wanted to offer just a budget, the deficit would have been $108 bil- for $164 billion in deficit reduction. If you few final remarks on today’s debate. lion and ‘‘going South’’ eight years ago. give Mr. Clinton credit only for the tax por- First, I would once again like to Think of what spending restraint to balance tion of the plan (his negotiations with Con- thank all those who have participated the budget (by 1991) would have meant for gress focused on its demand for spending reso far in the debate. I especially wish economic growth in the meantime! straints vs. his demand for tax increase), Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1099 Clinton’s contribution is only $137 billion; REPORT CONCERNING THE BUDG- While cutting the deficit, we also Congress accounts for the rest—$221 billion. ET OF THE UNITED STATES— have cut the Federal work force by Of further interest here is that, contrary to MESSAGE FROM THE PRESI- over 250,000 positions, bringing it to its the rhetoric over alleged excesses of the DENT—PM 10 smallest size in 30 years and, as a share (104th) Republican Congress in paring programs indiscriminately, its record on spend- The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- of the civilian work force, its smallest ing in its first year was almost precisely the fore the Senate the following message since the 1930s. We have eliminated same as that of the first year of the last from the President of the United Federal regulations that we don’t need (103rd) Democratic Congress—both gave the States, together with an accompanying and improved the ones we do. And we president some $50 billion less than he asked. report; which was referred jointly, pur- have done all this while improving the Receipts in 1994 (and 1993) were close to suant to the order of January 30, 1975; service that Federal agencies are pro- forecast. But what explains the substantially viding to the American people. larger-than-forecast receipts in 1996? If the to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on the Budget. We have cut wisely. We have, in fact, stock and bond markets are any guide, the cut enough in unnecessary and lower- determination expressed by the new Repub- To the Congress of the United States: priority spending to find the resources lican majorities in the House and Senate to The 1998 Budget, which I am trans- balance the budget by restraining spending to invest in the future. That’s why we improved the economic outlook and was re- mitting to you with this message, were able to cut taxes for 15 million sponsible for the better-than-expected eco- builds upon our successful economic working families, to make college nomic performance during the last fiscal program of the last four years by bal- more affordable for 10 million students, year (3 percent real growth vs. 2.5 percent ancing the budget while investing in to put tens of thousands of young peo- forecast) which in turn led to higher federal the future. ple to work through national service, receipts. My budget reaches balance in 2002 to invest more in basic and biomedical the right way—cutting unnecessary EFFECTS ON DEFICIT: CLINTON VS. CONGRESS research, and to help reduce crime by and lower-priority spending while pro- putting more police on the street. [In billions of dollars] tecting our values. It strengthens My plan to reach balance in 2002 pro- Medicare and Medicaid, improves last vides the resources to continue these Fiscal years— Cumu- year’s welfare reform law, and provides important investments. We must not 1994 1995 1996 lative tax relief to help Americans raise their only provide tax relief for average Clinton tax increase ...... ¥36 ¥47 ¥54 ¥137 children, send them to college, and Americans, but also increase access to Clinton spending restraint ...... ¥5 ¥18 ¥34 ¥57 Congressional revenue increase ...... ¥7 ¥13 ¥37 ¥57 save for the future. It invests in edu- education and training; expand health Congressional spending restraint ..... ¥54 ¥1 ¥52 ¥107 cation and training, the environment, insurance to the unemployed and chil- science and technology, and law en- dren who lack it; better protect the en- f forcement to raise living standards and vironment; enhance our investments in UNANIMOUS-CONSENT the quality of life for average Ameri- biomedical and other research; beef up AGREEMENT—AMENDMENT NO. 2 cans. our law enforcement efforts; and pro- Over the last four years, my Admin- Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I ask vide the needed funds for a thriving istration and Congress have already unanimous consent that at 3:30 p.m. on global policy and a strong defense. done much of the hard work of reach- Monday, February 10, the Senate re- PUTTING THE BUILDING BLOCKS IN PLACE ing balance in 2002. We have reversed sume consideration of Senator DUR- When my Administration took office the trend of higher deficits that we in- BIN’s amendment regarding economic in 1993, we inherited an economy that herited, and we have gone almost two- hardship. I further ask that there be 2 had barely grown over the previous thirds of the way to reaching balance. hours for debate, equally divided in the four years while creating few jobs. The Now, I want to work with Congress to usual form, and at the hour of 5:30 p.m. budget deficit had hit record levels, achieve the final increment of deficit on Monday the Senate proceed to vote and experts in and out of Government cutting and bring the budget into bal- on or in relation to the Durbin amend- expected it to go higher. Savings and ance for the first time since 1969. ment, and no amendments be in order investment were down, interest rates to the Durbin amendment prior to the BUILDING A BRIDGE TO THE 21ST CENTURY were up, and incomes remained stag- 5:30 p.m. vote. For four years, my Administration nant, making it harder for families to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without has worked to prepare America for the pay their bills. objection, it is so ordered. future, to create a Government and a We put in place a comprehensive set set of policies that will help give Amer- of policies that are bearing fruit. By f icans the tools they need to compete in cutting the deficit from $290 billion to MORNING BUSINESS an increasingly competitive, global $107 billion last year, my economic pro- economy. Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I ask gram (and the strong economy it We have worked to create oppor- unanimous consent that there now be a helped create) has brought the deficit tunity for all Americans, to demand re- period for the transaction of morning to its lowest level since 1981. As a share sponsibility from all Americans, and to business, with Senators permitted to of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we strengthen the American community. speak therein for up to 5 minutes each. have our smallest deficit since 1974 and We have worked to bring the Nation to- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the smallest of any major industri- gether because, as Americans have objection, it is so ordered. alized nation. shown time and again over the years, Other parts of my economic policy f together we can overcome whatever also are helping to create jobs and MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT hurdles stand before us. raise living standards. With regard to Working with Congress and the trade, for instance, my Administration Messages from the President of the American people, we have put America not only completed the Uruguay Round United States were communicated to on the right path. Today, the United of the General Agreement on Tariffs the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his States is safer, stronger, and more and Trade and the North American secretaries. prosperous. Our budget deficit is much Free Trade Agreement, but also more EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED smaller, our Government much leaner, than 200 separate trade agreements, As in executive session the Presiding and our policies much wiser. helping to raise exports to record lev- Officer laid before the Senate messages The economic plan that we put in els. By opening overseas markets to from the President of the United place in 1993 has exceeded all expecta- American goods—by encouraging free States submitting one nomination tions. Already, it has helped to reduce and fair trade—we are creating high- which was referred to the Committee the deficit by 63 percent—from the wage jobs at home. on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- record $290 billion of 1992 to just $107 Taken together, our budget and trade fairs. billion in 1996—and it has spurred a policies have helped to create over 11 (The nomination received today is record of strong growth, low interest million new jobs in the last four years. printed at the end of the Senate pro- rates, low inflation, millions of new After two decades of troubling stagna- ceedings.) jobs, and record exports for four years. tion, incomes have begun to rise again

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 while inequality shrinks. Also, partly viduals who lose group coverage; and search in health sciences at the Na- due to a strong economy (and partly to that self-employed people will find it tional Institutes of Health, in basic re- our policies), poverty, welfare, and easier and cheaper to get health insur- search and education at the National crime are down all across America. ance. Now, I want to strengthen both Science Foundation, in research at With strong growth, low interest Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that other agencies that depend on science rates, low inflation, millions more they continue to serve the tens of mil- and technology, and in cooperative jobs, record exports, more savings and lions of Americans who rely on them, ventures with industry, such as investment, and higher incomes, the to expand health care coverage to help through the successful Advanced Tech- Nation is enjoying what such experts the growing numbers of American chil- nology Program and Manufacturing as Alan Greenspan, the chairman of the dren and families who lack insurance, Extension Partnerships. Federal Reserve, have described as the and to promote public health. My budg- I want to build on our efforts to fight healthiest economy in a generation. et invests more in biomedical research, crime, curb the scourge of illegal Now, our challenge is to complete the in programs to combat infectious dis- drugs, and secure the Nation’s borders. job that we began in 1993—to bring the eases, in the Ryan White AIDS pro- Crime is falling all across America. budget into balance for the first time gram that provides potentially life-ex- And, under the Brady Bill that I fought since 1969 while continuing to invest in tending drug therapies to many people so hard to achieve, we have prevented the American people. My budget does with AIDS, and in community health over 100,000 felons, fugitives, and stalk- that. centers and Indian Health Service fa- ers from obtaining guns. Now, I want IMPROVING PERFORMANCE IN A BALANCED cilities that serve critically under- to make further progress and, in par- BUDGET WORLD served populations. ticular, target juvenile crime and vio- Led by the Vice President’s National We have to ensure that every Amer- lence. My budget continues our Performance Review, we are truly cre- ican has the skills and education need- progress toward putting 100,000 more ating a Government that ‘‘works better ed to win in the new economy, and we police on the street. It renews our ef- and costs less.’’ can do that only if every American is forts to fight drug abuse, particularly We have cut the Federal work force ready for a lifetime of continuous by focusing on youth prevention pro- by over 250,000 positions, eliminated learning. My budget expands Head grams to reverse the recent trends of over 200 programs and projects, closed Start, increases our investments in softening attitudes toward drugs and nearly 2,000 obsolete field offices, cut Federal elementary and secondary edu- more drug use by young Americans. It red tape, and eliminated thousands of cation programs, launches a new effort also strengthens our efforts to control pages of regulations while dramati- to jump-start needed school renovation illegal immigration by stopping those cally simplifying thousands more. We and construction, and provides funds who want to enter illegally, quickly re- also are providing better service for for America Reads to ensure that all moving those who slipped by, and mak- Americans—at the Social Security Ad- children can read well and independ- ing it harder for illegal immigrants to ministration, the Department of Vet- ently by the end of third grade. To ex- get jobs. erans Affairs, and other agencies. pand higher education and training to Because some American communities Our efforts to balance the budget will all Americans, I propose HOPE scholar- have grown disconnected from the op- continue to put a premium on spending ship tax credits of up to $1,500 for two portunity and prosperity that most of wisely. I am determined that we will years, tax deductions of up to $10,000, us enjoy, I want to help communities provide the highest-quality service to the largest increase in Pell Grant attract private investment to spur Americans for the lowest price. And I scholarships in two decades, lower stu- their revitalization. Because perma- will demand that agencies continue to dent loan fees and interest rates, and nent solutions must come from the search for better and better ways to the G.I. Bill for America’s Workers so community level, my budget proposes achieve results for the American peo- they can choose where to get the best to create opportunities and offer incen- ple. job training available. tives for individuals and businesses to As we move ahead, we plan to follow We do not have to choose between a participate directly in addressing local a series of strategies that build upon stronger economy and a cleaner envi- problems. I want to expand my na- our successes to date. We will, for in- ronment. Over the last four years, we tional service program so that more stance, restructure agencies to make have produced both. Now, we want to Americans can volunteer and earn them more flexible and decentralized. go further. In this budget, I am pro- money for college. I want to expand We will work to ensure that Federal posing the funds to speed up toxic Empowerment Zones and Enterprise employees and their managers work to- waste clean-ups, to redevelop aban- Communities, making more and more gether to achieve common goals. We doned and contaminated sites known communities eligible for the tax incen- will expand competition to ensure that as ‘‘brownfields,’’ to improve the facili- tives and other support that can spur a agencies perform their functions as ef- ties at our national parks, to advance return to business and jobs. I also want ficiently as possible. our salmon recovery efforts, to invest to expand the Community Develop- Government cannot solve all of our in energy efficiency and renewable en- ment Financial Institutions Fund to problems, but it surely must help us ergy, to further our environmental ef- enhance credit and other services to solve many of them. We need an effec- forts overseas, and to expand our work distressed areas. In addition, the Na- tive Government to serve as a partner with States, localities, private groups, tion’s capital, which suffers from a with States, localities, business and and others to restore such sensitive unique set of challenges, would benefit labor, communities, schools, and fami- ecosystems as the South Florida Ever- greatly from the groundbreaking pro- lies. Only when we can show the Amer- glades and California’s Bay-Delta area posal that I have previously outlined. ican people that Government can, in between San Francisco and Sac- I am pleased that, today, 2.1 million fact, work better for them can we re- ramento. fewer Americans are on welfare than store their confidence in it. And I am We must maintain our leadership in the day I took office, both because of a determined to do just that. research, the results of which have so strong economy and because I have CREATING OPPORTUNITY, DEMANDING RESPONSI- greatly improved our health and well- helped States to test innovative ways BILITY, AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY being. Federal research, in concert to move people from welfare to work I worked with the last Congress to with the private sector, creates new and protect children. I am also pleased ensure that as many as 25 million knowledge, trains our workers, gen- that I could sign last year’s welfare re- Americans no longer have to fear that erates new jobs and industries, solves form legislation, because I believe it they will lose their access to health in- many of our health care challenges, will promote my basic goals of work, surance if they lose their jobs or strengthens our ability to address envi- family, and responsibility. I have di- change jobs; that people no longer will ronmental issues, enables us to teach rected my Administration to work be denied coverage because they have our children better, and ensures that closely with States so that we can preexisting medical conditions; that we can maintain a strong, capable na- make welfare reform succeed. Last insurance companies will sell coverage tional defense. I am proposing to in- year’s law, however, also included ex- to small employer groups and to indi- crease our investments in basic re- cessive budget cuts, mainly affecting

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1101 nutrition programs, legal immigrants, tion, to ethnic and regional conflicts, ernment expenditures repeatedly exceed and children, that had nothing to do to terrorism and drug trafficking that available revenues, so that the federal public with welfare reform. In signing the bill, directly threaten our free and open so- debt is now approximately $4.9 trillion, or $19,000 for every man, woman, and child; and I said that I would seek legislation to ciety. My budget continues to sustain Whereas, the annual federal budget has not address those problems. My budget and modernize the world’s strongest been balanced since 1969, demonstrating an does that. and most ready military force, a force unwillingness or inability of both the legis- Over the last four years, we have pro- capable of prevailing in two nearly si- lative and executive branches of the federal vided tax relief to millions of working multaneous regional conflicts. It fully government to spend in conformity with Americans and to small businesses. But funds our commitment to maintain the available revenues; and I want to go further by helping middle- highest levels of training and readi- Whereas, knowledgeable planning, fiscal income Americans raise their children, prudence, and plain good sense require that ness, and to equip our uniformed men the federal budget should not be manipulated send them to college, and save for the and women with the most advanced to present the appearance of being in balance future. For those Americans, my tax technologies in the world. We must while, in fact, federal indebtedness continues plan offers a $500 per child tax credit never fall short when it comes to de- to grow; and for all children under 13, a $1,500-a-year fense. Whereas, believing that fiscal irrespon- tax credit to help families send their CONCLUSION sibility at the federal level, which is result- children to college for two years, a Our policies are working. By dra- ing in a lower standard of living and endan- $10,000 tax deduction for tuition and gering economic opportunity now and for the matically cutting the deficit and in- next generation, is the greatest threat which fees for higher education and training, vesting in the future, we have helped to faces our nation; and and expanded Individual Retirement spur four years of strong economic Whereas, Thomas Jefferson recognized the Accounts to encourage saving and en- growth, providing vast new opportuni- importance of a balanced budget when he able families to cope with unforeseen ties for millions of Americans. Jobs, in- wrote, ‘‘The question whether one genera- problems. I am also proposing to en- comes, savings, investment, exports, tion has the right to bind another by the def- sure that homeowners do not have to and homeownership are all up. Crime, icit it imposes is a question of such consequence as to place it among the funda- pay capital gains taxes on 99 percent of poverty, teen pregnancy, and inequal- mental principles of government. We should all home sales. My tax plan would pro- ity are all down. Clearly, we are mov- consider ourselves unauthorized to saddle mote the hiring of long-term welfare ing in the right direction. posterity with our debts, and morally bound recipients in order to help move people But our work is not done. For too to pay them ourselves’’; and from welfare to work, restore the tax long, the Federal Government has Whereas, the principal functions of the credit that encourages business re- spent much more than it received, cre- Constitution of the United States include search and development, and expand ating deficits that cast doubt on both promoting the broadest principles of a gov- our economic future and our ability to ernment of, by, and for the people; setting tax credits for Empowerment Zones forth the most fundamental responsibilities and Enterprise Communities. And it govern. In the last four years, we have of government; and enumerating and lim- would help finance my tax relief by made high progress, cutting the deficit iting the powers of the government to pro- eliminating unwarranted tax loopholes by nearly two-thirds. I urge Congress tect the basic rights of the people; and and preferences. to help me finish the job and balance Whereas, the federal government’s unlim- On the international front, we must the budget by 2002—giving the Amer- ited ability to borrow involves decisions of continue to project our leadership ican people the balanced budget they such magnitude, with such potentially pro- deserve. found consequences for the nation and its abroad while we advance our national people, today and in the future, that it is ap- goals. With the Cold War over, we have WILLIAM J. CLINTON. propriately a subject for limitation by the a great opportunity to expand democ- February 6, 1997. Constitution of the United States; and racy overseas, but we will have a much f Whereas, the Constitution of the United States vests the ultimate responsibility to better chance to succeed if we fulfill MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE our international commitments. In approve or disapprove of amendments to the this budget, I am proposing that we At 11:10 a.m., a message from the Constitution of the United States with the House of Representatives, delivered by people of the several States, as represented pay our arrears to the United Nations by their elected Legislatures; and and other international organizations, Ms. Goetz, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House has passed the Whereas, opposition by a small minority so that our leadership is not under- within Congress and, on occasion, by the mined at this crucial time. But I will following bill, in which it requests the President, has repeatedly thwarted the will also insist that these institutions con- concurrence of the Senate: of the people of the United States that a bal- trol their budgets and enact the re- H.R. 499. An act to designate the facility of anced budget amendment to the Constitu- the United States Postal Service under con- forms that our Government and others tion of the United States should be sub- struction at 7411 Barlite Boulevard in San mitted to the States for ratification while have called for. In addition, we must Antonio, Texas, as the ‘‘Frank M. Tejeda large majorities of both Houses of Congress continue our support for Russia and Post Office Building.’’ already have prepared considered, and voted the New Independent States of the So- f for such amendment; now therefore, be it viet Union as they make the difficult Resolved by the House of Representatives, the transition to free markets and democ- MEASURE REFERRED Senate Concurring, That the General Assem- racy, and we must be prepared to do The following bill was read the first bly of the State of Iowa requests the mem- whatever we can to advance the dif- and second times by unanimous con- bers of the Congress of the United States to expeditiously pass, and to propose to the ficult, but vital, peace process in the sent and referred as indicated: Legislatures of the several States for ratifi- Middle East. A strong, coherent foreign H.R. 499. An act to designate the facility of cation, an amendment to the Constitution of policy also will help us further our the United States Postal Service under con- the United States requiring in the absence of progress in opening markets abroad, struction at 7411 Barlite Boulevard in San a national emergency that the total of all and my budget proposes strong, contin- Antonio, Texas, as the ‘‘Frank M. Tejeda federal appropriations made by the Congress Post Office Building’’; to the Committee on for any fiscal year not exceed the total of all ued support for the Federal efforts that Governmental Affairs. help to expand exports. estimated federal revenues for that fiscal Finally, our goals both at home and f year; and be it Further Resolved, That the Legislatures of abroad must rest on the firm founda- PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS each of the several States comprising the tion of a strong national defense. It is The following petitions and memo- United States be urged to apply to the Con- a strong defense that safeguards our in- rials were laid before the Senate and gress requesting the proposal for ratification terests, prevents conflict, and secures were referred or ordered to lie on the of such an amendment to the Constitution of the peace. We must ensure that our the United States; and be it table as indicated: Further Resolved, That copies of this Reso- armed forces are highly ready and POM–30. A concurrent resolution adopted armed with the best equipment that lution be transmitted to the President of the by the Legislature of the State of Iowa; to United States Senate, the Speaker of the technology can provide. They must be the Committee on the Judiciary. United States House of Representatives, the prepared and trained for the new HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 4 members of Iowa’s congressional delegation, threats to our security—from the pro- Whereas, with each passing year this na- and the presiding officers of each house of liferation of weapons of mass destruction becomes deeper in debt as federal gov- the Legislatures of each of the other States.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 We, Ron J. Corbett, Speaker of the House S. 290. A bill to establish a visa waiver chance to be competitive with their and Mary E. Kramer, President of the Sen- pilot program for nationals of Korea who are counterparts from nations that provide ate; Elizabeth A. Isaacson, Chief Clerk of the traveling in tour groups to the United funding from government sources. House, and Mary Pat Gunderson, Secretary States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. My bill would create a new trust fund of the Senate, hereby certify that the above By Mr. BYRD: and foregoing Resolution was adopted by the S.J. Res. 15. A joint resolution proposing in the Treasury called the United House of Representatives and the Senate of an amendment to the Constitution of the States Olympic Trust Fund. The the Seventy-seventh General Assembly. United States to clarify the intent of the amounts voluntarily contributed by f Constitution to neither prohibit nor require Americans would be deposited into the public school prayer; to the Committee on trust fund. At least once quarterly, the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND the Judiciary. Secretary of Treasury would distribute JOINT RESOLUTIONS f the amounts in the trust fund to the The following bills and joint resolu- USOC, after deducting reasonable ad- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED tions were introduced, read the first ministrative costs. and second time by unanimous con- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS I look forward to working with the sent, and referred as indicated: By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Senate Finance Committee and all of By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Mr. Mr. CAMPBELL, and Mr. the Senate and the House to achieve CAMPBELL, and Mr. BREAUX): BREAUX): enactment of this valuable legislation S. 281. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- S. 281. A bill to amend the Internal in this Congress. I hope this bill will be enue Code of 1986 to provide a mechanism for Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a welcomed by all Americans who believe taxpayers to designate $1 of any overpay- mechanism for taxpayers to designate ment of income tax, and to contribute other in the importance of our country’s ath- amounts, for use by the United States Olym- $1 of any overpayment of income tax, letic programs. pic Committee; to the Committee on Fi- and to contribute other amounts, for Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- nance. use by the United States Olympic Com- sent that the text of the bill be printed By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Mr. mittee; to the Committee on Finance. in the RECORD. CAMPBELL, Mr. BREAUX, and Mr. THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC CHECKOFF ACT There being no objection, the bill was MURKOWSKI): Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, today ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as S. 282. A bill to establish a recurring bi-an- follows: nual Olympic commemorative coins pro- I bring to the Senate the United States gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- Olympic Checkoff Act. This bill would S. 281 mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- provide significant—and needed—new Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- fairs. funding for our Nation’s amateur ath- resentatives of the United States of America in By Mr. BURNS: letic movement. This will present a Congress assembled, S. 283. A bill to establish a Commission on way for Americans to show support for SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United Structural Alternatives for the Federal the United States Olympic Committee, Courts of Appeals; to the Committee on the States Olympic Checkoff Act’’. Judiciary. the USOC, and for our amateur ath- SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF OVERPAYMENTS AND By Mr. LUGAR (for himself and Mr. letes. Simply by checking a box on CONTRIBUTIONS FOR UNITED COATS): their tax returns, American taxpayers STATES OLYMPIC TRUST FUND. S. 284. A bill to amend title 23, United could designate a dollar from their re- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter A of chapter States Code, to improve safety at public rail- funds to go to the USOC, or they could 61 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- way-highway crossings, and for other pur- enclose a contribution to the USOC lating to returns and records) is amended by poses; to the Committee on Environment and adding at the end the following new part: when they mail their tax forms. This Public Works. ‘‘PART IX—DESIGNATION OF OVERPAY- By Mr. SHELBY (for himself, Mr. SES- concept is similar to the existing Pres- MENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SIONS, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. HUTCHINSON, idential checkoff. It is different UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TRUST FUND Mr. COCHRAN, and Mr. SMITH): though, in that this deduction for the ‘‘SEC. 6097. AMOUNTS FOR UNITED STATES OLYM- S. 285. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Olympic Committee would come from PIC TRUST FUND. enue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross in- the taxpayers’ own money, their re- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—With respect to each come any distribution from a qualified State funds or their contributions, and not taxpayer’s return for the taxable year of the tuition program used exclusively to pay from the money destined for the Fed- tax imposed by chapter 1, such taxpayer may qualified higher education expenses incurred designate that— by the designated beneficiary, and for other eral Treasury. ‘‘(1) $1 of any overpayment of such tax for purposes; to the Committee on Finance. The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 made such taxable year, and By Mr. ABRAHAM (for himself, Mr. the USOC the central coordinating ‘‘(2) any cash contribution which the tax- LEVIN, Mr. ASHCROFT, Mr. DEWINE, body for amateur sports in the United payer includes with such return, Mr. BOND, Mr. KYL, Mr. FRIST, Mr. States. The responsibilities of the act, be paid over to the United States Olympic NICKLES, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. SHELBY, that is the responsibilities given by the Trust Fund. Mr. COATS, Mr. SANTORUM, and Mr. act to the USOC, include training and ‘‘(b) JOINT RETURNS.—In the case of a joint INHOFE): selecting athletes to represent the return showing any overpayment of $2 or S. 286. A bill to provide for a reduction in more, each spouse may designate $1 of such regulatory costs by maintaining Federal av- United States at international com- overpayment under subsection (a)(1). erage fuel economy standards applicable to petitions and, equally important, en- ‘‘(c) MANNER AND TIME OF DESIGNATION.—A automobiles in effect at current levels until couraging athletic activities for all designation under subsection (a) may be changed by law, and for other purposes; to amateur athletes in the United States made with respect to any taxable year only the Committee on Commerce, Science, and through grassroots sports opportuni- at the time of filing the return of the tax im- Transportation. ties. posed by chapter 1 for such taxable year. By Mr. HOLLINGS: Such designation shall be made on the first S. 287. A bill to require congressional ap- What the Amateur Sports Act does not do is authorize Federal funding of page of the return. proval before any trade agreements entered ‘‘(d) OVERPAYMENTS TREATED AS RE- into under the auspices of the World Trade the USOC. In almost every other na- FUNDED.—For purposes of this title, any Organization; to the Committee on Finance. tion in the world, Olympic and ama- overpayment of tax designated under sub- By Mr. DORGAN: teur sports receive substantial govern- section (a) shall be treated as being refunded S. 288. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ment funding. That is not true in our to the taxpayer as of the date prescribed for enue Code of 1986 to provide families with es- country. The USOC’s primary means of filing the return of tax imposed by chapter 1 tate tax relief, and for other purposes; to the (determined without regard to extensions) Committee on Finance. raising money to support U.S. athletes and to carry out the purposes of the act or, if later, the date the return is filed.’’. By Mr. DEWINE: (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of S. 289. A bill to designate the United is through charging sponsors a fee to parts for subchapter A of chapter 61 of such States courthouse to be constructed at the use the words ‘‘Olympics’’ or ‘‘Olym- Code is amended by adding at the end the corner of Superior Road and Huron Road in piad,’’ and to display the Olympic sym- following new item: Cleveland, Ohio, as the ‘‘Carl B. Stokes bol of five interlocking rings. Sponsors’ United States Courthouse’’; to the Com- ‘‘Part IX. Designation of overpayments and con- mittee on Environment and Public Works. fees do not come close to providing the tributions for United States Olympic Trust By Mr. MURKOWSKI (for himself, Mr. funds necessary to train our growing Fund.’’. INOUYE, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. STEVENS, and legions of athletes. Our athletes at the (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Mr. THOMAS): grassroots level are not getting a fair made by this section shall apply to taxable

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1103 years beginning with the first full taxable summer and winter Olympics are now cent of the revenues received by the year after the date of enactment of this Act. staggered, so that, as we all know, now USOC under the coins program would SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES there is an Olympic games every 2 be used solely for promoting grassroots OLYMPIC TRUST FUND. years. sports opportunities, and it would re- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- Each coin would carry a surcharge of quire USOC to use at least 25 percent of lating to trust fund code) is amended by add- $10 and that money would be trans- the revenues to promote and encourage ing at the end the following new section: ferred by the Secretary of the Treasury physical fitness and public participa- ‘‘SEC. 9512. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TRUST to the USOC. The Secretary of Treas- tion in amateur athletic activities; to FUND. ury would be required to include in the assist organizations and persons con- ‘‘(a) CREATION OF TRUST FUND.—There is sale price of each coin an additional cerned with sports in the development established in the Treasury of the United amount to pay for the costs of the pro- of special amateur athletic programs States a trust fund to be known as the gram. If the coins sell as they have in for amateurs in our country; and it ‘United States Olympic Trust Fund’, con- sisting of such amounts as may be appro- the past, and these have been very suc- would also foster the development of priated or credited to the United States cessful programs in the past, the USOC amateur athletic facilities for use by Olympic Trust Fund as provided in this sec- could receive a total of about $5 mil- amateur athletes, as well as assist in tion or section 9602(b). lion for each Olympic games, in other making existing amateur athletic fa- ‘‘(b) TRANSFER TO UNITED STATES OLYMPIC words every 2 years. This would go a cilities available and to modernize TRUST FUND OF AMOUNTS DESIGNATED.— long way toward supporting our ama- them, Mr. President, which is nec- There is hereby appropriated to the United teur athletes and carrying out our re- essary for their use by amateur ath- States Olympic Trust Fund amounts equiva- sponsibilities of the Amateur Sports lent to the amounts designated under section letes now in this country. 6097 and received in the Treasury. Act of 1978. In years when the Olympics I look forward on this bill to working ‘‘(c) EXPENDITURES FROM TRUST FUND.— are held inside the United States, the with the chairman and ranking mem- ‘‘(1) PAYMENTS.—Not less often than quar- Secretary of the Treasury would be re- ber of the Senate Judiciary Com- terly, the Secretary shall pay to the United quired to develop an expanded mittee. I believe this bill will be sent States Olympic Committee an amount from multicoin program to commemorate to that committee. It is important leg- the United States Olympic Trust Fund equal our Olympic Games. This program, de- islation to be enacted in this Congress. to the amount in such Fund as of the time of signed by the Secretary, with the such payment, less any administrative ex- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- penses of the Secretary which may be paid USOC and the Coins Committee, could sent that the text of the bill be printed under paragraph (2), for the purposes of car- provide 4 or 5 different gold, silver or in the RECORD. rying out the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 (36 other coins in numbers larger than the There being no objection, the bill was U.S.C. 371 et seq.). 500,000 for the games that are held out- ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Amounts side the United States. These would be follows: in the United States Olympic Trust Fund of special interest to travelers who S. 282 shall be available to pay the administrative would come to the United States for expenses of the Department of the Treasury Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- directly allocable to— the Olympic games. resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(A) modifying the individual tax return My bill also provides discretion with Congress assembled, forms to carry out section 6097, respect to the surcharge in each coin. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(B) carrying out this chapter with respect This would make it possible for U.S. This Act may be referred to as the ‘‘Olym- to such Fund, and athletes and the USOC to receive an pic Commemorative Coins Act’’. ‘‘(C) processing amounts received under even greater benefit from each coin. In SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. section 6097 and transferring such amounts the first 2 months after the new Olym- For the purposes of this Act— to such Fund.’’. pic Coins Program begins, the Sec- (1) the term ‘‘Corporation’’ shall mean the (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of corporation by the name of ‘‘United States sections for such subchapter A is amended by retary of Treasury would be prohibited Olympic Committee’’ created by the Act en- adding at the end the following new item: from issuing other commemorative coins. In other words, we would like to titled ‘‘An Act to incorporate the United ‘‘Sec. 9512. United States Olympic Trust States Olympic Association’’, approved Sep- Fund.’’. have one period, every 2 years, of 2 tember 21, 1950 (36 U.S.C. 371 et seq.), as months in which the USOC’s coins, the amended; and Olympic coins, would be the only coins (2) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ shall mean the By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Mr. CAMP- available. Secretary of the Treasury. BELL, Mr. MURKOWSKI, and Mr. BREAUX): The Amateur Sports Act made the SEC. 3. COMMEMORATIVE COINS PROGRAMS. S. 282. A bill to establish a recurring USOC, as I said before, the central co- (a) BI-ANNUAL OLYMPIC COINS.—Beginning bi-annual Olympic commemorative ordinating body for amateur sports in in 1977, in each six month period prior to the coins program, and for other purposes; the United States. It does give the date upon which the Summer or Winter to the Committee on Banking, Hous- USOC the duty to not only select and Olympic Games are held in a nation other ing, and Urban Affairs. train athletes to represent the United than the United States, the Secretary shall THE OLYMPIC COMMEMORATIVE COINS ACT States at international competitions, issue not more than 500,000 commemorative Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I have one dollar coins, each of which shall— but to encourage athletic activities (1) weigh 26.73 grams; a second bill pertaining to amateur through a grassroots sports program. (2) have a diameter of 1.5 inches; sports I would like to present to the I believe that the USOC carries out (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent Senate today. This will create a recur- the Amateur Sports Act well, in view alloy; and ring Olympic Commemorative Coins of the fact it does not receive support (4) bear the design selected by the Sec- Program in the United States to pro- from Federal appropriations. As I said retary pursuant to subsection (f). vide valuable souvenirs to amateur before, the act does not authorize such (b) OLYMPIC COINS WHEN GAMES ARE HELD sports enthusiasts, and a new source of appropriations. IN THE UNITED STATES.