E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 146 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2000 No. 12 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. [Roll No. 11] LaTourette Owens Simpson The Chaplain, the Reverend James Lazio Oxley Sisisky YEAS—362 Leach Packard Skeen David Ford, D.D., offered the following Abercrombie Cook Green (TX) Lee Pallone Skelton prayer: Ackerman Cox Green (WI) Levin Pascrell Slaughter We confess, O gracious God, that we Allen Coyne Greenwood Lewis (CA) Pastor Smith (MI) sometimes use prayer as a cover to Andrews Cramer Gutierrez Lewis (GA) Paul Smith (NJ) Lewis (KY) Payne Smith (TX) plead our own case instead of listening Archer Cubin Hall (TX) Armey Cummings Hansen Linder Pease Smith (WA) to Your still small voice calling for re- Baca Cunningham Hastert Lowey Pelosi Snyder pentance. Bachus Davis (FL) Hastings (FL) Lucas (KY) Peterson (PA) Souder We confess that we offer our peti- Baker Davis (IL) Hastings (WA) Lucas (OK) Petri Spence Baldacci Davis (VA) Hayes Luther Phelps Spratt tions to You before we offer our Baldwin Deal Hayworth Maloney (CT) Pickering Stabenow thanksgivings for the gifts that we Ballenger DeGette Herger Maloney (NY) Pitts Stark have already received. Barcia Delahunt Hill (IN) Manzullo Pombo Stearns We confess, O God, that we diminish Barr DeLauro Hilleary Markey Pomeroy Stenholm Barrett (NE) DeLay Hinchey Martinez Porter Stump our prayers when we ask You to do Barrett (WI) DeMint Hobson Mascara Portman Sununu what we should do for ourselves. Help Bartlett Deutsch Hoeffel Matsui Price (NC) Tanner us, eternal God, to see through our own Bass Diaz-Balart Hoekstra McCarthy (MO) Pryce (OH) Tauscher McCarthy (NY) Quinn Tauzin agendas and become filled with the Bateman Dickey Holden Becerra Dicks Holt McGovern Rahall Taylor (MS) majesty and wonder and grace of Your Bentsen Dixon Hooley McHugh Rangel Terry abiding love to us and to all people. Bereuter Doggett Horn McInnis Regula Thomas This is our earnest prayer. Amen. Berkley Dooley Hostettler McIntosh Reyes Thornberry McIntyre Reynolds Thune f Berman Doolittle Houghton Biggert Doyle Hoyer McKeon Riley Thurman McKinney Rivers Tiahrt THE JOURNAL Bilbray Dreier Hulshof Bilirakis Duncan Hunter McNulty Rodriguez Tierney The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- Bishop Dunn Hutchinson Meehan Roemer Toomey ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- Blagojevich Edwards Hyde Meek (FL) Rogers Towns Blumenauer Ehlers Inslee Meeks (NY) Rohrabacher Traficant ceedings and announces to the House Boehlert Ehrlich Isakson Menendez Ros-Lehtinen Turner his approval thereof. Boehner Emerson Istook Metcalf Roukema Udall (CO) Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- Bonilla Engel Jackson (IL) Mica Roybal-Allard Upton Millender- Royce Velazquez nal stands approved. Bonior Eshoo Jackson-Lee Bono Etheridge (TX) McDonald Rush Walden Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, pursu- Boswell Evans Jenkins Miller (FL) Ryan (WI) Walsh ant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote Boucher Ewing John Miller, Gary Ryun (KS) Wamp on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval Boyd Farr Johnson (CT) Minge Salmon Waters Mink Sanchez Watkins of the Journal. Brady (TX) Fattah Johnson, E. B. Brown (FL) Fletcher Johnson, Sam Moakley Sanders Watt (NC) The SPEAKER. The question is on Bryant Forbes Jones (NC) Mollohan Sandlin Watts (OK) the Chair’s approval of the Journal. Burr Ford Jones (OH) Moran (KS) Sawyer Waxman The question was taken; and the Buyer Fowler Kanjorski Moran (VA) Saxton Weiner Morella Scarborough Weldon (FL) Speaker announced that the ayes ap- Callahan Frank (MA) Kaptur Calvert Franks (NJ) Kelly Murtha Schakowsky Weldon (PA) peared to have it. Camp Frelinghuysen Kennedy Nadler Scott Wexler Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I object Campbell Frost Kildee Napolitano Sensenbrenner Weygand to the vote on the ground that a Canady Gallegly Kilpatrick Neal Serrano Whitfield Nethercutt Sessions Wicker quorum is not present and make the Cannon Ganske Kind (WI) Capuano Gejdenson King (NY) Ney Shadegg Wilson point of order that a quorum is not Cardin Gekas Kingston Northup Shaw Wolf present. Carson Gephardt Kleczka Norwood Shays Woolsey The SPEAKER. Evidently, a quorum Castle Gilchrest Knollenberg Nussle Sherman Wynn Obey Sherwood Young (AK) is not present. Chabot Gillmor Kolbe Chambliss Gilman Kuykendall Olver Shimkus Young (FL) The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Clayton Gonzalez LaFalce Ortiz Shows sent Members. Clement Goode LaHood Ose Shuster The vote was taken by electronic de- Coble Goodlatte Lampson NAYS—37 vice, and there were—yeas 362, nays 37, Collins Goodling Lantos Combest Gordon Largent Aderholt Borski Coburn answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 35, as Condit Goss Larson Baird Brady (PA) Costello follows: Conyers Granger Latham Bliley Clyburn Crane

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:13 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.000 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Crowley McDermott Strickland ruary 14 to grant a rule which may COMMUNICATION FROM THE English Moore Stupak Filner Oberstar Thompson (CA) limit the amendment process for H.R. DEPUTY CLERK OF THE HOUSE 2366, the Small Business Liability Re- Gibbons Peterson (MN) Thompson (MS) The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Gutknecht Pickett Udall (NM) form Act of 2000. Hefley Ramstad Visclosky Any Member who wishes to offer an fore the House the following commu- Hill (MT) Rogan Weller amendment should submit 55 copies nication from the Deputy Clerk of the Hilliard Rothman Wu House of Representatives: Kucinich Sabo and a brief explanation of the amend- LoBiondo Schaffer ment by noon on Tuesday, February 15, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, OFFICE OF THE CLERK, ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 to the Committee on Rules in room H– 312 in the Capitol. Amendments should Washington, DC, February 9, 2000. Tancredo Hon. J. DENNIS HASTERT, be drafted to the text of the bill as re- NOT VOTING—35 The Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, ported by the Committee on the Judici- Washington, DC. Barton Everett McCrery ary. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- Berry Foley Miller, George Members should use the Office of Blunt Fossella Myrick mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of Brown (OH) Graham Radanovich Legislative Counsel to ensure that the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- Burton Hall (OH) Sanford their amendments are properly drafted tives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed Capps Hinojosa Sweeney and should check with the office of the envelope received from the White House on Chenoweth-Hage Jefferson Talent parliamentarian to be certain their February 9, 2000 at 5:40 p.m. and said to con- Clay Kasich Taylor (NC) amendments comply with the Rules of tain a message from the President whereby Cooksey Klink Vento he transmits a report on Albanian compli- Danner Lipinski Vitter the House. DeFazio Lofgren Wise ance with U.S. and international standards Dingell McCollum f in the area of emigration. With best wishes, I am b 1023 COMMUNICATION FROM DEPUTY Sincerely, Mr. ABERCROMBIE and Mr. MORAN CLERK OF THE HOUSE MARTHA C. MORRISON, of Kansas changed their vote from Deputy Clerk. ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Mrs. NORTHUP changed her vote fore the House the following commu- f from ‘‘present’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ nication from the Deputy Clerk of the So the Journal was approved. House of Representatives: REPORT TO CONGRESS CON- The result of the vote was announced HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CERNING EMIGRATION LAWS as above recorded. OFFICE OF THE CLERK, AND POLICIES OF ALBANIA— f Washington, DC, February 9, 2000. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Hon. J. DENNIS HASTERT, OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Speaker, House of Representatives, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Washington, DC. NO. 106–195) SHIMKUS). Will the gentleman from DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- New York (Mr. CROWLEY) come forward mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of fore the House the following message and lead the House in the Pledge of Al- the rules of the U.S. House of Representa- tives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed from the President of the United legiance. envelope received from the White House on States; which was read and, together Mr. CROWLEY led the Pledge of Alle- February 9, 2000 at 5:40 p.m. and said to con- with the accompanying papers, without giance as follows: tain a message from the President whereby objection, referred to the Committee I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the he transmits a message on rescissions and on Ways and Means and ordered to be United States of America, and to the Repub- deferrals for FY 2000 in accordance with the printed: lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Congressional Budget and Impoundment indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Control Act of 1974. To the Congress of the United States: f With best wishes, I am I am submitting an updated report to Sincerely, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the Congress concerning the emigra- MARTHA C. MORRISON, tion laws and policies of Albania. The PRO TEMPORE Deputy Clerk. report indicates continued Albanian The SPEAKER pro tempore. The compliance with U.S. and international Chair will entertain 1-minutes after f standards in the area of emigration. In business is conducted today. f PROPOSED RESCISSION OF BUDG- fact, Albania has imposed no emigra- ET AUTHORITY—MESSAGE FROM tion restrictions, including exit visa re- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED quirements, on its population since VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF STATES (H. DOC. NO. 106–194) 1991. H.R. 2086, NETWORKING AND IN- On December 5, 1997, I determined The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- FORMATION TECHNOLOGY RE- and reported to the Congress that Al- fore the House the following message SEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT bania was not in violation of para- from the President of the United ACT graphs (1), (2), or (3) of subsection 402(a) States; which was read and, together Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, from the Com- of the Trade Act of 1974 or paragraphs with the accompanying papers, without mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- (1), (2), or (3) of subsection 409(a) of objection, referred to the Committee leged report (Report No. 106–496) pro- that Act. That action allowed for the on Appropriations and ordered to be viding for consideration of the bill continuation of normal trade relations printed: (H.R. 2086) to authorize funding for net- (NTR) status for Albania and certain working and information technology To the Congress of the United States: other activities without the require- research and development for fiscal In accordance with the Congressional ment of an annual waiver. This semi- years 2000 through 2004, and for other Budget and Impoundment Control Act annual report is submitted as required purposes, which was referred to the of 1974, I herewith report three rescis- by law pursuant to the determination House Calendar and ordered to be sions of budget authority, totaling $128 of December 5, 1997. printed. f million, and two deferrals of budget au- WILLIAM J. CLINTON. thority, totaling $1.6 million. THE WHITE HOUSE, February 9, 2000. ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING The proposed rescissions affect the AMENDMENT PROCESS FOR H.R. programs of the Department of Energy f 2366, THE SMALL BUSINESS LI- and the Department of Housing and ABILITY REFORM ACT OF 2000 Urban Development. The proposed de- MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, ferrals affect programs of the Depart- this afternoon a ‘‘Dear Colleague’’ let- ment of State and International Assist- A message in writing from the Presi- ter will be sent to all Members inform- ance Programs. dent of the United States was commu- ing them that the Committee on Rules WILLIAM J. CLINTON. nicated to the House by Mr. Sherman is planning to meet the week of Feb- THE WHITE HOUSE, February 9, 2000. Williams, one of his secretaries.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:13 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.001 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H281 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION nual ritual of filling out tax forms and no turning back now. Moreover, since OF H.R. 6, MARRIAGE TAX PEN- writing checks to the government, it was the Republican majority who ALTY RELIEF ACT thousands of newlyweds across the Na- forced the White House and the Demo- Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by tion will be in for a very rude awak- crats to keep their hands out of the so- the direction of the Committee on ening. If they tied the knot in 1999, cial security trust funds, my Demo- Rules, I call up House Resolution 419 they may be surprised and outraged to cratic friends can rest easy knowing and ask for its immediate consider- find that their tax bill has increased by that we will continue to guard it faith- ation. hundreds or even thousands of dollars. fully. The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Hopefully, these couples have not Mr. Speaker, let us keep our eye on lows: cashed and spent the wedding checks the ball. This debate is about a fun- they received from Grandpa Joe and damentally unfair tax that discrimi- H. RES. 419 Aunt Lucy, because they still have to nates against and discourages and pun- Resolved, That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order without inter- pay Uncle Sam. That is right, Mr. ishes marriage. Shame on us if we can- vention of any point of order to consider in Speaker, the Federal government not do this one thing to correct this the House the bill (H.R. 6) to amend the In- thinks marriage is cause for a tax in- blatant inequity in our tax system. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the crease. The fact is that the government is marriage penalty by providing that the in- We should not really be surprised. currently taking in more money than come tax rate bracket amounts, and the After all, there is not much that gov- it needs to operate. That is what a amount of the standard deduction, for joint ernment does not tax. But it is hard to budget surplus is. It is a big enough returns shall be twice the amounts applica- find a good reason to tax marriage and surplus that we can give some of it ble to unmarried individuals. The bill shall penalize the most fundamental institu- back to the people who earned it. What be considered as read for amendment. The amendment recommended by the Committee tion in our society. Still, each year 42 better place to start than by correcting on Ways and Means now printed in the bill million working Americans pay higher an inequity in the Tax Code that af- shall be considered as adopted. The previous taxes simply because they are married. fects 42 million Americans? I just can- question shall be considered as ordered on This is fundamentally unfair and dis- not understand why my Democratic the bill, as amended, and on any further criminatory. Despite a robust econ- colleagues are so intent on pulling out amendment thereto to final passage without omy, most families find that to make all the stops to thwart this common- intervening motion except: (1) two hours of ends meet, both spouses must work. sense and very fair policy. debate on the bill, as amended, equally di- Under our current Tax Code, working Mr. Speaker, it is time to either de- vided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee couples are pushed into a higher tax fend the marriage penalty or eliminate on Ways and Means; (2) the further amend- bracket because the income of the sec- it, no more excuses. I hope all my col- ment printed in the report of the Committee ond wage-earner, often the wife, is leagues will support this fair rule so we on Rules accompanying this resolution, if of- taxed at a much higher rate. Because can move on to a full debate on the fered by Representative Rangel or his des- of the marriage penalty, 21 million Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act. I ignee, which shall be in order without inter- families pay an average of $1,400 more hope in the end all of my colleagues vention of any point of order, shall be con- in taxes than they would if they were will vote in support of marriage and sidered as read, and shall be separately de- single and living together. basic fairness by passing this long batable for one hour equally divided and con- We do not think it is fair or respon- trolled by the proponent and an opponent; overdue legislation. and (3) one motion to recommit with or sible to increase taxes on married cou- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of without instructions. ples, especially when marriage is often my time. Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield b a precursor to added financial respon- 1030 sibilities such as owning a home or myself such time as I may consume. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. having children. This policy is without Mr. Speaker, just about everybody SHIMKUS). The gentlewoman from Ohio logic. agrees we should get rid of the mar- (Ms. PRYCE) is recognized for 1 hour. The Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act riage tax. We just disagree on how to Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for will bring fairness to the Tax Code by do it. Democrats want to target mar- purposes of debate only, I yield the cus- doubling the standard deduction for riage tax cuts to working families, the tomary 30 minutes to my friend, the married couples, expanding the 15 per- people that really need it. We want to gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. cent bracket so more of a couple’s in- make sure we fix social security and MOAKLEY), the ranking minority mem- come is taxed at a lower rate, and in- Medicare, as well as implement the ber of the Committee on Rules, pending creasing the amount that low-income plan to pay off the marriage tax pen- which I yield myself such time as I couples can earn and still be eligible alty. may consume. During consideration of for the earned income tax credit. H.R. Republicans, on the other hand, have this resolution, all time yielded is for 6 provides relief to all couples suffering a marriage tax bill that gives half of purposes of debate only. from the marriage penalty tax. That the benefits to people who pay no mar- Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 419 is means lower taxes for almost 59,000 riage penalty in the first place, and a structured rule providing for the con- couples in my district alone. most of those benefits go to the top 25 sideration of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax My Democratic friends on the other percent of wage-earners. Meanwhile, Penalty Relief Act of 2000. Under this side of the aisle say that they are for Mr. Speaker, it does nothing to rule, which is a typical rule for the marriage penalty relief, but all the strengthen social security or Medicare. consideration of tax legislation, the Democrats on the Committee on Ways Mr. Speaker, I am no tax lawyer, but House will have 2 hours of general de- and Means voted against this bill. The I do know that if we increase the bate, equally divided between the Clinton administration is issuing veto standard deduction without adjusting chairman and ranking minority mem- threats. the alternative minimum tax, we end ber of the Committee on Ways and The Democrats make budget process up just doing about nothing. By the Means. arguments against marriage penalty year 2010, 47 percent of the people with After general debate, it will be in relief, claiming concern about our sur- two children will receive no relief order to consider a substitute amend- plus and social security. Yet, they whatsoever under this Republican bill. ment offered by the minority which is know full well that by the time this It is a tax by any other name, but it printed in the Committee on Rules re- legislation is approved by the Senate will cost just the same. port. This substitute will be debatable and ready to be sent to the President, In effect, Mr. Speaker, my Repub- for 1 hour. our budget will be approved. Be as- lican colleagues are giving people Finally, the rule permits the minor- sured, as long as Republicans keep con- money in the form of a marriage tax ity to offer a motion to recommit, with trol of Congress, our budget will be bal- repeal and taking it away again in the or without instructions. anced. form of alternative minimum taxes. As Mr. Speaker, as taxpayers across Since earning the majority, Repub- a result, millions of American families America receive their W–2 forms in the licans have kept our promises and would see no net reduction of the mar- mail and prepare for the dreaded an- reached our budget goals, and there is riage penalty tax whatsoever; that is,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:13 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.007 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Mr. Speaker, unless they are very, very ly supported paying down the debt. I they went to the distinguished chair- rich and they do not pay any marriage have introduced a resolution to pay man of the Committee on Rules and penalty at all. down the debt by 2015 or earlier. But if had him fold into this and waive all of Mr. Speaker, once again, my Repub- we pass responsible, targeted tax cuts, the budget restrictions, and then they lican colleagues are willing to spend we can accomplish both. came to the floor and they said, we billions of dollars of social security Cutting the marriage tax is respon- want to take care of the problem. surplus making the rich even richer sible tax relief. I am proud to be fight- Well, guess what, this is not for mar- but just doing nothing for anybody ing for the end of the marriage penalty ried people. They could have gone to else. That is why this Republican bill while still making sure we pay off this Hallmark if they wanted to do some- will do for millions of American fami- national debt. This is the kind of fiscal thing for Valentine’s Day. But to use lies, especially those with children, ab- responsibility the American people the Tax Code without hearings, with- solutely nothing. want. It is the kind of relief 25 million out negotiations, without discussion, A large number of Americans earn working couples deserve. I urge my col- that is a bit much. too little to see this bill’s benefits. For leagues to support this rule and the Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, will the that reason, my Democratic colleagues legislation. gentleman yield? are offering our version of the marriage Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. RANGEL. I yield to the gen- tax relief, one that does more for 3 minutes to the gentleman from New tleman from , the distin- middle- and low-income families but York (Mr. RANGEL), the ranking mem- guished, intelligent, and intellectual costs a whole lot less. ber of the Committee on Ways and chair of the Committee on Rules. This Democratic bill makes tax cuts Means and the sponsor of the Demo- Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank contingent upon implementing plans to cratic version of the tax bill. my friend for his somewhat thoughtful shore up Medicare, to shore up social (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given remarks and assessment of me. security, and pay down the debt. This permission to revise and extend his re- I would like to say that there have Democratic bill really does eliminate marks.) been a wide range of bills that the the marriage penalty for millions and Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, when the President guaranteed that he was millions of American families. It also President recommended relief for the going to veto. I remember very well the costs half as much as the Republican marriage penalty, everybody in the welfare reform bill. He did in fact twice bill, and ensures that Medicare and so- House understood and agreed that we veto it, but he then signed that meas- cial security are protected. I just can- should do it. Then the President asked ure. I remember the Education Flexi- not imagine why anybody would oppose the Republican leaders to please come bility Act. He said that he was going to it. over to see which areas of the budget veto that measure. He in fact ended up Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the Re- they could agree to. If they were seri- signing it. There were several other publican bill is in direct violation of ous about taking care of that, they measures that he talked about vetoing: the budget law, which says, in effect, would have raised that issue. the national ballistic missile defense we just cannot spend money before we Probably the President would have bill; he signed it. He can sign this one, know how much money we can spend. said that they can take care of this too. This tax break for the rich is just the problem with one-third of the amount Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I first installment of the $800 billion tax of money that they intended; but they am pleased to yield such time as he strategy that was so resoundingly re- are not really concerned just with the may consume to the gentleman from jected last year. This year, they have penalty, they are concerned with a sub- California (Mr. DREIER), the distin- carved it up into three pieces. They stantial tax cut. guished chairman of the Committee on have cut it up into $2 billion chunks, so If the Republicans were serious, they Rules. just think of it as that great tax break, would have said, let us go to our Demo- b 1045 but only on the installment plan. Ei- cratic colleagues. And we would have ther way, Mr. Speaker, it is the same said, being the politicians that we are, Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank bad ideas, carved up and served to us we do not think the President was as my friend from Columbus, Ohio (Ms. once again, and it still threatens our generous as he should have been. We PRYCE) for yielding me this time. I ap- social security system. would have increased the amount. We preciate her leadership on this very, Mr. Speaker, the American people would have given more benefits, even very important measure. opposed this idea last year, and it just to people who had no penalty. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report has not gotten any better. So I urge my But do Members know what we would that by a very strong, bipartisan vote, colleagues to oppose this bill and sup- have done? We would have said, let us we are going to pass this measure port the Democratic alternative. have a budget first. Let us see what we today. As my dear friend from New Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of are going to do with Medicare. Let us York (Mr. RANGEL) knows, there are my time. see what we are going to do with social Democrats who have joined in support Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I security and paying down the national of this measure and there are reasons am pleased to yield 1 minute to my dis- debt. Then we would have come in with for that, because it is very clear that tinguished colleague, the gentleman a generous bill that is our substitute to we are going to end one of the most il- from California (Mr. KUYKENDALL). take care of the penalty, and not just logical and unfair aspects of the Tax Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, to reward those who are already fortu- Code. today I rise in strong support of this nate in the high-income brackets that Even in an election year, we ought to rule and the legislation. The marriage have no marriage penalty. be able to agree on some very basic tax is one of those things in govern- We will have an opportunity to do principles that we all know that the ment that just does not make any this, but it is really strange. In the last American people share. One of these sense. Today we have a chance to cor- year when they came up, I say to the simple concepts is that married people rect this situation and pass responsible gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. should not pay more in taxes simply tax relief for millions of working cou- MOAKLEY), with the $792 billion tax because they are married. That is what ples who pay higher taxes simply be- bill, our Republican friends were not this debate comes down to. cause they chose to be married. nearly as irresponsible as the gen- The Republican marriage penalty tax We need to celebrate this institution tleman would have them to appear, be- relief bill helps low- and middle-income of marriage, not tax it. Why should cause they knew ahead of time it was working families, particularly women couples have to pay more to govern- going to be vetoed. So they love the and minorities who bear a dispropor- ment because they decide to spend country, they just love gimmicks. tionate share of that unfair burden. their lives married together? That is So this time they made certain that The American people support tax re- just unfair. the President was going to veto the lief like this bill today. They very Since my first day in Congress, we bill. They made certain that they had much want us to deal with some effort have debated what to do with the sur- no budget to make them accountable to pay down this huge national debt plus. Some said tax cuts. I have strong- in the bill. They made certain that that we have and, of course, we are all

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.010 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H283 well aware of the fact that they want and unfair; but it is wrong to fix it in provides no tax relief for the marriage us to ensure retirement security. an illogical and unfair way. It is irre- penalty if one owns a home and Republicans are moving forward, I sponsible for the Republican leadership itemizes. It provides up to $1,400 in tax am happy to say, on all three of those. to bring this kind of tax cut measure relief by doubling the standard deduc- However, we cannot hold this marriage to the floor outside of the context of tion and widening the 15 percent brack- penalty tax relief bill hostage to a the entire budget. If we are to be fis- et, the two ways that the marriage massive, all encompassing budget deal cally responsible and maintain our bal- penalty hits most people in this coun- and negotiations that some will try to anced budget and the era of surpluses, try. derail so that they can call this a do- we cannot make these kinds of deci- This bill is an easy bill to pass. At a nothing Congress. sions in a vacuum. time when we have $1.8 trillion in sur- We have gotten to the point where we Mr. Speaker, American working fam- plus in our budget, this would use up have a chance to help middle-income ilies need tax relief. A couple on their just one-tenth of that, to do what is wage earners who are struggling to wedding day should not be handed a right; to allow people like Sharon Mal- make ends meet, who on average we tax bill from the Federal Government, lory to finally pursue their dream to see a $1,400 loss for them because of and in my district in the East Bay get married, live in happiness and not this penalty. We know very well, and Area of San Francisco more than 65,000 fear that the government will punish my friend, the gentleman from New working families pay a marriage pen- them simply because they are married. York (Mr. RANGEL), up in the Com- alty. This is the money they should be I would urge all of my colleagues on mittee on Rules when we were dis- spending on educating their children, the Democratic side, on the Republican cussing this measure made it clear that providing health care for their fami- side, pass this bill. Let it move forward this bill does not in any way threaten lies, or saving for their retirement. to the Senate so we can get it to the protecting Social Security or our quest Bringing this bill to this floor in this President and he can sign it and we can for paying down the debt. way is wrong. I urge my colleagues to have real relief for married couples in We have a very fair rule here. It is a support the Democratic alternative this country. structured rule which allows for the and vote no on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I include for the consideration of the Minority sub- Mrs. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I RECORD a listing by district of the stitute, and we will have a motion to yield 3 minutes to my distinguished number of couples affected by the mar- recommit. At the same time, it is also colleague, the gentleman from Indiana riage penalty. a very fair bill; and I hope we will be (Mr. MCINTOSH), who has done so much Number of able to see, as I predict, a strong bipar- hard work on this bill. couples af- State and Congressional Name of Representative Party fected by tisan vote. Mr. MCINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise District marriage Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, will the in support of the resolution and in sup- penalty gentleman yield? port of the bill. Three years ago I re- Alabama: Mr. DREIER. I yield to the gen- ceived a letter from two of my con- 1 ...... Sonny Callahan ...... R 56,747 2 ...... Terry Everett ...... R 63,679 tleman from New York, my very good stituents, Sharon Mallory and Darryl 3 ...... Bob Riley ...... R 60,392 friend the ranking minority member, Pierce, and they wrote to me how they 4 ...... Robert Aderholt ...... R 63,664 5 ...... Robert E. Cramer ...... D 66,356 and I want him to stay in that position both were workers in the Ford elec- 6 ...... Spencer Bachus ...... R 66,486 for many years to come. tronics plant making about $9.00 an 7 ...... Earl F. Hilliard ...... D 47,632 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I will be hour, certainly not what any of us State total ...... 424,956 a minority for a long time but not in would think of as rich. Sharon went on this House. to explain they cannot afford to get Alaska: I joined the gentleman in supporting married because she would forfeit her At large ...... Don Young ...... R 66,876 the rule because he was fair enough to $900 tax refund and have to pay $2,800 : allow us to do the right thing in the 1 ...... Matt Salmon ...... R 65,373 in taxes when they were married. 2 ...... Ed Pastor ...... D 49,832 substitute, but one of the arguments She closed her letter saying Darryl 3 ...... Bob Stump ...... R 57,504 against our bill is that it provides no 4 ...... John B. Shadegg ...... R 68,699 and I would very much like to be mar- 5 ...... Jim Kolbe ...... R 58,902 relief because we say Social Security, ried, and I must say it broke our hearts 6 ...... J.D. Hayworth ...... R 52,429 Medicare and paying down the national when we found out we cannot afford it. State total ...... 352,738 debt. I do not know why the gentle- We hope some day the government will man’s people do not want to do that allow us to get married by not penal- Arkansas: 1 ...... Marion Berry ...... D 50,565 first, but they will be given an oppor- izing us. 2 ...... Vic Snyder ...... D 55,159 tunity to do all four of them and take Today we are taking a gigantic step 3 ...... Asa Hutchinson ...... R 54,625 care of the marriage penalty. forward to fulfill Sharon Mallory’s 4 ...... Jay Dickey ...... R 47,327 Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank wish to remove this penalty that the State total ...... 207,677 my friend for his contribution, and I government imposes on people who California: can only infer that he is reaffirming want to get married and who are mar- 1 ...... Mike Thompson ...... D 52,954 2 ...... ...... R 47,553 the statement that he made upstairs ried in this country of ours. 3 ...... ...... R 55,096 that, in fact, our bill does make sure The gentlewoman who preceded me 4 ...... John T. Doolittle ...... R 57,132 pointed out that she had 65,000 in her 5 ...... Robert T. Matsui ...... D 48,251 that we pay down Social Security and 6 ...... Lynn C. Woolsey ...... D 58,003 work on debt reduction. district, couples who are married sub- 7 ...... George Miller ...... D 57,185 Mr. RANGEL. And take care of the ject to the marriage penalty. The 8 ...... ...... D 40,473 9 ...... ...... D 43,471 rich at the same time. Democratic substitute she urged us to 10 ...... Ellen O. Tauscher ...... D 65,228 Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield pass would do nothing. It is scored as 11 ...... Richard W. Pombo ...... R 51,854 12 ...... ...... D 59,616 1 minute to the gentlewoman from zero tax relief for those 65,000 couples. 13 ...... Fortney Stark ...... D 63,214 California (Mrs. TAUSCHER). It is a paper tiger. It does actually 14 ...... Anna G. Eshoo ...... D 59,229 15 ...... Tom Campbell ...... R 64,206 Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, as a nothing to allow them to have that tax 16 ...... ...... D 54,939 supporter of eliminating the marriage relief. 17 ...... ...... D 53,078 18 ...... Gary Condit ...... D 51,952 penalty tax, I am very disappointed in I will include in the RECORD the Her- 19 ...... George P. Radanovich .... R 52,576 the way the Republican leadership has itage study from which that 65,000 20 ...... Calvin M. Dooley ...... D 44,298 21 ...... William M. Thomas ...... R 51,876 brought this issue to the floor today. It number was drawn so that people can 22 ...... ...... D 51,174 is like Ronald Reagan said over a dec- see all of the districts in this Congress 23 ...... ...... R 59,320 24 ...... ...... D 61,438 ade ago, here they go again. Only this and how many Americans are affected 25 ...... Howard P. McKeon ...... R 60,273 Republican leadership can take a con- by it. 26 ...... Howard L. Berman ...... D 49,377 27 ...... James E. Rogan ...... R 54,160 sensus issue, such as the marriage pen- Let me urge my colleagues to sup- 28 ...... ...... R 59,070 alty tax cut, and politicize it to the port this resolution and support the 29 ...... Henry A. Waxman ...... D 42,606 30 ...... ...... D 44,685 point of failure. bill because of what it does. It provides 31 ...... Matthew G. Martinez ...... D 47,275 The marriage penalty, as my col- tax relief to married couples who own 32 ...... Julian C. Dixon ...... D 45,198 33 ...... Lucille Roybal-Allard ...... D 38,069 league from California said, is illogical their homes. The Democrat substitute 34 ...... Grace F. Napolitano ...... D 52,281

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.013 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000

Number of Number of Number of couples af- couples af- couples af- State and Congressional State and Congressional State and Congressional Name of Representative Party fected by District Name of Representative Party fected by Name of Representative Party fected by District marriage District marriage marriage penalty penalty penalty

35 ...... ...... D 41,664 7 ...... Danny K. Davis ...... D 40,467 8 ...... Debbie Stabenow ...... E 58,359 36 ...... Steven T. Kuykendall ...... R 58,266 8 ...... Philip M. Crane ...... R 70,832 9 ...... Dale E. Kildee ...... D 54,543 37 ...... Juanita Millender-McDon- D 42,068 9 ...... Janice D. Schakowsky .... D 52,160 10 ...... David E. Bonior ...... D 60,939 ald. 10 ...... John Edward Porter ...... R 65,845 11 ...... Joseph Knollenberg ...... R 65,479 38 ...... ...... R 48,899 11 ...... Jerry Weller ...... R 59,536 12 ...... Sander M. Levin ...... D 61,086 39 ...... Edward Royce ...... R 62,958 12 ...... Jerry F. Costello ...... D 52,835 13 ...... Lynn N. Rivers ...... D 57,471 40 ...... Jerry Lewis ...... R 49,590 13 ...... Judy Biggert ...... R 69,312 14 ...... John Convers ...... D 42,361 41 ...... Gary G. Miller ...... R 59,081 14 ...... J. Dennis Hastert ...... R 65,185 15 ...... Carolyn C. Kilpatrick ...... D 30,136 42 ...... George E. Brown ...... D 51,363 15 ...... Thomas W. Ewing ...... R 57,007 16 ...... John D. Dingell ...... D 56,966 43 ...... ...... R 54,878 16 ...... Donald A. Manzullo ...... R 65,058 44 ...... ...... R 46,014 17 ...... Lane Evans ...... D 57,063 State total ...... 800,682 45 ...... ...... R 59,579 18 ...... Ray LaHood ...... R 60,551 46 ...... ...... D 50,574 19 ...... David D. Phelps ...... D 55,528 Minnesota: 47 ...... ...... R 63,022 20 ...... John Shimkus ...... R 58,859 1 ...... Gil Gutknecht ...... R 70,187 48 ...... ...... R 58,781 2 ...... David Minge ...... D 71,909 49 ...... Brian P. Bilbray ...... R 45,508 State total ...... 1,149,198 3 ...... Jim Ramstad ...... r 79,333 50 ...... ...... D 47,013 4 ...... Bruce F. Vento ...... D 64,889 51 ...... Randy Cunningham ...... R 60,052 Indiana: 5 ...... Martin Olav Sabo ...... D 56,730 52 ...... Duncan L. Hunter ...... R 55,739 1 ...... Peter J. Visclosky ...... D 54,601 6 ...... William P. Luther ...... D 80,846 2 ...... David M. McIntosh ...... R 59,333 7 ...... Collin C. Peterson ...... D 64,693 State total ...... 2,752,159 3 ...... Timothy J. Roemer ...... D 60,672 8 ...... James L. Oberstar ...... D 62,008 4 ...... Mark E. Souder ...... R 65,246 Colorado: 5 ...... Stephen E. Buyer ...... R 62,127 State total ...... 550,595 1 ...... Diana DeGette ...... D 60,530 6 ...... Dan Burton ...... R 69,809 2 ...... Mark Udall ...... D 79,685 7 ...... Edward A. Pease ...... R 59,986 Mississippi: 3 ...... Scott McInnis ...... R 69,766 8 ...... John N. Hostettler ...... R 58,083 1 ...... Roger F. Wicker ...... R 50,951 4 ...... Bob Schaffer ...... R 74,522 9 ...... Baron P. Hill ...... D 62,425 2 ...... Bennie G. Thompson ...... D 37,268 5 ...... Joel Hefley ...... R 77,528 10 ...... Julia Carson ...... R 53,742 3 ...... Charles Pickering ...... R 47,423 6 ...... Thomas G. Tancredo ...... R 82,547 4 ...... Ronnie Shows ...... R 42,555 State total ...... 606,022 5 ...... Gene Taylor ...... D 43,989 State total ...... 444,578 Iowa: State total ...... 222,187 Connecticut: 1 ...... James A. Leach ...... R 58,552 1 ...... John B. Larson ...... D 54,847 2 ...... Jim Nussle ...... R 58,340 : 2 ...... Sam Gejdenson ...... D 58,551 3 ...... Leonard L. Boswell ...... D 58,234 1 ...... William Clay ...... D 52,961 3 ...... Rosa L. DeLauro ...... D 55,985 4 ...... Greg Ganske ...... R 62,044 2 ...... James M. Talent ...... R 73,164 4 ...... Christopher Shays ...... R 55,234 5 ...... Tom Latham ...... R 59,672 3 ...... Richard A. Gephardt ...... D 65,094 5 ...... James H. Maloney ...... D 60,893 4 ...... ...... D 65,282 6 ...... Nancy L. Johnson ...... R 61,796 State total ...... 296,842 5 ...... Karen McCarthy ...... D 60,731 6 ...... Pat Danner ...... D 68,240 State total ...... 347,306 Kansas: 7 ...... ...... R 63,563 1 ...... Jerry Moran ...... R 66,213 8 ...... ...... R 58,008 Delaware: 2 ...... Jim Ryun ...... R 61,861 9 ...... Kenny C. Hulshof ...... R 66,013 At large ...... Michael N. Castle ...... R 74,120 3 ...... Dennis Moore ...... D 66,789 4 ...... Todd Tiahrt ...... R 65,041 State total ...... 573,057 District of Columbia: At large ...... Eleanor Holmes Norton ... D 27,117 State total ...... 259,904 Montana: At large ...... Rick Hill ...... R 89,169 Florida: : 1 ...... Joe Scarborough ...... R 53,832 1 ...... Edward Whitfield ...... R 60,879 Nebraska: 2 ...... F. Allen Boyd ...... D 52,640 2 ...... Ron Lewis ...... R 65,790 1 ...... Doug Bereuter ...... R 58,135 3 ...... Corrine Brown ...... D 44,474 3 ...... Anne M. Northup ...... R 61,624 2 ...... Lee Terry ...... R 58,122 4 ...... Tillie K. Fowler ...... R 56,876 4 ...... Ken Lucas ...... D 64,722 3 ...... Bill Barrett ...... R 58,336 5 ...... Karen L. Thurman ...... D 41,900 5 ...... Harold Rogers ...... R 44,065 6 ...... Cliff Stearns ...... R 52,391 6 ...... Ernest L. Fletcher ...... R 66,491 State total ...... 174,593 7 ...... John L. Mica ...... R 57,202 8 ...... Bill McCollum ...... R 57,798 State total ...... 363,572 Nevada: 9 ...... Michael Bilrakis ...... R 53,928 1 Shelley ...... Berkley ...... D 69,837 10 ...... C.W. Bill Young ...... R 48,921 Louisiana: 2 James A...... Gibbons ...... R 76,304 11 ...... Jim Davis ...... D 53,627 1 ...... David Vitter ...... R 53,084 12 ...... Charles T. Canady ...... R 52,052 2 ...... William J. Jefferson ...... D 39,319 State total ...... 146,142 13 ...... Dan Miller ...... R 46,602 3 ...... W. J. Tauzin ...... R 47,785 14 ...... Porter J. Goss ...... R 48,989 4 ...... Jim McCrery ...... R 37,683 New Hampshire: 15 ...... David Weldon ...... R 53,180 5 ...... John Cooksey ...... R 49,974 1 ...... John E. Sununu ...... R 69,881 16 ...... Mark Foley ...... R 51,021 6 ...... Richard H. Baker ...... R 51,502 2 ...... Charles F. Bass ...... R 69,792 17 ...... Carrie P. Meek ...... D 44,037 7 ...... Christopher John ...... D 44,996 18 ...... Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ...... R 50,461 State total ...... 139,673 19 ...... Robert Wexler ...... D 50,921 State total ...... 324,343 20 ...... Peter Deutsch ...... D 57,696 New Jersey: 21 ...... Lincoln Diaz-Balart ...... R 60,076 Maine: 1 ...... Robert E. Andrews ...... D 59,742 22 ...... E. Clay Shaw ...... R 42,810 1 ...... Thomas H. Allen ...... D 69,013 2 ...... Frank A.J. LoBiondo ...... R 58,821 23 ...... Alcee L. Hastings ...... D 45,189 2 ...... John Elias Baldacci ...... D 59,729 3 ...... Jim Saxton ...... R 63,735 State total ...... 1,176,623 4 ...... Christopher H. Smith ..... R 61,098 State total ...... 128,832 5 ...... Marge Roukema ...... R 70,011 6 ...... Frank Pallone ...... D 64,052 Georgia: Maryland: 7 ...... Bob Franks ...... R 70,515 1 ...... Jack Kingston ...... R 62,397 1 ...... Wayne T. Gilchrest ...... R 69,668 8 ...... William Pascrell ...... D 61,959 2 ...... Sanford D. Bishop ...... D 52,397 2 ...... Robert L. Ehrlich ...... R 71502 9 ...... Steven R. Rothman ...... D 62,157 3 ...... Michael Collins ...... R 72,108 3 ...... Benjamin L. Cardin ...... D 66,851 10 ...... Donald M. Payne ...... D 51,445 4 ...... Cynthia McKinney ...... D 75,447 4 ...... Albert R. Wynn ...... D 70,749 11 ...... Rodney P. Frelinghuysen R 72,605 5 ...... John Lewis ...... D 50,963 5 ...... Steny H. Hoyer ...... D 74,288 12 ...... Rush D. Holt ...... D 69,953 6 ...... Johnny Isakson ...... R 78,795 6 ...... Roscoe G. Bartlett ...... R 72,357 13 ...... Robert Menendez ...... D 52,022 7 ...... Bob Barr ...... R 70,617 7 ...... Elijah Cummings ...... D 51,329 8 ...... Saxby Chambliss ...... R 67,271 8 ...... Constance A. Morella ..... R 75,518 State total ...... 818,116 9 ...... ...... R 72,202 10 ...... Charles W. Norwood ...... R 66,424 State total ...... 552,262 New Mexico: 11 ...... John Linder ...... R 59,903 1 ...... Heather Wilson ...... R 51,894 Massachusetts: State total ...... 728,525 2 ...... Joe Skeen ...... R 44,780 1 ...... John W. Olver ...... D 60,207 3 ...... Tom Udall ...... D 46,764 2 ...... Richard E. Neal ...... D 61,386 Hawaii: 3 ...... James P. McGovern ...... D 64,300 State total ...... 143,438 1 ...... Neil Abercrombie ...... D 54,265 4 ...... Barney Frank ...... D 62,483 2 ...... Patsy T. Mink ...... D 52,150 5 ...... Martin T. Meehan ...... D 65,488 New York: 6 ...... John F. Tierney ...... D 65,995 State total ...... 106,415 1 ...... Michael P. Forbes ...... D 56,134 7 ...... Edward J. Markey ...... D 63,757 2 ...... Rick A. Lazio ...... R 58,406 8 ...... Michael E. Capuano ...... D 43,087 3 ...... Peter T. King ...... R 60,425 Idaho: 9 ...... John Joseph Moakley ...... D 60,190 4 ...... Carolyn McCarthy ...... D 56,679 1 ...... Helen P. Chenoweth ...... R 65,242 10 ...... William D. Delahunt ...... D 62,821 5 ...... Gary L. Ackerman ...... D 57,264 2 ...... Michael K. Simpson ...... R 64,468 6 ...... Gregory M. Meeks ...... D 49,452 State total ...... 609,713 7 ...... Joseph Crowley ...... D 45,888 State total ...... 129,710 8 ...... Jerrold L. Nadler ...... D 36,726 Michigan: 9 ...... Anthony D. Weiner ...... D 47,039 Illinois: 1 ...... Bart T. Stupak ...... D 53,222 10 ...... Edolphus Towns ...... D 35,208 1 ...... Bobby L. Rush ...... D 42,961 2 ...... Peter Hoekstra ...... R 59,111 11 ...... Major R. Owens ...... D 41,454 2 ...... Jessie L. Jackson ...... D 50,527 3 ...... Vernon J. Ehlers ...... R 59,536 12 ...... Nydia M. Velazquez ...... D 36,971 3 ...... William O. Lipinski ...... D 60,032 4 ...... Dave Camp ...... R 53,291 13 ...... Vito Fossella ...... R 49,174 4 ...... Luis V. Gutierrez ...... D 42,680 5 ...... James A. Barcia ...... D 53,465 14 ...... Carolyn B. Maloney ...... D 41,628 5 ...... Rod R. Blagojevich ...... D 54,712 6 ...... Fred S. Upton ...... R 57,296 15 ...... Charles B. Rangel ...... D 29,900 6 ...... Henry J. Hyde ...... R 68,046 7 ...... Nick Smith ...... R 57,423 16 ...... Jose E. Serrano ...... D 27,496

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:42 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.012 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H285

Number of Number of Number of couples af- couples af- State and Congressional State and Congressional State and Congressional couples af- District Name of Representative Party fected by District Name of Representative Party fected by Name of Representative Party fected by marriage marriage District marriage penalty penalty penalty

17 ...... Eliot L. Engel ...... D 41,920 State total ...... 103,359 2 ...... Tammy Baldwin ...... D 63,731 18 ...... Nita M. Lowey ...... D 54,017 3 ...... Ron Kind ...... D 60,875 19 ...... Sue W. Kelly ...... R 57,614 South Carolina: 4 ...... Gerald D. Kleczka ...... D 61,583 20 ...... Benjamin A. Gilman ...... R 57,598 1 ...... Marshall Sanford ...... R 58,552 5 ...... Thomas M. Barrett ...... D 47,411 21 ...... Michael R. McNulty ...... D 51,222 2 ...... Floyd Spence ...... R 59,118 6 ...... Thomas E. Petri ...... R 62,599 22 ...... John E. Sweeney ...... R 56,962 3 ...... Lindsey O. Graham ...... R 59,576 7 ...... David R. Obey ...... D 60,802 23 ...... Sherwood L. Boehlert ..... R 50,888 4 ...... Jim DeMint ...... R 60,935 8 ...... Mark Green ...... R 61,753 24 ...... John M. McHugh ...... R 48,853 5 ...... John M. Spratt ...... D 58,110 9 ...... F. James Sensenbrenner R 69,085 25 ...... James T. Walsh ...... R 52,646 6 ...... James E. Clyburn ...... D 48,504 26 ...... Maurice D. Hinchey ...... D 49,540 State total ...... 548,859 27 ...... Thomas M. Reynolds ...... R 57,236 State total ...... 344,794 28 ...... Louise McIntosh Slaugh- D 50,919 Wyoming: ter. At large ...... Barbara Cubin ...... R 45,336 29 ...... John J. LaFalce ...... D 51,423 South Dakota: 30 ...... Jack Quinn ...... R 49,607 At large ...... John R. Thune ...... R 75,114 US Total ...... 25,000,000 31 ...... Amo Houghton ...... R 50,785 Tennessee: 1 ...... William L. Jenkins ...... R 57,951 State total ...... 1,511,164 2 ...... John J. Duncan ...... R 58,189 Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ...... Zachary P. Wamp ...... R 55,895 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the North Carolina: 4 ...... Van Hilleary ...... R 56,884 1 ...... Eva M. Clayton ...... D 48,949 5 ...... Bob Clement ...... D 56,284 District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). 2 ...... Bob Etheridge ...... D 60,176 6 ...... Bart Gordon ...... D 64,216 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank 3 ...... Walter B. Jones ...... R 57,783 7 ...... Ed Bryant ...... R 61,121 4 ...... David E. Price ...... D 61,042 8 ...... John S. Tanner ...... D 56,686 the gentleman for yielding me this 5 ...... Richard M. Burr ...... R 60,785 9 ...... Harold E. Ford ...... D 46,087 6 ...... Howard Coble ...... R 66,220 time. 7 ...... Mike McIntyre ...... D 51,564 State total ...... 513,314 Mr. Speaker, when Republicans and 8 ...... Robin Hayes ...... R 60,232 Democrats support basically the same 9 ...... Sue Myrick ...... R 64,916 Texas: 10 ...... Cass Ballenger ...... R 67,439 1 ...... Max Sandlin ...... D 55,082 idea, the people expect us to come to- 11 ...... Charles H. Taylor ...... R 55,897 2 ...... Jim Turner ...... D 50,867 gether and get together. Instead, the 12 ...... Melvin Watt ...... D 52,299 3 ...... Sam Johnson ...... R 73,236 4 ...... Ralph M. Hall ...... D 63,380 Republicans have drafted their bill in State total ...... 707,393 5 ...... Pete Sessions ...... R 54,773 secret, as if this were a one-party 6 ...... Joe L. Barton ...... R 76,230 North Dakota: 7 ...... Bill Archer ...... R 68,594 state. If we look at their bill, it imme- At large ...... Earl Pomeroy ...... D 65,182 8 ...... Kevin Brady ...... R 64,704 diately becomes clear why. Half the 9 ...... Nicholas V. Lampson ..... D 57,677 benefit in their bill goes to couples who Ohio: 10 ...... Lloyd Doggett ...... D 58,612 1 ...... Steven J. Chabot ...... R 50,439 11 ...... Chet Edwards ...... D 57,320 pay no marriage penalty. 2 ...... Rob Portman ...... R 62,646 12 ...... Kay Granger ...... R 60,536 Are we fixing the marriage penalty 3 ...... Tony P. Hall ...... D 57,172 13 ...... William M. Thornberry .... R 55,869 4 ...... Michael G. Oxley ...... R 59,341 14 ...... Ron Paul ...... R 57,103 or giving a marriage bonus to rich cou- 5 ...... Paul E. Gillmor ...... R 63,245 15 ...... Ruben Hinojosa ...... D 47,947 ples who have no children? The stock 6 ...... Ted Strickland ...... D 49,998 16 ...... Silvestre Reyes ...... D 50,584 7 ...... David L. Hobson ...... R 60,415 17 ...... Charles W. Stenholm ...... D 57,649 market is already doing quite fine by 8 ...... John A. Boehner ...... R 62,222 18 ...... Sheila Jackson-Lee ...... D 48,709 them. 9 ...... Marcy Kaptur ...... D 54,612 19 ...... Larry Combest ...... R 63,088 10 ...... Dennis J. Kucinich ...... D 55,071 20 ...... Charles A. Gonzalez ...... D 51,273 Even the rich would not object if we 11 ...... Stephanie Tubbs Jones .. D 44,387 21 ...... Lamar S. Smith ...... R 65,899 bring in millions of low- and moderate- 12 ...... John R. Kasich ...... R 59,563 22 ...... Tom DeLay ...... R 67,804 13 ...... Sherrod Brown ...... D 61,469 23 ...... Henry Bonilla ...... R 53,225 income Americans who do pay the mar- 14 ...... Thomas C. Sawyer ...... D 55,252 24 ...... Martin Frost ...... D 61,197 riage penalty but get nothing under 15 ...... Deborah Pryce ...... R 58,779 25 ...... Kenneth E. Bentsen ...... D 61,337 16 ...... Ralph Regula ...... R 58,058 26 ...... Richard K. Armey ...... R 74,098 the Republican bill. These are the lost 17 ...... James A. Traficant ...... D 52,108 27 ...... Solomon P. Ortiz ...... D 50,820 couples. They are the ones who where 18 ...... Robert W. Ney ...... R 52,652 28 ...... Cira D. Rodriguez ...... D 52,293 19 ...... Steven C. LaTourette ...... R 61,903 29 ...... Gene Green ...... D 46,253 they both work, they have kids, they 30 ...... Eddie Bernice Johnson ... D 52,880 cannot get the earned income tax cred- State total ...... 1,079,332 State total ...... 1,759,038 it and now they will not qualify for the : Republicans’ marriage penalty relief. 1 ...... Steve Largent ...... R 53,858 Utah: When the Republicans finish trooping 2 ...... Tom A. Coburn ...... R 49,086 1 ...... James V. Hansen ...... R 70,952 3 ...... Wes Watkins ...... R 47,053 2 ...... Merrill Cook ...... R 71,856 to the floor, slice by slice, with their 4 ...... J.C. Watts ...... R 53,316 3 ...... Christopher Cannon ...... R 67,264 tax cuts, they are going to find out 5 ...... Ernest J. Istook ...... R 55,193 6 ...... Frank D. Lucas ...... R 50,503 State total ...... 210,073 that the American people can add and it still adds up to $700 billion plus, State total ...... 309,010 Vermont: At large ...... Bernard Sanders ...... I 63,836 most of it going to the rich. Oregon: We are not here to support Donald 1 ...... David Wu ...... D 70,770 Virginia: 2 ...... Greg Walden ...... R 65,455 1 ...... Herbert H. Bateman ...... R 60,412 Trump and whoever the next Ivana 3 ...... Earl Blumenauer ...... D 63,342 2 ...... Owen B. Pickett ...... D 56,458 may be. Americans rich enough to need 4 ...... Peter A. DeFazio ...... D 62,608 3 ...... Robert C. Scott ...... D 46,775 5 ...... Darlene Hooley ...... D 67,115 4 ...... Norman Sisisky ...... D 58,346 a prenuptial agreement are not de- 5 ...... Virgil H. Goode ...... I 58,049 manding marriage penalty relief. Give State total ...... 329,289 6 ...... Robert W. Goodlatte ...... R 56,414 7 ...... Thomas J. Bliley ...... R 63,630 the relief to struggling working fami- Pennsylvania: 8 ...... James P. Moran ...... D 58,895 lies with kids who need it and get noth- 1 ...... Robert A. Brady ...... D 36,631 9 ...... Rick Boucher ...... D 50,101 ing under the Republican bill. 2 ...... Chaka Fattah ...... D 40,398 10 ...... Frank R. Wolf ...... R 67,527 3 ...... Robert A. Borski ...... D 49,023 11 ...... Thomas M. Davis ...... R 66,604 Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I 4 ...... Ron Klink ...... D 52,612 yield 1 minute to my distinguished col- 5 ...... John E. Peterson ...... R 50,461 State total ...... 643,209 6 ...... Tim Holden ...... D 57,582 league, the gentleman from California 7 ...... Curt Weldon ...... R 59,674 Washington: (Mr. ROYCE). 8 ...... James C. Greenwood ...... R 64,507 1 ...... Jay Inslee ...... D 70,815 9 ...... Bud Shuster ...... R 55,538 2 ...... Jack Metcalf ...... R 62,611 Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, the bottom 10 ...... Don Sherwood ...... R 54,417 3 ...... Brian Baird ...... D 60,905 line is, couples should not be punished 11 ...... Paul E. Kanjorski ...... D 53,044 4 ...... Richard Hastings ...... R 61,191 12 ...... John P. Murtha ...... D 47,161 5 ...... George R. Nethercutt ...... R 58,153 by the government for making that de- 13 ...... Joseph M. Hoeffel ...... D 62,089 6 ...... Norman D. Dicks ...... D 55,419 cision to get married. Yet the current 14 ...... William J. Coyne ...... D 45,161 7 ...... Jim McDermott ...... D 53,387 15 ...... Patrick J. Toomey ...... R 58,875 8 ...... Jennifer Dunn ...... R 72,796 Tax Code pushes those married couples 16 ...... Joseph R. Pitts ...... R 59,764 9 ...... Adam Smith ...... D 63,984 filing jointly into higher tax brackets. 17 ...... George W. Gekas ...... R 61,723 18 ...... Michael F. Doyle ...... D 53,671 State total ...... 559,262 The bottom line is, this is wrong. 19 ...... William F. Goodling ...... R 63,076 I strongly support this Marriage Tax 20 ...... Frank Mascara ...... D 50,277 West Virginia: Elimination Act. It provides relief 21 ...... Philip S. English ...... R 52,227 1 ...... Alan B. Mollohan ...... D 48,062 2 ...... Robert E. Wise ...... D 49,983 from the marriage penalty. This unfair State total ...... 1,127,911 3 ...... Nick J. Rahall ...... D 39,340 tax is keeping parents from doing all Rhode Island: State total ...... 137,385 they want to do for their children. In 1 ...... Patrick J. Kennedy ...... D 51,692 many cases, it is requiring both par- 2 ...... Robert Weygand ...... D 51,668 Wisconsin: 1 ...... Paul Ryan ...... R 61,060 ents to work full time when one of

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:42 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.012 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 them may prefer to work part time and provide for school construction bond If we are going to wipe out the mar- spend more time with their children. subsidies. We can fix the EITC. We can riage tax penalty for everyone and be Right now, married couples pay an expand the child care tax credit. Surely fair about it, we have to help both. Of average of $1,400 a year more in taxes that is pro middle-income family, course, that means that those who do every year, every year. Frankly, over a working families. We can add to the not itemize, we double the standard de- decade, that money could go towards a long-term care tax credit, a tax credit duction, which helps wipe out their family car or a college education or a of $3,000; and we still have enough left marriage tax penalty. down payment on a new home or better over to do the President’s proposed re- For those who do itemize, and if one health care coverage or for retirement tirement savings account. itemizes, one is probably a homeowner. savings. It is their money. It is time to All of this can be done in addition to Most middle-class families pursue the end the marriage penalty. fixing the marital penalty and also fix- American dream. That is why they Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing the AMT. That is what is wrong. itemize as a homeowner or give to 3 minutes to the gentleman from South That is what is out of place with this their church or charity or synagogue Carolina (Mr. SPRATT), the ranking rule. It violates the Congressional or they have student loan expenses. We member on the Committee on the Budget Act. It requires us to do some- help them by widening the 15 percent Budget. thing in isolation ad hoc, and what this bracket. We also help the working poor (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given will lead to is ragged results. by increasing the income eligibility for permission to revise and extend his re- Lots of stuff left on the cutting room their earned income credit, erasing marks.) floor that has not been fairly consid- that marriage penalty as well. Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I thank ered. There is a better way of doing My Democratic friends have a sub- the gentleman from Massachusetts this. I am for the marital penalty cor- stitute. They claim it just helps those (Mr. MOAKLEY) for yielding me this rection but I am for doing it in the who do not itemize. That is all they time. proper way. want to help. If one is a homeowner, Mr. Speaker, Members should know Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I tough. But under the Democrat’s sub- that if they vote for this rule, they yield 3 minutes to my distinguished stitute, according to the bipartisan vote to violate the Congressional Budg- colleague, the gentleman from Illinois Joint Committee on Taxation, the et Act of 1974. They vote to discard the (Mr. WELLER), a member of the Com- Democrat plan is phony. It is phony. It discipline that has brought us from mittee on Ways and Means, the author is a sham. According to Joint Com- $290 billion deficits to $125 billion sur- of much of this tax relief provision and mittee on Taxation, the Democrat sub- pluses. America’s greatest champion for mar- stitute they are going to offer today For 25 years, section 303, black letter riage penalty relief. provides zero, nada, nothing in mar- law of the Congressional Budget Act, (Mr. WELLER asked and was given riage tax relief. It is designed never to has wisely provided that Congress shall permission to revise and extend his re- work. not take up major tax cuts of this mag- marks.) Mr. Speaker, we want to eliminate nitude or for that matter major spend- Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, we have the marriage tax penalty. People often ing increases without first adopting a often asked over the last several years, point out that next week is Valentine’s budget resolution. That has been the is it right, is it fair, that under our Tax Day. When one thinks about it, for 25 procedure for 25 years, and for good Code, 25 million married working cou- million married working couples, what reason. It requires to take something ples on average pay $1,400 more in high- better gift to give them than bipar- of this magnitude and put it in the er taxes just because they are married? tisan support that helps everyone who framework of a budget and face it off b 1100 suffers the marriage tax penalty, those against competing alternatives. who do not itemize as well as home- By not doing that, the result today Clearly the folks back home in the owners and those who give to church will be, if we pass this bill, pass this south side of Chicago and the south and charity as well as the working rule, a bill that will drain $182 billion suburbs that I have the privilege of poor. off of a surplus of about $800 billion. representing say it is just wrong, it is Let us wipe out the marriage tax Twenty-five percent of the surplus will unfair that married working couples penalty for everyone. It is all about be disposed of today in one fell swoop pay more just because they are mar- fairness in the Tax Code. Not just give without considering other things that ried. $1,400 in Illinois, it is 1 year’s tui- relief to a handful, but let us eliminate we could have done for it. tion for a nursing student at Joliet the marriage tax penalty for everyone. Now, the rule serves a purpose. It is Junior college. It is 3 months of day Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my not some arcane rule. It says, do not do care. It is a washer and dryer to take pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gen- something of this magnitude, either on care of the kids’ clothes. tleman from Missouri (Mr. GEPHARDT), the tax side or the spending side, in Let me point out what causes the the Minority Leader of the Democratic isolation. Do it comprehensively. Con- marriage tax penalty. The marriage Party. sider other alternatives. Do it and see tax penalty, I have got a machinist and (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was what the trade-offs of doing it are. a schoolteacher, $31,000 in income or given permission to revise and extend I want to defang the marital penalty $31,500 of income each. While the ma- his remarks.) as much as anybody else. I will gladly chinist stays single, he is in the 15 per- Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, it vote to do it, but we can vote for it by cent tax bracket; the same with the may seem to some people watching this voting to double the standard deduc- schoolteacher. But they chose to get debate today that we have heard it be- tion, cost about $44.8 billion, and then married. Because when they are mar- fore. Last year, Republicans tried to do something else. The families who ried, they file jointly, they are pushed sell their trillion dollar tax cut to the are faced with this so-called marital into the 28 percent tax bracket, caus- American people. They had town hall penalty will soon be faced with the ing almost $1,400 in marriage tax pen- meetings. They had a road tour across AMT, the alternative minimum tax. alty. America to pump up grassroots sup- We never meant for them to be con- We want to help couples like the ma- port. fronted with the AMT. That problem chinist and schoolteacher, people who The gentleman from Texas (Mr. can be fixed, too. The cost is $32.8 bil- pay the marriage tax penalty. We do ARMEY), the Majority Leader, was on a lion, a total of $77 billion. Then there is that in several ways. Of course, if my television show and said this, ‘‘We be- $105 billion left over. colleagues listen to the folks in the bi- lieve that public opinion is going to For that $105 billion, we can do Medi- partisan Joint Committee on Taxation, come out strong for this package as it care prescription drug coverage per the they point out that one-half of those is better understood. And we believe President’s proposal over the next 10 who suffer the marriage tax penalty, the President will respond to that.’’ years, or we can go to the President’s and there is 1.1 million married couples Well, the more the American people proposals for tax cuts this year and we suffering the marriage tax penalty in heard, the less they liked it. In fact, by have a whole list of things to do. We Illinois, one-half of them itemize their the time Republicans returned to can expand tuition tax credits. We can taxes, and one-half of them do not. Washington in September, we did not

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:42 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.017 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H287 hear a peep about the reckless plan to I rise in support of this very fair rule play is something that all Americans spend the budget surplus on an irre- as well as the underlying bill. It turns want and ask us for no matter what sponsible tax cut. They have never out we have got about 49,000 married, their party affiliation. tried once to override the President’s tax-paying couples in my district in I wish everybody a happy Valentine’s veto of this risky and unpopular plan. southwest Florida; and they under- Day. I urge a vote ‘‘yes’’ on the rule It seems to me at least there would be stand and appreciate very well why we and on the bill. a try, an attempt to override the veto are here today. Also, I think we have Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield if it is so popular and needed. 230 of my House colleagues, presumably 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas So now the Republicans have a new tax paying, Republican and Democrat, (Mr. TURNER). strategy. They are taking the same who understand it very well, too. Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I think it chocolate cake they tried to devour in We know that one of the most per- is important for us all to understand a single setting last summer and divid- nicious aspects of our current Tax Code that both sides of the aisle, Democrats ing it into six pieces to eat one at a is the way in which it financially pun- and Republicans, favor marriage tax time. Well, they are not fooling any- ishes men and women who choose to penalty relief. But the truth is, bring- one. They have twisted and contorted get married. Today we will take a di- ing this bill to the floor at this time is the legislative process into nothing rect, firm, and appropriate step to not only a violation of the Congres- more than a marketing scheme de- right a wrong. sional Budget Act, section 303, but it is signed to make last year’s unpopular I am puzzled to hear friends from the totally contrary to common sense and tax cut more palatable. other side of the aisle disparage this it is fiscally irresponsible. It is bad enough that we are voting fine work product. The gentleman from It defies common sense to bring a bill to the floor that is a major tax cut be- today on a costly tax cut with no com- Massachusetts (Mr. MOAKLEY) says it is mittee hearings and no budget. But not enough relief. But we just had the fore we have even drawn up the budget. even worse, we are squandering a gold- Joint Committee on Taxation say that Every city council, every school board, en opportunity for future generations. the substitute that his team has come every State legislature that adopts an appropriations act or tax cut first We should, instead, be using the op- up with provides zero relief, no dollar adopts a budget. To think today that portunity of a surplus to extend the relief. I invite the gentleman from we would come to this floor and act on life of Social Security and Medicare. Massachusetts to join us because we a major tax bill before the Congress We need to pay off the entire national have more relief than zero. Maybe we has even adopted a budget is simply ir- debt by the year 2013. We should be do not have enough. If the gentleman responsible. It violates the basic rules considering tax cuts only as a part of a wishes to lead us further into more tax that every American family under- package that achieves all of these cuts, I will be right there by his side. stands. goals. Democrats support a marriage But it seems that, around here at Every American family understands penalty tax cut. But it needs to be a least, that bipartisanship may be in tax cut that fixes the problem, not a that it is important to have a family the eye of the beholder. Just last week, budget. They know that sitting around back door means to enact a trillion I recall the House entertained a motion dollar tax cut in cuts and pieces and the kitchen table and deciding what to instruct on patient protection legis- they are going to be able to spend for bits. lation, which we are all interested in, Nearly half of the relief of the Repub- the year, what their income is going to billed by its champions as a great bi- lican bill goes to people other than be, is important before they embark partisan achievement when we all those that are penalized by the mar- upon a spending plan. Every family un- riage penalty. Our alternative is tar- voted for that. It was. Yet today, our derstands that when one creates a geted to the middle-class families who Democratic friends spin themselves budget, everybody in the family needs really need it, married couples that are into a tight circle trying to justify why to try to buy into it. currently penalized by the current sur- they cannot support this modest but This bill comes to the floor without plus. We do not squander the surplus necessary and fair bipartisan tax step any hearings, without any consultation with our tax cut; we fix the problem. towards tax fairness. with the White House, without any Instead of engaging in a tax cut feed- Well, we are going to hear a lot about consultation with the Democratic side ing frenzy, Republicans should first put process; we always do. We are going to of the Congress. together a budget that meets the needs hear a lot about class warfare rhetoric Every American family understands of working families. They need to come today; we already have, and we will that one needs to pay off one’s debts up with a budget plan to assure all hear more. But we will not hear a com- first when one establishes one’s budget. Americans that they do not plan on pelling argument about this modest We have a $5.7 trillion national debt. passing tax cuts that, taken together, and sensible bill because there just is That ought to be the priority. We are the size of Governor Bush’s massive not one. ought to be sure we are going to deal and irresponsible $1.8 trillion tax cut The facts, more than 21 million cou- with that before we pass major tax re- plan. ples are forced to shell out, on average, lief. Every family understands one does We need tax cuts that help all mid- $1,400 more than if they had chosen to not spend money that one does not dle-class families, that reward work, remain single and not get married. have. support education, assist with long- That is a penalty, a financial penalty. One man on the other side of the term care, and support marriage. But Working women are particularly hit aisle this morning said we had a $1.8 before we do that, we need to come up hard in this process, as one can figure. trillion surplus. Well, that is only true with a budget plan that strengthens Although President Clinton has con- if one assumes that we are going to Social Security and Medicare first and sistently fought our efforts to provide stay with the spending levels that we that pays off the national debt by 2013. Americans with significant tax relief, have in the year 2000. I suspect we will Anything less threatens our prosperity even he has finally woken up to the probably see inflation causing some of and risks our future. need for a little fairness for married our spending to go up. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I couples, at least he said so in his State For all of these reasons, we need to am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to of the Union address. Obviously, it re- be sure that we oppose this rule and op- the distinguished gentleman from Flor- mains to be seen whether he will live pose this legislation. ida (Mr. GOSS), a member of the Com- up to his word and sign this bill. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I mittee on Rules and a champion for While I am discouraged by the nega- am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to marriage penalty relief. tive partisan attacks on H.R. 6 by the distinguished gentleman from Cali- (Mr. GOSS asked and was given per- some, I remain hopeful that, in the fornia (Mr. COX), the chairman of the mission to revise and extend his re- end, they will put aside election-year policy committee for the Republican marks.) politics and join with the vast majority conference. Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the of Americans who support reforming Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, we are all in distinguished gentlewoman from Co- the marriage penalty. This is sub- favor of eliminating the marriage pen- lumbus, Ohio (Ms. PRYCE), for yielding stantive legislation. It corrects an ob- alty is what I understand from listen- me this time. vious wrong. It is fair play, and fair ing to the debate. The only objection

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:42 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.039 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 that some colleagues raise is that this (Mr. STENHOLM), the ranking member talking about today will occur in the is not the right time to do it. It is too of the Committee on Agriculture. second 5 years. Who among us can pre- soon. We have only been trying to re- Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I dict accurately what is going to be the peal the marriage penalty since 1981. thank the gentleman for yielding me surplus, the economic conditions in We have not had enough hearings on it, this time. I will probably not take all 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010? Who can pre- only in successive Congresses going the time, but I do take this time to rise dict that? back decades. strongly in opposition to this rule. And Have we stopped for a moment to ask We should pay off the national debt I do so for the same basic reasons that ourselves what will happen if these pro- first. There are a number of reasons we I have done it year in and year out for jections turn out to be wrong and we should continue to discriminate appar- several years now, and which I used to have spent them? Our children and ently, but nothing in my view is more be joined in by my colleagues on the grandchildren will pay dearly for our important than eliminating this hor- majority side of the aisle, those who mistakes. rible discrimination now. would stand up and decry the Com- Is it too much to ask of the majority From 1913 to 1948, we did not dis- mittee on the Budget waiving the today to live under the rules that we criminate in our Tax Code. We began budget rules and bringing a bill to the have talked about living under for as discriminating in the Tax Code to pro- floor of the House before we followed long as the 21 years I have been here; tect working men who did not live in the regular order. to have the open and honest debate of community property States, because Now, I have not changed. I still feel the actual numbers and fit it within a people in community property States very strongly that we should follow the framework that will keep the economic could income-split and reduce their regular order at this day and age, in recovery that we are now in year 7 of, rate of tax, and those working men in this time, on this day. I ask my friends the longest single standing economic other States could not do it. Their on the other side why they have, par- recovery period or expansion period in wives did not work according to the ticularly the last two speakers that I the history of our country? I say again, speaking on the rule, way that the Congress looked at it. As have served with for a long time, why that I cannot believe my colleagues on a matter of fact, back when we adopted have they changed their minds and the other side of the aisle, who I have our income tax code, less than 3 per- suddenly are perfectly willing to bring stood with so many times when we cent of women worked. But in the sec- a rule to the floor of the House that asked to live by the budget rules, that ond half of the 20th century, we waives all budget considerations? I will today they are saying it is okay to watched those numbers change dra- let them answer that question. waive them so that we can have a Val- matically. By 1997, the number of We should establish a comprehensive entine present. I do not believe it. I working women was 100 percent greater fiscally responsible budget framework cannot believe. than what it had been in 1947. before considering tax legislation or any other spending legislation. We can I hope my colleagues will change Today the marriage penalty is not their minds, vote down the rule, send it and should cut taxes. There is no ques- just a tax on marriage. It is a tax ex- back to the Committee on Ways and tion about that, especially the mar- plicitly on working women. Even more Means, let the gentleman from Ohio riage tax. But I would submit that if so, it is a tax on African-American (Mr. KASICH) and the Committee on the we are going to stand in the well of the working women because a greater pro- Budget bring forth a budget, let us House and talk all day about fixing the portion of African-American women have a debate on this, and then fit the marriage tax, that we should confine are employed full time than the rest of marriage tax penalty relief into that our comments to the bill. Fix the mar- the labor force, than the rest of the fe- confines, which the Blue Dogs believe riage tax penalty, which is about half male population. can be done; and I know everybody in of the bill before us today by the ma- So would we say that it is too expen- this body believes can be done. sive to have an Equal Employment Op- jority. Fix that. I agree to that. Who Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I portunity Commission, it is too expen- could possibly stand on the floor of the yield 1 minute to the gentleman from sive to have a Civil Rights Act, it is House and say they could be opposed to Kansas (Mr. MORAN). too expensive to enforce the laws that? Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, against discrimination? I do not think But any tax cut must be in the con- I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio for so. text of a fiscally responsible budget, I yielding me this time, and I am pleased As a matter of fact, it is not a ques- believe, and we believe, the Blue Dogs to rise today in support of adoption of tion of how to spend tax dollars that believe, that eliminates the publicly- this rule and ultimate passage of the we are discussing today; it is a ques- held debt, strengthens Social Security bill. tion of how to collect it. We ought to and Medicare, and addresses other pri- I have come to Congress with a firm collect it fairly without discriminating orities, such as defense. I happen to be- belief that we need to be responsible in against people similarly situated just lieve the best tax cut we can give mar- our budget efforts and that we need to because one person who we personally ried couples is paying down the debt. take aggressive steps toward a process tax more happens to be a working That is a personal belief that I have. in paying down the national debt. But woman and the other person is not. We can argue and debate that, hope- this issue does not wait. Fairness does We should repeal the marriage tax fully in the context of future legisla- not wait for another day. penalty as soon as possible, and we tion. We have for too long penalized those should do so for a very simple reason: The budget framework put forward who have chosen to be married in this it is the right thing to do. by the Blue Dogs last year dem- country. We have chosen for too long onstrated how tax relief can be pro- b to penalize those whose families suffer. 1115 vided within a fiscally responsible In Kansas alone, 61,000 people in my It is fair. It eliminates discrimina- budget. The Republican leadership bill Congressional District are impacted by tion. that is brought forward today has this unfair penalty, this unfair Tax I applaud the leadership of the Con- failed to put forward a comprehensive Code. And of that, it happens to impact gress for bringing this forward. I ap- plan of how that plan will fit within those of very modest and middle-class plaud those of my Democratic and Re- the overall framework that we need to incomes. The people who are impacted publican colleagues who are finally be talking about. The majority knows in Kansas earn between $20,000 and willing to make this important step it and I know it. And no explanation $75,000. We are talking about $1,400, on forward. I expect we will be able to suc- can move that away from the very fact the average, that they pay more simply ceed today. I expect we will strike this that it is. because they chose to be married and blow for fairness, for working women It is fiscally irresponsible, in my to have families. above all, for families, and ultimately opinion, to vote on legislation cutting Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support for respect and integrity for our gov- taxes before we know whether or not of this rule and encourage its adoption ernment. there will be sufficient revenue to cut and encourage today, later in the day, Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield those taxes. It is important for all of us that we end this unfairness that has ex- 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas to remember that these tax cuts we are isted too long in the Tax Code.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.021 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H289 Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, may I I support tax cuts, but only after we Congress here in terms of Democrat inquire on behalf of my colleague and are able to ensure that we can pay and Republican. We have a Democrat myself how much time is remaining? down the debt, secure the long-term in the White House. There are ways to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. solvency of the Social Security and get things accomplished, and that is to SHIMKUS). The gentleman from Massa- Medicare and do what is right for the sit down and work with the President chusetts (Mr. MOAKLEY) has 8 minutes American people. and work with the minority party in remaining; and the gentlewoman from I hope my colleagues on both sides of the House. And you can accomplish Ohio (Ms. PRYCE) has 61⁄2 minutes re- the aisle do the right thing today. something good for the American peo- maining. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ple. Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield am pleased to yield 11⁄2 minutes to my In this case, we have started a par- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ten- distinguished colleague, the gentleman tisan fight. We all know how those end nessee (Mr. FORD). from Pennsylvania (Mr. TOOMEY). up. They will end up with nothing hap- Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise pening, and as a result, I think that gentleman for yielding me this time. I today in strong support of this rule and what we have today is just an act by want to thank my colleague, the gen- of H.R. 6. I think the case for sup- the show horse team for political pur- tleman from California (Mr. COX), for porting this bill is really very straight- poses. his, I believe, genuine concern about forward. Mr. Speaker, there are many Demo- women in the work force, particularly First of all, let us bear in mind, taxes crats that want tax relief. We all know African-American women. I would hope are at an all time postwar record high. that the marriage penalty exists. We that his concern for that population of When taxpayers are paying more than need to deal with the deduction issue. the work force would extend beyond it takes to fund the biggest Federal We need to deal with bracket creep. We this bill and he would also look to help Government in history, when tax- also have some other inequities in this provide them relief, as well as all payers are paying more than it takes country, the estate tax, the most un- throughout the American family, as we to also pay all the Social Security ben- fair tax that exists in our code; the So- seek to fund dollars for after-school efits for the next 10 years and a $2 tril- cial Security earnings limit needs to be programs and ways to keep guns out of lion surplus above and beyond that, dealt with. schools and out of the hands of crimi- which is going to be used to either re- We also have some other issues that nals and the mentally ill. form Social Security or pay down debt, need to be addressed by this surplus, I want to see action on this front, when taxpayers have already paid down like many of my colleagues do. And I $350 billion in debt just over the last 3 and that is Social Security and Medi- applaud the gentleman from Illinois years and will continue to do so each care reform. Debt reduction should be (Mr. WELLER) who has been a stalwart year, when taxpayers are paying for all the cornerstone of any plan that deals on this issue. But I think it is impor- of that and still there is another tril- with our surplus, defense priorities, tant to note that, as many of my col- lion dollars that is going to come into veterans and military retirees, a leagues have, and the gentleman from the Federal Government from these major, major problem that has to be Texas (Mr. STENHOLM) did so elo- taxpayers, it is obvious to me that dealt with. quently just a few minutes ago, that as taxes are simply too high. Mr. Speaker, we have budget rules in a cosponsor of this bill I did it believ- Meanwhile, we have an IRS Tax Code place. We have budget rules in place for ing that we would present this with an that is terribly unfair. It is ridicu- good reasons, because we need to de- overall plan, and the gentleman from lously complicated. It is downright im- velop these kinds of legislation in con- Missouri (Mr. GEPHARDT) said it so well moral in its treatment of married cou- text of the big picture, and that is why also; that we would have a budget on ples. Today we have a wonderful oppor- we should not be waiving these rules. the table and we would have decisions tunity to do two things: To relieve We should develop a budget that we made about how we were going to en- some of that tax burden on our work- all can agree upon. We did in 1997, we sure the solvency of Social Security ing families, and to rid the Tax Code of can do it in again in the year 2000 and and Medicare. one of its most ridiculous features, do something good for the American I say all of this as a member of the punishing couples for choosing to get people. younger generation of America, and as married. It is senseless. It is immoral. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I one who is 14 weeks away from taking We have an opportunity to change am pleased to yield 1 minute to my dis- his own marriage vows. I certainly that today. I urge my colleagues to tinguished colleague, the gentleman have a personal stake in the outcome vote yes on the rule and vote yes on from the great State of Nebraska (Mr. of this. But we watch day in and day H.R. 6 so we can accomplish that TERRY). out on CNN and CNBC as large pub- today. Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I accept licly-traded companies have to update Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the challenge from my colleagues from their earnings and have to inform their 3 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- the other side of the aisle to do the shareholders that they might not meet ida (Mr. BOYD). right thing, and the right thing is sup- the expectations that the company Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my porting this rule. It is voting to elimi- might have set for themselves. friend, the gentleman from Massachu- nate the marriage tax penalty. I will We have set some pretty lofty sur- setts (Mr. MOAKLEY) for yielding me help the 52,000 married couples in your plus numbers for the Nation over the the time. district and the 58,000 in my district. next 5 to 10 to 15 years. I have a con- Mr. Speaker, as I was walking over b 1130 cern, as I am sure all of us, about here a few minutes ago to speak, I whether or not we will actually reach passed the Triangle, and I saw all the Americans are overtaxed, and what I those projections. If we do, God bless props out there for the press conference hear is we all agree with that. If it us; and we will have money to give after this vote on this piece of legisla- walks or you earn it or you buy it, we away, to pay down the debt, and do all tion today, with the valentine and the tax it. And we also tax love. We tax the things we believe is in the best in- chart that said the majority party was marriage. What type of message does terest of the people. I cannot imagine a going to give, or is going to give the that send to the American public and company in America that would give American families a Valentine’s to our children when we say that this out end-of-the-year bonuses in Janu- present. is such a great institution of marriage ary, which is essentially what we are It made me think about a friend back and something that we strive to sup- doing. I cannot imagine a family in home who says there are two kinds of port; but we will tax it to the tune of America sitting around a dinner table folks in this world, the show horses and about $1,400 per married couple in the and talking about their October and there are work horses. I think in this districts of my colleagues and in my November vacation trips in January particular instance, it is obvious which district? based on projections that the company category the majority party is falling It is wrong to tax marriage. It is that the husband works for or the wife in. shameful to tax marriage. I grow in is going to do far better than they And why do I say that? I say that be- frustration as I listen to my colleagues might expect. cause we have a very closely balanced on the other side of the aisle because

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.023 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 what I hear the Democrats speak is, let obligation is to emphasize the priority The backdrop of all of this business us keep their money, let us keep their programs for our Nation. about the Tax Code is a $5.7 trillion money for our spending programs for I submit and I request that my col- debt. Said another way, we have spent what we want because we will do it bet- leagues join me in postponing action last year and will this year over $240 ter than they will. on this very deserving piece of legisla- billion in checks on interest. Well, I trust people to keep their own tion. If my colleagues want to know why money. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I the American people are overtaxed, Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, may I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished they are overtaxed because they are inquire of my dear friend, the gentle- colleague, the gentleman from Mis- paying $240 billion every year in inter- woman from Ohio (Ms. PRYCE), how souri (Mr. BLUNT), the chief deputy est payments. And until we have a many speakers she has remaining. whip. budget to know where these matters Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank fit, these tax cuts that we all support, have one speaker remaining, and I will the gentlewoman for yielding me the like the marriage tax penalty, no sane, close. time, and I thank her for bringing this rational business person in this coun- Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield rule to the floor. I encourage my col- try would go about cutting their in- 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from leagues to support the rule and to sup- come before they knew where they Minnesota (Mr. MINGE). port the bill. stood and what is their outgo. Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my What we have heard here this morn- We say, unless they have a creditable colleague from Massachusetts for ing over and over again from the oppo- framework where we know we are yielding me the time. nents of the rule, and I assume the op- going to retire debt, where we know we Mr. Speaker, the debate this morning ponents of the bill, is we need to fix the are going to take care of Social Secu- is one which is seductive. It is seduc- marriage tax and we need to fix it rity and Medicare, where we know, is it tive in the sense that it is very dif- later, we need to fix the marriage tax a higher priority to cut taxes on mar- ficult to determine what the real issue and we need to fix it later. The truth is ried people like they say they have but is. we need to fix it now. which they do not, but like they say it I would submit that the real issue is We are meeting the important finan- is to take care of rural health care not whether the marriage tax penalty cial goals for the future of the country needs in this country? If my colleagues ought to be eliminated, what type of a that we have not met in a long time: believe that, then vote for this rule. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I bill is most effective in accomplishing balance the budget for the first time in yield myself such time as I may con- that, but the real debate is over the almost 30 years; we are restoring integ- rity to the Social Security trust fund sume. timing and our priorities in terms of Mr. Speaker, this is a fair rule. It the integrity of the budget process. by not spending that trust fund for the first time in four decades; we are pay- provides for more than 4 hours of de- We have established a budget process bate on an issue that has already been here in the U.S. House of Representa- ing down debt in ways that we have not before. Now, not later, is the time to considered and passed once in this Con- tives that places a burden on the Com- gress. mittee on the Budget to report a budg- look for the unfairness in the Tax Code and begin the hard work of eliminating Unfortunately, it was vetoed by the et on the House of Representatives to that unfairness. President. But with this rule and the consider that budget in the U.S. Senate Certainly, 10-year projections can be underlying bill, we have an oppor- and the House to get together and off. In recent months, they have been tunity to give the President a second adopt a budget for congressional finan- off generally to the advantage of mak- chance at signing marriage penalty re- cial decision-making. As a part of that ing our job easier to balance the budg- lief into law. And I hope he will. budget process, we are not supposed to et, pay down the debt, restore Social Now, I have to say that the Demo- be considering legislation which has Security. They may be off the other crats’ objections based on budget con- significant budget consequences unless way. We may not have as much surplus cerns rings a bit hollow. As the party it is on an emergency basis. out there 10 years from now as anybody who oversaw decades of deficit spend- So what is happening here in Feb- thinks we have right now. ing and reigned over an era when the ruary of the year 2000, well before the But if the surplus is not there, should Social Security Trust Fund was raided budget process is advanced, we are con- we first go to American families and to finance big government spending, sidering a bill, which is a very attrac- say, we need to continue this unfair this newfound dedication to balanced tive bill; and that is why I say it is a system because we do not have as budgets and debt reduction, while wel- seductive process here. This is pre- much extra money as we thought we come, seems to be guided by an even stronger desire to deny the American mature in the year. It is not easy to were going to have in Washington? We stand up and say that something is pre- people tax fairness and tax relief. should be saying just the opposite, we We are in no way jeopardizing those mature and that we ought to consider are going to work hard in Washington it later in the year when we know how goals by promoting legislation that to spend money more wisely, and we provides fundamental tax fairness to 42 it fits into the budget process. But the are going to work hard in Washington reason that it is important that this million Americans and returns a very to see that working families get a fair small percentage of the people’s tax message be stated is reflected by this Tax Code and get to keep their money. chart. dollars to them in a time when we ex- This is a vote honoring marriage. It pect a $1.82 trillion revenue excess in This chart shows what has happened is a vote honoring families. It is a vote when the and the next decade. honoring fairness in the Tax Code. I If we cannot give tax relief now, when the White House are not acting urge my colleagues to support the rule when can we? Let us loosen our clutch- responsibly. We build an enormous and later in the day, to cast an impor- es on the American taxpayer’s money, debt, a debt to $5.8 trillion, $20,000 for tant vote for the future of families in act in fairness, and let families have each man, woman, and child in this America. just a little bit of their money back. country. And there is a marriage tax Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Let us be straight with the American penalty built into this type of irrespon- the balance of the time to the gen- people about what we stand for. sible spending and debt. We ought to tleman from Tennessee (Mr. TANNER) I am proud to join my colleagues on make sure. from the Committee on Ways and this side of the aisle for real marriage With this type of a debt, it is incum- Means. penalty relief. I urge support for the bent upon us in Congress to avoid the Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank rule and for the bill. temptation to be importuned for a pre- the gentleman for yielding me the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance mature action on legislation. Our first time. of my time, and I move the previous obligation, I submit, is responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I just wish we were question on the resolution. Our second obligation is to pay down talking about the marriage tax pen- The previous question was ordered. on the debt. Our third obligation is to alty. We are talking about a budget The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. provide tax relief to those Americans process, and the gentleman from Min- SHIMKUS). The question is on the reso- that are deserving of it. And our fourth nesota (Mr. MINGE) outlined it, as well. lution.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.026 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H291 The question was taken; and the Terry Upton Weldon (PA) call vote No. 11, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. Thomas Vitter Weller Speaker pro tempore announced that Thornberry Walden Whitfield 12. the ayes appeared to have it. Thune Walsh Wicker f Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I object Tiahrt Wamp Wilson to the vote on the ground that a Toomey Watkins Wolf REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Traficant Watts (OK) Young (AK) quorum is not present and make the Udall (NM) Weldon (FL) Young (FL) AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 3387 point of order that a quorum is not NAYS—165 Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask present. unanimous consent that my name be The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Abercrombie Hall (OH) Ortiz Ackerman Hall (TX) Owens removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3387, dently a quorum is not present. Allen Hastings (FL) Pallone which mistakenly was put on it. The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Andrews Hilliard Pascrell The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. sent Members. Baldacci Hinchey Pastor Baldwin Hoeffel Payne SHIMKUS). Is there objection to the re- The vote was taken by electronic de- Barrett (WI) Holden Peterson (MN) quest of the gentlewoman from Mis- vice, and there were—yeas 255, nays Becerra Hooley Pickett souri? 165, not voting 14, as follows: Bentsen Hoyer Pomeroy There was no objection. Berkley Jackson-Lee Price (NC) [Roll No. 12] Berman (TX) Rahall f YEAS—255 Blagojevich John Reyes Blumenauer Johnson, E. B. Rivers Aderholt Frelinghuysen REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Mica Borski Jones (OH) Rodriguez Archer Frost AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6 Miller (FL) Boswell Kanjorski Rothman Armey Gallegly Miller, Gary Boucher Kaptur Roybal-Allard Baca Ganske Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- Moakley Boyd Kennedy Rush Bachus Gibbons er, I ask unanimous consent to remove Moore Brady (PA) Kind (WI) Sabo Baird Gilchrest Moran (KS) Brown (FL) Kleczka Sanchez my name as a cosponsor from H.R. 6. Baker Gillmor Moran (VA) Capuano Klink Sanders The SPEAKER pro tempore. The re- Ballenger Gilman Morella Cardin Kucinich Sawyer Barcia Goode quest of the gentleman from New York Myrick Clay LaFalce Schakowsky Barr Goodlatte Nethercutt Clayton Lampson Scott (Mr. MEEKS) cannot be entertained. Barrett (NE) Goodling Ney Clement Lantos Serrano The bill is already on the Calendar. Bartlett Goss Northup Clyburn Larson Sherman Barton Graham f Norwood Condit Lee Skelton Bass Granger Nussle Conyers Levin Slaughter Bateman Green (WI) Ose Costello Lewis (GA) Snyder MARRIAGE TAX PENALTY RELIEF Bereuter Greenwood Oxley Coyne Lowey Spratt ACT OF 2000 Biggert Gutknecht Packard Cramer Luther Stabenow Bilbray Hansen Paul Cummings Maloney (NY) Stark Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant Bilirakis Hastings (WA) Pease Davis (FL) Markey Stenholm to House Resolution 419, I call up the Bishop Hayes Pelosi Davis (IL) Martinez Strickland Bliley Hayworth bill (H.R. 6) to amend the Internal Rev- Peterson (PA) DeGette Mascara Tanner Blunt Hefley enue Code of 1986 to eliminate the mar- Petri Delahunt Matsui Tauscher Boehlert Herger Phelps DeLauro McCarthy (MO) Taylor (MS) riage penalty by providing that the in- Boehner Hill (IN) Pickering Deutsch McCarthy (NY) Thompson (CA) come tax rate bracket amounts, and Bonilla Hill (MT) Pitts Dingell McDermott Thompson (MS) Bonior Hilleary the amount of the standard deduction, Pombo Dixon McGovern Thurman Bono Hobson Porter Doggett Meehan Tierney for joint returns shall be twice the Brady (TX) Hoekstra Portman Dooley Meek (FL) Towns amounts applicable to unmarried indi- Bryant Holt Pryce (OH) Doyle Meeks (NY) Turner Burr Horn viduals, and ask for its immediate con- Quinn Edwards Menendez Udall (CO) Burton Hostettler sideration in the House. Radanovich Etheridge Millender- Velazquez Buyer Houghton Ramstad Evans McDonald Visclosky The Clerk read the title of the bill. Callahan Hulshof Rangel Fattah Miller, George Waters The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Calvert Hunter Regula Filner Minge Watt (NC) Camp Hutchinson ant to House Resolution 419, the bill is Reynolds Forbes Mink Waxman Campbell Hyde Riley Ford Mollohan Weiner considered read for amendment. Canady Inslee Roemer Frank (MA) Murtha Wexler The text of H.R. 6 is as follows: Cannon Isakson Rogan Gejdenson Nadler Weygand Carson Istook H.R. 6 Rogers Gephardt Napolitano Wise Castle Jackson (IL) Rohrabacher Gonzalez Neal Woolsey Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Chabot Jenkins Ros-Lehtinen Gordon Oberstar Wu resentatives of the United States of America in Chambliss Johnson (CT) Roukema Green (TX) Obey Wynn Congress assembled, Chenoweth-Hage Johnson, Sam Royce Gutierrez Olver Coble Jones (NC) Ryan (WI) SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 Coburn Kasich Ryun (KS) NOT VOTING—14 CODE. Collins Kelly Salmon (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Berry Farr Lofgren Combest Kildee Sandlin Brown (OH) Fossella McCollum the ‘‘Marriage Tax Elimination Act of 1999’’. Cook Kilpatrick Sanford Capps Gekas Smith (NJ) (b) AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.—Except as Cooksey King (NY) Saxton DeFazio Hinojosa Vento otherwise expressly provided, whenever in Cox Kingston Scarborough Everett Jefferson Crane Knollenberg Schaffer this Act an amendment or repeal is ex- Crowley Kolbe Sensenbrenner pressed in terms of an amendment to, or re- Cubin Kuykendall Sessions b 1202 peal of, a section or other provision, the ref- Cunningham LaHood Shadegg Mr. JOHN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of erence shall be considered to be made to a Danner Largent Shaw section or other provision of the Internal Davis (VA) Latham Shays Texas, and Ms. BERKLEY changed Revenue Code of 1986. Deal LaTourette Sherwood their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ (c) SECTION 15 NOT TO APPLY.—No amend- DeLay Lazio Shimkus Messrs. BARCIA, SMITH of Wash- DeMint Leach Shows ment made by section 2 shall be treated as a Diaz-Balart Lewis (CA) Shuster ington, BONIOR, and CROWLEY change in a rate of tax for purposes of sec- Dickey Lewis (KY) Simpson changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to tion 15 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Dicks Linder Sisisky ‘‘yea.’’ . Doolittle Lipinski Skeen So the resolution was agreed to. SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN Dreier LoBiondo Smith (MI) INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RATES. Duncan Lucas (KY) Smith (TX) The result of the vote was announced (a) GENERAL RULE.—Section 1 (relating to Dunn Lucas (OK) Smith (WA) as above recorded. tax imposed) is amended by striking sub- Ehlers Maloney (CT) Souder A motion to reconsider was laid on Ehrlich Manzullo Spence sections (a) through (e) and inserting the fol- Emerson McCrery Stearns the table. lowing: Engel McHugh Stump f ‘‘(a) MARRIED INDIVIDUALS FILING JOINT RE- English McInnis Stupak TURNS AND SURVIVING SPOUSES.—There is Eshoo McIntosh Sununu hereby imposed on the taxable income of— Ewing McIntyre Sweeney PERSONAL EXPLANATION ‘‘(1) every married individual (as defined in Fletcher McKeon Talent Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably Foley McKinney Tancredo section 7703) who makes a single return Fowler McNulty Tauzin detained for rollcall votes 11 and 12. Had I jointly with his spouse under section 6013, Franks (NJ) Metcalf Taylor (NC) been present, I would had voted ``yes'' on roll- and

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.028 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 ‘‘(2) every surviving spouse (as defined in (Q) Section 2503(b)(2)(B). change in a rate of tax for purposes of section section 2(a)), (R) Section 2631(c)(1)(B). 15 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. a tax determined in accordance with the fol- (S) Section 4001(e)(1)(B). SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN lowing table: (T) Section 4261(e)(4)(A)(ii). STANDARD DEDUCTION. (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section ‘‘If taxable income is: The tax is: (U) Section 6039F(d). Not over $51,500 ...... 15% of taxable income. (V) Section 6323(i)(4)(B). 63(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- Over $51,500 but not over $7,725, plus 28% of the ex- (W) Section 6601(j)(3)(B). lating to standard deduction) is amended— $124,900. cess over $51,500 (X) Section 7430(c)(1). (1) by striking ‘‘$5,000’’ in subparagraph (A) Over $124,900 but not over $28,277, plus 31% of the (2) Subclause (II) of section 42(h)(6)(G)(i) is and inserting ‘‘200 percent of the dollar amount $260,500. excess over $124,900 amended by striking ‘‘1987’’ and inserting in effect under subparagraph (C) for the taxable Over $260,500 but not over $70,313, plus 36% of the ‘‘1998’’. year’’, $566,300. excess over $260,500 (2) by adding ‘‘or’’ at the end of subpara- Over $566,300...... $180,401, plus 39.6% of the (3) Subparagraph (B) of section 132(f)(6) is excess over $566,300. amended by inserting before the period ‘‘, de- graph (B), termined by substituting ‘calendar year 1992’ (3) by striking ‘‘in the case of’’ and all that ‘‘(b) HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS.—There is here- follows in subparagraph (C) and inserting ‘‘in by imposed on the taxable income of every for ‘calendar year 1998’ in subparagraph (B) thereof ’’. any other case.’’, and head of a household (as defined in section (4) by striking subparagraph (D). (4) Sections 468B(b)(1), 511(b)(1), 641(a), 2(b)) a tax determined in accordance with the (b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— following table: 641(d)(2)(A), and 685(d) are each amended by (1) Subparagraph (B) of section 1(f )(6) of such striking ‘‘section 1(e)’’ each place it appears Code is amended by striking ‘‘(other than with’’ ‘‘If taxable income is: The tax is: and inserting ‘‘section 1(d)’’. Not over $34,550 ...... 15% of taxable income. and all that follows through ‘‘shall be applied’’ Over $34,550 but not over $5,182.50, plus 28% of the (5) Sections 1(f)(2) and 904(b)(3)(E)(ii) are and inserting ‘‘(other than with respect to sec- $89,150. excess over $34,550. each amended by striking ‘‘(d), or (e)’’ and tions 63(c)(4) and 151(d)(4)(A)) shall be ap- Over $89,150 but not over $20,470.50, plus 31% of the inserting ‘‘or (d)’’. plied’’. $144,400. excess over $89,150. (6) Paragraph (1) of section 1(f) is amended (2) Paragraph (4) of section 63(c) of such Code Over $144,400 but not over $37,598, plus 36% of the by striking ‘‘(d), and (e)’’ and inserting ‘‘and is amended by adding at the end the following $283,150. excess over $144,400. (d)’’. Over $283,150 ...... $87,548, plus 39.6% of the flush sentence: (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments excess over $283,150. ‘‘The preceding sentence shall not apply to the made by this section shall apply to taxable amount referred to in paragraph (2)(A).’’. ‘‘(c) OTHER INDIVIDUALS.—There is hereby years beginning after December 31, 1999. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made imposed on the taxable income of every indi- SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN by this section shall apply to taxable years be- vidual (other than an individual to whom STANDARD DEDUCTION. ginning after December 31, 2000. subsection (a) or (b) applies) a tax deter- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section SEC. 3. PHASEOUT OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN 15- mined in accordance with the following 63(c) (relating to standard deduction) is PERCENT BRACKET; REPEAL OF RE- table: amended to read as follows: DUCTION OF REFUNDABLE TAX ‘‘If taxable income is: The tax is: ‘‘(2) BASIC STANDARD DEDUCTION.—For pur- CREDITS. Not over $25,750 ...... 15% of taxable income. poses of paragraph (1), the basic standard de- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (f ) of section 1 of Over $25,750 but not over $3,862.50, plus 28% of the duction is— the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to $62,450. excess over $25,750. ‘‘(A) $8,600 in the case of— adjustments in tax tables so that inflation will Over $62,450 but not over $14,138.50, plus 31% of the ‘‘(i) a joint return, or not result in tax increases) is amended by add- $130,250. excess over $62,450. ing at the end the following new paragraph: Over $130,250 but not over $35,156.50, plus 36% of the ‘‘(ii) a surviving spouse (as defined in sec- ‘‘(8) PHASEOUT OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN 15- $283,150. excess over $130,250. tion 2(a)), Over $283,150...... $90,200.50, plus 39.6% of ‘‘(B) $6,350 in the case of a head of house- PERCENT BRACKET.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—With respect to taxable the excess over $283,150. hold (as defined in section 2(b)), or years beginning after December 31, 2002, in pre- ‘‘(d) ESTATES AND TRUSTS.—There is hereby ‘‘(C) $4,300 in any other case.’’ scribing the tables under paragraph (1)— imposed on the taxable income of— (b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(i) the maximum taxable income in the lowest ‘‘(1) every estate, and (1) Paragraph (4) of section 63(c) is amend- rate bracket in the table contained in subsection ‘‘(2) every trust, ed to read as follows: (a) (and the minimum taxable income in the taxable under this subsection a tax deter- ‘‘(4) ADJUSTMENTS FOR INFLATION.—In the next higher taxable income bracket in such mined in accordance with the following case of any taxable year beginning in a cal- table) shall be the applicable percentage of the table: endar year after 1999, each dollar amount maximum taxable income in the lowest rate contained in paragraph (2) or (5) or sub- ‘‘If taxable income is: The tax is: bracket in the table contained in subsection (c) section (f) shall be increased by an amount Not over $1,750 ...... 15% of taxable income. (after any other adjustment under this sub- equal to— Over $1,750 but not over $262.50, plus 28% of the section), and $4,050. excess over $1,750. ‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by ‘‘(ii) the comparable taxable income amounts Over $4,050 but not over $906.50, plus 31% of the ‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment deter- in the table contained in subsection (d) shall be $6,200. excess over $4,050. mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar Over $6,200 but not over $1,573, plus 36% of the ex- 1⁄2 of the amounts determined under clause (i). $8,450. cess over $6,200. year in which the taxable year begins.’’ ‘‘(B) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE.—For purposes Over $8,450 ...... $2,383, plus 39.6% of the (2) Subparagraph (A) of section 63(c)(5) is of subparagraph (A), the applicable percentage excess over $8,450.’’. amended by striking ‘‘$500’’ and inserting shall be determined in accordance with the fol- (b) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT TO APPLY IN DE- ‘‘$700’’. lowing table: (3) Subsection (f) of section 63 is amended TERMINING RATES FOR 2000.—Subsection (f) of ‘‘For taxable years be- section 1 is amended— by striking ‘‘$600’’ each place it appears and ginning in The applicable (1) by striking ‘‘1993’’ in paragraph (1) and inserting ‘‘$850’’ and by striking ‘‘$750’’ in calendar year— percentage is— inserting ‘‘1999’’, paragraph (3) and inserting ‘‘$1,050’’. 2003 ...... 170.3 (2) by striking ‘‘1992’’ in paragraph (3)(B) (4) Subparagraph (B) of section 1(f)(6) is 2004 ...... 173.8 and inserting ‘‘1998’’, and amended by striking ‘‘subsection (c)(4) of 2005 ...... 183.5 2006 ...... 184.3 (3) by striking paragraph (7). section 63 (as it applies to subsections (c)(5)(A) and (f) of such section)’’ and insert- 2007 ...... 187.9 (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 2008 and thereafter ...... 200.0. (1) The following provisions are each ing ‘‘section 63(c)(4)’’. ‘‘(C) ROUNDING.—If any amount determined amended by striking ‘‘1992’’ and inserting (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments under subparagraph (A)(i) is not a multiple of ‘‘1998’’ each place it appears: made by this section shall apply to taxable $50, such amount shall be rounded to the next (A) Section 25A(h). years beginning after December 31, 1999. lowest multiple of $50.’’. (B) Section 32(j)(1)(B). The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (b) REPEAL OF REDUCTION OF REFUNDABLE (C) Section 41(e)(5)(C). amendment printed in the bill is adopt- TAX CREDITS.— (D) Section 59(j)(2)(B). ed. (1) Subsection (d) of section 24 of such Code is (E) Section 63(c)(4)(B). The text of H.R. 6, as amended, is as amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesig- (F) Section 68(b)(2)(B). follows: nating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2). (G) Section 135(b)(2)(B)(ii). H.R. 6 (2) Section 32 of such Code is amended by (H) Section 151(d)(4). striking subsection (h). (I) Section 220(g)(2). Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— (J) Section 221(g)(1)(B). resentatives of the United States of America in (1) Subparagraph (A) of section 1(f )(2) of such (K) Section 512(d)(2)(B). Congress assembled, Code is amended by inserting ‘‘except as pro- (L) Section 513(h)(2)(C)(ii). SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, ETC. vided in paragraph (8),’’ before ‘‘by increasing’’. (M) Section 685(c)(3)(B). (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as (2) The heading for subsection (f ) of section 1 (N) Section 877(a)(2). the ‘‘Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of 2000’’. of such Code is amended by inserting ‘‘PHASE- (O) Section 911(b)(2)(D)(ii)(II). (b) SECTION 15 NOT TO APPLY.—No amend- OUT OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN 15-PERCENT (P) Section 2032A(a)(3)(B). ment made by this Act shall be treated as a BRACKET;’’ before ‘‘ADJUSTMENTS’’.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.004 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H293 (d) EFFECTIVE DATES.— to their spouse that they will be there the American people think that they (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by para- for richer or for poorer. Unfortunately, need to have the marriage penalty re- graph (2), the amendments made by this section for too many years, our government lief. They think that this is extremely shall apply to taxable years beginning after De- has wanted to make these married cou- fair, and they would like to have it cember 31, 2002. (2) REPEAL OF REDUCTION OF REFUNDABLE TAX ples poorer. Over 25 million married passed today. CREDITS.—The amendments made by subsection couples have to pay extra taxes, just Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield (b) shall apply to taxable years beginning after because they are married. myself such time as I may consume. December 31, 2001. Well, today we have the opportunity I agree with the Speaker that this is SEC. 4. MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF FOR EARNED to give a Valentine’s Day gift to these a serious problem that we face. The INCOME CREDIT. 50 million, hard-working American President of the United States agrees, (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section families. and God knows if the majority wanted 32(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- The Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act to take care of this and not want a po- lating to percentages and amounts) is is another piece of our common sense litical issue that was going to be ve- amended— (1) by striking ‘‘AMOUNTS.—The earned’’ and agenda that enjoys strong support of toed, they would have reached out to inserting ‘‘AMOUNTS.— Americans around this country. This is the Democrats, they would have ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph because most Americans understand reached out to the President, they (B), the earned’’, and that it is ridiculous for our government would have had hearings, and we would (2) by adding at the end the following new to penalize married people. have targeted the relief. subparagraph: This is not just about tax cuts; it is Why did they pile on so many tax ‘‘(B) JOINT RETURNS.—In the case of a joint about fairness. I know of a young cou- cuts that were totally unrelated to the return, the phaseout amount determined under subparagraph (A) shall be increased by $2,000.’’. ple in my home State of Illinois, Peggy marriage penalty? Why did they make (b) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—Paragraph and Patrick Allgeier. Peggy is an ele- certain that the President was going to (1)(B) of section 32( j) of such Code (relating to mentary school teacher and Patrick is veto this because they completely ig- inflation adjustments) is amended to read as fol- an assistant football coach at a small nored the budget process? They have so lows: college. These fine young people have violated their own budget rules that in ‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined committed their lives to teaching. order for this issue to come to the under section 1(f )(3) for the calendar year in They have committed their lives to floor, they have to waive the regular which the taxable year begins, determined— helping young people. Last July, in a rules, just to bring it on the floor. ‘‘(i) in the case of amounts in subsections (b)(2)(A) and (i)(1), by substituting ‘calendar wedding ceremony, they committed They have no budget to deal with So- year 1995’ for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subpara- their lives to each other; but they also cial Security, no budget to deal with graph (B) thereof, and committed about $1,500 of their salary Medicare, no budget to deal with the ‘‘(ii) in the case of the $2,000 amount in sub- back to the Federal Government be- national debt; but they intend to take section (b)(2)(B), by substituting ‘calendar year cause they decided to get married. this $1.8 trillion tax cut and feed it to 2000’ for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph Because of that wedding, Peggy and the House piece by piece. (B) of such section 1.’’. Patrick now face the risk of being pe- It would seem to me that it is not too (c) ROUNDING.—Section 32( j)(2)(A) of such nalized by our Tax Code. This is ab- late for us to decide what issues are Code (relating to rounding) is amended by strik- ing ‘‘subsection (b)(2)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- surd. We should be helping young mar- important enough for us to work to- section (b)(2)(A) (after being increased under ried couples, not forcing them to pay gether on. We voted for the rule. We subparagraph (B) thereof)’’. extra taxes. supported the rule because it gives us (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made Some have argued that the marriage an opportunity to get a bill that the by this section shall apply to taxable years be- penalty is no big deal. They think that President will sign, a bill that really ginning after December 31, 2000. if Americans itemize, they should be deals with the penalty and not with The SPEAKER pro tempore. After 2 penalized. They think that if an Amer- just a broad tax cut. The President said hours of debate on the bill, as amended, ican owns a house, he or she ought to he will veto this because there is no it shall be in order to consider the fur- be penalized. They say that if an Amer- provisions made for anything that ther amendment printed in House Re- ican scrapes and saves to obtain the deals with the budget. So I know that port 106–495 if offered by the gentleman American dream, they ought to be pe- the Republicans want to have a polit- from New York (Mr. RANGEL), or his nalized. Well, I think these people are ical gimmick for Valentine’s Day, and designee, which shall be considered wrong. that is what this is all about; but it is read and debatable for 1 hour, equally In my district alone, over 65,000 cou- not too late for us to work together. It divided and controlled by a proponent ples are hit by the marriage penalty is not too late for us to take care of the and an opponent. tax every year. These couples pay an marriage penalty. It is not too late for The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- average of $1,400 in extra taxes simply us to take care of Social Security, CHER) and the gentleman from New because they are married. We need a Medicare, affordable drugs, to do some- York (Mr. RANGEL) each will control 1 fairer Tax Code. We need a Tax Code thing for education. hour. that does not punish married couples. Let us all work together. There are The Chair recognizes the gentleman We need a Tax Code that recognizes enough things for us to argue about from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). that working families need help. They come November; but I think the Amer- GENERAL LEAVE need to buy braces for the kids; they ican people would want us to start Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I ask need to be able to pay the insurance on working together, not as Republicans, unanimous consent that all Members the car and the home. They need to do not as Democrats, but as the House of may have 5 legislative days within the things that every American, Representatives. which to revise and extend their re- whether one itemizes on one’s income Mr. Speaker, no one discussed this marks and include extraneous material tax or not, needs to do. They do not bill with me or any of the members of on H.R. 6. need the Federal Government picking the committee that are not in the ma- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there their pocket and taking money out of jority party. We have had no hearings, objection to the request of the gen- their home account just because they the President’s bill was never dis- tleman from Texas? are married. cussed. Our input was never asked for. There was no objection. I encourage all of my colleagues here It is not too late for beginning to get Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, to open to vote yes on the Marriage Tax Pen- something productive in this year, this the debate on our side, I yield 4 min- alty Relief bill today. last year of the session. utes to the gentleman from Illinois Some of my friends on the other side Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of (Mr. HASTERT), the distinguished of the aisle said this is an extreme bill. my time. Speaker of the House of Representa- It is an extreme practice to do this, ex- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield tives. treme tax cuts. Well, folks, I think it is myself such time as I may consume. Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, when a extreme too. I think it is an extremely Mr. Speaker, today the Congress is man and a woman exchange the vows good idea, and we ought to do it as ex- launching into a debate to do the right of marriage, they traditionally promise tremely quickly as possible because thing, to correct the terrible wrong in

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.006 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 the Tax Code that is called the mar- They may say that we should not marriage penalty. In fact, Members on riage penalty that penalizes Americans also help stay-at-home moms and dads. both sides of the aisle in a couple of simply because they got married. That They call this the marriage bonus. hours will be able to vote on the sub- is truly wrong, and we should all be Their plan actually denies relief to stitute offered by the gentleman from proud to have the opportunity to cor- child-caring parents. That is wrong. So New York (Mr. RANGEL), which will rect this injustice. we do help, and that is right. Raising a deal with the problem of the marriage Indeed, the fundamental principle of child is the single most important job penalty. doing what is right has driven the Re- in the world. Those who forego careers The problem with this bill, talking publican agenda since we got into the and outside work activities to stay and about extreme, is that this bill really majority in 1995. We have worked to fix rear those children need help, too. is not a marriage penalty relief bill. It what was wrong and to do what was We are right to provide families with is in name only. It is kind of like the right. that relief. Even President Clinton Trojan horse. It does not really exist. It was right to make Congress live says we should help these parents. He The Republicans will have to admit, under the laws that apply to everyone said it not long ago in his State of the maybe they will not want to talk about else, and we did that. It was right to Union Address here in this Chamber. it, but over half the relief in this bill of balance the budget so that we do not Why do the Democrat leaders not $182 billion, one-half of the bill of the leave greater debt to our children and agree? Why do they fight us on this? gentleman from New York, $182 billion, their children, and we did that. It was Democrats also complain that this is that goes to people who do not even right to strengthen Medicare so that too much tax relief, but again, they are have a marriage penalty. So how can older Americans could have more con- wrong. Fixing the marriage penalty Members call this really a marriage fidence that their bills will be paid, and takes less than 1 penny out of every penalty bill? we did that. It was right to give fami- dollar of Federal revenues. Is that too lies the child tax credit so that today, much to fix this wrong, one penny? There are a lot of problems with this every family gets $500 per child. For a Their position is extreme. bill, because we did not have a hearing, family with 2 children, that is $1,000 a Then they say the timing is not we did not have discussions. Nobody year. We did that, and it was right. right. Wrong again. We should fix the talked to the President or the gen- It was right to give tax breaks for marriage penalty right now. Married tleman from New York (Mr. RANGEL) or higher education, and it was right to couples should not have to wait one any Democrat on this piece of legisla- eliminate the capital gains tax on the day longer to be treated fairly by the tion. It was just kind of put together at sale of houses. It was right to fix the Tax Code. the last minute. All of a sudden, we are broken welfare system so Americans Then they say, oh, it helps the voting for it a week later on the floor could discover independence, the free- wealthy. They mean those who itemize. of the House of Representatives. dom of work, and the power of respon- Their plan only takes care of those who But bear in mind, this is unbelievable sibility. We did that. It was right to re- take the standard deduction. We think but it is true, somebody who makes form the IRS, to shift the burden of the marriage penalty should be fixed $50,000 a year will get major relief from proof to the government, and to do so for those who itemize, too, and want to the marriage penalty of $149 a year, much more; and we did that. It was deduct the interest on their home about $10 a month. But if you make right to expand educational oppor- mortgages and the taxes on their $100,000 a year, you are going to get tunity for schoolchildren and give houses, because almost half of the peo- about $1,000 a month. That is what is more flexibility to parents and to ple that are helped by this are in that extreme. It is not about the marriage teachers, and we did that. category, and they are in the 15 per- penalty, this is about tax relief and re- distribution to wealthy Americans. b 1215 cent bracket. Almost 25 million married couples In addition, it is going to create a lot It was right to stop the raid on social pay an average of $1,400 in higher taxes more complexity in the code, because security on the trust fund and to pro- each year, $1,400 each year just because people who make $50,000 then will have tect every dime of the social security they are married. The Tax Code is to file what is known as the alternative surplus from being spent on other pro- tough enough on Americans as it is, minimum tax. grams, and we did that. but it should not create this penalty. Today, Mr. Speaker, it is right to fix But the real problem with this bill is Let us work together and give mil- we have no budget. Because we have no the marriage tax penalty. I hope all of lions of married couples the fairness my colleagues will stand with Amer- budget, what is going to happen is they deserve. We do that. Our plan is these little tax bills that are moving ican families today and fix this once fair. It is right. It is broad-based. It and for all, and not simply use the through the House right now, $180 bil- helps lower- and middle-income tax- lion here, $200 billion there, all of a crutch of every excuse that can be payers, and all married couples. manufactured. sudden it is going to affect our ability It comes down to a matter of prin- to fix Medicare and social security, the For my entire career in Congress I ciple. The fact that married couples have fought for the marriage tax pen- two most pressing problems in America pay more in taxes just because they are today. alty. Unfortunately, last year Presi- married is simply immoral. It is unfair. It would be wonderful if the Repub- dent Clinton vetoed our marriage pen- It is not right. It is unjust. It should be licans would have come to the floor alty relief. It would have helped 25 mil- corrected. All of our colleagues should today with a social security relief lion couples, but it was vetoed. Just 2 join me in voting for this bill. weeks ago the President stood in this Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of package, but they have spent most of room, right here, and told the Nation my time. their time playing the blame game. If that he would finally join with us to fix Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 we just had a bill to deal with social se- the marriage tax penalty, and he got minutes to the gentleman from Cali- curity first, because that is what we resounding applause. fornia (Mr. MATSUI), a senior member need to do. Social security and Medi- So today we are back at it again. I of the Committee on Ways and Means. care should be dealt with before we hope President Clinton and Vice Presi- Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank deal with tax provisions, because we dent Gore this time will embrace this the gentleman from New York, the are using, we are using the so-called good bipartisan bill, because there are ranking Democrat, for yielding time to budget surplus that may or may not be 26 Democrat cosponsors. The American me. there. people support it, Representatives and Mr. Speaker, Democrats favor relief I urge a strong no vote on this ex- Senators from both parties support it, on the marriage penalty. In fact, when treme bill that is in name only called and there is no excuse why it should the President spoke, more Democrats the marriage penalty, and vote for the not be done now. stood up quicker than the Republicans substitute offered by the gentleman Despite all this support, I have a feel- stood up during the State of the Union from New York (Mr. RANGEL), which ing we are still hearing excuses from message. really deals with the problems of aver- the Democrats why we cannot do it, for The President, in his budget that he age, middle-class Americans that are whatever reason. gave us last week, has relief for the suffering from the marriage penalty.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.097 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H295 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Tax Code neither discourages nor en- the second 10, it would explode by an HASTINGS of Washington). Without ob- courages people as to what they do additional $300 billion. And if we in- jection, the gentleman from Illinois with their lives, whether they go back clude the AMT adjustment that that (Mr. WELLER) claims time on the ma- to work or they stay home and choose side says it wants to make, it would be jority side. to be at home raising their children. an additional $47 billion a year. There was no objection. That is what I did for about 8 years be- Look at this chart. If Members look Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield fore I returned to the work force, and at the 20-year projection, we are talk- myself such time as I may consume. nobody can tell me that work at home ing about $700 billion. What does that Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gen- raising a family is not hard work. That mean for Medicare? What does that tleman, if he votes against this bill, is why we are looking at this. Both mean for social security? They peddled 340,000 married couples in the Fifth families should receive benefits, wheth- the argument that our marriage pen- Congressional District of California, er they are staying in the home work- alty provision, our proposal, brings no one-half of whom are homeowners and ing and raising children, or going out relief. That is wrong. The only reason itemizers, will not get relief from the into the work force. CBO might say that is because we say marriage penalty. The gentleman may Our marriage penalty tax relief pro- we first have to adjust and we have to be able to explain that to them, but I vides just that, equal treatment for take care of social security and Medi- sure cannot. married women, so they can make the care. Once we do that, our marriage Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the choice as to whether they work or they penalty provides relief. They have the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. stay at home and raise their children. cart before the horse. They have this DUNN), who has been a real leader in I think we have a great opportunity before social security and Medicare re- her effort to eliminate the marriage today to help women reach their goals, lief. penalty. Ms. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the whether it be pursuing a successful ca- They talk about a valentine, and gentleman for yielding time to me. reer or raising their little ones. they have a red chart, a red poster over To respond to the gentleman who We hear a lot of talk about whether there. That is not a valentine, that is a preceded me, the Joint Committee on the President will veto this bill or not. veto. The gentlewoman from Wash- Taxation has rated the Democrat plan I think he will sign this bill. I have ington (Ms. DUNN) should not be mis- at providing zero in relief for the mar- great faith in him. Even though Sec- guided, the President is going to veto riage penalty over the next 5 years. retary of the Treasury Larry Summers this with red ink, because that is what Mr. Speaker, let us take a close look sent him a letter advising him to veto they would lead to without thinking at what happens with the marriage the marriage penalty, I think he will through where all of this leads, with- penalty. A young couple is thinking see the fairness. I think as he really out telling us what is the rest of their about marrying. Each of them already listens to the voices of folks that I and plan. has a job. They bring in an income and my colleagues represent all over this b 1230 pay income tax on that income. Nation, that he will sign this bill. They decide to marry. As they file The President has a bill. I think The American people, they want together, instead of separately, the there are some problems with his bill. some straight talk. They want some way they were doing before, all of a For example, in the President’s plan, fiscal responsibility and they want sudden the joint incomes push that he says that he will decide when the some bipartisan effort, and this bill lower-income earner into the higher- time is right for marriage penalty re- fails on all accounts. income spouse’s upper tax bracket. lief. Under the House proposal, a couple Vote for the substitute and vote Therefore, they end up paying taxes on earning a combined income of $60,000 against this bill. a larger amount in a higher bracket. would receive just about $750 more dol- Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield That is the penalty. lars in relief than under the President’s myself such time as I may consume. The penalty on average is about plan, because it is a very narrow plan. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the pre- $1,400 per year per couple. I think it is It would help 16 million fewer couples vious speaker, that my friend, if he about time that we end this penalty. than our bill does. votes against this bill, 61,000 married Uncle Sam should not be able to say, I think if we get behind this bill, the couples, one half of whom are with this ring I thee tax. This is ex- fairness of it, and folks write to the itemizers, from the 12th Congressional actly the case for the 7,200 married President and say, let us go for this, I District of Michigan, will not get relief couples in my district that I represent think the President will be very wise from the marriage tax penalty. in the State of Washington, and for 25 and sign this fair bill. The gentleman may be able to ex- million working couples around this Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 plain that to them, but I sure cannot. Nation. We were overtaxing them. minutes to the gentleman from Michi- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the We understand that the rewards that gan (Mr. LEVIN), a senior member of gentleman from Michigan (Mr. CAMP), come with working can be abundant, the Committee on Ways and Means. a real leader in the effort to eliminate and we also understand that this new Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the the marriage tax penalty. economy is being driven in large part gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the by women, because women are starting Mr. Speaker, I favor a tax cut, but gentleman for yielding me this time. businesses at twice the rate of men. one that is fiscally responsible, that Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of These are enterprising women. They does not undermine the fiscal dis- H.R. 6. I am proud today that we are want to use their talents, as they cipline that has brought unprecedented able to step forward and fix a glaring should. But they are also having to bal- prosperity to our Nation. This proposal inequity in our Tax Code. Twenty-five ance the demands of work and family. that the Republicans are peddling does million American couples pay more in I will tell the Members right now, not meet that test. taxes simply because they walk to the Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of mothers are First of all, it is a first chapter in a altar and say, I do. At an average of out there now in the work force. I book, but the Republicans will not tell $1,400 a couple, the marriage penalty think they deserve a little relief, but us the rest of the book, the other chap- makes it much tougher for families, for $1,400 so they can work, than if they ters. We all learned long ago, do not millions of families, to make their car were staying home, it is not fair. Re- buy a book according to the first chap- payments or save that little bit extra publicans believe that that $1,400 can ter. for college down the road. be spent a lot more wisely by a couple Secondly, the first chapter has a In my district in Michigan alone, at home, so we want to redirect that false title. Most of the reductions of there are 106,000 people paying higher dollar back into the couples’ pockets so taxes in this bill, most of them have taxes just because they are married. they can spend it on a washer, a dryer, nothing to do with the marriage pen- I was pleased to see the President the kids’ education, a family vacation alty. agree with us and call for marriage in the great Pacific Northwest. Third, this first chapter does not penalty relief this year. His plan is a Republicans also believe in choice. even tell the story. The cost for the good start, but it is really not enough. We think it is very important that the first 10 years would be $182 billion. In I think it is better to hit the marriage

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.036 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 penalty head on instead of the Presi- Security and Medicare benefits enjoyed want to pass this because they would dent’s approach, which picks and by 72,240 of my constituents, and to re- rather spend the money on their prior- chooses which families get relief and duce my constituents’ $8.4 billion share ities rather than allow married couples which families do not. of the Federal debt. to spend the money they earn. The President’s proposal would not I am proud today to support a Demo- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 mean a dime for a working couple earn- cratic plan that provides more tax re- minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- ing $30,000 each, who scrimped and lief for married couples who suffer necticut (Ms. DELAURO). saved to buy their home last year. Why under the current system and that also Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in would they not benefit from the Presi- protects Social Security, Medicare, and support of providing real marriage pen- dent’s plan? Because they itemize their our other national priorities. alty relief to middle class families. I taxes and fill out longer forms. That Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to also rise in opposition to a Republican just does not make any sense at all. join me in rejecting the Republican tax scheme which goes far beyond the Our proposal on the other hand helps plan and supporting the responsible marriage penalty. Their irrespon- everyone who faces a marriage penalty, Democratic alternative. sibility jeopardizes Social Security and whether they happen to own their Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield leaves nothing to strengthen Medicare. home or not, whether they itemize or myself such time as I may consume. Marriage penalty relief is the right not. If they pay the penalty, our legis- Mr. Speaker, I would say to the pre- thing to do. Married couples should not lation will help them. I believe that vious speaker that if he votes against find themselves penalized because both American families are overtaxed. this bill, 61,000 married couples, one need to work. The Tax Code has penal- American families today pay twice the half of whom are itemizers in the 24th ized marriage for too long and any tax taxes they did just in 1985, and over 38 Congressional District of Texas, will cut proposal should attack this prob- percent of the typical family’s income not get relief from the marriage tax lem. That means acting within the goes to taxes. penalty. We need fairness. We can ex- framework of a balanced budget that The $3 trillion surplus over the next plain it. I am sure the gentleman can- will pay down the debt, protect Social 10 years that we see really means that not. Security, strengthen Medicare, and taxpayers have made a substantial Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the make needed investments in education. overpayment. Let us make a start at gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. These are the priorities of the Amer- returning some of that overpayment ENGLISH), who has been a real leader in ican people. Hardworking Americans, and fixing one of the strangest and our effort to bring fairness to the Tax Democrats, independents, and even Re- most inequitable features of our Tax Code by eliminating the marriage tax publicans have sent us this message Code. I urge a yes vote on H.R. 6. penalty. loud and clear. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in The only people who do not seem to minutes to the gentleman from Texas strong support of the Marriage Tax be listening are the Republican leaders (Mr. FROST), a distinguished Member of Penalty Relief Act. Let us be clear in this Congress. If they were listening, the House. what this is about today. The other they would hear the families out, those Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the side says it is for marriage penalty tax who say do the right thing. Instead, gentleman from New York (Mr. RAN- reform, but they have opposed it every Republicans come to this floor with a GEL) for yielding me this time. time it has come up for a vote. They massive tax bill that not only squan- Mr. Speaker, more than 6 months have opposed it today in its purest ders the surplus, it fails to provide true ago, the Republicans passed the crown form when the reform benefits 25 mil- marriage penalty relief. jewel of the Republican agenda, tax lion couples, especially in the middle- In fact, over 70 percent of the tax re- breaks for the wealthiest, costing near- and lower-income brackets. lief in their bill goes to the wealthiest ly $1 trillion of the surplus. We have heard all kinds of excuses Americans, most of whom do not even As Yogi Berra once said, it is deja vu from them: It is not the right flavor of pay a marriage penalty. Meanwhile, all over again, because today Repub- reform. There have been no hearings. It families that need relief the most licans are once again pushing a plan will hurt Social Security and Medicare. would receive less than 41 cents a day. that risks Social Security and Medi- It is politics, this from the politics free Democrats support real marriage pen- care by squandering the surplus on a zone on the other side of the aisle. alty relief that targets those who need massive tax break. We have heard the beltway excuses. it most. Our plan provides more tax re- True, they have tried to disguise it Now let us look at the facts. Thanks to lief to low- and moderate-income this year, but to quote The Washington the Republican majority, we have al- Americans who work hard for their Post, the Republican tax package, ready walled off the revenue for Social paycheck each and every day and de- quote, ‘‘has little, if anything, to do Security and Medicare. The fact is that serve to keep more of their money. It with marriage. The label is a gloss for under this bill, one dime of the real would ensure that more working fami- a generalized tax cut mainly for the surplus outside of Social Security and lies can take advantage of the earned better-off.’’ Medicare, just one dime, will be spent income tax credit. Indeed, today Republicans try to to help those who are unfairly penal- One hundred thousand of my con- take the first $200 billion step toward ized simply because they say, I do. stituents in my district, those on So- their goal of spending the surplus. Next Just 13 days ago, the President stood cial Security, will be hurt by this Re- they will take another couple of hun- before us in this very chamber pro- publican bill, and the Democratic al- dred billion for more tax breaks for the claiming that he was for this reform; ternative would cover both those who wealthiest and then another couple but this week he is threatening a veto. are suffering from the marriage pen- hundred billion dollars and then an- And the other side of the aisle said alty and those who are on Social Secu- other couple hundred billion dollars. they are for it, but today we have rity. We should not be fooled by the Mr. Speaker, to paraphrase a distin- heard the excuses. numbers that are being brought up on guished former Member of Congress, Mr. Speaker, if not now, then when is the other side. The Democratic pro- $200 billion here, $200 billion there and the appropriate time to use one dime of posal would cover both. pretty soon we are talking about real the real surplus to provide significant Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield money. Pretty soon, Mr. Speaker, Re- tax relief for married couples, includ- myself such time as I may consume. publicans will have squandered the en- ing 52,000 couples in my district in Mr. Speaker, I would say to the pre- tire surplus and, with it, our historic western Pennsylvania? vious speaker that if she votes against opportunity to strengthen Social Secu- Let us be clear on this. This vote will H.R. 6, 56,000 married couples, one half rity and Medicare. define forever who is for solving this of whom are itemizers in the 3rd Con- Mr. Speaker, I support the Demo- problem and who is against reform. If gressional District of Connecticut, will cratic substitute because I want to pro- one is for reform, vote for the bill. not get relief from the marriage tax vide honest marriage penalty relief to Let us understand what is really penalty. the 61,197 married couples in my dis- going on here. Those who are opposed The gentlewoman may be able to ex- trict. I also want to protect the Social to this commonsense tax reform do not plain that to them, but I sure cannot.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.040 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H297 Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the saw the Speaker of the House come out have the FEHBP; and if we have to get gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. LEWIS), here and tear up the budget process. He the prescription filled, it costs $12, and a member of the Committee on Ways said, let us pass a tax package before we get a 90-day supply. My mother and and Means, and a leader in our effort to we even have a hearing on the Com- a lot of other 90-year-olds in this coun- bring fairness to the Tax Code by mittee on the Budget, on which I sit. try have to go out and pay retail. What eliminating the marriage tax penalty. What is even more curious is that the my colleagues want to do is send this Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- marriage tax penalty was in the Con- valentine totally unrelated to what is er, there are some issues we discuss in tract on America. For 5 years, the going on in the budget. Congress where both sides of the aisle other side has not dealt with it, and Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield can agree. The importance of marriage, suddenly it comes here. myself such time as I may consume. I am convinced, is near the top of that In 1997, in the Committee on Ways Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gen- list. That is why I am surprised by this and Means, I offered the amendment tleman from Washington (Mr. debate today. which is the Democratic substitute. All MCDERMOTT), the previous speaker, We have an opportunity to wipe out a the Democrats voted for it and all the that if he votes against H.R. 6, 53,000 tax problem that otherwise penalizes Republicans voted against, because married couples, and half of whom are married couples. We are helping mar- they were going to give a tax break to itemizers in the Seventh Congressional ried couples who are building families, the businesses. District of Washington, will not get re- pursuing the American dream of home- Now we come out here, and we want lief in the marriage tax penalty. Let us ownership, and couples that contribute to do this at top speed. It has to be eliminate the marriage tax penalty. to our economy so that they and their done today in the House so it can be Mr. Speaker, this effort to eliminate families have a safe and prosperous done in the Senate on, what, Tuesday, the marriage tax penalty has been a bi- country to live in. Wednesday, so that the ad campaign, partisan effort. My friends on the other side of the including the Valentines that are going Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to aisle, however, say that this bill gives to be sent to all the married people in the gentleman from the great State of those families too much. They are this country, will get there with it, Ohio (Mr. TRAFICANT), who has been a talking about families where the hus- with a ‘‘we sent it to them.’’ leader in the effort to eliminate the band and wife are just starting out; the Now I can see a PR campaign when I marriage tax penalty. ones that can barely afford the new see it. It has nothing to do with legisla- Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, all starter house, the ones that sacrifice in tion, the President is right to veto it, politicians in America promote family order for one parent to stay home so until we have a budget and we decide values. They are good political buzz that their children have the best possi- what we are going to do with Social Se- words. But the truth is, in America, bility for beginning in life. curity and what we are going to do family values happen to mean higher The Democrat side says those fami- with Medicare. taxes for married people, period. But it lies do not need a break. They get too To be making tax cuts without hav- does not stop there. Our Tax Code is so many breaks in the Tax Code already. ing one single discussion in here about screwed up, it also rewards dependency, I encourage my friends to talk to those what we are going to do to protect So- subsidizes illegitimacy, promotes sex- families, and I doubt they would agree. cial Security or protect Medicare or ual promiscuity, denies and inhibits Mr. Speaker, is the idea of a tax cut pay down the debt, they come out here achievement and work, while all the that upsetting to some of the Demo- the first thing and say let us send a time supposedly promoting family val- crats? I guess they did not get the title valentine to everybody because it is an ues. as tax and spend Democrats for noth- election year. It has become so perverse in Amer- ing. ica, even marital sex is overtaxed by b 1245 Are some in this body more con- our policies. It is no wonder the Amer- cerned with maintaining a perfect Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, will the ican people are taxed off. It is no won- scoreboard for raising taxes on Ameri- gentleman yield? der America has so many common law cans than helping struggling new fami- Mr. MCDERMOTT. I yield to the gen- homes and marriages and unwed moth- lies? We have a projected surplus of tleman from Texas. ers and kids on our street without over $3 trillion. Is the need to feed Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, did I guidance, nor stability. I am going to their spending habit so strong that understand, then, that 3 years ago vote for this bill. they cannot spare a small part of that every Democrat on the Committee on I want to yield back all the broken to really fix this Tax Code problem? Ways and Means voted to implement homes in America that have been the Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope not. I 100 percent of the contract of America result of all of the family value rhet- encourage my colleagues to support marriage penalty relief, and the Repub- oric we hear from Washington politi- the married couples and vote yes for licans rejected it and did not think it cians. H.R. 6. was the appropriate priority? Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I minutes to the gentleman from New myself such time as I may consume. could not believe it, but that is what York (Mr. MCNULTY), a member of the Mr. Speaker, it is so unfair to use po- happened. I saw it with my own eyes. It Committee on Ways and Means. litical labels like tax and spend. We are was my amendment. The gentleman Mr. MCNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank very anxious to work with the major- from Wisconsin (Mr. KLECZKA) and I the gentleman from New York (Mr. ity to get a budget and to get this put the bill in last year. RANGEL), the Democratic leader, for thing done right, but if they just want Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, if the yielding me the time. a political issue they have it. gentleman will yield, this candy is Well, here we go again. My friends on Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the about 2 years too late, is it not? the other side of the aisle want to give gentleman from Washington (Mr. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I away surplus revenue before the sur- MCDERMOTT). guess better late than never. But it pluses even materialize. (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was ought to be in the context of what kind I support marriage penalty tax relief. given permission to revise and extend of budget we are putting together. I will save the gentleman from Illinois his remarks.) What are they doing with Social Secu- (Mr. WELLER), my friend on the other Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rity? What are they doing with Medi- side of the aisle, the time and trouble want to support and will support the care? Why do they have to send valen- of citing the statistics in my district. Democratic substitute which provides tines before they get down to the seri- There are 51,222 married couples in my an honest marriage tax penalty relief ous work here? district, and they would get relief for 53,000 of my people, but it also pro- The American people expect us to be under the Rangel substitute which I in- tects the 81,000 who get Medicare and serious about protecting Medicare and tend to support. Social Security in my district. about protecting Social Security and But I would also point out that more Rather than do that out here, we talking about a prescription drug pro- than twice as many people, 112,262 con- have come to Alice in Wonderland. I gram. Now, my colleagues and I, we stituents in my district receive Social

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.043 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Security and Medicare benefits; and to the floor today. He has been a real sylvania (Mr. COYNE), a senior member they will not get protection under the champion on this issue. I also com- of the Committee on Ways and Means. Republican bill. mend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. COYNE asked and was given per- We have had 30 years of deficit spend- (Chairman ARCHER) for moving it mission to revise and extend his re- ing. There is enough blame to go through the Committee on Ways and marks.) around for all of that and the tremen- Means. Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, marriage dous national debt that has resulted. Let me just start by saying that we penalty relief is an important issue, Now we have an era of surpluses, and have a non-Social Security budget sur- and I am glad that the House is consid- we are going to decide what to do with plus projected that is over $2 trillion. ering the legislation today. Most of us the extra money. The marriage penalty we are talking have supported marriage penalty relief But what is the size of the surplus? I about today is about one dime out of for many, many years. That being said, am amused by all these guesstimates. the dollar of that non-Social Security however, I do not think that the cur- Six months ago, the CBO said that it budget surplus. To say that we cannot rent version of H.R. 6 is helpful. was going to be a trillion dollars, and take care of paying down the debt, to The President’s budget addresses the we all started to divvy up that money. say that we cannot take care of Social problem in a more fiscally responsible Then a few weeks ago, because of this Security and Medicare in that context fashion, and I commend him for mak- robust economy that we are experi- is just not right. We can. We can do ing his proposal. It would increase the encing, they revised that figure and that, and we can take care of this un- standard deduction for two-earner said it was going to be almost double fairness in the Tax Code. households to double the amount of the that, $1.9 trillion. We all got excited This is a good bill because 25 million standard deduction for single filers. about that until I picked up the New couples out there pay, on average, Since most married couples claim the York Times and read an article by Bob about $1,400 on average more than peo- standard deduction and pay taxes at Reischauer called the ‘‘Amazing Van- ple who are in their situation but not the 15 percent marginal rate, this pro- ishing Budget Surplus.’’ married. That is just unfair. That may vision would eliminate the marriage As I went through his article, which not be much money by Washington penalty for most families across the I thought was pretty well thought out, standards; but in my district, that is a country. and he took away the Social Security lot of money. That means about 63,000 Like the President’s proposal, the portion of that surplus, which is the couples in the second district of Ohio Democratic alternative that will be of- bulk of the surplus, and moderately re- have more money to save for their own fered today would target marriage pen- vised down some of the over-optimistic retirement, more money to save for alty relief to the families that need it assumptions. He concluded that our 10- their kids’ education, more money to most in the country. Unlike the year budget surplus could actually be make a down payment on a car or a version of H.R. 6 that was reported out as low as $100 billion. Now, I can under- home. Frankly, it is just not fair. This of the Committee on Ways and Means, stand people thinking that it will be is their money. This part of the code the Democratic alternative ensures more than that, and I am among that has to be changed. that the alternative minimum tax will number. But do we really think it is I have heard some of my friends from not prevent married couples from re- going to be 20 times that? the other side of the aisle say today, ceiving marriage penalty relief. Con- We all say that we are in favor of well, our bill is more targeted. We want sequently, we should support the saving Social Security, saving Medi- to target it more. Well, if you target it, Democratic alternative that will be of- care, providing prescription drugs for two things happen. fered later today. I believe that this the elderly, and paying down the na- Number one, people who deserve the proposal would do the most to help tional debt. We all say that. But if we benefit, who deserve to get outside of married couples that we represent. do that, what, if any, money will be the marriage penalty do not get it. Mr. Speaker, I support the Demo- left? I think Bob Reischauer’s projec- This includes, yes, people who itemize, cratic substitute because I want to pro- tion is low. But what if he is right? Let people who own their own homes. Yes, vide honest marriage penalty relief to us take that as an example. This one it includes stay-at-home moms. It even the 45,160 married couples that are in bill, I would say to the gentleman from includes some folks that they say they the 14th Congressional District in Illinois (Mr. WELLER), this one bill would like to help. Because if they tar- Pennsylvania. But I also want to pro- would put us $82 billion in deficit. Just get it and be too specific and refine it tect the Social Security and Medicare this one bill! too much, they are going to miss some benefits enjoyed by 110,656 of my con- So I support the Rangel substitute. I people who need the help. stituents and to reduce my constitu- will vote against this irresponsible bill, The second thing that happens is in ents’ $8.4 billion share of the Federal and I will say to the gentleman from Il- order to target it and refine it the way debt. linois, I know how many married cou- that Democrats would like to do they Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield ples are in my district. I am going to add enormous complexity to the Tax myself such time as I may consume. protect them and the seniors. Code. Now, I hope all of us will focus on Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield that today. We are doing this, not only from Pennsylvania (Mr. COYNE), the myself such time as I may consume. in a way that provides relief to people previous speaker, that if he votes Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman who are being penalized by this unfair against H.R. 6, 45,000 married couples, from New York (Mr. MCNULTY), the part of our Tax Code, but we are doing one-half of whom are itemizers in the previous speaker, that if he votes it in a way that is as simple as possible 14th Congressional District of Pennsyl- against H.R. 6, 51,000 married couples, so we are not adding tremendous com- vania will not get relief in the mar- half of whom are itemizers in the 21st plexity to the Tax Code. My colleagues riage tax penalty. Let us bring about Congressional District of New York, have to add that complexity if they try fairness. Let us eliminate the marriage will not get relief from the marriage to target and try to social engineer too tax penalty. tax penalty. We protected social secu- much with this proposal. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 rity. We are paying down the debt. Let So I would say to my friends on the minutes to the gentleman from Iowa us end the marriage tax penalty. other side of the aisle, let us ask the (Mr. NUSSLE), who has been a real lead- Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 couples in our districts, do they want er in our effort to bring fairness to the minutes to the gentleman from Ohio to get outside of this unfair marriage Tax Code by eliminating the marriage (Mr. PORTMAN) who has been a real penalty. The answer will be a resound- tax penalty. leader in our effort to make the Tax ing yes. Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Code more fair by eliminating the mar- We have an opportunity to do it the gentleman from Illinois for yield- riage tax penalty. today. Let us join together and pass ing me this time. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank real marriage penalty relief, and I urge Targeted tax cuts, that is what the the gentleman from Illinois for yield- everyone to vote yes on final passage. Democrats are offering here today. ing me this time. I appreciate his ef- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Targeted tax cuts. Here is the target, forts to bring marriage penalty relief minutes to the gentleman from Penn- folks, right here, target, zero. That is

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.046 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H299 the target. They hit it as they have wrong for someone who lives in the money to the people that are paying every year that they were in power. Third Congressional District in Mary- the penalty. That is what we should be Every year that they controlled this land, it is wrong whatever Congres- working together to do. I urge my col- House of Representatives, they came sional District someone lives in. leagues to work together to solve the up with a zero with regard to reducing But let us explore why we have a problem. taxes. No, taxes went up during their marriage penalty in the Tax Code. In Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield control. the 1940s, Congress felt it important to myself such time as I may consume to Taxes are going down under Repub- reward marriage by having the joint say to my friend, the previous speaker, lican control. That is why we are here tax return. That allowed couples who that if he votes against H.R. 6, 60,000 today to talk about tax fairness, to got married to get a marriage bonus; married couples, one-half of whom are talk about a time in our history where that is they paid less taxes when they itemizers in the Third Congressional we have finally balanced the budget, were married than they would if they District of Maryland, will not get relief where we have finally started to reduce filed two single returns. It was a good from the marriage tax penalty. This the national debt, where we have fi- policy in the 1940s. has been a bipartisan effort. nally taken the Social Security Trust In the 1960s, we heard from single Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the Fund away from the big spenders. taxpayers who were outraged that they gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. DAN- We have an opportunity today to find had to pay such higher taxes. So the NER), who has been a real leader, in one small area of the Tax Code and say, Congress provided relief in the 1960s for fact the lead Democrat cosponsor of for the 300,000 married couples in Iowa, the singles, creating a larger marriage H.R. 6. as an example, it is time to put fair- penalty. That was wrong to create a Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, I am ness into the Tax Code. marriage penalty. And of course with proud that my home State of Missouri What do the Democrats say? We the economic circumstances, and more recognizes the benefits of allowing would like to, but. Well, ‘‘We would and more spouses working and having married couples to file either jointly or like to cut taxes but’’ sounds a lot like comparable income, we now have a separately. we would like to reform welfare but, marriage penalty. We should do some- Missouri is known as the ‘‘Show Me and voted against it. We would like to thing about it. State,’’ and I think we serve as a shin- stop robbing the trust fund of Social But recognize at least that half the ing example of the fact that we can Security, but we really would like to people that are married are receiving a have a tax that is fair and equitable to spend it; and they did. That sounds a bonus because they are married. So all married couples. I think the Federal lot like we would like to balance the why do I oppose the Republican bill? I Government should, indeed must, emu- budget but never were able to during oppose it first because it spends $180 late my State in providing long over- the time they controlled the House of billion to provide $80 billion of relief. due tax relief. Representatives. It sounds like a lot of That does not make good sense. Why There is an old saying, ‘‘Death and excuses from a party who could never are we spending an extra $100 billion taxes are both certain, but death isn’t quite get a plan put together. that goes to the people who are receiv- annual.’’ Let us each pledge to bring an The minority leader came to the ing already a bonus for being married? end to this unfair and costly tax bur- floor and said he does not like our plan. That is not right. That money we need den which is annually placed on mar- Well, it is high time that he came up for Medicare, we need for Social Secu- ried couples. I can certainly think of with a plan that did something. The rity; and we need to reduce the na- no better gift this Congress can give President at least came forward with a tional debt. the American taxpayers as we close in budget that wants to cut taxes. He As my Republican friends have told on Valentine’s Day than to vote on raised taxes, too. That is another us, this is the first of a series of tax H.R. 6, the Marriage Penalty Relief Act story; we will get into it. But at least bills that will spend over a trillion dol- of 2000. he is trying. lars, which jeopardizes our ability to Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 From the Democrats in the House, maintain our economic progress. minutes to the gentleman from Wis- we have got a plan. It is targeted at My good friend, the gentleman from consin (Mr. KLECZKA), a senior member zero. It is such a big goose egg, we need Illinois (Mr. WELLER), who keeps on of the Committee on Ways and Means. to vote against the plan, if that is what mentioning our statistics, I hope he Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, my col- my colleagues want to call it, to target will be at least honest in presenting league, the gentleman from Maryland taxpayers the way the Democrats have this information and point out that his (Mr. CARDIN), asked a rhetorical ques- and let us give tax relief the way the bill does not provide any additional re- tion, and I want to answer it. He asked Republicans are doing it. lief until 2003. That is the first year why are we spending an additional $100 that this bill helps the person who b billion in this bill that does not go to 1300 itemizes their tax returns. And this bill anyone who is in a marriage penalty? Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield does not fully implement that until Well, I say to the gentleman from myself such time as I may consume to 2008. So there is going to be no dif- Maryland and my other colleagues, be- say shame on the gentleman who just ference between an approach that deals cause it is payback time. Those dollars spoke. The only reason his side gets with an itemized deduction or one that go to the wealthiest in this country the goose egg is because the joint com- deals with spreading the brackets until who are contributors to my fellow Re- mittee said that they would do nothing at least that year. Let us be honest publicans, who are supporters. They with Social Security, do nothing with with our citizens as to the difference are the exact people who gave $70 mil- Medicare, and do nothing to pay down here. lion to George W. Bush in his effort to the national debt. And we are prepared What I would hope we would do is be be President of the United States. That to say yes it will be zero in tax cuts committed to a budget. Yes, we are is what this is all about. until we fulfill that responsibility. The upset because there is no budget today. We have had over 20 Republican gentleman knows it, and I know he We do not know how this all fits to- speakers today talk about this H.R. 6 knows it. gether. Let me just give my colleagues marriage penalty bill, but only one, Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the one example, if I might. Let us take a one, had the honesty to come forward gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Member of Congress, who happens to be in his remarks and state that, yes, CARDIN), a senior member from the married and where the spouse does not there is a bulk of benefits for the most committee. work, and one who is single. Today, the wealthy in this country. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank married Congressman pays $4,300 less Let me refer my colleagues to this the gentleman for yielding me this in taxes because he is married. chart. I have taken the liberty of re- time. What the Republican bill would do titling the bill to what it really and ac- Mr. Speaker, the marriage penalty is when fully implemented in 2008 is pro- tually is, and that is the Tax Fraud Act wrong, we all acknowledge that. Per- vide an additional $1,400 of tax relief of Year 2000. sons should not have to pay additional for that Member of Congress. I do not Mr. Speaker, when the bill was before taxes because they get married. It is think that is right. Let us target the the committee we asked some very

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:51 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.049 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 pointed questions to the Republican back to the American people what is over 10 years, but by the 10th year the staff. And, surprisingly, we found out theirs? annual cost would be $28 billion and that over 50 percent of the benefits in The nonpartisan Joint Committee on likely higher if, as expected, Congress this bill go to people who do not even Taxation has been talked about, and, also eases the alternative minimum pay a marriage penalty. So to Patty yes, that is part of the problem with tax. The measure,’’ and this is impor- and Pat in the Speaker’s district who the Democratic substitute. Because tant, ‘‘would thus consume by itself just got married, I think it is incum- what it does is it provides no relief. about one-fourth of the surplus in bent on the Speaker and the rest of us None. Under the Democratic plan, the other than Social Security funds pro- to tell Patty and Pat that half of this Democratic substitute, the provisions jected by the Congressional Budget Of- is going to be who are not suffering the do not go into effect until, get this, a fices in the most realistic of its fore- marriage penalty. Social Security certification, a Medi- casts, and even that forecast was rosy, Where does all this money go? The care certification, and public debt in that CBO was forced by the account- Republicans in this bill increase the elimination. Until the middle of this ing conventions to ignore several hun- size of the 15 percent tax bracket. And, century, 2050, to get all three of those dred billions of dollars in cost that ev- surprisingly, 84.1 percent of those bene- out of the way. eryone understands the government fits go to those taxpayers in this coun- That tells me that the Democratic will incur. try who are earning over $75,000. On body really does not want relief. They ‘‘The main provision in the bill, ac- this particular chart we show the 10- want all the lights to be green before counting for well over half,’’ as was year cost of the bill: $182 billion. In the they start across down. And we know displayed by our last speaker, ‘‘would blue shows the dollars that are going that is an improbability. benefit only taxpayers in the highest for the marriage tax penalty. That is I would say this: Let us pass this leg- quarter of the income distribution. The what we are being told the bill is all islation and give the American couples President,’’ which is where the Demo- about. a Valentine gift they deserve. cratic substitute has been looked at, But I have to tell my colleagues a lit- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘would propose in next week’s budget a tle deep dirty secret the Republicans myself such time as I may consume to tax cut limited to middle- and lower- do not want us to learn about, and that just reiterate that saying it over and income families that do pay a marriage is that 105 go to other than marriage over again does not make it right. We penalty. It would cost only about a tax penalty payers. In fact, here again, have a bill that takes care of the prob- fourth as much as the Republican bill. 84.1 percent of the increase goes to lem and the other side knows it. Secretary Summers rightly warned in those who earn over $75,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the a letter this week that he would not So let us be honest in this portrayal. gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. THUR- recommend the President sign the Re- Later in the debate we will have the MAN), a member of our Committee on publican bill.’’ opportunity to vote for a real, a real Ways and Means. So the only true bill on this floor is live marriage penalty bill, and that is Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I the Democratic one. It is the only one one that goes to those who pay the pen- thank the gentleman for yielding me that will give a Valentine. alty, not the 50 percent who do not pay this time. b 1315 the penalty who today earn a marriage First, I want to address this issue Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I would bonus. that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. say to my friend, the previous speaker, And, yes, Patty and Pat from the WELLER) keeps bringing up. Our infor- that if he votes against H.R. 6, 42,000 Speaker’s district, along with 61,582 of mation in numbers is exactly the same married couples, one-half of whom are my constituents will get relief from as his, but under the Democratic sub- itemizers in the 5th Congressional Dis- the Democratic substitute and the stitute, when signed in law, because it trict of Florida, that they will not get marriage penalty, but it also recog- will be the one signed into law, it will relief from the marriage tax penalty. nizes that constituents in my district, provide a marriage penalty relief to We protect Social Security. We are like Sid and Doris, 99,234 other seniors, 43,900. And I want to also let the gen- paying down the debt. No more ex- will have a shooting shot later in this tleman know, because this is a very cuses. Let us eliminate the marriage session to make sure there are some high number for us in Florida, I want tax penalty. dollars left to resolve problems like to protect the Social Security and Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the modernizing Medicare, providing a Medicare benefits enjoyed by 188,821 re- gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHN- meaningful drug benefit, and saving cipients in my area. SON), a respected member of the Com- Social Security. I challenge my col- Just as importantly, if we take care mittee on Ways and Means, a real lead- leagues to address this question. of Medicare, if we take care of Social er in the effort to make the Tax Code Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Security, and we pay down the debt, fair. myself such time as I may consume to that same married couple will be the Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. say to my friend, the previous speaker, recipient of those programs as well in Speaker, we are talking over here on that if he votes against H.R. 6, 62,000 the future. this side about delaying any relief for married couples, half of whom are But if my colleagues do not want to married families for up to 10 years. itemizers in the 4th Congressional Dis- believe me, let us go to an outside Marriage is a cherished institution in trict of Wisconsin, will not get relief group. In , dated America, and we should promote it, not from the marriage tax penalty. Yes, we February 3, 2000, the title of an article, discourage it. want to help stay-at-home moms and ‘‘Fattening the Marriage Bonus.’’ Today we are going to do just that. dads who own their homes. The article says, ‘‘The House Ways Right now married couples pay more in Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the and Means Committee yesterday ap- taxes than two single people living to- gentleman from Michigan (Mr. proved a bill to ease the so-called mar- gether, and that is just not right. KNOLLENBERG). riage penalty. The bill, however, has Washington has got to stop it, penal- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I little, if anything, to do with marriage. izing the cornerstone of our society, thank the gentleman for yielding me The label is a gloss for a generalized the American family. We should en- this time, and I rise to support H.R. 6, tax cut mainly for the better-off. The courage marriage, not penalize it. the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of bill is structured in such a way that as Do my colleagues know what we are 2000. much as half of the benefits go to the doing? We are really restoring family, This says it all, though. I have heard families who do not even incur the sup- children, and the American dream. a lot of rhetoric, obviously from both posed penalty but receive a marriage Democrat allies labeled marriage pen- sides, but this placard, this sign, says bonus under the law; their taxes are al- alty relief as risky last year, and the it all: Zero. And I think that when we ready less than they would be if they President vetoed it. Last week, all the look at the budget surpluses that we were single. Democrats voted against it in the Com- produce by refining government, that ‘‘The Republican-backed bill is mittee on Ways and Means. are projected as far as the eye can see, backloaded so that its true cost is Today, they are trying to fool us and how can we really truly deny giving masked. The estimate is $182 billion the American people into thinking that