—In each year prior to revenue to the United States Olympic I repeat, Mr. President, unless we a year in which the Summer or Winter Olym- pic Games are held in the United States, the Committee, the USOC. These are sort find a source of revenue for the USOC, Secretary shall develop an expanded multi- of companion bills. The second bill we are going to have a situation where coin commemorative coins program in con- would require the Secretary of the it cannot carry out the responsibilities sultation with the Corporation and the Citi- Treasury to consult with the USOC and that were given it by Congress in 1978. zens Commemorative Coin Advisory Com- the Citizens Commemorative Coin Ad- Last year, the Senate Commerce mittee. The Secretary shall issue such coins visory Committee on the design of a $1 Committee began a review of the Ama- in the six month period to the date upon silver coin which would commemorate teur Sports Act. During our first two which such games are held. each summer and winter Olympic hearings, we determined additional (c) EXCLUSIVITY.—During the first two months of each period in which coins are games held outside the United States. revenues are needed to provide greater issued under this Act, the Secretary shall Only 500,000 of such coins would be grassroots sports opportunities in our not issue other commemorative coins. minted. country. (d) SURCHARGES.—(1) All sales of the coins Under the bill, a new commemorative Toward this end, the bill I am intro- issued under subsection (a) shall include a coin would be issued every 2 years. The ducing would require at least 25 per- surcharge of $10 per coin.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 (2) All sales of the coins issued under sub- books, records, documents, and other data of this travesty and finally move for jus- section (b) shall include a surcharge of be- the Corporation related to the expnditure of tice for all.∑ tween $1 and $50 per coin as determined by amounts it has received under section 3(e)(1). the Secretary in consultation with the Cor- (b) The Corporation shall biannually trans- poration. mit a report to Congress and to the Sec- By Mr. LUGAR (for himself, and (e) DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF SUR- retary which shall account for the expendi- Mr. COATS): CHARGES.—(1) All surcharges received by the ture of funds received under section 3(e)(1). S. 284. A bill to amend title 23, Secretary from the sale of coins under this SEC. 11. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary It is the sense of Congress that each coin United States Code, to improve safety to the Corporation. edition issued under this Act should be self- at public railway-highway crossings, (2) Funds received by the Corporation sustaining and should be administered so as and for other purposes; to the Com- under this Act shall be used to carry out the not to result in any net cost to the Numis- mittee on Environment and Public Amateur Sports Act of 1978 (36 U.S.C. 371 et matic Public Enterprise Fund. Works. seq.), and not less than twenty-five percent of such funds shall be used for the objects By Mr. BURNS: THE HIGHWAY RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY and purposes of paragraphs (6), (7), and (9) of S. 283. A bill to establish a Commis- FORMULA ENHANCEMENT ACT section 104 of such Act (36 U.S.C. 374). sion on Structural Alternatives for the ∑ Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today I (f) DESIGN.—(1) The design for each coin Federal Court of Appeals; to the Com- issued under this Act shall be selected by the rise to introduce legislation to provide Secretary after consultation with the Cor- mittee on the Judiciary. a more effective method of targeting poration. THE STRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVES FOR THE FED- available Federal funds to enhance (2)(A) On each coin issued under this Act ERAL COURT OF APPEALS COMMISSION ESTAB- there shall be— LISHMENT ACT OF 1997 safety at our Nation’s most hazardous (i) a designation of the value of the coin; ∑ Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I intro- highway-rail grade crossings. (ii) an inscription of the year; and (iii) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, duce a bill which would establish a I first introduced this measure dur- ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of Amer- Commission on Structural Alternatives ing the 104th Congress following 2 ica’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. for the Federal Court of Appeals. years of work to address a pressing (B) On coins issued under this Act there This commission would study the public safety problem occurring in In- may be, with the consent of the Corporation present division of the United States diana and other rail-intensive States. under section 9 of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act into the several judicial circuits, study It is my hope this important legisla- to incorporate the United States Olympic the structure and alignment of the Association’’, approved September 21, 1950 (36 tion will be given thoughtful and thor- U.S.C. 380), the symbol of the International Federal Court of Appeals system, with ough consideration this year as Con- Olympic Committee, the emblem of the Cor- particular reference to the ninth cir- gress moves to reauthorize the Inter- poration, the words ‘‘Olympic’’, ‘‘Olympiad’’ cuit, and report recommendations to modal Surface Transportation Effi- or other symbols, emblems, trademarks and the President and Congress on appro- ciency Act [ISTEA]. It is unclear what names which the Corporation has the exclu- priate changes in circuit boundaries or the final program structure will look sive right to use under that section. structure for the expeditious and effec- like, or what the specific Federal role SEC. 4. LEGAL TENDER. tive disposition of the caseload of the The coins issued under this Act shall be will be in the transportation decision- legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of Federal Court of Appeals, consistent with fundamental conceptions of fair- making process. I will work this year title 31, United States Code. to assure that the goals of this rail SEC. 5. SOURCES OF BULLION. ness and due process. (a) SILVER.—The Secretary shall obtain sil- As you may know, I have cosponsored safety legislation are incorporated as ver for minting coins under this Act from legislation in the past that would have part of an ISTEA reauthorization bill sources the Secretary determines to be ap- split the ninth circuit. I have not al- that creates a more streamlined, flexi- propriate, including stockpiles established tered my opinion of the need for this, ble Federal highway program to help under the Strategic and Critical Materials however, it seems that some of my col- States maintain safe, effective, and ef- Stock Piling Act. ficient transportation networks. (b) GOLD.—The Secretary shall obtain any leagues need a little bit more con- gold for minting coins under this Act pursu- vincing. That is why I believe having a In America today, several hundred ant to the authority of the Secretary under well-formed commission, which exam- people are killed and thousands more other provisions of law. ines this issue closely and delivers a injured every year as a result of vehi- SEC. 6. SALE PRICE. nonpolitical response, will dispel the cle-train collisions at highway-rail Each coin issued under this Act shall be doubts that my colleagues have about sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the grade crossings. A significant number a split. of these accidents occur in rail-inten- sum of— I believe that the commission will (1) the face value of the coin; sive States such as Indiana, Illinois, begin to answer some of the concerns (2) the surcharge provided in section 3 with Ohio, California, and Texas. One quar- respect to such coin; that Montanans have voiced that they (3) the cost of designing and issuing the are not obtaining the same level of ju- ter of the Nation’s 168,000 public high- coin (including labor, materials, dies, use of dicial consideration as others in the way-rail grade crossings are located in machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, ninth circuit. Considering the size of these 5 States. They accounted for 38 and shipping); and percent of deaths and 32 percent of in- (4) the estimated profit determined under the district, I have the same doubts. section 7(b) with respect to such coin. The ninth circuit is now comprised not juries caused by vehicle-train colli- SEC. 7. DETERMINATION OF COSTS AND PROFIT. only of Montana, but also, Alaska, Ari- sions nationwide during 1991–1993. (a) DETERMINATION OF COSTS.—The Sec- zona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, My home State of Indiana ranks retary shall determine the costs incurred the Northern Mariana Islands, Nevada, sixth in the Nation for number of total with respect to coins issued under this Act, Oregon, and Washington. That’s nine including overhead costs. public grade crossings with about 6,700, (b) DETERMINATION OF PROFIT.—Prior to States and two principalities. The and is annually among the top five the sale of each edition of coin issued under ninth circuit is about twice the size of States for numbers of accidents and fa- this Act, the Secretary shall calculate the the next largest circuit, both in popu- talities caused by vehicle-train crash- estimated profit to be included in the sale lation and geography. es. price of each such coin under section 6(4). Its caseload is among the fastest (c) PROHIBITION ON JUDICIAL REVIEW.—De- growing in the Nation, and the time to In 1994, I travelled across northern terminations made under this section shall Indiana aboard a QSX–500 locomotive be made at the sole discretion of the Sec- complete an average appeal, more than 14 months, is more than 4 months and witnessed what engineers see every retary and shall not be subject to judicial re- day—motorists darting across the rail- view. longer than the national average. Its 28 SEC. 8. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT judges are about twice the rec- road tracks before an oncoming train. REGULATIONS. ommended number for an appellate cir- From this experience, and from my Section 5112(j) of title 31, United States cuit. work to improve safety at highway-rail Code, shall apply to the procurement of Any objective view of the ninth cir- grade crossings, I learned that engi- goods and services necessary to carry out the cuit is a case study in the phrase ‘‘Jus- neering solutions, along with education programs and operations of the United States Mint under this Act. tice delayed is justice denied.’’ I am op- and awareness about grade crossing SEC. 9. AUDITS AND REPORT. timistic that a commission that stud- safety, are key strategies that can ef- (a) The Comptroller General of the United ies the ninth will come to the same fectively prevent grade crossing acci- States shall have the right to examine conclusion: This body will acknowledge dents.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1105 Responding to this disturbing na- tributed among States. The GAO out- reauthorization bill that recognize the tional trend, I began working in 1993 lined the Federal Highway Administra- overall efforts of States to implement with Transportation Secretary tion’s [FHWA] work to review options comprehensive rail safety programs. Federico Pen˜ a and with the Indiana for STP formula changes that adjust An effective grade crossing safety pro- Department of Transportation to ad- the current flat percentage allocation gram integrates construction improve- dress this serious safety problem. We to include these risk factors. Applying ment projects with driver education worked to find solutions that would these factors to the funding formula and awareness programs, crossing clo- help Indiana and other States make creates a more targeted and focused sures, vigorous enforcement of crossing better use of available funds to target process that maximizes the effective- traffic laws and assessments of cross- the Nation’s most hazardous rail cross- ness of Federal funds. ing inventories to identify the most ings. The risk factors criteria considered hazardous crossings in a State. The Federal Government has played by FHWA include a State’s share of the I will work with my colleagues this an important role in helping States national total for number of public year to help assure Congress passes eliminate accidents and fatalities at crossings, number of public crossings highway reauthorization legislation public highway-rail intersections since with passive warning devices, total that makes the best use of available passage of the Highway Safety Act by number of accidents, and total number Federal resources while encouraging Congress in 1973. This act created the of fatalities occurring as a result of ve- States to continue pursuing com- Rail-Highway Crossing Program, also hicle-train collisions at highway-rail prehensive efforts to address their pub- known as the Section 130 Program. grade crossings. lic grade crossing safety requirements. Since the program’s inception, more For example, while Indiana received My intent with this legislation is not than 28,000 improvement projects have 3.4 percent of section 130 funds in fiscal to penalize certain States or to create been undertaken—from installation of year 1995, the Hoosier State experi- winners or losers in the process of dis- warning gates, lights and bells, to enced 6.1 percent of the Nation’s acci- tributing Federal highway funds, but pavement improvements and grade sep- dents and 5.9 percent of the fatalities to find the best solution that will aration construction projects. as a result of vehicle-train collisions eliminate these preventable tragedies. During the 103d Congress, I intro- from 1991 to 1993. In addition, Indiana At this time, it is unclear what direc- duced grade crossing safety legislation has about 4 percent of the Nation’s tion the next highway authorization to restore States’ discretion over mil- public rail crossings. bill will take, what the Federal role lions of Federal highway dollars lost as Preliminary estimates of STP appor- will be in maintaining the national a result of noncompliance with the tionments under a risk-based appor- transportation infrastructure, and what current ISTEA programs will be Federal motorcycle helmet law. Indi- tionment formula indicate Indiana’s renewed. Last year, I endorsed Senator ana and other States affected by this share of section 130 funds could in- WARNER’s reauthorization proposal to law were prohibited from using a por- crease by 49 percent, from the fiscal provide a more streamlined and flexi- tion of their highway construction dol- year 1997 level of $4.9 to $7.3 million. ble highway program that returns re- lars to improve safety at highway-rail Overall, about 21 States would receive sources and authority back to the grade crossings. I was pleased the Con- a substantial increase in section 130 States. My intent with this legislation gress repealed the helmet law penalty funds for grade crossing improvements, during this reauthorization process is in 1995 as part of the National Highway including: Alabama, Arkansas, Geor- not to protect a particular highway System designation legislation. States gia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, program or specific Federal set-aside Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Ne- now have greater flexibility to use requirement of the expiring ISTEA braska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Caro- their highway dollars for improve- law, but rather to continue empha- lina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. ments at rail crossings, and for other sizing an issue of great importance to While the Indiana Department of transportation priorities. my State of Indiana and to other In March 1994, Senator COATS and I Transportation [INDOT] spends over States experiencing rail safety prob- asked the General Accounting Office to $10 million a year to improve highway- lems. I will advocate grade crossing conduct a survey of rail safety pro- rail grade crossings, a 49-percent in- safety as a priority within the context crease in section 130 funds would allow grams in Indiana and other rail inten- of other key funding and flexibility INDOT and other State departments of sive States experiencing a high number issues that are vital to the continued transportation additional resources to of accidents at highway-rail grade safety and mobility of Hoosiers trav- crossings. Released in August 1995, the improve hazardous highway-rail grade eling on Indiana roadways. I am hope- report ‘‘Railroad Safety: Status of Ef- crossings. ful this legislation will reinforce the The Formula Enhancement Act ad- forts to Improve Railroad Crossing importance of highway-rail grade dresses the allocation problem by ad- Safety’’ evaluated the best uses of lim- crossing safety as the Congress moves justing the funding formula for the ited Federal funds for rail crossing forward with the national discussion of STP to include an apportionment of safety, reviewed policy changes that U.S. transportation policy for the 21st help State and local governments ad- funds to States for the section 130 Pro- century. dress rail safety issues, and rec- gram based on a 3-year average of these Continued emphasis on finding new ommended strategies to encourage risk factors. I want to express my ap- and better ways to target existing re- interagency and intergovernmental co- preciation to the FHWA and to the sources to enhance safety at highway- operation. Federal Railroad Administration for rail grade crossings will contribute to The report found that in addition to their valuable assistance in preparing the overall effort in Congress and in States’ efforts to reduce accidents and this legislation. the States to prevent accidents, save fatalities through emphasis on edu- This legislation will help improve the lives, and sustain a balanced and effec- cation programs, engineering solu- way the Federal Government targets tive transportation network for the tions, and enforcement of traffic laws, existing resources to enhance safety on Nation.∑ changes to the Federal funding for- our Nation’s highways and along our ∑ Mr. COATS. Mr. President, Senator mulas would target highway funds to rail corridors. This legislation does not LUGAR and I are introducing today leg- areas of greatest risk. call for new Federal spending, but rath- islation which will more effectively di- Under, ISTEA, the Section 130 Pro- er for a more equitable and effective rect Federal funding to those States gram was continued—with a portion of distribution of existing highway funds which have the greatest needs with the 10 percent of a State’s STP safety to States to enhance safety at dan- highway-rail grade crossings. funds dedicated to highway-rail cross- gerous highway-rail grade crossings. We first introduced this bill in the ing improvement and hazard elimi- This legislation addresses one aspect 104th Congress after recognizing a crit- nation projects. of the grade crossing safety problem by ical deficiency at rail grade crossings The GAO reported that key indica- refining a key provision of the existing which has contributed senseless, tragic tors or ‘‘risk factors’’ used to assess ISTEA law. Using this proposal as a deaths over the years. rail-grade crossing safety are not taken foundation, I am hopeful the Congress This year as the Intermodal Surface into account when STP funds are dis- will craft provisions for the highway Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA]