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.102 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H301 they are for marriage penalty relief. Do ents over 55 years of marriage. It is a dramatically changed. From 1947 to not believe them. They do not have a great institution. But I do not see any 1997, there was a 100 percent increase in plan that provides for even $1 of guar- reason why I need to discriminate the number of working women. anteed marriage penalty relief, and against a family that is not as fortu- We need to pass this legislation be- this is a shame. nate as I am. cause discrimination is at stake. We In my district alone, this bill will end The victim of domestic abuse, the would not get rid of the court system, the marriage penalty for over 150,000 widow who is out there, what do they the Civil Rights Act, or the EEOC be- Americans. The President and his Dem- get out of this great valentine? They cause it was spending money. Vote for ocrat friends should stop playing elec- do not even get a stale candy wrapper, this bill because it is the right thing to tion-year politics. A vote for this bill is not one penny. There is no reason why do. a vote for America. It is a vote for the 50 million American families that Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield American families. are single-parent families, most headed myself such time as I may consume. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 by single women, many of them facing Mr. Speaker, it has been pointed out minutes to the gentleman from Texas much greater struggles than my family that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. (Mr. DOGGETT), a member of the Com- has faced, trying to be a sole provider, WELLER) has 92,571 constituents who mittee on Ways and Means. trying to care for a family, why they are Social Security beneficiaries. And Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, well, should be discriminated against. certainly, if they are just going to go leave it to the House Republicans to By providing an additional bonus to after giving tax relief, they really do convert an issue that enjoys such broad those taxpayers who already enjoy a not care anything about them and bipartisan support into a totally con- bonus or advantage under the Tax those on Medicare. trived election-year ploy. Had they the Code, this bill actually discriminates Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the slightest interest in correcting the against single individuals. gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. marriage penalty in a timely way, it And finally, the most comprehensive NEAL), a member of the Committee on would have already been done. discrimination is imposed on our chil- Ways and Means. In 1997, the Democrats proposed to dren both of those families who incur Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. implement fully the Contract on Amer- and those who do not incur a marriage Speaker, I thank the gentleman from ica provisions, which they so widely penalty; it imposes on them a new pen- New York (Mr. RANGEL) for yielding me ballyhooed all over this country, to put alty and that is to share a greater bur- the time. them into effect immediately. But Re- den of the national debt. Mr. Speaker, let me talk about the publicans had other priorities, other We need to do what the nonpartisan impact of the alternative minimum tax special interest priorities. Concord Coalition said yesterday, ‘‘giv- on this bill. Because, as the gentleman The ‘‘American dream‘‘ about which ing away chocolates rather than giving from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) knows, I have the last speaker spoke in fact, that is away the surplus would be the most ap- been speaking out about this for the the title they put on their bill regard- propriate way to celebrate Valentine’s past few years, and it is time to elimi- ing the marriage penalty to implement Day.’’ nate the alternative minimum tax. It the Contract with America. They Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield no longer performs the function it was called it the ‘‘American Dream Res- myself such time as I may consume to intended to and, in my view, has per- toration Act.’’ But they dropped that say to my friend, the previous speaker, verse consequences in the tax system. provision when Democrats offered it in that if he votes against H.R. 6, 59,000 Now, laying that aside, let me tell the Ways and Means Committee as an married couples, one-half of whom are my colleagues that I had a call this alternative to other special interest itemizers, in the 10th Congressional week from a Republican interest group priorities. District of Texas will not get relief asking me to support this bill. The ra- Last year we had the same thing hap- from the marriage tax penalty. tionale was the statistic that they pen. We proposed more marriage pen- I would also note that my friend from were offering that suggested that 61,386 alty tax relief than Republicans did. Texas voted against last year’s effort married couples in my district were af- But they had their own priorities. They to wipe out the marriage tax penalty. fected by the marriage penalty. had that special interest provision to Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the When I asked how many would not provide a tax subsidy for chicken ma- gentleman from California (Mr. COX) a get any benefit from the Republican nure. And they had a whole lot of other real leader in the effort to make the bill because of the alternative min- special interest tax breaks. They were Tax Code fair by eliminating the mar- imum tax, they did not know; and they not interested in coming together and riage tax penalty. did not know because they did not cooperating in a bipartisan way to Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the care. They saw this then and they see really do something about the mar- gentleman for yielding me the time. this today as a purely political issue. riage penalty. Mr. Speaker, we have heard that it Now, is the AMT a minor flaw in this We now have a new millennium. But, was important to reduce the marriage bill? Absolutely not. It would cost $65 unfortunately, we do not have a new penalty a few years ago but we cannot billion to fix the problem. To put it an- era of cooperation from this House do it this year. We have heard that we other way, the Republican bill prom- leadership. If we had that, the Amer- should be bipartisan, and yet every Re- ised about $250 billion of tax relief and, ican families, about which they are ex- publican is in favor of this and 38 by sleight of hand, uses the AMT to pressing such concern about today, Democrats, not a single bit of biparti- take back $65 billion, or 26 percent of would have already had the relief in sanship in the opposition. the benefit. place, instead of waiting for Valen- From 1913 until 1948, there was no This is not a small problem. It is a tine’s Day. discrimination against married people known problem. It is a fixable problem. Now, we also know that this bill can- or against singles. The Tax Code treat- But in this legislation that they are of- not pass the truth in packaging stand- ed them the same way no matter what. fering, it is not fixed. ards. Over half of the relief in this so- The reason we got a marriage penalty Now, we hear that this will be taken called marriage penalty tax relief goes is that back then when the prejudice care of in the future. Sounds a little bit to families that do not experience any was in favor of working men, Congress like the Popeye character, Whimpy, marriage tax penalty. The sponsors of decided to give a protection to working promising to buy someone a hamburger this bill have never been able to refute men who did not live in community next week if only on this day we will that point. In fact, it is a central pur- properties States who could not income buy him one. pose of their bill. What that means is split. So now what we have is not just If there is a problem, then fix the that over half the relief goes to fami- discrimination against married cou- way we do in the Democratic proposal. lies that already enjoy an advantage ples, but explicitly we have discrimina- If their side keeps promising a pig in a over people who are filing as a single tion against working women. poke, eventually the public is going to taxpayer under the Tax Code. Back when we got the income Tax demand a look in the bag. I have been blessed with 31 years of Code, women did not work, about three Now, I had a few other callers in sup- marriage to a great woman, my par- percent of the labor force. That has port of fixing this tax penalty; and I

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.055 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 agreed with them, and that is why I am Let me quickly compare these two reform of the marriage tax penalty. It going to vote for the Democratic alter- proposals. The Democrats’ plan gives is wrong that we would punish people native. When I asked some of them why zero dollars in tax relief. There it is on for being married, and that is why I they were flirting with the Republican the chart. And that is from a non- would hope that we could support a bill penalty bill, where half the money does partisan joint committee on tax assess- that would be bipartisan. But what we not even go to fixing the marriage pen- ment of the two bills. Zero, zip, nada, have today is the Republican bill that alty but to making a single penalty in nothing to families in their bill. They is really a Trojan horse. I heard it re- current law worse, it is written so that do not want us to know that, so they ferred to as the Hope Diamond, but it the more children they have the less scream about other issues. is really a Trojan horse, because half of likely they are to get any marriage The GOP gives $182 billion in tax re- those benefits in this bill go to people penalty relief, they do not know what lief, one-tenth of the projected surplus not subject to the marriage tax penalty is in the fine print. over the next 10 years. The Republican right now. Let me repeat that, half the So if they are so concerned about plan will give couples up to $1,400 in benefits of this bill go to the people children, why did they not take the tax relief, and it is a plan that applies who do not have any marriage tax pen- money they were using to increase to all married couples who pay taxes. alty. marriage bonuses and use it to solve Not so for the Democrat alternative. That is what is wrong with this bill. the AMT problem with families with They do not want moms who stay at It is irresponsible in size and cost, the children? They have the money. It is home to have a benefit under this bill. GOP bill, its willingness to neglect the right in their own bill. That is the bottom line when they say long-term needs of our country, Social So for tens of thousands of American people are getting tax relief who should Security, Medicare, paying down our families, the only thing the Republican not. It is the moms who are sacrificing, debt, and even national defense. Later bill gives them is a requirement that not following their career who choose this year we will hear about how they they are going to have to fill out two to stay home and take care of their want to do stuff for national defense. tax forms instead of one, the regular children. Our bill says give them the Well, you cannot give away the store tax form and a 50-line alternative min- same marriage tax relief. now and expect to pay for it later. imum tax form. Now, that truly is a Democrats do not want to give tax penalty on the Republican side for $182 billion would use the surplus in relief to people who own a home and addressing American’s priorities by being married and having children. itemize. If they are a homeowner, they These would be serious problems if paying down the national debt, Social get zero tax relief under the Demo- this was a serious bill, but it is an elec- Security and Medicare. Let me say as a crats’ bill. If they are a homeowner and tion year and we know that it is not, as Member of Congress, I would benefit. they itemize, they get relief from the many of the bills that will follow also Like my colleague from Texas, I have a marriage tax penalty under our bill. I think will be based on. Hopefully, we working spouse in Texas who is a This morning I heard a Democrat are going to have a chance this year to schoolteacher. I would benefit from the fix some real problems. from one of their think tanks say, any Republican bill. But it is wrong to do Now, I want to ask the gentleman family that makes over $50,000, that is that for the income level we have. It from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) a question $25,000 for the husband and $25,000 for ought to go to the people who really as I conclude as he leaps to the floor to the wife, they are wealthy and they do need it, and that is what is wrong with call attention to the number of people not deserve relief from the marriage this bill. So Members of Congress in my district that I have already penalty. should really vote against it, because it cited. I would ask if he would state the Not so under the Republican bill. All benefits us too much. number of families in my district who families who pay taxes in America will Half the benefits, again, will go to are being deceived by using the AMT to get relief. the taxpayers who have no marriage take back the tax cut they are prom- This is a true Valentine’s gift. It is tax penalty. According to the Citizens ising? more like the Hope Diamond on the Re- for Tax Justice, the Republican bill Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield publican side. I am proud to support it. would give the lion’s share of the tax myself such time as I may consume to Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield cut to higher income families. Two- say to my friend the gentleman from myself such time as I may consume. thirds of the tax relief would go to 30 Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL), the previous Mr. Speaker, I have a copy of that percent of the married couples with in- speaker, that if he votes against H.R. 6, Joint Committee on Taxation report comes over $75,000 due to the large tax 61,000 married couples, one-half of and it says, yes, that there is zero bracket. under the Democratic plan. If the Re- whom are itemizers in the 2nd Congres- Let me also say we have a Demo- publicans have no budget, if the Repub- sional District of Massachusetts, they cratic plan that scales it down and licans do nothing for Social Security, if will not get relief from the marriage really addresses marriage tax relief. the Republicans do nothing to pay tax penalty. Understand, it works with the alter- I would also note that my friend from down the national debt, then there will native minimum tax, so it does not Massachusetts voted against the out- be absolutely nothing under our plan. give you with one hand and take it right repeal of the alternative min- We are assuming at some point that away with another. Their bill does. imum tax this past year. the Republicans will work with the Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the President and work with us and do Over the last few months I have had gentleman from Indiana (Mr. those things and then relief is there. It a chance to do town hall meetings. We were out for 2 months. We did a news- MCINTOSH), one of the real leaders in is as simple as that. The report is the effort to bring fairness to the Tax available. It is called the Joint Com- letter. I know I am going to hear in a Code and one of the authors of Weller- mittee on Taxation. few minutes from my Republican col- McIntosh. None of the people in the district of league about how many people will not Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. benefit. Let me tell you, I have 322,000 taxpayers in my district who pay into the gentleman for his leadership in WELLER) will get any benefit from the bringing this bill to the floor today. Republican or the Democratic plan Social Security, and they want it there Today is a great day for freedom. It until we come together and work to- 30 and 40 years from now instead of giv- is an even greater day for our families gether. ing away the store now. I have 55,000 in America. I hope the American peo- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the recipients on Social Security and Medi- care now. They want that benefit now, ple are listening to this debate because gentleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN). it is a debate about priorities. It is a (Mr. GREEN of Texas asked and was not given away in a tax cut that is ir- debate about who will truly fight for given permission to revise and extend responsible. families versus those who want to fight his remarks.) We sent out a newsletter, and let me for higher taxes. talk about it. Mr. Barrera from south- b The other side of this debate say they 1330 east Houston, ‘‘It is so important that are for marriage penalty relief. But Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I you remember, we need to pay down watch what they do, not what they say. stand here today wanting to support a the debt, strengthen Social Security, a

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.057 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H303 prescription drug benefit, fund edu- alty is that it undermines our serious I have got to tell you that I think it cation, and then give me a tax cut.’’ efforts to pay down the national debt, is only the first step towards what I That is from southeast Houston. to save Social Security and to provide would hope would be major tax reform, We have a young lady from north for Medicare. but we have got to deal with this now. side Houston, Ms. Kubala. She said, This bill will explode in 10 years. It We have put it off for too long. It is a ‘‘You need to show more concern for costs $182 billion and will consume over testament to the complexity of our Tax the not-so-rich people instead of cater- one-fourth of the non-Social Security Code today. ing to the rich.’’ I do not think that I surplus. We are trying to save Medi- There are over 25 million couples, have a better statement than my con- care. that is 40 percent of all married cou- stituent for this bill today. This is a pre-Valentines Day stunt. ples, who pay an average of $1,400 in We have a gentleman from the North The institution being threatened is not extra taxes because they are married. Shore area of northeast Houston. ‘‘It the institution of marriage, it is the in- That adds up to more than 70,000 people isn’t that we do not want a tax cut, but stitution of Social Security. Let me as- in my own district. But $1,400 a year is there are other things more impor- sure you lovers are not sitting around real money. So what we are saying is tant.’’ saying ‘‘Honey, we better not get mar- do not make any mistake about it; we Mr. Speaker, I cannot say it better ried because of the marriage tax pen- are talking about real money that will than my own constituents. alty.’’ But I assure you people on So- mean money in the bank for these fam- Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield cial Security and people soon to be on ilies within the next 2 years. Let us do myself such time as I may consume. Social Security are worried that we do it. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the pre- not take some serious action to save May I just add that the numbers are vious speaker, my friend, if you vote Social Security. confusing, but look at the CBO num- against H.R. 6, 92,000 married people in Now, I agree, we ought to address bers, the Congressional Budget Office the Twenty-ninth Congressional Dis- concerns about the marriage tax pen- numbers. trict of Texas will not get relief from alty for those folks who do pay that Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the marriage tax penalty. One-half of tax. But this bill does not do that. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- them are itemizers. No more excuses. Let me tell you what is wrong with fornia (Ms. WOOLSEY). Let us bring fairness to the Tax Code. the Republican so-called marriage tax (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the penalty bill. First of all, it is another permission to revise and extend her re- marks.) gentleman from Colorado (Mr. gimmick to give tax relief for the very Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I have a MCINNIS), a respected member of the rich. Two-thirds of the benefit go to math question for my colleagues today: Committee on Ways and Means. the top one-fourth of taxpayers, those If the Republican marriage tax pro- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I appre- people already well off and, moreover, posal spends $182 billion and the Demo- ciate the gentleman yielding me the they are doing very well in today’s cratic plan is $89 billion, which one time. economy. They do not need a tax leaves more money to invest in our You know, I get it. I was at the air- break. children? You do not have to know new port not long ago and I met a young Second, half of the relief goes to peo- math to prove that the Democratic bill mother, her name was Carrie. She has ple who are not even paying the mar- provides relief for working families, four children, the oldest of which is six. riage tax. What is that all about? while saving $93 billion to invest in the She asked me about the marriage pen- Third, many of families with children needs of our children. alty. I think we all agree, it is unfair. who need a marriage tax break will not For example, if we adopt the Demo- The previous speaker from the Demo- get it under this plan. cratic plan, $25 billion could go to the cratic side just said it was unfair. Clearly they are not addressing the States to improve child care, another I told her it is unfair. She said, ‘‘Do target. On the other hand, you have the $25 billion could be invested in chil- you think it will pass?’’ I said, ‘‘Sure, targeted Democratic approach. We dou- dren’s health programs, and another it is going to pass. It makes so much ble the standard deduction and adjust $25 billion could be used for family sense, the Democrats are going to join the earned income tax credit, and, as a services, with money left over to ex- with us.’’ result, we can provide targeted tax re- pand the Earned Income Tax Credit. But, old stupid me. Stupid me. I for- lief from the marriage penalty for Mr. Speaker, I want to provide hon- got you guys who are worried about those families who genuinely need it. est marriage tax penalty relief to the election year politics. Forget the mer- There are 70,000 people in my district, 58,003 married couples in my district, its of getting rid of an unfair tax like as you will hear, who will benefit if we and I also want to protect the Social the marriage tax penalty. Forget that. give targeted tax relief. I want to do Security and Medicare benefits enjoyed It is all about election year politics, that. I do not want to give a bloated by 95,424 of my constituents and to re- and you know it is about election year Valentine’s gift to the very rich who do duce my constituents’ $8.4 billion share politics. not need it. of the Federal debt, but, Mr. Speaker, There are 30 or 40 of you over there Mr. Speaker, it should be well recog- let us give working families the assist- on the Democratic side that have nized by now, this is part of a big tax ance they really need. Let us give them enough guts to stand up and vote for cut for the rich that the Republicans tax relief. Let us help them take care this bill based on its merit, vote on it and George Bush are pushing. It is not of their children. Tax relief any other based on the fact that it is unfair. But a good idea. We should reject it, save way just does not add up. the rest of you like to use red herring, Medicare, save Social Security, and Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Social Security, in fact. pay down the debt. minute to the gentlewoman from Flor- Why do you not just get up here and Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ida (Mrs. FOWLER). tell it like it is? It is election year poli- minute to the gentlewoman from New Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tics. We would not dare want the Re- Jersey (Mrs. ROUKEMA). today to express my support for the publicans to get credit for being fair to (Mrs. ROUKEMA asked and was Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of the American people. We have got to given permission to revise and extend 2000. There are almost 57,000 couples in continue our bash against them. Stand her remarks.) my district in Florida alone who pay up and vote on the merits, not on elec- Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise higher Federal taxes simply because tion year politics. in strong support on this long overdue they are married. Because women are Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 reform. At last we are going beyond often the second income source for minutes to the gentleman from Mary- the rhetoric of family values and doing married couples, this unfair tax has a land (Mr. WYNN). something real to make our Nation disproportionate impact on them. Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the truly a place where hardworking Amer- When a woman accepts a marriage pro- gentleman for yielding me time. ican families can have a job and raise a posal, that does not mean an auto- Mr. Speaker, the most important family and own a home. We should not matic pay cut. What could be more un- thing that the public needs to know be taxing marriage. Let us stop this fair, more immoral really, than taxing about this so-called marriage tax pen- discrimination. someone just because they fell in love?

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.103 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 As a gift to the American people this The only thing that the bill does do down the national debt, as well as es- Valentine’s Day, it is time to get rid of that the President’s does not is offer tablish priorities like health care and tax penalties against married couples relief to those married couples who do education and fighting HIV/AIDS. This once and for all. not qualify for the earned income tax bill commits $182 billion over 10 years Again, I would like to pledge my credit and who do not take the stand- and as well, it takes away from Social strong support for the Marriage Tax ard deduction because they itemize in- Security and Medicare. Penalty Relief Act, and I will continue stead. In summary, I am opposed to H.R. 6 because it is too expensive. It drains to work with my fellow Republicans to b 1345 eliminate unfair taxation. estimated surpluses. Middle-income Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Well, Mr. President, many couples families with children do not receive minutes to the gentlewoman from Mis- itemize because they struggle to buy a adequate tax relief. Half of the tax re- souri (Ms. MCCARTHY). home for themselves and their chil- lief goes to those who currently do not (Ms. MCCARTHY of Missouri asked dren, and they continue to struggle to pay any marriage penalty, and 70 per- and was given permission to revise and maintain that home. cent of the projected tax cut goes to extend her remarks.) I realize that President and Mrs. help the top quarter of income earners. Ms. MCCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Clinton have only recently become Mr. Speaker, I support the Demo- Speaker, I thank the gentleman from homeowners, so they probably do not cratic substitute because I want in my New York for yielding me time. realize yet just how much of a financial district to provide honest marriage Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to sacrifice most American homeowners penalty relief to the 48,209 married cou- H.R. 6. It is untimely, it is unlawful, it make to provide that home. In fact, ples in my district. I want to work for is unfair, and it is unaffordable. It is The New York Times recently reported them, but I also want to protect the also irresponsible and punitive tax pol- that Mrs. Clinton was quoted as say- Social Security and Medicare benefits icy. ing, ‘‘I am stunned to discover the tax enjoyed by 81,696 of my constituents. It is untimely and unlawful because burden faced by State residents.’’ As well, I do not want them to have to Section 303 of the Congressional Budg- Well, Mr. President and Mrs. Clinton, suffer the $8.4 billion share of the Fed- et Act, the law of the land for 25 years, welcome to the real world. Those taxes eral debt. prohibits a tax cut of this magnitude and homeowner mortgages are exactly Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to before Congress adopts a budget resolu- why many married taxpayers itemize H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Relief Act. tion. We hope that resolution will es- on their tax forms and will never ben- America’s hard working families de- tablish a framework for using the sur- efit from the President’s proposal. serve relief from the marriage penalty plus to extend the solvency of Social So here is my hope. Now that the burden; however, I cannot with good Security and Medicare. President and Mrs. Clinton are finally conscience support a bill that provides It is unfair because 60 percent of all homeowners, I hope that they will re- no relief for millions of families with married couples will not benefit from cover from their stunning encounter children and offers big tax breaks for it. In fact, middle class families with with high taxes in time to realize that wealthy couples. Specifically, H.R. 6 children will find their taxes increas- married homeowners deserve a break grants tax breaks averaging approxi- ing because this measure forces them too and support our fine bill. mately $1,000 per year to couples earn- to pay the alternative minimum tax. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ing more than $70,000 disregarding It is not affordable. It consumes one- minutes to the gentlewoman from whether or not they pay a marriage fourth of the anticipated surplus, keep- Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). penalty. ing us from paying off the national (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked In plain English, H.R. 6 is fiscally ir- debt, thus jeopardizing the strong and was given permission to revise and responsible. I will not support a large economy we now enjoy. extend her remarks.) tax cut that eviscerates the surplus as It is irresponsible tax policy because Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. included in this bill. We owe it to it fails to address the marriage bonus Speaker, I thank the gentleman from American families to ensure that a and further distorts tax fairness. Under New York for his leadership, and I framework is firmly in place that pre- this measure, two-thirds of the total thank the Chairman of the Committee serves Social Security and Medicare, as tax relief will go to wealthy taxpayers. on Ways and Means. Frankly, I believe well as, pay down our national debt be- The gentleman from Illinois is going if H.R. 6 is passed, Mr. Speaker, we will fore spending our surplus. This bill is to point out that nearly 60,000 married have a sad Valentine’s Day. the first of many installments in the couples in my district will benefit from I rise in opposition to H.R. 6, the Republican tax cut plan. It commits your tax scheme, but that is only 30 Marriage Tax Relief Act. America’s $182 billion of the estimated surpluses percent of the married people in my hard-working families deserve relief earned throughout the next 10 years, district. Sixty percent will not benefit, from the marriage penalty burden. before bolstering Social Security and and many of them will face a tax in- However, I cannot in good conscience Medicare and paying down the national crease. support a bill that provides no relief debt. The valentine we should be sending for millions of families with children The most disturbing aspect of this American families is one which pro- and offers big tax breaks for wealthy bill slowly phases in a widening of the vides fiscal security by using any sur- couples. If we look here, we will see by 15% tax bracket. The widening of the plus to pay down our publicly held debt the year 2010, almost 60 percent of 15% bracket offers nothing to couples and make Social Security and Medi- America’s families with two children already in this bracket. For example, a care solvent. Then construct a tax re- will be denied relief under the Repub- married couple without children in the lief package that helps working fami- lican bill. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6 grants year 2000 would be in the 15% tax lies. I want to protect the Social Secu- tax breaks averaging approximately bracket up to an income of $56,800. The rity and Medicare benefits enjoyed by $1,000 per year to couples earning more irony of this measure is that nearly nearly 100,000 of my constituents. than $70,000. more than half of all married couples Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield I have a good friend in my district, are below this income level and would 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. Booker Morris, and we talk fre- not derive any benefit from this bill. Florida (Mr. FOLEY), a respected Mem- quently about targeted tax breaks. I Moreover, the Citizens for Tax Justice ber of Committee on Ways and Means. support that, but not without a budget predict that two-thirds of the tax relief Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, frankly, I that establishes priorities. will go to married couples with in- am stunned that anyone would have a In plain English, H.R. 6 is fiscally ir- comes in excess of $75,000, in most part problem with this bill. The bill does responsible. I will not support a large due to the widening 15% tax bracket three basic things, two of which the tax cut that eviscerates the surplus as change. President himself has embraced. One, included in this bill. We owe it to In addition, using the Alternative it expands the Earned Income Tax American families to ensure a frame- Minimum Tax to reduce the overall Credit; and, two, it doubles the stand- work that supports and secures Social cost of this bill is unwise. Couples with ard deduction for married taxpayers. Security and Medicare as well as pay children claiming large State and local

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.061 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H305 tax deductions may be denied tax re- fiscally austere Democrats were speak- Committee on Ways and Means. What lief, while those couples without chil- ing out of strong conviction backed by is the name of the song, My Funny Val- dren and residing in States with low sound ideas. But the conviction is entine. The opposition would be funny State and local tax burdens will re- paper thin. Eliminating the national if it were not so sad. ceive the bulk of the benefit. This is debt has not been a plank of any Demo- Here we are with a historic oppor- due to the fact that personal exemp- cratic economic program in living tunity. Mr. Speaker, 30 Members have tions and State and local deductions memory, and most Democrats who are joined with the majority on a bipar- are not used against the minimum tax. now talking greatly about its impor- tisan basis to offer much-needed relief In summary, I along with my fellow tance have never uttered the words, from the marriage penalty to restore Democratic colleagues oppose H.R. 6 ‘eliminate the debt,’ before.’’ fairness to taxation, and what we get because: Robert Reich, thank you for speaking are the clever arguments from the (1) it is too expensive; the truth. same folks who wanted to redefine the (2) it drains estimated surpluses over Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 word ‘‘is.’’ the years without first strengthening minutes to the gentleman from Cali- Now they want to redefine the word Social Security and Medicare and pay- fornia (Mr. SHERMAN). ‘‘rich.’’ A couple, perhaps both school- ing down the debt; (Mr. SHERMAN asked and was given teachers, both earning $25,000 a year, in (3) middle income families with chil- permission to revise and extend his re- the minds of the minority, congratula- dren do not receive adequate tax relief; marks.) tions, they are rich. Therefore, they do (4) half of the tax relief goes to those Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield not deserve relief from the marriage who currently do not pay any marriage to no one when it comes to dedication penalty. Friends, we have a historic op- penalty, while, those with higher in- to eliminating the national debt. Rob- portunity. comes benefit disproportionately than ert Reich and no one else on the liberal Mr. Speaker, I would extend my hand those with lower income; and side was in my district when that is in partnership to the minority to re- (5) 70% of the projected tax cut ben- the issue that led me here to the store fairness rather than trickery, efit goes to the top quarter of income United States Congress. rather than clever arguments, rather earners. There is perhaps no part of our Tax than the footnote of subparagraph B, I encourage us all to support an al- Code that has been the subject of more real marriage relief penalty. I ask ternative bill that: confusion and misnomers than the so- them to join us in passing this bill. (1) assures that Social Security, called marriage penalty. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Medicare, and debt reduction are a pri- When I began working as a CPA back HASTINGS of Washington). The Chair mary concern; in the Ice Age, there were fewer two- would advise the House that the gen- (2) provides additional relief for earner families, and we were told to tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) has lower income working couples; and urge clients to get married to reduce 173⁄4 minutes remaining; the gentleman (3) allows for more relief for couples their taxes, to try to get married by from New York (Mr. RANGEL) has 93⁄4 who claim the standard deduction. December 31 to reduce their taxes for a minutes remaining. Specifically, the Democratic alter- particular year. Today, roughly half Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 native will: the couples get a marriage bonus. They minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (1) increase the standard deduction pay lower taxes because they are mar- (Mr. BLUMENAUER). for married couples filing jointly by ried and would pay more if they were Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I doubling the standard deduction for merely cohabiting. But half the couples appreciate the gentleman’s courtesy in couples from the single filer level and are paying a marriage penalty, and allowing me to speak on this presen- exempting the Alternative Minimum that is why I have been intensely dedi- tation. Tax; cated to eliminating that marriage Just 3 months ago, this Congress left (2) increase the beginning and ending penalty. Washington, having passed a budget income phaseout levels to $2,000 for However, the Republican proposal is that none of us could take pride in, a married couples claiming the Earned so poorly drafted and so misleadingly budget filled with gimmicks, so-called Income Tax Credit in 2001 and a perma- titled. Over half the benefits go to cou- emergency spending, and special inter- nent $2,500 increase beginning in 2002; ples that are not paying a marriage est earmarks. and penalty, but are instead getting a mar- Now we are starting off this new ses- (3) takes real action to extend Social riage bonus, and three-quarters of the sion on the same track of fiscal irre- Security Solvency until 2050, as well benefits go to the top one-quarter sponsibility and unresponsiveness to as, Medicare solvency to 2030, and wealthiest families. what Americans tell us are the real seeks to eliminate the estimated public This is as sneaky as a Valentine’s issues. The one difference is that in- debt by 2013. suitor who has a little area on his fin- stead of a single massive tax cut along This alternative bill is just and fair ger where his ring has been removed. the lines that the America public to all Americans and urges our sup- This is using the marriage penalty as turned a cold shoulder to last year and port. an excuse to provide tax relief for is still being proposed by Republican Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 upper-income families, half of whom front runner Governor Bush, the ma- minute to the gentleman from Florida are already enjoying a marriage bonus. jority in Congress is pursuing a piece- (Mr. WELDON). This bill makes a mockery of those meal strategy of the same thing. They Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- who have fought with us against the are offering last year’s rejected tax er, I rise in support of the bill. All I can marriage penalty, and the process that bill, only repackaged in a few smaller tell my colleagues is what I saw in brings this bill to the floor makes a chunks. practicing medicine for 15 years before mockery of fiscal responsibility when Today’s so-called marriage tax re- coming here to the Congress. I had pa- it comes to the floor before we have a form is the first piece. Instead of tar- tients who lived together out of wed- budget resolution and before we have geting tax relief to the people who need lock, many of whom said they did so placed it in context. it most, this bill is replete with other because their taxes would go up if they We need to defeat this bill. special-interest provisions that will got married. Now, I have examined the Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 cost almost $200 billion over the next 10 Democratic substitute and amongst minute to the gentleman from Arizona years. Only half the proposed tax bene- other things, it provides no marriage (Mr. HAYWORTH), another respected fits go to the tax filers who currently penalty relief until the public debt is member of the Committee on Ways and pay the marriage penalty. Ironically, paid off. Means. this bill does nothing to address the I would like to quote from Robert (Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was growing problems of working families Reich, former Secretary of Labor, and I given permission to revise and extend being forced to pay the alternative believe someone who would be properly his remarks.) minimum tax. labeled a liberal Democrat. He said, ‘‘It Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I In short, the majority’s approach is would be one thing if the born-again, thank the esteemed Chairman of the to spend more money than we need or

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.013 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 can afford in order to help people who the gentleman from Massachusetts The Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act will need it the least, while it shortchanges said, we need to repeal the alternative provide over the next decade $180 billion in those most in need: the working poor minimum tax provisions of law. marriage penalty relief to more than 25 million and lower-income families who have I hope this House will support me in couples, including millions of America's middle seen their incomes actually fall by my unanimous consent request to offer class families which are hit hardest by this un- about 10 percent. an amendment later this afternoon. fair tax burden. The Democratic alternative takes a Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Taxes are a big reason why families feel so different approach. It is targeted to- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois stressed. For example, the average family in wards those people who need help the (Mr. DAVIS). my state had to work until May 14th last year most. It doubles the standard deduc- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, just to pay their tax bill. That means Nevadans tion, adjusts the AMT so that families under current law, many working mar- spend the first four months of last year work- will receive the full benefit of the ried couples end up paying more in ing for the government. standard deduction, and addresses the taxes than they would if they were sin- Many American families pay more in taxes marriage penalty and the earned in- gle, but married couples with a one- than they spend on food, clothing, and hous- come tax credit, providing greater re- wage earner often get a bonus by pay- ing combined. Under these burdensome cir- lief for the working poor and, there- ing less to the Federal Government cumstances, how can a family possibly hope fore, poor families. Not only targeting than they would if they were single. to save for retirement or college? will help those who need it the most, it While Members on both sides of the American families need a break, and they will save money, money that we can aisle agree that America’s working deserve a tax code which doesn't punish them use to pay down the debt, protect So- couples need to keep as much money in for choosing marriage, especially in this day cial Security and Medicare, and fund the house as they can, but we must ask and age when divorce rates are at an all time what my constituency tells me are at what cost. Mr. Speaker, the Repub- high. their priorities: education, environ- lican bill costs $50.7 billion over 5 Mr. Speaker, the marriage tax penalty is mental protection, and prescription years, $182.3 billion over 10 years. Two- simply unfair. As a Congress and as a nation, drug benefits. thirds of the total tax relief will go to we should encourage marriageÐnot tax it. By I hope we can start working together the 30 percent of married couples with providing marriage penalty tax relief, we can today to make our tax system fairer incomes over $75,000. correct a gross inequity in the tax code and and help those who need it the most. b 1400 enable more of America's families to save Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield In my district, the Seventh District money for their retirement, a computer, a 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from of Illinois, that equals to about 7,000 home, or their children's education. Georgia (Mr. COLLINS), a respected families out of about 130,000 total. Support the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act Member of the Committee on Ways and Mr. Speaker, I have over 30,000 fami- and give American families a real chance to Means. lies with an average income of less make their dreams come true. Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank than $20,000 a year. The substitute of- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the gentleman for yielding me this fered by the gentleman from New York 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from time. California (Mr. HERGER), a respected (Mr. RANGEL) will benefit those fami- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of leg- lies making $50,000, but it will also ben- member of the Committee on Ways and islation which eliminates the marriage efit families claiming the earned in- Means. penalty. To do so is just basic tax pol- come tax credit, as well as increase the Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank icy fairness. The code should not take standard deduction for joint filers to the gentleman for yielding time to me. more from those who are married just Mr. Speaker, when a couple stands at twice the level of single filers. because they are married. This is a more comprehensive bill, a the alter and says ‘‘I do,’’ they are not While the bill before us provides im- less expensive bill, and it is truly a bill agreeing to higher taxes. On tax day, portant tax relief, it needs improve- for more of America’s families. There- April 15, 25 million American couples, ment; and later this afternoon, Mr. fore, I urge support for the Rangel sub- including 47,000 within my own district Speaker, I will offer an amendment stitute. in northern California, will pay up to under unanimous consent that will Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield $1,400 more in taxes than they would if strengthen the legislation by ensuring such time as he may consume to the they were single. That is wrong, it is that we provide relief from the mar- gentleman from Nevada (Mr. GIBBONS). anti-marriage, and 85 percent of Ameri- riage penalty this year. As we know, (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given cans say it should be fixed. the current language calls for a stand- permission to revise and extend his re- What does $1,400 mean for married ard deduction for married couples be- marks.) couples? Those couples could use that ginning next year, the tax year 2001. Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in extra money for 4 months of a car pay- But, Mr. Speaker, according to the strong support of H.R. 6. ment, a year’s worth of diapers, a com- Congressional Budget Office, the Fed- Mr. Speaker, Americans pay more in taxes puter for their children, or even a do- eral Government will collect more today (as a percentage of the gross domestic nation to their favorite charity. The taxes and revenues this year than we product) than they have at any time since the IRS should not be allowed to continue anticipated; so therefore I think we Second World War. As disturbing as that fact taking this tax overpayment, instead should share those unexpected reve- may be, it is even more disturbing that accord- of giving it back to its rightful owners, nues with the people that work so hard ing to the Congressional Research Service, hard-working American families. for them. over the next ten years, the average house- No one should be opposing this. It is Another point that I would like to hold will pay in taxes $5,307 more than gov- an issue that transcends party politics. bring out, Mr. Speaker, is the gen- ernment needs. The high tax burden on Amer- I urge Members from across the aisle tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL) ican families is simply unnecessary and too and the President to work with us to mentioned the alternative minimum heavy. make marriage penalty relief a reality tax. It is a problem. It has been a prob- One of the most unfair taxes if the Marriage for families this year. lem for a number of years, and we have Penalty Tax. The marriage penalty forces two- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tried to address this problem in the earner, middle-income couples into higher tax minutes to the gentleman from Maine past. This bill does have a provision brackets than if they filed as individuals. As a (Mr. ALLEN). that will partially correct the alter- result, over 25 million American couples, in- Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank native minimum tax problem for those cluding over 146,000 couples in the State of the gentleman for yielding time to me. who will be affected by the changes in Nevada alone, pay an average of $1,400 more Mr. Speaker, we need to reduce the the Tax Code. The administration has in federal taxes simply because they are mar- marriage penalty, and do it this year, also offered a proposal that would ried. but to vote this week for this irrespon- eliminate probably about one-half of Today, we have the opportunity to reduce sible Republican proposal would be a those over the next 10 years that will this stifling tax burden and to correct a grave huge mistake. be affected by the alternative min- inequity in our current tax code. Today we can About half of the married couples in imum tax. One-half is not enough. As pass the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act. this country pay a marriage penalty,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.065 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H307 but the other half get a marriage working making the same wage, able to see through what is a Valen- bonus. The Republican plan is not di- $30,000, as a carpenter, they make tine’s Day gimmick. rected just at those who pay the mar- $60,000 a year, this might put $1,400 The truth of the matter is that even riage penalty, it is a grab bag of back in their pockets. In Indiana, that in our local Washington Post, the edi- goodies weighted to the top one-quar- $1,400 could go to pay the entire tui- torials would indicate that we are not ter percent of income earners. It would tion, almost, at Indiana University at talking about relieving the marriage make it much harder for us to pay South Bend. penalty. Democrats, Republicans, the down the national debt, to provide a So for working families, both spouses President, we all want to do it. The prescription drug benefit for seniors, to working hard to make a difference for problem that we have, and we will be improve our schools, or to strengthen their children, this could make a big showing the chart from the Joint Com- social security and Medicare. difference in their lives. I am proud to mittee on Taxation, is that the major- The Democratic alternative doubles be an original cosponsor to put this ity would have us to do this to take the standard deduction for married value on families and tax simplicity, care of a tax problem that they see couples, expands the earned income tax where families will be able to find it that those in the higher incomes are credit, and, unlike the Republican and file it and take advantage of it. paying too much taxes, but it has noth- plan, protects families from the harm- Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud original co- ing to do with the marriage penalty. ful effects of the alternative minimum sponsor of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Penalty They would pay $182 billion to take tax. Relief Act of 2000. It simply does not make care of people who pay less than that The Republican bill is estimated to sense that the Tax Code makes it more ex- because they are married, and they cost $182 billion over 10 years. The pensive to be married than to be single. The should, but at the same time, they Democratic alternative would provide government should not punish married work- would do this without bringing a budg- $95 billion of tax relief targeted more ing couples by taking more of their hard- et to the House floor. precisely to reduce the marriage pen- earned money in taxes than an identical cou- So once they find out that the Presi- alty and to those middle-income tax- ple living outside of marriage. dent needs a budget, needs to take care payers who need relief the most. Real For more than thirty years, our tax laws of social security, needs to take care of marriage penalty relief and true fiscal have punished married couples when both Medicare, wants to pay down the na- discipline are only available in the spouses work. For no other reason than the tional debt, if they decide not to do Democratic alternative. decision to be joined in marriage, more than any of these things, then they are say- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 21 million couples a year are penalized. They ing they do not want relief from the minute to the gentleman from Con- pay more in taxes than they would if they marriage penalty. necticut (Mr. SHAYS). were single. Not only is the marriage penalty Let me say it again. Unless they Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the unfair, it's wrong that our Tax Code punishes agree to work out something with the gentleman for yielding time to me. society's most basic institution. In fact, there President to avoid the veto, which Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the are 67 different laws in the Tax Code targeting would include drafting a budget that other side of the aisle are straining out couples, just because they are married. These takes into consideration shoring up gnats and swallowing camels. Tax cuts laws are egregious and unfair. We should re- Medicare, shoring up social security to are for those who pay taxes. ward, not punish, the value of family and the pay down the debt, if they travel in the For the last 3 years, we have gotten institution of marriage. other way, if they break the rules of our country’s financial house in order In my district in Northern Indiana, more than the House, if they get waivers from the and eliminated the deficit. Since last 60,000 couples are penalized by the marriage House, if they bring it to the floor and year, we no longer spend our social se- penalty. These Hoosiers do not pay just a little say that they are not going to do any curity trust fund money. We are look- bit more in taxes; they paid an average of of those things, then they know there ing at surpluses of $3 trillion to $4 tril- $1,400 apiece. Instead of having the choice to is going to be a veto. lion in the next 10 years, We are taking invest this money for their future or use it for Why ask for a veto? Why not work $2 trillion and paying down debt. everyday expenses, they are forced to hand this out with the Democrats? Why not Whether we have $1 or $2 trillion left, over this hard-earned money to the IRS. That work it out with the President of the we want a tax cut, and we want to deal is money that could be better used to save for United States? Why does it have to be with tax fairness. It is wrong for mar- a child's college education, purchase a family a camel’s head in the tent for a $1.8 ried people to pay more than single computer, or make the mortgage payments for trillion tax cut given to us in dribbles people. their home. and drabs when what we can do is to And then to complain about the AMT Whether it is in a church or in a courtroom, see what we can do to fix the roof while tax as denying some people the benefit? couples usually have to pay some kind of fee the sun is shining; do those things that It is the Democrats’ tax. They, my col- for the marriage ceremony. But while it may a great country should be doing while leagues, in the last minute are more cost money to get married, it should not cost we have the surplus; take care of this concerned for the AMT, and it is like money to be married. Rather, we need to es- social security, which all of us have being the captain of the Titanic and fi- tablish policies that encourage marriage and beneficiaries of in our districts; make nally noticing the iceberg. It was there encourage good, strong, healthy families that sure that we have affordable prescrip- a long time ago. Deal with it. It is a are absolutely critical for vibrant societies. The tion drugs for our elderly; make cer- separate issue. pressures on working families are enough tain that the Medicare system works Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve without this disincentive on the tax books. for our aged; and pay down the na- the balance of my time. Over the past three years, we have suc- tional debt, so that the billions of dol- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 cessfully enacted meaningful IRS reform legis- lars that we are paying in interest can minute to the gentleman from Indiana lation that tames tax collectors and shifts the be eliminated so that we can do more (Mr. ROEMER). burden of proof from the taxpayer back to the things for education, more opportuni- (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given IRS, reinforcing that an American is innocent ties for job training, and close that gap permission to revise and extend his re- until proven guilty with the IRS. We have also between those who have nothing, and marks.) established a taxpayer advocate and provided not even hope, and those who have Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank worthwhile relief for low- and middle-income been the recipients of a very great the gentleman for yielding time to me. families, students, farmers and retired Ameri- economy? Mr. Speaker, I rise as an original co- cans. Now Congress must eliminate this mar- Mr. Speaker, I would hope that as we sponsor in favor of this act and in favor riage tax to help the two-parent family, not reject the Republican plan that has of removing the tax penalty. I do so for punish it. Therefore, I will vote to eliminate the worked outside of a nonexistent budg- a very simple reason, because this type marriage penalty and strongly encourage my et, that we will have an opportunity in of action would value family, would colleagues to support H.R. 6. the substitute that would follow to value marriage, would value sim- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield really target the money where it could plicity, and it would value education. myself such time as I may consume. really relieve the pain of the penalty of Let me give an example. If someone Mr. Speaker, I am certain that news- getting married and paying more taxes, is a teacher, a husband, and the wife is papers around this country have been but at the same time we will be giving

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.068 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 assurances to Americans that we have of them have kids, all of them have help families by reducing their tax li- a budget where they know how this fits mortgages, all of them have health in- ability and giving them back some of in, that it is not the same 800-pound, surance to pay. All of them have all of their hard earned money. $792 billion gorilla they could not get the expenses and all of the payments I hope the President will join our ef- off the ground last year, it is not the that we would expect to have all across forts to help families by signing this George W. $1.8 trillion tax cut, it is not this country. All of them are getting bill into law. the camel trying to get the tax cut penalized because they are married, The government should not be taking head in terms of the tent, as we try to and paying higher taxes because they economic advantage of those who do take care of our national obligations. are married. That is wrong. the right thing, get married and work We have to be able to say that we are It is like the earnings penalty. We to provide for their families. going to do all of those things, social should not penalize earning under so- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 security, Medicare, pay down the debt, cial security. We are going to start minute to the gentleman from New and then, of course, we can join across with a hearing next week, and we are York (Mr. FOSSELLA). the aisle working with the President going to have this done, and it is going Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. and taking care of the marriage pen- to be done with a great deal of bipar- ARCHER) for yielding me this time. alty. tisan support. Mr. Speaker, like the speakers be- Mr. Speaker, I hope that, if we can Already we have seen bipartisan sup- fore, let me indicate that there are possibly defeat the Republican plan, I port for the marriage penalty elimi- 49,174 married couples in Staten Island, hope that we can join together on the nation. We have had speakers on both Brooklyn, who will benefit from this substitute, which will be signed into sides of the aisle get up. marriage penalty relief bill. That is law. b 1415 49,174 families who are going to have Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance more money to spend on their edu- of my time. We do not have to have everything cation, on their home, on their cars. Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 exactly the way the President wants it Essentially, they will have the freedom minute to the gentleman from Cali- in order to support it. The Democrats to spend that money as they see fit, fornia (Mr. CALVERT). are going to have their shot twice for and not the folks here in Washington. Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank bills that they can put up, but when these bills go down, do not vote against I heard a lot of rhetoric today about the gentleman for yielding time to me. the wealthy, the rich. The facts are, Mr. Speaker, the issue before us the Marriage Penalty Elimination Act. This is a very important piece of legis- under this bill a fire today is a fundamental question, fighter, who is married to a New York lation. should the Internal Revenue Service City teacher, I do not think they can We have the best crack at changing tax the institution of marriage, not the be characterized as wealthy, they it; but if that fails, join with us and other issues that were spoken about would benefit to the tune of over $1,500 work together; and we will eliminate earlier. under this bill. Again, that is a fire this evil tax that we have, the mar- The answer to that is no. In my dis- fighter married to a school teacher. riage penalty tax. It must be done trict alone, 54,000 couples will feel the That is the so-called wealthy and the away with, and I urge all Members to pain of paying higher taxes, just be- rich who will benefit under this bill. vote on final passage of this bill. cause they are married, than single Mr. Speaker, this bill is essentially Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 people. This is an issue beyond just about righting a wrong and providing minute to the gentleman from Illinois money, it is an issue of fairness and freedom to the American people to (Mr. MANZULLO). what is right in America. Americans spend their tax money as they see fit, Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, there know what is fair and what is not fair, and for those who want to engage in are 65,000 couples in the congressional and this marriage penalty is not fair. class warfare I suggest they go back district that I represent who are mar- This marriage penalty is also anti- home to Staten Island and all across ried and who are paying a total of $91 woman. Presently, the Tax Code taxes the country and tell those teachers and million per year as a fine simply be- the income of a second wage-earner, fire fighters that they are too wealthy cause they are married and working. usually the wife, at a much higher rate to receive their money back. than if she were taxed as a single per- That is indefensible. I cannot see how Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 son. That is wrong. We should not let any Member of Congress can defend a minute to another respected Member, some antiquated budget law get in the tax that penalizes people just because the gentleman from New York (Mr. they get married. way of equality for working moms. QUINN). Finally, the marriage tax penalty The government should be fostering Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I want to punishes working couples by pushing marriage. It should not be taxing it. thank the gentleman from Texas them into a higher tax bracket. Of Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 (Chairman ARCHER) and his committee these couples, middle-aged families and minute to the gentleman from Utah for the hard work they have done on seniors are hit the hardest. (Mr. COOK). this issue and others. Mr. Speaker, let us do the right Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Speaker, as we have heard today, thing. Let us pass this and move on. the leadership and the gentleman from our Tax Code unfairly punishes mar- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Texas (Mr. ARCHER) for bringing mar- ried couples by forcing them into a 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from riage penalty relief legislation to the higher tax bracket and therefore caus- Florida (Mr. SHAW), a respected mem- floor early in this session of Congress. ing them to pay more taxes than if ber of the Committee on Ways and This burdensome tax that punishes they had filed separately. Means. so many Americans for getting married We have already heard that this mar- Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the is nothing more than ridiculous. Work- riage penalty forces over 25 million chairman for yielding me this time. ing women and minorities are suffering families to pay an average of between Mr. Speaker, we have just received, most from this tax, as they often earn $1,400 and $1,500 a year in taxes more. on our side, a brand new bulletin called less than their white male counter- This is simply unacceptable. the White House Bulletin. It provides parts. This is unfair. Mr. Speaker, what we have before us in it that ‘‘The White House reveals The 65 provisions in our current Tax today is simply an issue of fairness. It the Democrat 2000 Agenda.’’ It is enti- Code that penalize marriage discrimi- is unconscionable that our Tax Code tled ‘‘Families First, the 2000 Democrat nate against the very institution that punishes couples for choosing to get Agenda.’’ The ink on this is not even we should be trying to preserve. Over married and to have a family. Today dry at this particular point, and al- 70,000 married couples in my district, we have an opportunity to eliminate ready we are seeing the marriage pen- more than 210,000 couples in my home the marriage penalty, and in my mind alty being defended. State of Utah, and millions nationwide, it is simply the right thing to do and We are hearing a lot about budgets. are affected by the marriage penalty. we need to do it now. What about the family budget? I have Regardless of whether both spouses Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 four kids. All of them are married, all work, the marriage penalty relief will minutes to the gentleman from Illinois

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.070 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H309 (Mr. WELLER), a respected member of Over the last several years, I have ing for college tuition for their chil- the Committee on Ways and Means, pointed to a young couple that came to dren. one of the lead sponsors of this legisla- me asking for help from the marriage We have a chance today, Mr. Speak- tion. tax penalty. This is Shad and Michelle er, to do the right thing. By ending the Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to Hallihan, two public school teachers. marriage penalty, we will help the mid- thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. They have a combined income of dle class; we will help their families ARCHER), for the long-time leadership $61,000. lead better lives. that he has given on the issue of elimi- Under the Democrat definition of I ask my colleagues to support H.R. nating the marriage tax penalty in his rich, these two public school teachers 6. time and tenure in the House and on from Joliet, Illinois, are rich because Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the Committee on Ways and Means. they make $61,000. Well, they suffer the minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- Over the last several years, many of average marriage tax penalty. Of necticut (Mrs. JOHNSON), a highly re- us have been asking a pretty funda- course, under the Democrat plan they spected member of the Committee on mental question, and that is, is it would not have much relief. We provide Ways and Means. right, is it fair, that under our Tax relief by widening the 15 percent brack- (Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut asked Code that 25 million married working et and essentially wipe out the mar- and was given permission to revise and couples on average pay $1,400 more in riage tax penalty. extend her remarks.) Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. higher taxes just because they are mar- Michelle, who just is the proud moth- Speaker, this bill is not first about tax ried? er as Shad is the proud father, just had relief. It is first about tax fairness. It is In fact, in my home State of Illinois, a baby and they point out by wiping also about relief, but this is primarily 1.1 million married working couples, out their marriage tax penalty they almost 120,000 married people in the a matter of fairness. have extra money equivalent to about This bill does two very simple things. south side of Chicago and the south 3,000 diapers for their newborn baby. suburbs that I represent, suffer the It gives a married couple double the de- The marriage tax penalty is real duction that a single person would get. marriage tax penalty. money for real people. Of course, we know that the marriage A single person would get a deduction Now, the Democrat leadership has of- tax penalty is created when a man and and the married couple gets twice the fered a lot of excuses, and why not, to woman get married. Two single people deduction, but it does something even eliminate the marriage tax penalty. In when they marry they file jointly and more important than that because the fact, they say we have to do all of these their combined income pushes them deductibility issue is really relatively other things. Tough luck if one suffers into a higher tax bracket, creating the minor in determining how much taxes the marriage tax penalty. Maybe in 10 marriage tax penalty. Some say that one pays. the $1,400 average marriage tax penalty years we will take care of it. Well, that The exciting thing that this bill does is just a drop in the bucket, it is no big is the difference. is to double the 15 percent bracket for The Joint Committee on Taxation deal, let us keep that money here in married couples. That means when my was asked to score, to determine how Washington and spend it here, but for kids make the economic sacrifice—and the folks back home the $1,400 is real much marriage tax relief was in the bi- I am proud they are but it is a big sac- money for real people. $1,400 is one partisan proposal or the Democrat rifice—to stay home with their kids year’s tuition for a nursing student at leadership plan. Of course, over 10 and live on one salary, when they start a community college in Illinois. It is 3 years we provide about $182 billion in going back into the workforce because months of day care in Joliet. It is a marriage tax relief. Without this, that they do not want their skills to get too washer and a dryer for a home. It is means those married couples still pay rusty, when they start going back into real money for real people. $182 billion in higher taxes because the workforce in order to balance their We want to eliminate the marriage they are married. responsibility to their kids and their tax penalty for everyone. If we look at Under the Democrat plan, according responsibility to the economic strength who suffers the marriage tax penalty of to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on of the household, they want to go back those 25 million people, one-half of Taxation, married couples get zero re- in sooner rather than later but part them do not itemize their taxes. The lief. time, not full time. other one-half do. Many middle class Mr. Speaker, let us eliminate the When we let them get popped up into families itemize their taxes because marriage tax penalty. It is all about a 28 percent bracket at $43,000, we end they are homeowners or they give fairness. Let us help everyone who suf- up taxing their income so heavily that money to the church or the charity or fers the marriage tax penalty. Let us their husband says, ‘‘oh, honey, do not their synagogue. vote down the Democrat substitute and go to work. Between the expenses of We need to help everyone who suffers support H.R. 6. work and what it will do to us in taxes, the marriage tax penalty. And I am Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 it is better not to work outside our proud that the bill that we have before minute to the gentlewoman from Wyo- home. us under the leadership of the gen- ming (Mrs. CUBIN). We are educating women in America tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), H.R. Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, the mar- to higher standards than we have at 6, legislation which has almost 240 co- riage penalty is one of the most unfair any other time in our history. They sponsors, a bipartisan bill, Democrats tax burdens the Federal Government need to be able to enter the workforce and Republicans working together. And places on American people today. and we need them in the workforce, but I am proud that almost 30 Democrats Under the current Tax Code, the mar- they need to be able to enter when have joined with us in an effort to riage penalty taxes the incomes of a their kids are capable of standing on eliminate the marriage tax penalty and married couple at a much higher rate their own two feet, and they need to be help married couples who suffer the than that of an unmarried cohabitating able to slide in part time, 10 hours, 20 marriage tax penalty in three ways. couple. The most onerous thing about hours, 30 hours. For those who itemize, such as home- the tax penalty is that it punishes We do not want a Tax Code that owners and those who give to charity, working women and lower income cou- makes it, frankly, not worth it to we widen the 15 percent bracket. That ples with children. work. We want a Tax Code that says helps 42 million married couples. In essence, it taxes the income of the they are going to get the same 15 per- We also help over 9 million couples second wage earner, typically the wife, cent bracket on their earnings that by doubling the standard deduction for at a much higher rate than if she were their husband gets on his earnings. those who do not itemize; and for the filing only individually. That is why fairness matters. It is working poor, those who benefit and A married couple pays an average of about economic opportunity. It is are helped by the earned income credit $1,400 per year more than an unmarried about using the best of one’s abilities we address the marriage penalty and couple with the same income under the for themselves, their family and our eligibility for those who suffer the current Tax Code. That money could be Nation. That is why this bill matters marriage penalty under the earned in- going toward paying bills, putting a so much. Tax fairness for families come credit. down payment on a car or a house, sav- strengthens families and children.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.078 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- H.R. 6 undermines Social Security and islationÐlike the substitute before usÐthat port of the amendment offered by Mr. RANGEL Medicare, sacrificing our elderly and working provides real marriage penalty relief in a re- and against the politically-motivated Repub- families and could lead us down the road to sponsible way. I urge my colleagues to work lican marriage penalty tax proposal. The budget deficits. The Republican plan is a rash toward that goal. Democratic alternative is fiscally responsible gamble that foolishly disregards the need to Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in and uses the surplus in a fiscally responsible save Social Security and Medicare by refusing strong support of eliminating the Marriage Tax manner to strengthen Social Security and to place this tax measure in the context of a Penalty. Our tax code punishes married cou- Medicare and pay off the entire national debt comprehensive budget plan. In addition to ples when it should encourage families to stay by 2013; all while ensuring that those truly in jeopardizing our investment in Social Security together and help them prosper. I am a co- need of tax relief receive it. and Medicare, the Republican proposal could sponsor of H.R. 6 in its original form and have The marriage tax penalty occurs when both cost us this opportunity to pay down the na- consistently supported the repeal of this egre- spouses earn approximately equal incomes. tional debt which today approaches $5 trillion. gious provision of our tax code. The Democratic substitute spends less of the Mr. HILL of Montana. Mr. Speaker, today, The original text of H.R. 6, however, was budget surplus and provides true marriage Congress will pass a bill to eliminate the mar- dramatically different from the bill we consider penalty relief. The marriage penalty relief in riage penalty affecting over 25 million Ameri- today. The bill we consider today is bloated the Democratic alternative is $89.1 billion over cans. In Montana alone, 89,169 families suffer and costly, while the original bill contained true ten years. It provides for an increase in the from the $1400 penalty where they are re- marriage tax penalty relief for those who need standard deduction for married couples filing quired to file a joint return. it most. I will cast my vote in support of this jointly to twice the level for single filers and an Repealing the marriage penalty leaves bill today, but I do so only with the expectation exemption from the Alternative Minimum Tax about $125 million in Montana's economy that its considerable flaws will be remedied in (AMT). Further, it grants couples a $2,000 in- every year. Overall, it puts $182.3 billion back the Senate. crease in the beginning and ending income into the nation's economy over the next 10 I am also disappointed in the process sur- phaseout levels for families claiming the years. rounding the consideration of this bill. Tax re- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2001 and The Marriage Elimination Act is fair be- lief for working families is long overdue. How- a permanent $2,500 increase starting in 2002. cause, by doubling the standard deduction for ever, it would be more prudent for Congress The marriage penalty occurs in cases where joint returns, widening the 15 percent tax to consider tax relief as part of the larger a couple may pay more taxes because they bracket for joint filers to twice single returns, budget framework. Eliminating the estate and file jointly than they would as two single peo- and increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit marriage penalty taxes, as well as reducing ple. Because the rate brackets and standard by raising the ``phased-out'' limit by $2000, it the burden of the capital gains tax and pro- deduction for joint filers are not twice as large will treat married couples the same as single viding education tax credits, are important pri- as those for single filers, some couples find orities. These tax cuts should comprise 25 that some of their income is taxed at a higher people. Today's families are suffering from increas- percent of a fiscally responsible budgetÐa rate. Alternatively, if a couple has very dif- ing demands and burdensome taxes. Elimi- budget that also puts aside 50 percent of the ferent incomes, or only one spouse works, the nating the marriage penalty allows them to surplus to reduce the debt and 25 percent for couple gets a ``marriage bonus.'' A recent spend this money as they wish. The extra investments such as national defense and Treasury Department study estimated that education. $1400 could mean several months of child roughly 48 percent of couples pay a marriage I urge my colleagues not to lose sight of our care, several car payments, or a semester of penalty and 42 percent get a marriage bonus. responsibility of ensuring that current eco- As drafted, H.R. 6 would give the lion's tuition at a community college. nomic prosperity continues long into the fu- It puts money immediately back in to Mon- share of its tax cuts to higher-income families, ture. We have a commitment to our children tana's economy which we can all benefit from. including those who currently suffer no mar- and grandchildren, and the only way to truly The debate over this issue is essentially who riage tax penalty. The average tax cut for fam- fulfill that commitment is through debt reduc- ilies with incomes less than $50,000 would be should come firstÐalready burdened tax- tion as a result of responsible budgeting. about $149 per year, while families with higher payers, or the government. Those of us sup- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to incomes would get an average tax cut of near- porting the measure say taxpayers should vote on marriage penalty tax relief today be- ly $1000 per year. Further, once fully phased come first. cause I am out of the country on official busi- in, nearly 70 percent of the benefit will be en- The bill is good for families, good for tax- ness. While I support a targeted elimination of joyed by couples earning more than $70,000 payers, and good for our economy. the marriage penalty, I am opposed to H.R. 6. annually, even if they suffered no marriage I commend my colleagues for passing this It's cliche, but true in this case nonetheless, penalty under existing law. bill and prioritizing taxpayers over the govern- that the devil is in the details. More importantly, under the Republican ment. Let's get beyond the rhetoric of this issue plan, nearly half of America's families with two Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of and take a look at the details. The plan of- children would receive nothing or less than the the substitute amendment and in opposition to fered by the Republicans skews its benefits to tax relief promised. This results because the the underlying bill, H.R. 6. Unfortunately, the the wealthiest Americans, including some who Republican plan will likely force an increasing debate here today is less about the merits of aren't even subject to a marriage penalty. In number of middle-class families with children marriage tax penalty relief than it is about the fact, once the tax cuts contained in H.R. 6 are to pay the AMT. The AMT tax was designed timing of this legislation and the best way to fully phased in, two-thirds of the benefits go to to ensure that wealthy taxpayers could not provide such relief. We all agree that married the top quarter of income earners. avoid income taxes through excessive use of couples should not be subjected to increased It is also important to recognize that the bill preferences such as credits and deductions. It tax burdens as a cost of their union. But H.R. is very expensive, costing $182 billion over 10 is structured in a way that, if the Republican 6Ðat a projected cost of $182 billion over ten years. Therefore, in order to make up the lost bill passes, would require more families to be yearsÐdoes much more than simply relieve revenue, Republicans will be forced to rely on subject to the AMT. the additional tax burden that some families projected budget surpluses that may never The Majority's plan is designed to re-create pay. materialize. In a little noticed section of his the trillion dollar tax cut bill of 1999, using all Under our current tax law, many married prepared testimony before the Senate Budget of the projected surplus, at the expense of in- couples receive a ``marriage bonus,'' meaning Committee, CBO Director Dan Crippen noted vestments in Social Security and Medicare, they pay less tax than two single people with that if the economy slows and entitlement pro- and paying down the national debt. As the the same income, while others pay a ``mar- grams such as Medicare and Medicaid grow U.S. just set the record for its longest eco- riage penalty.'' More than half of the tax cuts faster than expected, ``the on-budget sur- nomic expansion, why risk this economic pros- in H.R. 6 go to people who don't pay a mar- pluses that CBO is projecting in its baseline perity by abandoning the fiscal restraint that is riage penalty and in fact, to many who pres- would never emerge. Instead, the on-budget helping propel this economy. As a senior ently receive a bonus. That is because most deficit would rise to more than $290 billion a member of the House Budget Committee, I of the relief provided by H.R. 6 is not marriage year by the end of the decade.'' know we can provide tax relief for those mar- penalty relief; it is an expansion of lower tax If this projection came to pass, Congress ried couples who need it while using the vast brackets to include higher income people, so would be forced to pay for H.R. 6 by dras- majority of the surplus to pay down the $3.7 two-thirds of the benefits in H.R. 6 go to the tically cutting services and programs Ameri- trillion public debt and bolster Social Security top one-fourth of taxpayers. cans consider essential, dipping into Social and MedicareÐthe two pillars of retirement H.R. 6 is not the way to provide marriage Security surpluses, or once again running securityÐfor future generations. penalty relief. I will be pleased to support leg- budget deficits.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.014 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H311 Instead of H.R. 6, which goes far beyond tion for two-earner households to double the I proudly voted for it. But that alternative has marriage penalty relief, I support the substitute amount of the standard deduction for single fil- failed and the question falls to passage or de- proposal offered by my Democratic col- ers. Since most married couples claim the feat of H.R. 6. leagues. The Rangel substitute provides the standard deduction and pay taxes at the 15 Despite my concerns about the cost of this same, or larger, benefits for middle and lower- percent marginal rate, this provision would bill and the distribution of its benefits, I support income Americans but does not shower tax eliminate the marriage penalty for most fami- passage of H.R. 6 to move the legislative breaks on those who don't need them. In addi- lies. process forward toward a balanced, com- tion, it ensures that Medicare, Social Security, Like the President's proposal, the Demo- promise solution that provides real relief from and debt reduction come first by delaying im- cratic alternative that will be offered today the marriage penalty for married couples in plementation of the tax relief until these critical would target marriage penalty relief to the North Carolina. I reserve the right to vote issues are addressed. families that need it the most. This plan would against the final version of H.R. 6 if it comes I think the Washington Post was dead-on also ensure that married couples actually re- back from the Senate with its severe flaws still when they recently editorialized about H.R. 6 ceive the marriage penalty relief that Congress intact. And I support the right of the president by saying, ``The bill, however, has little if any- wants them to receive. Unlike the version of to veto this legislation if it threatens our ability thing to do with marriage. The label is a gloss H.R. 6 that was reported out of the Ways and to honor our commitments to Social Security, for a generalized tax cut mainly for the better Means Committee, the Democratic alternative Medicare and debt reduction and our priorities off. The bill is structured in such a way that as ensures that the alternative minimum tax will of education, law enforcement, and agri- much as half the benefit could go to families not prevent married couples from receiving culture. who don't even incur the supposed penalty but marriage penalty relief. Consequently, I will Mr. Speaker, I call on the Majority Leader- receive a marriage `bonus' under the law.'' support the Democratic alternative that will be ship in this House to work in a bipartisan man- Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, marriage penalty offered today. I believe that this proposal ner to achieve our shared goals of meaningful relief is an important issue, and I am glad that would do the most to help married couples in relief from the marriage tax penalty for our na- the House is considering such legislation. I my district. tion's families. have supported marriage penalty relief for Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, Americans Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in oppo- years. That being said, however, I am con- are slapped with extra taxes on everything sition to H.R. 6, a bill that under the guise of cerned about both the timing and the content from earning a work bonus, to buying a house, marriage penalty relief advances a tax plan of the legislation currently before us. and are even taxed upon death. There is a tax that is skewed toward high income earners, I am concerned that the House is consid- designed for every stage of life, but perhaps leaves inadequate resources for working fam- ering a major tax bill before it has even begun the most immoral tax of all is the marriage tax. ily tax relief, and makes a debt reduction a to draft its fiscal year 2001 budget. The legis- Over 28 million Americans pay an average second tier priority. Members who want to ad- lation before us today would cut taxes by $180 of $1,400 extra in taxes each year simply be- dress the marriage penalty while maintaining billion over the next 10 years. That is not an cause they are married. The marriage penalty fiscal responsibility should vote for the Rangel insignificant amount. While addressing the punishes millions of married couples, almost substitute and against H.R. 6. If H.R. 6 were only concerned with providing marriage penalty should be one of Congress' 425,000 of them in my home State of Ala- targeted tax relief to married couples who are top priorities, there are other important deci- bama, who file their income taxes jointly by penalized by the current code, the bill would sions that Congress must make which will pushing them into higher tax brackets. When the marriage tax first appeared in the pass with unanimous support. Unfortunately, have substantial fiscal impact. Recognizing the tax code in 1969, most families had only one the majority has brought forward a $200 billion need for Congress to set tax and spending de- bread winner, and the tax provision was actu- bill in which half the benefits go to people who cisions in a thoughtful, comprehensive man- ally designed to give a tax cut, or a so-called receive a marriage bonus, and two thirds of ner, Congress passed the Budget Act more ``marriage bonus'' to one-income families. But the benefits go to people earning more than than 25 years ago. This legislation has pro- the government ignored the eventual tax bur- $75,000. By grossly inflating the costs of mar- vided a helpful process and sensible rules for den on families. Instead of dismantling this riage penalty relief, the majority is jeopardizing making such decisions. I believe that it should tax, the government continued to collect extra other needed tax relief for working families be adhered to. taxes from those who chose marriage, making and impeding our effort to pay down the debt. Last week the Ways and Means Committee it harder to raise their families. This current tax The greatest gift Congress could give to marked up this legislation. This week it is on code makes it more expensive for couples to married couples and to all the American peo- the floor. And yet, the House has not yet marry, immorally discouraging the most sacred ple is to pay down the debt. H.R. 6, however, passed its FY 2001 budget resolution. In fact, of institutionsÐmarriage. lays claim to more than $200 billion of the pro- the House Budget Committee has not yet Congress is making strides to right the jected budget surplus before this session of even marked up this resolution. What other wrong of government's financially abusive Congress has dedicated even one dollar to tax cuts will we pass this year? Would enact- punishment of marriage, the foundation on debt reduction. Paying down debt should be ment of this legislation preclude consideration which strong families are built. To address this our first priority, not our last. of other tax cuts? Would it stop us from taking concern, I am proud to cosponsor the Mar- The improved budget outlook will allow Con- action to preserve Social Security? Would en- riage Tax Elimination Act, offered by the gen- gress and the President to enact targeted tax actment of this legislation prevent us from cre- tleman from Illinois, to eliminate the marriage cuts within a fiscally responsible framework. ating a Medicare prescription drug benefit? penalty. By considering H.R. 6 outside the context of Would it keep us from paying down the na- Congressman WELLER's proposal would sig- the overall budget, however, the majority is tional debt? We simply don't know. We may nificantly reduce the average $1,400 in addi- draining resources from other working family be able to do all of these things this year, but tional taxes per year that married couples pay tax relief including tax cuts to help pay for col- we just don't know yetÐbecause we haven't than if they remained single. Additionally, lege, to encourage retirement savings, and to even begun drafting the budget. Con- while I agree with those who believe we increase the affordability of health care. I sup- sequently, I object to consideration of this leg- should recognize the economic empowerment port marriage penalty relief, but we should do islation now. that can be achieved by returning money from so in a way that leaves room to address the I also have concerns about the content of Washington bureaucrats to working families, I core pocketbook issues that working families this legislation. also believe we should also recognize the face. I have concerns about the bill before us moral empowerment of proposals which can In sum, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today because it does not target marriage strengthen an institution essential to our cul- to support the Rangel substitute and to op- penalty relief to the families that need relief tural and National well-being, the Family. pose H.R. 6. the most. Consequently, the bill would lose a I urge my colleagues to join me in co-spon- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I am great deal of revenue while not providing a soring the Marriage Tax Elimination Act. very reluctant to vote for this billÐbut I will. proportionate amount of help to the house- Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today I am reluctant because this is not the best holds that we should be helping. It does not to announce I will vote for this legislation even time for this bill, and this is not the best bill for seem like the best way to fix the marriage though I have serious reservations about the job. penalty problem. many of its details. I will vote for this bill be- It's not the right time because under the I believe that the President's budget ad- cause I support providing relief from the bur- Budget Act, a tax bill like thisÐor a spending dresses the problem in a more fiscally respon- den of taxation on North Carolina's families. bill, for that matterÐshould not be considered sible fashion, and I commend him for his pro- Let me be clear that the Democratic sub- at all until after Congress has passed an over- posal. It would increase the standard deduc- stitute to this bill is far superior legislation, and all budget resolution to establish priorities

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.016 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 among revenue measures and appropriations over 21 million loving couples across the na- ples work. If a woman decides to stay home bills. That is the rule, because that is the pru- tion are unfairly penalized by our Tax Code to start a family, this deduction does not apply dent way to set our fiscal policy. I agree with system simply because they chose to make a and her taxes are higher. the Concord Coalition that we should follow life time commitment to each other and walk This is wrong. How can we penalize anyone that rule, which is why I voted against the Re- down the aisle. On average, the words, ``I do'' for staying at home to raise their children? publican leadership's motion to waive that rule carry the high price tag of $1,400 a year. Is it We can't. so this bill could be taken up today. right to place such an unfair financial burden The Republican plan ensures that all mar- And this is not the best bill for the job be- on the shoulders of two wage earner working ried filers receive marriage penalty relief, cause in some areas it does too little, and in families? No, but our current tax system re- whether one parent stays at home with the others it does too much. quires that married couples file joint tax re- children or if both parents go to work. It does too little because it does not adjust turns based on the combined income of the H.R. 6 is the right way to give millions of the Alternative Minimum Tax. That means it husband and wife. When both the husband Americans, including more than 69,000 in my leaves many middle-income families unpro- and the wife work, the secondary earner is, in own district, real marriage penalty relief. I urge tected from having most of the promised ben- effect, taxed at the top rate of the primary my colleagues to support H.R. 6, and to sup- efits of the bill taken away. The Democratic earner. As a consequence, a married couple port all American families. substitute would have adjusted the Alternative could pay more than they would if each Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I Minimum Tax, which is one of the reasons I spouse were taxed as a single wage earner. rise today in support of the Marriage Tax Pen- voted for that better bill. We need the Marriage Penalty Tax Relief alty Relief Act which will abolish the unfair The Republican leadership's bill does too Act of 2000 to eliminate this financial deterrent marriage tax penalty by raising the standard much in another area. Because it is not care- to marriage. H.R. 6 would provides $182.3 bil- deduction for married couples filing jointly so fully targeted, it does not just apply to people lion in tax relief over 10 years, by raising the that it is equal to twice the standard deduction who pay a penalty because they are married. standard deduction for married couples filing for single fliers. It also expands the lowest tax Instead, a large part of the total benefits under jointly so that it is equal to twice the standard bracket at fifteen percent to twice that of sin- the bill would go to married people whose deduction single filers. It also expands the gle filers. taxes already are lower than they would be if lowest tax bracket (15%) to twice that of the If you vote ``yes'' to eliminate the marriage they were single. In other words, if this bill corresponding bracket for single filers. To help tax penalty, fifty million married taxpayers will were to become law as it now stands a pri- low income working families, the plan in- gain from doubling the standard deduction, mary result would not be to lessen marriage creases the Earned Income Credit (EIC), mak- and six million senior citizens will benefit from ``penalties'' but to increase marriage ``bo- ing more couple eligible for EIC assistance. this provision. Another six million taxpayers nuses.'' I would like to commend Representative will no longer have to itemize, which greatly And, by going beyond what's needed to end JERRY WELLER for taking the initiative to intro- simplifies the tax process, and taxpayers will marriage ``penalties'' the billÐif it were to be- duce this vital tax relief bill. And I applaud my save $66.2 billion over ten years. come lawÐwould go too far in reducing the fellow members of the Republican Leadership On the other hand, if you vote ``no,'' you will surplus funds that will be needed to bolster and the 236 co-sponsors of this bill on both be taking an average of $1,400 out of the Social Security and Medicare. sides of the aisle, for their support for making pockets and bank accounts of our nation's Those are the reasons for my reluctance to the tax system fair for married couples a pri- hardworking families. vote for this bill. They are strong reasonsÐin ority. Let's eliminate this penalty and give fam- If you vote ``no,'' you will be rejecting legis- fact, if voting for the bill today would mean ilies financial freedom to make a down pay- lation that benefits the middle class, particu- that it would be law tomorrow, I would vote ment for their first home, save for a car or larly women. Not only do women early just against it. But that isn't the case, fortunately. their child's college education. I strongly urge 74% of what men earn, but under the mar- This is the start, not the end of the processÐ all of my colleagues to give married couples riage tax penalty, the second wage earner is and I will reluctantly vote for the bill because the best gift they could possibly receive from taxed at a higher rate. This is the ultimate I favor eliminating the marriage penalty and Congress for Valentine's Day, freedom from double-whammy. having the House pass this bill is the only way this punishing tax. If you vote ``no,'' you will singlehandedly we can try to do that this year. Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, the Federal take much needed tax relief away from more Under the Constitution, all tax bills must Government taxes work, savings, investment, than 61,000 couples in my district and almost start here, in the House. And during the risk taking, creativity, ingenuity, entrepreneur- 1 million couples in my state who already pay course of today's debate it's become clear that shipÐeven death. You name it, Washington more than their fair share of taxesÐjust be- this is the only tax bill dealing with the mar- taxes it, and sometimes Washington taxes it cause they are married. riage penalty that the Republican leadership twice or three times. And finally, if you vote ``no,'' you will send will allow the House to consider this year. So it is not all that surprising that the Fed- a clear message to our nation's childrenÐthat For them, it's their way or no way. But that's eral Government taxes marriage. And today the sanctity of marriage is not to be re- not the end of the story, fortunately. From we have an opportunity to right that wrong. spectedÐit instead is to be taxed by Uncle here the bill must go to the other body, where But let's not forget what we are and what Sam. it can be improved, and any final bill must go we aren't talking about. We aren't talking Do not punish couples because they have to the President for signature or veto. about tax cuts for the rich. We are talking found happiness, have made a lasting commit- So, because I do think the marriage penalty about tax cuts for women. ment to each other, and have gotten married. should be ended, I will vote for this flawed and The simple truth is that the marriage tax dis- Cast your vote for the American family today unsatisfactory bill in order to send it to the proportionately affects women. Marriage taxes and vote to help do away with the marriage other body. I hope that there it will be im- can impose a nearly 50 percent marginal tax tax penalty. proved. If it is changed, it will have to come rate on second earners, most of whom are Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong back to us here in the House. If that happens, wives and mothers. And the hardest hit by the support of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Elimi- and it is improved to the point that it merits marriage penalty are those couples who each nation Act of 1999, because it is designed to becoming lawÐmeaning that it will deserve earn between $20,000 and $30,000 a year. provide significant tax relief to over 21 million the President's signatureÐI will vote for it Ask those couples if they are rich, as they married couples. According to a recent report again, without reluctance. If it is changed but try to provide for their children's education, by the Heritage Foundation, there are cur- falls short of being appropriate for signature pay off the mortgage on their house, and jug- rently 53,928 married couples in my district into law, I will not support it. gle all of life's challenges. who are affected by the marriage penalty. This Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise Despite what the other side may say, year we have the chance to do the right thing today to voice my strong support for H.R. 6, H.R. 6 gives the most benefits to these mid- and help numerous families by eliminating the the Marriage Penalty Tax Relief Act of 2000. dle class families. That should be enough to marriage penalty. As an original co-sponsor of this bill, I am get the support of all my colleagues. Our current tax code punishes working cou- pleased to stand here today to urge my col- But the President says that his plan is the ples who file jointly by pushing them into a leagues to vote in support of the sanctity of right way to give marriage penalty relief. Well, higher tax bracket. The marriage penalty taxes marriage and in turn, divorce this burdensome let's talk about what his plan doesÐit creates the income of the second wage earnerÐoften tax. another inequity. His plan increases the stand- the woman's salaryÐat a much higher rate 66,604 hard-working married couples in my ard deduction for two-income married couples than if she were taxed only as an individual. district, the eleventh district of Virginia and to double that of single filers only if both cou- Not only does the marriage penalty financially

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 01:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.020 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H313 penalize married couples, it also discourages nothing to address the growing problems of the session by scheduling several tax bills single people from getting married. working families being forced to pay the Alter- funded by the projected budget surplus with- This bill will provide $182.3 billion in mar- native Minimum Tax. out giving any consideration to the impact that riage penalty tax relief over 10 years by allow- In short, the majority's approach is to spend the bills will have on the ability to retire this ing the average dual-income family to keep more money than we need or can afford in debt. Although each of these bills will have a $1,400 more of their money each year. These order to help the people who need help the relatively modest cost when considered in iso- savings can make a significant difference to least, while it shortchanges those who need lation, the total costs of these bills will be many families. Families will be using this extra help the mostÐthe working poor and lower in- nearly as much as the vetoed tax bill, and money to improve their current lifestyle, se- come families, who have seen their income could even be more expensive. cure their future or save for their children's fallen by about 9 percent. I caution my colleagues, on both sides of education. Most importantly, it would encour- The Democratic alternative takes a different the aisle, that this marriage penalty bill re- age single people in love to join not only their approach. It is targeted toward the people who ported by the Ways and Means Committee will lives together but their 1040 forms! most need help. It doubles the standard de- consume most, if not all, of the resources that Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong duction, adjusts the AMT so that families will will be available for tax cuts without jeopard- support of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Elimi- receive the full benefit of the standard deduc- izing our commitment to paying down the debt nation Act and I urge my colleagues to sup- tion, and addresses the marriage penalty in and strengthening Social Security and Medi- port this worthy, long overdue, legislation. the EITC, providing greater relief for the work- care. I caution my colleagues that if this mar- I became a cosponsor of this legislation be- ing poor and near-poor families. Not only will riage penalty bill is enacted, it may be difficult cause I believe the marriage penalty is the targeting aid this way help those who need it to enact additional tax cuts that Congress con- most, it will save moneyÐmoney that we can most indefensible thing about our Nation's cur- sidersÐestate tax relief, tax credits for health use to pay down the debt, protect Social Se- rent Tax Code. insurance and education, and Alternative Min- curity and Medicare, and fund what my con- The current Tax Code punishes married imum Tax (AMT) reform. couples where both partners work by driving stituents tell me are their priorities: education, environmental protection and prescription drug We can and should cut taxes. But any tax them into a higher tax bracket. The marriage cut must be in the context of a fiscally respon- penalty taxes the income of the second wage benefits. This is what the American people want, what is needed in my district, and above sible budget that eliminates the publicly held earner at a much higher rate than if they were debt, strengthens Social Security and Medi- taxed as an individual. Since this second earn- all, something could be accomplished in a heartbeat with no partisan rancor. care, and addresses our other priorities. While er is usually the wife, the marriage penalty is I will be supporting this legislation, I am doing unfairly biased against female taxpayers. I hope we can start working together today to make our tax system fairer and to help peo- so to move the process forward and to correct Moreover, by prohibiting married couples a wrong in our tax code. from filing combined returns whereby each ple who need it most. I hope this Congress considers carefully this spouse is taxed using the same rate applica- Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bill's cost in the larger context of the federal ble to an unmarried individual, the Tax Code discuss H.R. 6, the Marriage Penalty Relief budget and I hope the Senate will take on this penalizes marriage and encourages couples to Act of 2000. The bill is the right thing to do for important issue in a responsible manner that live together without a formal legal commit- many reasons and I will support its passage. places these other priorities in context. ment to each other. This bill will provide needed tax relief for mar- The Congressional Budget Office has esti- ried couples by reducing the marriage tax pen- Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, the United mated that 42 percent of married couples in- alty while strengthening the financial resources States Tax Code discourages marriage. No curred a marriage penalty in 1996, and that of the American family and fostering economic amount of fancy accounting or political rhetoric more than 21 million couples paid an average prosperity into the 21st century. can dispute this fact. Today's vote will assist Currently, forty-two million married tax- of $1,400 in additional taxes. The CBO further in relieving a tax burden felt by more than 74 payers, including almost 67,000 families in my found that those most severely affected by the thousand couples in my eastern Colorado dis- district, will gain from the standard deduction trict. Statewide, 444,578 Colorado couples are penalty were those couples with near equal increases in this bill; the average tax cut for salaries and those receiving the earned in- affected by marriage tax penaltiesÐpenalties married couples provided by the bill would be in place just for being married. come tax credit. nearly $500 per yearÐmoney that will go a This aspect of the Tax Code simply does Mr. Speaker, the current tax law punishes long way toward paying for food, housing, and married couples who file income taxes jointly not make sense. It discourages marriage, is clothes for their children; and the bill will sig- unfair to female taxpayers, and disproportion- by pushing them into higher tax brackets. The nificantly help low- and middle-income working marriage penalty taxes a portion of combined ately affects the working and middle class families. populations who are struggling to make ends income at higher rates than if each salary I will be voting for this legislation; however, were taxed individually. meet. For these reasons this marriage penalty I will be doing so with strong reservations. I The Congressional Budget Office estimates needs to be repealed. have deep concerns that this Congress has that the federal income tax system imposes a Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, just three yet to act on a budget resolution this year and, marriage tax penalty on nearly fifty million months ago, this Congress left Washington, as such, we have no knowledge how this leg- Americans. Further, Mr. Speaker, the marriage having passed a budget none of us could take islation will fit into our other collective commit- tax penalty discourages hard work by penal- pride in, a budget filled with gimmicks, so- ments to extend the solvency of Social Secu- izing dual-income married couples more than called emergency spending and special inter- rity and Medicare and reduce our national other individuals. It is unfair and inappropriate est earmarks. Now we are starting off this new debt. Congress should first pass a budget res- for the federal government to impose an addi- session on the same track of fiscal irrespon- olution that puts into place a framework to sibility and unresponsiveness to real issues. strengthen Social Security and Medicare and tional income tax penalty on married individ- The one difference is that, instead of a single pay down the debt before enacting a big tax uals. massive tax cut along the lines of that rejected cutÐin stages or all at onceÐthat spends the Mr. Speaker, I submit House Joint Resolu- by the American public last year and still pro- surplus. tion 99±1055, passed by the Colorado Gen- posed by the Republican front-runner, the ma- That is why I will also be voting for the sub- eral Assembly, for today's RECORD. Colorado's jority in Congress is pursuing a piecemeal stitute bill and the motion to recommit. The resolution urges the United States Congress strategy. They are offering last year's rejected substitute not only takes a large step toward to enact legislation eliminating the federal mar- tax bill, only repackaged in smaller chunks. eliminating the marriage penalty, it does so riage tax penalty. In addition to their rec- Today's so-called marriage tax reform is the after we have developed a budget that cer- ommendation, the President of the United first piece. Instead of targeting tax relief to the tifies the solvency of Social Security and Medi- States of America called for marriage tax pen- people who need it most, this bill is replete care and after we have developed a budget alty relief in his final State of the Union Ad- with other special interest provisions that will that provides for debt repayment by the year dress. cost almost $200 billion over the next ten 2013. The motion to recommit provides that Mr. Speaker, I agree with the president, the years. Only about half the proposed tax ben- we first establish a budget that ensures all of Members of the Colorado General Assembly, efit goes to tax filers who currently pay a mar- our priorities are metÐsolvency of Social Se- and the millions of Americans who are calling riage penalty. Even less relief goes to those curity and Medicare, repayment of our national for the elimination of the federal marriage tax most in need, since about 70 percent of the debt, and tax cuts. penalty. I urge my colleagues to join me in benefits will go to couples earning more than Although the majority claims to support retir- voting to eliminate these anti-family, anti- $70,000 per year. Ironically, this bill does ing the publicly held debt, they have begun American tax provisions.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:13 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.025 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 99–1055 my colleagues against continuing down this the elimination of the marriage penalty. But I Whereas, The Congressional Budget Office road of piecemeal tax cuts which threaten to sincerely hope that today's vote is not an indi- estimates that the federal income tax sys- devour our entire surplus before they can be cation of the way in which the Republican tem imposes a marriage tax penalty on twen- evaluated in the overall budget context. leadership plans to deal with all tax legislation ty-three million Americans; and Early in my tenure I made a commitment to this year. Whereas, The marriage tax penalty dis- those who sent me to Washington to support courages hard work by penalizing dual in- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today come married couples more than any other an issue of great importance to them, mar- in opposition to H.R. 6 and in support of real individuals; and riage penalty relief. At the time, H.R. 6 was marriage penalty tax relief that will benefit Whereas, Under the federal income tax sys- the primary vehicle for eliminating the mar- married couples. The bill we are considering tem, married individuals have smaller stand- riage penalty, and I agreed to co-sponsor the today is flawed in several waysÐboth in terms ard deductions, earlier loss of itemized de- bill. I do not believe this bill is perfect, and I of policy and in terms of process. Instead, I ductions and personal exemptions, a smaller do not support the timing of this vote, which will support the Rangel substitute amendment capital loss deduction, and a double loss of flies in the face of reasonable budget decision- that will provide real relief for married couples IRA deductions when compared to single in- making. However, I believe in keeping prom- dividuals; and and will also allow us to continue working to Whereas, The marriage tax penalty has a ises to my constituents, and today I will honor extend the solvency of both Social Security severe impact on the working poor; and my commitment by voting in favor of H.R. 6. and Medicare and to pay down the debt. Whereas, It is unfair and inappropriate for Over 25 million married couples, including I will vote for the Rangel Substitute because the federal government to impose an addi- 55,000 in my congressional district, experi- it accomplishes the right thingsÐan increase tional income tax penalty on married indi- ence the marriage penalty when they pay their in the standard deduction for joint filers to viduals; and taxes each year. Our current tax code pun- twice that of single filers, an increase in the in- Whereas, Several bills to eliminate the fed- ishes many married couples by pushing them come level at which the Earned Income Tax eral marriage tax penalty are presently into a higher tax bracket and taxing the sec- pending before the United States Congress; Credit is phased out and a provision to ensure and ond wage-earner's income at a higher rate. I that Congress extends the solvency of Social Whereas, The elimination of the federal do not believe our tax code should discrimi- Security until 2050 and Medicare until 2030, marriage tax penalty is an important step in nate against any group, and we certainly and eliminates the debt by 2013. The Rangel creating a fairer and simpler federal income should not cause couples to make marriage substitute will allow us to continue to work on tax system; now, therefore, decisions based on the tax implications of the issues important to all AmericansÐa pre- Be It Resolved by the House of Representa- their choice. Furthermore, marriage is often a tives of the Sixty-second General Assembly of scription drug benefit for Medicare, a strong, precursor to new financial obligations, such as comprehensive Patients' Bill of Rights, a con- the State of Colorado, the Senate concurring buying a home, deciding to start a family, and herein: tinuation of the greatest economic expansion That we, the members of the General As- beginning to save for a child's education. We in the history of this country, and targeted tax sembly, urge the United States Congress to should by no means make it harder for cou- relief. The Republican Leadership's bill we are enact legislation eliminating the federal ples to meet these obligations. debating today places all of these priorities at Last year, I voted against the massive, irre- marriage tax penalty. risk. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this sponsible Republican tax cut package. Since H.R. 6 is flawed because the bill targets the Joint Resolution be sent to each member of then, I have consistently assured my constitu- wrong people and it places the potential sur- the Colorado congressional delegation and to ents they would have my support if certain Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner of the In- plus at risk. The most expensive provision of elements of that bill, such as elimination of the this bill would only affect one out of four mar- ternal Revenue Service. marriage penalty of phase-out of the estate Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a ried couples. Once fully phased in, this provi- tax, were considered alone. Today, I will honor proud cosponsor and strong supporter of the sion will cost $30 billion each year. However, that promise, but I do so reluctantly for the fol- measure before us to provide urgent relief to the beneficiaries of this provision are not pe- lowing reasons. nalized by the marriage tax but, instead, re- families suffering from the unfair marriage tax It is incredibly irresponsible to consider H.R. ceive what is known as a marriage bonus. penalty. 6 as one of the first orders for business of this About 25 million married couples currently new legislative session, before any consider- H.R. 6 does not provide the relief needed by pay an average of $1,400 more in taxes than ation of a budget resolution. I think every the middle- and low-income couples that are they would as single taxpayers. in my own member of this House agrees that we can and penalized by the Tax Code. My constituents congressional district alone, almost 160,000 should provide tax relief to the American peo- deserve the best marriage penalty tax relief taxpayers pay higher taxes simply because ple this year. But we should not be making possible, relief that is not provided by H.R. 6. Moreover, H.R. 6 irresponsibly taps the po- they are married. That is simply wrong. these decisions in a vacuum, while we remain tential budget surplus without consideration of Consider what $1,400 a year would mean to completely blind to their ultimate impact on the the budgetary impacts. This bill isn't even paid a family struggling to make car or mortgage overall budget picture. payments, to buy groceries and clothes for As we debate this bill today, none of us for! Where will the money come from? It will their kids, or to save for their child's college knows what it will mean to our ability to pay come from the current efforts to pay down the education. If we don't believe marriage penalty down the debt, shore up Social Security and debt, to extend the solvency of Medicare and tax relief will make a difference in the lives of Medicare, provide a prescription drug benefit Social Security and to provide a comprehen- real families, then we are severely out of a or pay for vital programs like health care, vet- sive prescription drug benefit. The bill's $182 touch. erans benefits, agriculture, defense and edu- billion price tagÐwhich will undoubtedly in- And significantly, the bill will provide relief to cation. Today's vote sets a dangerous prece- crease as adjustments are made to the alter- both taxpayers who itemize deductions and dent, and I worry that the Republican leader- native minimum tax and other tax provisionsÐ those who fill out a simplified tax form. It helps ship has started down a dangerous course of is too costly to blindly rush through Congress, two-earner couples and couples in which only passing last year's failed tax cut package in a especially as we are just now beginning to one spouse earns an income. I am stunned by series of small pieces which mask their overall consider the budget for the next fiscal year. those who believe the families who make sac- impact on the budget and impede our ability to Congress should be working to provide real, rifices so one parent can stay home with the address other priorities. responsible marriage penalty tax reform that children do not deserve relief. Although I am prepared to ultimately support targets middle- and low-income married cou- I had hoped when I heard the President's H.R. 6, I will first vote for the Democratic sub- ples. State of the Union Address that marriage pen- stitute and the motion to recommit, both of H.R. 6 is also flawed because of the proc- alty relief would be a bipartisan effort in this which I believe would enable us to provide ess under which we are considering this bill session. But as near as I can tell, some have common-sense tax relief without jeopardizing today. President Clinton released his budget decided it is ``too soon'' to provide this fair- our other goals. I have been a strong advo- only two days ago, Congress has yet to com- ness. When is it too soon to stop an injustice? cate for debt reduction since joining this body, plete hearings on his proposed budget and the Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- and I continue to believe a significant portion House Budget Committee has not begun to port real relief for real families, right now. of any surplus must be set aside for this pur- work on a budget resolution. Besides being ir- Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to fulfill a pose. Eliminating our nation's debt is, in fact, responsible, consideration of this bill violates commitment to my constituents but also to ex- the best tax cut we can possibly give to our the rules of the House. It is a violation of press my disappointment with the way in constituents. House rules to consider tax or spending which this House is ignoring our established Mr. Speaker, I am glad today to fulfill a measures before Congress considers a budg- budget process. I also want to strongly caution commitment to my constituents by supporting et resolution. In order to consider this bill

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:13 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.029 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H315 today, the Republican leadership forced a vote nation’s tax code. As income rises, it is taxed with $3,750 for a married couple—a 42 percent to waive this rule, Why? Not in the name of at higher rates, also known as brackets. penalty for the single person. true reform, but so they could grandstand on When two people marry, their income is Congress limited the differential to 20 per- added together, so instead of, say, two sin- Valentine's Day. cent beginning in 1971, and in 1981 it added a gles in the 15 percent bracket, they become two-earner deduction of up to $3,000. This cut Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the legislation a married couple partly in the 15 percent the penalty for couples affected by the pen- which we are considering today has little to do bracket and partly in the 28 percent bracket. alty but boosted the bonus for others. The with helping struggling married couples and a For example, a single man earning $25,000 Tax Reform Act of 1986 repealed the two- great deal to do with politics. For years now, annually and a single woman earning $25,000 earner credit but also sharply reduced the we have been subjected to partisan calls to would each be in the 15 percent bracket. If number of tax brackets, from 15 to two—at 15 deal with the so-called ``marriage tax penalty.'' they marry, however, their annual income percent and 28 percent—and thus also re- We have heard stories about couples who becomes $50,000 and some of it is taxed at 28 duced the marriage penalty. The addition of percent. For married couples filing jointly, have considered divorce, or even been di- new brackets in 1990 and 1993 boosted the that higher bracket starts at $42,350. number to five, and the issue began heating vorced, because they had a tax burden that While the tax code penalizes married cou- up again. was so inequitable. I don't know about my col- ples with similar incomes, it benefits couples leagues on the other side of the aisle, but in which one spouse earns most or all of the Here is an example of the marriage pen- most people that I know do not make the deci- income. alty, with the husband and wife earning For example, a single woman earning sion whether to enter intoÐor not enter intoÐ equal salaries . . . marriage vows simply because of the tax im- $50,000 annually is taxed at the 28 percent rate for slightly less than half her income, A MARRIAGE PENALTY, A BONUS plications of marriage. Matrimony has many while the rest is taxed at 15 percent. If she consequences, but tax consequences are marries a man with no income, $42,350 of her If filing as a single probably not the major concern. Filing as a income is taxed at 15 percent, and less than couple Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there has been $8,000 at 28 percent. Husband Wife very little cool thoughtful consideration of the For lower-income workers, the effect can Adjusted gross income ...... $37,500 $37,500 $75,000 policies that we are considering here today. It be even more dramatic because of the earned Less personal exemptions ...... 2,550 2,550 5,100 is abundantly clear that the version of the leg- income tax credit, a credit designed to ease Less standard deduction ...... 4,000 4,000 6,700 the tax burden on low-income working fami- Equals taxable income ...... 30,950 30,950 63,200 islation supported by our colleagues on the At 15 percent ...... 24,000 24,000 40,100 lies. For example, the Congressional Budget At 28 percent ...... 6,950 6,950 23,100 other side of aisle has much to do with an Office last year found that two single par- Tax liability ...... 5,546 5,546 12,483 agenda to benefit the wealthy and little to do ents earning $11,000 each would have no in- Marriage penalty ...... $1,391 with making our tax system fairer for married . . . and of the marriage bonus, with only one spouse as the sole bread- come tax liability and each would receive a winner. couples. Approximately half of the tax benefits $2,150 refund under the EITC. If they mar- Adjusted gross income ...... $0 $75,000 $75,000 this legislation provides will go to tax filers that ried, they would owe $765 in tax and receive Less personal exemptions ...... 2,550 2,550 5,100 currently pay NO marriage penalty, and the only $1,368 under the EITC. The credit would Less standard deduction ...... 4,000 4,000 6,700 wipe out their tax liability, but their refund Equals taxable income ...... 0 68,450 63,200 bulk of the benefits will go to the top quarter At 15 percent ...... 0 24,000 63,200 would be only $603. At 28 percent ...... 0 34,150 40,000 of income earners. Thus this couple would lose $3,701, or 16.8 At 31 percent ...... 0 10,300 23,100 The Democratic alternative being presented percent of their income, by virtue of being Tax liability ...... 0 16,355 12,483 Marriage bonus ...... $3,872 by our colleague, the gentleman from New married. York, Mr. RANGEL, provides more genuine tax The CBO study found that about 42 percent SOURCE: Congressional Budget Office. of couples paid a marriage penalty in 1996, 51 relief for working families who do pay a ``mar- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in op- riage tax penalty.'' I urge my colleagues to percent paid less than they would have as singles—a marriage ‘‘bonus’’—and 6 percent position of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Penalty support the Rangel substitute. Relief Act of 2000. The Republicans will char- Mr. Speaker, The Washington Post (June were unaffected. In other words, 21 million couples paid an average of $1,400 in addi- acterize those who oppose their bill as oppos- 16, 1998) published an excellent article by Al- tional taxes because they were married, ing tax relief for working families. This is not bert B. Crenshaw entitled ``Congress Tackles while 25 million got a tax benefit—to the true. I support targeted tax relief for working Marriage Tax Penalty: Experts Doubt That De- tune of an average $1,300—because of their families. However, any tax legislation must be bate will Yield Lasting Solution to Perennial In- marital status. In total, penalties added up enacted prudently and must be structured to equity.'' That article was particularly insightful to $29 billion, and bonuses to $33 billion. target the right population. The bill before us on this complex issue. I am submitting the arti- Since World War II, tax policy has veered from greatly benefiting married couples to today is far from prudent. I oppose H.R. 6 be- cle for the RECORD at this point, and I urge my helping out singles to today’s hodgepodge of cause of the process chosen by the GOP; the colleagues to read it. This careful and thought- rules that benefit some married couples and bill is misleading; and the Democrats have of- ful analysis provides a much-needed counter- penalize others. fered a better alternative. point. The CBO noted that ‘‘marriage penalties Targeted marriage tax penalty relief should and bonuses are not deliberately intended to [From the Washington Post, June 16, 1998] be an issue that everyone can support. So it CONGRESS TACKLES MARRIAGE TAX PEN- punish or reward marriage. Rather they are the result of a delicate balance among dis- was surprising to learn that Ways & Means ALTY—EXPERTS DOUBT THAT DEBATE WILL Democrats were left out of the whole process. YIELD LASTING SOLUTION TO PERENNIAL IN- parate goals of the federal income tax sys- EQUITY tem.’’ The leadership developed this bill without any Some scholars have found bonuses and pen- consultation from Democrats. If real legislation (By Albert B. Crenshaw) alties in the code going back to 1914, but the is going to pass the second session of the As House Republicans rally around a pro- modern dispute dates from 1930. At that 106th Congress, then we must work in a bi- posal to eliminate the tax code’s ‘‘marriage time, taxes were levied on individuals, and partisan fashion. It seems that my colleagues penalty,’’ some experts are skeptical that single or married people paid at the same this latest round of debate on a long-dis- rates. This benefited couples in which on the other side of the aisle prefer to politi- cussed issue will lead to a lasting solution. spouses had similar incomes and penalized cize legislation rather than produce policy that The penalty, which causes some married those in which one earned much more than will actually help the citizens we serve. couples to pay higher income taxes than the other. This bill puts the cart before the horse. they would as single people, has been a prob- In community-property states, however, There is no budget in place in which to exam- lem for as long as there has been a federal in- state law required that couples share all in- ine this bill in an overall framework for this come tax. come equally. Taxpayers in those states had year's spending. To explain my point, the av- Over the years it has sparked repeated, and begun dividing their income equally for tax largely unsuccessful, efforts by Congress to purposes as well, and in 1930 the Supreme erage American worker should not go out and craft a solution equitable to both married Court upheld that strategy. purchase a brand new car without knowing couples and singles. The repeated failure of This resulted in couples in different states how much is needed for their other expenses. these efforts has led some experts to say it’s being taxed at different rates, depending on The worker would end up with bounced impossible to create a tax law that would whether they lived in a community-property checks and nothing left for food and medical cause all married couples with the same in- or common-law state. In 1948, to remedy expenses. This is exactly what the Repub- come to pay the same tax, that would treat this, Congress began allowing all couples to, licans intend to do with this tax bill. Congress taxpayers the same regardless of their mar- in effect, equally divide their income. ital status and that would at the same time This, in turn, meant that singles paid more does not know how much is needed for our would remain progressive. tax on the same income than married cou- other spending priorities. It is fiscally irrespon- The key element that leads to the mar- ples. By 1970, a single person with $20,000 in sible to spend money without an overall budg- riage penalty is the progressive nature of the income was paying $5,328 in tax compared et in place.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.067 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Without a budget, last year's mantra to save Under our current tax code, working, mar- Mr. Speaker, this tax hits real people, real Social Security and Medicare has been com- ried couples are pushed into a higher tax hard. It punishes working couples by pushing pletely ignored. I am committed to saving So- bracket than single working Americans. And them into a higher tax bracket. It taxes the in- cial Security for current and future retirees. I worse yet, the Marriage Penalty Tax impacts come of the second wage earnerÐtypically a am also committed to saving MedicareÐand the second wage earner in a familyÐusually a working womanÐat a higher rate than if she enhancing its benefitsÐfor current and future womanÐso, she is taxed at a much higher were taxed as an individual. It impacts middle retirees. The American worker is entitled to rate just because she is married! class couples the most, with the greatest mar- both of these benefits in their golden years. I Is this fair? riage tax penalties falling on those families will not participate in a negligent Congress Of course not, and that's why Congress where the higher earning spouse makes be- whose behavior could eliminate these two pro- must try yet again to repeal the Marriage Pen- tween $20,000 and $75,000 per year. grams. alty Tax, an unfair tax burden on 25 million Overall, some 42 million working Americans A vote on H.R. 6 today does not allow Con- American families. pay higher taxes simply because they are gress to prioritize our spending. So not only Mr. Speaker, this is sensible tax relief for married. On average, each couple pays $1400 does this bill fail to ensure solvency for Medi- the middle class, and a $1400 tax cut for more every year to the federal government care and Social Security, it prohibits us from these hardworking Americans will be put to simply because they are married. In my Flor- other spending needs such as improving our good use. Indeed, $1400 in the pockets of mil- ida district alone, over 46,000 couples are hit schools, providing a Medicare prescription lions of married couples can be used on im- by this ridiculous marriage tax penalty. Let me drug benefit, and making health care available portant family obligations like tuition for col- tell you about how this tax affects some of to the 11 million children currently without it. lege, a home computer, renovating a kitchen them in real terms. This bill needs to target tax relief for those and paying family bills, or investing for retire- I had an opportunity when this issue first who need it most. Unfortunately, the GOP pro- ment security. gained prominence, to meet in my district with posal actually helps wealthy Americans, not Mr. Speaker, 818,116 married couples in my 20 working women from Bradenton, Sarasota, simply those facing a tax penalty due to mar- home state of new Jersey would benefit di- and Venice. Their number one concern was riage. There are nearly as many families that rectly if we repeal the Marriage Penalty TaxÐ marriage tax penalty relief. Why? Because this receive ``marriage bonuses'' as receive mar- 72,605 in my District alone, New Jersey's is not some obscure issue, these women riage penalties in the U.S. As much as half of Eleventh. knew what an extra $1400 a year meant to the $182 billion in tax relief in the GOP bill will Each one of them deserve relief from the their family budget. It's a new computer, it's go to families who receive the bonus and are Marriage Penalty Tax and New Jersey's mar- the yearly grocery bill, it's a semester at com- not hurt by the marriage penalty. This bill's ried couples deserve to know that they are munity college, or maybe it's a much needed costliest provision, expanding the 15% tax paying only their fair share to Uncle SamÐ family vacation. bracket, only benefits taxpayers in the top nothing more. Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues here quarter of the income distribution. This ac- Let's repeal the Marriage Penalty Tax and talk about wanting to expand government sub- counts for 65% of the plan's total cost, or restore fairness to our tax code for America's sidies and programs for health care or nearly $100 billion. The bill's title implies that married couples. daycare. Let me say to them, if you are seri- it helps those who are faced with a marriage And let's get this Marriage Penalty Tax rev- ous about helping working families, then let's penalty when it truthfully benefits the wealthy. enue, unfairly collected by the Federal govern- Finally, I cannot support this reckless tax cut start by letting these families keep $1400 of ment, out of the hands of Washington bureau- when the Democrats have offered a safer, their own hard-earned money each year and crats and into the pockets of America's mar- more responsible option. First and foremost, use it towards a year of health care premiums ried couples where it rightfully belongs. our bill uses the projected surplus to extend or several months of day care. Let these fami- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support the solvency of Medicare to 2030 and the sol- lies make their own choices and meet their of H.R. 6 and I am proud to be a cosponsor vency of Social Security to 2050. The Amer- own needs without having to beg for their own of this bill. ican worker has told us time and time again money back from Washington bureaucrats. More than 20 million American married cou- that extending these programs is a priority. My district in Florida also has a large popu- ples pay higher taxes than they would if they I've listened to my constituents and I encour- lation of senior citizens. Most people don't were single. The ``tax'' on marriage in our sys- age my GOP colleagues to do the same. think of the marriage tax penalty hurting sen- The Democratic substitute bill is not only tem averages nearly $1400 per couple. This iors, but it does depending on how they re- more responsible than the Republican plan, it $1400 could be used by couples to save for ceive income, and not just the ones who are is also less costly and targeted to those who college or retirement, make several months of already married. A not uncommon situation is need it most. Our plan costs $89 billion over car payments, pay for braces or piano les- that two widowed seniors meet each other in 10 years; one needn't be an economist to sons. Unfortunately, some in this chamber be- a retirement community, find new love, and know that this is much more affordable than lieve that Washington knows better how to use want to remarry. The marriage tax penalty ac- the $182 billion Republican price tag. Low-in- $1400 than a husband and a wife. tually discourages them from remarrying. Our come married couples face a marriage penalty Numerous statistical evidence is available truly bizarre tax code says to this senior cou- in the earned income tax credit. The Demo- that children are far less at risk for academic ple that they are better off economically if they cratic substitute would reduce those penalties and behavioral problems when raised in a just live together without getting married! I find by increasing the income level at which the two-parent family. But built into our Tax Code this tax to be repugnant. credit begins to phase out by $2,000 in 2001 is a disincentive for families to stick together. Mr. Speaker, a tax that penalizes people for and by $2,500 in 2002 and thereafter. It would The marriage penalty in the Tax Code is falling in love and getting married is an out- also repeal the current reduction in the EITC more likely and larger in those households rage. We have a chance today to get rid of it. and refundable child credit by the amount of where both marriage partners have incomes I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill the minimum tax. Again, the Democratic sub- that are nearly equal. In 1995, 72 percent of and provide real tax relief and fairness to stitute would provide greater tax relief for working age couples had both individuals in 46,000 working couples in my district and 21 these taxpayers than would the Republican paid employment. 12 percent of couples with million families nationwide. bill. incomes below $20,000 had penalties in 1996; Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, there's not a good We shouldn't even be debating marriage tax 44 percent of couples with incomes between reason why married couples in my home State penalty today. This is not the right time or the $20,000 and $50,000 had marriage penalties; of Alabama should pay higher Federal income right product through which to achieve a rea- and 54 percent of those with incomes over taxes than if they were single and just living sonable tax cut. It is ludicrous to take a piece- $50,000 had penalties. together. meal approach to any tax reform package. It is time that the Federal Tax Code support But this is what is happening to more than Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers has marriage, and not penalize it. I urge the adop- 60,00 married couples in my district alone and urged President Clinton to veto this bill. We tion of the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act. 25 million nation-wide because of the Marriage need to oppose H.R. 6, go back to the draw- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise Tax Penalty. ing board, establish a budget and bring re- today in support of this important legislation to As our Federal tax law stands now, the av- sponsible tax relief legislation to the floor for a end the unfair taxation of married couples and erage married couple in America pays an ad- vote. provide real tax relief for working families. The ditional $1,400 a year on their tax bill. That is Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, it is marriage tax penalty is one of the shining ex- absurd. time we give 25 million married Americans a amples of stupidity and injustice in our overly Mr. Speaker, $1,400 is a lot of money to breakÐa tax break, that is. complex and injustice tax code. most folks in Alabama, and not an amount

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.030 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H317 they're happy doing without just because they Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 1. First, H.R. 6 will help eliminate the mar- are married. You can pay a few house pay- support of H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Penalty riage penalty in the Internal Revenue Code in ments with $1,400, or a semester's worth of Relief Act. two ways. It will increase the standard deduc- tuition and books for college. Those are real The Republican-sponsored Marriage Tax tion for married couples to double the stand- life expenses, and not just numbers on charts Penalty Relief Act provides $182 billion in tax ard deduction for singles. In addition, H.R. 6 and graphs over at the Internal Revenue Serv- relief over the next 10 years. Since hundreds will increase the amount of couples' income ice. of billions of dollars is hard to comprehend, let subject to the lowest 15 percent marginal tax The institution of marriage should be sa- me explain how that translates to our constitu- rate. cred, not taxable. ents. 2. Second, this bill will help the Internal I urge my colleagues to vote for the Mar- In my Congressional district, over 140,000 Revenue Code become more marriage-neu- riage Tax Penalty Relief Act and put an end taxpayers are penalized by the tax code sim- tral. Currently, many married couples pay to this unfair and irresponsible tax. ply because they are married. In Illinois, 1.1 more Federal income tax than they would as Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I am million couples, or 2.2 million taxpayers are hit two unmarried singles. The Internal Revenue pleased that a popular tax relief proposal, the with a marriage penalty. Nationwide, there are Code should not be a consideration when indi- so-called marriage tax penalty relief bill, is some 50 million individuals paying a marriage viduals discuss their future marital status. Therefore, for these reasons, and many oth- coming up for a vote today. Unlike President penalty. On average, these couples each earn ers, this Member urges his colleagues to sup- Clinton, I believe that we can achieve our between $20,000 and $30,000Ðhardly a princely sum. The bill before us today will pro- port the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of budget and tax objectives simultaneously in 2000. this booming economy. If we keep reigning in vide roughly $1,400 in tax relief to every family faced with a marriage penalty. Mr. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as families new federal spending and waste, fraud and across the country start to think about filing abuse in existing programs, we can provide I have long argued that the tax code is im- moral because it penalizes those values we their taxes, there is a flaw in our tax code that this long overdue tax reliefÐand moreÐwhile unfairly punishes millions of married couples. protecting Social Security, Medicare and retir- pass along to our children. We encourage our children to get married and start a family and In the state of Florida alone, more than 1 mil- ing the public debt. lion married couples pay an average of $1,400 H.R. 6 is needed to make a down payment to save their money for the proverbial rainy day. Unfortunately, once they marry, they're per year more in taxes than they would pay if on eliminating the marriage tax penalty which they are unmarried. This burdensome tax is roughly 67,439 couples in my congressional immediately punished by the tax code that charges them more than when they were sin- especially unfair to working women, whose in- district alone pay Uncle Sam each year. A come is often cut in half by the higher tax marriage tax penalty happens when a married gle. And don't get me started on capital gains taxes and estate taxes punishing savings and rates caused by the marriage penalty. couple pays more taxes by filing jointly than Under the current tax code, a married cou- they would if each spouse could file as a sin- investments for the future. While most of us in Washington have pub- ple pays more taxes by filing jointly than they gle person. The bottom line is that the tax would if each spouse filed as a single person. licly supported marriage tax penalty relief, I code punishes millions of couples by pushing The marriage tax penalty exists because the am amazed that our Democrat colleagues are them into higher tax brackets, and middle in- standard deduction for couples ($7,350) is opposing our bill and that the President has come American families are hit the hardest. $1,450 less than double the standard deduc- threatened to veto the measure. I hear that my Why should a man and a woman be forced tion for singles ($4,400 + $4,400 = $8,800). friend Mr. RANGEL, a Member of our Ways and to pay higher taxes simply for being married? In essence, the tax code punishes millions Means Committee, calls our plan a gimmick. of couples by pushing them into higher tax Since President Clinton vetoed the marriage He is opposing our bill because it is being tax penalty relief package last fall, I am glad brackets. The marriage penalty taxes the in- ``rushed'' through Congress before we have a come of the second wage earnerÐoften the that we have started this process early this budget. We rush emergency spending meas- year in the hope we can get a bill which Presi- wife's salaryÐat a much higher rate than if the ures through this body on a regular basis. I salary were taxed only as an individual. dent Clinton will sign. After all, just two weeks ask my colleaguesÐwhy is it wrong to rush ago he said he favored marriage tax penalty For example, an individual earning $30,500 this much needed tax refund to hard-working would be taxed at 15 percent. But a working relief. He should work with us to give hard- Americans? Especially since President Clinton working Americans a break. couple with incomes of $30,500 each are vetoed our tax bill last year which would have taxed at 28 percent on their combined income Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE. Mr. Speaker, provided relief from the marriage tax penalty. today I rise to speak about the tax code's Mar- of $61,000Ðcosting the couple almost $1,400 I understand that our Democrat friends have more in taxes because they are forced into a riage Penalty. This is a fundamentally unbal- their own version of what they call marriage anced, unfair, and discriminatory section of the higher tax bracket. tax penalty relief. Unfortunately, their plan pro- This year, the House of Representatives tax code. vides only a fraction of the relief of H.R. 6, wants to provide American couples real relief For far too long, we have treated married while making the tax code much more com- from the marriage tax penalty. I support H.R. couples as if they were an opportunity for the plicated in the process. Perhaps all that was 6, the Marriage Tax Relief Act of 2000, which government to tax more. In particular, for the rushed was the drafting of their bill. will provide more than 50 million American young newly married couple, this penalty I urge my colleagues to reject the Democrat couples with $182.3 billion dollars in tax relief. means an average of fourteen hundred dollars amendment and to support H.R. 6 so that we Under this plan, lower and middle income cou- a year in confiscated income. Assuming a can quickly provide this much needed tax re- plesÐthose earning between $20,000 and couple invested this fourteen hundred dollars lief to Americans. $70,000Ðreceive the greatest relief. in an IRA that earned a ten percent interest Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member H.R. 6 would increase the standard deduc- rate, at the end of thirty years they would have rises today to express his support for H.R. 6, tion for joint returns to twice that of single fil- two hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars for the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of 2000, ers, increase the width of the lowest tax brack- retirement. A ten percent return is the historic of which he is a cosponsor. This bill will have et for joint returns to twice that of single re- rate. a positive effect, in particular, on middle and turns, and raise the phaseout limit on the In Idaho alone, one hundred and twenty- lower income married couples. earned income tax credit (EITC) by $2,000 for nine thousand married couples are affected by At the outset, this Member would like to married couples. The increase in the standard this discriminatory tax. The standard of living thank both the main sponsor of H.R. 6 from Il- deduction and the increased phaseout limit for and the median income are below the national linois [Rep. WELLER] and the distinguished the EITC would be effective next year. The in- average. Unemployment rates are above the Chairman of the House Ways and Means crease in the 15% tax bracket would be national average. Marriage Tax relief would Committee from Texas [Mr. ARCHER], for their phased in over 6 years starting in 2003. Fur- provide substantive relief for the one hundred instrumental role in bringing H.R. 6 to the floor thermore, H.R. 6 helps both families who and twenty-nine thousand couples in Idaho of the House today. itemize their deductions, like homeowners, who are disparately impacted by this tax. While there are many reasons to support and those who do not itemize. Mr. Speaker, equality before the laws is a H.R. 6, this Member will enumerate two rea- President Clinton, who vetoed the marriage principle enshrined within our Constitution. In sons. First, H.R. 6 takes a significant step to- penalty last year as part of Congress' overall 1919, we gave married couples two votes in- ward eliminating the current marriage penalty tax relief plan, recently proposed a smaller stead of one. It's time we treated hard-working in the Internal Revenue Code. Second, H.R. 6 plan that provides $45 billion over the next 10 married couples as two people instead of one follows the principle that the Federal income years. His plan would double the standard de- person and two-thirds of another person. tax code should be marriage-neutral. duction over 10 years, as opposed to next

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:55 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.034 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 year, and does not expand the 15% tax brack- is requested in H.R. 6. More importantly, Mr. We have tried for years to eliminate the et like Congress' plan does. Under the Presi- Speaker, the substitute makes the tax reduc- marriage penalty. In fact, it was a key provi- dent's marriage tax relief plan, only families tion contingent on certification that the Social sion in last year's Republican tax plan, which who do not itemize their taxes would benefit. Security trust fund will remain solvent until was vetoed by the President. It is past time to Simply put, Congress will provide working cou- 2050, certification that the Medicare trust fund get the job done, and I ask my colleagues to ples with four times more relief than the Presi- will remain solvent until 2030, and certification support the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act of dent's plan, dramatically easing the unfair tax that the publicly held national debt is projected 2000. burden on American families. to be eliminated by 2013. I ask my colleagues Our plan would increase the standard de- For working families, an extra $1,400 a year to vote responsibly by supporting the Rangel duction claimed by couples who do not itemize could mean a new computer to help children substitute. income tax deductions to double the amount with their education, child care for three Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I of the standard deduction for single taxpayers months, or a contribution to retirement sav- rise in support of the 125,000 married people beginning in 2001. Unlike the President's pro- ings. Over a decade, that money would pay in the Second District of Kansas who are ad- posal, we also would provide relief for the mil- for a family car, a college education, or the versely affected by the marriage tax penalty. lions of families that do itemize their taxes. down payment on a new home. Kansas couples have been penalized just By reducing the marriage penalty we can Of all the challenges married couples face for walking down the aisle and saying, ``I do.'' continue to expand the benefits of our current in providing for their children, the U.S. tax As I've traveled across my district over the strong economy to an even greater percent- code should not be one of them. I believe past three years and held town meetings, age of the American people. I believe the lift- familiesÐnot Washington bureaucratsÐknow each individual I have explained this penalty to ing of this unfair marriage tax penalty is a mat- best how to spend the money they have has said it is wrong. They are right, it is ter of fundamental tax fairness and will im- earned. It is time to eliminate the marriage tax wrong, and today I can tell them that we finally prove the lives of many working families by al- penalty and help strengthen the building block did something about it. lowing them to keep more of their hard-earned of or societyÐthe American family. Returning $1,000 to the average working paychecks. Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, consistent couple in Kansas will make a real difference in Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, critics of the with the position of many of my colleagues, I their lives. It may allow them to save for their Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act are calling it firmly believe that the marriage tax penalty children's college education, take a family va- irresponsible. I rise today to offer what I be- ought to be alleviated. It is an unfair burden cation or make long overdue home improve- lieve is truly irresponsible. Mr. Speaker, the past thirty years of taxing on many married couples and families. Also, ments. More importantly, returning this tax hard-working married couples is irresponsible. given the level of suffering that has rocked my overpayment will allow them to spend their Over-taxing American families at an average district, I would like nothing more than to have money in a way that will most benefit their of $1400 annually is irresponsible. Penalizing additional resources remain in the pockets of families. 25 million families annually is irresponsible. my constituents. Mr. Speaker, we can look forward to as Penalizing 58,781 families in my Southern During the rebuilding processÐin the after- much as $1.8 billion in non-Social Security California district is irresponsible. Placing an math of destruction from Hurricanes Dennis, budget surpluses over the next 10 years. This unnecessary tax burden on our working men Floyd and IreneÐevery dollar counts. This is bill will give back just 10% of the total pro- and women who devote their lives to each especially the case for low-income families. jected non-Social Security surplus. I think we However, Mr. Speaker, I am disturbed be- can say with confidence that the federal gov- other in marriage is blatantly irresponsible. Mr. Speaker, critics are calling eliminating cause this bill has many flaws and it is ill- ernment is in a sound financial position to re- the Marriage Tax Penalty reckless. Mr. Speak- timed. turn some of the taxpayers hard-earned er, this is not reckless. Punishing working mar- As a body, we have yet to agree to a budg- money. ried couples is reckless. American families et resolution for Fiscal Year 2001. Thus, size A yes vote on this important bill is not only paying more in taxes than for food, clothing, of any budget surplus remains to be deter- fiscally sound, it will end the unfair practice of shelter and transportation combinedÐis un- mined. As a body we have not yet done what taxing the marriage license, and will put in equivocally reckless. Eliminating the marriage we know Americans want us to do: to reduce place a tax policy that encourages marriage tax penalty for only a quarter of the affected the debt, protect Social Security and Medicare and families. Vote yes on the Marriage Tax families as the President's plan would do is first. Penalty Relief Act. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6 is projected to have a Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support reckless. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- net cost of $182 million over the next ten of legislation to repeal the marriage tax pen- port this legislation and provide meaningful tax years. This bill is far too costly and designed alty. Marriage is one of the most sacred insti- relief for all of our working families. Failure to to help those couples with no penalty and high tutions and serves as a strong foundation for do so is irresponsible. Failure to honor our incomes. The cost of H.R. 6 is too high, espe- stable families. However, our convoluted fed- most valued institutionÐthe familyÐis reck- cially when many working families will not eral tax code doesn't see marriage as an insti- less. Let's not lose this opportunity to affirm even benefit from these proposed tax cuts. tution worthy of praise, but rather as a con- the American family and provide meaningful The cost of this bill is too high, especially venient way to provide additional revenue for tax relief. when, as a result of the structure of this legis- federal coffers. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The Treasury Department estimates that 25 lation, many couples currently unaffected by HASTINGS of Washington). All time for the marriage penalty will receive tax reduc- million couples in the United States have to general debate has expired. tions. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to sup- pay an average of $1,400 more on their in- AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE port the Democratic alternative. come taxes every year, than they would if they OFFERED BY MR. RANGEL What is true is that Democrats and Repub- could file as individuals. In essence, the fed- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I offer an licans alike are committed to alleviating the eral tax code punishes millions of married cou- amendment in the nature of a sub- marriage tax penalty. The President also ples by pushing them into higher tax brackets. stitute. shares this commitment. Where we differ is on The marriage penalty taxes the income of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The how much this tax cut should be, how uni- family's second wage earner at a much higher Clerk will designate the amendment in versal in nature, and when this bill should be rate than if the salary were taxed only as an the nature of a substitute. considered. individual. The text of the amendment in the na- The bill we are currently considering will This unfair assessment on marriage is noth- ture of a substitute is as follows: prevent other needed tax cuts, prevent re- ing new, but it is becoming a larger problem. Amendment in the nature of a substitute sources from being allocated to Medicare, So- The share of dual-earner married couples has offered by Mr. RANGEL: cial Security, child care and other family risen from 48 to 60 percent since 1969, and Strike all after the enacting clause and in- needs. this percentage is only expected to rise in the sert the following: I strongly feel that the Democratic alter- future. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. native to H.R. 6 is effective and will achieve Even the President recommended reducing This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Marriage our overall goal of providing Americans across the marriage penalty in his final State of the Tax Penalty Relief Act of 2000’’. this nation the relief that they so desperately Union Address, not once, but twice. I earnestly SEC. 2. MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF. (a) STANDARD DEDUCTION.— need. It is a more responsible approach in that hope that the new millennium will see the be- (1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section it reduces the ``marriage penalty'' by $89 mil- ginning of the end for this unfair assault on 63(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- lion over 10 years; this is about half of what married taxpayers. lating to standard deduction) is amended—

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.039 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H319 (A) by striking ‘‘$5,000’’ in subparagraph Board of Trustees of the Social Security ple that just got married, the Hallihans (A) and inserting ‘‘twice the dollar amount Trust Funds that the Federal Old-Age and from Illinois who, by the way, that in effect under subparagraph (C) for the tax- Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Fed- chart was before the committee last able year’’, eral Disability Insurance Trust Fund are in week. Last week their total income is (B) by adding ‘‘or’’ at the end of subpara- actuarial balance until the year 2050. graph (B), (2) MEDICARE SOLVENCY CERTIFICATION.— $50,000. Today it is $61,000. God bless (C) by striking ‘‘in the case of’’ and all The term ‘Medicare solvency certification’ them for the big increase over the that follows in subparagraph (C) and insert- means a certification by the Board of Trust- weekend. Eleven grand. Wow, are they ing ‘‘in any other case.’’, and ees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust on a roll. (D) by striking subparagraph (D). Fund that such Trust Fund is in actuarial Well, Mr. Speaker, the entire bill be- (2) INCREASE ALLOWED AS DEDUCTION IN DE- balance until the year 2030. fore us costs $182 billion. The Demo- TERMINING MINIMUM TAX.—Subparagraph (E) (3) PUBLIC DEBT ELIMINATION CERTIFI- cratic substitute resolves the marriage of section 56(b)(1) of such Code is amended by CATION.—There is a public debt elimination penalty. That costs this much right adding at the end the following new sen- certification if the Director of the Office of tence: ‘‘The preceding sentence shall not Management and Budget certifies that, tak- here, $76 billion, $77 billion. Plus we apply to so much of the standard deduction ing into account the tax reductions made by also correct another problem that is under subparagraph (A) of section 63(c)(2) as this Act and other legislation enacted during going to be upon us, and that is putting exceeds the amount which be such deduction calendar year 2000, the national debt held by people in the alternative minimum tax. but for the amendment made by section the public is projected to be eliminated by We correct that at this point. My col- 2(a)(1) of the Marriage Tax Penalty Relief the year 2013. leagues do not. Act of 2000. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- But where does the vast benefit go if (3) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— ant to House Resolution 419, the gen- it is not going to those who pay a mar- (A) Subparagraph (B) of section 1(f)(6) of such Code is amended by striking ‘‘(other tleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) riage penalty? It goes to the high in- than with’’ and all that follows through and a Member opposed each will con- come, those making over $75,000 a year. ‘‘shall be applied’’ and inserting ‘‘(other than trol 30 minutes. As the red portion of the chart shows with respect to sections 63(c)(4) and The Chair recognizes the gentleman us, of the total bill before us, $105 bil- 151(d)(4)(A)) shall be applied’’. from New York (Mr. RANGEL). lion goes for increasing the 15 percent (B) Paragraph (4) of section 63(c) of such Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 bracket. Of this slice of the pie, of this Code is amended by adding at the end the minutes to the gentleman from Wis- slice of the pie, 84.1 percent go to the following flush sentence: consin (Mr. KLECZKA). poor, moderate-income Republicans, ‘‘The preceding sentence shall not apply to Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, for the making more than $75,000 a year. the amount referred to in paragraph (2)(A).’’. last 3 hours we have been extolling the I challenge my colleagues in the next (b) EARNED INCOME CREDIT.— hour of debate, respond to this. Tell (1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section virtues of eliminating the marriage tax 32 of such Code (relating to credit for earned penalty. The most amazing part of the the American people why half the bene- income) is amended by adding at the end the debate is, we all agree. fits go to those who do not even pay a following new paragraph: I agree with the gentlewoman from marriage penalty today. ‘‘(3) REDUCTION OF MARRIAGE PENALTY.— Connecticut (Mrs. JOHNSON). In fact, I Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a joint re- have introduced legislation that does claim the time in opposition to the turn, the phaseout amount under this sec- just that. So that is not in question be- amendment. tion shall be such amount (determined with- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. out regard to this paragraph) increased by fore us today. HASTINGS of Washington). The gen- $2,500 ($2,000 in the case of taxable years be- The President supports it. The Vice ginning during 2001). President, AL GORE, supports it. What tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) is rec- ‘‘(B) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case is the problem with the bill we have be- ognized for 30 minutes. of any taxable year beginning in a calendar fore us today? Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 year after 2002, the $2,500 amount contained Mr. Speaker, look at this chart. minute to the gentleman from South in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an b Dakota (Mr. THUNE). amount equal to the product of— 1430 Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, let me just ‘‘(i) such dollar amount, and The problem with the bill, and I have say that the legislation that the Demo- ‘‘(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment deter- taken the liberty of renaming it, I crat substitute, as we are discussing it mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar think it should be really called the tax year in which the taxable year begins, deter- here today, does not get the job done. mined by substituting ‘calendar year 2001’ fraud act of the year 2000, because Re- We need to do the right thing for the for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B) publican after Republican has stood up American people, and the right thing is thereof. and said the bill provides marriage to eliminate the marriage penalty in If any increase determined under the pre- penalty tax relief. When the bill was the Tax Code. ceding sentence is not a multiple of $50, such before the Committee on Ways and My colleagues just heard in elaborate increase shall be rounded to the next lowest Means last week, we asked the Repub- detail some of the discussion from the multiple of $50.’’. lican staffers, where do the benefits go? gentlemen on the other side of this (2) REPEAL OF REDUCTION OF REFUNDABLE Ms. Paulls, their main staffer, con- issue. But I can tell my colleagues on TAX CREDITS.— ceded to all of us that over 50 percent behalf of the people that I represent in (A) Subsection (d) of section 24 of such of the benefits in this bill go to people Code is amended by striking paragraph (2) the State of South Dakota, I had a gen- and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph who do not pay a marriage penalty. tleman come into my office a couple of (2). They are in a marriage bonus situa- weeks ago, a young couple in their (B) Section 32 of such Code is amended by tion. They are rewarded for being mar- middle thirties, combined income striking subsection (h). ried. about $67,000 a year and two kids. He (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments So what is all this rhetoric we are had gone through the calculation to de- made by this section shall apply to taxable hearing about? Why will not any of my termine what his marriage penalty years beginning after December 31, 2000. Republican colleagues respond to this? would be, and it comes out that he will SEC. 3. TAX REDUCTIONS CONTINGENT ON SO- If they do not have a decent answer, pay an additional $1,953 this year in in- CIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE SOL- VENCY CERTIFICATIONS. just say, Because we wanted to do it, come taxes, Federal income taxes, for (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any that is why. the benefit and privilege of being mar- other provision of this Act, no provision of Well, where does this inequity come ried. We need to fix that. this Act (or amendment made thereby) shall from? What the Republicans have done The legislation, as proposed by the take effect until there is— in this bill, they have added a change House Committee on Ways and Means (1) a social security certification, in the lowest tax bracket, the 15 per- and the gentleman from Texas (Chair- (2) a Medicare certification, and cent tax bracket. By doing that, we man ARCHER), does that. And it does (3) a public debt elimination certification. found from the Citizens for Tax Justice not just do it halfway, it does it in its (b) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this subsection— that 84 percent of those benefits go to entirety. (1) SOCIAL SECURITY SOLVENCY CERTIFI- those earning $75,000 a year or more. This is something that we need to CATION.—The term ‘social security solvency Well, wait a minute. I just heard this fix. It is a problem that is long overdue certification’ means a certification by the is for the poor and moderate, the cou- for a solution. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, I

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.046 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 think it is high time we correct the in- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve take care of their own parents, our own equity in the Tax Code as it exists the balance of my time. parents and our own Social Security today and vote against the Democrat Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 first and then deal with taxes. substitute and support the legislation minutes to the gentleman from Wash- Vote for the Democratic alternative. that came out of the Committee on ington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) from the Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Ways and Means. Committee on Ways and Means. minute to the gentlewoman from Con- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was necticut (Mrs. JOHNSON). minutes to the gentleman from Mary- given permission to revise and extend Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. land (Mr. CARDIN). his remarks.) Speaker, there has been a lot of rhet- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, let me Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I oric and a lot of charts on the floor. I thank the gentleman from New York imagine my colleagues sitting in their would like to just sort of set the record (Mr. RANGEL) for yielding me this time. offices listening to this, and perhaps straight. I want to thank the gentleman from the world watching it on C–SPAN, by First of all, I am proud of Republican New York for offering this substitute, now, their eyes have got to be glazed leadership on this issue, and I am very because I think it clarifies the cir- over about what is really happening pleased that my Democrat colleagues cumstance. We all favor dealing with here. The real issue of the Democratic now agree that everybody should get the marriage penalty and helping those alternative is this: we say that, first, the double deduction. In the original that have a marriage penalty. But let one deals with protecting Social Secu- proposal, they were not going to give it us concentrate on the differences be- rity, and then one deals with pro- to stay-at-home moms, and now they tween the Democratic motion, the al- tecting Medicare, and then one deals are giving it to everybody, and we are ternative, and the Republican bill. with paying down the debt of this giving it to everybody. The Democratic alternative provides country. When that is done, when one But this business of doubling the 15 $95 billion of relief. The Republican bill has a budget that does these things, percent bracket is very, very impor- is twice as expensive. The Republican the next thing one does is look at a tax tant; and there is, in fact, only one bill spends $100 billion on those who re- bill that relieves the burden of the group of people who are going to ben- ceive a marriage bonus, that is, they American taxpayer. efit. If you are over $51,000 in joint in- pay less taxes because they are mar- Now, my colleagues have seen here come, there is not going to be any ried, not more. That is wrong. that we on the Democratic side are giv- change. You will still be in the 28 per- The Democratic alternative protects ing $95 billion worth of tax relief under cent bracket. If you are under 43 per- the 44 million people who receive So- the so-called marriage tax penalty. The cent, there will be no change. You will cial Security and Medicare recipients chart put up on the other side with a still be in the 15 percent bracket. But if by allowing us to move forward with big zero is simply not the truth. But you are between 43 and 51, you are reducing debt and protecting Medicare the big issue here is whether we are going to be able to enjoy a 15 percent and Social Security. going to run and give tax relief before bracket which you cannot now. During general debate, I gave the ex- we deal with Social Security and Medi- That is because we are going to let ample of a Member of Congress, one care and paying down the debt. both the mom and the dad have that 25 who is married, and his spouse has no Now, 60 percent of married couples percent deduction that a single person income, versus a single Member of Con- are subject to this tax. Some of them has. These are the families that really gress who is not married. The single are getting a benefit already because of need it the most. These are two people person pays $4,300 more in taxes. The the way the structure is. My colleagues earning under $27,000, who are going to married person has a $4,300 marriage heard $100 billion of what they are benefit from this, or one earning more bonus today because that person is spending out of $190 billion tax bill is and one earning less. married. They pay less taxes. The Re- for people who already are getting a So it is very important from the publican bill, we give that individual benefit. No sense in that. point of view from fairness. It helps $1,400 more in tax relief. That is not We take the $95 billion and direct it primarily middle-income families in right. We should be dealing with the to the people at the bottom who need America, and I am real proud of that. people who pay a penalty. it, those people like this couple here Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. whose income has gone up $11,000 since myself such time as I may consume. WELLER), the sponsor of the bill, points we were in the committee. They make Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from to a difference, he says, between our $60,000. Most of ours is directed to peo- Connecticut (Mrs. JOHNSON), the pre- approach and the Republican approach, ple below that number. We increase the vious speaker, is talking about a tax talking about those who itemize their earned income tax credit for the work- cut, and that should be argued in a sep- tax returns. But what the gentleman ing poor. arate bill. But I think the way she ex- from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) has not We passed a bill here pushing people presses it and admits it has nothing to said, that for tax year 2000, for tax year out on to work. We do not want them do with the marriage penalty, it has 2001, for tax year 2002, there is no dif- on welfare. We all agree it is better to everything to do with something else. ference for those who itemize their tax work than be on welfare. But the Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the returns. I see he is on the floor, and earned income tax credit is the way we majority as to how many speakers they perhaps he will clarify that point. Be- try and help them when they are out have remaining, because the last time I cause the Republican bill does not there making $25,000, $30,000 and a cou- yielded back the balance of my time, start to take effect in 2003 as it relates ple of kids. they had a lot of speakers, and I think to those who itemize their deductions Now, the other thing that is inter- that the delivery ought to be more bal- and does not get fully implemented esting about this Republican bill is anced. I have several speakers, but I until the year 2008. those of you who get that valentine in think the time difference is on their Mr. Speaker, let us come together, the mail, ‘‘You have received your side. I am trying to determine how Democrats and Republicans. We can do marriage tax benefit from us, the Re- many speakers that they intend to this. The Democrat alternative is one- publican Party,’’ go in your living have. half as costly. It is focused to those room immediately and count your chil- Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, if the who are really paying the penalty. It dren. If you have more than two chil- gentleman will yield, I would say to gives us a chance to come together. dren, you are not getting it. You are the gentleman from New York, we have The administration supports it. It is an not getting it. So just be real careful an unlimited number of speakers on opportunity for us to really help those about spending this benefit you think this side. They are not all on the floor who are paying the penalty, not those you are going to get because it is at this time, and I do not know how who are receiving the bonus. That is fraudulent. It sounds like it is for ev- many will appear before we conclude what we should be doing. We can come erybody, and in fact it is not for every- this debate, so it is very difficult to together on this issue. body. tell right now. I urge my colleagues to support the But what is so awful about it is that Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, what is alternative. my colleagues would do this and not the time allotment?

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.085 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H321 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The full terminology, why is it faulty? Because, debt. Why should not the President time allotted was 30 minutes on either number one, itemizers, if they have think, as he gave his State of the side. The gentleman from New York any charitable deductions, if they have Union message, that the Democrats (Mr. RANGEL) has 21 minutes remain- any home mortgage interest or taxes and Republicans would come together, ing. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. on their home, they get no help from have a budget, deal with these issues, ARCHER) has 28 minutes remaining. the marriage penalty. They are left so that we can deal with the serious Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve out. Only those who do not itemize are problem of the marriage penalty. the balance of my time. helped. We help the itemizers. So basically, if my colleagues want Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield It also has no help for the stay-at- to know the difference, if they vote for myself such time as I may consume. home moms, or dads in those rare cases H.R. 6, they are not voting for relief for Mr. Speaker, for many reasons, I rise where the father stays at home and the marriage penalty. They are voting in strong opposition to this substitute elects to rear children instead of hav- for a bill that is going to be vetoed. amendment. But perhaps the most im- ing a career. No help, even if it could The other side knows it and those who portant reason is shown in these go into effect. And yet it creates sig- vote for it know it. If what we really charts. Here is the basic H.R. 6 bill. nificant complexities in a code that is want is relief, and we want it in a bi- What it does to provide relief, it dou- already too complex. We simply take partisan way, we should not reject the bles the standard deduction for joint advantage of what is already in the President’s hands, we should not reject filers. It helps couples that itemize, code without making it more complex. the hand of the minority and a bill such as homeowners, widens the 15 per- But under their system people will be that really is dealing with problems cent tax bracket. That is a big help to asked to fill out additional worksheets that go far beyond the penalty, and middle-income working Americans. before they can ever fill out their re- take a bill that is targeted for $95 bil- We did not double the 28 percent turn. That is what targeting so often lion rather than double, take a bill bracket, the 31 percent bracket, the 33 means. The last thing we should be that protects Social Security and percent bracket or the 39.6 percent doing today is making it more difficult Medicare, take a bill that pays down bracket. Those are the brackets that for people to understand the Tax Code the debt, and take a bill that the joint apply to higher income. and to take advantage of it. committee says that this can be done, So today I say to all my colleagues, and take a bill that the President of b 1445 make sure and vote for the real mar- the United States will sign. They were left alone. We doubled the riage penalty tax relief, the bipartisan It seems to me that it is very simple 15 percent bracket. That helps middle- bill, H.R. 6, cosponsored by 26 Demo- for us to decide. If we just want to vote income working Americans, and in- crats. It is the real marriage penalty for a gift for Valentine’s Day, that will creases the phase-out range for the relief and it is the real help for the never become law, then there is the earned income credit by $2,000. This is stay-at-home moms. It is not some choice, the blank sheet that the chair- real relief from the marriage penalty. election year gimmick that can only man has shown us. If, on the other And also included therein is relief for take effect in some out years which are hand, we want to reach out in a bipar- stay-at-home moms who have elected totally, totally uncertain and, which as tisan way and present to the President to do the most important task in our my colleagues can see, is estimated by a bill that he can sign, it is here. The society and that is to rear children. the nonpartisan joint committee as de- choice is ours to make. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The Democrats do not want them to livering zero tax relief. get any help out of this bill. They call Do not let Democrats annul our mar- my time. Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, the gen- it a marriage bonus. So be it. Call it a riage penalty tax relief. tleman is right, I am sure the Presi- marriage bonus, but, yes, we unabash- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of dent would sign the bill, a bill that edly also help the stay-at-home moms. my time. Now, what is the Democrat sub- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield does nothing. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to stitute, as estimated by the non- myself such time as I may consume. the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. CAL- partisan Joint Tax Committee? There Mr. Speaker, the difference between LAHAN). it is, my colleagues. The Joint Tax H.R. 6 and the Democratic alternative (Mr. CALLAHAN asked and was Committee estimates that the Demo- is that H.R. 6 is going to be vetoed and given permission to revise and extend crat substitute delivers zero tax relief. the Democratic alternative can be his remarks.) Now, why is that? Because they tie it signed into law. When the chairman Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I to the condition that before it can take had his blank sheet up there saying thank the gentleman for yielding me effect the entire public debt has to be that this would provide zero, he was this time, and I rise in support of the paid off. How long must married cou- the only one on the other side that ad- original bill and against the substitute. ples wait for relief? mitted that, yes, the Democratic plan But I would like to pose a question to And then they add other conditions; and tax alternative is conditioned. both the author of the substitute as that the Social Security Trust Fund I would say that the 20 or 30 Demo- well as the author of the original bill. must be certified as secure until the crats who joined with the other side in And that is, in 1993, when we had the year 2050. And then they add another trying to remove this penalty must largest tax increase in the history of condition; that the Medicare Trust have thought that they would be work- mankind, we suddenly decided it was Fund must be certified as being viable ing it out in a bipartisan way and not all right to retroactively tax people. So through the year 2030. have it fly in the face of the Presi- why does the gentleman from New All of these things must occur before dent’s budget. They must have thought York (Mr. RANGEL) and the gentleman any of their provisions can take effect. that the other side would not come and from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) consider in And so the joint committee says this is bring a tax cut bill to the floor without each of their bills an amendment that zero tax relief. It does not fix the mar- first having a budget. They must have would make this tax relief, under ei- riage penalty. It does not fix a single thought, as the President would hope, ther provision, retroactive to January thing. that in the budget they would say that 1, 1999? The plan is just like the old Peanuts they wanted to deal with Social Secu- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, will the comic strip where Charlie Brown keeps rity, that they wanted to deal with gentleman yield? trying to kick the ball, and Lucy keeps Medicare. They must have thought Mr. CALLAHAN. I yield to the gen- yanking the ball away as he comes that, just being a Republican, that tleman from New York. through so he never gets to kick it. they would say that before a tax cut Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would That is the Democrat substitute. That they would want to pay down, not answer the gentleman’s question by is not truth in advertising, and we eliminate but pay down, on the na- saying that the chairman does not talk should not mislead married couples. tional debt. to Democrats about anything con- We should help them. We are paying hundreds of billions of cerning tax policy. Now, even if the plan could take ef- dollars of interest on the trillions of Mr. CALLAHAN. Well, reclaiming fect, which it cannot under their own dollars that we owe on the national my time, Mr. Speaker, I would say to

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.087 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 the gentleman that I am a chairman We should help everybody who suffers up with a budget. We have done noth- and I am talking to him right now. the marriage tax penalty if we truly ing to come up with a budget. Mr. RANGEL. If the gentleman will want to make the Tax Code fair. We do We are treating this particular issue continue to yield, I would just simply so by doubling the standard deduction. on marriage tax penalty like a child in say that he and I ought to start work- But I would also point out that wid- a candy store. Give the child a dollar, ing together. ening the tax pack in the 15 percent that child is going to come back with Mr. CALLAHAN. Will the gentleman bracket, helping those who itemize, we $5 worth of candy to purchase. If we accept an amendment to his bill to will benefit 42 million Americans. tell the child about a budget, the child make it reactive to January 1, 1999, We also help the working poor by ad- will say, what budget? Congress cannot just as the gentleman supported the dressing the marriage penalty under handle the budget for all of America’s retroactiveness of the increasing taxes the earned income tax credit. And that families like a child in a candy store. in 1993? will benefit 1 million low-income fami- In my city of Los Angeles, where Mr. RANGEL. If we can find out how lies who receive higher earned income more than four out of every five people much it costs, and make certain we credit payments, up to $421 a year in the city make less than $70,000, few take care of Social Security, we can more, because we wipe out their mar- of them will benefit, because 70 percent work it out together. riage tax penalty as well. of the benefits in this particular bill Mr. CALLAHAN. That is my point, My colleagues, the Joint Committee before us, H.R. 6, goes to those who that I think we should accept, and I un- on Taxation scored. They are the ones make more than $70,000. That is not derstand an amendment would be out that tell us whether or not there is tax fair. of order but one is going to be offered relief in a proposal. They said they es- By 2010, when this fully takes effect, anyway, that we should consider the timate the substitute will not go into 47 percent of American families with fact that we ought to retroactively ef- effect and thus there is no revenue im- two children will receive nothing or fect this just as they did in 1993 when pact. And what they mean by that is, less than the tax relief that this bill they created all these new taxes. We the way this is written, it will never proposes to give to America’s families. ought to give these people that were happen. So under the Democrat sub- That is not tax relief for America’s impacted, and that are filing their families. taxes now, the same opportunity for stitute there is not going to be any marriage tax relief. It will never hap- Let us eliminate the marriage tax the income tax refund this April 15. penalty for married couples. Let us all Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, will the pen. agree to that. But let us do it right, let gentleman yield? b 1500 Mr. CALLAHAN. I yield to the gen- us do it fairly, and let us do it respon- Under H.R. 6, we begin providing tleman from Maryland. sibly within the framework of a respon- marriage tax relief for the middle class Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I would sible budget. Let us get our act to- tell my good friend, because I know he next year immediately. And my hope is gether. Let us do it the way American is for accuracy, that he must know a good number of Democrats will join families do it, figure out how much that the Dole-Reagan tax cut of 1982, with us. I was proud that 30 Demo- money we have and then figure out that tax increase, was higher than the cratic Members chose to cosponsor the how much money we can spend and in- 1993. bill, joining almost 240 colleagues of vest. But, before that, do not put the Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 this House, a bipartisan majority, co- cookies and candy in front of the chil- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois sponsoring an effort to wipe out the dren because they take it; and at the (Mr. WELLER), the distinguished spon- marriage tax penalty for a majority of end of the day, we will not have the sor of this legislation. those who suffer it. money to pay for it. Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank It is a fairness issue. We should work Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the gentleman for the opportunity to together. My hope is that, by the time minute to the gentleman from Penn- address the substitute being offered by this legislation reaches the President’s sylvania (Mr. PITTS). the gentleman from New York (Mr. desk, it is a stand-alone bill, there are Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, the family RANGEL). And of course I rise in opposi- no extraneous issues. It is a clean mar- is the fundamental building block of tion to the substitute, with all due re- riage tax elimination proposal that American society. No school or social spect to my colleague, and rise in sup- helps 25 million married couples. It de- worker can replace it. Without the port of H.R. 6, the bipartisan approach serves bipartisan support. Let us get it family, a child is deprived. Without to eliminating the marriage tax pen- signed into law. parents, a child grows up with a very alty. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 real disability. My colleagues, H.R. 6 helps 25 million minutes to the gentleman from Cali- If our families are this important, I married working couples, 50 million fornia (Mr. BECERRA), a member of the do not see how we can possibly justify Americans who today pay higher taxes Committee on Ways and Means. penalizing American couples for being just because they are married. We be- Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank married. Marriage is sacred. It should lieve to be fair, and eliminating the the gentleman from New York (Mr. not be penalized. The marriage penalty marriage tax penalty is a fairness RANGEL) for yielding me the time. tax is unfair. It harms 25 million Amer- issue, that we should help everybody Mr. Speaker, I support the Demo- ican families. who suffers the marriage tax penalty. cratic substitute because I want to pro- Charging American families $1,400 a That is why we double the standard de- vide honest marriage penalty relief for year for being married is unconscion- duction for those who do not itemize. the more than 44 million families in able. Our tax policy should not discour- I would point out that that benefits 6 my congressional district. But I also age family formation. It should encour- million senior citizens. It is a good want to protect the Social Security age family formation. It is time for us idea, and we make it effective imme- and Medicare benefits that are enjoyed to strengthen our families in this coun- diately. We also help those who by more than 42,000 of my constituents, try. Perhaps we cannot make strong itemize. And the Joint Committee on as well; and I also want to reduce the families just by passing laws, but we Taxation tells us that half of those who more than $8.4 billion that my con- can remove those laws that tempt fam- suffer the marriage tax penalty do not stituents must bear of the more than ilies to split apart. itemize and the other half do itemize. $3.6 trillion in debt that the Federal We should go on record by saying The main reason that many middle Government right now holds. that we believe our moms and dads class families itemize is because they Mr. Speaker, the reason we have should be together, that every child de- are homeowners, or they give to their problems is because this plan, under serves a mom and dad in one house and church or synagogue or charity, so H.R. 6, does nothing on Social Secu- have time for their kids. A vote for they itemize their taxes. The Rangel rity. It does not strengthen it. Where is H.R. 6 is a vote for the American fam- substitute ignores homeowners and the plan to strengthen Medicare? ily. those who give to charity, their Where is the plan to reduce that $3.6 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield church, synagogue, or temple and trillion Federal debt? There is no plan 31⁄2 minutes to the distinguished gen- itemize. because this Congress yet has to come tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER).