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 is reauthorized, it is my hope that the geted to those States with the most se- CLOTH, COCHRAN, and SMITH of New committee will seriously consider the rious safety concerns. Hampshire have joined me as original needs of rail-intensive States, such as Using this more equitable way of dis- cosponsors. This bill will eliminate a Indiana. While the final structure of bursing funds, Indiana—which received new Federal tax on the tuition ex- ISTEA is still unknown, I will work to $4.9 million in fiscal year 1997—could penses of students participating in ensure that the objectives of this legis- receive $7.3 million in fiscal year 1998. State prepaid tuition programs. Here is lation are incorporated in the final Overall, 21 States would benefit sub- how the tax came about. highway bill. stantially from increased funding to It is no secret that many families in Rail transportation is important in help reduce rail crossing accidents. our Nation are struggling to finance Indiana, playing a key role in the Clearly, this bill addresses one aspect their childrens’ education. College tui- State’s agriculture and manufacturing of law, providing a fairer distribution tion costs have skyrocketed in the past economy. Much of the rail activity of resources. But money alone will not decade increasing 95 percent at private goes through northwest Indiana which solve all the problems related to rail institutions and 82 percent at public in- accounts for 75 percent of the State’s crossing accidents. A comprehensive stitutions. Newsweek magazine re- rail crossing accidents. In 1994, Indiana plan to educate people about the dan- ported last year that some families will ranked third in the Nation with 263 rail gers at rail crossings must be devel- spend more than $100,000 just to send crossing accidents, resulting in the oped. I support the efforts of programs one child to college. deaths of 27 people. Six percent of all like Operation Lifesaver which works To combat the high cost of a college rail crossing accidents in America took effectively to get information to citi- education, many States, including Ala- place in Indiana and 5.9 percent of the zens. Continued cooperation among all bama, have set up prepaid tuition fatalities occurred there. levels of government: local, State, and funds. These funds allow parents to Several years ago, I became aware Federal is essential to stop these sort make a tax-free investment, years in that Indiana and a number of other of tragedies. advance of their child’s enrollment in States had a critical problem with rail There are many issues facing the college, with the guarantee that the accidents. Senator LUGAR and I asked Congress this year as we decide funding child’s tuition will be paid for by the the General Accounting Office [GAO] levels, formulas, and determine the State when he or she enrolls in college. to examine the safety conditions in role of the Federal Government in the Last year, the IRS attempted to im- States with a high concentration of context of the highway authorization. I pose taxes on States operating prepaid rail crossings. The GAO report, com- supported Senator WARNER’s legisla- tuition funds by claiming that the pleted in August 1995, revealed that tion last year to provide for a stream- funds were not legitimate functions of while Indiana had a large number of lined, flexible, and equitable highway the State and thus not exempt from rail crossings—6,700, the sixth largest program. I continue to believe this ap- Federal taxation. If the IRS had been number of all States—the State re- proach is best for the States to address successful in their attempt, many ceived only 3.4 percent of the Federal their fundamental needs and priorities. States would have been forced to ter- funding available specifically targeted The STEP–21 proposal would ensure minate their prepaid tuition programs. to prevent such tragedies. that States receive a fairer return on Fortunately, Senators MCCONNELL, The Section 130 Program was estab- highway funding and the flexibility to GRAHAM, and I were able to get a provi- lished in 1973 to help States reduce ac- spend the resources according to State sion in the Small Business Job Protec- cidents, injuries, and fatalities at pub- and local priorities. My purpose in in- tion Act which clarified that prepaid lic railroad crossings. In the first 10 troducing this rail legislation at this tuition programs should not be subject years of the program, accidents de- time is to draw attention to this seri- to Federal taxes, since they are a le- clined by 61 percent and deaths were ous problem facing Indiana and other gitimate function of State govern- reduced by 34 percent. Since 1985, little States and to show my determination ments. progress was made toward further re- to make rail crossing safety a priority At the same time, the IRS was also ducing these numbers. as we make the key decisions on attempting to impose a tax on the par- The problem becomes apparent when ISTEA. ents’ contributions to these State pre- you realize that many of the States We cannot afford to neglect the safe- paid tuition programs. What the IRS with the highest concentration of ty of our citizens at rail grade cross- wanted to do was to count the annual crossings, number of accidents, and fa- ings. We must find ways to address increased value of the parents’ con- talities receive less money than States these critical problems. Overall, the tribution as income and tax it. Again, that do not have as great a need. Thus, safety of our highways and rail is es- Senators MCCONNELL, GRAHAM, and I the GAO included that the Federal sential as we examine and make deci- put a provision in the minimum wage Government should examine funding sions on the future of our transpor- bill last year to prevent the IRS from formulas and consider using risk fac- tation system. I look forward to work- taking those actions. tors in determining how to distribute ing with my colleagues to ensure that However, there was a provision of section 130 highway dollars to States our focus is indeed comprehensive in that bill which I did not support. It for rail safety purposes. addressing our transportation needs.∑ provided that when a student enrolls in The current formula funding—based college under a prepaid tuition plan, on 10 percent of a State’s surface trans- By Mr. SHELBY (for himself, Mr. the student must pay taxes on the dif- portation program [STP] funding—does SESSIONS, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. ference between the value of the tui- not take into account such essential HUTCHINSON, Mr. COCHRAN, and tion costs, which are paid by the State, criteria as a State’s total number of Mr. SMITH): and the amount his or her parent paid crossing, amount of train traffic, nor S. 285. A bill to amend the Internal for the contract. Essentially, this pro- the number of accidents and fatalities. Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from vision is a new tax on students. I at- I believe it is critical that these risk gross income any distribution from a tempted to offer an amendment to factors be considered in determining qualified State tuition program used strike this provision, but unfortu- how much money a State should re- exclusively to pay qualified higher edu- nately, no amendments were in order. ceive for rail safety under the current cation expenses incurred by the des- Mr. President, prepaid tuition pro- funding structure. ignated beneficiary, and for other pur- grams are a creative way many States The formula enhancement bill would poses; to the Committee on Finance. all across the country have developed correct this flaw in the current for- THE TUITION TAX ELIMINATION ACT to help more young people afford a col- mula. Based on the GAO report and ∑ Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I lege education. We need to do every- work with the Federal Highway Ad- am introducing legislation, the Tuition thing we can at the Federal level to en- ministration, we crafted this legisla- Tax Elimination Act, which will help courage these types of programs. tion to ensure that States with the make college more affordable for thou- The Tuition Tax Elimination Act greatest risk receive more money. This sands of young people all across Amer- will do that by relieving students from bill does not increase Federal spending. ica. I am pleased that Senators SES- Federal taxes on their tuition ex- Rather it ensures that money is tar- SIONS, DEWINE, HUTCHINSON, FAIR- penses. This legislation will provide

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1107 that distributions from qualified pre- to be entrusted to any entity other fleet of cars—that is, the fuel economy paid tuition funds are not to be count- than the Congress. CAFE requirements for all cars sold in one model year is ed as taxable income for the student, were initiated over 20 years ago in re- averaged together to determine the as long as the money is spent for the sponse to an oil crisis that has long fleet average. Due to the high price of designated purpose. since disappeared. New standards gasoline in Japan, the Japanese have This legislation is fully paid for with would constitute the most tremendous traditionally engineered smaller cars. a provision which would suspend the regulation foisted on the automobile Consequently their automobile fleets automatic inflation adjustments used industry in over two decades and would come in below the CAFE standards, to award the earned income tax credit require a massive retooling, at great thus allowing them to make larger, to individuals without children. Presi- cost, by America’s automakers. less fuel-efficient cars and still fall dent Clinton’s 1993 tax bill expanded This is an industry that employs 2.3 within the CAFE limits for their fleet. the EITC to cover individuals without million Americans and is estimated to According to the National Academy of children, and currently, a childless in- provide 4.4 percent of this Nation’s Sciences, ‘‘the CAFE system operated dividual earning between $4,220 and GDP. Should the authority to impose $5,280 is eligible for a maximum EITC to the benefit of the Japanese manufac- upon this industry a new regulation turers, and at the expense of the do- amount of $323. Each year, these in- with questionable goals and dubious re- mestic manufacturers.’’ This system come levels are adjusted upward for in- sults reside with unelected bureau- continues to this day. flation. Many people have questioned crats? Should regulators at the Depart- whether we should even be providing ment of Transportation have the au- Despite this inequity, the Depart- the EITC to individuals without chil- thority to change CAFE standards at ment of Transportation continues to dren. However, that is a question which any time, for any reason and do so push for increased CAFE standards, can be addressed in other legislation. without congressional approval? The and in 1994 issued an Advanced Notice This offset does not eliminate the EITC answer to these questions is clearly no. of Proposed Rule Making that sug- for individuals without children; it Such a decision in my view belongs gested setting light truck CAFE stand- simply eliminates the annual increase with this legislature, the body en- ards for up to 9 years at levels up to 40 in the EITC calculation for individuals trusted by our Constitution with the percent higher than they are today. who have no dependents. This provision duty to determine whether any pro- Compounding their potential harm to passed the Senate last year as a part of posed policy change is in the best in- welfare reform, but it was dropped in our light truck industry, these CAFE terests of the American people. supporters fail to consider the dif- conference. The other question we need to ask is Mr. President, the cost of going to ferences between cars and trucks. why a CAFE increase should be consid- Many of the fuel efficient technologies college is now more expensive than ered at all. When CAFE was instituted, used to make cars more efficient, such ever, and is growing much faster than it was part of a larger effort to regu- as front wheel drive and increased inflation. Eliminating the tax students late oil consumption and reduce Amer- aerodynamics, cannot be used for will face on their tuition expenses is a ica’s dependence on foreign oil. Today, trucks. Trucks are designed specifi- real step toward making college more however, it is clear that CAFE stand- affordable for thousands of young peo- cally for hauling capacity, off-road use ards failed to achieve this goal. Domes- ple all across America, and I hope my and durability. Only one or two very tic manufacturers have increased pas- colleagues join me in support of this small trucks currently provide the senger car fuel economy 108 percent legislation.∑ level of fuel efficiency sought by CAFE and light truck fuel economy almost 60 percent since the mid-1970’s. Rather proponents, and they account for less By Mr. ABRAHAM (for himself, than 1 percent of light truck sales. The Mr. LEVIN, Mr. ASHCROFT, Mr. than decreasing during this time, however, oil imports have increased. In 1974 Department of Transportation’s CAFE- DEWINE, Mr. BOND, Mr. KYL, mandated changes would negatively af- Mr. FRIST, Mr. NICKLES, Ms. MI- the United States imported 35 percent of its oil—last year this country im- fect American manufacturers by reduc- KULSKI, Mr. SHELBY, Mr. COATS, ing the segment of the light-duty truck Mr. SANTORUM, and Mr. ported between 45 and 50 percent of its oil. market—the full-size trucks consumers INHOFE): desire—in which they predominate. S. 286. A bill to provide for a reduc- Now, with CAFE’s obvious failure to tion in regulatory costs by maintain- reduce oil imports, CAFE proponents But, important as competitiveness is ing Federal average fuel economy cite the threat of potential global to our workers and consumers, there is standards applicable to automobiles in warming as the major rationale for in- a more important reason to freeze effect at current levels until changed creasing these standards further. Mr. CAFE standards: it will save lives. by law, and for other purposes; to the President, the argument that CAFE Why? Because higher CAFE standards Committee on Commerce, Science, and standards will prevent or reduce global will force automobile manufacturers to Transportation. warming is as weak as the argument downsize cars and trucks, and smaller THE CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY that CAFE would reduce this country’s vehicles are more dangerous. Auto- STANDARDS ACT OF 1997 reliance on foreign oil. mobile experts estimate that almost 50 ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I in- According to the Congressional Of- percent of the fuel economy gains troduce legislation with Senators fice of Technology Assessment, cars made since the mid-1970’s are attrib- LEVIN and ASHCROFT that would freeze and light trucks subject to CAFE utable to reductions in vehicle size and the corporate average fuel economy standards account for only one and 11⁄2 weight. And what was the cost? In 1991, standards—known as CAFE—at current percent of global man-made greenhouse the National Highway Traffic Safety levels unless changed by Congress. gas emissions. Increasing CAFE stand- Administration concluded that vehicle Enacted in 1975, CAFE established ards to 40 miles per gallon, as has been downsizing since the mid-1970’s was re- Federal requirements regulating the discussed, would result in minuscule sponsible for an additional 2,000 deaths average fleet fuel economy of new pas- reductions in emissions—less than one- and 20,000 serious injuries on America’s senger cars and light trucks. Now there half of 1 percent. highways every year. are a number of reasons why the CAFE There can be no doubt, Mr. President, standards should continue to be frozen that CAFE standards have failed to re- Other studies have reached the same, at their current level, and there is a duce America’s dependency on foreign logical conclusion. To illustrate the re- great deal of information available oil or significantly reduce greenhouse lationship between size and safety, the which documents CAFE’s harmful ef- gas emissions. So what have they suc- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety fects. Rest assured, I’ll touch on both ceeded in doing? They have succeeded studied the occupant death rates of 11 these topics in a moment. But there is in putting domestic automobile manu- car models that had been downsized one overriding reason this legislation facturers at a competitive disadvan- since 1977. It found that death rates needs to be adopted: control of CAFE tage and putting American families at were higher for 10 of the 11 vehicle standards must reside with the U.S. risk of severe injury and even death. types after downsizing. More recently, Congress. First, on competitiveness. CAFE the institute has determined that, even Mr. President, the control of CAFE standards apply to the average fuel when equipped with airbags, smaller standards is too great a responsibility consumption standards for a company’s cars are still less safe than larger cars.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 The National Academy of Sciences also logical advances necessary for in- tant economic assets—its family run understands that emissions controls re- creased efficiency on its own. Congress small businesses. But it also increases sult in less protection in the event of should fulfill its responsibility as our the existing $600,000 unified estate and an accident. According to the Acad- Nation’s law-making body by pro- gift tax credit, which is available to ev- emy, ‘‘safety and fuel economy are tecting the American people from this eryone. linked because one of the most direct instance of excessive and counter- Of course, increasing the unified methods of increasing gas mileage is productive bureaucratic rule making. credit will further reduce the estate reducing size and weight.’’ Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- tax burden now imposed on many fami- And what would happen if the new, sent that the full text of this legisla- lies trying to transfer their businesses increased CAFE standards are adopted? tion be printed in the RECORD. to the next generation. It also will help A study by the Harvard Injury Control There being no objection, the bill was any families wishing to pass along to Center estimates that an increase to ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as the children or grandchildren some proposed CAFE levels would result in follows: stock, proceeds from a life insurance downsizing that would produce an addi- S. 286 policy or other assets acquired over tional 1,650 deaths and 8,500 serious in- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- many years. juries on our highways every year. This resentatives of the United States of America in The main thrust of this legislation is absolutely unacceptable. Congress assembled, remains the preservation of family Mr. President, what I find most trou- SECTION 1. AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY STAND- farmers and other family run busi- bling about efforts to increase CAFE ARDS. nesses. These businesses are the major standards is that they are simply un- Beginning on the date of enactment of this creators of new wealth and jobs in this necessary. American automobile manu- Act, the average fuel economy standards established (whether directly or indirectly) country. However, they face a number facturers are constantly striving to im- under regulations promulgated by the Sec- of obstacles to succeeding, ranging prove their current product and de- retary of Transportation under chapter 329 of from price gouging by tough inter- velop innovative new ways to power title 49, United States Code, prior to the date national competitors to excessive U.S. cars and trucks. And these efforts are of enactment of this Act for automobiles (as regulations. That is why it is not sur- beginning to show results. In recent that term is defined in section 32901 of title prising to find, for example, that we weeks, Chrysler has announced break- 49, United States Code) that are in effect on have lost some 377,000 family farms throughs in fuel-cell technology. By the day before the date of enactment of this since 1980, a decline of some 23,500 fam- converting gasoline into hydrogen, Act, shall apply without amendment, change, or other modification of any kind ily farms every year. Chrysler’s new engine will increase fuel (whether direct or indirect) for— Since 1980, we have lost some 9,000 of efficiency and reduce tailpipe emis- (1) the model years specified in the regula- our family farms in North Dakota. At sions. Similarly, all three auto makers tions; the same time, we see that only a are working to develop a gas turbine (2) the applicable automobiles specified in small fraction of other family run busi- engine that will combine better effi- the regulations last promulgated for such nesses survive beyond the second gen- ciency, low emissions and quiet per- automobiles; and eration. (3) each model year thereafter; formance. When families have to sell their These technological advances are the until chapter 329 of title 49, United States farms or board up their Main Street result of open competition, not Govern- Code, is specifically amended to authorize an businesses, those families lose their amendment, change, or other modification ment mandate. This kind of innovation to such standards or is otherwise modified or very livelihood. Moreover, our commu- is only produced in a free market. superseded by law.∑ nities lose the jobs and services those Thus, rather than shackling American family businesses provide. manufacturers with costly, outdated By Mr. HOLLINGS: I have been approached on many oc- regulations, we should be encouraging S. 287. A bill to require congressional casions at town meetings by North Da- them to develop new technologies to approval before any trade agreements kotans who say it is virtually impos- take the automobile industry into the entered into under the auspices of the sible for them to pass along their farm 21st century. World Trade Organization; to the Com- or business—which has been the fam- Mr. President, the National Academy mittee on Finance. ily’s major asset for decades—to their of Sciences has concluded that, ‘‘the THE APPROVAL OF TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT OF children because of the exorbitant es- CAFE approach to achieving auto- 1997 tate taxes they would pay. They think motive fuel economy has defects that Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise it is unfair, and I agree. are sufficiently grievous to warrant today to restore the constitutional bal- Unfortunately, our estate tax laws careful reconsideration.’’ This bill is a ance to our trade policy and preserve force many family members who in- modest step in that direction. It will the Congress’ constitutional obligation herit a modestly sized farm, ranch, or permit Congress to carefully consider to regulate foreign commerce. The bill other family business to sell it, or a and debate any increases to CAFE I introduce requires that before a trade large part of it, out of the family in standards rather than allow the admin- agreement negotiated under the aus- order to pay off estate taxes. This is es- istration to change the standards, at pices of the World Trade Organization pecially onerous when the inheriting any time and for any reason without is accorded the force of law, it must be family members have already been par- congressional approval, as is currently ratified by the Congress. It is a simple ticipating in the business for years and the case. bill, but I believe it protects a funda- depend upon it to earn a living. Specifically, this bill will freeze mental principle of our democracy, the I think that we must take immediate CAFE standards at 27.5 miles per gal- separation of powers. steps to breathe new economic life and lon for passenger cars and 20.7 miles opportunities into our family busi- per gallon for light-duty trucks. The By Mr. DORGAN: nesses and the communities in which transportation appropriations con- S. 288. A bill to amend the Internal they operate. It seems to me that a ference report we passed last year in- Revenue Code of 1986 to provide fami- good first step is correcting our estate cluded a 1-year freeze on CAFE stand- lies with estate tax relief, and for other tax laws so they do not unfairly penal- ards. This bill would make that freeze purposes; to the Committee on Fi- ize those working families. permanent unless changed by Congress. nance. There are a few provisions included CAFE standards did not reduce our THE FAMILY ESTATE TAX RELIEF ACT OF 1997 in our estate tax laws to help a family country’s reliance on foreign oil, and ∑ Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I intro- keep its business running long after they are not saving the planet from duce the Family Estate Tax Relief Act the death of the original owner. But for ozone depletion. CAFE standards are of 1997. This legislation is nearly iden- the most part, these provisions are ei- hurting American manufacturers and tical to my bill from the 104th Congress ther too modest or too narrowly drawn putting American families at increased with one major change. to do much good. risk of injury or death. All this when My new legislation still targets sub- Now I also understand that there are the automobile industry has shown stantial estate tax relief to help pre- some complicated estate tax planning itself capable of producing the techno- serve one of our Nation’s most impor- techniques available for those wealthy