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:54 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.091 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H323 Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Repub- life of and add prescription drug bene- Now, this is a modest tax cut. And licans’ risky and irresponsible tax fits to America. And let us pay down look who it will help. A police officer schemes have more lives than Freddy our national debt and keep our econ- and waitress making $30,000 with two Krueger, the marauder in the movie omy vibrant for future generations. kids would get an additional $718 in ‘‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’’ They died I urge my colleagues to vote against benefits under the Republican marriage in August, and they are back in Feb- this bill, the first of many that would penalty. This couple is not rich. They ruary. They just will not die no matter only squander our budget surpluses. are hard working and they need tax re- how bad they are. Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield lief. A schoolteacher and a storm man- Last year’s monster tax machine, a myself such time as I may consume. ager making $50,000 a year with two plan that primarily would have bene- Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed at kids would get $225 under this tax plan, fited the wealthiest Americans, is back the remarks of the previous gentleman, or over 10 years $2,550. That is a lot to- to haunt us again this year. The major- inserting presidential political cam- ward a kid’s college education. They ity has chopped a huge tax bill into paign rhetoric into this debate. It real- are not rich. They need tax relief. smaller bills, and the marriage penalty ly does not connect to what we are I said this earlier when I got up, by bill before us is one of those pieces. talking about today. doubling the bracket, all we are doing Well, we are not going to stand by Now, many may be concerned, many is helping schoolteachers, waitresses, while they threaten the American may be interested in his comments policemen, store managers, those kinds economy. We are not going to stand by about Governor Bush’s tax plan. It just of hard-working Americans. And I am while they strengthen our sacred com- so happens it has no relationship to the proud to do it. pact with seniors, Social Security. We debate of the bill that we are talking Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield are not going to stand by and let them about today. I would hope that we myself such time as I may consume. turn Valentine’s Day into the Valen- could stay on debating this bill. Mr. Speaker, is the gentlewoman 1 OHNSON tine’s Day Massacre of America’s fu- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to from Connecticut (Mrs. J ) say- ture. the gentlewoman from Connecticut ing that she is supporting recom- It is clear, the majority did not learn (Mrs. JOHNSON). mending a tax cut before we have a a thing after last year’s tax debacle. Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. budget? The American people saw right Speaker, this is a very important mat- Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the through the Republicans’ $792 billion ter of tax fairness. This is not a huge gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. risky tax scheme. They saw that the tax package. It is not a budget buster. JOHNSON) to answer the question. Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. top 1 percent of American income earn- It is about tax fairness. Speaker, I am absolutely supporting ers would have reaped 41 percent, the I am disappointed that my Demo- getting this tax-cutting bill started. top 1 percent, 41 percent of the bene- cratic colleagues were against this pro- Because the gentleman from New York fits, according to an analysis by Citi- vision when it was part of a big bill; (Mr. RANGEL) knows and I know that zens for Tax Justice. but they said they were for marriage That unfairness is one reason why penalty relief, just not in that bill. our process is such a long and com- President Clinton vetoed that bill. And Now we bring a small bill, just mar- plicated one that, by the time this bill that is why, my colleagues, Senator riage penalty relief; and they are not winds its way through the Senate and into conference committee, this House JOHN MCCAIN called it ‘‘a cornucopia of for this bill, even though they say they good deals for special interests and a are for marriage penalty relief. and the Senate will have a budget reso- nightmare for common citizens.’’ That We are for marriage penalty relief. lution passed. Because we know we are going to set aside some money for tax was JOHN MCCAIN. This is a nightmare And we know that by starting this tax the majority apparently wants us to bill now, by the time it winds its way fairness, and we say this is number one relive today. through our slow process, we will have on tax fairness. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank Now the majority has even hitched a budget resolution; and, in that budg- the gentlewoman for her comments. its wagon to the tax plan put out by et resolution, we will make clear how I think, basically, Mr. Speaker, that presidential candidate George W. Bush. much we are going to spend, how much the gentlewoman from Connecticut The Bush campaign says its plan would we are going to pay down the national (Mrs. JOHNSON) may have set the dif- cost an estimated $483 billion over 5 debt, and how much we are going to re- ference that we have between our ap- years. But what it does not say, my serve to reduce the burden of taxes on proach to this very serious tax prob- colleagues, is that the Bush tax plan the American people. lem. We like to have a budget. We like would explode to $1.8 trillion by fiscal It was the Republicans that in the to take care of the things we have to year 2010. last year led the fight for $15 billion take care of. And we like to target re- The Bush plan not only would eat up add-back to Medicare. Before our com- lief. the entire non-Social Security surplus, mittee, the President would say, oh, it would also raise as much as three- there is a problem. Do something about b 1515 fourths, 75 percent, of the 10-year pro- it. But he never would say how much or The gentlewoman is suggesting that jected Social Security surplus, accord- where from. And when he sent a bill up if we give this relief now, that, sooner ing to the Citizens for Tax Justice. here to close that deficit in our budget, or later, the House and the Senate will We are not the only ones who see the what was in it? A Medicare cut. have a budget. dangers lurking. In Johnstown, Iowa, So we added back in Medicare. We Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the on January 16, again Senator MCCAIN have reduced the deficit by $140 billion. gentleman from Texas (Mr. STENHOLM), commented, ‘‘Governor Bush’s plan has And the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. a man who has worked for many, many not one penny for Social Security, not HASTERT), the Speaker of the House, years on this budget problem, who may one penny for Medicare, and not one has committed to eliminating the debt be able to explain this new Republican penny for paying down the national by the year 2015. So we are on track to concept to us. debt.’’ fulfill our promises to reduce the (Mr. STENHOLM asked and was In one of his television ads, Senator American Government’s debt to lower given permission to revise and extend MCCAIN stated, quote, ‘‘There’s one big taxes on the American people. We are his remarks.) difference between me and the others: I on track. Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I, too, will not take every last dime of the Last year we added more money back am a little troubled by some of the surplus and spend it on tax cuts that in education than the President rec- rhetoric I have been hearing from my mostly benefit the wealthy.’’ That was ommended. We added more money back colleagues today that the Democratic Senator MCCAIN. in education and more money back in substitute does nothing, objecting to Neither will we. We have a rare op- healthcare. Education, health care, the the language of the Democratic sub- portunity in our Nation’s history, and environment. Those were priorities in stitute and the motion to recommit we must seize it. Let us use these sur- our budget. And we did it at the same making tax relief contingent on a plan pluses to shore up our sacred promise time we also reduced the debt and rec- to eliminate the debt and strength- of Social Security. Let us extend the ommended tax cuts. ening Social Security and Medicare.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.094 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 The simple truth is if the Republican The gentleman clearly knows that the unfairness in the Tax Code, when in leadership is serious about eliminating whatever budget resolution we adopt fact it was they that are responsible the publicly held debt and strength- will have plenty of room for this mod- for them in the first place. Let us pass ening Social Security and Medicare, est tax cut. The gentleman fully knows this bill overwhelmingly today. the contingency language in the Demo- that it will not interfere with Medi- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield cratic substitute will not prevent mar- care, that it will not interfere with So- myself such time as I may consume. riage tax penalty relief from becoming cial Security, that it will not interfere Mr. Speaker, it is really interesting a reality, or, to my friend from Ala- with paying down the debt. The only to see my distinguished chairman ask- bama, having it retroactively applied way that it could would be if he and his ing for the President’s leadership on to this year, if we can fit it within a colleagues want to increase spending Social Security. He sure did not ask for budget. $170 billion above current level, which any leadership for that $792 billion tax The Speaker and the President have is in the President’s budget. The Presi- cut, and I do not hear them asking for both expressed a desire to pay off our dent spent $4.3 billion a minute for leadership, since they are in the major- national debt by 2013. There are several every minute in his State of the Union ity, on any other issue. plans to strengthen Social Security; address for new spending. But any As a matter of fact, we can talk Kolbe-Stenholm, that of the gentleman budget that we adopt will include plen- about the Archer-Shaw plan all we from Michigan (Mr. SMITH), the gen- ty of room for this. want. We do not have any legislation tleman from South Carolina (Mr. SAN- Now, as far as Social Security is con- that has been submitted to our com- FORD), and Archer-Shaw. cerned, the gentleman is genuine about mittee or to the House floor for consid- We could deal with these challenges Social Security; I am genuine about eration. But I guess we are still wait- if the leadership of the House was will- Social Security. I have laid forth a ing for the President to provide leader- ing to work together and make it a pri- plan called the Archer-Shaw plan that ship for this legislative body to fix So- ority. The only explanation for any ob- would save Social Security for all cial Security. Now the President comes and says he jection to the contingency language in time, not just for 50 years, that would wants to fix the marriage penalty, but the Democratic substitute is that the get better and better and better at the you do not ask for his leadership on Republican leadership is not serious end of the next century and the cen- that. You go in the back room and you about establishing a plan to eliminate tury beyond, and it can be done for $1.3 come out with this tax cut. the publicly held debt or strengthening trillion of the surplus out of a $3 tril- Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the Social Security and Medicare. That has lion projected surplus. There is plenty distinguished gentleman from Texas to be the conclusion. of room. (Mr. STENHOLM). Now, I want to provide relief to the Now, why have we not considered So- Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I use 57,000 couples in the 17th Congressional cial Security? It should not get up in this time to respond to my good friend District of Texas who pay a marriage this debate. It has no connection to from Texas by saying he made my tax penalty, but I also care about the this bill. But the gentleman raised it. point, my point in asking that we have 67,000 households in my district who It is because there has not been active a budget before we discuss tax cuts or depend upon Social Security, the presidential leadership. spending increases. 253,000 workers paying into the Social I have done my best to try to build a It is the fact that the gentleman’s Security system now who are counting bipartisan coalition in the House. I very own bill, which he mentioned, will on us to make sure Social Security and have developed a plan that has been cost $933 billion over the next 10 years. Medicare are there for them when they criticized severely by the right wing. It would seem to me, and this is the retire, the 250,000 children under age 18 But there has been no coming together, point I was trying to make, that if we who will face a crushing debt burden and the President has not provided the truly are concerned about the future of and higher taxes if we do not take ac- leadership. I, too, would like to say Social Security, and you have a good tion now to deal with Social Security save that. But let us talk about this program, you have one of which I and Medicare and paying off our na- bill, and not about a disconnect that would not talk down about, but it costs tional debt, and the 107,000 families in has nothing to do with this bill. money, and what the gentleman is say- my district I care about with home Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the ing with the bill today is that it takes mortgages who I believe will benefit gentleman from Washington (Mr. priority over the Social Security bill from lower interest rates if we reduce NETHERCUTT). that the gentleman is advocating. My our national debt. Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I point is we should have that debate in I do not understand, Mr. Chairman, thank the gentleman for his good work the context of priorities. with all due respect to the gentleman on this bill. Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as a fellow Texan, why we continue to Mr. Speaker, it is instructive to 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from have all of the debate about a tax cut think back as to how this particular Kentucky (Mr. FLETCHER). instead of bringing the Social Security unfair tax penalty on marriage got in Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I ap- question to the floor of the House and the code in the first place. It happened, preciate the chairman putting forth debating it. I do not understand why I am informed, about 30 years ago. And this bill, and I rise today in strong sup- we spent all of last year debating a $1 guess who controlled Congress then? port of this bill. trillion tax cut that did get vetoed, as The Democratic Party. I stand amazed as we see the minor- it should have gotten vetoed, and, here Now we want to take it out in strict ity be very gifted in demagoguery, to we go again, same argument, same de- fairness to the 58,000-plus couples in the point I think they could dema- bate, same mischaracterization of my particular Congressional District gogue apple pie if we put that up. It is everybody’s position regarding the who pay an average of $1,400 more than also very interesting as we look that issue. they otherwise would if they were not there has been a lot of rhetoric and jar- Why can we not deal openly and hon- married, and now guess who wants to gon, we are talking about Social Secu- estly with Social Security? As the gen- not take it out, to prevent it from rity and Medicare. I looked at the num- tleman knows, I will gladly join with being taken out of the code? The ber of bills. We have almost 4,000 bills him, as I have joined with others on his Democratic Party. filed, almost 2,000 by the minority side, side of the aisle, to work on this ques- It does not work. You cannot have it and only 49 deal with Social Security. tion. But the only conclusion I come to both ways. From 1969 until the Repub- We bring up one bill that will bring is that is not on the agenda for this lican Congress took over the House and fairness to families and married cou- year, that we have to wait. That is why the Senate, the debt went up dramati- ples and they talk about Social Secu- getting a budget first makes a lot more cally. Who was in charge then? The rity, when we have 25 percent more sense to the American people. Democratic Congress. bills that deal with Social Security and Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield So I think it is disingenuous of the Medicare and offer plans to reform myself such time as I may consume Democrats in this House to start blam- them. simply to respond to the gentleman ing the Republicans for the problems So it is very clear that first we have from Texas. that exist with regard to the debt and saved Social Security. We put all the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.109 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H325 money aside. Now we want to provide Mr. CRANE. My only point is has the It is entirely unclear how the measure's fairness, fairness because a couple gentleman checked their registration, whopping cost will fit into the budget picture, wants to make a committed relation- their voter registration? since the bill is being advanced before consid- ship to their family. Mr. RANGEL. No. I only want to do eration of the FY 2001 budget resolution. Now we talk about family. What does what is right for the people, regardless A family with one child and an income of that mean? What about the spouses of their registration. $50,000 would receive at most $218 in annual that want to stay home? Our bill gives Mr. CRANE. I wanted to make sure tax relief because their taxable income is at them that kind of support, because that these are not just Republicans the 15% tax rate. If they own their own home they make a great sacrifice when they taking the hit in the gentleman’s dis- and itemize their mortgage interest deduction stay home. Your bill does not do that trict. they would receive no benefit from the Repub- on the minority side. Mr. RANGEL. That is a good point. lican bill. The President sent down a budget Mr. CRANE. I think we all, on a bi- Many middle-income families with children with one provision called an infant partisan basis, we all have an oppor- will not get any tax relief because the Repub- child credit. He gives $250 a year for an tunity here to provide much-needed re- licans ignored the alternative minimum tax infant. But do you know what it does? lief to continue to foster the growth of (AMT) when writing their bill. It takes it away after the child is one an institution that is in our national Once fully phased in, 70% of the benefit of year old. That is what he has got in his interest and our community interest. the tax cut goes to the top quarter of income budget. He kicks him out and says you Our families are dependent upon it, and earners and will cost about $20 billion a year. are on your own after one year. What we do not want to continue to punish Half of the relief goes to those who do not pay kind of values are those? That is not people for doing the right thing. As you any marriage penalty today. valuing the American family. know, that hit is primarily on people I support the Democratic Substitute because This bill is clearly something that in the $20,000 to $75,000 income bracket. (1) it protects Social Security and Medicare will set straight fairness and begin the That used to be awesome dollars. It is first, (2) provides more relief to lower income path to fairness in our tax structure not awesome dollars any more, and working couples, and (3) costs less than half and begin to say we are concerned people are struggling and struggling as much as the Republican bill. about the family, and we want to make very hard. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield sure that the message we have coming So I would urge all of my colleagues, the remainder of the time to the gen- out of this House is a message that let us get back together again. Even tleman from Michigan (Mr. BONIOR), says you are important and we want to President Clinton recognized belatedly our minority whip. support you in what you are doing. that there was marriage penalty tax The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 relief in that big bill that we passed be- HASTINGS of Washington). The gen- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois fore that he vetoed. tleman from Michigan (Mr. BONIOR) is (Mr. CRANE), the ranking member on recognized for 61⁄2 minutes. b the Committee on Ways and Means. 1530 Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my So even he came back with a modest congratulate the gentleman from New distinguished chairman for yielding me move in the right direction. We will York (Mr. RANGEL), my dear friend and time on this issue. help him continue down that path too. his committee, as well as Members on Mr. Speaker, I will be celebrating my I urge all of my colleagues to get be- the other side of the aisle for working 41st wedding anniversary on Valen- hind the bill. Vote for H.R. 6. on this bill. tine’s Day, and am looking forward to Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I would A few years back, Jim Carey had a that occasion, and my wife is too, and say to the gentleman that I believe movie out that I am sure some of you our seven remaining children are going under the rules we have the right to heard about, perhaps, and hopefully did to be there to celebrate it with us. It is close, and I would encourage the gen- not see; but it was called ‘‘Dumb and something that, when I reflect on the tleman to have his last speaker, and Dumber.’’ We could give the same title importance of getting some kind of re- then we will have our last speaker. to a movie about the marriage penalty lief in our obscene Tax Code, is an issue Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield tax. After all, what could possibly be that I struggled with, my wife strug- such time as she may consume to the dumber than telling a schoolteacher gled with, all of our kids struggled gentlewoman from California (Ms. and a police officer, for example, that with, and I know you folks over here PELOSI). if they tied the knot, their taxes would struggled with the same thing. It is (Ms. PELOSI asked and was given be going up. Well, there is one thing something we are trying to address. permission to revise and extend her re- that would be dumber, and that would Mr. Speaker, in my district in the marks.) be to allow this kind of taxpayer abuse State of Illinois we have the highest Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank to continue. number of married couples that are the gentleman for yielding, and I com- The bottom line is that at a time being burdened with this marriage pen- mend him for his great work on this when it has never been more important alty tax in the entire State of Illinois. Democratic alternative. to help keep America’s families to- It is over 70,000 couples. That is over I urge support of it and rise in oppo- gether, the marriage penalty tax does 140,000 individuals in my Congressional sition to this so-called valentine for only one thing, and that is help to pull District. married couples in America, which is couples apart. I do recognize that our distinguished more like a Halloween trick masking That is why so many of us were look- minority leader has only 30,000 couples yet again another tax break for the ing forward to working together to in his district that are burdened this high end. I urge my colleagues to vote craft a bipartisan bill, Democrats and way, and I asked him if they had done yes on the alternative and no on the Republicans together, to repeal the polling up there, because I questioned Republican proposal. marriage penalty once and for all. That whether they are registered Repub- The timing of this bill is a political stunt for is why so many of us were so dis- licans and not understanding they are Valentine's Day. It forces Members to vote on appointed when the product that came taking this hit, or are they Repub- a bill without knowing its relationship to the out of the committee, H.R. 6, hit this licans and Democrats, because maybe overall budget. floor. we should all become Democrats. The bill is too expensive. Without gimmicks, Instead of bringing Democrats and Mr. RANGEL. If the gentleman the true cost would be in excess of $250 bil- Republicans together to draft a sen- would yield, would the gentleman re- lion. It is a flawed attempt to resurrect the sible proposal to help middle-class cou- state his question? failed $800 billion tax cut strategy of last ses- ples, the sponsors of H.R. 6 have pre- Mr. CRANE. I was pointing out the sion. sented us with something far, far dif- gentleman has only 30,000 couples in The bill will drain projected surpluses that ferent. With a price tag, as we have his district that are adversely nega- should be used to extend the solvency of the heard throughout the debate this after- tively affected by this marriage pen- Social Security and Medicare systems, provide noon, of over $182 billion, H.R. 6 is a alty. There are 70,000 in mine. a prescription drug benefit to the elderly, a Pa- two-fisted assault on the U.S. Treas- Mr. RANGEL. Would the gentleman tients Bill of Rights, education initiatives and ury. It would rob America of the dol- explain his point, please? an increase in the minimum wage. lars it is going to take to pay down the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.112 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 debt, to strengthen Social Security, to ing people, we can deal with strength- They call it a marriage bonus. What protect Medicare. But as bad as all of ening and protecting Medicare and So- do they mean by a marriage bonus? that is, under H.R. 6, nearly half, half cial Security; we can have the re- They mean the child-caring parents of all families with two children would sources to deal with our education and who forgo a career, who forgo going out receive only a small part of the tax re- health care needs. and making money in the private sec- lief that had been promised them. In Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to tor, and they are performing the most many cases, they would receive noth- vote for our substitute. It is the only beautiful and the most important role ing at all. plan that repeals the marriage penalty, in our society. Yes, we help them. We What is more, half of the tax breaks but also allows us to pay down the are proud of it. They urge it as a defect provided under H.R. 6 would go to tax- debt, protect Social Security, strength- in the bill. They do nothing for them. payers who currently pay no marriage en Medicare. But I say to my colleagues, their sub- penalty tax today. Let me repeat that. Mr. Speaker, the marriage penalty is stitute does nothing for anyone. It is a Half of the $182 billion would go to dumb, but H.R. 6 is dumber. I urge my nothing bill. And the joint committee folks who pay no marriage penalty tax colleagues to vote against it on final says it gives no tax relief. today. Many of them are in the group passage. Let us also talk about who bears the of the highest income earners in our Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield marriage penalty burden the most. The country, the top 25 percent of Ameri- myself such time as I may consume. CBO has done a study, and here is what cans. Mr. Speaker, I must say that as I they say: marriage bonuses occurred There is only one marriage H.R. 6 stand here in the well of this House of most often among married couples would strengthen, Mr. Speaker, and the people that I sense a string of large with incomes less than $20,000. I say to that is the long-standing romance be- red herrings being drawn across the the gentleman from New York (Mr. tween the Republican leadership and well. There is no connection between RANGEL), we help them. We do. I admit those who are most well off in this what we are doing here and Social Se- it. I am proud of it. And many of them country. curity or Medicare. Any reasonable are stay-at-home moms and stay-at- What is at stake here? What is this person knows that the surpluses ahead home dads, and that is a great asset in really all about, H.R. 6? It is about tak- are more than enough to take care of this bill, and my colleagues do nothing ing last year’s Republican tax plan, we Social Security and Medicare and leave for them. all remember it, it was very close to $1 an awful lot left over. The only thing What I said is a fact. What we are trillion, with a similar plan that Gov- that I can think is that the Democrats doing here is providing relief for all ernor Bush has out there now that is who want to draw this connection real- married couples, but we are accen- over $1 trillion, it is taking that plan ly want to spend the money. They are tuating the elimination of the mar- and cutting it up into little slices, lit- following the leadership of their Presi- riage tax penalty, which is wrong. tle pieces, hoping the American people dent when he said last year, we have a I am proud of this bill. All of us on a will swallow all of it. surplus; what should we do with it? We bipartisan basis should vote for it in- Well, Mr. Speaker, we are not biting could give some of it back to you, the stead of finding excuses that the time and neither are America’s working taxpayers who sent it here; but who is not right, the amount is too big, the families. Today, in my congressional would know if you would spend it amount is too small. We do not like district, there are 61,000 couples who right? They genuinely believe they this; we do not like that. This is a good are being stuck with the marriage pen- know how to spend money better than bill and vote against the substitute. alty. They deserve relief, not empty the taxpayers do by keeping more of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- promises. That is why we Democrats their money and spending it on their ant to House Resolution 419, the pre- have an alternative which unlike H.R. own problems. Only that could gen- vious question is ordered on the bill 6 would pull the plug on the marriage erate a concern as to whether this and on the amendment offered by the penalty and provide real tax relief to might impact on Social Security or on gentleman from New York (Mr. RAN- middle-class families. Medicare. GEL). Today, I would like to invite my Re- So let us dismiss that. That is one of The question is on the amendment in publican colleagues and friends to join the large red herrings. the nature of a substitute offered by us in making it the law of the land. Then another is, oh, we are going to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Why do we not decide right here and give too much to the rich. Another red RANGEL). now to join together, to roll up our herring. The question was taken; and the Let me read to my colleagues from sleeves and say in one strong voice Speaker pro tempore announced that the distribution table of the joint com- that we believe that marriage is a good the noes appeared to have it. thing. What is more, we should not mittee, the nonpartisan body that ad- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I object have to have a law on the books of this vises this Congress. What does this bill to the vote on the ground that a country that discourages it. We could do? For those with $20,000, it will cre- quorum is not present and make the even call it the bipartisan marriage ate a 14.4 percent reduction in taxes. point of order that a quorum is not penalty repeal act of the year 2000. Be- For a family of four with an income of present. cause what really matters at the end of $30,000, it will create a 93.9 percent re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- the day is not who gets the credit, it is duction in taxes. For a family of four dently a quorum is not present. whether families get the help that they with $50,000, it will be 7.6 reduction. The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- need. For a family of four with $75,000, it will sent Members. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6 will not provide be 10.7. For a family of four with The vote was taken by electronic de- it, and we ought to get together and $100,000, it will be 7.6; and if one has vice, and there were—yeas 192, nays craft a bipartisan plan that will. I urge over $200,000, which may get into the 233, not voting 9, as follows: my colleagues to think of what our al- rich category, it will be a reduction of ternative would do in moving us in only 2.5 percent. [Roll No. 13] that direction. Mr. Speaker, $95 billion So who gets the benefit from this YEAS—192 in marriage penalty relief targeted to bill? These are the official numbers, Abercrombie Blumenauer Clyburn middle-income families across this not concocted by somebody else who Ackerman Bonior Condit Allen Borski Conyers country and working families, and at wants to bend statistics. This is a fair Baca Boswell Costello the same time it does that, it would bill. More importantly, it is the right Baird Boucher Coyne protect 44 million Social Security and thing to do. And yes, they say, appro- Baldacci Boyd Cramer Baldwin Brady (PA) Crowley Medicare recipients and help us pay priately, that some of the benefits in Barrett (WI) Brown (FL) Cummings down that national debt. We pay down this bill will not go to the people who Becerra Capuano Davis (FL) that national debt, we free up all that are suffering from an immediate mar- Bentsen Cardin Davis (IL) interest that is going to service that riage penalty; and we are proud of that, Berkley Carson DeGette Berman Clay Delahunt debt, and we can take care of the mar- because that is relief for the stay-at- Bishop Clayton DeLauro riage penalty for middle-income work- home moms. Blagojevich Clement Deutsch

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:17 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.115 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H327 Dicks Lantos Rangel Metcalf Reynolds Stump The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Dingell Larson Reyes Mica Riley Sununu tleman will state his parliamentary in- Dixon Lee Rivers Miller (FL) Rogan Sweeney Doggett Levin Rodriguez Miller, Gary Rogers Talent quiry. Dooley Lewis (GA) Roemer Mollohan Rohrabacher Tancredo Mr. COLLINS. Under the advice of Doyle Lipinski Rothman Moran (KS) Ros-Lehtinen Tanner the parliamentarian, I was told to offer Edwards Lowey Roybal-Allard Morella Roukema Tauzin this amendment after disposing of the Engel Luther Rush Murtha Royce Taylor (NC) Eshoo Maloney (CT) Sabo Myrick Ryan (WI) Terry substitute. I do not quite understand Etheridge Maloney (NY) Sanchez Nethercutt Ryun (KS) Thomas your previous question. Had I been told Evans Markey Sanders Ney Salmon Thornberry to offer it prior to that order, I would Farr Martinez Sandlin Northup Sanford Thune Fattah Mascara Sawyer Norwood Saxton Tiahrt have offered it at the end of the pre- Filner Matsui Schakowsky Nussle Scarborough Toomey vious substitute prior to the vote. Forbes McCarthy (MO) Scott Ose Schaffer Upton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ford McCarthy (NY) Serrano Oxley Sensenbrenner Visclosky Chair would advise the gentleman that Frank (MA) McDermott Sherman Packard Sessions Vitter Frost McGovern Shows Paul Shadegg Walden under the rule, the previous question Gejdenson McIntyre Sisisky Pease Shaw Walsh was ordered from the outset. The Chair Gephardt McKinney Skelton Peterson (PA) Shays Wamp has declined to entertain the unani- Gonzalez McNulty Slaughter Petri Sherwood Watkins mous consent request of the gen- Gordon Meehan Smith (WA) Pickering Shimkus Watts (OK) Green (TX) Meek (FL) Spratt Pitts Shuster Weldon (FL) tleman, which is the Chair’s discre- Gutierrez Meeks (NY) Stabenow Pombo Simpson Weldon (PA) tionary prerogative. Hall (OH) Menendez Stark Porter Skeen Weller Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Hall (TX) Millender- Stenholm Portman Smith (MI) Whitfield unanimous consent to suspend the Hastings (FL) McDonald Strickland Pryce (OH) Smith (NJ) Wicker Hill (IN) Miller, George Stupak Quinn Smith (TX) Wilson rules whereby I may offer this amend- Hilliard Minge Tauscher Radanovich Snyder Wolf ment. Hinchey Mink Taylor (MS) Rahall Souder Young (AK) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Hoeffel Moakley Thompson (CA) Ramstad Spence Young (FL) Holden Moore Thompson (MS) Regula Stearns Chair would remind the gentleman Holt Moran (VA) Thurman that the previous decision of the Chair Hooley Nadler Tierney NOT VOTING—9 stands and the Chair will decline the Hoyer Napolitano Towns Brown (OH) Everett Lofgren request of the gentleman. Inslee Neal Traficant Capps Hinojosa McCollum The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jackson (IL) Oberstar Turner DeFazio Jefferson Vento Jackson-Lee Obey Udall (CO) question is on engrossment and third (TX) Olver Udall (NM) b 1606 reading of the bill. John Ortiz Velazquez The bill was ordered to be engrossed Johnson, E. B. Owens Waters Messrs. SMITH of Michigan, OXLEY, and read a third time and was read the Jones (OH) Pallone Watt (NC) LINDER, and RAHALL changed their Kennedy Pascrell Waxman third time. Kildee Pastor Weiner vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. HILL OF Kilpatrick Payne Wexler Messrs. LANTOS, FORD, and INDIANA Kind (WI) Pelosi Weygand THOMPSON of Mississippi changed Kleczka Peterson (MN) Wise Mr. HILL of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I Klink Phelps Woolsey their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ offer a motion to recommit. Kucinich Pickett Wu So the amendment in the nature of a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the LaFalce Pomeroy Wynn substitute was rejected. gentleman opposed to the bill? Lampson Price (NC) The result of the vote was announced Mr. HILL of Indiana. Yes, in its cur- NAYS—233 as above recorded. rent form, Mr. Speaker. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Aderholt Cox Hefley REQUEST TO OFFER AMENDMENT Andrews Crane Herger Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Clerk will report the motion to recom- Archer Cubin Hill (MT) unanimous consent to offer an amend- mit. Armey Cunningham Hilleary The Clerk read as follows: Bachus Danner Hobson ment to change the effective date to Mr. HILL of Indiana moves that the bill, Baker Davis (VA) Hoekstra the year 2000 to double the standard de- H.R. 6, be recommitted to the Committee on Ballenger Deal Horn duction for married couples, and add Ways and Means with instructions to report Barcia DeLay Hostettler that amendment to this bill. Barr DeMint Houghton back promptly to the House, with an Barrett (NE) Diaz-Balart Hulshof The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. amendment— Bartlett Dickey Hunter HASTINGS of Washington). The previous (1) which corrects the disparity in the Tax Barton Doolittle Hutchinson question has been ordered under the Code affecting married couples, including Bass Dreier Hyde rule. Therefore, no further amend- those married couples receiving the EIC, Bateman Duncan Isakson commonly known as the ‘‘marriage penalty’’ Bereuter Dunn Istook ments are in order and the Chair there- and ensures this correction is fully available Berry Ehlers Jenkins fore declines to recognize the unani- to middle income married couples with chil- Biggert Ehrlich Johnson (CT) mous consent request of the gen- Bilbray Emerson Johnson, Sam dren, and Bilirakis English Jones (NC) tleman. (2) which provides that the effectiveness of Bliley Ewing Kanjorski Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I could the tax reduction contained therein is con- Blunt Fletcher Kaptur not hear the Chair’s ruling. The House tingent on a certification by the Director of Boehlert Foley Kasich is not in order, and I could not hear the the Office of Management and Budget, based Boehner Fossella Kelly on the most recently adopted concurrent res- Bonilla Fowler King (NY) Chair’s ruling. Bono Franks (NJ) Kingston Mr. Speaker, I am not so sure the olution on the budget and any other legisla- tion enacted by the date of the certification, Brady (TX) Frelinghuysen Knollenberg Chair understood my request. I ask for Bryant Gallegly Kolbe that: Burr Ganske Kuykendall unanimous consent to offer an amend- (a) there is a comprehensive budget frame- Burton Gekas LaHood ment to change the effective date to work which provides resources for debt re- Buyer Gibbons Largent the year 2000 to double the standard de- tirement, strengthening Social Security and Callahan Gilchrest Latham Medicare, tax relief and investing in other Calvert Gillmor LaTourette duction for married couples under this bill. priorities; Camp Gilman Lazio (b) a portion of the on-budget surplus is re- Campbell Goode Leach The SPEAKER pro tempore. The served for debt retirement that is sufficient Canady Goodlatte Lewis (CA) Chair advises the gentleman that the Cannon Goodling Lewis (KY) to put the government on a path to elimi- Castle Goss Linder previous question has been ordered nate the public held debt by 2013 under cur- Chabot Graham LoBiondo under the rule. Therefore, no further rent economic and technical projections; Chambliss Granger Lucas (KY) amendments are in order, and the (c) there are protections (comparable to Chenoweth-Hage Green (WI) Lucas (OK) Chair declines to recognize the request those applicable to the Social Security Trust Coble Greenwood Manzullo Fund surpluses) to ensure that funds re- Coburn Gutknecht McCrery of the gentleman. served for debt retirement may not be used Collins Hansen McHugh PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Combest Hastings (WA) McInnis for any other purpose, except for adjust- Cook Hayes McIntosh Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, par- ments to reflect economic and technical Cooksey Hayworth McKeon liamentary inquiry. changes in budget projections.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.036 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- motion says that debt reduction should the Joint Committee on Taxation, the ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- not be an afterthought in this year’s motion to recommit, which is basically diana (Mr. HILL) is recognized for 5 budget process. It says that the debt identical to what this House has al- minutes in support of his motion. reduction should be our guiding prin- ready rejected, provides zero marriage Mr. HILL of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ciple. tax relief. am a new Member of Congress but I am Now is the time to see if my col- The average marriage tax penalty is a veteran observer of Congress. For 20 leagues across the aisle will commit to $1,400. I have with me a photo of Shad years, I have watched this Congress paying off our debts or if they are will- and Michelle Hallihan, two public spend more money than it took in. ing to pass a bill that could actually schoolteachers from Joliet, Illinois. Year after year, I watched our govern- increase our debt or force Congress to They pay almost the average marriage ment run deficits every year and start borrowing money from Social Se- tax penalty. In the south suburbs of charge their irresponsibility to a credit curity again just like Congress has Chicago which I have the privilege of card paid for by the American tax- done for the last 30 years. representing, $1,400 is a year’s tuition payers. My colleagues on the other side of in a community college. It is 3 months The result of all of these years of the aisle will get up and say that the of day care. It is a washer and dryer for overspending is a massive national Joint Committee on Taxation has con- a home. As Michelle Hallihan has debt. In 1980, the government had $700 cluded that Democrats oppose tax re- pointed out to me, she said, ‘‘We just million in debt. Today our debt is $3.6 lief. That is the same old Washington had a newborn baby. Share with your trillion. Our debt has become so big spin doctoring that has got us into this friends in the Congress that the mar- that 14 percent of all the money the mess in the first place. riage tax penalty that we send to government spends is just to cover in- Democrats will say that our debt is Washington would buy over 3,000 dia- terest payments on this debt. because of Reaganomics. Let me say pers for our newborn child.’’ Mr. Speaker, despite what people in that again. The Republicans will say It is for couples such as Michelle and Washington believe, we do not have a that the Democrats are against tax re- Shad Hallihan that we should elimi- large budget surplus. Our surplus is lief, and the Democrats on my aisle are nate the unfairness of the marriage tax based upon uncertain 10-year projec- going to say that Reaganomics caused penalty. There are 25 million married tions. To pass this today is like spend- this large debt. This is all a bunch of working couples such as Michelle and ing an inheritance we have not yet re- spin doctoring; that is all it is. Shad Hallihan. ceived. Committing money that one People are tired of the spin doctors I am so proud of what we are doing may or may not have 10 years from on both sides of the aisle. It is what got today. Think about it. Democrats and now is just bad business. us in this mess in the first place. It Republicans today have the oppor- Any businessman, of which I am one, really does not matter who is to blame tunity to vote to eliminate and wipe and businesswoman looking at govern- for saddling our children and grand- out the marriage tax penalty, the most ment’s finances would recommend that children with a $3.7 trillion debt. It is unfair consequence of our Tax Code. before we do anything else we should time to start getting the government’s I want to thank the gentlewoman reduce our debt burden and pay back fiscal house in order and paying back from Missouri (Ms. DANNER) and al- what this Congress has already spent. what this Congress has borrowed. most 30 other Democrats who have Mr. Speaker, there are many good I challenge everybody in this House joined in this bipartisan effort to co- tax relief and spending proposals I to do the right thing for our children sponsor H.R. 6 which we are voting on would like to support this year. One of and our grandchildren and commit to today. This is a bipartisan effort. them is a marriage penalty tax reduc- paying off the debts that this govern- Democrats and Republicans have tion. There are millions of married ment has built up over the last 30 been working together for over a year couples in this country who pay higher years. now and working to eliminate the mar- taxes than single people, and I believe The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. riage tax penalty with this proposal. this is wrong. I believe Congress should HASTINGS of Washington). Does the We help those who itemize by widening give tax relief to married couples this gentleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) the 15 percent bracket. year, but I believe Congress needs to rise in opposition to the motion to re- Let us remember, the motion to re- increase defense spending this year, to commit? commit, even if it did provide tax re- boost our national security, continue Mr. WELLER. I do, Mr. Speaker. lief, would do nothing to married cou- our efforts to recruit and retain the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ples, any kind of help for those who most talented and promising soldiers tleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) is itemize such as homeowners or those in our armed services. recognized for 5 minutes. who give money to church or charity. I believe Congress needs to put pri- Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I say to So we want to widen that 15 percent ority on keeping the promises we have the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. HILL) tax bracket. That is how eliminate the made to our veterans, helping our fam- that if he votes against H.R. 6 and for marriage tax penalty for Shad and ily farms and making our schools bet- the motion to recommit, that 62,000 Michelle Hallihan. ter and safer, but I cannot support married couples in the 9th Congres- We also want to help those who do these proposals before Congress com- sional District of Indiana, one-half of not itemize by doubling the standard mits to acting in a fiscally responsible whom are itemizers, that they will not deduction; and for the working poor, way. It makes no sense to pass tax and get any relief, no relief from the mar- those who benefit from the earned in- spending legislation before we have riage tax penalty. That is not some- come tax credit, we address the mar- created a budget framework that guar- thing I hope that he ever wants to ex- riage penalty there as well. So we help antees that the taxpayers’ money is plain to those couples back home. the working poor, we help those mar- used in a responsible way. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to ried couples who suffer the marriage the motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, tax penalty who happen to be home- b 1615 over the last several years, many of us owners, and we also help those who do Congress cannot go back to the old have been raising a pretty fundamental not itemize. ways, and that is what this motion to question of fairness in this House; that It is the fair way to do things. That recommit guarantees. I am introducing is, is it right, is it fair that, under our is what this is all about. Do we want this motion on behalf of the Blue Dog Tax Code, 25 million married working fairness in the tax code, or do we want Coalition. This motion establishes the couples, on average, pay $1,400 more in to do nothing? If my colleagues want principle that guides all of our activi- higher taxes just because they are mar- to do nothing, vote yes for the motion ties this year. ried? Is that right? Is that fair? Of to recommit. If my colleagues want to This motion says that, before we course not. make the tax code more fair, vote no begin debating anything else, Congress Today we have the opportunity to ad- on the motion to recommit and yes on must pledge to pay off the govern- dress that issue of fairness. The motion H.R. 6. ment’s publicly held debt of more than to recommit fails that fundamental Let us wipe out the marriage tax $3.6 trillion over the next 12 years. This test of fairness because, according to penalty. Let us make the tax code

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:34 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.121 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H329 more fair. Let us do it in a bipartisan Hoyer Meek (FL) Sawyer Regula Shays Thornberry Inslee Meeks (NY) Schakowsky Reynolds Sherwood Thune way. Jackson (IL) Menendez Scott Riley Shimkus Tiahrt The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Jackson-Lee Millender- Serrano Rogan Shuster Toomey has expired. (TX) McDonald Sherman Rogers Simpson Upton Without objection, the previous ques- Jefferson Miller, George Shows Rohrabacher Skeen Vitter John Minge Sisisky Ros-Lehtinen Smith (MI) Walden tion is ordered on the motion to recom- Johnson, E. B. Mink Skelton Roukema Smith (NJ) Walsh mit. Jones (OH) Moakley Slaughter Royce Smith (TX) Wamp There was no objection. Kanjorski Moore Smith (WA) Ryan (WI) Souder Watkins The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kaptur Moran (VA) Snyder Ryun (KS) Spence Watts (OK) Kennedy Murtha Spratt Sabo Stearns Weldon (FL) question is on the motion to recommit. Kildee Nadler Stabenow Salmon Stump Weldon (PA) The question was taken; and the Kilpatrick Napolitano Stark Sanford Sununu Weller Speaker pro tempore announced that Kind (WI) Neal Stenholm Saxton Sweeney Whitfield Kleczka Oberstar Strickland Scarborough Talent Wicker the noes appeared to have it. Klink Olver Stupak Schaffer Tancredo Wilson RECORDED VOTE Kucinich Ortiz Tanner Sensenbrenner Tauzin Wolf Mr. HILL of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I LaFalce Owens Tauscher Sessions Taylor (NC) Young (AK) Lampson Pallone Taylor (MS) Shadegg Terry Young (FL) demand a recorded vote. Lantos Pascrell Thompson (CA) Shaw Thomas A recorded vote was ordered. Larson Pastor Thompson (MS) NOT VOTING—8 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Lee Payne Thurman Levin Pelosi Tierney Brown (OH) Everett McCollum ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Lewis (GA) Peterson (MN) Towns Capps Hinojosa Vento will reduce to a minimum of 5 minutes Lipinski Phelps Traficant DeFazio Lofgren the period of time within which a vote Lowey Pickett Turner Udall (CO) b by electronic device, if ordered, will be Lucas (KY) Pomeroy 1641 Luther Price (NC) Udall (NM) taken on the question of passage. Maloney (NY) Rahall Velazquez Mr. LAZIO changed his vote from The vote was taken by electronic de- Markey Rangel Visclosky ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ vice, and there were—ayes 196, noes 230, Martinez Reyes Waters So the motion to recommit was re- Mascara Rivers Watt (NC) not voting 8, as follows: Matsui Rodriguez Waxman jected. McCarthy (MO) Roemer Weiner The result of the vote was announced b 1629 McDermott Rothman Wexler as above recorded. McGovern Roybal-Allard Weygand The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE McIntyre Rush Wise The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. McKinney Sanchez Woolsey question is on the passage of the bill. HASTINGS of Washington) (during the McNulty Sanders Wu The question was taken; and the vote). The Chair would advise the Meehan Sandlin Wynn Speaker pro tempore announced that Members that he is aware that the NOES—230 the ayes appeared to have it. panel from DANNER to DOYLE is not il- Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I Aderholt Doolittle Kasich luminating behind the Chair, but the Archer Dreier Kelly demand the yeas and nays. Chair has been advised that those votes Armey Duncan King (NY) The yeas and nays were ordered. are indeed being recorded. Those that Bachus Dunn Kingston The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Baker Ehlers Knollenberg will be a 5-minute vote. are in that panel, from DANNER to Ballenger Ehrlich Kolbe DOYLE, should recheck your vote on Barcia Emerson Kuykendall The vote was taken by electronic de- the electronic voting device, but the Barr English LaHood vice, and there were—yeas 268, nays Chair is advised those votes are being Barrett (NE) Ewing Largent 158, not voting 9, as follows: Bartlett Fletcher Latham recorded. Barton Foley LaTourette [Roll No. 15] Bass Forbes Lazio YEAS—268 b 1639 Bateman Fossella Leach Aderholt Chenoweth-Hage Gekas Bereuter Fowler Lewis (CA) Archer Clement Gibbons ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Berkley Franks (NJ) Lewis (KY) Armey Clyburn Gilchrest Biggert Frelinghuysen Linder The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Bachus Coble Gilman Bilbray Gallegly LoBiondo the vote). The Chair would like to ad- Baird Coburn Goode Bilirakis Ganske Lucas (OK) Baker Collins Goodlatte vise Members one more time that the Bliley Gekas Maloney (CT) Ballenger Combest Goodling panel from DANNER to DOYLE is not il- Blunt Gibbons Manzullo Barcia Condit Gordon Boehlert Gilchrest McCarthy (NY) luminated but the votes indeed are Barr Cook Goss Boehner Gillmor McCrery Barrett (NE) Cooksey Graham being recorded. And the Chair would Bonilla Gilman McHugh Bartlett Costello Granger advise those Members on that panel to Bono Goode McInnis Barton Cox Green (WI) Brady (TX) Goodlatte McIntosh once again check and see that their Bass Cramer Greenwood Bryant Goodling McKeon votes are being recorded as they in- Bateman Crane Gutknecht Burr Goss Metcalf Bereuter Cubin Hall (TX) tended them to be recorded. Burton Graham Mica Berkley Cunningham Hansen Buyer Granger Miller (FL) [Roll No. 14] Biggert Danner Hastert Callahan Green (WI) Miller, Gary Bilbray Davis (VA) Hastings (WA) AYES—196 Calvert Greenwood Mollohan Bilirakis Deal Hayes Abercrombie Carson Engel Camp Gutknecht Moran (KS) Bishop DeLay Hayworth Ackerman Clay Eshoo Campbell Hall (TX) Morella Blagojevich DeMint Hefley Allen Clayton Etheridge Canady Hansen Myrick Bliley Diaz-Balart Herger Andrews Clement Evans Cannon Hastings (WA) Nethercutt Blunt Dickey Hill (MT) Baca Clyburn Farr Castle Hayes Ney Boehlert Doolittle Hilleary Baird Condit Fattah Chabot Hayworth Northup Boehner Doyle Hobson Baldacci Conyers Filner Chambliss Hefley Norwood Bonilla Dreier Hoekstra Baldwin Costello Ford Chenoweth-Hage Herger Nussle Bono Duncan Holt Barrett (WI) Coyne Frank (MA) Coble Hill (MT) Obey Boswell Dunn Hooley Becerra Cramer Frost Coburn Hilleary Ose Brady (TX) Ehlers Horn Bentsen Crowley Gejdenson Collins Hobson Oxley Bryant Ehrlich Hostettler Berman Cummings Gephardt Combest Hoekstra Packard Burr Emerson Houghton Berry Davis (FL) Gonzalez Cook Horn Paul Burton English Hulshof Bishop Davis (IL) Gordon Cooksey Hostettler Pease Buyer Etheridge Hunter Blagojevich DeGette Green (TX) Cox Houghton Peterson (PA) Callahan Ewing Hutchinson Blumenauer Delahunt Gutierrez Crane Hulshof Petri Calvert Fletcher Hyde Bonior DeLauro Hall (OH) Cubin Hunter Pickering Camp Foley Inslee Borski Deutsch Hastings (FL) Cunningham Hutchinson Pitts Campbell Forbes Isakson Boswell Dicks Hill (IN) Danner Hyde Pombo Canady Fossella Istook Boucher Dingell Hilliard Davis (VA) Isakson Porter Cannon Fowler Jenkins Boyd Dixon Hinchey Deal Istook Portman Carson Franks (NJ) John Brady (PA) Doggett Hoeffel DeLay Jenkins Pryce (OH) Castle Frelinghuysen Johnson (CT) Brown (FL) Dooley Holden DeMint Johnson (CT) Quinn Chabot Gallegly Johnson, Sam Capuano Doyle Holt Diaz-Balart Johnson, Sam Radanovich Chambliss Ganske Jones (NC) Cardin Edwards Hooley Dickey Jones (NC) Ramstad

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:34 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.123 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Kasich Oxley Skeen Velazquez Waxman Woolsey Members’ offices tomorrow. On Mon- Kelly Packard Skelton Visclosky Weiner Wynn King (NY) Pascrell Smith (MI) Waters Wexler day, we do not expect recorded votes Kingston Paul Smith (NJ) Watt (NC) Weygand until 6 o’clock p.m. Knollenberg Pease Smith (TX) On Tuesday, February 15, through NOT VOTING—9 Kolbe Peterson (PA) Smith (WA) Thursday, February 17, the House will Kuykendall Petri Souder Brown (OH) Everett Lofgren LaHood Phelps Spence Capps Gillmor McCollum consider the following measures: Largent Pickering Stabenow DeFazio Hinojosa Vento H.R. 2086, the Networking and Infor- Latham Pickett Stearns mation Technology Research and De- b LaTourette Pitts Stump 1649 velopment Act, under an open rule; Lazio Pombo Stupak Leach Porter Sununu Mr. DELAY changed his vote from H.R. 2366, the Small Business Liabil- Lewis (CA) Portman Sweeney ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ ity Reform Act, subject to a rule; and Lewis (KY) Pryce (OH) Talent So the bill was passed. H.R. 1987, the Fair Access to Indem- Linder Quinn Tancredo The result of the vote was announced Lipinski Radanovich Tauzin nity and Reimbursement Act, also sub- LoBiondo Ramstad Taylor (NC) as above recorded. ject to a rule. Lucas (KY) Regula Terry The title of the bill was amended so Mr. Speaker, we also expect to con- Lucas (OK) Reynolds Thomas as to read: sider a motion to go to conference next Maloney (CT) Riley Thompson (MS) Manzullo Roemer Thornberry ‘‘A bill to amend the Internal Revenue week on the digital signatures legisla- Martinez Rogan Thune Code of 1986 to reduce the marriage penalty tion that has passed both the House Mascara Rogers Tiahrt by providing for adjustments to the standard and the Senate. McCarthy (NY) Rohrabacher Toomey deduction, 15-percent rate bracket, and Mr. Speaker, on Friday, February 18, McCrery Ros-Lehtinen Traficant earned income credit and to repeal the re- Udall (CO) no votes are expected. McHugh Roukema duction of the refundable tax credits.’’. McInnis Royce Upton Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank McIntosh Ryan (WI) Vitter A motion to reconsider was laid on my colleague for the information, and I McIntyre Ryun (KS) Walden the table. McKeon Salmon Walsh wish him a good weekend. McKinney Sandlin Wamp f f Metcalf Sanford Watkins Mica Saxton Watts (OK) PERSONAL EXPLANATION REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Miller (FL) Scarborough Weldon (FL) AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 3308 Miller, Gary Schaffer Weldon (PA) Mr. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on February Moore Sensenbrenner Weller 10, 2000, I was unavoidably detained and Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask Moran (KS) Sessions Whitfield missed rollcall vote numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, unanimous consent that my name be Moran (VA) Shadegg Wicker and 15. Had I been present, I would have Morella Shaw Wilson removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3308. Myrick Shays Wise voted `yes' on approving the journal; `yes' on The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Nethercutt Sherwood Wolf H. Res. 419, the rule for H.R. 6; `no' on the HASTINGS of Washington). Is there ob- Ney Shimkus Wu motion to recommit H.R. 6 with instructions; jection to the request of the gentleman Northup Shows Young (AK) Norwood Shuster Young (FL) and `yes' on H.R. 6, the Marriage Tax Penalty from New Jersey? Nussle Simpson Relief Act. There was no objection. Ose Sisisky f f NAYS—158 MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE PERSONAL EXPLANATION Abercrombie Gonzalez Mink A message from the Senate by Mr. Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, on Feb- Ackerman Green (TX) Moakley Allen Gutierrez Mollohan Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- ruary 2, I was tending to my ill mother Andrews Hall (OH) Murtha nounced that the Senate has passed a and missed rollcall No. 7. Had I been Baca Hastings (FL) Nadler concurrent resolution of the following present, I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on Baldacci Hill (IN) Napolitano title in which concurrence of the House final passage. Baldwin Hilliard Neal Barrett (WI) Hinchey Oberstar is requested: f Becerra Hoeffel Obey S. Con. Res. 80. Concurrent resolution pro- RE-REFERRAL OF S. 1809 TO THE Bentsen Holden Olver viding for a conditional adjournment or re- Berman Hoyer Ortiz cess of the Senate and a conditional adjourn- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND Berry Jackson (IL) Owens ment of the House of Representatives. TO THE COMMITTEE ON EDU- Blumenauer Jackson-Lee Pallone CATION AND THE WORKFORCE Bonior (TX) Pastor f Borski Jefferson Payne Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I ask Boucher Johnson, E. B. Pelosi LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Boyd Jones (OH) Peterson (MN) unanimous consent that the Senate Brady (PA) Kanjorski Pomeroy (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given bill, S. 1809, the Developmental Dis- Brown (FL) Kaptur Price (NC) permission to address the House for 1 abilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Capuano Kennedy Rahall minute.) Act, be re-referred to the Committee Cardin Kildee Rangel Clay Kilpatrick Reyes Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, may I in- on Commerce, and in addition to the Clayton Kind (WI) Rivers quire of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Committee on Education and the Conyers Kleczka Rodriguez ARMEY), the distinguished majority Workforce for a period to be subse- Coyne Klink Rothman Crowley Kucinich Roybal-Allard leader, the schedule for the remainder quently determined by the Speaker, in Cummings LaFalce Rush of the week and next week? each case for consideration of such pro- Davis (FL) Lampson Sabo Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, will the visions as fall within the jurisdiction of Davis (IL) Lantos Sanchez gentleman yield? the committee concerned. DeGette Larson Sanders Delahunt Lee Sawyer Mr. BONIOR. I yield to the gen- Mr. Speaker, today S. 1809 was re-referred DeLauro Levin Schakowsky tleman from Texas. to the Committee on Commerce and in addi- Deutsch Lewis (GA) Scott Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank tion the Committee on Education and the Dicks Lowey Serrano Dingell Luther Sherman the gentleman for yielding. Workforce. Titles I and III have been tradition- Dixon Maloney (NY) Slaughter Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to an- ally in the sole jurisdiction of the Committee Doggett Markey Snyder nounce that we have completed legisla- on Commerce and Title II, Family Support, Dooley Matsui Spratt tive business for the week. There will has been traditionally in the sole jurisdiction of Edwards McCarthy (MO) Stark Engel McDermott Stenholm be no recorded votes in the House on the Committee on Education and the Work- Eshoo McGovern Strickland Friday. force. Title II, Family Support, would authorize Evans McNulty Tanner The House will next meet for legisla- a program that was originally created in Sec- Farr Meehan Tauscher Fattah Meek (FL) Taylor (MS) tive business on Monday, February 14, tion 315 of P.L. 103±382, Improving America's Filner Meeks (NY) Thompson (CA) at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour debate Schools Act of 1994, which created a new Ford Menendez Thurman and at 2 o’clock p.m. for legislative Part I in the Individuals with Disabilities Edu- Frank (MA) Millender- Tierney business. We will consider a number of cation Act. In 1997, Part I, Family Support of Frost McDonald Towns Gejdenson Miller, George Turner bills under suspension of the rules, a IDEA was repealed by Section 203(a), Re- Gephardt Minge Udall (NM) list of which will be distributed to pealers, of P.L. 105±17, the Individuals with

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.063 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H331 Disabilities Education Act Amendments of SEC. 2. The Majority Leader of the Senate families at the bottom of the income 1997, see H.R. 5, the Individuals with Disabil- and the Speaker of the House, acting jointly distribution have enjoyed the same ities Education Act Amendments of 1997. after consultation with the Minority Leader strong income growth as workers at The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the the top. House, shall notify the Members of the Sen- In 1999 we had the largest dollar sur- objection to the request of the gen- ate and House, respectively, to reassemble tleman from Pennsylvania? whenever, in their opinion, the public inter- plus in the Federal budget on record There was no objection. est shall warrant it. and the largest in proportion to our f economy since 1951. We are on course The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without to achieve more budget surpluses for ADJOURNMENT TO MONDAY, objection, the Senate concurrent reso- many years to come. We have used this FEBRUARY 14, 2000 lution is concurred in. unique opportunity to make the right Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- There was no objection. choices for the future: over the past 2 imous consent that when the House ad- A motion to reconsider was laid upon years, America has paid down $140 bil- journs today it adjourn to meet at 12:30 the table. lion in debt held by the public. With p.m. on Monday next for morning hour f my plan to continue to pay down the debt, we are now on track to eliminate debates. ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING the Nation’s publicly held debt by 2013. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there AMENDMENT PROCESS FOR H.R. objection to the request of the gen- Our fiscal discipline has paid off in 1987, FAIR ACCESS TO INDEM- lower interest rates, higher private in- tleman from Florida? NITY AND REIMBURSEMENT ACT There was no objection. vestment, and stronger productivity f (Mr. SESSIONS asked and was given growth. permission to address the House for 1 These economic successes have not DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR minute.) been achieved by accident. They rest WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, this on the three pillars of the economic WEDNESDAY NEXT afternoon a ‘‘Dear Colleague’’ letter strategy that the Vice President and I Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- will be sent to all Members informing laid out when we took office: fiscal dis- imous consent that the business in them that the Committee on Rules is cipline to help reduce interest rates order under the Calendar Wednesday planning to meet the week of February and spur business investment; invest- rule be dispensed with on Wednesday 14 to grant a rule for the consideration ing in education, health care, and next. of H.R. 1987, the Fair Access to Indem- science and technology to meet the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nity and Reimbursement Act. challenges of the 21st century; and objection to the request of the gen- The Committee on Rules may grant a opening foreign markets so that Amer- tleman from Florida? rule which would require that amend- ican workers have a fair chance to There was no objection. ments be preprinted in the CONGRES- compete abroad. As a result, the Amer- f SIONAL RECORD. In this case, amend- ican economy is not only strong today; ments must be preprinted prior to their it is well positioned to continue to ex- RECESS OR ADJOURNMENT OF consideration on the floor. pand and to widen the circle of oppor- SENATE FROM FEBRUARY 10, Members should use the Office of tunity for more Americans. 2000, OR FEBRUARY 11, 2000 TO Legislative Counsel to ensure that THE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY FEBRUARY 22, 2000, AND AD- their amendments are properly drafted Our economic strategy was based on JOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE and should check with the Office of the a commitment, first, to fiscal dis- FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2000, FEB- Parliamentarian to be certain their cipline. When the Vice President and I RUARY 17, 2000 OR FEBRUARY 18, amendments comply with the rules of took office, the U.S. Government had a 2000 TO FEBRUARY 29, 2000. the House. budget deficit of $290 billion. Today we have a surplus of $124 billion. This fis- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- f fore the House the following privileged cal discipline has helped us launch a Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESI- virtuous circle of strong investment, Res. 80) providing for recess or adjourn- DENT OF THE UNITED STATES— increasing productivity, low inflation, ment of the Senate from February 10 or MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT and low unemployment. 11, 2000, to February 22, 2000, and ad- OF THE UNITED STATES Second, we have remained true to our commitment to invest in our people. journment of the House from February The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- 16, 17, or 18, 2000, to February 29, 2000. Because success in the global economy fore the House the following message depends more than ever on highly The Clerk read the Senate concur- from the President of the United rent resolution, as follows: skilled workers, we have taken con- States; which was read and, without certed steps to make sure all Ameri- S. CON. RES. 80 objection, referred to the Joint Eco- cans have the education, skills, and op- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- nomic Committee: resentatives concurring), That when the Sen- portunities they need to succeed. That To the Congress of the United States: is why, even as we maintained fiscal re- ate recesses or adjourns at the close of busi- Today, the American economy is ness on Thursday, February 10, 2000, or Fri- sponsibility, we expanded our invest- day, February 11, 2000, on a motion offered stronger than ever. We are on the brink ments in education, technology, and pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its of marking the longest economic ex- training. We have opened the doors of Majority Leader or his designee, it stand re- pansion in our Nation’s history. More college to all Americans, with tax cred- cessed or adjourned until noon on Tuesday, than 20 million new jobs have been cre- its, more affordable student loans, edu- February 22, 2000, or until such time on that ated since Vice President Gore and I cation IRAs, and the HOPE Scholar- day as may be specified by its Majority took office in January 1993. We now ship tax credits. So that working fami- Leader or his designee in the motion to re- have the lowest unemployment rate in lies will have the means to support cess or adjourn, or until noon on the second 30 years—even as core inflation has day after Members are notified to reassemble themselves, we have increased the min- pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- reached its lowest level since 1965. imum wage, expanded the Earned In- lution, whichever occurs first; and that when This expansion has been both deep come Tax Credit (EITC), provided ac- the House adjourns on the legislative day of and broad, reaching Americans of all cess to health insurance for people Wednesday, February 16, 2000, Thursday, races, ethnicities, and income levels. with disabilities, and invested in mak- February 17, 2000, or Friday, February 18, African American unemployment and ing health insurance coverage avail- 2000, on a motion offered pursuant to this poverty are at their lowest levels on able to millions of children. concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader record. Hispanic unemployment is like- Third, we have continued to pursue a or his designee, it stand adjourned until 12:30 wise the lowest on record, and poverty p.m. on Tuesday, February 29, 2000, for morn- policy of opening markets. We have ing-hour debate, or until noon on the second among Hispanics is at its lowest level achieved historic trade pacts such as day after Members are notified to reassemble since 1979. A long-running trend of ris- the North American Free Trade Agree- pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- ing income inequality has been halted ment and the Uruguay Round agree- lution, whichever occurs first. in the last 7 years. From 1993 to 1998, ments, which led to the creation of the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.075 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 World Trade Organization. Negotia- and loan guarantees to accelerate the The aging of America also under- tions in the wake of the Uruguay deployment of high-speed networks in scores the need to build systems to pro- Round have yielded market access underserved rural and urban commu- vide long-term care. More than 5 mil- commitments covering information nities. lion Americans require long-term care technology, basic telecommunications, Third, we must continue to make col- because of significant limitations due and financial services. We have en- lege affordable and accessible for all to illness or disability. About two- gaged in bilateral initiatives with Americans. I have proposed a college thirds of them are older Americans. Japan and in regional initiatives in Eu- opportunity tax cut, which would in- That is why I have proposed a $27 bil- rope, Africa, Asia, the Western Hemi- vest $30 billion over 10 years in helping lion investment over 10 years in long- sphere, and the Middle East. We have millions of families who now struggle term care. Its centerpiece is a $3,000 also actively protected our rights to afford college for their children. tax credit to defray the cost of long- under existing trade agreements When fully phased in, this initiative term care. In addition, I propose to ex- through the World Trade Organization would give families the option to claim pand access to home-based care, to es- and helped maintain the Internet as a a tax deduction or a tax credit on up to tablish new support networks for care- tax-free zone. $10,000 of tuition and fees for any post- givers, and to promote quality private MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE secondary education in which their long-term care insurance by offering it Despite the economy’s extraordinary members enroll, whether college, grad- to Federal employees at group rates. performance, we must continue work- uate study, or training courses. I have We must continue to make this eco- ing to meet the challenges of the fu- proposed increases in Pell grants, Sup- nomic expansion reach out to every ture. Those challenges include edu- plemental Educational Opportunity corner of our country, leaving no town, cating our children, improving the Grants, and Work Study. I have also city, or Native American reservation health and well-being of all our citi- proposed creating new College Comple- behind. That is why I am asking the zens, providing for our senior citizens, tion Challenge Grants to encourage Congress to authorize two additional and extending the benefits of the eco- students to stay in college. components of our New Markets agen- nomic expansion to all communities We have seen dramatic advances in da. The first is the New Markets Ven- and all parts of this Nation. health care over the course of the 20th ture Capital Firms program, geared to- We must help our children prepare century, which have led to an inrease ward helping small and first-time busi- for life in a global, information-driven in life expectancy of almost 30 years. nesses. The second is America’s Private economy. Success in this new environ- But much remains to be done to ensure Investment Companies, modeled on the ment requires that children have a that all have and maintain access to Overseas Private Investment Corpora- tion, to help larger businesses expand high-quality education. That means quality medical care. That is why my or relocate to distressed inner-city and safe, modern schools. It means making budget expands health care coverage, rural areas. Overall the New Markets sure our children have well-trained calls for passing a strong and enforce- initiative could spur $22 billion of new teachers who demand high standards. able Patients’ Bill of Rights, strength- equity investment in our underserved It means making sure all schools are ens and modernizes Medicare, addresses communities. equipped with the best new tech- long-term care, and continues to pro- I am also proposing a new initiative nologies, so that children can harness mote life-saving research. called First Accounts, to expand access the tools of the 21st century. My budget invests over $110 billion to financial services for low- and mod- First and foremost, our children can- over 10 years to improve the erate-income Americans. We will work not continue trying to learn in schools affordablility accessibility, and quality with private financial institutions to that are so old they are falling apart. of health insurance. It will provide a encourage the creation of low-cost One-third of all public schools need ex- new, affordable health insurance option bank accounts for low-income families. tensive repair or replacement. By 2003 for uninsured parents as well as accel- We will help bring more automated we will need an additional 2,400 schools erate enrollment of uninsured children teller machines to safe places in low- nationwide to accommodate these ris- who are eligible for Medicaid and the income communities, such as the post ing enrollments. That is why, in my State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- office. And we will educate Americans State of the Union address, I proposed gram. The initiative will expand health about managing household finances $24.8 billion in tax credit bonds over 2 insurance options for Americans facing and building assets over time. years to modernize up to 6,000 schools, unique barriers to coverage. For exam- To further increase opportunities for and a $1.3 billion school emergency ple, it will allow certain people aged working families, I am proposing an- loan and grant proposal to help ren- 55–65 to buy into Medicare, and it will other expansion of the EITC to provide ovate schools in high-poverity, high- give tax credits to workers who cannot tax relief for 6.4 million hard-pressed need school districts. afford the full costs of COBRA coverage families—with additional benefits for Second, if our children are to succeed after leaving a job. Finally, my initia- families with three or more children. in the new digital economy, they must tive will provide funds to strengthen We have seen the dramatic effects that know how to use the tools of the 21st the public hospitals and clinics that our 1993 expansion of the EITC had in century. That is why the Vice Presi- provide health care directly to the un- reducing poverty and encouraging dent and I have fought for initiatives insured. If enacted, this would be the work: 4.3 million people were directly like the E-rate, which is providing $2 largest investment in health coverage lifted out of poverty by the EITC in billion a year to help schools afford to since Medicare was created in 1965, and 1998 alone. More single mothers are network their classrooms and connect one of the most significant steps we working than ever before, and the child to the Internet. The E-rate and our can take to help working families. poverty rate is at its lowest since 1980. other initiatives in education tech- As our Nation ages and we live Our initiatives to open overseas mar- nology have gone a long way toward longer, we face new challenges in Medi- kets will continue. We have success- giving all children access to tech- care and long-term care. Despite im- fully concluded bilateral negotiations nology in their schools. But there is provements in Medicare in the past 7 on China’s accession to the World still a great ‘‘digital divide’’ when chil- years, the program begins this century Trade Organization and now seek con- dren go home. Children from wealthy with the disadvantages of insufficient gressional action to provide China with families are far more likely to have ac- funding, inadequate benefits, and out- permanent normal trade relations. The cess to a computer at home than chil- dated payment systems. To strengthen United States will also work to give dren from poor or minority families. and modernize the program, I have pro- the least developed countries greater That is why, in my budget, I propose a posed a comprehensive reform plan access to global markets. We will par- new Digital Divide initiative that will that would make Medicare more com- ticipate in the scheduled multilateral expand support for community tech- petitive and efficient and invest $400 talks to liberalize trade in services and nology centers in low-income commu- billion over the next 10 years in extend- agriculture and will continue to press nities; a pilot project to expand home ing solvency through 2025 and adding a our trading partners to launch a new access to computers and the Internet long-overdue, voluntary prescription round of negotiations within the World for low-income families; and grants drug benefit. Trade Organization.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.077 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H333 We have a historic opportunity to an- Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I swer the challenges ahead: to increase er, space program supporters often hear from constituents on a daily basis economic opportunity for all American compete among themselves for pro- who are concerned about the avail- families; to provide quality, affordable grams and funding. I want to do my ability and affordability of military child care, health care, and long-term part to bring everyone together to health care. On February 1, I intro- care; and to give our children the best work towards a common goal, and I re- duced H.R. 3565 to eliminate the copay- education in the world. Working to- cently had an opportunity to visit ment requirement for TRICARE Prime gether, we can meet these great chal- NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Hous- and to make military health care more lenges and make this new millennium ton. affordable. one of ever-increasing promise, hope, My district includes Kennedy Space Retirees pay an annual enrollment and opportunity for all Americans. Center, which is a traditional rival for fee for coverage and are also subject to WILLIAM J. CLINTON. funding with the Johnson Space Cen- copayment requirements. Active duty THE WHITE HOUSE, February 10, 2000. ter. But I went to Texas to build families do not pay an enrollment fee, bridges between our great States, and I but are subject to copayments. I am b 1700 want you to know that the people in concerned that these copays can dra- f Houston were very cooperative and matically increase overall health care ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER great to work with. costs, particularly for retirees on a I want to thank the Clear Lake Area PRO TEMPORE fixed income or for younger enlisted Economic Development Foundation, personnel. At $6 to $12 a visit, these The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boeing Corporation, GB Tech, United copays quickly erode the real progress HASTINGS of Washington). The Chair Space Alliance, Lockheed Martin and Congress made last year in approving a will now recognize one minute re- Barrios Technology for giving me an long overdue increase in military pay. quests. overview of the local aerospace indus- Unless we reduce out-of-pocket costs f try; and I want to especially thank for military personnel, pay raises only Johnson Space Center Director George help on the margin. TRIBUTE TO SGT. BRUCE A. Abbey for his hospitality during our Mr. Speaker, this bill is very good for PROTHERO, A FALLEN HERO trip. veterans, it is good news for active (Mr. EHRLICH asked and was given Our human space flight program is duty personnel, it is fair under the cir- permission to address the House for 1 the crown jewel of our Nation’s space cumstances today, and I urge my col- minute and to revise and extend his re- exploration and development efforts; leagues to support it. marks). and I am confident that, working to- f Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, today in gether, key States such as Texas, Flor- SPECIAL ORDERS Reisterstown, Maryland, hundreds of ida, Alabama, California, as well as Ne- police officers have gathered to pay vada and Washington, can help build The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tribute to another fallen hero. Earlier the political support for a stronger the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- this week, Sergeant Bruce A. Prothero, space program. uary 6, 1999, and under a previous order a 13-year veteran of the Baltimore f of the House, the following Members will be recognized for 5 minutes each. County Police Department, said good- BLIND JUSTICE? bye to his wife and five young children. f (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given He went to work his second job, some- NATIONAL DONOR DAY 2000 thing many police officers must do to permission to address the House for 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a support their families. minute and to revise and extend his re- previous order of the House, the gentle- Shortly after the jewelry store at marks.) Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, yester- woman from Florida (Mrs. THURMAN) is which Sergeant Prothero was employed day a judicial oversight council or- recognized for 5 minutes. opened for business, armed thugs en- dered an investigation be conducted Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, organ tered the store. While horrified cus- into the special assignment of criminal donation falls into the category of tomers were forced to the floor, the cases involving the friends of President things you never think will affect you, Sergeant was held at gunpoint until Clinton to favorable judges appointed your friend, your neighbor, or your the robbery was completed. As the by President Clinton. family. It happens to other people. In thugs made their escape, Sergeant Yes, indeed, these were ‘‘special’’ this Congress alone, there are several Prothero was gunned down. cases. So special, in fact, that the as- Members who have undergone success- Every day, all across America, police signment of these cases intentionally ful organ transplants; and we are officers lay their lives on the line so bypassed the computer system which thankful that these fine people are that we may enjoy the freedoms so normally and randomly assigns crimi- here with us today. The gentleman many of us take for granted. They are nal cases of all other accused individ- from Massachusetts (Mr. MOAKLEY) and our moms and dads, our brothers and uals; well, all other accused individuals the gentleman from South Carolina sisters, our sons and daughters. They that are not the personal friends or as- (Mr. SPENCE) are two of the lucky ones. are our heroes. Sergeant Bruce A. sociates of the President it seems. My husband, John, was also one of Prothero was just such a hero. But, Our judicial system must maintain the lucky ones. His successful trans- more importantly, he was a loving fa- complete impartiality, no matter ‘‘who plantation not only gave John a new ther, a devoted husband, a son, and a you know’’ in politics. Whether the ju- lease on life, but it also has given my brother. dicial system was abused to grant pref- children back a father, and me, a lov- May God grant strength to his fam- erential treatment to presidential al- ing husband. ily, and eternal peace to another fallen lies, that will be determined. However, Mr. Speaker, though we are not hero. Let these words, now a perma- we need to remain vigilant over our alone, every year thousands of Ameri- nent part of the history of this great justice system to ensure that our laws cans wait anxiously on the organ dona- Nation, serve as an introduction to are applied equally to everyone. tion lists, and they are entirely de- those who never knew Sergeant Justice is supposed to be blind. That pendent on those kind enough to give. Prothero, and as a reminder to those includes being blind to who your They are entirely dependent on those who will miss him so dearly. friends are too. aware that there is a genuine need. f f Today transplantation is extremely successful and people can live produc- WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE ELIMINATE THE TRICARE PRIME tive lives with a transplanted organ. NASA’S GOALS COPAY However, because of this technology, (Mr. WELDON of Florida asked and (Mr. NETHERCUTT asked and was even more people have been added to was given permission to address the given permission to address the House the national waiting list. House for 1 minute and to revise and for 1 minute and to revise and extend Sadly, the number of donors has not extend his remarks.) his remarks.) grown as fast as the number of people

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.080 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 awaiting an organ transplant. Today (Mr. SCARBOROUGH addressed the ers. Let us help these young people to there are not enough organs for every- House. His remarks will appear here- move forward with confidence by al- one who needs them. Even with the after in the Extensions of Remarks.) lowing them to fill in blank spots in growing number of transplants per- f their IRA ledger. formed, on average, there is an in- Mr. Speaker, I thank the Members H.R. 3620—THE SECOND CHANCE crease in the number of patients on the who have joined me today in this ef- IRA ACT OF 2000 national waiting list every day. Today fort. I urge all of my colleagues to re- there are more than 65,000 people The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a view the proposal and to join us in co- awaiting an organ transplant, and at previous order of the House, the gen- sponsoring this legislation. least 11 people die each day while wait- tleman from California (Mr. HORN) is Mr. Speaker, I include for the ing for an organ. recognized for 5 minutes. RECORD the text of the bill and the In simple terms, the biggest problem Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, every Mem- original cosponsors. facing transplant patients is the short- ber of this House knows that although H.R. 3620 age of organs. One way that you can we have a Federal budget surplus now, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- help address this health care crisis is we still face a very low national sav- resentatives of the United States of America in to talk to your friends and families ings rate. That is because individuals Congress assembled, about the importance of organ and tis- simply do not or cannot save a signifi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. lll sue donation. cant portion of their income. That sug- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘ Act of 1999’’. I stand before you today to ask for gests to me that we must do more to encourage savings, particularly among SEC. 2. MAXIMUM IRA DEDUCTION INCREASED your help. We need to work together to BY PORTION OF UNUSED PRIOR DE- increase the awareness about the im- younger Americans who need to begin DUCTION LIMITATIONS. portance of organ and tissue donation. building the savings that will help (a) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (A) of sec- I ask you to join us in cosponsoring them have a secure retirement. tion 219(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of House Resolution 247, a resolution that The difficulties of many younger peo- 1986 (relating to maximum amount of deduc- ple were illustrated to me recently by tion) is amended to read as follows: recognizes and supports National ‘‘(A) the sum of— Donor Day. National Donor Day is or- a 38-year-old constituent. He outlined a ‘‘(i) $2,000, and ganized by Saturn and the United Auto personal and a generational dilemma. ‘‘(ii) the lesser of— Workers, along with a number of organ He mentioned, ‘‘When I graduated ‘‘(I) $2,000, or foundations, health organizations, and from school and entered the workforce, ‘‘(II) the aggregate of the unused deduction limitations (as defined in paragraph (5)) for the Department of Health and Human I had too many student loans and too little income to put away $2,000 a year all prior taxable years, or’’. Services. (b) UNUSED DEDUCTION LIMITATION.—Sub- They have established February 12, in an IRA. Now I make enough to con- section (b) of section 219 of such Code is 2000, as National Donor Day 2000. This tribute to an IRA, but I am not allowed amended by adding at the end the following day is dedicated to educating people to make up for the past 10 years of tax new paragraph: about the Five Points of Life. This deductible contributions. Why not ‘‘(5) UNUSED DEDUCTION LIMITATION.—For purposes of paragraph (1), the unused deduc- weekend this coalition is again joining change the law to let me make up those lost contributions and maximize tion limitation for any prior taxable year is forces for the third time to bring us to- the excess of— gether for a National Donor Day. This my IRA?’’ ‘‘(A) the lesser of— is America’s largest one-day donation Mr. Speaker, that is a very good ‘‘(i) $2,000, or event. question, and today I am introducing ‘‘(ii) the compensation includible in the in- Held just before Valentine’s Day, the legislation and will try to give an an- dividual’s gross income for such taxable swer to a good question. year, over first two donor days raised a total of ‘‘(B) the amount of qualified retirement 17,000 units of blood, added over 24,000 This legislation is called the Second Chance IRA Act of Year 2000, H.R. 3620, contributions of such individual for such tax- potential donors to the National Mar- able year.’’ row Donor Registry and distributed and I am pleased that 23 Representa- (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Sections tens of thousands of organ and tissue tives are joining with me as original 408(a)(1), 408(b), 408((j), and 408(p)(8) of such pledge cards. cosponsors. Code are each amended by striking ‘‘$2,000’’ You and I, your friends and families, Our bill simply says that if you were each place it appears and inserting ‘‘$4,000’’. eligible to make an IRA contribution (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments can participate in this historic event made by this section shall apply to taxable by, one, giving blood or pledging to in the past and did not make one, you can make the contribution in the cur- years beginning after the date of the enact- give blood; two, volunteering with the ment of this Act. rent year and take the tax deduction National Marrow Donor Program; or, CO-SPONSORS FOR H.R. 3620 up to a maximum $2,000. That would be three, filling out an organ and tissue Mr. Houghton, Mrs. Johnson of Con- donation pledge card and agreeing to in addition to any current IRA con- necticut, Mr. Gilman, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Boeh- discuss the decision with family mem- tribution and deduction that you are lert, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Oxley, Mr. Biggert, Mr. bers. eligible to make. That means a quali- Gallegly, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Gilchrest, Mr. I would also like to take a moment fying individual could deduct a total of Greenwood, Mr. Hefley, Mr. Istook, Mr. to thank these people and groups in my $4,000 a year and a qualifying couple Kingston, Mr. Kuykendall, Mr. LaHood, Mr. could deduct up to $8,000 a year. Mica, Mr. Paul, Ms. Pryce of Ohio, Mr. district, including Saturn in Gaines- Smith of Michigan, Mr. Weldon of Pennsyl- ville, along with Lifesouth Community This legislation offers a powerful in- centive for young people to make up vania, and Mr. Walden of Oregon. Blood Centers in Gainesville and other f groups and individuals for pulling to- their missed opportunities and to save gether to host a donation event on Na- for the future. It also offers an oppor- TRIBUTE TO VOLA LAWSON, A tional Donor Day in the Fifth District tunity for women to build a retirement TRULY REMARKABLE AMERICAN of Florida. account after being out of the work The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a I urge everyone to talk to their force to raise a family or to care for a previous order of the House, the gen- parent. In short, we give a second friends and families about the impor- tleman from Virginia (Mr. MORAN) is tance of organ donation and to let oth- chance to those who have failed to recognized for 5 minutes. ers know about this year’s National maximize their savings and who were Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speak- Organ Donor Day. Do not forget, it is denied that chance due to cir- er, I rise today to recognize a truly re- February 12, 2000. We are counting on cumstances beyond their control. markable American, Vola Lawson, who The Second Chance IRA Act aims to you. will be retiring on March 1st. For 30 encourage personal responsibility and f years Vola has been a beacon of dedica- to maximize personal flexibility in tion to public service. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a building a secure retirement amid the previous order of the House, the gen- many insecurities of the 21st Century b 1715 tleman from Florida (Mr. SCAR- economy where every person will have She has been my mentor, my heroine, BOROUGH) is recognized for 5 minutes. multiple careers with multiple employ- and my inspiration. To say that Vola