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1109 enough to hire sophisticated and costly business for estate tax purposes, where This bill addresses the problem of the tax advisors. Clearly some estate plan- a qualifying business is passed along to slow issuance of United States tourist ning devices may reduce the estate tax another family member after the death visas to Korean citizens. Koreans typi- burden imposed on some family busi- of the owner. To benefit from the spe- cally wait up to 3 weeks to obtain tour- nesses upon the death of a principal cial-use formula under section 2032A, ist visas from the United States Em- owner. But for those less affluent fami- the inheriting family member must bassy in Seoul. As a result, most of lies inheriting a family business— continue to actively participate in the these spontaneous travelers decide to where such estate planning tools were business operation. If the heir ceases to vacation in one of the other 48 nations unavailable for whatever reason—the participate in the business, he or she that allow them to travel to their estate taxes will ultimately force them may face a substantial recapture of the country without a visa, including both to amass a pile of debt, or to sell off all estate taxes which would have been Canada and New Zealand. or a large part of a family business, paid at the time of the original owner’s This legislation provides a carefully just to pay off their estate taxes. I death. controlled pilot program of visa-free think that this is wrong, and it runs In enacting this provision, Congress travel by small groups of Koreans to counter to the kinds of policies that we embraced the goal of keeping a farm or the United States. The program seeks ought to be pursuing in support of our other closely held business in the fam- to capture the Korean tourism market family-owned businesses. ily after the death of the owner. How- lost due to the cumbersome visa sys- That is why I am introducing the ever, in the case of family farms, spe- tem. For example, New Zealand experi- Family Estate Tax Relief Act to rec- cial-use valuation primarily helps enced a 2,400-percent increase in tour- tify this matter, and I urge my col- those farms adjacent to urban areas, ism from Korea after easing its visa re- leagues to consider joining me in this where the value of the land for non- quirements in 1993. endeavor. farm uses is often much higher. But The pilot program is designed to The Family Estate Tax Relief Act of section 2032A does not help many farms allow visitors in a tour group from 1997 would provide three significant located in truly rural areas of the South Korea to travel to the United measures of estate tax relief to those country where farming is the land’s States without a visa for up to 15 days. families hoping to pass along their best use. This provision also provides However, it does not compromise the businesses or other assets to the next little help for families transferring security standards of the United generation. other nonfarm small businesses under States. The program would allow se- First, my bill would increase the ex- similar circumstances. My legislation lected travel agencies in Korea to issue isting unified estate and gift tax credit would correct these glaring shortfalls temporary travel permits based on ap- from $600,000 today to $1,000,000 in the in current law. plicants meeting the same preset year 2004. The amount of the existing In addition, my bill would increase standards used by the United States credit has not been changed for nearly the benefit of the existing preferential Embassy in Seoul. The travel permits a decade, and its benefit has been re- interest rates under section 6601(j) that could only be used by supervised tour duced by more than 35 percent due to apply to farms and other closely held groups. inflation over this period. Moreover, businesses. The benefits of the current While the pilot project would allow even 3-percent inflation for another 7 provision have been significantly re- small Korean tour groups to travel to years will rob an additional 20 percent duced by inflation over the past several the United States without visas, the of the real value of the unified credit. decades, and my bill simply increases project includes many restrictions. This provision will prevent erosion of the amount of estate taxes that qualify These are: for a special 4-percent interest rate if the credit’s real value by inflation. The Attorney General and Secretary of Second, my bill allows a decedent’s paid to the IRS in installment pay- State can terminate the program if the over- estate to exclude up to the first ments over time. stay rates in the program are over 2 percent. Moreover, my bill includes several $1,000,000 of value of the family busi- The stay of the visitors is less than or safeguards to ensure that its tax bene- ness from estate taxes so long as the equal to 15 days. fits are truly targeted at the preserva- The visitors must have a round-trip ticket heirs continue to materially partici- tion of most family businesses. and arrive by a carrier that agrees to return pate in the business for many years Finally, I plan to offset any esti- them if they are deemed inadmissible. after the death of the owner. The full mated revenue losses from this bill by The Secretary of State should institute a benefit of this new $1,000,000 exclusion offering another legislative package to bonding and licensing requirement that each is available to couples trying to pass participating travel agency post a substan- close a number of outdated or unneces- tial performance bond and pay a financial along the family business without the sary tax loopholes for large multi- complicated tax planning tailored to penalty if a tourist fails to return on sched- national corporations doing business in ule. one spouse or the other that is some- the United States. As a result, passing The on-time return of each tourist in the times used today. my estate tax relief proposals will not group would be certified after each tour. Together, these two proposals would increase the Federal deficit. But pass- Security checks will be done to ensure that eliminate estate tax liability on quali- ing the Family Estate Tax Relief Act the visitor is not a safety threat to the fying family business assets valued up will help to preserve the economic United States. to $2.0 million. This would eliminate backbone of this country and to help This legislation’s restrictions ensure the burden of estate taxes for the ma- thrifty parents to help their children. that the pilot program will be a suc- jority of family run businesses. Again, I urge my colleagues to join cessful program, and one that I hope Third, my bill would allow the execu- me in supporting this much-needed leg- will entice more Korean tourists to tor of a qualifying estate who chooses islation.∑ visit the United States. to pay estate taxes in installments to benefit from a special 4-percent inter- By Mr. MURKOWSKI (for him- By Mr. BYRD: est rate on the payment of estate taxes self, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. AKAKA, S.J. Res. 15. A joint resolution pro- attributable to a family business worth Mr. STEVENS, and Mr. THOMAS): posing an amendment to the Constitu- between $2.0 and $3.0 million. In other S. 290. A bill to establish a visa waiv- tion of the United States to clarify the words, my bill would also lighten the er pilot program for nationals of Korea intent of the Constitution to neither estate tax burden on the next $1 mil- who are traveling in tour groups to the prohibit nor require public school pray- lion of estate assets. United States; to the Committee on er; to the Committee on the Judiciary. The parts of my legislation targeted the Judiciary. PUBLIC SCHOOL PRAYER CONSTITUTIONAL to family run businesses expand upon THE KOREA VISA WAIVER PILOT PROJECT ACT OF AMENDMENT the well-tested approaches found in 1997 Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the sections 2032A and 6601(j) of the Tax Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, English word ‘‘irony’’ comes to us from Code. today I, along with Senators STEVENS, an Ancient Greek word meaning ‘‘a For example, we currently provide a INOUYE, AKAKA and THOMAS, am intro- dissembler in speech.’’ special-use calculation for valuing real ducing the Korea Visa Waiver Pilot The English word ‘‘irony’’ is defined estate used in a farm or other trade or Project Bill of 1997.’’ as the contrast between something

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 that somebody thinks to be true, as re- by baptist ministers in Virginia, who schools, or to prohibit or require voluntary vealed in speech, action, or common had been forced to support the official prayer at public school extracurricular ac- wisdom, and that which an audience or State church during the colonial era, tivities. a reader knows to be true. and whose practice of their own reli- So anyone who fears that the lan- Mr. President, permit me to give an gious choice had been officially denied, guage of this amendment would allow example. proscribed, or penalized by colonial of- public schools to mandate the recita- If anyone in the hearing of my voice ficials. tion of daily prayer, or that school ad- will take out a U.S. one-dollar bill and It is ironic that from that under- ministrators will become the authors turn that one-dollar bill over onto its standable constitutional safeguard in of such prayers, need not worry. Have obverse side, he or she will read in support of the free exercise of religious no fear. You need not lose a moment of clear script, ‘‘In God We Trust.’’ faith, opponents of any religion have sleep. This amendment does not sup- Permit me to introduce another ex- turned that passage of the First plant the clear proscription contained ample. Amendment on its head to prohibit—I in the ‘‘establishment’’ clause of the Every day of each new meeting of the say prohibit—the free exercise of reli- First Amendment. My amendment is Senate and House of Representatives, gion in our public life and, particu- an effort to make clear that the words an official chaplain of each of those larly, to drive religious faith out of our that the Constitution uses with regard two chambers of Congress—or a des- public schools. to religious freedom do not mean that ignated substitute—will stride to the It is equally ironic that, as religion is voluntary prayer is prohibited from dais and address a sometimes elegant making a public resurgence in the our public schools or our public school prayer to the Deity. long-atheistic former Soviet Union, our activities. Again, every day in courtrooms Nation, whose protofoundations stand As I shall one day state on this floor, across this country, hundreds of wit- on the sacrifices of hundreds of thou- all of the Presidents in their inaugural nesses will take their place at the front sands of early colonists whose primary speeches, and/or in other documents of the court chamber, put their hands inspiration in coming to America in and writings, have referred to the Deity, referred to the Almighty God, to on incalculable numbers of Bibles, and the first—Congregationalists, Calvin- Providence, all of them. I shall read swear to tell the truth, ‘‘. . . so help ists, Baptists, Jews, Catholics, Ortho- from the words of each President’s in- me God.’’ dox, and others—whose primary pur- auguration speech in which he refers, We do the same. I have done it many pose in coming to America in the first in one way or another, to God Al- times in my 50 years of service and place, I repeat, was a yearning for reli- mighty, the Great Judge of the world. elected office. We stand and swear on gious liberty against those who would We read those references in the Dec- oath to support and defend the Con- deny them the right of religious lib- laration of Independence and the stitution of the United States, ‘‘so help erty—that our Nation should be em- Mayflower Compact, and all of the me God.’’ barked on a course which, in effect, de- State constitutions, as I shall show Additionally, daily, thousands of men nies religious liberty to many of our and women, in a variety of groups and upon another occasion. Then to say citizens. that the schoolchildren of the Nation millions upon millions of boys and girls Mr. President, I have heard increas- cannot enter into voluntary prayer in in our schools will pledge allegiance to ing concerns about the lack of moral our flag, uttering, among other words, the public schools, or during com- orientation among so many younger mencement exercises is absurd, absurd, the words ‘‘under God.’’ I was a mem- Americans—about a rising drug epi- ber of the House of Representatives in utter nonsense. demic among our children, about ramp- In short, I hope to end the three-dec- June 1954, when the House of Rep- ant sexual promiscuity, about children ades-long tyranny of the minority in resentatives, I believe on June 7th of murdering children, about gangs of denying to the majority of Americans that year, added the words ‘‘under teenage thugs terrorizing their neigh- the least vestige of the exercise of a God’’ to the Pledge of Allegiance to the borhoods, and about a pervading moral liberty otherwise guaranteed by the Flag. The next day, the Senate adopted malaise among youth in both our inner Constitution—the right of believing a similar amendment, and then, on cities and suburbs. children in our public school system to June 14, the measure was signed into Is there any wonder that so many pray in accordance with their own con- law adding the words ‘‘under God.’’ I young Americans should be drifting sciences and in the privacy of their vol- will always be proud of the fact that I with seemingly no ethical moorings in untary associations within our public was a Member of the Congress of the the face of an apparent effort to strip schools. That right I sincerely believe United States when those words were every shred of recognizable ethics, of the Constitution already grants, but I added to the Pledge of Allegiance— teachings about values, and spiritu- want to spell out in that same Con- ‘‘one nation under God.’’ Both Houses ality from the setting in which those stitution by way of an amendment that added the words ‘‘under God.’’ young Americans spend most of their permission to pray voluntarily in our Here is the irony. In spite of that waking hours—our public schools? public schools does not constitute ‘‘an chain of rituals I have just related, in Mr. President, in an effort to restore establishment of a religion.’’ situation after situation, anecdotal and something of a spiritual balance to our To deny any schoolchild in this coun- documented both, public school au- public schools and to extracurricular try the right to voluntarily pray in thorities, ostensibly following rulings activities in our public schools, I am academics maintaining that that con- of the Supreme Court dating from at today introducing a joint resolution to stitutes establishment of religion is least the 1960’s, have prohibited the ut- propose an amendment to the Constitu- pure nonsense. terance of prayers at school functions, tion clarifying the intent of the Con- With introduction, and I hope even- in classrooms, or even in groups or pri- stitution with regard to public school tual adoption of my amendment, we vately on public school property. prayer. can finally begin the 7-year long proc- As I read my U.S. Constitution—and My amendment is an effort to make ess to answer the peoples’ concerns. We here it is—such a prohibition of prayer clear that neither the Constitution, or can begin to restore the spiritual com- in school flies in the face of the first the amendments thereto, require, nor pass that has been lost in the lives of amendment, which declares that ‘‘Con- do they prohibit, voluntary prayer in so many of our citizens. And, most im- gress shall make no law respecting an the public schools or in the extra- portantly, we can begin to return to establishment of religion, or prohib- curricular activities of the public our children the moral orientation iting the free exercise thereof. . . .’’ schools. they so desperately desire. Please note those words again: ‘‘. . . Let me read my amendment. Let me Tennyson said, ‘‘More things are or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. read my proposed amendment. It is wrought by prayer than this world . . .’’ very short, very brief, very much to dreams of.’’ That passage was explicitly written the point: So, Mr. President, I urge those who into our Bill or Rights at the insist- Nothing in this Constitution, or amend- want to deliver on the wishes of the ence of none other than James Madi- ments thereto, shall be construed to prohibit American people to join me in this ef- son, based on direct appeals to Madison or require voluntary prayer in public fort.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1111 I send to the desk my amendment, S. 253 mittee on Armed Services be author- and ask that it be printed and referred At the request of Mr. LUGAR, the ized to meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, appropriately to committee. name of the Senator from Nebraska February 6, 1997, to receive testimony I yield the floor. [Mr. HAGEL] was added as a cosponsor on the worldwide threat facing the There being no objection, the joint of S. 253, a bill to establish the negoti- United States. resolution was ordered to be printed in ating objectives and fast track proce- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the RECORD, as follows: dures for future trade agreements. objection, it is so ordered. S.J. RES. 15 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2 COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- At the request of Mr. HOLLINGS, the RESOURCES resentatives of the United States of America in name of the Senator from Iowa [Mr. Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I ask Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House HARKIN] was added as a cosponsor of unanimous consent that the Com- concurring therein), That the following article Senate Joint Resolution 2, a joint reso- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- is proposed as an amendment to the Con- lution proposing an amendment to the stitution, which shall be valid to all intents sources be granted permission to meet and purposes as part of the Constitution Constitution of the United States re- during the session of the Senate on when ratified by the legislatures of three- lating to contributions and expendi- Thursday, February 6, 1997, for pur- fourths of the several States within seven tures intended to affect elections. poses of conducting a full committee years after the date of its submission to the f hearing which is scheduled to begin at States for ratification: AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED 9:30 a.m. the purpose of this hearing is ‘‘ARTICLE — to consider S. 210, to amend the Or- ‘‘SECTION 1. Nothing in this Constitution, ganic Act of Guam, the Revised Or- or amendments thereto, shall be construed THE BALANCED BUDGET ganic Act of the Virgin Islands, and the to prohibit or require voluntary prayer in CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Compact of Free Association Act, and public schools, or to prohibit or require voluntary prayer at public school extra- for other purposes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without curricular activities.’’. DURBIN AMENDMENT NO. 2 f objection, it is so ordered. Mr. DURBIN proposed an amendment COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS to the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 1) pro- Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I ask S. 6 posing an amendment to the Constitu- unanimous consent that the Com- At the request of Mr. SANTORUM, the tion of the United States to require a mittee on Rules and Administration be names of the Senator from Montana balanced budget; as follows: authorized to meet during the session [Mr. BURNS] and the Senator from Mis- On page 3, between lines 11 and 12, insert of the Senate to receive testimony sissippi [Mr. COCHRAN] were added as the following: from committee chairman and ranking cosponsors of S. 6, a bill to amend title ‘‘The provisions of this article may be waived for any fiscal year in which there is members on their committee funding 18, United States Code, to ban partial- an economic recession or serious economic resolutions for 1997 and 1998 on Tues- birth abortions. emergency in the United States as declared day, February 4, Wednesday, February S. 11 by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority 5, and Thursday, February 6, all at 9:30 At the request of Mr. DASCHLE, the of the whole number of each House, which a.m. name of the Senator from Nevada [Mr. becomes law.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without BRYAN] was added as a cosponsor of S. f objection, it is so ordered. 11, a bill to reform the Federal election NOTICES OF HEARINGS COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS campaign laws applicable to Congress. COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I ask S. 15 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I unanimous consent that the Com- At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the would like to announce for information mittee on Small Business be authorized name of the Senator from Iowa [Mr. of the Senate and the public that a to meet during the session of the Sen- HARKIN] was added as a cosponsor of S. hearing of the Senate Committee on ate for a hearing entitled ‘‘Women- 15, a bill to control youth violence, Labor and Human Resources will be Owned and Home-Based Businesses’’ on crime, and drug abuse, and for other held on Tuesday, February 11, 1997, 9:30 Thursday, February 6, 1997, which will purposes. a.m., in SD–430 of the Senate Dirksen begin at 9:30 a.m. in room 428A of the S. 18 Building. The subject of the hearing is Russell Senate Office Building. At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, ‘‘Health Insurance Portability and Ac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the name of the Senator from Con- countability Act (HIPAA) Oversight.’’ objection, it is so ordered. necticut [Mr. LIEBERMAN] was added as For further information, please call the SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE a cosponsor of S. 18, a bill to assist the committee, 202—224–5375. Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I ask States and local governments in assess- COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS unanimous consent that the Select ing and remediating brownfield sites Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I wish to Committee on Intelligence be author- and encouraging environmental clean- announce that the Committee on Small ized to meet during the session of the up programs, and for other purposes. Business will hold two hearings on Feb- Senate on Thursday, February 6, 1997 S. 25 ruary 12, 1997. The first hearing enti- at 2:30 p.m., to hold a closed business At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the tled ‘‘Nomination of Aide Alvarez to be meeting. name of the Senator from Iowa [Mr. Administrator of the United States The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without HARKIN] was added as a cosponsor of S. Small Business Administration’’ will objection, it is so ordered. 25, a bill to reform the financing of begin at 9:30 a.m. The second hearing f Federal elections. entitled ‘‘The President’s Fiscal Year S. 213 1998 Budget Request for the United ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the States Small Business Administration’’ name of the Senator from Massachu- will begin at 10:30 a.m. Both hearings CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER setts [Mr. KERRY] was added as a co- will be held, in room 428A of the Rus- sponsor of S. 213, a bill to amend sec- GEORGE SHALHOUB, ST. MARY’S sell Senate Office Building. ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, tion 223 of the Communications Act of For further information, please con- LIVONIA, MI 1934 to repeal amendments on obscene tact Louis Taylor at 224–5175. ∑ and harassing use of telecommuni- f Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise cations facilities made by the Commu- today to offer my sincere congratula- nications Decency Act of 1996 and to AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO tions to Father George Shalhoub, pas- restore the provisions of such section MEET tor and spiritual leader of St. Mary’s on such use in effect before the enact- COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES Antiochian Orthodox Church in ment of the Communications Decency Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I ask Livonia, MI. Father George will be Act of 1996. unanimous consent that the Com- celebrating 25 years as pastor at St.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 Mary’s on Saturday, February 15, 1997. I have had the pleasure of personally Schools Award in a matter of weeks. In addition to his pastoral duties, Fa- knowing Father George for many Regardless of the decision, we in Mas- ther George is a faculty member at Ma- years. During that time I have sought sachusetts are proud of our nominees. donna University and is on the board of his spiritual advice and guidance. His They have established themselves as directors of many Michigan commu- pastoral, scholastic, and fatherly at- leaders, and I am confident that many nity service organizations. tributes are evident in everything he other Massachusetts schools will follow Father George’s life has been filled does. The State of Michigan is very in their path of excellence.∑ with many wonderful events. Born in lucky to have Father George amongst Hama, Syria, he came to the United its citizens, and all Americans should f States at the age of 20. He married his be very proud of his accomplishments. REMEMBERING ALBERT lovely wife Nina weeks before his ordi- Congratulations, Father George, on 25 WOHLSTETTER nation. One week after his ordination, years of success, dedication, and love. I ∑ Father George was assigned to St. would like to conclude by offering my Mr. KYL. Mr. President, on January Mary’s, a brandnew parish without hope that the next 25 years are just as 10, 1997, Albert Wohlstetter passed land and a church. In the following blessed and fruitful as the previous 25 away. His death is a great loss—not years, the couple arranged for the pur- have been.∑ only to his family and friends—but to chase of land in Livonia and the con- our Nation, which has benefited over struction of the church. The process many decades from his intellectual f culminated in the joyous first Sunday brilliance, vision, and moral clarity. of Great Lent in 1976, when Father NOMINATION OF SEVEN MASSA- For more than 40 years, Albert George celebrated the first divine lit- CHUSETTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR Wohlstetter was involved in all aspects urgy in the new building. The church RECOGNITION AS BLUE RIBBON of U.S. national security policy. Presi- was formally dedicated on May 1, 1977 SCHOOLS dents, from Truman to Bush, profited by the Most Reverend Metropolitan ∑ Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I com- from his analysis of major defense and Philip, Primate of the Antiochian Or- mend the attention of my colleagues in foreign policy issues. What students of thodox Christian Archdiocese of North the Senate to seven public elementary strategic policy, what policymakers in America. schools in my home State of Massachu- the Pentagon have not read, ‘‘The Deli- For Father George, devotion to his setts which have been nominated for cate Balance of Power’’—and been awed family has always come hand in hand recognition as Blue Ribbon Schools. by his penetrating insight? It speaks to with his religious dedication. He has This week, in his State of the Union his extraordinary, visionary intellect been blessed with four wonderful chil- Address, President Clinton called on us that he influenced so many from out- dren: Lila Ann, Alex George, Alexa to make education the first priority of side the beltway. Albert never joined Marie, and Christa Katherine. Despite this Nation, as we enter the 21st cen- any administration; he was never will- his busy family and liturgical schedule, tury. I could not agree more. ing to take a position that may require Father George managed to find the Fortunately, as I have traveled compromise between truth and the de- time to pursue scholastic endeavors as throughout Massachusetts in the last mands of politics. well. He earned a bachelor of science few years, and particularly last year, it As we approach the next century and degree in sociology and psychology has been very apparent to me that the challenges it brings, we should from Eastern Michigan University; a many communities have already taken keep in mind that Albert Wohlstetter master of theological studies degree on the President’s challenge. In scores was one of the staunchest champions of from St. John’s Provincial Seminary; of neighborhoods throughout the Com- ‘‘peace through strength’’—before the and a doctor of ministries in pastoral monwealth, parents, schoolchildren, term became popular during the counseling from the Graduate Theo- teachers, principals, and community Reagan administration. Albert cau- logical Foundation in Notre Dame, IN. volunteers are working with infectious tioned against the folly of seeking se- As Father George’s family has grown enthusiasm to make their schools the curity in arms control agreements, and and prospered, so has his parish com- best in the world. advocated placing our trust in Amer- munity. In 1980, St. Mary’s added six Each of the seven schools which the ica’s military strength and techno- Sunday school classes in the fellowship Commonwealth of Massachusetts has logical ingenuity. building and a new social hall. The nominated for the Blue Ribbon Schools As we look back on his article, groundbreaking for St. Mary’s Cultural Award this year has demonstrated that ‘‘Spreading the Bomb Without Quite Center was presided over by Metropoli- we can achieve high standards in edu- Breaking the Rules,’’ we can see so tan Philip on May 8, 1988. The Cultural cation in this country, and that we can clearly that Albert was also ahead of Center was completed in 1991, and dedi- make good public schools a funda- his time—recognizing in the mid-1970’s cation ceremonies were held later that mental building block of strong, vi- that the Nuclear Nonproliferation year, again under Metropolitan Phillip. brant communities. Treaty’s peaceful nuclear cooperation The success of the 2,000-family parish The seven schools are located in com- provisions would fuel the proliferation was made most evident in June 1995, munities all over Massachusetts, and of nuclear technology. As a result, when St. Mary’s hosted the 48th annual represent Massachusetts in all its di- America, our friends and allies are midwest parish life conference. versity: the Mason Elementary School faced today with a growing number of Father George has always been in Boston; the Blanchard Memorial countries who possess or are on the known as a man with great strength of School in Boxborough; the Emerson El- way to possessing, nuclear weapons. character. That strength was severely ementary School in Malden; the Whether he was analyzing strategic tested on April 5, 1996, when St. Mary’s Tisbury School on Martha’s Vineyard; issues or unveiling the hypocrisy of was consumed by fire. The fire could the Johnson Elementary School in Western policies in Bosnia and not have come at a worse time—it oc- Natick; the Steward Elementary Herzegovina, one could be sure of two curred right in the middle of Holy School in Topsfield; and the Jacob things: Albert Wohlstetter was intel- Week. It was a major blow to the par- Hiatt Magnet School in Worcester. lectually honest and thoroughly prin- ish, but Father George responded fan- Each school has embraced high cipled. For 4 long years, in countless tastically. He moved services to St. Mi- standards and welcomed innovation in articles, Albert reminded our leaders chael Russian Orthodox Church and teaching; but, more important, each that with America’s superpower status immediately began arranging for re- has brought parents, teachers, school- came not only vast military strength, pairs. Thanks to Father George’s hard children and the community together but immense moral responsibility—and work and dedication, parishioners were to make school an exciting place where for those reasons, allowing a small na- able to return to St. Mary’s on October children can learn, want to learn, and tion in the center of Europe to become 6, 1996. And the work wasn’t limited to do learn. the victim of genocide was unconscion- restoration. Plans are now underway to The U.S. Blue Ribbon Schools Review able. build a new chapel and a K through 8 Panel will make its decision on the Mr. President, I have barely private school. winners of this year’s Blue Ribbon scratched the surface of Albert

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1113 Wohlstetter’s tremendous contribu- above all, with reason and integrity. He was counsel to others, his mobilization of friends, tions to our Nation. I ask that the eu- on the front lines in countless battles over colleagues and students in the Bosnia cause logy given by Richard Perle, former public policy for decades. Yet not once, in were a wonderful, moving testimony to his Assistant Secretary of Defense, be the nearly 40 years I was privileged to know sense of rectitude. And his singular effective- him, did Albert exhibit even a sliver of the ness in shaping the opinion of thoughtful printed in the RECORD. small minded, ill-tempered discourse that so people around the world is a tribute to the The eulogy follows: often characterized the debate over issues of power of a great mind hard at work. ALBERT WOHLSTETTER, 1913–1997 strategy. For half a century, the high ground As he confronted the nightmare in Bosnia, (By Richard Perle) was his. I was never prouder of my friend and teach- Not long before he died, Albert amused Albert’s scoffing at conventional thinking er. sometimes had its humorous side. A few himself and—anyone who would listen—by In all its depth and richness, Albert’s life years ago, when Leslie and I were visiting at reading a poem by Wallace Stevens called was in every sense a partnership. He and Ro- Six Significant Landscapes. Joan and Ro- 2805 Woodstock, I watched Sam Tanaka, the Wohlstetter’s Japanese gardener, hard at berta taught us all how far beyond the sum berta thought I should read it here. And of its parts a marriage so whole and com- when they faxed it to me in Washington, I work planting something with great difficulty while muttering a stream of what I plete can reach. Those of us who marveled knew why: you can’t hear this short poem over the years at their seamless collabora- without thinking about Albert, without see- suspected were Japanese expletives. ‘‘What are you doing?’’ I asked. ‘‘Oh,’’ he said, re- tion know that it was no bow to the feminist ing, in your mind’s eye, that wonderful, movement when Ronald Reagan awarded the warm, engaging smile which, prompted by a signedly, ‘‘every year Mr. Wohlstetter makes me plant water chestnuts. Every year I tell Presidential Medal of Freedom jointly to Al- recollection or an idea or a phrase, would fill bert and Roberta. a room. So here it is, Landscape Six: him water chestnuts don’t grow in southern California. He won’t listen. ‘Try again,’ he Albert had many favorite things, among Rationalists, wearing square hats tells me. Ten years—no water chestnuts.’’ them a poem by Dylan Thomas. It goes like Think, in square rooms, Albert’s motto might well have been ‘‘All this: Looking at the floor, the world’s a school and all the people in it Do not go gentle into that good night, Looking at the ceiling. merely students.’’ For he made students of Old age should burn and rave at close of day; They confine themselves us all. It didn’t take one very long to under- Rage, rage against the dying of the light. To right-angled triangles, stand that Albert’s towering intelligence and If they tried rhomboids, Though wise men at their end know dark is vast knowledge were gifts he felt impelled to right, Cones, waving lines, ellipses— share. I was in the eleventh grade at Holly- As, for example, the ellipse of the half- Because their words had forked no lightning wood High School when I had my first moon— they Wohlstetter tutorial, standing by the swim- Rationalists would wear sombreros. Do not go gentle into that good night. ming pool at Woodstock Road. ‘‘The Delicate Good men, the last wave by, crying how Had I’d known the poem, or read it before Balance of Terror’’ had recently appeared in bright telling a New York Times reporter on Sun- Foreign Affairs, and Albert had just com- Their frail deeds might have danced in a day that Albert was a rationalist, I would pleted 80 or 90 classified briefings over many green bay, have added that he was a rationalist who weeks in Washington. What a marvel of pre- Rage, rage against the dying of the light. wore a sombrero. Because if there is one cision and compression that article was, and thing Albert never did, it was to wear square how intricate and subtle was the underlying Wild men who caught and sang the sun in hats or confine himself to right-angles. Al- analysis. I would never have pursued a career flight, bert, in fact, never confined himself, period. in strategic policy without Albert’s patient, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its His vision was wholly original, never conven- gentle, generous teaching which began one way, tional. And it was vast. Whether the subject day in 1958 and continued for 40 wonderful Do not go gentle into the good night. was the design of strategic forces or the fu- years. And I might be a good deal thinner if Grave men, near death, who see with blind- ture of technology or the inadequacy of trea- Albert had been less successful instructing ing sight ties and agreements or the implications of me in the joys of the Michelin Guide. Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be new systems of communication, or income To those of us who were fortunate enough gay, distribution as a function of race or nuclear to be his students, Albert had so very much Rage, rage against the dying of the light. proliferation or the impact of topography on to teach, not only about his chosen field, but And you, my father, there on the sad height, the stability of peace in Bosnia, Albert saw about history and economics and music and Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, old issues in new lights—and new issues be- art and architecture and food and wine and, I pray. fore anyone else. for the really smart ones, mathematics and Do not go gentle into the good night. Albert’s refusal to accept the conventional mathematical logic. There was hardly a sub- Rage rage against the dying of the light.∑ wisdom on any subject fueled his unrelenting ject about which Albert did not know a great drive to comprehend, to know, to learn, to deal and—invariably what was most impor- f understand. Thus he spent a lifetime search- tant. Above all, he taught us the importance ing for evidence, digging for facts, unearth- of accuracy and precision. He believed that ing details. His appetite for documents was one earned the right to comment the old COMMISSION ON STRUCTURAL AL- voracious. Maps, charts, statistics, studies, fashioned way—by setting and meeting the TERNATIVES FOR THE FEDERAL findings, testimony—he devoured them all, highest standards of rigor and objectivity. COURTS OF APPEALS—S. 248 and on every conceivable subject. And I won’t even attempt to catalogue Albert’s thanks to Roberta—a wellspring of warmth, extraordinarily rich intellectual legacy. He ∑ Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, on affection, wisdom and such order as could be tackled a succession of vexing, complex January 30, with my distinguished col- detected at Woodstock Road—the ever rising issues of public policy from the early days at league, HARRY REID, I introduced S. flood of material that eventually forced the RAND in the 1950’s until his death last Fri- 248, to establish a Commission on day. He brought clarity and wisdom to ev- purchase of a second house, was there when Structural Alternatives for the Federal needed. erything he studied. But I do want to say a As so many here know well, Albert’s capac- word about Albert’s most recent work con- Courts of Appeals. I now ask that it be ity to assemble, analyze and absorb moun- cerning Bosnia. printed in the RECORD. tains of information was limitless. This was No one worked harder than Albert to make The text of the bill follows: bad news indeed for those square hats who the case for protection and just treatment Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- made the mistake of blundering into debates for the victims of aggression in Bosnia, or to resentatives of the United States of America in with him: anything they had ever said or explain the broad implications of a failure to Congress assembled, done was certain to be dissected and deliv- do so. In his eighties, when most men shed ered back. It would hit one right between the burdens rather than acquire them, Albert SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF eyes. Whether in articles or briefings or con- took upon himself the burden of gathering, COMMISSION. gressional testimony or professional panels, analyzing and publishing the facts about the (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a when Albert set out to make a point, the genocide in Bosnia and fitting those facts Commission on Structural Alternatives for holders of opposing—especially conven- into the context of western security and val- the Federal Courts of Appeals (hereinafter tional—views were well advised to take ues. In his customary manner, he worked referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’). cover. And all the while, over decades of in- tirelessly, night and day, for a distant people (b) FUNCTIONS.