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:34 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.135 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H335 will be missed understates her far- get to the heart of seemingly byzantine vital lever to accommodate the needed reaching presence throughout the en- issues. increases in the money supply. tire metropolitan Washington area. The city of Alexandria and I will My bill, H.R. 2777, the Transportation Her 30-year career in public service miss Vola. I am sure her retirement Infrastructure and Local Government has been unparalleled in its effective- presents more opportunities for her to Capital Enhancement Act, would pro- ness. Vola entered public life as a civil have an even greater and more positive vide the Federal Reserve Board a re- rights activist in the 1960s and then in impact upon the lives of Alexandrians placement mechanism to accommodate 1971 became assistant director of the and all of those throughout the metro- the needed increase in the money sup- Alexandria Economic Opportunities politan Washington community. She is ply without buying U.S. Government Commission. Her efforts as the chair- a very, very special person. I wish securities, that is, without going into person of the Alexandria Ad Hoc Com- there were more people like her. I wish debt. The Federal Reserve or its surro- mittee on Women in 1973 led to the es- she was not retiring, but I am happy gate would buy zero interest mortgages tablishment of the Alexandria Commis- for her, as she deserves a little rest and on State and local infrastructure im- sion on Women. She is widely recog- a lot more appreciation. She is wonder- provements. nized for her efforts promoting diver- ful, and I am proud to have this oppor- These mortgages would be amortized sity in the city government’s work- tunity to say a few words about her on over periods of up to 30 years depending force. the floor of the House of Representa- on the nature of the improvement, and As the assistant manager for housing tives. in almost every case where the State in 1975, Vola initiated more than $100 f or local government incurs a debt to fi- million in low-income and senior cit- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. nance investment in infrastructure, izen housing projects. For the past 15 the voters have to approve the loan and years, Vola has shared the distinction BASS). Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from Idaho pay interest. That taxpayers do not of being only one of three women to lightly assume such obligations is tes- hold the city manager position in cities (Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE) is recognized for 5 minutes. tified by the nearly zero rate of de- with more than 100,000. There are only faults on municipal bonds. three women, and she is one of those (Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE addressed the House. Her remarks will appear The scheduled repayments of the zero three women. I do not know the others, interest mortgages would provide a but I would venture to say there is no hereafter in the Extensions of Re- marks.) constantly renewed source of funds for one as capable as Vola. As city man- public projects without requiring the ager, she has overseen a budget of more f Treasury to pay interest on these than $360 million and supervised al- H.R. 2777, THE TRANSPORTATION loans. Unlike now, when Federal bor- most 2,000 people. I would also suggest INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOCAL rowing means virtually permanent in- that she knows every one of them and GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EN- creases in the public debt, the proposed their families and cares about each and HANCEMENT ACT mortgage loans would be regularly re- every one of them deeply, and that car- paid by local governments. ing is reciprocal. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Evidence of failures to maintain and Due to Vola’s financial acumen, Al- previous order of the House, the gen- improve infrastructure is seen every exandria enjoys a AAA credit rating, tleman from Washington (Mr. day in such problems as unsafe bridges, an honor shared by just 22 cities na- METCALF) is recognized for 5 minutes. urban decay, dilapidated and over- tionwide, which was first garnered by Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, my top crowded schools, inadequate airports. the city in 1986. In 1992, the city’s cred- priority when I was elected to Congress A General Accounting Office study itworthiness was upgraded once again, was to balance the budget and rein in finds that education is seriously handi- and Alexandria now is one of only 10 the skyrocketing national debt. These capped by deteriorating school build- cities in the country to hold a AAA two goals are vital to the economic ings, and that an investment of $110 credit rating. That is through her sub- well-being of the United States. billion is needed to bring them up to stantial efforts and the people that Today’s budget outlook is consider- minimally accepted standards. work with her and for her, as well as ably more optimistic than when the I am particularly concerned about the Alexandria city council. It is some- phrase ‘‘deficits as far as the eye can our crisis in critical transportation thing to be very proud of, and that is see’’ was commonly used in conjunc- bottlenecks that are in trade corridors, the balance between a caring, progres- tion with budget projections. and maritime vulnerabilities. We also sive manager and one that is fiscally The Congressional Budget Office is need to make immediate investments responsible. forecasting enormous budget surpluses to address our Nation’s vulnerability in But she is more than a sharp and ca- which provides Congress an immense the end-to-end movement of forces, pable city manager. A breast cancer opportunity to begin to pay down the equipment and material necessary to survivor, she turned her personal $3.3 trillion of marketable debt. Today, support a rapid military deployment. health crisis into a public crusade. She the Treasury auctioned $10 billion This plan is fiscally sound. It is a initiated Alexandria’s annual breast worth of 30-year bonds, and they are means of providing the Federal Reserve cancer walk to raise funds to provide expecting an additional small auction Board with a needed lever to increase free breast cancer screening for low-in- in August. After that, the Treasury is the money supply and provide public come women. Over the years, Vola has not expected to auction any additional infrastructure necessary to meet the been the recipient of countless honors bonds until February 2001. In fact, yes- challenges of the 21st century. and awards and citations. Most re- terday’s Bloomberg article states that, cently, Washingtonian Magazine ‘‘Wall Street bond dealers have decided f named Vola a Washingtonian of the that probably this will be the last bond The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Year for 1999, and she was inducted into ever: a collector’s item to be displayed previous order of the House, the gen- Virginia’s Women’s Hall of Fame in on the shelf along with golf trophies in tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 1993. the recreation room.’’ TOOMEY) is recognized for 5 minutes. I count myself among those who have This poses an interesting dilemma (Mr. TOOMEY addressed the House. been very privileged and honored to for the Federal Reserve Board. Their His remarks will appear hereafter in have served with Vola in the Alexan- job is to accommodate a substantial the Extensions of Remarks.) dria city government. She is a great rate of economic growth by assuring f friend. Her legacy of compassion, her needed increases in the money supply dedication, and her fortitude will long which has been accomplished in the A FAIR HEARING FOR ELIAN be associated with the city of Alexan- past by buying United States Govern- GONZALEZ dria and public service in general. She ment securities at an average annual The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a has enhanced the entire profession. She rate of about $20 billion. When the previous order of the House, the gentle- will be remembered for that, as well as Treasury stops buying U.S. securities, woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- her humor and her uncanny ability to the Federal Reserve will be losing a LEHTINEN) is recognized for 5 minutes.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.139 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Yet, there are those who shut them- Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, Congress is the seas are stormy, the waves are selves to this possibility and want only back in session. We heard from the beating against your frail little face, for Elian to be returned to his father in President the other night, and he laid the winds are bitter cold. Your dark Cuba. out an agenda for this country of prior- eyes are blinded by tears. You feel your For those, I would like to quote Sis- ities that we need to work on during mother’s hands as they struggle to ter O’Laughlin again. She writes, ‘‘It the course of this year. Many of those hold you above the waves. You hear her troubles me that Elian’s father has not priorities in fact are the unfinished gentle voice praying to God to protect come to the United States. I realize business of last year, when we did not you, asking God to help you reach the how he must love Elian. What, if not accomplish all that we might have. land of liberty, and whispering to you fear, could keep a person from making The issue that I want to address this to pray to your guardian angel. a 30-minute trip to reclaim his son? evening has to do with the high cost of Suddenly, there is distress in your And what might Elian’s father fear if prescription drugs for our seniors, be- mother’s voice. This turns into cries of not the authoritarian Cuban govern- cause there is a problem that in the anguish and the last words you hear ment itself? Could we send the boy past year has only become much worse. from your mother are, ‘‘I love you, my back to a climate that may be full of Two years ago, in 1998, I first had a child. You are in God’s hands now.’’ fear without at least a fair hearing in study done in my district that showed Committed to honor your mother’s a family court,’’ Sister Jeanne asks. that seniors on average pay twice as wishes, strengthened by her love and Some would discount that this fear much for their prescription medica- faith, you cling to an inner tube, all exists. Some would question that the tions as the drug companies’ preferred alone in the vast Atlantic Ocean. You regime takes any action that would in- customers. Those preferred customers continue to pray and on Thanksgiving still fear. No, that would not be, they are HMOs, hospitals, and the Federal Day, 1999, you are rescued by two fish- say. But imagine how intense the fear government itself, which purchases ermen off the coast of Florida. must be, how horrific the oppression drugs for Medicaid and for the Vet- Despite the harrowing experience, and subjugation must be in Cuba, that erans Administration. you are filled with joy, joy in the thousands upon thousands of mothers In October of 1998, we released a sec- knowledge that you made it to the and fathers risk their lives to bring ond study in the first District of United States, that your mother’s sac- their children to freedom here in the Maine. That study showed that people rifice was not in vain. United States. Imagine how the spirit in Maine pay 72 percent more than Ca- This is the story of Elian Gonzalez, of the Cuban people is strangulated by nadians and 102 percent more than who was then 5 years old and his moth- the Castro regime that they are driven Mexicans for the same drug in the er, Elizabet Broton. One cannot help to such desperate measures. same quantity from the same manufac- but wonder if there was divine inter- Imagine not being able to go to turer. vention. church or to turn to any religious lead- That price discrimination is going on Elian has repeatedly spoken about er for guidance or support because you all over the country. We have now had the schools of dolphins who surrounded would be arrested and interrogated. his inner tube. He is emphatic about over 150 different studies, one study or Where would those be who would doubt the fact that these dolphins protected the other demonstrating this price dis- that there is fear in Cuba? What would him from the sharks while using their crimination by the pharmaceutical in- they say to the dissidents who are per- snouts to push him closer to our U.S. dustry against those who do not have secuted because they want human shores. insurance for their prescription drugs. Donato, one of the fishermen who rights, or to the political prisoners be- Seniors make up 12 percent of the saved Elian’s life, has publicly stated cause they want freedom and democ- population, but they buy one-third of and has personally said to many Mem- racy for Cuba? What would they say to all prescription medications. Seniors, bers of Congress of this chamber how the Cuban mothers and fathers who 37 percent of them have no coverage at he as a Christian believes that God must relinquish control of their chil- all for their prescription medications. guided him toward Elian on that fate- dren’s upbringing and education and About 8 percent have prescription drug ful day. Donato explains, ‘‘At first I leave it to the Castro regime, a regime coverage through a MediGap policy, thought it was a doll. I would have which teaches children to read using but those Medigap policies are very never seen Elian’s tiny little hands books such as these: limited in terms of their benefits. clinging to the inner tube had there This one, for example, is used to Often they are capped out at $1,000 or not been some force driving us toward teach Elian and his classmates and it $1,500 per year. Often the policies cost him.’’ says, ‘‘G’’ is for guerrilla. It also in- more than the benefit that they pro- Some who have looked into Elian’s cludes songs such as the ones where the vide. eyes have seen the purity of his spirit, children pledge their devotion to Cas- About 8 percent of people in this the antithesis of the evil that is Fidel tro, to Che Guevara, and to other country have prescription drug cov- Castro and his atheist regime. Some Cuban revolutionary leaders. This one, erage through an HMO. Medicare bene- can see the collective anguish of the for example, says, ‘‘I want to be like ficiaries have HMO coverage. But if we Cuban soul, in chains since Castro him. I could be like him. I will have to read the news about what is happening came to power and banished God and be like him. Like whom,’’ it says. to HMOs providing coverage under religion from Cuba, replacing it with ‘‘Like Che.’’ Medicare, some of them are dropping Communist doctrine and institutions. Is this the environment that Elian coverage in areas entirely because it is However, all who have come in con- should be returned to without so much not profitable. Most of them are low- tact with the child, including Jeanne as an opportunity to have him speak ering the cap that they provide for a O’Laughlin, who facilitated the meet- and express his desires? benefit on prescription drugs, and most ing between Elian and his grand- I ask that my colleagues search their of them are increasing the premiums mothers, are touched by Elian. consciences and let God guide their that they are asking people to pay. Sister O’Laughlin was hand-picked steps as they consider this issue. So HMOs under Medicare are no way by Attorney General Janet Reno and f to provide secure, reliable coverage for the INS. She is a neutral observer who b 1730 prescription drugs. The fact is that the answers to a higher call. Yet, after industry charges whatever the market looking into Elian’s tiny dark eyes, she URGING REPUBLICAN MEMBERS will bear for prescription drugs, and said, ‘‘He would grow to greater free- TO SIGN DISCHARGE PETITION they give discounts to big customers, dom of manhood here.’’ She believes ON H.R. 664, THE PRESCRIPTION to favored customers, they give dis- that Elian should ‘‘live free of fear’’ DRUG FAIRNESS FOR SENIORS counts to Canadians and Mexicans and and that ‘‘the final challenge of finding ACT Europeans, but seniors in this country the best way for Elian to heal and to be The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. pay the highest prices in the world. nurtured should lie with a court that BASS). Under a previous order of the The fact is, the bottom line is that has experience in seeking the best in- House, the gentleman from Maine (Mr. the most profitable industry in the terests of children.’’ ALLEN) is recognized for 5 minutes. country is charging the highest prices

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.143 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H337 in the world to people who can least af- worked for 11 years before starting essary relief to married couples across ford it, including our seniors. with my dad back in 1941 at the law this great land of ours. The bill that I introduced last year, firm that he joined that year. In the committee, when we were H.R. 664, the Prescription Drug Fair- Her job with our firm was the only marking up the bill, I heard many ness for Seniors Act, would deal with job she ever had after becoming a legal Members of the leadership on that side this problem by eliminating the price secretary, and she was a great one, able of the aisle describing things like giv- discrimination. The bill is very simple. to smooth the edges of an unhappy cli- ing taxpayers back some of their It allows the government to negotiate ent, or make a happy client happier by money as a bonus. Why are they giving lower prices for people who are on her warmth and sense of humor. people a bonus when they do not pay Medicare, people who are already in a I have never met anyone more loyal, those taxes that are being claimed on Federal health care plan. It is called more selfless, more honest, more dili- marriage penalties? And if we are giv- Medicare. It works, but it does not gent, more full of wisdom, more effi- ing them more of their money back, have prescription drug coverage, and it cient than Glenys. She never let you that is a bonus? needs to. know if she had a bad day. Despite a Mr. Speaker, where I come from, All my bill would do is allow phar- few health problems in her later years, every cent that the American taxpayer macies to buy drugs for Medicare bene- she never has considered herself a vic- earns, a taxpayer who works hard 40- ficiaries at the best price given to the tim of anything because she was too plus hours a week, some with two jobs, Federal government, either the price busy looking on the bright side of every cent that they send to this Cap- given to the Veterans Administration things. itol here in Washington, D.C. is their or the price paid by Medicaid. Over the course of 60 years this money, not ours. I thought that this bill would attract woman, Glenys Burquist, typed the But they on the other side have this Members of the other side of the aisle pleadings for thousands of adoptions nomenclature of bonus, surplus, and when they understood it was a bill that that we did, thousands of probates, you name it. Then, of course, I heard created no new bureaucracy, it in- thousands of letters and other plead- today about the most important neces- volved no significant amount of ex- ings and real estate closings and min- sity established by that side of the penditure by the Federal government, utes of corporations, and all the other aisle, which is pay down the debt, pay and it would provide a discount of up things that go on in a law firm. down the debt. I must have heard it 48 to 40 percent for seniors in this country Before copy machines, she simply times today, if I heard it once. who really need the help and need it used carbon paper. In the late 1980s, she I am glad they finally recognize that now. gave in and finally switched to a mem- they need to pay down the debt that But the truth is that though we have ory typewriter. That was about as far they have run up when they were in 140 Democratic cosponsors of this legis- as she would go. charge for well over 40 years, charging lation, not one Republican, not one has Unfortunately, in today’s world, things to the American taxpayer, po- seen fit to step up and cosponsor this Glenys may represent the end of an era litically popular programs, but no legislation. of employee stability and commitment. means in sight to pay for them. Much I grant that this is a battle. The She never was looking for a better deal like a reckless person with a credit pharmaceutical industry does not like elsewhere, or griped about a little card, they were ringing up the total, this bill. The pharmaceutical industry extra work that kept her after regular ringing up the purchase, not worrying is running TV ads all across the coun- hours. For years she came into the of- about who is going to pay the bill. try touting what a wonderful, warm, fice regularly for half a day on Satur- We are at a day of reckoning. We and fuzzy industry it is, and how they days, without any complaint. have balanced the budget. We are put- do research and development that is Quite simply, Glenys Burquist is one ting money towards debt repayment. important for the American people. in a million, an institution in the Spo- We paid over $139 billion over the last About that, they are right. But what kane, Washington legal community, 2 years in debt repayment. I think we they are trying to do is block the and a person so deserving of happiness are making wonderful progress towards President’s prescription drug benefit and peace and respect and congratula- debt repayment. plan. They are trying to block the tions that this recognition hardly does Remember, a few years ago when we, progress that we are making in getting her justice. the majority, started this and decided a discount for Medicare beneficiaries. On behalf of the Nethercutt family to cut the capital gains tax from ordi- This is a huge battle. On this battle, and my wife, Mary Beth, especially, nary income to 20 percent, we heard the Democrats are lining up, taking on and all the lives she has touched, we again, you cannot do it, the markets the pharmaceutical industry. We are wish Glenys Burquist the happiest of will go crazy, you will bankrupt the going to be introducing a discharge pe- birthdays, and send our abundant love Nation. Let us talk about what has tition to bring this bill to the floor and respect. happened: a record Dow, a record next week. We would like to have some f NASDAQ, higher income for all Ameri- Republican support. I certainly hope at cans, more money to the Treasury, sur- IT IS TIME FOR MARRIAGE TAX some point we will get it. plus revenues. RELIEF FOR THE AMERICAN f Then the following campaign year PEOPLE when they argued against it, most took WISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a credit for it and said, I gave you a tax GLENYS BURQUIST previous order of the House, the gen- cut. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tleman from Florida (Mr. FOLEY) is We gave a $500 per child tax cut from previous order of the House, the gen- recognized for 5 minutes. this Congress because we believe rais- tleman from Washington (Mr. Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise ing children is expensive, and people NETHERCUTT) is recognized for 5 min- today to discuss an issue that was just need more of their own money back. utes. on the floor less than an hour ago Those are just some of the things we Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, today. That was the marriage penalty did to make a difference in Americans’ February 3 marked a special day for a elimination. lives. person close to my heart, for it was the I must say, as a member of the Com- We also heard last year before we ad- 90th birthday of a wonderful woman mittee on Ways and Means, I was quite journed that we were dipping into so- with whom my family had a long asso- shocked. If Members listened to the en- cial security, we were dipping into so- ciation of close to 60 years. Her name is tire debate, they would have heard the cial security. Then new numbers came Glenys Burquist, and she was a legal hand-wringing and moaning and groan- out in December that reflected the op- secretary to my late father for 36 ing from the other side of the aisle that posite. We did not touch social secu- years, and a secretary to me for 18 somehow we were doing a terrible in- rity. We kept our commitment. We years, until I was elected to Congress justice to the United States budget, kept our pledge. Our pledge was this: in 1994. She worked 2 years for my dear and that we were somehow going to shore up social security, shore up Medi- wife, who is also a lawyer, and she bankrupt our Nation by providing nec- care, work on things for the average

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.144 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 H338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 10, 2000 family and give them some tax reduc- paying property taxes for decades. It is culture, transmitting the Department’s final tion. difficult. It is tough. Wake up. This is rule—Asian Longhorned Beetle; Addition to Today we passed the bill. After the reality, so people do need a break. Quarantined Areas [Docket No. 00–004–1] re- contentious debate, hours on this floor, ceived February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. f 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- hours of hand-wringing, we actually culture. got 268 votes for our proposal to elimi- LEAVE OF ABSENCE 6118. A letter from the General Counsel, nate the marriage penalty. Forty-eight By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Federal Emergency Management, transmit- Democrats and one Independent joined ting the Agency’s final rule—Suspension of sence was granted to: Community Eligibility [Docket No. FEMA– us. That is a bipartisan effort. I ap- Mr. EVERETT (at the request of Mr. plaud those who had the courage to 7721] received January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 ARMEY) for today on account of illness U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on recognize the inequity of the Tax Code. in the family. Banking and Financial Services. Fifty-one thousand and twenty-one 6119. A letter from the General Counsel, f people in my district are paying a mar- Federal Emergency Management Agency, riage penalty, and 1,176,000 throughout SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED transmitting the Agency’s final rule—Sus- the great State of Florida are paying a pension of Community Eligibility [Docket By unanimous consent, permission to marriage penalty. No. FEMA–7725] received January 5, 2000, address the House, following the legis- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- We were on record today as moving mittee on Banking and Financial Services. forward to eliminate this tax burden on lative program and any special orders heretofore entered, was granted to: 6120. A letter from the General Counsel, the average families who are working, Federal Emergency Management Agency, who are struggling, who are providing (The following Members (at the re- transmitting the Agency’s final rule—Final for their children and their families in quest of Mr. MORAN of Virginia) to re- Flood Elevation Determinations—received the districts in which they live. vise and extend their remarks and in- January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Let us get out of the notion here in clude extraneous material:) 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Banking Mrs. THURMAN, for 5 minutes, today. and Financial Services. this Capital of Washington, D.C. that 6121. A letter from the General Counsel, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, for 5 minutes, this is our money, because it is not. Federal Emergency Management Agency, This money belongs to the taxpayers of today. transmitting the Agency’s final rule— America. Every chance we get, and I Mr. ALLEN, for 5 minutes, today. Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations am telling the Members, seriously, we (The following Members (at the re- [Docket No. FEMA–7308] received January 5, quest of Mr. FOLEY) to revise and ex- 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the are working as a Congress on our side Committee on Banking and Financial Serv- of the aisle to preserve social security, tend their remarks and include extra- neous material:) ices. to preserve Medicare, to fix the prob- 6122. A letter from the General Counsel, lems. Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE, for 5 minutes, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Yes, we will meet, I am certain, in today. transmitting the Agency’s final rule—Final some accommodation on prescription Mr. HORN, for 5 minutes, today. Flood Elevation Determinations—received drugs. I am certain of this. I know we Mr. METCALF, for 5 minutes, today. January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Banking need to do that. We will reach out in a Mr. TOOMEY, for 5 minutes, today. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for 5 minutes, and Financial Services. bipartisan manner. But I have to tell 6123. A letter from the General Counsel, the Members, I have just about had today. Federal Emergency Management Agency, enough, because on some issues that Mr. NETHERCUTT, for 5 minutes, transmitting the Agency’s final rule— are important to the other side of the today. Changes in Flood Elevation Determina- aisle, this should be a bipartisan effort. Mr. FOLEY, for 5 minutes, today. tions—received Jnauary 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on f When we come to the floor on what Banking and Financial Services. we think is a bipartisan effort, 22 BILL PRESENTED TO THE 6124. A letter from the General Counsel, Democrats signed our bill, we would Federal Emergency Management Agency, think there would be mutual admira- PRESIDENT transmitting the Agency’s final rule— tion for the great work being done Mr. THOMAS, from the Committee Changes in Flood Elevation Determina- today. President Clinton, Vice Presi- on House Administration, reported tions—received January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 that that committee did on the fol- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on dent GORE, support some marriage pen- Banking and Financial Services. alty elimination. It is all the devil in lowing date present to the President, 6125. A letter from the General Counsel, the details. If it is not their bill, they for his approval, a bill of the House of Federal Emergency Management Agency, are not happy and satisfied, and have the following title: transmitting the Agency’s final rule— to bellyache about the consequences. On February 9, 2000: Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations Mr. Speaker, we will balance the H.R. 2130. To amend the Controlled Sub- [Docket No. FEMA–7301] received January 5, budget. We will pay down the debt. We stances Act to direct the emergency sched- 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Banking and Financial Serv- will shore up social security. We will uling of gamma hydroxybutyric acid, to pro- vide a national awareness campaign, and for ices. fix Medicare. We will work on prescrip- 6126. A letter from the Director, Regula- other purposes. tion drug coverage. We will also do the tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, things that are necessary to help the f Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department’s final rule— American family, who are working of- ADJOURNMENT tentimes two jobs in order to make Indirect Food Additives: Polymers [Docket No. 97F–0116] received January 5, 2000, pursu- ends meet. We will work to make cer- Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee tain we have reached the threshold so on Commerce. they can at least have some of their The motion was agreed to; accord- 6127. A letter from the Director, Regula- own hard-earned money back in their ingly (at 5 o’clock and 44 minutes tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, pockets. p.m.), under its previous order, the Department of Health and Human Services, At the end of a 40-hour work, it is House adjourned until Monday, Feb- transmitting the Department’s final rule— pretty difficult to go home and realize ruary 14, 2000, at 12:30 p.m., for morning Indirect Food Additives: Adjuvants, Produc- hour debates. tion Aids, and Santizers [Docket No. 99F– you have very little left after paying 2534] received January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 excise taxes, mortgage taxes. In fact, f U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Mrs. Clinton today was shocked, Commerce. shocked when she said, and I quote EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 6128. A letter from the Director, Office of from the New York Times, ‘‘I can’t be- ETC. Regulatory Management and Information, lieve how high taxes are on properties Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- here in New York,’’ since she just ting the Agency’s final rule—Approval and communications were taken from the Promulgation of State Plans For Designated bought a house, the first one in well Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Facilities and Pollutants: New Hampshire; over 20 years. 6117. A letter from the Congressional Re- Plan for Controlling Emissions From Exist- Welcome to the real world. We are view Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health ing Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste Incin- paying taxes all our lives. I have been Inspection Service, Department of Agri- erators [Docket No. NH040–7167a; FRL–6532–2]

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10FE7.146 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H339 received February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 mitting the Department’s final rule—Modi- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on fication of Class E Airspace; Bemidji, MN PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Commerce. [Airspace Docket No. 99–AGL–53] received 6129. A letter from the Director, Office of February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of Regulatory Management and Information, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- committees were delivered to the Clerk Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- tation and Infrastructure. for printing and reference to the proper ting the Agency’s final rule—Approval and 6140. A letter from the Program Analyst, calendar, as follows: Promulgation of Implementation Plans; FAA, Department of Transportation, trans- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: Com- California State Implementation Plan Revi- mitting the Department’s final rule—Modi- mittee on Rules. House Resolution 422. sion, El Dorado County Air Pollution Con- fication of Class E Airspace; Steubenville, trol District [CA083–0214; FRL–6530–6] re- OH [Airspace Docket No. 99–AGL–52] re- Resolution providing for consideration ceived February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ceived February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. of the bill (H.R. 2086) to authorize fund- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Commerce. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- ing for networking and information 6130. A letter from the Director, Office of tation and Infrastructure. technology research and development Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory 6141. A letter from the Chief, Office of Reg- for fiscal years 2000 through 2004, and Commission, transmitting the Commission’s ulations and Administrative Law, USCG, De- for other purposes (Rept. 106–496). Re- final rule—AP600 Design Certification (RIN: partment of Transportation, transmitting 3150–AG23) received January 5, 2000, pursuant ferred to the House Calendar. the Department’s final rule—Special Local f to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Regulations for Marine Events; Maui Night Commerce. Club Fireworks Display, Delaware River, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 6131. A letter from the Director, Office of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [CGD 05–99–077] Surface Mining, Department of the Interior, Under clause 2 of rule XII, public (RIN: 2115–AE46) received January 27, 2000, transmitting the Department’s final rule— pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- bills and resolutions of the following Virginia Regulatory Program [VA–114–FOR] mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- titles were introduced and severally re- received February 3, 2000, pursuant to 5 ture. ferred, as follows: U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Re- sources. 6142. A letter from the Chief, Office of Reg- By Mr. JACKSON of Illinois (for him- 6132. A letter from the Director, Fish and ulations and Administrative Law, USCG, De- self and Mr. GUTIERREZ): Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, partment of Transportation, transmitting H.R. 3610. A bill to provide for the acquisi- transmitting the Department’s final rule— the Department’s final rule—Special Local tion, construction, and improvement of child Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Regulations for Marine Events; Wild Goose care facilities or equipment, and for other Plants; Determination of Endangered Status Classic Challenge, Chester River, Chester- purposes; to the Committee on Education for the Plant Yreka Phlox from Siskiyou town, Maryland [CGD 05–99–074] (RIN: 2115– and the Workforce. County, California (RIN: 1018–AE82) received AE46) received January 27, 2000, pursuant to By Mrs. KELLY: February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on H.R. 3611. A bill to increase the number of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources. Transportation and Infrastructure. interaccount transfers which may be made 6133. A letter from the Director, Office of 6143. A letter from the Chief, Office of Reg- from business accounts at depository institu- Surface Mining, Department of the Interior, ulations and Administrative Law, USCG, De- tions, to require the Board of Governors of transmitting the Department’s final rule— partment of Transportation, transmitting the Federal Reserve System to pay interest Virginia Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation the Department’s final rule—Special Local on certain reserves, and for other purposes; Plan [VA–115–FOR] received January 5, 2000, Regulations for Marine Events; Harford to the Committee on Banking and Financial pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- County Power Boat Regatta, Bush River, Services. mittee on Resources. Abingdon, Maryland [CGD 05–99–072] (RIN: By Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas (for 6134. A letter from the Director, Office of 2115–AE46) received January 27, 2000, pursu- himself, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. TRAFI- Surface Mining, Department of the Interior, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee CANT, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. transmitting the Department’s final rule— on Transportation and Infrastructure. HOSTETTLER, Mr. ISTOOK, Mr. GOSS, Pennsylvania Regulatory Program [PA–123– 6144. A letter from the Chief, Regulations Mr. FOLEY, and Mr. GEKAS): FOR] received February 4, 2000, pursuant to Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting H.R. 3612. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Service’s final rule—Coordinated Issue: enue Code of 1986 to repeal the adjusted gross Resources. All Industries—Cafeteria Plan/Qualified Re- income limitations on itemized deductions, 6135. A letter from the Director, Fish and tirement Plan Hybrid Arrangement [UIL– the personal exemption deduction, and the Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 125.05–00] received February 4, 2000, pursuant child tax credit and to repeal the alternative transmitting the Department’s final rule— to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on minimum tax on individuals; to the Com- Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Ways and Means. mittee on Ways and Means. By Mr. LAFALCE (for himself, Mr. Plants; Determination of Threatened Status 6145. A letter from the Chief, Regulations WELLER, and Mr. VENTO): for Two Chinook Salmon Evolutionarily Sig- Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting H.R. 3613. A bill to provide for the Sec- nificant Units (ESUs) in California (RIN: the Service’s final rule—McLeod v. United retary of Housing and Urban Development to 1018–AF82) received January 5, 2000, pursuant States—received February 4, 2000, pursuant fund, on a 1-year emergency basis, certain to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on requests for grant renewal under the pro- Resources. Ways and Means. 6136. A letter from the Program Analyst, grams for permanent supportive housing and 6146. A letter from the Chief, Regulations FAA, Department of Transportation, trans- shelter-plus-care for homeless persons; to the Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting mitting the Department’s final rule—Modi- Committee on Banking and Financial Serv- the Service’s final rule—Certain cash or de- fication of Class E Airspace; Marquette, MI; ices. ferred arrangements [Rev Rul. 2000–8] re- revocation of Class E Airspace; Sawyer, MI, By Mr. GOODLING (for himself, Mr. ceived February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and K.I. Sawyer, MI [Airspace Docket No. 99– PETRI, Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. UPTON, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and AGL–42] received February 4, 2000, pursuant Mr. COMBEST, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. Means. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on CLAY, Mr. KILDEE, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. Transportation and Infrastructure. 6147. A letter from the Chief, Regulations STENHOLM, and Mrs. CLAYTON): 6137. A letter from the Program Analyst, Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting H.R. 3614. A bill to amend the Richard B. FAA, Department of Transportation, trans- the Service’s final rule—Substantiation of Russell National School Lunch Act to ensure mitting the Department’s final rule—Stand- Business Expenses—received February 4, an adequate level of commodity purchases ard Instrument Approach Procedures; Mis- 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the under the school lunch program; to the Com- cellaneous Amendments [Docket No. 29907; Committee on Ways and Means. mittee on Education and the Workforce. Amdt. No. 1971] received February 4, 2000, 6148. A letter from the Chief, Regulations By Mr. GOODLATTE (for himself, Mr. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting BOUCHER, Mr. BAKER, Mrs. EMERSON, mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- the Service’s final rule—Rulings and deter- Mrs. CAPPS, Mrs. BONO, Mr. OBER- ture. mination letters [Rev. Proc. 2000–8] received STAR, Mr. EWING, Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. 6138. A letter from the Program Analyst, January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. METCALF, Mr. QUINN, Mr. BASS, Mr. FAA, Department of Transportation, trans- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and LATHAM, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. PHELPS, mitting the Department’s final rule—Modi- Means. Mr. MCINNIS, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. BUYER, fication of Class E Airspace; Cooperstown, 6149. A letter from the Chief, Regulations Mr. WATKINS, Mr. FROST, Mr. ND [Airspace Docket No. 99–AGL–54] re- Unit, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting BALDACCI, Mr. GOODE, Mr. PETERSON ceived February 4, 2000, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. the Service’s final rule—Exchange of MACRS of Minnesota, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. BOYD, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Property for MACRS Property [Notice 2000– Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, Mr. OLVER, tation and Infrastructure. 4] received January 5, 2000, pursuant to 5 Mr. FLETCHER, Mr. COLLINS, Mr. 6139. A letter from the Program Analyst, U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on THORNBERRY, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. FAA, Department of Transportation, trans- Ways and Means. NETHERCUTT, Mr. WICKER, Mr.

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LAHOOD, Mr. BOEHLERT, Mr. GOOD- By Mr. HORN (for himself, Mr. HOUGH- for American Indian Tribal Colleges and Uni- LING, Mr. HERGER, Mr. NUSSLE, Mr. TON, Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut, versities under part A of title III; to the RADANOVICH, Mr. EHRLICH, Mr. Mr. GILMAN, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. BOEH- Committee on Education and the Workforce. HASTINGS of Washington, Mr. THUNE, LERT, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. OXLEY, Mrs. By Mr. ISAKSON: Mr. COOKSEY, Mr. HILLEARY, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. GIB- H.R. 3630. A bill to amend title 23, United FOWLER, Mr. BONILLA, Mr. BONS, Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. GREEN- States Code, to make certain passenger rail BALLENGER, Mr. SKEEN, Mr. SHIMKUS, WOOD, Mr. HEFLEY, Mr. ISTOOK, Mr. projects eligible for funding under the high- Mr. PICKERING, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. KUYKENDALL, Mr. way program, and for other purposes; to the SHERWOOD, Mr. UPTON, Mr. HAYES, LAHOOD, Mr. MICA, Mr. PAUL, Ms. Committee on Transportation and Infra- Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. SMITH of Michi- structure. SMITH of Texas, Mr. VITTER, Mr. JEN- gan, Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania, By Mr. KLECZKA: KINS, Mr. TAUZIN, Mr. RILEY, Mr. and Mr. WALDEN of Oregon): H.R. 3631. A bill to amend title XVIII of the CANADY of Florida, Mr. BARTLETT of H.R. 3620. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Social Security Act, the Employee Retire- Maryland, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. enue Code of 1986 to allow individuals an ad- ment Income Security Act of 1974, the Public CHAMBLISS, Mr. BARRETT of Ne- ditional IRA deduction based on unused Health Service Act, and the Internal Rev- braska, Mr. GANSKE, Mr. BISHOP, Mr. amounts of deduction limitation in prior enue Code of 1986 to provide for an election THOMAS, Mr. OXLEY, Mr. GOSS, Mr. years; to the Committee on Ways and Means. for retirees 55-to-65 years of age who lose em- JONES of North Carolina, Mr. DOO- By Mr. BEREUTER (for himself, Mr. ployer-based coverage to acquire health care LITTLE, Mr. POMBO, Mr. WAMP, Mr. HILL of Montana, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. coverage under the Medicare Program or DUNCAN, Mr. NORWOOD, Mrs. BATEMAN, Mr. BLILEY, Mr. under COBRA continuation benefits, and to CHENOWETH-HAGE, Mr. DAVIS of Vir- BLUMENAUER, Mr. GOODE, Mr. LEWIS amend the Employee Retirement Income Se- ginia, Mr. DICKEY, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. of Kentucky, and Mrs. NORTHUP): curity Act of 1974 to provide for advance no- LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. WELLER, Mr. H.R. 3621. A bill to provide for the post- tice of material reductions in covered serv- FOLEY, Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. SMITH of humous promotion of William Clark of the ices under group health plans; to the Com- Michigan, Mr. GEKAS, Mr. HOUGHTON, Commonwealth of Virginia and the Common- mittee on Ways and Means, and in addition wealth of Kentucky, co-leader of the Lewis Mr. REYNOLDS, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. to the Committees on Commerce, and Edu- and Clark Expedition, to the grade of captain TRAFICANT, Mr. SCHAFFER, Mr. cation and the Workforce, for a period to be in the Regular Army; to the Committee on THOMPSON of California, Mr. MINGE, subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Armed Services. Mrs. CLAYTON, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. SISI- each case for consideration of such provi- SKY, Mr. BRYANT, Mr. WALSH, Mr. By Mr. DICKEY: sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the MCHUGH, Mrs. JOHNSON of Con- H.R. 3622. A bill to designate a highway by- committee concerned. necticut, Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. ROGERS, pass in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the ‘‘Wiley By Mr. LANTOS (for himself, Ms. Mr. FARR of California, Mr. KIND, and A. Branton, Sr. Memorial Highway’’; to the PELOSI, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. HILL of Montana): Committee on Transportation and Infra- H.R. 3615. A bill to amend the Rural Elec- structure. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. trification Act of 1936 to ensure improved ac- By Mr. JACKSON of Illinois (for him- ESHOO, Mr. STARK, Mrs. TAUSCHER, cess to the signals of local television sta- self, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. MEEKS of New Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. LEE, and Mr. tions by multichannel video providers to all York, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. CLAY, THOMPSON of California): households which desire such service in and Ms. NORTON): H.R. 3632. A bill to revise the boundaries of unserved and underserved rural areas by De- H.R. 3623. A bill to assure protection for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, cember 31, 2006; to the Committee on Agri- the innocent to the fundamental right to life and for other purposes; to the Committee on culture, and in addition to the Committees by providing a temporary moratorium on Resources. on Commerce, and the Judiciary, for a period carrying out the death penalty to assure By Mr. LEACH (for himself, Mr. BACH- to be subsequently determined by the Speak- that persons able to prove their innocence US, and Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma): er, in each case for consideration of such pro- are not executed; to the Committee on the H.R. 3633. A bill to require the Secretary of visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary. the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- committee concerned. By Mr. ENGLISH (for himself and Mr. tion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; to the By Mr. HAYES (for himself, Mr. GOOD- HOLDEN): Committee on Banking and Financial Serv- LING, Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. SCOTT, Mr. H.R. 3624. A bill to amend the Surface Min- ices. EDWARDS, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. ing Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for HAYWORTH, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. assure that the full amount deposited in the herself, Mr. GREENWOOD, Ms. PELOSI, CUNNINGHAM, Mr. THORNBERRY, Mr. Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund is spent Mr. GILMAN, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mrs. MCHUGH, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. MCCRERY, for the purposes for which that Fund was es- KELLY, Mr. CROWLEY, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mrs. KELLY, Mr. JONES of North tablished; to the Committee on Resources. Ms. MCKINNEY, Mrs. THURMAN, Mrs. Carolina, Mr. KUYKENDALL, Mr. By Mr. DICKEY: MORELLA, and Mr. WEINER): HEFLEY, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. H.R. 3625. A bill to amend the Federal H.R. 3634. A bill to provide for inter- CHAMBLISS, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. FLETCH- Water Pollution Control Act to exempt agri- national family planning funding for the fis- ER, Mr. GIBBONS, Mr. NETHERCUTT, cultural stormwater discharges and cal year 2001, and for other purposes; to the Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Is- silviculture operations from permits under Committee on International Relations. land, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. MCINTYRE, the national pollutant discharge elimination By Mr. NADLER: Mr. SAXTON, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. system, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 3635. A bill to repeal the per-State WHITFIELD, Mr. PORTER, Mr. PACK- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- limitation applicable to grants made by the ARD, Mrs. BONO, Mr. ROHRABACHER, ture. National Endowment for the Arts from funds Mr. TERRY, Mr. TANCREDO, and Mr. By Mr. FOSSELLA: made available for fiscal year 2000; to the H.R. 3626. A bill to reform the process by STUMP): Committee on Education and the Workforce. which the Office of the Pardon Attorney in- H.R. 3616. A bill to reauthorize the impact By Mr. PAUL: vestigates and reviews potential exercises of aid program under the Elementary and Sec- H.R. 3636. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- executive clemency; to the Committee on ondary Education Act of 1965, and for other enue Code of 1986 with respect to the pur- purposes; to the Committee on Education the Judiciary. By Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey: chase of prescription drugs by individuals and the Workforce. who have attained retirement age, and to By Mr. LAZIO (for himself, Mr. LEACH, H.R. 3627. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to re- amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Mr. WALSH, and Mr. ENGLISH): Act with respect to the importation of pre- H.R. 3617. A bill to prevent fraud under the quire passengers before boarding an aircraft scription drugs and the sale of such drugs FHA rehabilitation loan program under sec- to provide government-issued identification; through Internet sites; to the Committee on tion 203(k) of the National Housing Act; to to the Committee on Transportation and In- Commerce, and in addition to the Committee the Committee on Banking and Financial frastructure. on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- Services. By Mr. GALLEGLY (for himself and quently determined by the Speaker, in each By Mr. ANDREWS: Mr. HANSEN): H.R. 3618. A bill to amend the Fair Debt H.R. 3628. A bill to prohibit the importa- case for consideration of such provisions as Collection Practices Act with regard to li- tion of bidi cigarettes; to the Committee on fall within the jurisdiction of the committee ability for noncompliance, and for other pur- Ways and Means. concerned. poses; to the Committee on Banking and Fi- By Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin (for him- By Mrs. ROUKEMA (for herself, Mr. nancial Services. self, Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska, Mr. LEACH, Mr. LAFALCE, Mr. VENTO, Mr. H.R. 3619. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- POMEROY, Mr. METCALF, Mr. HILL of LAZIO, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, cation Act of 1965 to require institutions of Montana, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. and Mr. HANSEN): higher education to notify parents con- HAYWORTH, and Mr. PETERSON of Min- H.R. 3637. A bill to amend the Homeowners cerning missing person reports about their nesota): Protection Act of 1998 to make certain tech- children, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 3629. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- nical corrections; to the Committee on mittee on Education and the Workforce. cation Act of 1965 to improve the program Banking and Financial Services.

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By Mr. SHADEGG: EROY, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Ms. SANCHEZ, gress to Charles M. Schulz in recognition of H.R. 3638. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. SAWYER, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. SNYDER, his lasting artistic contributions to the Na- the Interior to fulfill his obligation to trans- Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. UDALL of New tion and the world; to the Committee on fer additional Federal lands to the State of Mexico, Ms. WATERS, Mr. WEINER, Banking and Financial Services. Arizona as required by the Arizona-New Mex- Mr. WU, Mr. WYNN, Mr. ARMEY, Mr. By Mr. WALDEN of Oregon: ico Enabling Act of June 20, 1910; to the Com- BAIRD, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. CAPUANO, H.R. 3643. A bill to amend the Occupational mittee on Resources. Mr. COBLE, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. GON- Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that By Mr. SKELTON (for himself and Mr. ZALEZ, Mr. HILL of Indiana, Mr. the Act will not apply to employment per- BLUNT): HOEFFEL, Mr. HORN, Mr. HOYER, Mr. formed in a workplace located in the em- H.R. 3639. A bill to designate the Federal INSLEE, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, ployee’s residence; to the Committee on Edu- building located at 2201 C Street, Northwest, Mr. LAMPSON, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. UDALL cation and the Workforce. in the District of Columbia, currently head- of Colorado, Mr. WATT of North Caro- By Mr. WEYGAND: quarters for the Department of State, as the lina, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. MORAN of Vir- H.R. 3644. A bill to authorize drawdown and ‘‘Harry S. Truman Federal Building‘‘; to the ginia, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. PETRI, Mr. distribution from the Strategic Petroleum Committee on Transportation and Infra- ANDREWS, Mr. BARCIA, Ms. BERKLEY, Reserve in the case of severe emergency sup- structure. Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Mr. BORSKI, Mr. ply interruptions on a State or regional By Mr. SMITH of Michigan: BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. CAL- level; to the Committee on Commerce. H.R. 3640. A bill to amend title XVIII of the LAHAN, Mr. CARDIN, Mrs. CHENOWETH- By Mr. BACA: Social Security Act to take the Federal Hos- HAGE, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. DELAY, Mr. H. Con. Res. 248. Concurrent resolution en- pital Insurance Trust Fund under the Medi- DICKEY, Mr. EVANS, Mr. GALLEGLY, couraging the people of the United States to care Program off budget; to the Committee Mr. GOODE, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. show support for and become active partici- on Ways and Means, and in addition to the HINCHEY, Mr. HOLT, Mr. HYDE, Mrs. pants in the American Red Cross and its Committee on the Budget, for a period to be JONES of Ohio, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. local chapters; to the Committee on Inter- subsequently determined by the Speaker, in KUYKENDALL, Mr. LEWIS of Cali- national Relations. each case for consideration of such provi- fornia, Mr. LUTHER, Mr. MARTINEZ, By Mr. NETHERCUTT (for himself and sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Mr. NADLER, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. OSE, Mr. committee concerned. Mr. PORTER): PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. REY- H. Con. Res. 249. Concurrent resolution ex- By Mr. SWEENEY: NOLDS, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. SPRATT, H.R. 3641. A bill to require the Secretary of pressing the sense of the Congress that the Mr. STARK, Mr. STRICKLAND, Mr. Government of the People’s Republic of Energy to study causes of the recent home SWEENEY, Mr. TANNER, Mr. TAYLOR of heating fuel price spikes in the Northeast China should immediately release Rabiya Mississippi, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. Kadeer, her secretary, and her son, abide by and to create a 10,000,000 barrel heating oil WAMP, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. WELDON of reserve in the Northeast; to the Committee the International Covenant on Civil and Po- Pennsylvania, Mr. WEXLER, Mrs. WIL- litical Rights, and permit Kadeer, her sec- on Commerce. SON, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. By Mr. THOMPSON of California (for retary, and her son to move to the United COYNE, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. States if they so desire; to the Committee on himself, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. GEP- HERGER, Mr. KLINK, Mr. LAZIO, Mr. International Relations. HARDT, Mr. VENTO, Mr. PICKERING, MCINTYRE, Mr. QUINN, Mr. RYAN of Mr. JENKINS, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. GEORGE Wisconsin, Mr. YOUNG of Florida, Mr. f MILLER of California, Mr. SMITH of YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. SMITH of Wash- PRIVATE BILLS AND New Jersey, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. GIB- ington, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. HILLIARD, Mr. BONS, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. COOKSEY, FORD, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. BONILLA, Mr. RESOLUTIONS Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. DOOLEY of Cali- LATOURETTE, Mr. FRANK of Massa- Under clause 3 of rule XII, private fornia, Mr. WOLF, Mr. BATEMAN, Mr. chusetts, Mr. THUNE, Mr. ISAKSON, bills and resolutions of the following RADANOVICH, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. Mr. BOEHLERT, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. titles were introduced and severally re- POMBO, Mr. FROST, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. WALSH, Mr. EVERETT, Mrs. MINK of ferred, as follows: BACA, Mrs. FOWLER, Mr. SKELTON, Hawaii, Mr. GEJDENSON, Mrs. Ms. ESHOO, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. By Mr. NETHERCUTT: MALONEY of New York, Mr.´ MAN- REYES, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. CONDIT, ZULLO, Mr. SKEEN, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, H.R. 3645. A bill for the relief of Leilani Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. SCOTT, Ms. Winnefred Tooley; to the Committee on the HOLDEN, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. DICKS, Mr. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. OLVER, Judiciary. MOORE, Mrs. THURMAN, Mr. LUCAS of Ms. NORTON, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. By Mr. RAHALL: Kentucky, Mr. SABO, Mr. GUTIERREZ, MCDERMOTT, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, H.R. 3646. A bill for the relief of certain Mr. BOYD, Mr. SISISKY, Mr. BISHOP, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LARSON, Ms. KIL- Persian Gulf evacuees; to the Committee on Mrs. KELLY, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. PATRICK, Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. the Judiciary. BARRETT of Nebraska, Mr. THOMPSON DELAHUNT, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. DAVIS f of Mississippi, Mr. FARR of Cali- of Florida, Mr. BENTSEN, Mr. RUSH, fornia, Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. Mr. LIPINSKI, Ms. CARSON, Mrs. BONO, ADDITIONAL SPONSORS FOSSELLA, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma, Mr. KEN- Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. BAR- were added to public bills and resolu- NEDY of Rhode Island, Mrs. CLAYTON, RETT of Wisconsin, Mr. DIXON, Mrs. Mr. LAHOOD, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDON- EMERSON, Mr. HALL of Ohio, Ms. tions as follows: ALD, Ms. LEE, Mr. GOODLATTE, Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE H.R. 5: Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. HUTCHINSON, JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. MATSUI, Mr. TOOMEY, Mr. MILLER of Florida, and Mr. Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. PE- MEEHAN, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, BLUNT. TERSON of Minnesota, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. RIVERS, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 8: Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. FILNER, Mr. OWENS, Mr. STEN- MORAN of Kansas, Mr. WEYGAND, Mr. H.R. 65: Mr. WU. HOLM, Mr. SANDLIN, Mr. MINGE, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. EWING, H.R. 72: Mr. CALLAHAN and Mr. CALVERT. TURNER, Mr. JOHN, Mr. DREIER, Mr. Mr. WELLER, Mr. SMITH of Michigan, H.R. 123: Mr. HYDE, Mr. JENKINS, and Mr. OBEY, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. BALLENGER, Mr. BRYANT, Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mr. CLY- H.R. 163: Mr. LAHOOD. BALDACCI, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BURN, Mr. KANJORSKI, Mr. KOLBE, Mr. H.R. 274: Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO, Mr. GON- BLUMENAUER, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. SCARBOROUGH, Mr. BURTON of Indi- ZALEZ, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, and Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mrs. ana, Mr. BUYER, Mr. TAUZIN, Mr. MEEHAN. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. CLEMENT, Mr. TERRY, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. MEEKS of H.R. 287: Mr. DUNCAN. DOYLE, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. New York, Mr. JONES of North Caro- H.R. 303: Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. FRANKS of New FOLEY, Mr. FORBES, Mr. GILMAN, Mr. lina, Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, Mr. Jersey, Mr. WU, Mr. POMEROY, and Mr. GORDON, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. MOAKLEY, Mr. SIMPSON, BLUMENAUER. HASTINGS of Washington, Mr. HAYES, Mr. HAYWORTH, Ms. MCKINNEY, Mr. H.R. 323: Mr. SHAYS and Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. HULSHOF, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, SHERWOOD, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 329: Mr. KILDEE. Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. WELDON of Florida, H.R. 373: Mr. TANCREDO. KIND, Mr. KING, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. MIL- H.R. 488: Mr. ENGEL. LEWIS of Kentucky, Ms. LOFGREN, LER of Florida, Mr. CRANE, Mr. H.R. 531: Mr. ACKERMAN. Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Ms. EHLERS, Mr. UPTON, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. H.R. 534: Mr. MOLLOHAN, Mr. LUCAS of Ken- MCCARTHY of Missouri, Mr. MCKEON, SAXTON, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. FATTAH, tucky, Mr. TALENT, and Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. MASCARA, Mrs. MEEK of Florida, Mr. TOOMEY, Mr. WISE, and Mr. H.R. 606: Mr. MANZULLO. Mrs. MORELLA, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. KLECZKA): H.R. 623: Ms. GRANGER and Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PASCRELL, Ms. PELOSI, H.R. 3642. A bill to authorize the President NETHERCUTT. Mr. PHELPS, Mr. PICKETT, Mr. POM- to award a gold medal on behalf of the Con- H.R. 632: Mr. COOKSEY.

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H.R. 664: Mr. TOWNS and Mr. KIND. H.R. 2335: Mr. MCKEON, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. H.R. 3408: Mr. TERRY. H.R. 721: Ms. PELOSI, Ms. LOFGREN, and Mr. SPENCE, Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska, and Mr. H.R. 3430: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Ms. EWING. SHADEGG. STABENOW, Mr. FROST, and Ms. CARSON. H.R. 738: Mr. GOODLING. H.R. 2387: Mr. WU. ´ H.R. 3439: Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. COBURN, Mr. H.R. 803: Mr. LATOURETTE and Mr. LATHAM. H.R. 2498: Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO and Mr. BATEMAN, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, Mr. UDALL of H.R. 816: Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. GREENWOOD, PHELPS. New Mexico, Mr. DREIER, and Mr. LUCAS of Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. H.R. 2534: Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Oklahoma. WALSH, and Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. H.R. 2593: Mr. EVANS. H.R. 3485: Mr. MENENDEZ. H.R. 827: Mr. LAFALCE and Mr. OWENS. H.R. 2594: Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. LAZIO, and Ms. H.R. 3508: Mr. GONZALEZ and Mr. EHRLICH. H.R. 837: Mr. KUCINICH. NORTON. H.R. 3514: Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 887: Mr. HOEKSTRA. H.R. 2631: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MALONEY of H.R. 3519: Mr. GUTIERREZ, Ms. ROYBAL-AL- H.R. 903: Mr. GEPHARDT. Connecticut, Mr. MEEHAN, and Mr. MAR- LARD, and Mr. EVANS. H.R. 914: Mr. ORTIZ. TINEZ. H.R. 3525: Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, Mr. H.R. 941: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina and H.R. 2655: Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. SANFORD, Mr. SUNUNU, Mr. TAYLOR of Mis- Ms. RIVERS. H.R. 2700: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. sissippi, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. THUNE, Mr. H.R. 979: Mr. BLAGOJEVICH and Mr. BISHOP. H.R. 2710: Mrs. BIGGERT and Mr. LOBIONDO. PEASE, and Mr. SALMON. H.R. 996: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Mr. SHER- H.R. 2749: Mr. CALVERT. H.R. 3539: Mr. SALMON. MAN. H.R. 2765: Mr. WATT of North Carolina, Mr. H.R. 3540: Mr. BORSKI, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. H.R. 1017: Mr. GOODE. LEACH, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. PHELPS, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. FILNER, and Mr. H.R. 1032: Mr. SCHAFFER. BECERRA, Mr. LAFALCE, Mr. LARSON, Mrs. CHAMBLISS. H.R. 1075: Mr. WU and Mr. PAUL. MEEK of Florida, Mr. UNDERWOOD, and Mr. H.R. 3542: Mr. FROST, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. H.R. 1076: Mr. PAUL. BACA. BROWN of Ohio, and Mr. CLAY. H.R. 1083: Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. H.R. 2788: Mr. WHITFIELD. H.R. 3544: Mr. KING, Mr. PITTS, and Mr. H.R. 1093: Mr. BACA. H.R. 2790: Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. NADLER, GONZALEZ. H.R. 1102: Mr. THORNBERRY and Mr. and Mr. CAMP. H.R. 3552: Mr. KUCINICH and Mrs. CUBIN. GANSKE. H.R. 2792: Mr. HOYER. H.R. 3557: Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO, Mr. H.R. 1130: Ms. CARSON and Mr. MATSUI. H.R. 2802: Mr. MCINTOSH, Ms. KILPATRICK, PHELPS, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin, H.R. 1145: Mr. WU. Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. FROST, Mr. STU- Mr. GOODLING, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. SERRANO, H.R. 1228: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. MORAN PAK, Mr. WEINER, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. CARSON, and Ms. VELAZQUEZ. of Virginia, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. ABER- Mr. FILNER, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. FORBES, Mr. H.R. 3558: Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. CROMBIE, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. EVANS, Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Mr. OWENS, Mrs. MCDERMOTT, Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, PAYNE, and Mr. STUPAK. CHRISTENSEN, and Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. DICKS, and Mr. BAIRD. H.R. 1234: Mrs. KELLY H.R. 2836: Mr. DUNCAN. H.R. 3565: Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. RILEY, Mr. H.R. 1298: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 2837: Mr. PAYNE. SANDERS, Mr. SCARBOROUGH, and Mr. RA- H.R. 1304: Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. H.R. 2901: Mr. STUPAK. HALL. POMBO, and Mr. CAMP. H.R. 2907: Ms. STABENOW, Mr. HINCHEY, and H.R. 3573: Mr. ANDREWS, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. H.R. 1310: Mr. SKEEN, Mr. FROST, Mr. CAL- Ms. RIVERS. BERRY, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, VERT, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. MCINTOSH, Mr. FORBES, H.R. 2933: Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE, Mr. Mr. TERRY, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, H.R. 2934: Mr. LAMPSON, Mr. MEEKS of New DIAZ-BALART, Mr. FROST, Mr. GOODE, Mr. Mr. KUYKENDALL, Mr. HALL of Ohio, Mr. York, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. MALONEY of HILLEARY, Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. INSLEE, Ms. LATOURETTE, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. Connecticut, Mr. BAIRD, Mr. KILDEE, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCGOVERN, KNOLLENBERG, and Mr. GRAHAM. ESHOO, Mr. BORSKI, Mr. SABO, Mr. WYNN, and Mr. NEY, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. H.R. 1311: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. Mr. GONZALEZ. RILEY, Mr. SHERWOOD, Mrs. THURMAN, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. BARCIA, Mr. KNOLLENBERG, H.R. 2954: Mr. FATTAH. WATT of North Carolina, Mr. WOLF, and Mr. Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. HOEKSTRA, and Ms. H.R. 2965: Mr. BACHUS and Mr. CONYERS. FOLEY. STABENOW. H.R. 2966: Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. H.R. 3575: Mr. SALMON. H.R. 1325: Mrs. KELLY, Mr. EVANS, Ms. HOEFFEL, Mr. KING, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. H.R. 3576: Mr. KOLBE, Mr. HILLEARY, Mr. DUNN, and Mrs. CAPPS. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. RYAN of RAHALL, and Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. H.R. 1354: Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. SANDLIN, Wisconsin, Mr. SHERWOOD, and Mr. OSE. H.R. 3594: Mr. PORTMAN, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. Mr. WATKINS, and Mr. TURNER. H.R. 2980: Mr. MCGOVERN. EHLERS, Mr. THORNBERRY, Mr. STUMP, Mr. H.R. 1358: Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 2985: Mr. HOEKSTRA. SUNUNU, Mr. TURNER, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. H.R. 1366: Mr. TOOMEY. H.R. 2996: Mr. SANFORD. COOKSEY, Mr. SCHAFFER, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. H.R. 1367: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN and Mr. H.R. 3083: Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. FILNER, Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. BOEHLERT, Ms. GRANGER, ENGLISH. JACKSON of Illinois, Ms. CARSON, Mrs. Ms. STABENOW, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mrs. CUBIN, H.R. 1523: Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. OWENS, Mr. Mr. DAVIS of Virginia, and Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 1532: Mr. LAFALCE. EVANS, and Mr. PASTOR. H.J. Res. 56: Mrs. LOWEY. H.R. 1601: Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. H.R. 3087: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. H.J. Res. 64: Mr. WALDEN of Oregon and Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. WICKER, Mr. H.R. 3091: Mr. ENGLISH and Mr. BILIRAKIS. BARTLETT of Maryland. GREEN of Wisconsin, Mr. PHELPS, and Mr. H.R. 3103: Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Mr. KLINK, H.J. Res. 77: Mr. POMBO. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, and Mr. LA- H.J. Res. 86: Mr. BLILEY and Mr. OSE. H.R. 1606: Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island and FALCE. H. Con. Res. 57: Mr. MOLLOHAN. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. H.R. 3109: Mr. WATT of North Carolina. H. Con. Res. 76: Mr. FARR of California, Mr. H.R. 1621: Mr. OWENS. H.R. 3118: Mr. STUPAK. RILEY, and Mr. GONZALEZ. H.R. 1640: Mr. OLVER, Mr. JACKSON of Illi- H.R. 3136: Ms. LOFGREN and Ms. CARSON. H. Con. Res. 115: Ms. LOFGREN and Mr. nois, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. H.R. 3140: Mr. FARR of California and Mr. STARK. LATOURETTE, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. EVANS, Mr. PHELPS. H. Con. Res. 159: Mr. CLEMENT. ACKERMAN, and Mr. GUTIERREZ. H.R. 3155: Mr. HOLDEN and Mr. SHERWOOD. H. Con. Res. 220: Mr. ROYCE, Ms. STABENOW, H.R. 1705: Mr. DEFAZIO and Mr. HOLT. H.R. 3180: Mr. MINGE. and Mr. PAYNE. H.R. 1708: Mr. FOLEY. H.R. 3193: Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. SMITH of H. Con. Res. 226: Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 1747: Mr. GOSS. Texas, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. TAY- H. Con. Res. 243: Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. H.R. 1776: Ms. GRANGER, Mr. MCCOLLUM, LOR of Mississippi, Mr. NEY, Mr. MCDERMOTT, MCNULTY, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. FARR of Mr. BURTON of Indiana, and Mr. LATHAM. Mr. ALLEN, and Mr. FROST. California, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. H.R. 1798: Ms. STABENOW. H.R. 3201: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. SANDERS, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. WYNN, Mr. H.R. 1824: Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. FROST, Ms. H.R. 3224: Mr. LAFALCE and Mr. OWENS. TOWNS, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. RUSH, BERKLEY, and Mr. CALVERT. H.R. 3233: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. CLAY, Mrs. H.R. 1839: Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. H.R. 3235: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, H.R. 1899: Mr. SMITH of Washington. H.R. 3293: Mr. FORD, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. Mr. ENGEL, Mr. HILLIARD, Mrs. MALONEY of H.R. 1937: Mr. KUYKENDALL. NORWOOD, Mr. METCALF, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, New York, Ms. PELOSI, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. H.R. 1975: Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. EWING, Mr. BARRETT of WU, Mr. GONZALEZ, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. H.R. 2121: Ms. LOFGREN. Wisconsin, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mrs. KUCINICH, Mr. BORSKI, and Mr. RODRIGUEZ. H.R. 2128: Mr. SHIMKUS and Mr. NUSSLE. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. MATSUI, and Mr. COOK. H. Con. Res. 247: Mr. BECERRA, Mr. WATT of H.R. 2166: Mrs. CAPPS and Mr. OXLEY. H.R. 3295: Ms. CARSON. North Carolina, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mrs. H.R. 2246: Mr. TOOMEY. H.R. 3297: Ms. MCKINNEY. KELLY, Mr. PHELPS, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. BILI- H.R. 2265: Mr. HILLIARD, Mr. CLAY, and Mr. H.R. 3299: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. RAKIS, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. BENTSEN, Ms. ROS- MCINTOSH. H.R. 3329: Mr. GOODLING. LEHTINEN, Mrs. EMERSON, Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. H.R. 2308: Mr. PAUL, Mr. OWENS, and Mr. H.R. 3389: Mr. CUMMINGS. PASTOR, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. KOLBE. H.R. 3405: Mr. NADLER, Mr. EVANS, and Mr. FROST, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. BLUMENAUER, H.R. 2321: Mr. GEJDENSON. BERMAN. Mr. LEVIN, and Ms. CARSON.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:34 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.053 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H343

H. Res. 107: Mr. LANTOS. Page 6, lines 14 through 17, strike ‘‘(3) ISSUES.—The reports shall— H. Res. 202: Mr. KUCINICH. ‘‘$106,600,000’’ and all that follows through ‘‘(A) identify the current status of high- H. Res. 343: Mr. MILLER of Florida. ‘‘$129,400,000’’ and insert ‘‘$53,300,000 for fiscal speed, large bandwidth capacity access to all H. Res. 397: Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO, Mr. year 2000; $51,750,000 for fiscal year 2001; public elementary and secondary schools and SCARBOROUGH, Mr. EWING, Mr. FROST, and $53,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; $62,850,000 for libraries in the United States; Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. fiscal year 2003; and $64,700,000’’. ‘‘(B) identify how high-speed, large band- H. Res. 399: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas and H.R. 2086 width capacity access to the Internet to such Mr. SCHAFFER. OFFERED BY: MR. LARSON OF CONNECTICUT schools and libraries can be effectively uti- H. Res. 416: Mr. MASSACHUSETTS. AMENDMENT NO. 4: At the end of the bill, lized within each school and library; H. Res. 417: Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. WAXMAN, insert the following new section: ‘‘(C) consider the effect that specific or re- Mr. TIERNEY, and Mr. EVANS. SEC. 10. REPORT TO CONGRESS. gional circumstances may have on the abil- H. Res. 421: Mr. WOLF. Section 103 of the High-Performance Com- ity of such institutions to acquire high- f puting Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513), as amend- speed, large bandwidth capacity access to DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM ed by section 5 of this Act, is further amend- achieve universal connectivity as an effec- tive tool in the education process; and PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ed by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respec- ‘‘(D) include options and recommendations Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors tively, and by inserting after subsection (a) for the various entities responsible for ele- were deleted from public bills and reso- the following new subsection: mentary and secondary education to address lutions as follows: ‘‘(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— the challenges and issues identified in the re- ‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—The Director of the ports.’’. H.R. 3308: Mr. SAXTON. National Science Foundation shall conduct a H.R. 3387: Mrs. EMERSON. H.R. 2086 study of the issues described in paragraph f (3), and not later than 1 year after the date OFFERED BY: MR. SMITH OF MICHIGAN AMENDMENTS of the enactment of the Networking and In- AMENDMENT NO. 5. Page 16, after line 2, in- formation Technology Research and Devel- sert the following new paragraph: Under clause 8 of rule XVIII, pro- opment Act, shall transmit to the Congress a (6) UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.— posed amendments were submitted as report including recommendations to ad- Title II of the High-Performance Computing follows: dress those issues. Such report shall be up- Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521 et seq.) is H.R. 2086 dated annually for 6 additional years. amended— ‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—In preparing the re- OFFERED BY: MR. CAPUANO (A) by redesignating sections 207 and 208 as ports under paragraph (1), the Director of the sections 208 and 209, respectively; and AMENDMENT NO. 3: Page 5, lines 12 through National Science Foundation shall consult (B) by inserting after section 206 the fol- 15, strike ‘‘$439,000,000’’ and all that follows with the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- lowing new section: through ‘‘$571,300,000’’ and insert ‘‘$492,300,000 ministration, the National Institute of for fiscal year 2000; $520,250,000 for fiscal year Standards and Technology, and such other ‘‘SEC. 207. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 2001; $546,700,000 for fiscal year 2002; Federal agencies and educational entities as ‘‘The United States Geological Survey may $606,950,000 for fiscal year 2003; and the Director of the National Science Founda- participate in or support research described $636,000,000’’. tion considers appropriate. in section 201(c)(1).’’.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:34 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE7.061 pfrm13 PsN: H10PT1 E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 146 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2000 No. 12 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and did some postdoctoral study at called to order by the President pro The Honorable JIM BUNNING, a Sen- Drew University. More important than tempore [Mr. THURMOND]. ator from the State of Kentucky, led that, though, is that he baptized both The PRESIDENT pro tempore. To- the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: of my daughters, Emma Claire and Kate, of whom we are, of course, very day’s prayer will be offered by our I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the proud. But most importantly, Dr. El- guest Chaplain, Dr. Roger V. Elliott, United States of America, and to the Repub- liott is a true messenger for God. He Edenton Street United Methodist lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. speaks the word of God rightly, and he Church, Raleigh, NC. He is sponsored f inspires all of us; when he preaches on by Senator JOHN EDWARDS. Sunday morning, we all come out ORDER OF PROCEDURE We are pleased to have you with us. knowing that God was present in our The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The service. That is the most important Senator from Nevada is recognized. thing I can say about Dr. Elliott. There PRAYER Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent is no finer Methodist anywhere, no that prior to the proceedings begin- The guest Chaplain, Dr. Roger V. El- finer minister anywhere, and I am very ning, the Senator from North Carolina liott, offered the following prayer: proud and honored to have him with us be recognized to speak. this morning to give the opening pray- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Let us pray. er. Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer BUNNING). Without objection, it is so f of all life, we thank You for this great ordered. The Senator from North Carolina. land in which we live; for its worthy Mr. EDWARDS. I thank the Chair. RECOGNITION OF THE ACTING aims, its charities, and its opportuni- f MAJORITY LEADER ties for all. Help this melting pot called America with all its varied col- REVEREND ROGER V. ELLIOTT The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator from Wyoming. ors, traditions, and hopes continue to Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. President, I be the best promised land this world thank Dr. Ogilvie for helping work to f can offer. Gracious God, as You anoint- get Dr. Elliott here this morning. Dr. ed leaders and called prophets of old, Ogilvie has been a wonderful friend and SCHEDULE lead us to recognize our true represent- counselor to me in the short time I Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, this atives and authentic leaders—men and have been here, and we are also very morning the Senate will begin debate women who love Your people and can pleased to see he is doing well. on the nuclear waste disposal bill. walk with them, who sense their pain Dr. Elliott, the guest Chaplain today, Under the previous order, there will be and share their joys, who dream their is the minister of my home church, the 1 hour remaining for debate to be dreams and strive to accompany them church of which I am a member in Ra- equally divided between the two bill to their common goal. Grant these leigh, NC. Edenton Street United Meth- managers. Following that debate, the elected leaders Your wisdom to seek odist Church is a church of which we Senate will immediately vote on final are very proud—about 3,000 strong, I first Your kingdom and Your right- passage of the bill. Therefore, Senators think, the last time I saw. He is here eousness, knowing that to do so will may expect the first vote at approxi- this morning with his lovely wife Jack- cause all others things to fall into mately 11 a.m. Following the vote, the ie. We are very proud to have both of place. Lead these Senators to seek Senate may begin consideration of any them with us. executive or legislative items cleared Your counsel and to ask what You The church itself, as I say, is a would have them do so that they may for action. Therefore, further votes church of which we are extremely may occur during today’s session of the be saved from wrong choices and harm- proud. It is a church that is involved in Senate. ful actions. Guide them in Your every aspect of ministering to the com- I thank the Chair. straight path so that they may not munity in Raleigh and outside of Ra- stumble. Empower and embolden them leigh. Dr. Elliott has provided extraor- f to serve Your people well and to pro- dinary leadership for this church. He mote the principles of liberty and jus- has been a wonderful friend and coun- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME tice for all. Hear us, O Lord, as we selor to myself and my family. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under make our prayer in Your holy name Dr. Elliott, I believe, received his the previous order, the leadership time and presence. Amen. doctorate degree from Duke University is reserved.

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

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VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.000 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY Energy can collect and shifts the bur- heading that suggests it is a draft doc- AMENDMENTS ACT OF 1999 den of paying for nuclear waste dis- ument. The letter is not about this bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under posal from the beneficiaries of that nu- It is about testimony Secretary of En- the previous order, the Senate will now clear power—that is, the people who re- ergy Bill Richardson gave about a year resume consideration of S. 1287 which ceived electricity from it—to everyone ago. the clerk will report. else in the country. Some of the reasons given in the The assistant legislative clerk read The fourth point I want to make is draft letter for opposing take title do as follows: that the bill does not facilitate the not apply to this legislation. One argu- movement of nuclear waste out of our ment in the letter complains that nu- A bill (S. 1287) to provide for the storage of spent nuclear fuel pending completion of a individual States. In fact, this bill, as I clear waste might be stored on nuclear waste repository, and for other pur- read it, would impede the transpor- riverfronts or lakes or seashores where, poses. tation of waste out of those States. of course, the reality is one finds nu- Pending: Even if we managed to build a reposi- clear waste stored today in power- tory, if you are from a State that has plants. Lott (for Murkowski) amendment No. 2808, in the nature of a substitute. nuclear waste, the bill contains an im- Specifically, an alternative to take possible hurdle to moving that waste title recommended in the letter is not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time out of your State. Read page 17 of the contained in the bill on which we are until 11 a.m. shall be controlled by the bill. You will find that no shipments of about to vote, so the claim that by gut- Senator from Alaska, Mr. MURKOWSKI, nuclear waste can occur anywhere ting this bill of its key provision —that and the Senator from New Mexico, Mr. until the Secretary of Energy has de- is, its take title provision—we have BINGAMAN, or their designees. termined that emergency responders in satisfied seven Governors is certainly The Senator from New Mexico. every locality and every tribal entity not supported by anything I have found Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, we along primary or alternative shipping in the document. are now in the final hour of discussion routes for nuclear waste have met ac- The other curious thing about what about this nuclear waste-related bill. I ceptable standards of training. we have done to the bill during the thought, since I do not see Senator Right in that single provision are the course of our deliberations this week MURKOWSKI, the chairman of our com- seeds of two huge lawsuits that will when we removed this take title provi- mittee, I would go ahead and make my keep nuclear waste in your State for- sion is that we have converted its stat- statement indicating my position. I did ever: A lawsuit over what constitutes utory instructions to the Department speak yesterday on the Senate floor on acceptable training and a lawsuit over of Energy for settling industry law- this issue and laid out the reasons I the reasonableness of the required de- suits into something we know the will be voting against S. 1287 this termination by the Secretary of En- States themselves publicly oppose. morning. I encourage my colleagues to ergy that every volunteer fire or ambu- Without take title, all the Department join me in voting against the bill. I do lance company in every locality that of Energy can do is use money from the so for the simple reason that the bill as might see nuclear waste at some point nuclear waste fund to give monetary presently before us does not solve the is adequately trained. and in-kind compensation to the utili- problems of the nuclear waste program. Also, the requirements are vastly ties. That is what section 105 of the bill In fact, it magnifies those problems. more restrictive on the Department of now authorizes. Let me go through some of the spe- Energy than anything we have ever Listen to what 51 State agencies cifics. considered in the Waste Isolation Pilot from 35 different States told a District First, the bill does not reduce the li- Plant case. of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals in ability that is borne by taxpayers for In my view, such a certification by a January 1998 about this concept. This the program’s failure. Instead of reduc- Cabinet officer is a practical impos- is a quote from their pleadings in that ing that liability, this bill would in- sibility, not to mention an unprece- case: crease that liability. The part of the dented intrusion by the Federal Gov- The Court should act decisively to bar DOE bill that purports to offer the Depart- ernment into local government respon- from using the NWF [Nuclear Waste Fund] ment of Energy authority to settle sibilities. and ongoing fee payments to pay the costs lawsuits filed against it is arguably The fifth point is that this bill does and damages resulting from its deliberate worse for the U.S. taxpayer than is cur- not fix the problem of the one utility noncompliance. Even the potential for DOE rent law. Other parts of the bill set new that is actually threatened by a shut- to consider such a course should be imme- and arbitrary deadlines for the Depart- down of one of its plants because of the diately invalidated.... ment of Energy to ship nuclear waste failings of the Department of Energy’s That is what the States said in 1998, to Nevada. We know today that the De- nuclear waste program. I am speaking and in this legislation we instruct the partment of Energy cannot meet those about the Northern States Power plant Secretary of Energy to do exactly what deadlines, and a vote for this bill is a at Prairie Island. Nothing in this bill 35 States pleaded with the court not to vote for a new wave of litigation. We forestalls the shutdown of that plant allow the Department of Energy to do. are already enmeshed in a great deal of which is expected in January of 2007. The No. 1 remedy sought by the 35 litigation. A vote for this bill will One of the most disappointing devel- States in this lawsuit, several pages bring us even more litigation. opments of the past few days has been after this statement, was a court order Second, this bill does not speed up the stripping from the bill of the major forbidding the Department of Energy the decision of the Department of En- provision that did make this bill worth from doing what section 105 of this bill ergy on whether Yucca Mountain is passing, in my view, even though some now tells the Department of Energy to suitable for a repository. In fact, the of the flaws I have described are still in do. I am not making this statement effect of the bill is to slow down that the bill. based on some unsigned, undated docu- decision. By delaying the issuance of a The provision that was stripped was a ment. We have a copy of the signed pe- radiation standard for Yucca Mountain provision giving the Department of En- tition to the court here. I am glad to by EPA, the bill would delay the proc- ergy new authority and capability to share that with any colleague who ess of finalizing whether Yucca Moun- resolve lawsuits that have been filed wants to review it between now and the tain will be a repository site. against it. We have been told this is time of our final vote. The third point I want to make is what a group of seven Governors are On that document, many of us will that this bill does not make new funds insisting. They wanted us to drop this see the signature of our Attorney Gen- available to the nuclear waste program provision. eral, our respective attorneys general so we can do an effective job of inves- I studied a copy of their purported from the States, or our representatives tigating Yucca Mountain and building letter on this subject, and I find it a from the public utility commissions in a repository. Instead of making those very strange document. The copy I our States. funds available, which we should be have been given is not dated, it carries The bottom line is this bill is not doing, to the contrary, this bill caps no signatures, and it is not on any offi- going to fix what is wrong with the De- the amount of funds the Department of cial letterhead. In fact, it carries a partment of Energy’s nuclear waste

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.002 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S565 program. On the contrary, it will move sponsibilities is not the answer. The Today, Senator BINGAMAN and others us further from a final solution we answer is a safe, consolidated facility. have expressed their regret and their need to achieve. We should not pass the The answer is for the Department of opposition. We simply cannot allow a legislation. I hope my colleagues will Energy to fulfill its obligations. The bad bill to pass and be signed into law. join me in voting against it. answer is for the Department of Energy This is the one opportunity we will Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I to take possession of the waste, not have to do it right. We have to do it reserve the remainder of our time. just in Maine but by physically remov- right before it is signed into law. The Mr. THOMAS. I yield 5 minutes from ing it from these sites across our coun- President has insisted on that. I think our time to the Senator from Maine. try. it is incumbent on us to insist on that. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I urge my colleagues to support the I think the American people expect no ator from Maine. manager’s amendment. I believe it will less. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I thank solve the problems with the take title Mr. President, in just a short while the Senator from Wyoming for his gra- provision and thus improve this impor- we will have the opportunity to vote. It ciousness. tant piece of legislation. is my sincere hope that a large number I rise in support of the provisions of Mr. President, I yield the floor and of colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, the manager’s amendment that strikes thank the Senator from Wyoming for will join us in saying: No. We have not the take title language from the Nu- yielding. done the job yet. Until we do it right, clear Waste Policy Act amendments. I Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair. our vote will remain no. express my great appreciation to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mi- I yield the floor. committee chairman, Senator MUR- nority leader. Mr. THOMAS addressed the Chair. KOWSKI, for his willingness to work Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I will The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- with us to address the concerns of a be brief. ator from Wyoming. number of States, including my home I come to the floor for just a couple Mr. THOMAS. I yield myself such State of Maine, about the take title of moments to express my sincere re- time as I may utilize. provisions. gret that we have not been able to Mr. President, I rise in support of the Our States feared that the take title come together to resolve the out- bill. The time has come for the Con- provisions would grant the Department standing differences that are rep- gress and the Federal Government to of Energy a license to permanently resented today in the debate and will step up to do something. This is not a store nuclear waste where it now sits— be represented in the final outcome of new issue. It has been going on for a on the very vulnerable riverfronts, sea- the vote. shores, and lake borders of many very long time. As a matter of fact, the I give great credit to the distin- States. basic legislation—the Nuclear Waste The take title provision was a fatal guished ranking member of the com- Policy Act of 1982—required the Fed- flaw in this otherwise necessary and mittee, Senator BINGAMAN, and to our eral Government to build a storage fa- sound legislation. This provision was colleagues, both from Alaska and Ne- cility for spent fuel, to accept nuclear based upon an ill-advised effort by the vada, for the effort that has been made waste by 1998, to develop a transpor- Department of Energy to shirk its re- to try to reach some accommodation. tation system, and that the cost would sponsibilities to store nuclear waste. Unfortunately, in part because of a be paid for by the electric utility cus- The take title provision would have lack of willingness on the part of some tomers. The Department of Energy has allowed the Department of Energy to of our Republican colleagues to come not done this. The administration has take ownership of the nuclear waste at to the middle, we have lost a golden op- not lived up to its part of it. They have each individual nuclear plant across portunity to finally resolve this matter been required to have a plan, but they the Nation. At first blush, that sounds once and for all. have done very little. very reasonable, but we have to look at The administration has indicated it The Federal Government has accept- the record. will veto this bill in its current form. ed the more than $16 billion collected Given the Department of Energy’s The EPA, the Secretary of Energy, and from utility customers to do this. It dismal record of missed deadlines and others, have expressed vehement oppo- has not shown results. The customers, its utter failure to deal with the nu- sition. Environmental groups, both lib- of course, have been hit more than clear waste issue, new waste storage fa- eral and conservative, the energy util- once in terms of paying the higher cilities created under the take title ity companies, oftentimes in favor of rates. provision would run the very real risk this legislation, in many cases today The time has sort of expired to con- of becoming de facto permanent waste have come out in opposition to this tinue to debate this issue, to continue sites. bill, in part because of the failure to to have opposition, which does not sur- Moreover, this administration has reach some compromise, and in part prise me because there has not been simply done a miserable job of allaying because this situation now makes their many positive options coming from the the fears of the Governor of my State lives even more complicated and more other side of the aisle. All we have is and the people of many other States difficult than it was before. Further- resistance. All we have is: No, we are who all fear the take title provision is more, there is deep concern that this not going to do that. a ruse to create permanent repositories bill undermines EPA’s ability to pro- This year I had the chance to go at each site. tect the American public by delaying down to the nuclear storage site in Residents of my State of Maine have its authority to issue a radiation safe- New Mexico. We have spent billions of been paying into the nuclear waste ty standard until 2001. dollars there. We have moved only a fund for years with assurances that the Instead of streamlining the process of very small amount into that storage radioactive waste from the State of moving nuclear waste to Nevada, this spot. Idaho has not been able to use Maine and from Maine Yankee, in par- bill has complicated it even more. And, that at all. ticular, would be moved to a perma- it fails to relieve American taxpayers Currently over 40,000 metric tons of nent repository, not left in Wiscasset, of the extraordinary liability they face spent nuclear fuel is being stored at 74 ME, where the plant once operated. due to the failure to establish a long- sites in 36 States. An additional 35,000 Since 1982, the ratepayers of Maine term storage site. As a result, we have metric tons from weapons production have paid nearly $150 million into the no choice but to continue to oppose the and naval facilities increases the num- fund. Yet we have seen no progress, no legislation in its current form. ber of sites. results. I hope my colleagues will join me in I understand this legislation isn’t What to do with our Nation’s nuclear opposition to this bill. Maybe in con- what everybody would like to have, but waste is, indeed, a difficult question, ference we can work it out. If we can, the fact is that we need to do some- but creating semipermanent storage at maybe we can come to the floor at an- thing. Passing this bill will start us over 100 facilities across the Nation is other date, with another opportunity moving in that direction. That is what clearly not the answer. to see if we cannot successfully resolve we ought to do. Similarly, allowing the Department these outstanding problems. But today The legislation drops interim stor- of Energy to continue to dodge its re- that has not happened. age, requires the Congress to approve

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.005 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 increases in fees collected, sets a Let’s be honest with one another. the schoolgrounds, the playgrounds, schedule for the development of a re- Every time this legislation comes up, the hospitals, homes. We have it on the pository, authorizes backup storage for it comes down to one thing: Nobody shores of the Great Lakes—Lake any spent fuels, and allows EPA to set wants the waste. Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, radiation standards after June 1, 2001. I have said time and again, if you Lake Superior, Lake Ontario—the It does a number of things on which we throw it up in the air, it has to come great rivers—the Mississippi, the Colo- need to move further. It authorizes the down somewhere and that somewhere rado, the Columbia—the Nation’s sea- settlement for outstanding litigation is Nevada. That decision was made shores. We must resolve to put it at a and sets an acceptance schedule for some time ago. We have expended $6 permanent site. That is all there is to spent fuel. I know it is a difficult issue. billion in the Yucca Mountain effort. it. I commend Chairman MURKOWSKI and The criticism of this legislation to We have a good bill. This is a respon- Senator CRAIG for all of their hard which this Dear Colleague letter points sible environmental vote. The environ- work. The Energy Committee, which is it doesn’t address an alternative. It mental community has said, we are op- has approached this several times, has is innuendo to say the legislation ‘‘un- posed to this legislation. What are they done a number of things. Frankly, the necessarily slows EPA’s ability.’’ It for? Are they for leaving the waste time for delay is over. can’t do anything until it is licensed. where it is? Well, they wouldn’t re- We are experiencing some of the The ‘‘legislation conveys undisclosed spond to that question. same kind of resistance to doing some- acreage of Federal land to Nye and Lin- Each Member of this body is elected thing now in the INEEL situation in coln Counties in Nevada without pro- to make a responsible decision and not Idaho where we are looking very hard viding any maps of the areas or con- be led by groups motivated by their at some alternative to incineration. ducting any hearings.’’ That is simply own particular ideology. Make no mis- I have heard from the Vice President. not true. take about it: A large segment of He said he would look into it. I have We are trying to accommodate the America’s environmental community heard from Mr. Frampton from the two affected counties in Nevada by giv- wants to kill the nuclear power indus- White House who said he would look ing them BLM-accessed land. What in try. They want to kill the nuclear in- into it. I have heard from the Sec- the world is wrong with that? Is that dustry because they are opposed to it. retary of Energy who promised to look contrary to the public health and safe- But they don’t look at the contribution into it, but nothing has happened. ty? To me it is good for the people of that industry makes to clean air, and There is a limit to the amount of Nevada. I am sure if you asked the two they do not address the responsibility time we can continue to stall in mak- Senators from Nevada whether their of what the alternative is. ing some decisions with regard to this constituents should receive this land, So a responsible environmental vote nuclear issue. they would have a pretty positive opin- is to move this from these 40 States I urge support for this bill. I hope we ion. and 80 sites to one central location can move forward with it today. What we have here are more smoke- that is designed for it. Make no mis- I yield the floor. screens. We have a statement by the take about it: These temporary loca- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who minority ranking member of the Com- tions are not designed for it. yields time? mittee on Environment and Public There is criticism that this is some Mr. MURKOWSKI addressed the Works saying they have the sole discre- kind of a full blown attack by the nu- Chair. tion over nonmilitary environmental clear power industry. What they are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- regulations and control of atomic en- seeking is relief. They are seeking re- ator from Alaska. ergy. Well, as chairman of the Energy lief from the waste that has been gen- Mr. MURKOWSKI. I wish the Chair a and Natural Resources Committee, we erated over an extended period of time good morning. have the obligation to address the dis- and the inability of the Federal Gov- I ask, how much time is remaining posal of the nuclear waste. We have at- ernment to meet its contractual com- for the majority? tempted to do that in a responsible mitments. That should make every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- manner. Member of this body indignant. But jority has 181⁄2 minutes. Yes, this is politics. This is hard core that is what happened. Do you know Mr. MURKOWSKI. And for the mi- politics. It is trying to accommodate who is taking it in the shorts? The nority? my good friends from Nevada over American taxpayer, because the claims The PRESIDING OFFICER. Fourteen their objection to put the waste in against the Federal Government for minutes. their State. The Clinton administra- not taking that waste under the con- Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I tion, the administration of Vice Presi- tract are somewhere between $40 and note a Dear Colleague letter is circu- dent Gore, simply doesn’t want to ad- $80 billion. That is about $1,400 per lating this morning from one of our dress it on their watch. That is all family every year in this country. No- colleagues from Montana and one of there is to it. body seems to care about it. I care our colleagues from California. It con- Each Member who votes against this about it. I am sure you do, Mr. Presi- cerns the critical environmental vote legislation better be prepared to go dent. that will occur at 11 o’clock on the Nu- home and explain why they voted to We have a good bill. It uses the WIPP clear Waste Policy Act amendments. keep the waste in their individual transportation model. It is safe trans- It identifies that the protection of State, when we had a chance to move it port. The States decide the routes. the health and safety of American citi- out to one central location at Yucca Some of my colleagues are fearful it is zens should be our highest priority. I Mountain. There it is, 80 sites in 40 going to be moved by rail. It is not agree with that. It further states that States. We have a chance to move it to going to be moved by rail. It is very in order to do this, all decisions must one location. doubtful. Rails don’t go direct. A rail be made based on science, not politics. The Northeast corridor State Gov- goes from one railyard to the next It suggests this legislation does not do ernors said: We don’t trust the Federal railyard. Oftentimes those railyards that. Government; they didn’t take the are around areas of high concentration I implore my colleagues, what we are waste in 1998 when it was contractually of population. That doesn’t make attempting to do is use the best science due; the ratepayers paid $15 billion; sense. The Governors are going to have available. That is why we brought the they broke the sanctity of a contrac- control of where these routes are deter- Nuclear Regulatory Commission and tual relationship. What the Governors mined. They are going to be safe routes the National Science Academy into the are saying is they don’t want the waste because we are going to have profes- recommending process for EPA. But I stored in their State by the Federal sionals out there determining the safe- point out for the benefit of anyone who Government taking title because they guards, the drivers, and so forth. In still has a doubt that the Environ- are convinced the Federal Government fact, we submitted a letter yesterday mental Protection Agency has the final will leave it there. Well, they very well from the national Teamsters Union. authority on determining the radiation could be right. They are concerned because they want standards. But the effort is to get the As a consequence, we have this waste trained people. Their trained people best science. stored in these States on the way to will be involved.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.008 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S567 Finally, EPA has the sole authority and now I can say that we no longer are trying to play politics. Do you to set the radiation standard. Don’t let have an objection to the bill. The Gov- know what. The very perverse result of anybody tell you differently. I love my ernor hopes it passes with the changes all of this is that it is going to result friends from Nevada. I really do. I have that were made. So I wanted to let ev- in a further delay, and that would be as a great deal of respect for them. I know erybody know that I am in favor of the a result of this legislation being en- where they are coming from. Do you bill, and I appreciate the changes that acted. know what they said in the hearing? were made. I yield the floor and reserve the re- They said, regardless of what the safe- I yield the floor. mainder of my time. guards are, what assurances we have, Mr. BINGAMAN. I yield 3 minutes to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who we are not going to support a bill that Senator BRYAN, the Senator from Ne- yields time? would put the waste in Nevada. I un- vada. Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, let derstand that. So it means it doesn’t The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- me respond to a few of the points made make any difference what we do, what ator from Nevada is recognized. in debate. The other Senator from Ne- the minority does, what the Senator Mr. BRYAN. I thank the Chair. vada also wishes to speak. from California and the Senator from I hardly know where to begin because First, when my good friend from Wy- Montana do. We will never be able to so much misinformation has been ut- oming made his comments, he made a convince them. I understand that. So tered about this piece of legislation. point that we hear a lot on the floor, let’s recognize that for what it is. This is clearly a legislative vessel that which is that the people who are op- The Secretary may settle lawsuits is flying under false colors. There is ab- posed to this bill have offered no alter- and save the taxpayers this $80 billion solutely nothing in this bill that says, natives. That is not true. I think any- liability. This legislation allows early look, it is going to be Yucca Mountain one who has followed the course of this receipt of fuel, once construction is au- as opposed to anything else. That deci- legislation in committee knows that I thorized, as early as 2006. The nuclear sion, in terms of studying it, has al- offered an alternative in committee, waste fee can only be increased by Con- ready been made. I regret that, but it which got a significant number of gress. It prevents unreasonable in- doesn’t alter the fact that only Yucca votes, which I believe would have been creases in the fees. We provide benefits Mountain is being considered and that a substantial step forward. On each of to counties most affected by repository process goes forward. The bill has noth- the issues we are debating, I have of- land conveyance of the 76,000 acres to ing to do with whether or not Yucca fered alternative language. So, clearly, Nye and Lincoln Counties. This is the Mountain is going to be the site that is that is not the case. land that Nevada wanted. Well, I won- going to be considered and studied over Second, on the issue about the De- der how bad they want it now. the next few years, absolutely nothing. partment of Energy making no We struggled with this problem for So vote against this bill. progress with the Yucca Mountain many years. The time is right. S. 1287 With respect to the compensation project, I don’t think that is an accu- is the solution. Utility consumers have issue, we have agreed for more than a rate or fair criticism at this point. paid over $15 billion into that waste decade, and this Senator has personally Clearly, they have not done all we wish fund. We cannot jeopardize the health offered legislation to compensate the had been done, but it is also true that and safety of citizens across the coun- utilities. That is not an issue. We Congress, most years, has not provided try by leaving that spent nuclear fuel agree. This bill would pass by unani- the funding requested for this project. in 80 sites in 40 States. That is irre- mous consent if that was the only pro- The Department of Energy is on tar- sponsible. We should move it once and vision that was in there. This Senator get to characterize the Yucca Moun- for all where it belongs: at a remote would be among the first to say that is tain facility. Five miles of tunnel have site on the desert. fair. been built in the last few years. Nu- I will show my colleagues that pic- What this is all about is trying to merous test facilities have been built. ture one more time, where we have had game the standards. That is what we Progress is being made but not ade- 800 nuclear tests over a period of 50 are talking about. By and large, in its quate progress. I am sure they are un- years. That is the site. We risk, if we original form, this bill stripped out happy with the pace of progress. Of can’t get this legislation through, los- EPA. Now, games are still being course, this legislation contains a ing 20 percent of our clean generation. played. Somehow it is suggested that delay in the EPA’s ability to issue Where are we going to make it up? We EPA is being unreasonable. EPA has their standards. The take title is per- can’t jeopardize our economic and en- set a standard of 15 millirems, the haps the part that is most confusing vironmental future by ignoring the nu- same one set at WIPP, the transuranic because there seems to be an under- clear waste management issues. That for nuclear waste. In 1982, when the Nu- lying belief on the part of some Sen- is what we are going to do if this legis- clear Waste Policy Act was enacted, ators who have spoken that if we pro- lation is not supported. We risk losing Congress thought EPA ought to be the vide this take title authority so that 103 nuclear powerplants. one to make that determination. Now, the Department of Energy can go in I urge Members to vote for S. 1287 is it a fair, reasonable standard? Some- and take the title and settle these law- and finally put this problem behind us. how this crazy myth has been spilled suits that are pending, somehow or And one more time, Mr. President—re- out all over the floor that this is an un- other that lessens the need for the De- member, each Member who votes reasonable standard. The National partment of Energy to go ahead and against this bill is going to be obliged Academy of Sciences—and this is not a move the waste to Yucca Mountain or to explain why they voted to keep the Nevada-based group; the ‘‘N’’ stands for to any other central facility. I don’t waste in one of the 40 States that they National, not Nevada—has looked at see that myself. What Federal agency come from when they had a chance to the standards and said, look, the range is going to want to permanently be the move it to one central location, Yucca should be between 2 and 20 millirems, owner and caretaker of nuclear waste Mountain. and it is 15. in 80 different locations? Clearly, DOE Mr. JEFFORDS. Will the Senator Any Member of this Senate can de- would not want that result. They yield? fend a ‘‘no’’ vote on this legislation on would like to resolve the pending law- Mr. MURKOWSKI. Yes. How much the basis that Yucca Mountain is going suits, take title to the property, move time remains? forward in the study process. Nothing ahead as quickly as possible to get the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Six min- changes that. All we are saying is, in site characterized, and if it meets the utes. the interest of fairness, don’t play poli- standard, then go ahead with it. So I Mr. JEFFORDS. I will be very brief. tics with the standards. And that is don’t think this take title thing is Mr. MURKOWSKI. I yield 1 minute to what is occurring. All we are asking is what it is described to be. my friend from Vermont. that the health and safety of Nevada be On the land transfer issue, on which Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I accorded the same protection that the there has been some discussion, there thank the Senator for the changes good citizens of New Mexico and every were no land transfers in the com- made in the take title provisions. I other place in America enjoy. So by mittee-reported bill. I think we need to have discussed it with my Governor, moving this into the next year, they understand that. So there are no maps

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:10 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.011 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 and there was no discussion about it in I think this legislation should be the radiation exposure standard that the committee because it wasn’t taken back to the drawing board to see the U.S. Environmental Protection brought up there. Page 11 of the bill if anything can be done to improve it. Agency is drafting—an entirely new makes reference to ‘‘maps dated Feb- In the meantime, at Yucca Mountain procedure. If those entities do not ruary 1, 2000, and on file with the Sec- the characterization is still taking agree, the responsibility to set the retary of Energy.’’ We can’t find any place. I think we should let the 1987 act standard comes back to Congress. I am such maps. The Secretary of Energy stand for what is going to take place at concerned that if those entities cannot can’t find any such maps. We don’t Yucca Mountain—not some agree it is likely that Congress can not know what they are talking about. cockamamie piece of legislation that is do much better to resolve the issues. There is real confusion about the spe- trying to give the nuclear industry a One of my other concerns has always cifics of these land transfers. reward they don’t deserve. been the safety and security of ship- The final point I will make on this— Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ping nuclear materials from their cur- and I will defer to my colleague, Sen- want to share my views on the Nuclear rent locations to a permanent geologic ator REID—is the chairman, under- Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2000 storage site outside of the state. Obvi- standably, in his concluding remarks, (S. 1287). Specifically, I want to explain ously, there is a risk that, during the said if you vote for this bill, we will why I will continue to oppose this leg- transportation, accidents may occur. put this problem behind us. Mr. Presi- islation in its current form. Although the legislation provides for dent, if that were true, I would be sore- Let me first express my grave con- emergency response training in the ju- ly tempted to vote for this bill. The cern about the process by which this risdictions through which nuclear ma- truth is, we can vote for this bill, pass legislation has been developed over the terial would be transported, I still feel this bill, and the President can sign last few days. My office received a new that these provisions need to be this bill, but not only are the problems version of this legislation, which even- strengthened to ensure that state and not behind us, our problems would be tually was proposed as a substitute local governments have the financial compounded. Therefore, I will not be amendment, nearly every day last and equipment resources they need to able to support the bill. I regret that week. Closed negotiations have contin- respond to accidents. we will not pass something that does, ued even while the bill has been on the In conclusion, I cannot support legis- in fact, put the problem behind us. floor. For those of us who have utilities lation which purports to fix the coun- I yield 3 minutes to my colleague in our states that are grappling with try’s nuclear waste program and leaves from Nevada, Senator REID. nuclear waste storage questions, this Wisconsin so far behind. I continue to Mr. REID. Mr. President, as I said made it nearly impossible to analyze remain hopeful that legislation in this yesterday, when I practiced law, I rep- this bill on behalf of our constituents. area can be crafted that can win my resented car dealers, and there were The issues presented in this legislation support. times when they got cars in their in- Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I will vote are serious policy issues, and our con- ventory that simply were bad cars, for the most recent version of the Nu- stituents deserve better information. lemons. There wasn’t anything they I am principally opposed to this bill clear Waste Policy Amendments Act of could do to fix them. They would take because it does little to address the nu- 2000. It advances the process further, them into the shop two, three, four clear waste storage question in my and it is essential that the promised times, and they turned out to be lem- home state of Wisconsin. Wisconsinites and paid for disposal of nuclear waste ons. I represented a car dealer who sold want nuclear waste removed from our from Michigan proceed. There are a a car to someone and he said, ‘‘They state and stored in a permanent geo- number of provisions in this bill which have a car out in front of my place are problematic and while I will vote to logic repository out of state so that it painted yellow that looks like a float; advance this legislation, I will review has no chance of coming back to Wis- it is a lemon.’’ He said, ‘‘You have to the final product that comes before the consin. I opposed nuclear waste legisla- settle this case.’’ Senate. That is what we have. This legisla- tion in the last Congress which sought Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, for the tion is a lemon. Whatever the esteemed to build large scale interim storage fa- last several days the Chairman of the chairman of the full committee tries to cilities before the permanent storage Energy and Natural Resources Com- site is ready and would have jeopard- do, he can’t make an orange out of a mittee, Senator MURKOWSKI, and the ized consideration of the permanent lemon. This is bad legislation. The Sen- Ranking Member, Senator BINGAMAN, ator from New Mexico is known in the site. This year’s bill would have pro- have been working to come to an Senate as being a very thoughtful man. vided federal funds for on-site storage agreement on legislation to resolve He has tried very hard to get a piece of of nuclear waste until the permanent how our nation will provide long-term legislation that improves the process storage site at Yucca Mountain was storage for deadly nuclear waste that for Yucca Mountain. Now, this situa- ready to take our waste. is currently stockpiled near nuclear re- tion has been amply described by any- The substitute amendment stripped actors around the country. body who is willing to read this legisla- out the on-site storage provisions. This Despite many hours of hard work, an tion as being a travesty. This legisla- bill now does nothing to address the agreement was not reached. The legis- tion doesn’t help anything. It is op- waste situation at the majority of Wis- lation before the Senate today will not posed by the environmental commu- consin’s nuclear plants. The bill, as ensure the safety of the American pub- nity, the President of the United amended by the substitute amendment, lic or deal with the critical issues of li- States, the Director of the EPA, and does contain a specific section which ability that first led us to consider this the Department of Energy Secretary. would address the nuclear waste situa- legislation. This is bad legislation and it should be tion at the La Crosse Boiling Water Re- I would like to take a few moments voted against. actor, which is owned by Dairyland this morning to explain why I will be Talking about the land in Nevada, Power and has been shut down for opposing the substitute amendment to nobody knows what that is. There are years. The Dairyland language is some- S. 1287, the Nuclear Waste Amend- about 74 million acres in Nevada. They thing that I have supported and will ments Act of 2000. are talking about maps that don’t continue to support, but I had hoped As Senator BINGAMAN explained last exist. What the chairman has tried to this legislation would be able to extend night, this legislation was proposed be- do in this legislation is satisfy one similar relief to other Wisconsin utili- cause the federal government was un- group of people and, in the process, he ties. able to meet its obligation under the eliminates others. With the on-site storage provisions law to provide a long-term storage site For the first time in the history of stripped out, the bill retains a loosely for nuclear waste. In 1982, Congress di- this legislation, the utilities are op- knit collection of provisions that seem rected the Department of Energy to posed to the States. The utilities want- unlikely to have a beneficial impact on begin accepting waste at a long-term ed to get rid of this nuclear waste. Now the country’s nuclear waste program. storage site by 1998. This deadline has they own it more than they ever owned The bill requires the Nuclear Regu- not been met, and as a result, the tax- it. They will be stuck with it forever if latory Commission’s and the National payers are facing billions of dollars in this legislation passes. Academy of Sciences’ concurrence in potential liability.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:10 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.014 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S569 Originally, this bill would have al- repository to dispose of commercial lows one geological repository to be ca- lowed the Department to settle these spent nuclear fuel. By law, the reposi- pable of handling the nation’s inven- lawsuits by taking title to the waste in tory was supposed to be ready to ac- tory of spent fuel and high-level waste its current sites pending completion of cept nuclear waste by 1998. instead of multiple repositories. a long-term storage facility. This pro- Six billion dollars later, the Depart- The bill allows the Nuclear Regu- vision has now been removed from the ment of Energy effort to build a reposi- latory Commission and National Acad- bill. As a result, this legislation does tory is years behind schedule and emy of Sciences to give input on the nothing to relieve the taxpayers of the mired in political warfare. scientific validity and protection of the enormous bill they may have to foot. As a result of these delays, the U.S. public health and safety provided by I am also deeply concerned by steps Court of Appeals for the District of Co- the proposed Environmental Protec- taken in the bill to undermine the au- lumbia ruled that the DOE had failed tion Agency radiation standard. The thority of the Environmental Protec- to meet its legal obligations and or- Environmental Protection Agency tion Agency to set radiation safety dered the Department to pay contrac- maintains standard setting authority, standards. EPA has currently proposed tual damages to the nuclear utilities. cannot set a standard until June 1, tough but reasonable standards to pro- If the current situation is allowed to 2001, and is not bound to accept or even tect groundwater and those living in continue, the utilities will be paying consider the Nuclear Regulatory Com- the area. These standards are con- twice. They have already contributed mission or National Academy of sistent with a report of the National to the nuclear waste fund to build the Sciences input. This compromise only Academy of Sciences issued in 1995. repository. Without this legislation, delays the setting of a radiation stand- However, this legislation prevents they will continue to pay for the repos- ard by the Environmental Protection EPA from issuing final standards until itory and on site storage for waste the Agency and delays the date by when June 1, 2001. The clear expectation un- federal government said it would take. the Secretary of Energy will have an derlying this provision is that a new As a result of national defense and established radiation standard to work president will be in office who will sup- research activities, the federal govern- to. Although I dislike the compromise port weaker standards than those cur- ment itself has generated thousands of that was reached I understand that a rently proposed. tons of spent nuclear fuel and high- compromise needed to be made to move Mr. President, it is unacceptable to level waste. This waste continues to be this important legislation forward. gamble with the health of Americans monitored and stored at federal sites Support of this bill is the right thing who will be living near the long-term across the country, including the Idaho to do for the country. storage site. It is very likely that National Engineering and Environ- Idaho is one of several states where waste will be stored at Yucca Mountain mental Laboratory, at significant cost. defense and DOE spent nuclear fuel and in Nevada. Nearby, there is a dairy This waste is also waiting to be sent to high level waste are stored; other farm and fields of crops that use a permanent repository. major states include Washington, groundwater for irrigation. If we do not The financial resources that are nec- South Carolina, and New York. There are over 70 commercial nuclear support tough safety standards, there essary to continuously store, monitor, utilities that are storing spent nuclear is a chance that radiation in the and maintain this fuel and waste are fuel because the federal government overwhelming and could be used for groundwater will end up in the water has not lived up to its contract. other constructive purposes by the gov- used in these farms and for drinking by Storage facilities at these locations those who live there, putting public ernment and utilities instead of watch- are filling up quickly, will not last for- health at risk. ing and waiting as has been the past ever, and will be expensive to monitor Finally, I am concerned about an practice. and maintain. enormous potential write-off for nu- This bill offers an option for relief to The U.S. receives 20 percent of its clear utilities in this bill. Currently, utilities where the Department of En- electricity capacity from nuclear utilities pay into a Nuclear Waste ergy could take title to the fuel and power. There are no other emission free Fund to ensure that the Department of transport it to the repository site. Dif- alternative power generating tech- Energy has the resources it needs to ferent from past legislation, this bill nologies that could replace this capac- pay for long-term storage. This bill identifies that spent fuel storage at the ity if opponents are successful in shut- caps the amount that must be paid by repository site, in advance of fuel ting down nuclear power. Many of the utilities, setting up the taxpayer to placement in a repository, cannot issues associated with spent nuclear fund whatever costs remain. occur until construction of the reposi- fuel are political, not technical. Nu- We need to do a better job of pro- tory has been authorized. clear fuel has been moved safely across tecting the safety of the American pub- This bill is particularly important to this country and around the world for lic and the taxpayers from the bottom- the State of Idaho because of the 1995 nearly forty years. The ‘‘mobile less liability that may result from this Settlement Agreement. This agree- Chernobyl’’ scare tactics are a myth. legislation. For these reasons, I will ment was entered into in Federal Movement needs to continue on a oppose this bill. court. It was agreed to by the Depart- permanent repository and relief needs Finally, I want to thank Senator ments of Energy and Navy and the to be provided for nuclear utilities. BINGAMAN for his hard work on this State of Idaho. One of the requirements This bill provides forward momentum issue, and Senators REID and BRYAN. is to remove all spent fuel from Idaho and relief. While this bill today is not yet satis- by 2035. A repository or interim storage I would have preferred to see the bill factory, it is significantly better than site is essential for the parties to com- go further by establishing an interim those we have seen in the past. It is ply with the agreement. storage facility at the Nevada Test largely thanks to the efforts of these The logical location for the perma- Site and vesting standard setting au- Senators that these changes have been nent repository is Yucca Mountain. It thority with the Nuclear Regulatory made. has been designated by Congress as the Commission. Unfortunately, the Con- Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise in only site for study. It is located on dry gress has been unable to enact this support of S. 1287, a bill to provide for Federal desert land. It is adjacent to type of legislation because of the the storage of spent nuclear fuel, pend- the Nation’s nuclear testing site where threat of a presidential veto. While I ing completion of the permanent nu- hundreds of nuclear weapons have been would have preferred to vote in support clear waste repository. exploded. of a stronger bill, I understand why I also want to thank Senator CRAIG The bill establishes a schedule for de- Senator MURKOWSKI has made conces- and Senator MURKOWSKI for their tire- cisions on the adequacy of Yucca sions to the other side to try to move less efforts to move forward on legisla- Mountain as a repository which will this legislation forward. tion to address the issue of disposing of allow the parties to comply with the This is an important piece of legisla- spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste. Idaho Settlement Agreement. The bill tion which will show the American peo- The federal government made a com- also deletes the 70,000 metric ton ura- ple that we can address the issue of nu- mitment to the nation’s nuclear utili- nium cap which had been imposed on clear waste in a way that is technically ties that it would build a permanent the repository. Removal of this cap al- and environmentally sound.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:10 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.007 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 I urge my colleagues to vote to sup- proximately 2,913 shipments of used nu- poses unnecessary threats to the port enactment of this important piece clear fuel. During this time, there were health and safety of Californians due to of legislation. 47 safety incidents involving nuclear possible transportation accidents from Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I shipments, including 6 accidents. shipping high-level nuclear waste would like to take this opportunity be- Furthermore, S. 1287 undermines the through Inyo, San Bernardino and fore we vote to recognize a member of Environmental Protection Agency’s neighboring California counties. the Senate staff who has contributed a (EPA) standard-setting process. It Since its inception as a National lot to the nuclear waste debate over would delay the EPA’s existing statu- Monument in 1933, the federal govern- the years. That person is Joe Barry, tory authority to adopt health and ment has invested more than $600 mil- who has worked for Senator BRYAN for safety standards to protect local com- lion in the Death Valley National many years, and who apparently has munities from the release of radio- Park. The Park receives over 1.4 mil- actually had other duties not related active materials. This delay stands in lion visitors every year. Furthermore, to nuclear waste, as well. He is a tre- fundamental contradiction to the the communities surrounding the park mendous professional who has helped claimed urgency of this legislation. It are economically dependent on tour- keep the debate in the Senate on this also highlights the misplaced priorities ism. The income generated by the pres- issue on a high level of technical accu- of S. 1287, with an unacceptable empha- ence of the Park exceeds $125 million racy. I understand that he will be leav- sis on disposal at any cost, regardless per year. The Park has been the most ing for a position in the private sector of whether the safety and health of significant element in the sustainable in Boston when we break for this re- local communities have been ade- growth of the tourist industry in the cess. Senators don’t always agree with quately provided for. Mojave Desert. The Park is committed each other in debate. The search for It is especially regrettable that S. to sustainable growth of jobs and infra- relevant and accurate information and 1287 does not resolve our dilemma re- structure in contrast to the traditional perspectives is essential to the legisla- garding the future of nuclear waste boom-and-dust desert economy. Scientific studies show that a signifi- tive process, and is greatly helped storage. Nobody, including me, wants cant part of the regional groundwater when Members have highly competent this waste to stay onsite forever, but aquifer surrounding Yucca Mountain professional staff like Joe. We will we need a safe and responsible solution discharges in Death Valley because the miss him in this chamber, and I would for disposal of the waste we have cre- valley is down-gradient of areas to the like to extend my personal best wishes ated. As we head into the 21st century, east. If the groundwater at Death Val- to him for great success in the future. we urgently need to develop a policy ley is contaminated, that will be the Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I that protects the health and safety of demise of the Park and the sur- regret that I cannot support S. 1287, local communities and all Americans. rounding communities. The long-term the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Unfortunately, this bill fails to meet viability of fish, wildlife and human Act of 2000. that requirement. S. 1287 is a dis- populations in the area are largely de- I cannot support this bill because it appointing step in the wrong direction pendent on water from this aquifer. fails to meet the safety concerns of our and a regression from past legislative The vast majority of the Park’s visi- local communities regarding the haz- efforts in this area. And for that reason tors rely on services and facilities at ards of nuclear waste. I cannot support I am voting against it. the park headquarters near Furnace this bill because it poses an unaccept- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I strong- Creek. These facilities are all depend- able danger to the lives and health of ly oppose S. 1287 and the substitute ent upon the groundwater aquifer that the thousands of Minnesotans and mil- amendment being offered. This is bad flows under or near Yucca Mountain. lions of Americans who live near ship- policy and should be rejected by the And, unfortunately, there is no alter- ment routes. Senate. native water source that can support By dramatically increasing the num- Protecting the health and safety of the visitor facilities and wildlife re- ber of hazardous shipments through American citizens should be our high- sources. local communities, S. 1287 increases est priority in evaluating the disposal Water is life in the desert. Water the risk of transportation accidents in- of our nuclear waste. In order to do quality must be preserved for the via- volving nuclear waste and could put this, all decisions must be made based bility of Death Valley National Park public health and safety in jeopardy. on science, not politics. This legisla- and the dependent tourism industry. This legislation would mean an addi- tion does not do that. Under the cover I hope my colleagues agree that we tional 800 shipments in the first two of a ‘‘compromise’’ bill, this legislation should not threaten these visitors, this years, growing to about 1,800 shipments is the latest attempt to pre-empt natural treasure, and our huge finan- annually by the fifth year. These ship- science and legislate the scientific cial investment with incomplete ments would continue for at least 25 suitability of Yucca Mountain, Nevada, science and unnecessary actions. The years, traveling within half a mile of 50 as a high-level nuclear waste dump. potential loss is just too great. million Americans. Instead of finding a repository that It has been extremely difficult to get Under this legislation, highly dan- meets our health and safety standards the Energy Department to accept Cali- gerous nuclear waste would be shipped established in law, this legislation at- fornia’s connection to the site. Al- through 40 or more states, including tempts to weaken our health and safe- though DOE now recognizes Inyo Coun- my own state of Minnesota, regardless ty standards to meet the repository. I ty, California as an Affected Unit of of whether it is safe for our local com- cannot and will not support such an ac- Local Government under the Nuclear munities, and without their input. tion. Waste Policy Act, it did so reluctantly Without reliable and efficient emer- For many years we have debated the after a successful lawsuit by the coun- gency response safeguards for our local suitability of a high-level radioactive ty that resulted in DOE granting af- communities, S. 1287 fails to protect waste dump site at Yucca Mountain. fected unit status in 1991. Inyo is the local communities from even a small And for years, I have been down on this only county in California that is now accident during the shipment of nu- Senate floor with my colleagues from listed. Fortunately, in response to a clear waste. Nevada fighting to protect the health letter that I sent to the Energy Depart- Recently, DOE projected that a nu- and safety of the citizens of Nevada. ment, a hearing will be schedule in San clear waste transportation accident in But I know that Yucca Mountain is not Bernardino County to discuss the po- a rural area with even a small release just a Nevada issue, it is a national tential threat of transportation routes of radioactive material would contami- issue—and more important to me, it se- through the county. But my State’s nate 42 square miles. DOE also esti- riously and directly affects my State of concerns are not being fully addressed. mated that it would take 460 days to California. I ask unanimous consent that my let- clean up such an accident, at a cost of Yucca Mountain is only 17 miles from ter to Secretary Richardson and his re- $620 million. The safety record of nu- the California border and the Death sponse be included in the RECORD. clear waste transportation should give Valley National Park. Development of As an Affected Unit of Local Govern- us pause. Between 1964 and 1997, the De- this site has the potential to contami- ment, Inyo County receives Federal ap- partment of Energy (DOE) made ap- nate California’s groundwater and propriations to monitor the Yucca

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.003 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S571 Mountain project. The primary thrust times higher than what the public is SECRETARY OF ENERGY, of Inyo County’s monitoring program currently permitted to receive under Washington, DC, February 3, 2000. has been to demonstrate the hydrologic an operating powerplant under current Hon. , connection between the aquifer under- EPA regulations. That dose is suffi- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. lying Yucca Mountain and the dis- cient to produce approximately 100 per- DEAR SENATOR BOXER: Thank you for your charge points in Death Valley National cent probability of dying of cancer letter of January 12, 2000, regarding the envi- Park and surrounding communities. under NRC and DOE current risk esti- ronmental impact report being prepared for In addition to the groundwater con- mates. Virtually everyone exposed to the proposed transfer of radioactive material cerns, my State is extremely concerned that dose would die of cancer. So rath- to Yucca Mountain. about the increased transportation of er than go back and try to design a bet- I am sensitive to your concerns and the high level radioactive waste that will ter repository to meet the standards, concerns of your constituents in San we are on this floor to change the Bernardino County regarding their involve- be shipped through our State as a re- ment in the Draft Environmental Impact sult of this bill. Despite my objections, standards to meet the repository. Finally, the one provision in S. 1287 Statement (EIS) for a Geologic Repository the Department of Energy has already for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and started to ship low-level nuclear waste that most people could agree on was High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca through Inyo County to the Nevada stripped from this substitute amend- Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. I have added Test Site. Inyo and San Bernardino are ment. That provision would have al- an additional public hearing in the city of especially concerned because of the lowed the Energy Secretary to take San Bernardino. The hearing will be held lack of thorough studies on the trans- title to the waste that is currently prior to the end of the comment period for being stored on-site in order to resolve the Draft EIS, which has been extended until portation routes. February 28, 2000. A Federal Register Notice The State of California has also been the liability issue. The alleged reason for moving this announcing the date and location of this very involved in this issue. The Cali- legislation was to deal with the liabil- public hearing is forthcoming. fornia Energy Commission’s comments The Department is making every effort to ity issue that was created by a success- on the Yucca Mountain Project Draft address the public’s interest in this docu- ful lawsuit from the utilities against Environmental Impact Statement ex- ment. This past December, three additional the Energy Department. The utilities hearings were scheduled to include locations press the State’s serious concerns over claimed that the Energy Department the possible groundwater contamina- in the Midwest, including Lincoln, Nebraska; was not meeting its obligations under Cleveland, Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois. With tion and the lack of adequate analysis the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to store the inclusion of an additional hearing in of proper transportation routes. In this waste. And the utilities won. Sen- your State, the Department will have con- fact, the Western Governor’s Associa- ator MURKOWSKI and Secretary Rich- ducted a total of 21 hearings, 11 throughout tion has repeatedly asked the Energy ardson seemed to agree that the best the country and 10 in the State of Nevada. The Department is striving to ensure that Department to complete a more de- way to resolve this issue was to have tailed and thorough analysis of the the public has ample opportunity to com- the Energy Department take title to ment on the Draft EIS. I hope the additional transportation routes to Yucca Moun- the waste at the utilities. That was the tain to no avail. hearing in California addresses your con- reason for moving a bill. Now, that pro- cerns and those of your constituents. While the legislation that we are de- vision is gone, and therefore the reason If you have any questions or additional bating today is an improvement from to move this bill is gone. concerns, please call me or have a member of bills introduced and debated in the Mr. President, I urge my colleagues your staff contact John C. Angell, Assistant past, it still must be stopped. This leg- to vote no on this unnecessary legisla- Secretary for Congressional and Intergovern- islation would undermine the regu- tion. mental Affairs, at 202–586–5450. latory framework authorized in the I ask unanimous consent that cor- Yours sincerely, BILL RICHARDSON. Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and respondence in regard to this bill be implemented by the EPA and DOE. printed in the RECORD. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The EPA was directed by Congress to There being no objection, the mate- COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, establish a radiation exposure standard rial was ordered to be printed in the San Bernardino, CA, January 12, 2000. for Yucca Mountain. The EPA is in the RECORD, as follows: Hon. BARBARA BOXER, process of completing that require- U.S. SENATE, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. ment. The draft standards were issued HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, DEAR SENATOR BOXER: The Board of Super- last August and the EPA is currently Washington, DC, January 12, 2000. visors unanimously approved [a] resolution considering all comments on the pro- Hon. BILL RICHARDSON, at our meeting yesterday. It expresses our Secretary of Energy, James Forrestal Building, substantial concern over the lack of notifica- posal. The draft standard includes a tion from the Department of Energy with re- separate—and much needed—ground- Washington, DC. DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I am writing about gard to their plans to transport thousands of water standard for the repository that the environmental impact report being pre- shipments of high-level radioactive waste must meet the requirements of the pared for the proposed transfer of radioactive through the major cities of our County. Safe Drinking Water Act. material to Yucca Mountain near Las Vegas. The only hearing held in this State took The legislation we are discussing More specifically, I am writing about the place in a remote area hundreds of miles today prevents the Clinton Administra- concerns of the San Bernardino Board of Su- from our major population centers. In addi- tion from acting in a timely manner to pervisors that the County of San Bernardino tion we were not provided with any official notification of the Issuance of the Environ- protect public health. However, once has received less than adequate information about the process. mental Impact Statement nor were we pro- this Administration leaves office, the Though radioactive material being trans- vided a copy of same. EPA standards could move forward. ported to Yucca Mountain in Nevada will be While we understand that transportation Where is the science in that? transported within San Bernardino County, and storage/disposal of this material is es- This provision flies in the face of there has been no hearing on the proposal sential for operation of various facilities, it science and the fundamental principle within the County. Further, San Bernardino is only appropriate that the jurisdictions of protecting public health and safety County officials allege that they have re- which will be recipient of the majority of first and foremost. ceived no formal notice of hearings held out- these shipments be given notice and response I understand that a 1995 study by the side the county or other notices of the envi- opportunities. ronmental process. We ask for your strong support for our re- Department of Energy showed that the I understand that other hearings were re- quest to the Department of Energy for full radiation at Yucca Mountain would be cently added to the Yucca Mountain review disclosure, additional time for response and much higher than allowed under cur- process. This is a request that you schedule review, and for a public hearing to be held in rent regulations. In fact, the DOE a further hearing within San Bernardino our area. The hearing should be held some- study finds that maximum doses at the County. I am certain that San Bernardino where near the population centers which will site would be 50 rem per year. County officials will be happy to help ar- be subject to these shipments and the poten- If, like me, you are not a scientist, range such a hearing. Thank you for your at- tial dangers imposed thereby. tention to this matter. Please respond to me We appreciate your serious consideration let me put that number into perspec- through my San Bernardino office. of this request. tive for you. That is like having ap- Sincerely, Sincerely. proximately 5,000 chest x-rays annu- BARBARA BOXER, JERRY EAVES, ally. Furthermore, it is about 2000 U.S. Senator. Supervisor, Fifth District.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.032 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000

COUNTY OF VENTURA, Based on these considerations, S. 1287 will concern was elevated recently when DOE de- February 1, 2000. not provide adequate protection for Inyo cided, over the objections of California and Hon. BARBARA BOXER, County resources or citizens. We hope that Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, to re- U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, the provisions in the bill for setting reposi- route through southeastern California, along Washington, DC. tory standards and for changing the site California Route 127, thousands of low-level DEAR SENATOR BOXER: I am writing to reit- suitability guidelines will be deleted. waste shipments from eastern states to the erate the Ventura County Board of Super- We appreciate your continued support of Nevada Test Site, in order to avoid nuclear visors’ opposition to S. 1287, the Nuclear Inyo County’s efforts to safeguard the health waste shipments through Las Vegas and over Waste Policy Amendments of 1999, which, as and safety of its citizens. Hoover Dam. We objected to DOE’s rerouting currently written, would allow spent nuclear Sincerely, these shipments over California Route 127 fuel and radioactive waste to be transported MICHAEL DORAME, because this roadway was not engineered for through Ventura County. Supervisor, Fifth Dis- such large volumes of heavy truck traffic, The Board of Supervisors endorses the de- trict, County of lacks timely emergency response capability, velopment of a national policy for the trans- Inyo. is heavily traveled by tourists, and is subject portation of spent nuclear fuel. However, the to periodic flash flooding. We are concerned Board opposes transporting these material CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION, that S. 1287, by requiring that shipments through Ventura County. County officials Sacramento, CA, February 7, 2000. minimize transport through heavily popu- and residents are concerned about the prox- Hon. BARBARA BOXER, lated areas, could force NWPA shipments imity of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, onto roadways in California, such as State Plant in San Luis Obispo County and the Washington, DC. Route 127, that are not suitable for such vulnerability to potential disasters related DEAR SENATOR BOXER: We have reviewed S. shipments. to the transportation of hazardous materials 1287 (Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act The massive scale of these shipments to through the community, which poses serious of 2000) (NWPA) and offer the following com- the repository or interim storage site will be health and safety risks to County residents. ments. unprecedented. Nevada’s preliminary esti- Please vote against S. 1287 unless it is The State of California, including thirteen mates of potential legal-weight truck ship- amended to prohibit the transportation of California agencies, has reviewed the Depart- ments to Yucca Mountain show that an esti- spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste ment of Energy’s (DOE) Draft Environ- mated 74,000 truck shipments, about three- through Ventura County and other heavily mental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the fourths of the total, could traverse southern populated areas. proposed Yucca Mountain High-Level Nu- California under DOE’s ‘‘mostly truck’’ sce- Sincerely yours, clear Waste Repository. This review, coordi- nario. Shipments could average five truck THOMAS P. WALTERS, nated by the California Energy Commission, shipments daily through California during Washington Representative. identified major areas of deficiencies and sci- the 39-year time period of waste emplace- entific uncertainties in the DEIS regarding ment. Under a mixed truck and rail scenario, COUNTY OF INYO, potential transportation and groundwater California could receive an average of two Independence, CA, February 1, 2000. impacts in California from the repository. In truck shipments per day and 4–5 rail ship- Hon. BARBARA BOXER, light of these deficiencies and uncertainties, ments per week for 39 years. Under a ‘‘best U.S. Senate, Senate Office Building, Wash- there are serious questions whether a deci- case’’ scenario that assumes the use of large ington, DC. sion should/can be made on the Yucca Mt. rail shipping containers, Nevada estimates DEAR SENATOR BOXER, I am writing to ex- site’s suitability in time for shipments to there could be more than 26,000 truck ship- press concern with S. 1287, the Nuclear Waste begin in 2007, as required by S. 1287. ments and 9,800 shipments through Cali- Policy Amendments Act of 1999. S. 1287 pro- These deficiencies and uncertainties in- fornia to the repository. poses to abandon current specific DOE guide- clude the need for better data and more real- We are concerned that S. 1287 would re- lines for determining the suitability of istic models to evaluate groundwater flow quire that NWPA shipments begin pre- Yucca Mountain, Nevada (for siting of a nu- and potential radionuclide migration toward maturely before the necessary studies deter- clear waste repository) in lieu of less-de- regional groundwater supplies in eastern mining the site’s suitability have been com- manding, generalized criteria. S. 1287 also re- California. In addition, there are major sci- pleted and before the transportation impacts moves the role of the Environmental Protec- entific uncertainties regarding key variables of this decision have been fully evaluated. S. tion Agency from determining the human affecting how well geologic and engineered 1287 accelerates the schedule for the reposi- health standard to which repository design barriers at the repository can isolate the tory by requiring shipments to begin at the and operations should be held. wastes from the environment. For example, earliest practicable date and no later than S. 1287, as it currently stands, would re- there is considerable uncertainty regarding January 31, 2007. In contrast, DOE has been place DOE’s current and specific site suit- waste package corrosion rates, potential planning for shipments to begin in 2010, a ability criteria (10 CFR 960—adopted in 1986 water seepage through the walls of the repos- date considered by many to be overly opti- after considerable public input) with a gener- itory, groundwater levels and flow beneath mistic. Shipping waste to a site before the alized ‘‘total system performance assess- the repository, and the potential impact on necessary scientific evaluations of the site ment’’ approach (proposed in 10 CFR 963) California aquifers from the potential migra- have been completed and before route-spe- which does not require the site to meet spe- tion of radionuclides from the repository. cific transportation impacts have been fully cific criteria with regard to site geology and California is concerned about these uncer- evaluated could have costly results. The hydrology or waste packet performance. Re- tainties and deficiencies in studies of the DOE nuclear weapons complex has many ex- placement of the current site suitability cri- Yucca Mt. project and the serious lack of amples of inappropriate sites where expedi- teria by 10 CFR 963 would reduce the likeli- progress in DOE’s developing transportation ency has created a legacy of very costly hood that the repository would be designed plans for shipments to the repository. waste clean-up, e.g., Hanford, Washington. and constructed using the best available Potential major impacts in California from The use of methods that were not fully test- technology. Individual components of the re- the proposed repository include: (1) transpor- ed for the storage and disposal of nuclear pository system could be less than optimal tation impacts, (2) potential radionuclide wastes has resulted in contaminants from in design and performance if computer mod- contamination of groundwater in the Death these wastes leaking into the environment. eling of the design showed it capable of Valley region, and (3) impacts on wildlife, Transporting waste to a site, as mandated by meeting NRC’s less-demanding standard. natural habitat and public parks along ship- S. 1287, before the appropriate analyses are Given the significant long-term risk that de- ment corridors and from groundwater con- completed could create a ‘‘de facto’’ high- velopment of the repository places on Cali- tamination. Transportation is the single level waste repository in perpetuity with un- fornia populations and resources, any com- area of the proposed Yucca Mt. project that known and potentially serious long-term promises on repository design, operations or will affect the most people across the United public and environmental consequences. materials cannot be tolerated. States, since the shipments will be traveling Sincerely, S. 1287 allows the Nuclear Regulatory Com- cross-country on the nation’s highways and ROBERT A. LAURIE, mission to set a standard for protection of railways. California is a major generator of Commissioner and the public from radiological exposure associ- spent nuclear fuel and currently stores this State Liaison Officer ated with development of the repository. The waste at four operating commercial nuclear to the Nuclear Regu- power to set a standard for the Yucca Moun- power reactors, three commercial reactors latory Commission. tain project rightfully belongs with the EPA being decommissioned, and at five research WHY NUCLEAR WASTE WON’T GO TO SOUTH in its traditional role of setting health reactor locations throughout the State. CAROLINA standards for Federal projects. In our recent Under current plans, spent nuclear fuel ship- Mr. HOLLINGS. I would like to in- response to EPA’s proposed radiological ments from California reactors will begin quire of the manager whether it is pos- health standard for the repository, Inyo the first year of shipments to a repository or sible for any spent nuclear fuel to go to County stated its strong support for EPA au- storage facility. thority over the project and for use of a In addition to the spent fuel generated in South Carolina under the provisions of standard which focuses on maintaining the California, a major portion of the shipments Section 102, ‘‘Backup Storage Capac- safety of groundwater in the Yucca Moun- from other states to the Yucca Mountain ity’’ of the manager’s substitute tain-Amargosa Valley-Death Valley region. site could be routed through California. This amendment.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.025 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S573 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Absolutely not. friends from Nevada are trying to ex- Mr. BRYAN. I thank the Chair. I Spent nuclear fuel cannot go to South plain why this isn’t a good deal. They thank the Senator from New Mexico. Carolina under the specific terms of wanted it. It is there. Now they are Mr. President, let me respond to the the amendment’s Backup Storage Ca- saying: Well, just wait a minute; we map issue. I think the Senator from pacity provisions, which states that don’t have the facts. We have them. Alaska characterized it as ‘‘flimflam.’’ the government shall: ‘‘* * * transport They are there and available for any- That is what this legislation is. As re- such spent fuel to, and store such spent body. The land transfer is authorized in cently as yesterday, in requesting the fuel at, the repository site. * * *’’ That the previous bills. Let’s not beat maps, they had none. The only thing site is Yucca Mountain, Nevada. around the bush. they have is these notes right here. I Mr. HOLLINGS. I thank the man- In the remaining time I have, I want ask unanimous consent that they be ager. to highlight what this bill really ac- printed in the RECORD. Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, complishes. There being no objection, the mate- what is the remaining time on this I think the minority ranking member rial was ordered to be printed in the side? would recognize that we have tried to RECORD, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Five work with him on his list of alter- PAYMENTS TO LOCAL COUNTIES ELIMINATED minutes. natives. We addressed his concern on Annual payments prior to first receipt of Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, as the interim storage. Our bill uses the fuel: 2.5 million/year $12.5. this debate comes to an end, I think it WIPP transportation model. EPA has Upon 1st fuel receipt: 5 million/one time appropriate to respond to my friend the sole authority to set the standard. 5.0. from New Mexico relative to what I un- We took out the international collabo- Annual payments after 1st receipt until closure: $5 million/year (2007–2042 125 mil- derstand he said—that he had not seen ration in transmutation which they lion.) a real letter from the Governors oppos- wanted. We couldn’t take everything, Total—Over 140 million up to 2042 then 5 ing taking title. I don’t know whether but we certainly tried. million/year after that. the White House will not make that This is a valuable piece of legislation LAND CONVEYANCES RETAINED available, but we have it here. I will be as it stands because we have in this Total of: 76,000 acres. happy to share it with him. I will put substitute dropped the interim storage. 46,000 to Nye County. it in the RECORD because it shows all Isn’t this kind of ironic? We dropped 30,000 to Lincoln County. the signatures of all the Governors: the interim storage. The administra- For a variety of uses: For example— The Honorable Howard Dean, Gov- City of Caliente: tion was opposed to the interim stor- Municipal landfill (240 acres). ernor of Vermont; the Honorable Jeb age in Nevada. The idea was that we Community growth (2,640 acres). Bush, Governor of Florida; the Honor- could move this stuff out at a critical Community recreation (800 acres). able Angus King, Jr., Governor of time and put it out there. They said: Lincoln County Maine; the Honorable John Kitzhaber, No, we can’t do that until Yucca is fi- Community Growth: Governor of Oregon; the Honorable Pioche—2,080 acres. nalized—until it is finally licensed. But Panaca—2,240 acres. Jeanne Shaheen, Governor of New now they are doing it twice. They are Rachel—1,280 acres. Hampshire; the Honorable Jesse Ven- having it both ways. They are saying Alamo—1,920 acres. tura, Governor of Minnesota; and the we will just leave it in the State. Then These lands had been previously identified Honorable Tom Vilsack, Governor of it becomes interim in the State. These by BLM as available for disposal. Iowa. Governors are smart enough to figure Towns: Beatty—3,400 acres. There are more coming, I am told. I it out. I hope every Member of this Ione—1,280 acres. hope we can put that particular criti- body is because it is a flimflam. That is Manhattan—750 acres. cism to rest. just what it is. Round Mountain/Smokey Valley—11,300 This is not an imaginary letter. This The administration wants to have it acres. a letter from the Governors objecting, both ways. They do not want interim Tonopah—11,500 acres. if you will, to the situation of leaving Total estimated 28,230 acres. storage. They want the interim storage Towns: the waste in their States for the spe- in the States. It drops interim storage. Amargosa—2,700 acres. cific reason that they don’t trust the It requires Congress to approve any Pahrump—14,750 acres. Federal Government. The reason they increase in fees to protect the con- Total estimated 17,450 acres. do not trust the Federal Government is sumer. It sets schedules for develop- BLM/Grand Total: 45,680 acres. the Federal Government has not per- ment of a repository. It authorizes Western Members should be pleased about formed on its contract after taking $15 this kind of transfer of public lands from fed- backup storage at the repository for eral ownership. billion from the ratepayers to take the any spent fuel that the utilities can’t There are lots of benefits to doing these waste. They are fearful that the waste store on site. It allows the EPA to set kinds of transfers: will stay in their States under the con- radiation standards after June 1, 2001; Long term financial benefits are: trol of the Federal Government. That prior to that consultation only with Decrease federal mgmt costs; is a legitimate concern. NAS and NRC, to ensure that any Increase State & local benefits; Again, I refer to the chart of where The land can now be used for income pro- standard is the best science available. viding activities. that waste is. It is in those 40 States. It What in the world is wrong with Such transfers help consolidate land own- is in 40 States, and each Member is that? ership and that leads to a more cost-effective going to have to respond as to why It authorizes settlement agreements and environmentally sound ecosystem man- they voted to leave that waste in their for outstanding litigation. It requires agement. State. an election to settle within 180 days as Mr. BRYAN. Mr. President, there are We have had questions brought up requested by the administration. In no maps. about the land in Nevada. It is kind of other words, it brings them together. That will give you some indication of fuzzy because this is beneficial to Ne- Finally, it transfers 76,000 acres. what a shoddy, moving target this has vada. Now they are saying they did not Let me conclude by saying that each been as we have tried to debate and ex- have any notice and they don’t have Member is going to have to respond as pand on it. It is simply indefensible the maps. The maps are in our office. to why they left this waste in their public policy. We have them for the counties. I am State if they don’t support this bill. I I urge my colleagues to vote against sure the minority could get them. I am encourage my colleagues to recognize it. sure the two Senators from Nevada that it is time to bring this matter to Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, how could get the maps of their own coun- an end. Let’s support the legislation. much time remains on our side? ties. We have them in our office, in I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Two and fact, and I will try to get them in the Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I one-half minutes. RECORD so they can see them. yield 1 minute to the Senator from Ne- Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, let As far as the land transfer is con- vada. me take the remaining time to com- cerned, it has always been in previous The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mend our chairman, Senator MUR- bills. These are smokescreens. Our ator from Nevada. KOWSKI, for his heroic efforts in trying

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.030 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 to come up with legislation that would The bill was ordered to be engrossed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 be constructive and deal with this for a third reading and was read the U.S.C. 10101). problem. This is not an easy issue to third time. TITLE I—STORAGE AND DISPOSAL resolve. There are many points of view. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The SEC. 101. PROGRAM SCHEDULE. First, the subject is complex. The question is, Shall the bill, as amended, (a) IN GENERAL.—The President, the Sec- history of the legislation is certainly pass? The yeas and nays have been or- retary, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- varied and difficult. dered. The clerk will call the roll. sion shall carry out their duties under this I certainly believe the chairman has Act and the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 The legislative clerk called the roll. by the earliest practicable date consistent worked in good faith to try to come up Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the with the public interest and applicable provi- with a solution. As I stated several Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) is sions of law. times this morning, I do not believe he necessarily absent. (b) MILESTONES.—(1) The Secretary shall has been successful in that regard. Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- make a final decision whether to recommend I am not able to support the bill. ator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- the Yucca Mountain site for development of I think there is a lot of confusion NEDY) is necessarily absent. the repository to the President by December that has surrounded our debate here on 31, 2001; I further announce that, if present (2) The President shall make a final deci- the floor. As to the whole notion that and voting, the Senator from Massa- sion whether to recommend the Yucca Moun- the Governors are fearful that waste chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) would vote tain site for development of the repository to would wind up remaining in their ‘‘no.’’ the Congress by March 31, 2002; States if they did not drop this take The result was announced—yeas 64, (3) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission title provision, I can say if they are nays 34, as follows: shall make a final decision whether to au- thorize construction of the repository by worried that waste will remain, they [Rollcall Vote No. 8 Leg.] have good grounds to be worried be- January 31, 2006; and YEAS—64 (4) As provided in subsection (c), the Sec- cause it is going to remain in their Abraham Gramm McConnell retary shall begin receiving waste at the re- States. Under current law, and under Allard Grams Murkowski pository site at the earliest practicable date this legislation, if this legislation be- Ashcroft Grassley Murray and no later than eighteen months after re- comes law, the waste will remain in Bennett Gregg Nickles ceiving construction authorization from the Bond Hagel Robb Nuclear Regulatory Commission. their States. The only question is, who Breaux Hatch Roberts is going to have ownership and respon- Brownback Helms Roth (c) RECEIPT FACILITIES.—(1) As part of the sibility for that waste. Bunning Hollings Santorum submission of an application for a construc- We had proposed that the Depart- Burns Hutchinson Sessions tion authorization pursuant to section 114(b) Cleland Hutchison Shelby of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 ment of Energy be given ownership and Cochran Inhofe Smith (NH) U.S.C. 10134(b)), the Secretary shall apply to responsibility. We believe that would, Collins Jeffords Smith (OR) the Commission to receive and possess spent if anything, desensitize the Depart- Coverdell Kerrey Snowe nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste Craig Kohl Specter ment to move ahead more quickly on Crapo Kyl Stevens at surface facilities within the geologic re- Yucca Mountain. I believe that is DeWine Landrieu Thomas pository operations area for the receipt, han- clearly the case. Domenici Leahy Thompson dling, packaging, and storage prior to em- The notion that anybody who opposes Enzi Levin Thurmond placement. this bill is going to have to explain Fitzgerald Lincoln Voinovich (2) As part of the issuance of the construc- Frist Lott Warner tion authorization under section 114(b) of the why they want waste to remain in Gorton Lugar Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the Com- their States is not the issue on which Graham Mack mission shall authorize construction of sur- we are voting. Waste is going to remain NAYS—34 face facilities described in subsection (c)(1) in each of the States where it is now Akaka Dodd Mikulski and the receipt and possession of spent nu- located unless and until we get the Baucus Dorgan Moynihan clear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain site characterized. I Bayh Durbin Reed such surface facilities within the geologic re- hope we do that quickly. I am doing all Biden Edwards Reid pository operations area for the purposes in Bingaman Feingold Rockefeller I can to support doing that quickly. I subsection (c)(1), in accordance with such Boxer Feinstein Sarbanes standards as the Commission finds are nec- Bryan Harkin Schumer believe the waste should be moved to a essary to protect the public health and safe- permanent repository. I think that is Byrd Inouye Torricelli Campbell Johnson Wellstone ty. clearly where we need to head. But the Chafee, L. Kerry Wyden SEC. 102. BACKUP STORAGE CAPACITY. notion that this problem is going to be Conrad Lautenberg (a) Subject to section 105(d), the Secretary somehow solved by passing this bill is Daschle Lieberman shall enter into a contract under this sub- just not supported by anything. There NOT VOTING—2 section with any person generating or own- ing spent nuclear fuel that meets the re- is no logic to that. Kennedy McCain We can pass this bill. This bill can be quirements of section 135(b)(1) (A) and (B) of signed by the President. You can wind The bill (S. 1287), as amended, was the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 up 5 years from now trying to explain passed, as follows: U.S.C. 10155(b)(1) (A) and (B)) to— S. 1287 (1) take title at the civilian nuclear power to people in your State why the waste reactor site to such amounts of spent nu- is still sitting there because it is going Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- clear fuel from the civilian nuclear power re- to be there in 5 years regardless. resentatives of the United States of America in actor as the Commission determines cannot I think people need to understand Congress assembled, be stored onsite; and that there is much less here than SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (2) transport such spent nuclear fuel to, meets the eye. As far as this legislation This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Nuclear and store such spent nuclear fuel at, the re- is concerned, anyone who thinks this Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2000’’. pository site after the Commission has au- legislation is going to put any problem SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. thorized construction of the repository with- out regard to the Secretary’s Acceptance behind them is going to be sorely dis- For purposes of this Act— (1) the term ‘‘contract holder’’ means a Priority Ranking report or Annual Capacity appointed down the road. In fact, I party to a contract with the Secretary of En- report. think the problems will be compounded ergy for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel or SEC. 103. REPOSITORY LICENSING. if we enact this legislation and it were high-level radioactive waste entered into (a) ADOPTION OF STANDARDS.—Notwith- to become law. pursuant to section 302(a) of the Nuclear standing the time schedule in section I urge colleagues to oppose the bill Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(a)); 801(a)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 and I yield the floor. and U.S.C. 10141 note), the Administrator shall The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time (2) the terms ‘‘Administrator’’, ‘‘civilian not publish or adopt public health and safety has expired. Under the previous order, nuclear power reactor’’, ‘‘Commission’’, ‘‘De- standards for the protection of the public the hour of 11 a.m. having arrived, the partment’’, ‘‘disposal’’, ‘‘high-level radio- from releases from radioactive materials active waste’’, ‘‘Indian tribe’’, ‘‘repository’’, stored or disposed of in the repository at the substitute amendment, No. 2808, is ‘‘reservation’’, ‘‘Secretary’’, ‘‘spent nuclear Yucca Mountain site— agreed to. fuel’’, ‘‘State’’, ‘‘storage’’, ‘‘Waste Fund’’, (1) except in accordance with this section; The question is on the engrossment and ‘‘Yucca Mountain site’’ shall have the and and third reading of the bill. meanings given such terms in section 2 of (2) before June 1, 2001.

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(b) CONSULTATION AND REPORTS TO CON- (2) compensate the contract holder for the all of such fuel, regardless of the delivery GRESS.—(1) Not later than 30 days after the cost of providing spent nuclear fuel storage commitment schedule for such fuel under the enactment of this Act, the Administrator at the contract holders’ storage facility; or Secretary’s contract with the Dairyland shall provide the Commission and the Na- (3) provide any combination of the fore- Power Cooperative as the contract holder tional Academy of Sciences— going. under Section 302(a) of the Nuclear Waste (A) a detailed written comparison of the (c) SCOPE OF RELIEF.—The Secretary’s obli- Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(a)) or the provisions of the proposed Environmental gation to provide the relief under subsection acceptance schedule for such fuel under sec- Protection Standards for Yucca Mountain, (b) shall not exceed the Secretary’s obliga- tion 106 of this Act. Nevada, published in the Federal Register on tion to accept delivery of such spent fuel (2) As a condition to the Secretary’s taking August 27, 1999 (64 Fed. Reg. 46,975) with the under the terms of the Secretary’s contract of title to the Dairyland Power Cooperative recommendations made by the National with such contract holder under section La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor spent nu- Academy of Sciences in its report, Technical 302(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 clear fuel, the contract holder for such fuel Bases for Yucca Mountain Standards, pursu- (42 U.S.C. 10222(a)), including any otherwise shall enter into a settlement agreement con- ant to section 801(a)(2) of the Energy Policy permissible assignment of rights. taining a waiver of claims against the United Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 10141 note); and (d) WAIVER OF CLAIMS.—(1) The Secretary States as provided in this section. (B) the scientific basis for the proposed may not enter into a settlement agreement (g) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—(1) Nothing in this rule. under subsection (a) or (f) or a backup con- section shall limit the Secretary’s existing (2) Not later than April 1, 2001, the Com- tract under section 102(a) with any contract authority to enter into settlement agree- mission and the National Academy of holder unless the contract holder— ments or address shutdown reactors and any Sciences shall, based on the proposed rule (A) notifies the Secretary within 180 days associated public health and safety or envi- and the information provided by the Admin- after the date of enactment of this Act of its ronmental concerns that may arise. istrator under paragraph (1), each submit a intent to enter into a settlement negotia- (2) Nothing in this Act diminishes obliga- report to Congress on whether the proposed tions, and tions imposed upon the Federal Government rule— (B) as part of such settlement agreement by the United States District Court of Idaho (A) is consistent with section 801(a)(2) of or backup contract, waives any claim for in an order entered on October 17, 1995 in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 10141 damages against the United States arising United States v. Batt (No. 91–0054–S–EJL). note); out of the Secretary’s failure to begin dis- To the extent this Act imposes obligations (B) provide a reasonably expectation that posing of such person’s high-level waste or on the Federal Government that are greater the public health and safety and the environ- spent nuclear fuel by January 31, 1998. than those imposed by the court order, the ment will be adequately protected from the (2) Nothing in this subsection shall be read provisions of this Act shall prevail. to require a contract holder to waive any fu- hazards posed by high-level radioactive SEC. 106. ACCEPTANCE SCHEDULE. waste and spent nuclear fuel disposed of in ture claim against the United States arising (a) PRIORITY RANKING.—Acceptance pri- the repository; out of the Secretary’s failure to meet any ority ranking shall be determined by the De- (C) is based on the best reasonably obtain- new obligation assumed under a settlement partment’s ‘‘Acceptance Priority Ranking’’ able scientific and technical information agreement or backup storage agreement, in- report. concerning the need for, and consequences cluding any obligation related to the move- (b) ACCEPTANCE RATE.—As soon as prac- of, the rule; and ment of spent fuel by the Department. ticable after construction authorization, but (D) imposes the least burden, consistent (e) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Notwithstanding no later than eighteen months after the year with obtaining the regulatory objective of section 302(d) of the Nuclear Waste Policy of issuance of a license to receive and possess protecting the public health and safety and Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(d)), the Secretary spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive the environment. may not make expenditures from the Nu- (3) In the event that either the Commission clear Waste Fund for any costs that may be waste under section 101(c), the Secretary’s or the National Academy of Sciences finds incurred by the Secretary pursuant to a set- total acceptance rate for all spent nuclear that the proposed rule does not meet one or tlement agreement or backup storage con- fuel and high-level waste shall be a rate no more of the criteria listed in paragraph (2), it tract under this Act except— less than the following as measured in met- shall notify the Administrator not later than (1) the cost of acquiring and loading spent ric tons uranium (MTU), assuming that each April 1, 2001 of its finding and the basis for nuclear fuel casks; high-level waste canister contains 0.5 MTU: such finding. (2) the cost of transporting spent nuclear 500 MTU in year 1, 700 MTU in year 2, 1,300 (c) APPLICATION OF CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW fuel from the contract holder’s site to the re- MTU in year 3, 2,100 MTU in year 4, 3,100 PROCEDURES.—Any final rule promulgated pository; and MTU in year 5, 3,300 MTU in years 6, 7, and under section 801(a)(1) of the Energy Policy (3) any other cost incurred by the Sec- 8, 3,400 MTU in years 9 through 24, and 3,900 Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 10141 note) shall be retary required to perform a settlement MTU in year 25 and thereafter. treated as a major rule for purposes of chap- agreement or backup storage contract that (c) OTHER ACCEPTANCES.—Subject to the ter 8 of title 5, United States Code, and shall would have been incurred by the Secretary conditions contained in the license to re- be subject to all the requirements and proce- under the contracts entered into under sec- ceive and possess spent nuclear fuel and dures pertaining to a major rule in such tion 302(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act high-level radioactive waste issued under chapter. of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(a)) notwithstanding section 101(c), of the amounts provided for in (d) CAPACITY.—Section 114(d) of the Nu- their amendment pursuant to this Act. paragraph (b) for each year, not less than clear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. (f) REACTOR DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.—(1) one-sixth shall be— 10134(d)) is amended by striking ‘‘The Com- Not later than 120 days after the date of en- (1) spent nuclear fuel or civilian high-level mission decision approving the first such ap- actment of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amend- radioactive waste of domestic origin from ci- plication . . .’’ through the period at the end ments Act of 2000, and notwithstanding Sec- vilian nuclear power reactors that have per- of the sentence. tion 302(a)(5) of the Nuclear Waste Policy manently ceased operation on or before the SEC. 104. NUCLEAR WASTE FEE. Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(a)(5)), the Sec- date of enactment of the Nuclear Waste Pol- The last sentence of section 302(a)(4) of the retary is authorized to take title to the icy Act Amendments of 2000; Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. spent nuclear fuel withdrawn from the dem- (2) spent nuclear fuel from foreign research 10222(a)(4)) is amended to read as follows: onstration reactor remaining from the Coop- reactors, as necessary to promote non- ‘‘The adjusted fee proposed by the Secretary erative Power Reactor Demonstration Pro- proliferation activities; and shall be effective upon enactment of a joint gram (Pub. L. No. 87–315, Sec. 109, 75 Stat. (3) spent nuclear fuel and high-level radio- resolution or other provision of law specifi- 679), the Dairyland Power Cooperative La active waste from research and atomic en- cally approving the adjusted fee.’’. Crosse Boiling Water Reactor. Immediately ergy defense activities, including spent nu- SEC. 105. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS. upon the Secretary’s taking title to the clear fuel from naval reactors: (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, upon Dairyland Power Cooperative La Crosse Boil- Provided, however, That the Secretary shall the request of any person with whom he has ing Water Reactor spent nuclear fuel, the accept not less than 7.5 percent of the total entered into a contract under section 302(a) Secretary shall assume all responsibility and quantity of fuel and high-level radioactive of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 liability for the interim storage and perma- waste accepted in any year from the cat- U.S.C. 10222(a)), enter into a settlement nent disposal thereof and is authorized to egories of radioactive materials described in agreement with the contract holder to— compensate Dairyland Power Cooperative for paragraphs (2) and (3) in subsection (c). If (1) relieve any harm caused by the Sec- any costs related to operating and maintain- sufficient amounts of radioactive materials retary’s failure to meet the Department’s ing facilities necessary for such storage, are not available to utilize this allocation, commitment, or from the date of taking title until the Sec- the Secretary shall allocate this acceptance (2) settle any legal claims against the retary removes the spent nuclear fuel from capacity to other contract holders. United States arising out of such failure. the Dairyland Power Cooperative La Crosse (d) EFFECT ON SCHEDULE.—The contractual (b) TYPES OF RELIEF.—Pursuant to a settle- Boiling Water Reactor site. The Secretary’s acceptance schedule shall not be modified in ment agreement entered into under this sec- obligation to take title or compensate the any way as a result of the Secretary’s ac- tion, the Secretary may— holder of the Dairyland Power Cooperative ceptance of any material other than contract (1) provide spent nuclear fuel storage casks La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor spent nu- holders’ spent nuclear fuel and high-level ra- to the contract holder; clear fuel under this subsection shall include dioactive waste.