—The functions of the Com- tense debate and controversy, Albert con- about whose plight he came to know every- mission shall be to— ducted the discussion of public policy with thing important. His articles in the Wall (1) study the present division of the United style and wit, with humor and civility and, Street Journal and elsewhere, his advice and States into the several judicial circuits;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 (2) study the structure and alignment of rates not to exceed the highest level payable Thursday, January 23, 1997, summarizes the Federal Court of Appeals system, with under the General Schedule pay rates under the facts of his life. But it doesn’t tell particular reference to the Ninth Circuit; section 5332 of title 5, United States Code. the story of the arduous travel, the and (d) SERVICES.—The Administrative Office late nights, the haggling over brack- (3) report to the President and Congress its of the United States Courts shall provide ad- eted text, the personal integrity and recommendations for such changes in circuit ministrative services, including financial boundaries or structure as may be appro- and budgeting services, for the Commission ex-marine toughness that made sea- priate for the expeditious and effective dis- on a reimbursable basis. The Federal Judi- soned diplomats trust him and rely position of the caseload of the Federal cial Center shall provide necessary research upon him and allowed him to close the Courts of Appeals, consistent with funda- services on a reimbursable basis. deal when other people couldn’t. mental concepts of fairness and due process. SEC. 5. INFORMATION. The measure of his loss will test us. SEC. 2. MEMBERSHIP. The Commission is authorized to request In life, he taught and led, and gave of (a) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be from any department, agency, or inde- himself unstintingly in the service of composed of 12 members appointed as fol- pendent instrumentality of the Government his country, and in the service of hu- lows: any information and assistance the Commis- manity. Retired from the Department (1) Two members appointed by the Presi- sion determines necessary to carry out its of State in 1982, after serving with the dent of the United States. functions under this Act. Each such depart- Commission on detail since 1977, the (2) Two members appointed by the Chief ment, agency, and independent instrumen- year after the Commission’s founding, Justice of the United States. tality is authorized to provide such informa- he had his greatest impact on U.S. pol- (3) Two members appointed by the Major- tion and assistance to the extent permitted ity Leader of the Senate. by law when requested by the Chair of the icy with the Commission. He subse- (4) Two members appointed by the Minor- Commission. quently served as the Commission’s ity Leader of the Senate. SEC. 6. REPORT. staff director, and later as its director (5) Two members appointed by the Speaker No later than 2 years following the date on of international policy. of the House of Representatives. which its seventh member is appointed in ac- His skillful, steady hand helped guide (6) Two members appointed by the Minor- cordance with section 2(b), the Commission the Helsinki Accords from a conten- ity Leader of the House of Representatives. shall submit its report to the President and tious and little-known artifact of de- (b) APPOINTMENT.—The members of the the Congress. The Commission shall termi- tente to a living, growing international Commission shall be appointed within 60 nate 90 days after the date of the submission process and organization that has days after the date of the enactment of this of its report. Act. brought much good to many people, SEC. 7. CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION. (c) VACANCY.—Any vacancy in the Commis- and has helped build peace, prosperity, sion shall be filled in the same manner as the No later than 60 days after the submission and security for the United States, our original appointment. of the report, the Committee on the Judici- allies, and all of the people of Europe. (d) CHAIR.—The Commission shall elect a ary of the Senate shall act on the report. His work with the Commission spe- Chair and Vice Chair from among its mem- SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. cifically advanced the cause of human bers. There are authorized to be appropriated to rights to its highest level of achieve- (e) QUORUM.—Seven members of the Com- the Commission such sums, not to exceed ment in international relations. During mission shall constitute a quorum, but 3 $1,300,000, as may be necessary to carry out may conduct hearings. the purposes of this Act. Such sums as are the cold war, prisoners of conscience, refuseniks, persons whose families had SEC. 3. COMPENSATION. appropriated shall remain available until ex- (a) IN GENERAL.—Members of the Commis- pended.∑ been separated, the oppressed of all kinds, had a friend and a skillful ally sion who are officers, or full-time employees, f of the United States shall receive no addi- in Sam. Many cases were resolved— tional compensation for their services, but AMBASSADOR SAMUEL G. WISE, among them those of Anatoly shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, JR. Scharansky and Yuri Orlov—and many and other necessary expenses incurred in the families were reunited. We can make a ∑ Mr. D’AMATO. Mr. President, I rise performance of duties vested in the Commis- list of individual people he helped, and today to do again something I have sion, but not in excess of the maximum every one of these cases in whose reso- done many times in the past—to say amounts authorized under section 456 of title lution he had a hand adds luster to his 28, United States Code. good things about Sam Wise. Sam name. (b) PRIVATE MEMBERS.—Members of the passed away during the early morning Commission from private life shall receive More importantly, in international on Tuesday, January 21, 1997, after a meeting after international meeting, $200 per diem for each day (including travel short illness. Our thoughts and our time) during which the member is engaged in Sam did the hard work of diplomacy, the actual performance of duties vested in prayers go out to his wife, Mary, and out of the spotlight, helping bring to- the Commission, plus reimbursement for the rest of his family in this most dif- gether the United States, Canada, and travel, subsistence, and other necessary ex- ficult time. the nations of Europe to agree, word by penses incurred in the performance of such I first met Sam in 1981, when I came painfully negotiated word, on commit- duties, but not in excess of the maximum to the Senate as a freshman and joined ments that made human rights a legiti- amounts authorized under section 456 of title the Commission on Security and Co- 28, United States Code. mate issue in international relations, operation in Europe, which is better not one that an oppressive state could SEC. 4. PERSONNEL. known as the Helsinki Commission. I easily dismiss as outside interference (a) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.—The Commission have worked with him, traveled with may appoint an Executive Director who shall in its internal affairs. receive compensation at a rate not exceeding him, relied upon him, trusted him as a This is hard work, building the foun- the rate prescribed for level V of the Execu- staff member, a diplomat, and a friend. dation of human civilization. That’s tive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, When I first served as the Helsinki what Sam helped do. The modern Orga- United States Code. Commission’s chairman, in 1985 and nization for Security and Cooperation (b) STAFF.—The Executive Director, with 1986, Sam was already the pillar of wis- in Europe, and especially the estab- approval of the Committee, may appoint and dom, the font of all Commission and lished human rights standards it em- fix the compensation of such additional per- CSCE knowledge, and the balance bodies and advances, are a product, in sonnel as he determines necessary, without wheel of good judgment that kept regard to the provisions of title 5, United larger part than the world knows, of States Code, governing appointments in the things under control. At the Vienna his dedication, skill, tireless effort, and competitive service or the provisions of CSCE Review Conference, which began commitment to principle. While the chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of under my chairmanship, Sam became world at large may little note his pass- such title relating to classification and Gen- the deputy head of the U.S. delegation, ing, those of us who know the Helsinki eral Schedule pay rates. Compensation under and was awarded the personal rank of process and the demanding work of es- this subsection shall not exceed the annual Ambassador by the President. It was an tablishing and protecting human maximum rate of basic pay for a position honor hard-earned and richly deserved. rights, we know we have lost one of the above GS–15 of the General Schedule under With the start of the 105th Congress, people who count. His achievements in section 5108 of title 5, United States Code. (c) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The Exec- the Commission is suddenly and sadly life will serve as a lasting tribute to utive Director may procure personal services lacking Sam’s leadership, profes- him, and will continue to do good for of experts and consultants as authorized by sionalism, and gravitas. The obituary his country, our friends, and humanity section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at published in the Washington Post on in general for many years to come.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1115 Nothing I can say, nothing anyone COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF 1.3 Notification.—In the case of any meet- can do, can make up for his loss. We HERB CAEN ing of the committee, other than a regularly scheduled meeting, the clerk of the com- can all, however, take some comfort in ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise his accomplishments in life, and re- mittee shall notify every member of the today to honor Herb Caen, Pulitzer committee of the time and place of the meet- dedicate ourselves to the service of our Prize-winning columnist for the San ing and shall give reasonable notice which, country and to the advancement of Francisco Chronicle. Herb began his ca- except in extraordinary circumstances, shall those causes we shared with him. reer in 1938. He left us this past Sun- be at least 24 hours in advance of any meet- Sam, I will miss you. God bless you day, taking with him an irreplaceable ing held in Washington, DC, and at least 48 ∑ and God speed you home to His care. part of the community he so dearly hours in the case of any meeting held outside Washington, DC. loved and that so dearly treasured him. f 1.4 Called Meeting.—If three members of Although he is gone, he leaves a rich, the committee have made a request in writ- woven history of a time, place, and ing to the Chairman to call a meeting of the TRIBUTE TO PROCTOR JONES, people. His was the common thread in committee, and the Chairman fails to call STAFF DIRECTOR, SENATE AP- the life and lives of this often delib- such a meeting within 7 calendar days there- PROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE— erately uncommon metropolis. He grew after, including the day on which the written SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND up in Sacramento, but made San Fran- notice is submitted, a majority of the mem- WATER DEVELOPMENT cisco home not only for himself but for bers may call a meeting by filing a written his legions of readers—whether they notice with the clerk of the committee who ∑ Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise shall promptly notify each member of the today to pay tribute to Proctor Jones lived in town or not. He captured the committee in writing of the date and time of on his retirement from the Senate Ap- city’s vivid colors and rhythms. the meeting. propriations Committee. Proctor People read Herb Caen to find out 1.5 Adjournment of Meetings.—The Chair- Jones, a most distinguished profes- what was going on. We looked for man of the committee or a subcommittee sional staff member, has served the names we recognized, places we might shall be empowered to adjourn any meeting Senate Appropriations Committee hon- visit, and places we might avoid. For of the committee or a subcommittee if a orably since 1971. nearly six decades, Herb was our con- quorum is not present within 15 minutes of the time scheduled for such meeting. During my many years of interaction nection to a place so dynamic, it with Mr. Jones, I have observed that seemed only he could divine its pulse RULE 2—MEETINGS AND HEARINGS IN GENERAL his attention to detail and superb per- and variety. 2.1 Open Sessions.—Business meetings and formance under pressure have earned Every morning, Herb Caen started hearings held by the committee or any sub- him the respect and admiration of Sen- your day. Herb conjured humanity committee shall be open to the public except ators and Senate staff alike. He distin- from a youthful heart and old type- as otherwise provided for in Senate Rule writer daily—and we thank him. XXVI, paragraph 5. guished himself rapidly as a profes- 2.2 Transcripts.—A transcript shall be kept sional who possessed an infectious de- My office in San Francisco overlooks Herb Caen Way—a beautiful promenade of each business meeting and hearing of the meanor, tremendous integrity, decisive committee or any subcommittee unless a leadership style, political savvy, and along the waterfront. From the wid- majority of the committee or the sub- boundless energy. ows, one can see the people of San committee agrees that some other form of Mr. Jones forged strong alliances and Francisco moving from place to place, permanent record is preferable. affiliations with a myriad of congres- carrying on with the business of living, 2.3 Reports.—An appropriate opportunity sional offices, committees, and Federal and carrying memories of Herb with shall be given the Minority to examine the and civilian agencies to present a cohe- them. Although we may be deprived of proposed text of committee reports prior to his words, how appropriate that even their filing or publication. In the event there sive approach in drafting a responsible are supplemental, minority, or additional energy and water appropriations bill now Herb continues to lead us about his adopted town with which he con- views, an appropriate opportunity shall be each year. given the Majority to examine the proposed Mr. Jones has had an opportunity to ducted a public love affair for almost 60 text prior to filing or publication. serve under a number of distinguished years. 2.4 Attendance.—(a) Meetings. Official at- Appropriations Committee chairmen: In awarding the Pulitzer Prize to tendance of all markups and executive ses- Senators Russell, Ellender, McClellan, Herb Caen, the Pulitzer Committee re- sions of the committee shall be kept by the Magnuson, Stennis, BYRD, and most referred to his ‘‘continuing contribution committee clerk. Official attendance of all cently Hatfield. Mr. Jones served as as a voice and conscience of his city.’’ subcommittee markups and executive ses- His voice is no longer with us, but his sions shall be kept by the subcommittee deputy staff director of the committee clerk. under Senators McClellan and Stennis. joy in celebrating San Francisco and its inhabitants will live on in genera- (b) Hearings. Official attendance of all Since 1973 he has been the Staff Direc- hearings shall be kept, provided that, Sen- tor, Subcommittee on Public Works for tions of San Franciscans who read him ∑ ators are notified by the committee Chair- Water and Power Development, and and were touched by his life. man and ranking minority member, in the Atomic Energy Commission Appropria- f case of committee hearings, and by the sub- tions, which was renamed the Sub- RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON committee Chairman and ranking minority member, in the case of subcommittee hear- committee on Energy and Water Devel- AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND opment in 1977. ings, 48 hours in advance of the hearing that FORESTRY attendance will be taken. Otherwise, no at- In addition to handling the annual ∑ Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, on Janu- tendance will be taken. Attendance at all appropriation bill, he has been in hearings is encouraged. charge of numerous continuing resolu- ary 22, 1997, the Committee on Agri- RULE 3—HEARING PROCEDURES tions, supplemental appropriations culture, Nutrition, and Forestry met bills, rescission bills, and other meas- and adopted the rules for the com- 3.1 Notice.—Public notice shall be given of ures relating to the appropriations mittee. I ask unanimous consent that a the date, place, and subject matter of any copy of the Committee on Agriculture, hearing to be held by the committee or any process. subcommittee at least 1 week in advance of I understand Mr. Jones will be work- Nutrition, and Forestry rules be printed in the RECORD, as follows: such hearing unless the Chairman of the full ing here in Washington, with former committee or the subcommittee determines Senator J. Bennett Johnston, with RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, that the hearing is noncontroversial or that whom he has been associated for over NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY special circumstances require expedited pro- 20 years. I know his expertise, profes- RULE I—MEETINGS cedures and a majority of the committee or sionalism, and dedication will serve 1.1 Regular Meetings.—Regular meetings the subcommittee involved concurs. In no him well in his new position. I want to shall be held on the first and third Wednes- case shall a hearing be conducted with less than 24 hours notice. personally and publicly acknowledge day of each month when Congress is in session. 3.2 Witness Statements.—Each witness who my appreciation to Mr. Jones for his 1.2 Additional Meetings.—The Chairman, is to appear before the committee or any exemplary service to this great institu- in consultation with the ranking minority subcommittee shall file with the committee tion and to bid him a fond aloha and member, may call such additional meetings or subcommittee, at least 24 hours in ad- heartfelt mahalo.∑ as he deems necessary. vance of the hearing, a written statement of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 his or her testimony and as many copies as 5.3 Reporting.—A majority of the member- izations or limitations as the committee the Chairman of the committee or sub- ship of the committee shall constitute a may from time to time prescribe. committee prescribes. quorum for reporting bills, nominations, RULE 8—INVESTIGATIONS, SUBPOENAS AND 3.3 Minority Witnesses.—In any hearing matters, or recommendations to the Senate. DEPOSITIONS conducted by the committee, or any sub- No measure or recommendation shall be or- committee thereof, the minority members of dered reported from the committee unless a 8.1 Investigations.—Any investigation un- the committee or subcommittee shall be en- majority of the committee members are dertaken by the committee or a sub- titled, upon request to the Chairman by the physically present. The vote of the com- committee in which depositions are taken or ranking minority member of the committee mittee to report a measure or matter shall subpoenas issued, must be authorized by a or subcommittee to call witnesses of their require the concurrence of a majority of majority of the members of the committee selection during at least 1 day of such hear- those members who are physically present at voting for approval to conduct such inves- ing pertaining to the matter or matters the time the vote is taken. tigation at a business meeting of the com- heard by the committee or subcommittee. RULE 6—VOTING mittee convened in accordance with Rule 1. 3.4 Swearing in of Witnesses.—Witnesses in Rollcalls.—A roll call vote of the members 8.2 Subpoenas.—The Chairman, with the committee or subcommittee hearings may be shall be taken upon the request of any mem- approval of the ranking minority member of required to give testimony under oath when- ber. the committee, is delegated the authority to ever the Chairman or ranking minority 6.2 Proxies.—Voting by proxy as authorized subpoena the attendance of witnesses or the member of the committee or subcommittee by the Senate rules for specific bills or sub- production of memoranda, documents, deems such to be necessary. jects shall be allowed whenever a quorum of records, or any other materials at a hearing 3.5 Limitation.—Each member shall be the committee is actually present. of the committee or a subcommittee or in limited to 5 minutes in the questioning of 6.3 Polling.—The committee may poll any connection with the conduct of an investiga- any witness until such time as all members matters of committee business, other than a tion authorized in accordance with para- who so desire have had an opportunity to vote on reporting to the Senate any meas- graph 8.1. The Chairman may subpoena at- question a witness. Questions from members ures, matters or recommendations or a vote tendance or production without the approval shall rotate from majority to minority mem- on closing a meeting or hearing to the pub- of the ranking minority member when the bers in order of seniority or in order of ar- lic, provided that every member is polled and Chairman has not received notification from rival at the hearing. every poll consists of the following two ques- the ranking minority member of disapproval RULE 4—NOMINATIONS tions: of the subpoena within 72 hours, excluding 4.1 Assignment.—All nominations shall be (1) Do you agree or disagree to poll the pro- Saturdays and Sundays, of being notified of considered by the full committee. posal; and the subpoena. If a subpoena is disapproved by 4.2 Standards.—In considering a nomina- (2) Do you favor or oppose the proposal. the ranking minority member as provided in tion, the committee shall inquire into the If any member requests, any matter to be this paragraph the subpoena may be author- nominee’s experience, qualifications, suit- polled shall be held for meeting rather than ized by vote of the members of the com- ability, and integrity to serve in the position being polled. The chief clerk of the committee. When the committee or Chairman to which he or she has been nominated. mittee shall keep a record of all polls. authorizes subpoenas, subpoenas may be 4.3 Information.—Each nominee shall sub- RULE 7—SUBCOMMITTEES issued upon the signature of the Chairman or mit in response to questions prepared by the any other member of the committee des- 7.1 Assignments.—To assure the equitable committee the following information: ignated by the Chairman. assignment of members to subcommittees, (1) A detailed biographical resume which no member of the committee will receive as- 8.3 Notice for Taking Depositions.—Notices contains information relating to education, signment to a second subcommittee until, in for the taking of depositions, in an investiga- employment, and achievements; order of seniority, all members of the com- tion authorized by the committee, shall be (2) Financial information, including a fi- mittee have chosen assignments to one sub- authorized and be issued by the Chairman or nancial statement which lists assets and li- committee, and no member shall receive as- by a staff officer designated by him. Such no- abilities of the nominee; and signment to a third subcommittee until, in tices shall specify a time and place for exam- (3) Copies of other relevant documents re- order of seniority, all members have chosen ination, and the name of the Senator, staff quested by the committee. Information re- assignments to two subcommittees. officer or officers who will take the deposi- ceived pursuant to this subsection shall be 7.2 Attendance.—Any member of the com- tion. Unless otherwise specified, the deposi- available for public inspection except as spe- mittee may sit with any subcommittee dur- tion shall be in private. The committee shall cifically designated confidential by the coming a hearing or meeting but shall not have not initiate procedures leading to criminal mittee. the authority to vote on any matter before or civil enforcement proceedings for a wit- 4.4 Hearings.—The committee shall con- the subcommittee unless he or she is a mem- ness’ failure to appear unless the deposition duct a public hearing during which the nomi- ber of such subcommittee. notice was accompanied by a committee sub- nee shall be called to testify under oath on 7.3 Ex Officio Members.—The Chairman poena. all matters relating to his or her suitability and ranking minority member shall serve as 8.4 Procedure for Taking Depositions.— for office. No hearing shall be held until at nonvoting ex officio members of the sub- Witnesses shall be examined upon oath ad- least 48 hours after the nominee has re- committees on which they do not serve as ministered by an individual authorized by sponded to a prehearing questionnaire sub- voting members. The Chairman and ranking local law to administer oaths. The Chairman mitted by the committee. minority member may not be counted to- will rule, by telephone or otherwise, on any 4.5 Action on Confirmation.—A business ward a quorum. objection by a witness. The transcript of a meeting to consider a nomination shall not 7.4 Scheduling.—No subcommittee may deposition shall be filed with the committee occur on the same day that the hearing on schedule a meeting or hearing at a time des- clerk. the nominee is held. The Chairman, with the ignated for a hearing or meeting of the full agreement of the ranking minority member, RULE 9—AMENDING THE RULES committee. No more than one subcommittee may waive this requirement. business meeting may be held at the same These rules shall become effective upon RULE 5—QUORUMS time. publication in the Congressional RECORD. 5.1 Testimony—For the purpose of receiv- 7.5 Discharge.—Should a subcommittee fail These rules may be modified, amended, or re- ing evidence, the swearing of witnesses, and to report back to the full committee on any pealed by the committee, provided that all the taking of sworn or unsworn testimony at measure within a reasonable time, the Chair- members are present or provide proxies or if any duly scheduled hearing, a quorum of the man may withdraw the measure from such a notice in writing of the proposed changes committee and the subcommittee thereof subcommittee and report that fact to the has been given to each member at least 48 shall consist of one member. full committee for further disposition. The hours prior to the meeting at which action 5.2 Business.—A quorum for the trans- full committee may at any time, by major- thereon is to be taken. The changes shall be- action of committee or subcommittee busi- ity vote of those members present, discharge come effective immediately upon publication ness, other than for reporting a measure or a subcommittee from further consideration of the changed rule or rules in the Congres- recommendation to the Senate or the taking of a specific piece of legislation. sional RECORD, or immediately upon ap- of testimony, shall consist of one-third of 7.6 Application of Committee Rules to Sub- proval of the changes if so resolved by the the members of the committee or subcommittees.—The proceedings of each subcommittee as long as any witnesses who may committee, including at least one member committee shall be governed by the rules of be affected by the change in rules are pro- from each party. the full committee, subject to such author- vided with them.∑

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY February 6, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1117 EXECUTIVE SESSION sion of the General Assembly of the United pate a busy week as we continue to Nations. make progress on the balanced budget Victor Marrero, of New York, to be an Al- amendment, as well as consider addi- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ternate Representative of the United States tional nominations as they become of America to the 51st Session of the General Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I ask Assembly of the United Nations. available. I thank all Members in ad- unanimous consent that the Senate im- vance for their continued cooperation. mediately proceed to executive session NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE SECRETARY’S f to consider the following nominations DESK on the executive calendar: IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 11 A.M. TOMORROW Calendar Nos. 6 through 16, and all Foreign Service nominations beginning nominations placed on the Secretary’s Paul Albert Bisek, and ending John Weeks, Mr. HATCH. Madam President, if desk in the foreign service. which nominations were received by the Sen- there is no further business to come be- I further ask unanimous consent that ate and appeared in the Congressional fore the Senate, I now ask that the the nominations be confirmed, motions Record of January 21, 1997. Senate stand in adjournment under the to reconsider be laid upon the table, Foreign Service nominations beginning previous order. Larry Corbett, and ending Robin Lane and that any statements relating to There being no objection, the Senate, the nominations appear at this point in White, which nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- at 6:43 p.m., adjourned until Friday, the RECORD, and the President be im- sional Record of January 21, 1997. February 7, 1997, at 11 a.m. mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- Foreign Service nomination of Marilyn f tion, and the Senate return to legisla- Mcafee, which was received by the Senate tive session. and appeared in the Congressional Record of NOMINATIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without January 21, 1997. Foreign Service nominations beginning Executive nominations received by objection, it is so ordered. the Senate February 6, 1997: The nomination were considered and John C. Kornblum, and ending William L. confirmed, as follows: Young, which nominations were received by DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY the Senate and appeared in the Congres- ELLEN SEIDMAN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO DEPARTMENT OF STATE sional Record of January 28, 1997. BE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION Madeleine May Kunin, of Vermont, to FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS, VICE TIMOTHY RYAN, RE- f SIGNED. serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN THE NAVY and Plenipotentiary of the United States of THE FOLLOWING-NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT America to the Principality of Liech- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- IN THE U.S. NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER tenstein. ate will now return to legislative ses- TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 624: Genta Hawkins Holmes, of California, a Ca- sion. To be rear admiral reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, f REAR ADM. (1H) LOUIS M. SMITH, 0000. Class of Minister-Counselor, as Ambassador IN THE AIR FORCE Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY THE FOLLOWING-NAMED AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE United States of America to Australia. 7, 1997 U.S. OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDI- Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career CATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE, UNDER Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I ask TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTIONS 1552, 12203 AND of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- unanimous consent that when the Sen- 12212: traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the ate completes its business today, it To be colonel United States of America to the Republic of stand in adjournment until the hour of ALBERTO B. ZAMBRANO, 0000. El Salvador. 11 a.m. on Friday, February 7. I ask THE FOLLOWING-NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT Arma Jane Karaer, of Virginia, a Career consent that on Friday, immediately TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION following the prayer, the routine re- 12203: of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United quests through the morning hour be To be colonel States of America to Papua New Guinea, and granted. I further ask unanimous con- GUY E. ACHESON, 0000 sent that the Senate then immediately BENNY E. ACOCK, JR., 0000 to serve concurrently and without additional MARK W. ANDERSON, 0000 compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary resume consideration of Senate Joint RICARDO APONTE, 0000 and Plenipotentiary of the United States of Resolution 1, the constitutional MARY J. BALCH, 0000 ROBERT L. BARBER, 0000 America to Solomon Islands, and as Ambas- amendment requiring a balanced budg- RAYMOND M., BAUMGARDNER, JR., 0000 sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of et. Finally, I ask unanimous consent RANDALL L. BEATTY, 0000 the United States of America to the Republic that the time between 11 a.m. and 1 WILLIAM H. BEHRENDS, JR., 0000 of Vanuatu. NORMAN S. BELL, JR., 0000 p.m. be equally divided between the GEORGE W. BEREZA, 0000 Dennis K. Hays, of Florida, a Career Mem- ALLAN T. BOMBARD, 0000 ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of chairman and ranking member, or JOHN H. BORDELON, JR., 0000 Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary their designees. FRANCIS P. BOTT, 0000 CURTIS N. BREEDING, 0000 and Plenipotentiary of the United States of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without KERRY D. BRIGGS, 0000 America to the Republic of Suriname. objection, it is so ordered. BRUCE A. BROWN, 0000 John Francis Maisto, of Pennsylvania, a DAVID R. BROWN, 0000 f RAY L. BROWN, 0000 Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- JOHN R. BRUNS, JR., 0000 ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- PROGRAM LOUIS J. BUDGE, 0000 bassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary GILBERT N. BURNET, 0000 Mr. HATCH. Madam President, for MARK E. BUSCH, 0000 of the United States of America to the Re- THADDIS R. CATES, 0000 public of Venezuela. the information of all Senators, on Fri- JAMES T. CHAFIN III, 0000 John Stern Wolf, of Maryland, a Career day, the Senate will resume consider- ROBERT R. CHALEFF, 0000 RICHARD W. CHAMPION, 0000 Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class ation of Senate Joint Resolution 1, the BARNEY B. CHAPMAN, 0000 of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Am- balanced budget amendment. Under a BENJAMIN R. CHAPPELL, 0000 bassador during his tenure of service as U.S. KENT D. CLARK, 0000 previous order, the pending amendment WILLIAM E. COMBER, 0000 Coordinator for Asia Pacific Economic Co- offered by Senator DURBIN will be BARBARA L. CONNER, 0000 operation (APEC). WAYNE F. CONROY, 0000 Madeleine Korbel Albright, of the District voted on at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb- JAMES F. COOK, JR., 0000 ruary 10 and, therefore, there will be no DAVID A. CROSS, 0000 of Columbia, to be a Representative of the MERRILL N. CROSS, 0000 United States of America to the 51st Session rollcall votes during tomorrow’s ses- CLIFTON D. CRUTCHFIELD, JR., 0000 of the General Assembly of the United Na- sion. On Monday, Senator WELLSTONE JAMES B. CUMMINGS, 0000 PAUL M. CURRER, 0000 tions. will offer two additional amendments, BRIAN W. DAVIS, 0000 Edward William Gnehm, Jr., of Georgia, to and it is my hope that the Senate will BRUCE E. DAVIS, 0000 be a Representative of the United States of DEAN J. DESPINOY, 0000 be able to vote on these amendments RAMASUBBAREDDY DHANIREDDY, 0000 America to the 51st Session of the General on Tuesday, possibly in the morning. I PAUL DOTO, JR., 0000 Assembly of the United Nations. MICHAEL DUDNICK, 0000 Karl Frederick Inderfurth, of North Caro- will remind my colleagues that next PAUL G. ECHOLS, 0000 week is the final week of session prior WILBURT J. ELLIOTT, 0000 lina, to be an Alternate Representative of GRANT B. FARIS, 0000 the United States of America to the 51st Ses- to the President’s Day recess. I antici- DIANA L. FLEEK, 0000

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:57 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\1997SENATE\S06FE7.REC S06FE7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S1118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 1997 JAMES R. FULLER, 0000 GEORGE D. REASONOVER, JR., 0000 traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the LARRY E. FUNK, 0000 DONALD L. RITENOUR, 0000 LUCIEN P. GABRICK, JR., 0000 ANTHONY M. RIZZO, 0000 United States of America to the Republic of ROBERT L. GAFFNEY, 0000 NEIL A. ROHAN, 0000 El Salvador. HENRY B. GARRETT, 0000 BETTY J. ROMANOFF, 0000 Arma Jane Karaer, of Virginia, a Career JAMES E. GLENN, 0000 CARL H. ROSE, 0000 JAMES J. GONZALES, 0000 DAVID E. RUNDQUIST, 0000 Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class JOHN G. GRONES, 0000 THOMAS E. SAYERS, 0000 of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- JANET C. GREEN, 0000 JANE E. SCHERERHART, 0000 dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United JANINE M. GUINTER, 0000 HARRY D. SCHLOSSER, 0000 JOSEPH S. HALE, 0000 KARL B. SCHULTZ, 0000 States of America to Papua New Guinea, and MICHAEL P. HALLANAN, 0000 DARRELL J. SCOTT, 0000 to serve concurrently and without additional KATHRYN M. HALVORSON, 0000 KEITH A. SCRAGG, 0000 compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary KENNEY W. HAMM, 0000 PETER C. SHEFFER, 0000 GREGORY HANSON, 0000 LINDA M. SIMMONS, 0000 and Plenipotentiary of the United States of CHRISTOPHER N. HARLAMBAKIS, 0000 JAMES M. SLUDER III, 0000 America to Solomon Islands, and as Ambas- GAIL R. HERIOT, 0000 HARVEY D. SMITH, 0000 sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of TIMOTHY R. HOFFMAN, 0000 STEPHEN D. SMITH, 0000 CLARENCE N. HORLEN, JR., 0000 BEN SOUR, JR., 0000 the United States of America to the Republic WILLIAM B. HUNTINGTON, 0000 WILLIAM K. SPRINGER, 0000 of Vanuatu. SHUMEI HWANG, 0000 MICHAEL S. STERN, 0000 Dennis K. Hays, of Florida, a Career Mem- RICHARD L. JAMIESON, 0000 KENNETH C. STOEHRMANN, 0000 ROBERT LEE JARRETT, 0000 ROBERT V. STRANSKY, 0000 ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of JOHN W. JENSON, 0000 WILLIAM W. STRUTHERS III, 0000 Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary LEE D. JOHNSON, 0000 KENNETH D. SUGGS, 0000 RICHARD W. JOHNSTONE, 0000 and Plenipotentiary of the United States of JOSEPH W. TRANOWSKI, 0000 LEWIS D. JOLLETT, 0000 PAUL W. TAYLOR, 0000 America to the Republic of Suriname. MICHAEL D. JONES, 0000 WILLIAM W. TAYLOR, JR., 0000 CYNTHIA A. JONESSANDERS, 0000 John Francis Maisto, of Pennsylvania, a THOMAS F. TEAL, 0000 LINDA E. JORDAN, 0000 LINDA K. TEMPLETON, 0000 Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- CHARLES W. JOSEPH IV, 0000 JUDITH A. TERRELL, 0000 ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- CARL L. KAMMERAAD, 0000 TIMOTHY J. THOMSON, 0000 JAMES M. KEMPF, 0000 bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary MARY K. TOCK, 0000 STEPHEN H. KEYSER, 0000 ROBERT L. TOMLINSON, JR., 0000 of the United States of America to the Re- THOMAS L. KING, 0000 public of Venezuela. WILLIAM K. KING, JR., 0000 LLOYD Y. UTO, 0000 MICHAEL J. KONVALINKA, 0000 TERRANCE J. VANPARYS, 0000 John Stern Wolf, of Maryland, a Career RICHARD T. KOSKELLA, 0000 GARY W. VAUGHN, 0000 Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class JAMES B. KOTTKAMP, 0000 CHARLES C. VAUGHTERS, JR., 0000 CHARLES R. KOYM, 0000 GEORGE R. VIEYRA, 0000 of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Am- LISA A. KUHAR, 0000 JAMES L. WALKER, 0000 bassador during his tenure of service as U.S. KARL LACY, JR., 0000 SARAH F. WATERMAN, 0000 Coordinator for Asia Pacific Economic Co- SAM M. LAMBERT, 0000 NORMAN R. WEBSTER, JR., 0000 WESLEY G. LANGLAND, 0000 ROBERT L. WHITE, 0000 operation (APEC). GLEN G. LARSON, 0000 ROBERT H. WILDE, 0000 Madeleine Korbel Albright, of the District THOMAS E. WILL, 0000 JAMES E. LECH, 0000 of Columbia, to be a Representative of the GARY M. LEONARD, 0000 BRIAN E. WILLIAMS, 0000 DAVID M. LETA, 0000 ROBERT L. WILLIAMS, JR., 0000 United States of America to the 51st Session MARTHA J. LEVARDSEN, 0000 PAUL Y. WONG, 0000 of the General Assembly of the United Na- JUDITH A. LISA, 0000 KATHLEEN A. WOODY, 0000 KAY B. LONG, 0000 THOMAS B. WORDEN, 0000 tions. JOHN C. LOWE, 0000 MARYANNE WRIGHT, 0000 Edward William Gneham, Jr., of Georgia, CAROL A. LUNGER, 0000 JAMES B. WYBLE, 0000 to be a Representative of the United States KATHLEEN M. LUX, 0000 BRADLEY C. YOUNG, 0000 MICHAEL K. LYNCH, 0000 DAVID S. ZELENOK, 0000 of America to the 51st Session of the General PAUL R. MANLEY, 0000 BURTON L. ZISKIND, 0000 Assembly of the United Nations. ANNE S. MANLY, 0000 ROBERT T. MARTENS, 0000 f Karl Frederick Inderfurth, of North Caro- ROBERT C. MARTIN, 0000 lina, to be an Alternate Representative of ROBERT J. MASSEY, 0000 CONFIRMATION the United States of America to the 51st Ses- PATRICK T. MC ALEER, 0000 sion of the General Assembly of the United JAMES D. MC COY, 0000 Executive Nomination Confirmed by Nations. ALLAN A. MC CRARY, 0000 the Senate February 6, 1997: CLAY T. MC CUTCHAN, 0000 Victor Marrero, of New York, to be an Al- ROBERT L. MC GRATH, 0000 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRAYCE A. MC KINNEY, 0000 ternate Representative of the United States SAMUEL E. MC VAY, 0000 Rodney E. Slater, of Arkansas, to be Sec- of America to the 51st Session of the General LINDA J. MEAD, 0000 retary of Transportation. Assembly of the United Nations. ROBERT A. MERCIER, 0000 ROBERT E. MILLER, 0000 The above nomination was approved sub- FOREIGN SERVICE SHARON A. MIKRUT, 0000 ject to the nominee’s commitment to re- HAROLD L. MITCHELL, 0000 Foreign Service nominations beginning JAMES H. MONBECK, 0000 spond to requests to appear and testify be- Paul Albert Bisek, and ending John Weeks, ROBERT E. MONTROY, 0000 fore any duly constituted committee of the which nominations were received by the Sen- JOHN W. MORGAN, 0000 Senate. GREGORY H. NELSON, 0000 ate and appeared in the Congressional RICHARD E. NELSON III, 0000 DEPARTMENT OF STATE Record on January 21, 1997. GARY R. NEWSOM, 0000 MICHAEL E. NICHOLSON, 0000 Madeleine May Kunin, of Vermont, to Foreign Service nominations beginning DOUGLAS F. NIOLET, 0000 serve concurrently and without additional Larry Corbett, and ending Robin Lane ELLIS T. NOTTINGHAM, JR., 0000 compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary White, which nominations were received by GRAYDON V. OLIVE III, 0000 RONALD T. OOTEN, 0000 and Plenipotentiary of the United States of the Senate and appeared in the Congres- DAVID A. ORTMAN, 0000 America to the Principality of Liech- sional Record on January 21, 1997. CHARLES L. OTOOLE, JR., 0000 tenstein. Foreign Service nomination of Marilyn MATTHEW R. OTTEN, 0000 ROY W. PARTRIDGE, 0000 Genta Hawkins Holmes, of California, a Ca- Mc Afee, which was received by the Senate MARGARET B. PAY, 0000 reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, and appeared in the Congressional Record on RICHARD C. PERALTA, 0000 Class of Minister-Counselor, as Ambassador January 21, 1997. LEE N. PERRY, 0000 PATRICIA E. PIRRELLO, 0000 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Foreign Service nominations beginning BHASKARA M. PONNURU, 0000 United States of America to Australia. John C. Kornblum, and ending William L. ERRETT A. PORTER III, 0000 Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Young, which nominations were received by JOSEPH R. POWELL, 0000 ZACHARY T. PRESCOTT, JR., 0000 Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class the Senate and appeared in the Congres- RICHARD L. PYATT 0000 of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- sional Record on January 28, 1997.

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