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(e) MULTI-YEAR SHIPPING CAMPAIGNS.— Map 5: Lincoln County, Parcels J and K, ter 51 of title 49, United State Code) and by Consistent with the acceptance schedule, the Mixed Use, Airport and Landfill Expansion the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under Secretary shall, in conjunction with con- Sites authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 tract holders, define a specified multi-year Map 6: Lincoln County, Parcels E and L, (42 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.). period for each shipping campaign and estab- Mixed Use, Airport and Industrial Expansion ‘‘(2) STATE REROUTING.—For purposes of lish criteria under which the Secretary could Sites. this section, a preferred route shall be an accept contract holders’ cumulative alloca- (4) To the City of Caliente, Nevada, the fol- Interstate System highway for which an al- tions of spent nuclear fuel during the cam- lowing public lands depicted on the maps ternative route is not designated by a State paign period at one time and thereby en- dated February 1, 2000, and on file with the routing agency, or a State-designated route hance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Secretary: designated by a State routing agency pursu- spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste ac- Map 1: City of Caliente, Parcels A, B, C and ant to section 397.103 of title 49, Code of Fed- ceptance. D, Community Growth, Landfill Expansion eral Regulations. ‘‘(b) SHIPPING CONTAINERS.—No spent nu- SEC. 107. INITIAL LAND CONVEYANCES. and Community Recreation Sites clear fuel or high-level radioactive waste (a) CONVEYANCES OF PUBLIC LANDS.—One Map 2: City of Caliente, Parcel M, Indus- may be transported by or for the Secretary hundred and twenty days after enactment, trial Park Site, Jointly with Lincoln Coun- under this Act except in packages— all right, title and interest of the United ty. (5) To the City of Caliente, Nevada, the fol- ‘‘(1) the design of which has been certified States in the property described in sub- by the Commission; and section (b), and improvements thereon, to- lowing public lands depicted on the maps dated February 1, 2000, and on file with the ‘‘(2) that have been determined by the gether with all necessary easements for util- Commission to satisfy its quality assurance ities and ingress and egress to such property, Secretary: Map 1: City of Caliente, Industrial Park requirements. including, but not limited to, the right to ‘‘(c) NOTIFICATION.—The Secretary shall Site Expansion. improve those easements, are conveyed by provide advance notification to States and (c) CONSTRUCTION.—The maps and legal de- operation of law to the County of Nye, Coun- Indian tribes through whose jurisdiction the scriptions of special conveyance referred to ty of Lincoln, or the City of Caliente, Ne- Secretary plans to transport spent nuclear in subsection (b) shall have the same force vada, unless the county notifies the Sec- fuel or high-level radioactive waste. and effect as if they were included in this retary of the Interior or the head of such ‘‘(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— Act. The Secretary may correct clerical and other appropriate agency in writing within ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— typographical errors in the maps and legal 60 days of such date that it elects not to take ‘‘(A) STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES.—As pro- title to all or any part of the property, ex- descriptions and make minor adjustments in vided in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall cept that any lands conveyed to the County the boundaries of the sites. provide technical assistance and funds to VIDENCE OF TITLE TRANSFER.—Upon of Nye under this subsection that are subject (d) E States and Indian tribes for training of pub- to a Federal grazing permit or lease or a the request of the County of Lincoln or the lic safety officials or appropriate units of similar federally granted permit or lease County of Nye, Nevada, the Secretary of the State, local, and tribal government. A State shall be conveyed between 60 and 120 days of Interior shall provide evidence of title trans- shall allocate to local governments within the earliest time the Federal agency admin- fer. the State a portion of any funds that the (e) CONSENT.—(1) The acceptance or use of istering or granting the permit or lease Secretary provides to the State for technical any of the benefits provided under this title would be able to legally terminate such right assistance and funding. by any affected unit of local government under the statutes and regulations existing ‘‘(B) EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS.—The Sec- shall not be deemed to be an expression of at the date of enactment of this Act, unless retary shall provide technical assistance and consent, express or implied, either under the Nye County and the affected holder of the funds for training directly to nonprofit em- Constitution of the State of Nevada or any permit or lease negotiate an agreement that ployee organizations, voluntary emergency law thereof, to the siting of the repository in allows for an earlier conveyance. response organizations, and joint labor-man- the State of Nevada, any provision of such (b) SPECIAL CONVEYANCES.—Subject to agement organizations that demonstrate ex- Constitution or laws to the contrary not- valid existing rights and notwithstanding perience in implementing and operating withstanding. any other law, the Secretary of the Interior worker health and safety training and edu- (2) ARGUMENTS.—Neither the United States or the head of the other appropriate agency nor any other entity may assert any argu- cation programs and demonstrate the ability shall convey: ment based on legal or equitable estoppel, or to reach and involve in training programs (1) To the County of Nye, Nevada, the fol- acquiescence, or waiver, or consensual in- target populations of workers who are or will lowing public lands depicted on the maps volvement, in response to any decision by be directly engaged in the transportation of dated February 1, 2000, and on file with the the State of Nevada, to oppose the siting in spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive Secretary: Nevada of the repository premised upon or waste or emergency response or post-emer- Map 1: Proposed Pahrump Industrial Park related to the acceptance or use of benefits gency response with respect to such trans- Site under this title. portation. Map 2: Proposed Lathrop Wells (Gate 510) (3) LIABILITY.—No liability of any nature ‘‘(C) TRAINING.—Training under this Industrial Park Site shall accrue to be asserted against the State section— Map 3: Pahrump Landfill Sites of Nevada, its Governor, any official thereof, ‘‘(i) shall cover procedures required for safe Map 4: Amargosa Valley Regional Landfill or any official of any governmental unit routine transportation of materials and pro- Site thereof, premised solely upon the acceptance cedures for dealing with emergency response Map 5: Amargosa Valley Municipal Land- or use of benefits under this title. situations; fill Site ‘‘(ii) shall be consistent with any training TITLE II—TRANSPORTATION Map 6: Beatty Landfill/Transfer Station standards established by the Secretary of Site SEC. 201. TRANSPORTATION. Transportation under subsection (h); and Map 7: Round Mountain Landfill Site Section 180 of the Nuclear Waste Policy ‘‘(iii) shall include— Map 8: Tonopah Landfill Site Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10175) is amended to ‘‘(I) a training program applicable to per- Map 9: Gabbs Landfill Site. read as follows: sons responsible for responding to emergency (2) To the County of Nye, Nevada, the fol- ‘‘TRANSPORTATION situations occurring during the removal and lowing public lands depicted on the maps ‘‘SEC. 180. (a) IN GENERAL.—The transpor- transportation of spent nuclear fuel and dated February 1, 2000, and on file with the tation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level high-level radioactive waste; Secretary: radioactive waste from any civilian nuclear ‘‘(II) instruction of public safety officers in Map 1: Beatty power reactor to any other civilian nuclear procedures for the command and control of Map 2: Ione/Berlin power reactor or to any Department of En- the response to any incident involving the Map 3: Manhattan ergy Facility, by or for the Secretary, or by waste; and Map 4: Round Mountain/Smoky Valley or for any person who owns or generates ‘‘(III) instruction of radiological protection Map 5: Tonopah spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive and emergency medical personnel in proce- Map 6: Armargosa Valley waste, shall be subject to licensing and regu- dures for responding to an incident involving Map 7: Pahrump. lation by the Commission and the Secretary spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive (3) To the County of Lincoln, Nevada, the of Transportation under all applicable provi- waste being transported. following public lands depicted on the maps sions of existing law. ‘‘(2) NO SHIPMENTS IF NO TRAINING.— dated February 1, 2000, and on file with the ‘‘(1) PREFERRED SHIPPING ROUTES.—The ‘‘(A) There shall be no shipments by the Secretary: Secretary shall select and cause to be used Secretary of spent nuclear fuel and high- Map 2: Lincoln County, Parcel M, Indus- preferred shipping routes for the transpor- level radioactive waste through the jurisdic- trial Park Site, Jointly with the City of tation of spent nuclear fuel and high level tion of any State or the reservation lands of Caliente radioactive waste from each shipping origin any Indian tribe eligible for grants under Map 3: Lincoln County, Parcels F and G, to the repository in accordance with the reg- paragraph (3)(B) to the repository until the Mixed Use, Industrial Sites ulations promulgated by the Secretary of Secretary has made a determination that Map 4: Lincoln County, Parcels H and I, Transportation under authority of the Haz- personnel in all State, local, and tribal juris- Mixed Use and Airport Expansion Sites ardous Materials Transportation Act (chap- dictions on primary and alternative shipping

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.033 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S577 routes have met acceptable standards of ‘‘(III) the rationale for any discrepancies ating commercial motor vehicles), or the training for emergency responses to acci- between the amounts requested by States Commission (in the case of all other employ- dents involving spent nuclear fuel and high- and federally recognized Indian tribes and ees). level radioactive waste, as established by the the amounts requested by the President. ‘‘(i) TRAINING STANDARD.— Secretary, and unless technical assistance ‘‘(ii) ALLOCATION.—Of funds available for ‘‘(1) REGULATION.—No later than 12 months and funds to implement procedures for the grants under this subparagraph for any fiscal after the date of enactment of the Nuclear safe routine transportation and for dealing year— Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2000, the with emergency response situations under ‘‘(I) 25 percent shall be allocated by the Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to au- paragraph (1)(A) have been available to a Secretary to ensure minimum funding and thority under other provisions of law, in con- State or Indian tribe for at least 3 years program capability levels in all States and sultation with the Secretary of Labor and prior to any shipment: Provided, however, Indian tribes based on plans developed under the Commission, shall promulgate a regula- That the Secretary may ship spent nuclear subparagraph (B); and tion establishing training standards applica- fuel and high-level radioactive waste if tech- ‘‘(II) 75 percent shall be allocated to States ble to workers directly involved in the re- nical assistance or funds have not been made and Indian tribes in proportion to the num- moval and transportation of spent nuclear available because of— ber of shipment miles that are projected to fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The ‘‘(i) an emergency, including the sudden be made in total shipments under this Act regulation shall specify minimum training and unforeseen closure of a highway or rail through each jurisdiction. standards applicable to workers, including line or the sudden and unforeseen need to re- ‘‘(4) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR SHIP- managerial personnel. The regulation shall move spent fuel from a reactor because of an MENTS.—Funds under paragraph (1) shall be require that the employer possess evidence accident, or provided for shipments to a repository, re- of satisfaction of the applicable training ‘‘(ii) the refusal to accept technical assist- gardless of whether the repository is oper- standard before any individual may be em- ance by a State or Indian tribe, or ated by a private entity or by the Depart- ployed in the removal and transportation of ‘‘(iii) fraudulent actions which violate Fed- ment of Energy. spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive eral law governing the expenditure of Fed- ‘‘(5) MINIMIZING DUPLICATION OF EFFORT AND waste. eral funds. EXPENSES.—The Secretaries of Transpor- ‘‘(2) SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.—If the ‘‘(B) In the event the Secretary is required tation, Labor, and Energy, Directors of the Secretary of Transportation determines, in to transport spent fuel or high-level radio- Federal Emergency Management Agency and promulgating the regulation required by active waste through a jurisdiction prior to National Institute of Environmental Health paragraph (1), that existing Federal regula- 3 years after the provision of technical as- Sciences, the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- tions establish adequate training standards sistance or funds to such jurisdiction, the sion, and Administrator of the Environ- for workers, then the Secretary of Transpor- Secretary shall, prior to such shipment, hold mental Protection Agency shall review peri- tation can refrain from promulgating addi- meetings in each State and Indian reserva- odically, with the head of each department, tional regulations with respect to worker tion through which the shipping route passes agency, or instrumentality of the Govern- training in such activities. The Secretary of in order to present initial shipment plans ment, all emergency response and prepared- Transportation and the Commission shall, by and receive comments. Department of En- ness training programs of that department, Memorandum of Understanding, ensure co- ergy personnel trained in emergency re- agency, or instrumentality to minimize du- ordination of worker training standards and sponse shall escort each shipment. Funds plication of effort and expense of the depart- to avoid duplicative regulation. and all Department of Energy training re- ment, agency, or instrumentality in carrying ‘‘(3) TRAINING STANDARDS CONTENT.—(A) If sources shall be made available to States and out the programs and shall take necessary training standards are required to be pro- Indian tribes along the shipping route no action to minimize duplication. mulgated under paragraph (1), such stand- later than three months prior to the com- ‘‘(e) PUBLIC INFORMATION.—The Secretary ards shall, among other things deemed nec- mencement of shipments: Provided, however, shall conduct a program, in cooperation with essary and appropriate by the Secretary of That in no event shall such shipments exceed corridor States and tribes, to inform the Transportation, provide for— 1,000 metric tons per year: Provided further, public regarding the transportation of spent ‘‘(i) a specified minimum number of hours That no such shipments shall be conducted nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive of initial offsite instruction and actual field more than four years after the effective date waste, with an emphasis on those States, experience under the direct supervision of a of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments units of local government, and Indian tribes trained, experienced supervisor; through whose jurisdiction the Secretary Act of 2000. ‘‘(ii) a requirement that onsite managerial plans to transport substantial amounts of ‘‘(3) GRANTS.— personnel receive the same training as work- spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—To implement this sec- ers, and a minimum number of additional waste. tion, the Secretary may make expenditures hours of specialized training pertinent to ‘‘(f) USE OF PRIVATE CARRIERS.—The Sec- from the Nuclear Waste Fund to the extent their managerial responsibilities; and retary, in providing for the transportation of (iii) a training program applicable to per- provided for in appropriation Acts. spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive ‘‘(B) GRANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS.— sons responsible for responding to and clean- waste under this Act, shall contract with ing up emergency situations occurring dur- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall private industry to the fullest extent pos- make a grant of at least $150,000 to each ing the removal and transportation of spent sible in each aspect of such transportation. nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive State through the jurisdiction of which and The Secretary shall use direct Federal serv- each federally recognized Indian tribe waste. ices for such transportation only upon a de- ‘‘(B) The Secretary of Transportation may through the reservation lands of which one termination by the Secretary of Transpor- or more shipments of spent nuclear fuel or specify an appropriate combination of tation, in consultation with the Secretary, knowledge, skills, and prior training to ful- high-level radioactive waste will be made that private industry is unable or unwilling under this Act for the purpose of developing fill the minimum number of hours require- to provide such transportation services at a ments of clauses (i) and (ii). a plan to prepare for such shipments. reasonable cost. ‘‘(4) EMERGENCY RESPONDER TRAINING ‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—A grant shall be made ‘‘(g) COMPLIANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS.—The training standards for per- under clause (i) only to a State or a federally REGULATIONS.—Any person that transports sons responsible for responding to emergency recognized Indian tribe that has the author- spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive situations occurring during the removal and ity to respond to incidents involving ship- waste under the Nuclear Waste Policy transportation of spent nuclear and high- ments of hazardous material. Amendments Act of 2000, pursuant to a con- level radioactive waste shall, in accordance ‘‘(C) GRANTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF tract with the Secretary, shall comply with with existing regulations, ensure their abil- PLANS.— all requirements governing such transpor- ity to protect nearby persons, property, or ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Annual implementation tation issued by the Federal, State and local the environment from the effects of acci- grants shall be made to States and Indian governments, and Indian tribes, in the same dents involving spent nuclear fuel and high- tribes that have developed a plan to prepare way and to the same extent that any person level radioactive waste. for shipments under this Act under subpara- engaging in that transportation that is in or ‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION.—There is authorized graph (B). The Secretary, in submitting the affects interstate commerce must comply to be appropriated to the Secretary of Trans- annual departmental budget to Congress for with such requirements, as required by sec- portation, from general revenues, such sums funding of implementation grants under this tion 5126 of title 49, United States Code. section, shall be guided by the State and ‘‘(h) EMPLOYEE PROTECTION.—Any person as may be necessary to perform his duties tribal plans developed under subparagraph engaged in the interstate commerce of spent under this subsection.’’. (B). As part of the Department of Energy’s nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste TITLE III—DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL annual budget request, the Secretary shall under contract to the Secretary pursuant to SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL STRATEGY report to Congress on— this Act shall be subject to and comply fully SEC. 301. FINDINGS. ‘‘(I) the funds requested by States and fed- with the employee protection provisions of (a) Prior to permanent closure of the geo- erally recognized Indian tribes to implement section 20109 of title 49, United States Code logic repository in Yucca Mountain, Con- this subsection; (in the case of employees of railroad car- gress must determine whether the spent fuel ‘‘(II) the amount requested by the Presi- riers) and section 31105 of title 49, United in the repository should be treated as waste dent for implementation; and States Code (in the case of employees oper- subject to permanent burial or should be

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.033 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 considered an energy resource that is needed Pilot Program to decommission and decon- Colleen Deegan, who is on my right, to meet future energy requirements. taminate the sodium-cooled fast breeder ex- we would not have been able to get as (b) Future use of nuclear energy may re- perimental test-site reactor located in far as we had without her. Other com- quire construction of a second geologic re- northwest Arkansas. mittee staff who helped or others who pository unless Yucca Mountain can safely (b) FUNDING.—No funds from the Nuclear accommodate additional spent fuel. Im- Waste Fund may be used for the Decommis- did not create too many problems are proved spent fuel strategies may increase the sioning Pilot Program. Kelly Johnson, Kristin Phillips, Bryan capacity of Yucca Mountain. SEC. 402. REPORTS. Hannigan, David Dye, Betty Nevitt, (c) Prior to construction of any second per- (a) The Secretary is directed to report Jim Beirne—who sat here an extended manent geologic repository, the nation’s cur- within 90 days from enactment of this Act period of time—and Bob Simon and rent plans for permanent burial of spent fuel regarding all alternatives available to Sam Fowler from the minority. The de- should be re-evaluated. Northern States Power Company and the parted staff member who worked on SEC. 302. OFFICE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL RE- Federal Government which would allow this for about 5 years is Karen SEARCH. Northern States Power Company to operate (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is hereby es- Hunsicker, who worked on it until the the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant tablished an Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Re- end of last year. until the end of the term of its current Nu- search within the Office of Nuclear Energy While Senator BINGAMAN and I could clear Regulatory Commission licenses, as- Science and Technology of the Department suming existing State and Federal laws re- not agree to resolve all the issues, I of Energy. The Office shall be headed by the main unchanged. compliment him and his staff for work- Associate Director, who shall be a member of (b) Within six months of enactment of this ing to try to reach an accord on the the Senior Executive Service appointed by Act, the General Accounting Office is di- issue. the Director of the Office of Nuclear Energy rected to report back to the Senate Com- Science and Technology, and compensated at I think it is unfortunate we could not mittee on Energy and Natural Resources and a rate determined by applicable law. bring the administration aboard in a (b) ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR.—The Associate the House Committee on Commerce on the responsible manner, either taking title Director of the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel potential economic impacts to Minnesota, or without taking title. It is clear this Research shall be responsible for carrying North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and matter will not be resolved on the out an integrated research, development, and Michigan ratepayers should the Prairie Is- land Nuclear Generating Plant cease oper- watch of the Clinton administration. I demonstration program on technologies for suspect the Vice President’s attitude treatment, recycling, and disposal of high- ations once it has met its State-imposed level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nu- storage limitation, including the costs of on this should be known by the public clear fuel, subject to the general supervision new generation, decommissioning costs, and as the campaign progresses. of the Secretary. The Associate Director of the costs of continued operation of onsite But nevertheless, I thank my two the Office shall report to the Director of the storage of spent nuclear fuel storage. colleagues from Nevada for the manner Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Tech- SEC. 403. SEPARABILITY. in which they nobly represented the in- nology. The first such Associate Director If any provision of this Act, or the applica- terests of their State. That is very im- shall be appointed within 90 days of the en- tion of such provision to any person or cir- portant around here. As they know, cumstance, is held to be invalid, the remain- actment of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amend- Senator STEVENS and I have often tried der of this Act, or the application of such ments Act of 2000. to convince this body that those of us (c) GRANT AND CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—In provision to persons or circumstances other carrying out his responsibilities under this than those as to which it is held invalid, who are elected from an individual section, the Secretary may make grants, or shall not be affected thereby. State really have the best interests of enter into contracts, for the purposes of the SEC. 404. FAST FLUX TEST FACILITY. that State at heart. For the most part, research projects and activities described in Any spent nuclear fuel associated with the the Members I think should be very (d)(2). Fast Flux Test Facility at the Hanford Res- sensitive of that fact. That was evi- (d) DUTIES.—(1) The Associate Director of ervation shall be transported and stored at denced in the vote today. the Office shall involve national labora- the repository site as soon as practicable I would like to make one assumption, tories, universities, the commercial nuclear after the Commission has authorized the that where we ended up is where we industry, and other organizations to inves- construction of the repository. ended up the last time on this. Al- tigate technologies for the treatment, recy- Mr. MURKOWSKI. I move to recon- cling, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and though Senator MCCAIN was not here, sider the vote. we can assume he would have voted high-level radioactive waste. Mr. SANTORUM. I move to lay that (2) The Associate Director of the Office with us. motion on the table. shall— Mr. REID. Senator KENNEDY was not (A) develop a research plan to provide rec- The motion to lay on the table was here. ommendations by 2015; agreed to. Mr. MURKOWSKI. Of course, Senator (B) identify promising technologies for the Mr. SANTORUM. I suggest the ab- KENNEDY was not here. treatment, recycling, and disposal of spent sence of a quorum. While there were a few changes, we nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ended up just about where we were the waste; ENZI). The clerk will call the roll. (C) conduct research and development ac- last time. As far as I am concerned, The legislative clerk proceeded to this matter has to rest with the admin- tivities for promising technologies; call the roll. (D) ensure that all activities include as istration for a solution. The Senator key objectives minimization of proliferation Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I from Alaska will not be banging his concerns and risk to the health of the gen- ask unanimous consent that the order head against the door to try to solve eral public or site workers, as well as devel- for the quorum call be rescinded. this Nation’s nuclear waste problem The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without opment of cost-effective technologies; until we get from the administration a (E) require research on both reactor- and objection, it is so ordered. program that suggests they are going accelerator-based transmutation systems; Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I to address the problem with a resolve. (F) require research on advanced proc- certainly want to accommodate the essing and separations; Again, I thank all of those who were Senator from Massachusetts. I would involved in the debate. I wish you all a (G) ensure that research efforts with this like to take a moment to thank some Office are coordinated with research on ad- good day as we lament on the reality of vanced fuel cycles and reactors conducted of the people who have worked on this this last vote. within the Office of Nuclear Energy Science legislation. Mr. President, I yield the floor. and Technology. I take this opportunity to, first of Several Senators addressed the (e) REPORT.—The Associate Director of the all, compliment the professional staff Chair. Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research shall who prepared a good deal of the mate- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The annually prepare and submit a report to the rial for the debate we just concluded. Chair recognizes the Senator from Mas- Congress on the activities and expenditures Andrew Lundquist, who is pretty much of the Office that discusses progress being sachusetts. made in achieving the objectives of sub- the general on the Energy Committee Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I appre- section (b). as the chief of staff of the Energy Com- ciate the recognition, but I do not want TITLE IV—GENERAL AND mittee, worked very hard. He had a lit- to deprive the Senator from Nevada MISCELLANEOUS tle difficulty because his wife had a speaking if he wants a brief moment to SEC. 401. DECOMMISSIONING PILOT PROGRAM. baby in the middle of the debate—a lit- follow up. (a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary is au- tle girl, who joins three young broth- How much time does the Senator thorized to establish a Decommissioning ers. But I do thank Andrew. wish?

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.033 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S579 Mr. BRYAN. If the good Senator care. Of the remaining $1.2 trillion of to health research, public health pro- would yield for a minute? that budget, we will spend $115 billion grams, searching for a cure to cancer, Mr. KERRY. I ask unanimous con- or about 6.5 percent of the budget on for HIV–AIDS, licensing new drugs for sent that I be permitted to yield for 1 Medicaid. Those are, obviously, the the marketplace, programs to attack minute to the Senator and that then health care benefits we provide to the teen smoking, services for the men- the floor would be returned to me. least able to afford health insurance. In tally ill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without addition, we will spend about $110 bil- One and a half percent of the budget objection, it is so ordered. lion or a little over 6 percent of the will go to crime control, putting cops Mr. BRYAN. I thank the distin- budget on Federal, civilian, and mili- on the street, fighting drug trafficking, guished Senator from Massachusetts. tary retirement and disability benefits and barely 1 percent of the budget will I wish to respond to the gracious as well as veterans benefits. go to foreign aid. Many Americans statement by the chairman of the En- When you throw in the other manda- labor under the perception that some- ergy Committee. Although we have had tory entitlement programs—such as how foreign aid is this vast proportion strong differences on this issue, the dif- foster care, unemployment compensa- of the Federal budget. In fact, foreign ferences have been professional, not tion, farm price supports, food stamps, aid is a significantly less percentage personal. He has been very professional and supplemental security income, and real expenditure than it was under in the way in which he has handled this which is, as everybody knows, an in- matter. He has extended us every cour- come safety net for the poorest people Ronald Reagan. I think we spent two or tesy. I appreciate that. I think his con- in America—we then reach over $1 tril- three times as much under Ronald duct and deportment reflect the high- lion in Federal spending. Reagan in foreign affairs than we are est traditions of the Senate. I publicly This year, of the $1.8 trillion Federal spending today, which, I might add, is acknowledge that. Even though, in budget, over $1 trillion will go towards particularly ironic when you measure combat, we were forceful in our advo- the mandatory entitlement programs the changes in the world and the need cacy, as was he, this is something that that, while vitally important, are on for the United States to be more in- is intensely personal to us. The Sen- autopilot. We are not going to make in- volved, not less involved, in a world ator understands that. But I do thank dividual judgments about them except that is increasingly globalizing and him very much for his graciousness and to the degree we decide we need to where we are all feeling the impact and professionalism. shore up the Medicare program or forces of technology. I yield the floor and thank the Sen- shore up the Social Security program. The point I make to my colleagues ator from Massachusetts. They are basically on autopilot in today: For what most people agree is Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I ask terms of their existence. The consensus the single most important investment unanimous consent that I may proceed of the Congress wants them; the coun- we can make in America, there is pre- as in morning business. try wants them. We support them. cious little money remaining. How The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without They don’t need to be renewed, and many of my colleagues in the last objection, it is so ordered. they don’t need to be reauthorized. years, recognizing the impact of the f They obviously are not appropriated on technology revolution, have come to an annual basis. the floor emphasizing the importance THE BUDGET When we talk about the budget that of education in America? We reap the Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as we ap- we, as Members of Congress, are going benefits and the deficits of our atten- proach the budget debate this year, I to be dealing with in terms of discre- tion to education in a thousand dif- think it is important for us to take a tionary spending, where we will make ferent ways. When Senators come to moment ahead of time to think about long-term investments, where we have the floor and talk about the increasing the broad outline of what we spend some flexibility, we are dealing with problem of children having children, money on and also what we do not about $800 billion. babies being born out of wedlock, the spend money on—how we allocate the All of us understand what happens number of kids in America who are at priorities of this budget—because the very quickly to that remaining portion risk, we should be directly examining budget is, after all, the most concrete, of the budget, to those $800 billion. Two how many of our schools stay open into clearest expression of the priorities and hundred twenty-four billion or 12 per- the evening, how many of our schools intentions of the Congress. cent of the Federal budget will go al- have afterschool programs. How many I would like to walk through that for most immediately to interest pay- of our schools don’t even have an abil- a moment, if I can, and then make a ments on the national debt. We are ity to be able to track children who are proposal to my colleagues, which I grateful that having reached the point truant? hope might, in the context of this of having a surplus, and with the Presi- year’s surplus and the choices we face, dent’s proposal, we can see an end to It used to be that in the United be attractive. the payments of interest on the na- States of America there was an ethic The reality is, of the $1.8 trillion we tional debt by the year 2013. But for the that when children were not showing will spend this year, the largest single moment, 12 percent of the Federal up in school, the truant officer went expense, as we all know, goes to Social budget this year is going to go to pay out and found the kids. We did some- Security. The Federal Government is interest on the national debt. Those thing about it. Today, you can be a kid going to spend $400 billion or 22 percent payments are not optional. in school and not show up and nobody of the Federal budget on monthly re- Putting that spending aside, we are even stops to wonder what happened. tirement and disability payments for now left with about one-third of the In too many schools in America they about 45 million Americans who are ei- overall Federal budget or $600 billion may not even contact what is too often ther senior citizens or disabled. which we now can use to cover all a single parent and find out whether The second largest commitment will other Government functions. But that that single parent might have had time be made to Medicare, nearly $220 bil- disappears very quickly. Two hundred to be able to be aware that their kid lion or 12 percent of the Federal budg- eighty-three billion of that budget will might not be in school or what they et, ensuring that virtually every indi- be spent on national defense this year, might have time or ability to be able vidual over the age of 65 receives nearly 16 percent of the Federal budg- to do about it. health insurance benefits covering hos- et. Another 2.5 percent of the budget I don’t raise this issue of spending to pitalization, physician services, home will be spent building highways, chan- try to disparage the other budget prior- health care, limited nursing home care, neling harbors, financing mass transit, ities. I think they are all priorities. I and laboratory tests, and providing all to a cost of about $45 billion this vote for them. I support them. I think health benefits to roughly 5 million year. Then you factor in housing as- everybody in the Senate understands disabled people. sistance, nutrition programs, at a cost the importance of all of the things I In those two expenditures alone, we of about $42 billion, that is another 12 listed. We have built up a very real bi- have spent a little over one-third of our plus percent of the budget. And less partisan consensus on the importance budget on Social Security and Medi- than 2 percent of all the budget will go of most of these investments.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.021 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 But why is it that in the year 2000, Ask any kid in college today: Do you to 1971. It was 9.2 percent from 1980 to after years of talking about edu- want to go teach? How many kids plan 1981. Yet last year we provided only 6.1 cation’s importance and education re- to go teach in today’s world? I read in percent. The school population goes up, form, we are so absent a consensus in the newspapers yesterday that the the demand goes up, but the commit- this institution on the need to be in- starting salary for an associate in a ment of the U.S. Congress, in total vesting in communities that have no major law firm in Boston or New York terms, goes down. tax base with which to improve the is now equivalent to the salary of a Let me put this in a different per- school system? Ninety percent of Senator—about $140,000 a year. That is spective, if I may. Let me compare the America’s children go to school in pub- what you get the day you get out of cost of investing in our children to the lic schools. We waste more time on the law school and go to work for a large cost of some of our recently enacted floor of the Senate debating some al- law firm. tax provisions. In 1997, the President ternative to public schools, such as If you want to, coming out of college proposed, and Congress agreed, to cre- vouchers or charters, rather than fig- today—and most kids need to because ate a new capital gains exclusion on uring out how we are going to fix the the average student gets out of college home sales. Today, a homeowner can public school system and invest in it with about $50,000 to $100,000 worth of exclude from tax up to $500,000 of the properly so those 90 percent of our chil- loans—they can look to go into some capital gain from the sale of a prin- dren have a place to grow up properly dot-com company where they can earn cipal residence. Obviously, we all agree and share in the virtues of this new $60,000 or $70,000 within the first year that exempting the sale of a home from world that America is increasingly wit- or so of employment. What does a capital gains taxation is a good thing, nessing and even playing a critical role teacher get—$21,000, $22,000 a year? And and I am for that. Calculating the cap- in developing. after 15 years of teaching, when you ital gain from the sale of a home is per- Every one of us meets with the ex- have broken through and gotten your haps one of the most complex tasks a traordinary creative energy of the new master’s degree, you can get into the typical taxpayer faces because they technology community of this Nation. midthirties or high thirties. In some have to keep detailed records of trans- We have remarkable people doing re- school districts, you may break into actions on home improvements, they markable things. We have companies the forties. You can wind up an entire have to draw distinctions between im- that have built up more wealth faster career of teaching and be earning provements that add to the home’s than at any time in the history of this maybe somewhere in the low fifties, basis and repairs that don’t. But what Nation. But there is an enormous gap high fifties, and very few districts hit does it say about our national prior- for those companies in their capacity the sixties. How do you attract any- ities—that the cost of exempting up to to grow over the coming years. Every body, under those circumstances, to do $500,000 of gain on the sale of a home chief executive of every technology what we pretend is the most valued will cost the Federal Government $18.5 company in our Nation will tell us profession one can undertake—teach- billion this year. We are going to give again and again and again that their ing. up $18.5 billion of our revenue because greatest restraint on growth is the So this year we are going to spend a we have decided it is important to re- lack of an available skilled labor pool. grand total of slightly over $19 billion flect this ‘‘priority.’’ That is almost ex- There are some 370,000 jobs going want- for all elementary and secondary edu- actly the amount of money we spend as ing today in the technology field. cation initiatives—or just barely over 1 a nation on all elementary and sec- (Mr. ROBERTS assumed the chair.) percent of the $1.8 trillion Federal ondary education. Mr. KERRY. We are going to debate budget. When we hear our esteemed in Congress whether we are going to budget committee leaders talk about Mr. President, I think that is a dis- expand visas to bring immigrants from the great commitment on the part of turbing budget reality, and it is an in- other countries to fill the jobs a prop- Congress or the Federal Government controvertible fact, which I believe re- erly educated young American ought toward improving education, I ask peo- quires us to try to reconcile with the to be able to fill or would want to fill ple to remember that what we are talk- current demands we face from millions if they had the opportunity to be able ing about is 1 percent of that Federal of Americans, whether they are par- to do so. I think it is important to budget. We put so much more money ents, teachers, or business leaders, all point out that out of a $1.8 trillion Fed- into the back end of life in America, of whom are asking us to help improve eral budget, we are spending a rel- whether it is through Medicare or the schools of this Nation. atively tiny amount of money to em- through Social Security, or just dying Now, I point this out because I be- power local communities to improve in a hospital—I hate to say it, but, lieve now, when we enjoy the greatest student achievement, to support teach- tragically, in the last 2 weeks of life in economic expansion in the history of er and administrator training, to help America. We spend so much more at our Nation, we have an opportunity to finance and encourage State, district, the back end of life than we invest lay the foundation for a new era in and school reforms, to recruit teachers, when the brain is developing and it is America. It is an opportunity to fix our to fix failing schools, and to provide in the most important stage of life. schools, to increase their account- children the extra help they need to Not one scientist will fail to docu- ability, to recruit more and better meet the challenging academic stand- ment that what a human being will teachers, and to reduce the average ards that are needed to make it in to- be—their capacity to think, their ca- class size. I share with my Republican day’s world. pacity to socialize, their capacity to be colleagues the desire to guarantee that Let me speak quickly to the teacher able to learn and to be a full partici- we have a new accountability in the situation, Mr. President. For 3 years pant in society—is 95 percent deter- school systems. I believe we can reach now, some of us have been coming to mined in the first 3 years of life. And a consensus and achieve that. But it the floor of the Senate to warn our col- we invest a fraction of a percentage of must be done by some commitment of leagues and America of our need to our budget to guarantee that children additional resources in order to allow hire 2 million new teachers in the next are safe and nurtured and, indeed, the reformers at the local level to em- 10 years. Why do we need to hire 2 mil- given the opportunities to have the power their States and local school dis- lion? Because we lose 40 percent of the maximum amount of brain develop- tricts to be able to turn their schools new teachers in the first 3 years; be- ment and opportunity for safety in around. cause the schools are in such disarray, those stages. Under the CBO’s most recent esti- they have burnout in a mere 3 years, or Our young people pull in about a mates, the on-budget surplus—that is, they find the support systems are so penny on every dollar in terms of the the non-Social Security surplus—will inadequate they don’t want to continue investment priorities of the U.S. Con- amount to somewhere between $800 bil- to teach. But we are also losing them gress. The National Center for Edu- lion and nearly $2 trillion. I believe because we have a whole generation of cational Statistics reports that the their most conservative estimate is teachers reaching retirement age and Federal Government provided 8.4 per- probably the better place for us to we need to renew the teaching profes- cent of total expenditures for elemen- start. That conservative estimate as- sion. tary and secondary education from 1970 sumes that spending will continue to

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.023 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S581 increase at the rate of inflation. It as- be parents and be with their children in than we used to commit under Ronald sumes the continuation of emer- those critical hours of the afternoon Reagan and less than we used to com- gencies, such as droughts in the Mid- when most kids get into trouble. mit under Richard Nixon is currently west and hurricanes on the east coast. It will literally turn around the fab- being committed by the Federal Gov- It even assumes the continuation of ric building of our own Nation and ulti- ernment for the purpose of building the unlikely events such as a decennial mately provide us with an educated future fabric of this Nation? I don’t census every year—when we all know workforce that has the ability to con- think I am alone in believing that sur- that expense occurs only once every 10 tinue the extraordinary economic plus funds ought to be used to some de- years. growth we experienced these last years, gree in some manner for these edu- I ask my colleagues to focus on the as well as, I might add, empower us to cation expenses. fact we are not talking about just So- be able to guarantee that a citizenry In the State of the Union Address, cial Security now. We are assuming that grows up in a world of more infor- the President pledged to increase our that the Social Security surplus is mation has the skills and capacities to commitment to the Nation’s education locked up, as it ought to be and as we be able to manage that information system by using surplus funds. In fact, wanted it to be. But we must decide to and, indeed, contribute to the wise de- his fiscal year 2001 budget requests an dedicate a portion of these surpluses cisionmaking—the wise choosing of increase in discretionary spending for towards the appropriate investment policies in a world that will become in- $5.7 billion for elementary and sec- priorities of the Nation. Yes, that in- creasingly more virtual, more capable ondary education. I wholeheartedly cludes Medicare reform and putting it of making faster decisions with more support that critical increase. But I on solid footing. Yes, it includes a pre- information being thrown at people know and you know, Mr. President, and scription drug benefit to help people and people trying to discern the truth all of us in this Congress know that if pay the extraordinary costs of prescrip- for themselves. As Thomas Jefferson we put together the proper structure tion drugs. We should dedicate a por- and George Washington, the Founding that requires accountability that tion of that surplus towards debt re- Fathers of this country, understood, changes the relationships that cur- duction so we can keep reducing inter- nothing is as important as that effort rently exist in our public education est rates, and reduce the future inter- of guaranteeing that your citizenry is system, that embrace choice, competi- est obligations and extend the virtuous educated. tion, accountability; that if we unleash cycle of fiscal discipline which is at the The funds that would be held by the the capacity of our school systems to heart of our economic expansion. Yes, education trust fund could be used— be the best they can be, whether it we ought to pass some targeted tax and only used—to finance legislation to means adopting the best of a charter cuts for middle-income families—such approve the quality of early learning school, the best of a parochial school, as the marriage penalty, estate tax re- through secondary education above the the best of a private school, the best of lief, and an increase in the standard de- current inflation-adjusted baseline. El- the best public schools, we have the duction. We can do those things. igible uses include but would not be ability in this Congress to find a way We can also reserve an appropriate limited to programs and reforms au- to guarantee that local communities amount of money for the education of thorized under the Elementary and embrace real concepts of reform. But our young people—to raise that edu- Secondary Education Act and the Head none of those concepts can be properly cation to the level of rhetoric, to the Start Act. Trust fund expenditures implemented without some commit- level of campaigning, and to the level would have to traverse the normal ment of resources for communities of debate that has existed in the Con- budget process. that have no tax base and no ability to gress in the past years. I think the If Congress were unable to agree on fund those systems through the prop- Congress has a unique opportunity this how to use trust fund revenue or if erty tax. year to tell America that our young Congress simply doesn’t commit This is our mission, and $5 billion is people at those critical stages of devel- enough resources to trigger the use of not enough to fix our schools, or to opment are worth more than one penny the trust fund, the trust fund assets guarantee a qualified teacher in every on the dollar. would be carried over to the next year. classroom, or to provide students with I intend to introduce a 21st century The trust fund would work similar to meaningful afterschool programs. early learning and education trust the Social Security trust fund. On I am not suggesting a Federal man- fund. This legislation would set aside paper, those assets would carry forward date. I am not suggesting the long arm 20 percent of the most conservative to the next fiscal year. In reality, of Washington reaching in and telling CBO estimate of the on-budget surplus unspent funds would be used to pay people how to do it. To the contrary. I over the next 10 years only. I believe, down the public debt. am suggesting that we leverage the ca- with all of the debate on both sides of Trust fund revenue would not be pacity of local districts to make those how to raise student achievement and available for anything other than these choices for themselves. If we don’t tell reform public education, about the education specifics. Appropriators them how to get there as true fiscal growing acknowledgment on both sides could not tap those trust fund moneys watchdogs looking over our taxpayers’ that reform costs money, that we for sugar subsidies, for pet projects, or dollars, we will look on the back end to should at the very least take a step for other related purposes. Tax writers see they did get where they said they that locks up a portion of the budget could not tap into trust fund money to were trying to go. If we in this body in- surplus and dedicate this money to pay for special interest tax breaks. But tend to make education a top priority early learning, and to education as a tax writers could use the trust fund and work for serious reform, we have whole, where the country gets the money for education purposes ranging to guarantee children have access to greatest return on investment. Almost from school construction bonds to any those things that will contribute to every analysis suggests that for $1 put other number of priorities on which the their education’s success. into education at that stage, a min- Congress could reach consensus. In ef- I have never been able to reconcile in imum of $6 is returned to the Federal fect, the trust fund would create a the Senate how it is that we are so coffers over the course of the next budgetary firewall protecting our na- ready to augment the expenses for the years in one way or another. tional commitment to young people for juvenile justice system, build new pris- My proposal would set aside $2.2 bil- early learning and education generally. ons and house people for the rest of lion this year, $30 billion over 5 years, I have strong views about how some their life for $35,000 to $75,000 a year, and nearly $170 billion over 10 years for of that money might be best spent. But but we are unwilling to invest $35,000 a education, for early learning, for child- that is a debate for a different day. The year to keep them out of those prisons hood interventions, which will make a question before us, as we think about and to provide them with a set of other difference in building the fabric of fam- the budget as a whole, particularly choices when it matters the most. ilies. That will help us break the cycle since it is the first budget of the new That, it seems to me, is the obligation of children having children out of wed- millennium, is, What is our commit- of this country. The American people lock. That will help us solve the prob- ment as a nation to education? Are we want funding for education increases. lem of parents who do not have time to satisfied that one penny per dollar less The American people in community

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.025 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 after community know they can’t take ate recesses or adjourns at the close of busi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The dis- any more on the property tax burden. ness on Thursday, February 10, 2000, or Fri- tinguished Democratic leader. Seniors who want to live out their day, February 11, 2000, on a motion offered Mr. DASCHLE. Reserving the right years in the house they paid for can’t pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its to object, I ask the majority leader, Majority Leader or his designee, it stand re- may we have an understanding that see the property tax go up. Young fam- cessed or adjourned until noon on Tuesday, ilies with a fixed stream of income who February 22, 2000, or until such time on that vote will not occur prior to 1:45 p.m.? bought into their first home can’t see day as may be specified by its Majority Let me clarify. The motion to proceed the property tax go up. However, we Leader or his designee in the motion to re- can take place now, but if there are fund our education system as if we cess or adjourn, or until noon on the second subsequent votes, those votes not take were still the agrarian society which day after Members are notified to reassemble place—— set up the entire structure for property pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- Mr. LOTT. Is the Senator asking con- tax in the first place. lution, whichever occurs first; and that when sent? the House adjourns on the legislative day of Our obligation is to find a way to re- Mr. DASCHLE. I ask unanimous con- Wednesday, February 16, 2000, Thursday, sent. lease the creative energies and learn- February 17, 2000, or Friday, February 18, Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I have no ing capacities of our Nation. If we were 2000, on a motion offered pursuant to this objection to that. to find a bipartisan consensus and concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without reach across the aisle to end this wast- or his designee, it stand adjourned until 12:30 objection, it is so ordered. ed debate about saving a few kids rath- p.m. on Tuesday, February 29, 2000, for morn- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, before we ing-hour debate, or until noon on the second er than saving all of the kids, it seems do go to a vote on the motion, I want to me we would have the ability in the day after Members are notified to reassemble pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- to have a colloquy with the distin- Congress to achieve something that lution, whichever occurs first. guished Senator from Oklahoma. The would truly be a long and lasting leg- SEC. 2. The Majority Leader of the Senate vote then on the motion will occur im- acy. It would be a great beginning for and the Speaker of the House, acting jointly mediately following this colloquy, this millennium. after consultation with the Minority Leader which should not take very long. Then Education is the No. 1 issue in Amer- of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the the vote on the two nominees will not ica. It deserves more than a penny, a House, shall notify the Members of the Sen- occur before 1:45 p.m. It may be later dollar. That, it seems to me, is the mis- ate and House, respectively, to reassemble than that; I emphasize that. sion we should embark on over the whenever, in their opinion, the public inter- The Senator from Oklahoma may est shall warrant it. course of these next months. want to talk for a while, and others I suggest the absence of a quorum. f may want to comment on this. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. The MOTION TO PROCEED TO want to accommodate, as we always clerk will call the roll. EXECUTIVE SESSION do, Senators who wish to be heard on The assistant legislative clerk pro- important nominations. I yield the ceeded to call the roll. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unan- floor to the Senator from Oklahoma. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unan- imous consent that the Senate imme- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I thank imous consent that the order for the diately proceed to executive session to the majority leader for yielding to me. quorum call be rescinded. consider the following nominations en Last year, at the end of the session, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without bloc: Executive Calendar Nos. 408 and I came to the floor and informed the objection, it is so ordered. 410. I further ask unanimous consent White House, as well as my colleagues, Mr. LOTT. It is such pleasure to see that the nominations be confirmed, en that of a list of 13 proposed appoint- the distinguished Senator from Kansas bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid ments, 8 were acceptable. I did this by in the chair. I know the Chamber will upon the table, any statements relat- checking with my colleagues to find be kept in order, and we will make real ing to the nominations be printed in out who would be placing holds on progress. the RECORD, the President be imme- which of those 13 nominees. There were five that would have had holds on f diately notified of the Senate’s action, and the Senate then return to legisla- them. PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONAL AD- tive session. I further stated that if anyone other JOURNMENT OR RECESS OF THE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there than the eight were appointed, I would SENATE AND HOUSE OF REP- objection to the request? put a hold on all judicial nominations RESENTATIVES Mr. INHOFE. I object. for the 2nd session of the 106th Con- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- gress. This policy was the result of an imous consent that the Senate proceed tion is heard. exchange of letters with the adminis- tration last summer in which the to the immediate consideration of S. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, in light of White House agreed to provide a list of Con. Res. 80, the adjournment resolu- that objection, I move to proceed to ex- potential recess appointments prior to tion, which is at the desk. ecutive session to consider Executive adjournment so that the Senate could The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Calendar No. 408. There is a request for act on these appointments and avoid clerk will report the concurrent resolu- a vote by our distinguished colleague, contentious action on recess appoint- Senator INHOFE. Therefore, I ask for tion by title. ments. The 8 to which I agreed were the yeas and nays on the motion. The assistant legislative clerk read from a list of 13 that was provided by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a as follows: the White House, and I read those into sufficient second? A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 80) the RECORD. providing for a conditional adjournment or There appears to be a sufficient sec- On December 9 the White House gave recess of the Senate and a conditional ad- ond. a recess appointment to Stuart journment of the House of Representatives. The yeas and nays were ordered. Weisberg to the OSHA Review Commis- There being no objection, the Senate Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, before the sion, and on December 17 the White proceeded to consider the concurrent Chair puts the question, I understand House gave a recess appointment to resolution. following this vote there will be some Sarah Fox to the National Labor Rela- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unan- debate by my colleague from Okla- tions Board. They were not on the list imous consent that the resolution be homa with respect to these two judges. of 13 that was received on November 18 agreed to and the motion to reconsider I further understand, following the and to which I referred on November be laid upon the table. Senator’s statement, we will proceed to 19. Based on these actions, I believe the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without two further rollcall votes on the con- White House violated their commit- objection, it is so ordered. firmation of these judicial nominees. ment by making these recess appoint- The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Senators should, therefore, be notified ments. Therefore, I said I would put a Res. 80) was agreed to, as follows: that a rollcall vote will begin on the hold on every judicial nomination this S. CON. RES. 80 pending motion and that after some year. I believe this is the correct reac- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- time for debate, two additional votes tion to the action taken by the White resentatives concurring), That when the Sen- will occur today. House.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.029 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S583 Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, will the knowledge that they have worked on a those burdensome, delicate balances Senator yield? regular basis with me as majority lead- for which the majority leader has to Mr. INHOFE. Yes. er and with my staff when I have been assume the responsibility. Mr. LOTT. First of all, I appreciate absent and in my own State or in other So based on that—my concern about sincerely the efforts of the Senator States. how long these appointments would be from Oklahoma to limit the recess ap- I have great sympathy for the Sen- for; my feeling that, in fact, the White pointment power of the Executive. ator’s plan to object to these judicial House did try to work with us; my feel- Over a period of years, Executives of nominations. I have said before, I am ing that we should not start filibus- both parties have probably abused this not one who gets all weepy-eyed about tering these nominations—these and authority. It is one that has been used having more Federal judges of any kind other concerns lead me to the conclu- by President Bush, President Reagan, anywhere. However, as majority leader, sion that I will honor a Senator’s hold as well as President Carter and Presi- I must take some other factors into ac- for a reasonable period of time and will dent Clinton. I know in the past Sen- count. certainly honor a hold by the Senator ator BYRD, as a matter of fact, worked Using the Sarah Fox example, she from Oklahoma and will inform him on this area of concern of the Senate had previously been confirmed to a po- when nominations will be brought to and worked out an agreement, with the sition on the NLRB by a vote of the the floor so that he can take whatever cooperation, as I recall, of Senator full Senate. I believe she would have action he is compelled to take—and I Dole and President Reagan, who was in been confirmed to a full term if her will honor that also—but, nevertheless, the White House at that time. nomination were brought to the floor I think we should move forward and Because of the Senator’s concern and of the Senate again. It probably would bring these nominees to a vote on the insistence about this matter, my col- have eventually because, in this case, floor. leagues will recall that last year, once it is not a judicial nomination. I thank the Senator from Oklahoma again, we went through a process that If the Chair will excuse me and my for yielding. led to a similar agreement in writing colleagues a moment of partisanship, I Mr. REID. Will the leader yield? between the Senate and this President hope to have a Republican in the White Mr. LOTT. I do not believe I have the about how these recess appointments House next year to succeed President floor. would be handled. It is important that Clinton. So, therefore, I hope this Re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- we make every effort to live up to the publican will be able to name a major- jority leader does have the floor. letter of that agreement, as well as the ity of the members of boards and com- Mr. LOTT. I thank the Chair. spirit. missions as soon as possible. I did not I would be glad to yield. And then I I emphasize that Senator INHOFE has want Sarah Fox serving a full NLRB will yield back to the Senator from already helped in bringing that about. term, which would have extended until Oklahoma for his remarks. There is no doubt in my mind that his 2004. I thought a 1-year appointment Mr. REID. In addition to what has efforts and his comments last year and allowing, then, for her to be replaced been said, I also think it is important this year had an impact on the number by the next President—whichever to say that we have started this session of recess appointments with which the party that President may be from— off on a good note. administration did, in fact, go forward. made some sense. Mr. LOTT. Thanks to the efforts of I know for sure—in fact, the Presi- Maybe that contributed to a viola- the whip, we have made good progress. dent indicated as much to me—that tion of the letter or the spirit of the Mr. REID. We have gone through two they had wanted to do more, but they agreement, but it was after a lot of dis- very big, complicated pieces of legisla- showed restraint and they realized that cussion with colleagues on our side of tion: The bankruptcy bill, with over 300 it could cause even more serious prob- the aisle. I thought it made sense to go amendments, and the nuclear waste lems. So he has had an impact, there is ahead and do that. bill, with the potential of well over 100 no question about that. It is very help- I am also concerned very much about amendments. Those have gone through ful. the Senate getting into the possibility now. Indeed, Senator INHOFE did inform of filibustering judicial nominations. It I appreciate, commend, and applaud me of his intentions last November be- is a bad precedent. The Senate has gen- the leader for being a man of his word, fore he made his speech on the floor— erally not done that. Once again, I as we knew he would be. I hope the I remember, I walked over to this area hope we will be having nominations Senator from Oklahoma, recognizing and talked with him. I admit, I was suggested by the Senator from Kansas how strongly he feels about the issue, dealing with a lot of different issues at next year. I would be greatly concerned would understand it is not only the the time and perhaps should have paid about the idea that a nomination State of Florida. In Nevada, we are a little bit more attention to exactly would be filibustered. four judges short. We do not want the the exchange that was occurring and As a matter of fact, you may recall bandits to take over the town. the lists that were being discussed— last year when the Democrats did fili- We appreciate very much the major- after I had shared with him the list of buster a nominee from Utah, I com- ity leader’s efforts to move these four. possible recess appointees provided by plained loudly that it was a mistake, We hope the Senator from Oklahoma the White House on November 19 in should not be done. As you recall, the will understand the personal situations compliance with a similar Byrd- better part of judgment prevailed, and in States such as Nevada, where we are Reagan agreement. There is no ques- we backed away from that. We, in fact, desperate for new judges. tion his memory of that discussion and confirmed that nominee. So that is an- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, if I could his efforts did take place, and I appre- other factor I have to inject. comment briefly on that, I meant it ciate that. I do not think we should or would be sincerely when I said there has been As majority leader, I must also say I able to go all year without confirming good, hard work done on both sides of worked with the White House to limit any nominees. Some of these nominees the aisle: Senator GRASSLEY and Sen- their use of these recess appointments are good men and women. Some of ator HATCH on the bankruptcy bill; through these negotiations both now them have already waited a long time. Senator MURKOWSKI, obviously, and and in the past. I am quick to say, on Some of them are supported by Gov- others on the nuclear waste bill. But more than one occasion I thought they ernors and Democrats and Republicans Senator REID has done excellent work made a mistake and I told them so. I in the Senate and should not be held. on his side of the aisle in helping us remember one ambassadorial appoint- In some of these States there truly is move this legislation through in a posi- ment in particular. a need for more judges, as bad as that tive way. On many occasions, we have been may sound to some of us. Florida is a The fact is, already this year we have able to resolve differences. With regard State with a growing docket of cases. passed bankruptcy reform; we have to the appointment of a person during Even hard-working Federal judges can- passed a bill that would provide for a the recess, sometimes there were prob- not cope with it. minimum wage increase and tax relief lems, but concerns were worked out So all of these are matters I have to for small business men and women, and after further consideration. I do ac- consider as majority leader. It is one of for a nuclear waste repository. These

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.041 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 are important issues. They are com- intention—if the handwriting is on the Kyl Murray Smith (OR) Landrieu Nickles Snowe plicated and difficult to deal with sub- wall—to just arbitrarily lay down blan- Lautenberg Reed Specter stantively and politically. I think the ket filibusters, I do intend to consult Leahy Reid Stevens Senate can feel good. I hope we can with my colleagues and reserve my Levin Robb Thompson continue to work our way through im- rights under the rules to assess what Lieberman Roberts Torricelli Lincoln Rockefeller Voinovich portant issues and that we will be able actions, if any, can succeed in this ef- Lott Roth Warner to do it as much as possible in a bipar- fort. Lugar Santorum Wellstone tisan way. I want to make one other comment Mack Sarbanes Wyden I yield further to the Senator from Mikulski Schumer about this, too; that is, you hear a lot Moynihan Sessions Oklahoma. of yelling and screaming about: Oh, Mr. INHOFE. I thank the majority what are we going to do without these NAYS—19 leader. appointments that we have to have? I Allard Gramm Murkowski I hate to interrupt this love-in, but I Bunning Grams Shelby remind you, back in 1993, at the end of Burns Grassley Smith (NH) want an opportunity to explain my ac- the Bush administration—he was ready Craig Gregg Thomas tions. First of all, I want to say to the to go out of office—there were 109 va- Crapo Helms Thurmond majority leader that I appreciate his cancies in the Federal judiciary. In Domenici Inhofe Enzi McConnell acknowledgement of the accuracy of other words, the Democratic controlled what happened on November 19. That is Congress failed to fill these vacancies. NOT VOTING—2 important to me. There have been Right now, there are 74 vacancies in Kennedy McCain some erroneous statements made in the Federal judiciary. If you determine The motion was agreed to. various newspapers reflecting the ex- where we would be if normal history The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- istence of other lists, and all that. takes its course through deaths or res- ator from Oklahoma. The bottom line is this: We made a ignations, at the most there would be Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, the Sen- request, the list came forward, and 10 another 25 vacancies. That means, at ator from Florida has asked that he be minutes before we adjourned on No- the most, we would have about 100 va- recognized to make a unanimous con- vember 19 we read from the list. cancies at the end of President Clin- sent request, and I yield to him for I believe there were strong reasons ton’s term. Compare that to the 109 va- that purpose. why the two particular nominees, cancies left after the Bush administra- Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask Weisberg and Fox, would have been un- tion. I make that comment to offset unanimous consent that upon the com- acceptable. There are several Senators the argument before it is made as to pletion of the two votes which are cur- I have spoken with who would have what type of judicial crisis will come rently scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. found them unacceptable—frankly, I about if we ended up without judicial I be granted 20 minutes as in morning am one of them—and who would have nominees being confirmed. business for the purpose of a bill intro- been placed holds on those two individ- Mr. LOTT. I thank the Senator for duction. uals had they known that recess ap- his comments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pointments were imminent. Some We have Senators who I believe are objection, it is so ordered. would have placed holds or at the very about to leave the Chamber. Are we The Senator from Oklahoma. least insisted that hearings be held to ready to put the question? And then we f explore the important policy matters would go ahead with the debate on the EXECUTIVE SESSION surrounding these two appointments. judges. I think that is irrelevant. The fact is, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the names were not on the Nov. 19 list. question is on agreeing to the motion NOMINATION OF THOMAS L. If the names had been on that list, that to proceed to executive session to con- AMBRO, OF DELAWARE, TO BE would have been totally different. sider Executive Calendar No. 408, the UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE Maybe some would have objected to nomination of Thomas L. Ambro, of FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT them so they would not have been Delaware, to be United States Circuit Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I yield brought forward. The point is, appoint- Judge for the Third Circuit. The yeas to the Senator from Georgia for a cou- ments were made, and they violated and nays have been ordered. The clerk ple of unanimous-consent requests. the statements and the intent of the will call the roll. letter that we received from the White Mr. COVERDELL. I appreciate the The assistant legislative clerk called courtesy of the Senator from Okla- House vowing to honor their commit- the roll. ment. homa. Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the I say to the majority leader, it is my Mr. President, I ask consent at 2 p.m. Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) is intention, if we go forward at some today the Senate proceed to a vote on necessarily absent. point to vote on the two particular the confirmation of Executive Calendar Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- nominations to which you referred, No. 408. I further ask consent that fol- ator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- that I will want to be heard and go lowing that vote the Senate proceed to NEDY) is necessarily absent. back and maybe talk a little bit about a vote on the confirmation of Execu- I further announce that, if present what happened to bring us to the point tive Calendar No. 410. I finally ask con- and voting, the Senator from Massa- where we are today. sent following those votes the Presi- I add that the President is not keep- chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) would vote dent immediately be notified of the ing his commitments. I think when I ‘‘aye.’’ Senate’s action and the Senate then re- read his letter there is no question in The result was announced—yeas 79, sume legislative session. my mind. I made it abundantly clear nays 19, as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on the floor what the consequences [Rollcall Vote No. 9 Leg.] objection, it is so ordered. would be. YEAS—79 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would I say, also, that I am in a position, I Abraham Chafee, Lincoln Frist like to make a couple of statements say to the majority leader, that while Akaka Cleland Gorton about the vote that just took place, the Ashcroft Cochran Graham reason for it, the history behind it, the President does not keep his com- Baucus Collins Hagel mitments, I do keep my commitments. Bayh Conrad Harkin where we are today, and where we are My commitments are to do what I can Bennett Coverdell Hatch going from here. to try to block judicial nominations. Biden Daschle Hollings First of all, I suggest during the 5- Bingaman DeWine Hutchinson Mr. DURBIN. Will the Senator yield Bond Dodd Hutchison day Memorial Day recess there was a for a question? Boxer Dorgan Inouye pending nominee on whom there had Mr. INHOFE. No, not now. Breaux Durbin Jeffords been several holds. It is my under- I just say this. In following through Brownback Edwards Johnson standing the appropriate committee Bryan Feingold Kerrey with my commitment to try to block Byrd Feinstein Kerry had not received the financial informa- the confirmations, while it is not my Campbell Fitzgerald Kohl tion on that individual and there were

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.044 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S585 other problems that had been voiced President Reagan complied, and that is it would be a lengthy recess going until that precipitated the holds. Con- that you notify us in advance of any January, the State of the Union time— sequently, during that 5-day Memorial appointments you plan to have. If not, the President notified the Senate of Day recess, President Clinton went we will put holds on all appointments contemplated recess appointments. ahead and granted him a recess ap- at that time—all nonmilitary nomi- This was in compliance with the intent pointment. nees. of the letter. I think the majority leader was cor- We did not get the letter for awhile. I hasten to say here it is not quite in rect when he said there have been Dem- A few trial letters came over, but they compliance because this is on the day ocrat Presidents as well as Republican were not consistent with what Presi- we are going into recess. But nonethe- Presidents who have made recess ap- dent Reagan had agreed to. Finally, on less, in the spirit of cooperation and pointments. Frankly, I do not think June 15, 1999, President Clinton sent a fairness, we agreed to take this list and the Republicans should have done it. I letter that said: to read the list and to go to our col- do not think the Democrats should I share your opinion that the under- leagues and see what names were on have done it. If we go back and read standing reached in 1985 between President this list of 13 nominees whom he de- the Constitution on what recess ap- Reagan and Senator BYRD cited in your let- sired to appoint during the recess, and pointments are all about, we would see ter remains a fair and constructive frame- we found there were 5 on the list who that back in the horse-and-buggy days work, which my administration will follow. were unacceptable to some Members of when we would be in session for just a He agreed to follow the same man- the Senate. So we sent back to him few weeks every other year, and if dates President Reagan did. At that that communication, that there are 8 there were a death of a Secretary of time, I wrote a letter back praising the of them, and if there were any appoint- State or something like that, it was President for agreeing to abide by the ments other than these 8, that would necessary to put ourselves in a position same agreement as the Byrd-Reagan be in violation of the letter. where the President would be able to agreement. However, on November 10, To reaffirm that, the majority leader fill that vacancy. That was the whole as we approached our recess, I antici- was good enough to let me be the last intent of recess appointments. pated the President might be tempted speaker on this floor, where I stood In 1985, President Reagan was mak- to make recess appointments that were here 10 minutes before we went into re- ing recess appointments because at not consistent with that agreement. So cess and I made a rather lengthy talk, that time we had a conservative Re- I sent a letter to him that says: of which I will just repeat a little bit publican President and we had a liberal If you do make recess appointments during right now. I said: Democrat-controlled Senate. Con- the upcoming recess which violate the spirit If anyone other than these eight individ- sequently, he wanted to get his con- of our agreement— uals is recess appointed, we will put a hold servatives passed, so he went ahead and Then I went into the details as to on every single judicial nominee of this made recess appointments. I do not be- what the spirit was; there had to be President for the remainder of his term in of- lieve he should have made those ap- adequate notice on a list we could con- fice.... I reemphasize, if there is some pointments. I think that contradicted sider and pass around to our other interpretation as to the meaning of the the provisions in the Constitution. colleagues— (Nov. 10) letter, it does not make any dif- ference, we are still going to put holds on However, he did it anyway. then we will respond by placing holds on all them. I want to make sure that there is a At that time, the minority leader, judicial nominees. The result would be a very clear understanding: If these nominees the distinguished senior Senator from complete breakdown in cooperation between come in, if he does violate the intent (of the West Virginia, Mr. BYRD, did what was our two branches of government on this agreement) as we interpret it [by appointing perfectly appropriate, and that was to issue which could prevent the confirmation anyone other than these eight], then we will send a letter to the President to say: of any such nominees next year. We do not have holds on [all judicial] nominees. want this to happen. We urge you to cooper- Before you violate the constitutional ate in good faith with the Majority Leader There was one individual about prerogative of the Senate in its advise concerning all contemplated recess appoint- whom the majority leader came to me, and consent power on any future recess ments. right after that, after we went into re- appointments, I request a letter from That was signed by me and by 16 cess. He said: You know, we made a you at a time with sufficient notice be- other Senators. Almost all, I believe— mistake, there was one other indi- fore the recess goes into effect. I re- most of them, anyway—voted against vidual. Let’s increase that to nine peo- quest that you notify the Senate of the motion to proceed a few minutes ple instead of eight. what recess appointments you are in- ago. I said: That’s fine. tending to make during that recess and On November 17—I remember that We sent a letter to the President why. well; it was my 65th birthday—I made a dated November 23 that, in the spirit of Sufficient notice was interpreted and speech on the floor, and in that speech, cooperation, we are adding one name to vocalized several times by Senator anticipating there could be a misunder- the list: BYRD to be adequate notice so we standing of what our intent was, I said, I hope this makes our position clear. Any would know they were coming up, so on November 17, on this floor, at this recess appointments other than the nine list- we could go to Members and see if podium: ed above would constitute a violation of the there were anyone who would want to spirit of our agreement and trigger multiple I want to make sure there is no misunder- holds on all judicial nominees. put a hold on a judicial or any kind of standing and that we don’t go into a recess nominee during the recess and have with the President not understanding that On December 7 we urged the White adequate time to act on it before re- we are very serious.... It is not just me House not to violate the agreement. cess. In the extreme case, I suppose we putting a hold on all judicial nominees for Yet, we found that by December 17 the could have just gone into a pro forma the remaining year of his term, but 16 other White House did, and President Clinton session and not gone into recess. Nev- Senators have agreed to do that.... I want did, in fact, violate the agreement di- ertheless, that is what he requested to make sure it is abundantly clear without rectly and blatantly by appointing from President Reagan. I might add, any doubt in anyone’s mind in the White both Sarah Fox to the NLRB and Stu- House—I will refer back to this document I art Weisberg to the OSHA Review Com- President Reagan did agree to that re- am talking about right now—that in the quest. He sent a letter that was satis- event the President makes recess appoint- mission. factory to Senator BYRD, so that set ments, we will put holds on all judicial nomi- It happens that both of these recess the precedent. nations for the remainder of his term. It is appointments that violated our agree- Because of the recess appointments very fair for me to stand here and eliminate ment would have been objected to by a of this President, I merely did the same any doubts in the President’s mind of what number of Senators, two of whom are thing Senator BYRD did back in 1985. I we will do. in this Chamber right now. However, sent a letter, a communication to the That is exactly what we said on the that is not significant. There are rea- White House, and I said: Because of floor, and I am going back now and re- sons we would have found that objec- your appointments, I am going to minding this body of that statement. tionable. But even if they had been ac- make the same request Senator BYRD On November 19—that was the day we ceptable, it still violated the very spe- made of President Reagan, with which were going out of session on recess, and cific agreement we had.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.047 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S586 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 On December 20, I stated: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Constitution. Senator LOTT, and the I am announcing today that I will do ex- objection, it is so ordered. Senate as a whole, are to be com- actly what I said I would do if the President Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise to mended. deliberately violated our agreement. commend the majority leader, Senator I want to make sure we make those And on January 25, 2000, I did just LOTT, for proceeding today with votes points in the RECORD before we start that. I placed a hold on all judicial for these two judicial nominees. We voting on these judicial nominees. nominees. On this Senate floor I said: will continue to process the confirma- When the Judiciary Committee reports It was in anticipation of just such tions of nominees who are qualified to a nominee to the floor, it does not even defiance— be Federal judges. In that respect, the consider telling Senators what the I am talking about the President’s Senate Judiciary Committee will hold nominee’s race or ethnicity or any- defiance of the Senate’s prerogative to its first nominations hearing of this thing else is. The nominee’s race or advise and consent to nominees— session on Tuesday, February 22, and I ethnicity or gender is irrelevant as far expect to see more judicial nominees as we are concerned. We report judicial It was in anticipation of just such defiance moving through the process in the that I and my colleagues warned the Presi- nominees because we believe them to dent on at least five separate occasions ex- coming months. There is a perception be qualified. We report them because actly what our response would be if he vio- held by some that the confirmation of the President of the United States has lated this agreement. We would put a hold on judges stops in election years. That the constitutional right to nominate all judicial nominees. So today it will come perception is inaccurate, and I intend judges. The Senate has right to con- as no surprise to the President that we are to move qualified nominees through firm or not confirm them. putting a hold on all judicial nominees. We the process during this session of Con- I have to say, the big battles are be- are simply doing what we said we would do gress. hind the scenes where we determine, in to uphold constitutional respect for the Sen- That said, in moving forward with consultation with the White House, ate’s proper role in the confirmation process. the confirmations of judicial nominees, whether or not people should be nomi- Today we have agreed—I did not we must be mindful of problems we nated at all. That process is partici- agree, but we went ahead and agreed to have with certain courts, particularly pated in by virtually every Senator in bring up two nominees on which I did the ninth circuit. In addition, the this body, and certainly by the leaders assert my prerogative and say we are President must be mindful of the prob- of the Judiciary Committee. going to have rollcall votes on every lems he creates when he nominates in- I wish to set the record straight be- nominee that does come up, and those dividuals who do not have the support cause I see continual politicization of rollcall votes are going to be taking of their home-State Senators. In this the judiciary by this administration place in about 15 minutes. regard, I must say that it appears at whereby this administration tries to I say for those individuals who times as if the President is seeking a make appointments that literally do hysterically talked about the chaos confrontation with the Senate on this not deserve to be made. that would be created in the event we issue, instead of working with the Sen- Naturally, having said all this, dur- put holds on all nominees, and no ate to see that his nominees are con- ing a Presidential election year the nominees were, in fact, appointed by firmed. nomination process does slow down. It this President for the last year of his Last session, despite partisan rhet- ultimately ends during that year, and administration and confirmed by the oric, the Judiciary Committee reported historically has done so whether there Senate, if you go back and look at 42 judicial nominees, and the full Sen- has been Republican or Democrat con- what happened in January of 1993—that ate confirmed 34 of these—a number trol of the Senate, and whether there was the last month President Bush was comparable to the average of 39 con- has been a Republican or Democrat in in office—there were 109 vacancies in firmations for the first sessions of the the White House. the judiciary. In other words, 109 va- past five Congresses, when vacancy Another point I believe must be em- cancies that the then-Democrat-con- rates were generally much higher. In phasized: We in the Senate cannot take trolled Senate failed to act upon. total, the Senate has confirmed 338 of action on nominees we do not have. Today, there are 74 vacancies in the President Clinton’s judicial nominees Yesterday, at a Democratic National judiciary. In the event normal history since he took office in 1993. Committee event in Texas, President takes its course and the normal num- I am disturbed by some of the allega- Clinton took the Senate to task for not ber of either deaths or resignations tions that have been made that the acting swiftly enough on his judicial take place, it will be not more than 25 Senate’s treatment of certain nominees nominees. Given the fact that this is more. In other words, there will be ap- differed based on their race or gender. his last year in office, and that he was proximately 100 vacancies at the end of Such allegations are entirely without speaking at a DNC event, President President Clinton’s term of office. That merit. For noncontroversial nominees Clinton is bound to say anything. is still nine fewer than there were at who were confirmed in 1997 and 1998, The nominees we will confirm today the end of President Bush’s administra- there was little, if any, difference be- will bring the total number of Clinton tion. tween the timing of confirmation for judges confirmed by the Senate Repub- This is sad. We are in the process of minority nominees and non-minority licans to 340. Approximately 40 percent giving up an opportunity, by voting on nominees. Only when the President ap- of the total federal judiciary now are some of these, for the first time in 7 points a controversial female or minor- Clinton judges—judges confirmed by years of this President’s administra- ity nominee does a disparity arise. Republicans. tion of holding him to his word. He has Moreover, last session, over 50 percent I note this: The President has made broken his word over and over. He has of the nominees that the Judiciary nominations for less then half of the told lies to the American people over Committee reported to the full Senate vacancies that currently exist. For all and over, and to this body he has bro- were women and minorities. Even the the bad-mouthing this administration ken his commitment. What we are giv- Democratic former chairman of the Ju- does from time to time regarding the ing up is our last and maybe only op- diciary Committee, Senator JOE BIDEN, confirmation of judges, it is important portunity in 8 years to hold this Presi- stated publicly that the process by to note there are presently 79 vacan- dent to his commitment. What is going which the Committee, under my chair- cies, and to date we have received only on today is very sad. I deeply regret it. manship, examines and approves judi- 38 nominees—4 of which we received Mr. President, I suggest the absence cial nominees ‘‘has not a single thing just today, so, in essence, just 34 nomi- of a quorum. to do with gender or race.’’ nees until today. There are 41 vacan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The Senate has conducted the con- cies for which the President has not clerk will call the roll. firmations process in a fair and prin- even made a nomination. That needs to The legislative clerk proceeded to cipled manner, and the process has be said. call the roll. worked well and, in my opinion, will I want to work with the President. I Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask continue to work well. The Federal Ju- want to treat him fairly. I think we unanimous consent that the order for diciary is sufficiently staffed to per- have been more than fair with him. I the quorum call be rescinded. form its function under article 3 of the intend to be fair in the future as well,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.051 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S587 but I would appreciate it if he would Schumer Specter Torricelli NAYS—2 Sessions Stevens Voinovich Inhofe Smith (NH) speak a little more fairly himself. Shelby Thomas Warner Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, it is the Smith (OR) Thompson Wellstone NOT VOTING—3 Snowe Thurmond Wyden Senate’s responsibility to assure that Kennedy Mack McCain only our Nation’s most exceptional NAYS—2 legal minds dispense justice during The nomination was confirmed. Inhofe Smith (NH) Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I move to lifetime appointments to the Federal NOT VOTING—2 reconsider the vote. bench. This definition precisely de- Mr. GRAHAM. I move to lay that mo- Kennedy McCain scribes Delaware’s Thomas Ambro, tion on the table. whom we have just confirmed to serve The nomination was confirmed. The motion to lay on the table was as a Federal judge on the Third Circuit agreed to. Court of Appeals. f Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as I un- I have followed Tom’s legal career derstand, under the previous order, the from the time he served on my Wash- NOMINATION OF JOEL A. PISANO, distinguished Senator from Florida is ington staff while attending George- OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE UNITED to be recognized next. Seeing him on town University Law School. Fol- STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR the floor, I ask unanimous consent lowing a clerkship with Delaware Su- THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY that I be allowed to continue, without preme Court Justice Daniel Herrmann, him losing his place in the order, for up Tom distinguished himself as a cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to 4 minutes in reference to the judi- porate law attorney with the law firm nomination will be stated. cial nominations we just confirmed. of Richards, Layton and Finger in Wil- The legislative clerk read the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mington, Delaware. nation of Joel A. Pisano, of New Jer- objection, it is so ordered. I have no doubt that Thomas sey, to be United States District Judge Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as we Ambro’s national reputation as a cor- for the District of New Jersey. begin the 2d session of the 106th Con- porate bankruptcy attorney will soon The PRESIDING OFFICER. The gress, we should think about the chal- be supplanted by a reputation as one of question is, Will the Senate advise and lenge we face with respect to our con- our wisest Federal judges. Congratula- consent to the nomination of Joel A. stitutional responsibility to work with tions to Tom on this significant day. Pisano, of New Jersey, to be United the President to provide the many Fed- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. States District Judge for the District eral judges who are desperately needed VOINOVICH). The question is, Will the of New Jersey? around the country. Senate advise and consent to the nomi- Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I ask for Today I thank our Democratic lead- nation of Thomas L. Ambro, of Dela- the yeas and nays. er, but I also particularly thank the ware, to be United States Circuit Judge The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a majority leader, both longtime friends. for the Third Circuit? sufficient second? They moved forward Senate consider- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask for There is a sufficient second. ation of two of the seven judicial nomi- the yeas and nays. The clerk will call the roll. nations that were favorably reported to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The legislative clerk called the roll. the Senate by the Judiciary Committee sufficient second? There appears to be Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the last year. a sufficient second. The clerk will call Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) I know that had the distinguished the roll. and the Senator from Florida (Mr. majority leader not taken the earlier The senior assistant bill clerk called MACK) are necessarily absent. parliamentary action he did today, this the roll. Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- would not have happened. I thank him Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the ator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- for doing that. Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) is NEDY) is necessarily absent. I note the heavy vote on both these necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present nominees. One had a vote of 96 votes. Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- and voting, the Senator from Massa- The other had a vote of 95 votes. Per- ator from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) would vote haps more relevant, there were only NEDY) is necessarily absent. ‘‘aye.’’ two votes against them. I would love to I further announce that, if present The result was announced—yeas 95, win elections by those kinds of margins and voting, the Senator from Massa- nays 2, as follows: in my home State of Vermont. The point is that these distinguished chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) would vote [Rollcall Vote No. 11 Ex.] jurists have been held up for some ‘‘aye.’’ YEAS—95 The result was announced—yeas 96, time. Yet when they finally come to a Abraham Edwards Lott vote, we find an overwhelming major- nays 2, as follows: Akaka Enzi Lugar [Rollcall Vote No. 10 Ex.] Allard Feingold McConnell ity of Republicans and Democrats are Ashcroft Feinstein Mikulski for them. YEAS—96 Baucus Fitzgerald Moynihan I hope that we might proceed to Abraham DeWine Kerrey Bayh Frist Murkowski prompt action on the remaining five Akaka Dodd Kerry Bennett Gorton Murray Allard Domenici Kohl Biden Graham Nickles judicial nominations on the Senate cal- Ashcroft Dorgan Kyl Bingaman Gramm Reed endar, as well. Having confirmed Judge Baucus Durbin Landrieu Bond Grams Reid Ambro and Judge Pisano, I wish we Bayh Edwards Lautenberg Boxer Grassley Robb were proceeding, as well, on the con- Bennett Enzi Leahy Breaux Gregg Roberts Biden Feingold Levin Brownback Hagel Rockefeller firmations of Kermit Bye to the Eighth Bingaman Feinstein Lieberman Bryan Harkin Roth Circuit, Judge George Daniels to the Bond Fitzgerald Lincoln Bunning Hatch Santorum District Court for the Southern Dis- Boxer Frist Lott Burns Helms Sarbanes Breaux Gorton Lugar Byrd Hollings Schumer trict of New York, Tim Dyk to the Fed- Brownback Graham Mack Campbell Hutchinson Sessions eral Circuit, and Marsha Berzon and Bryan Gramm McConnell Chafee, L. Hutchison Shelby Judge Richard Paez to the Ninth Cir- Bunning Grams Mikulski Cleland Inouye Smith (OR) cuit. Burns Grassley Moynihan Cochran Jeffords Snowe Byrd Gregg Murkowski Collins Johnson Specter I hope that the distinguished major- Campbell Hagel Murray Conrad Kerrey Stevens ity leader, Senator LOTT, and the dis- Chafee, Lincoln Harkin Nickles Coverdell Kerry Thomas tinguished Democratic leader, Senator Cleland Hatch Reed Craig Kohl Thompson Cochran Helms Reid Crapo Kyl Thurmond DASCHLE, the distinguished chairman Collins Hollings Robb Daschle Landrieu Torricelli of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Conrad Hutchinson Roberts DeWine Lautenberg Voinovich HATCH, and I can find a way to consider Coverdell Hutchison Rockefeller Dodd Leahy Warner each of the judicial nominations re- Craig Inouye Roth Domenici Levin Wellstone Crapo Jeffords Santorum Dorgan Lieberman Wyden ported last year to the Senate by the Daschle Johnson Sarbanes Durbin Lincoln Judiciary Committee.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.053 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 Last October, Senator LOTT com- held barely half that number of hear- Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. mitted to working with us, and I com- ings and confirmed barely half that I recall when the Second Circuit had mend him for that. Also, in November, number of judges. A confirmation total such an emergency 2 years ago. Along he announced he would press forward of 65 at the end of this year is achiev- with the other Senators representing for votes on the nominations of Judge able if we make the effort, exhibit the States from the Circuit, I worked hard Richard Paez and Marsha Berzon to the commitment and do the work that is to fill the five vacancies then plaguing Ninth Circuit by March 15. In that re- needed to be done. We cannot achieve my circuit. The situation in the Fifth gard, not only do I commend him for this goal if we wait several more weeks Circuit is not one that we should tol- pushing forward, but I commend the before holding hearings or wait several erate; it is a situation that I wished we distinguished Senators from California, weeks between hearings. To hold at had confronted by expediting consider- Senators FEINSTEIN and BOXER, for least 13 hearings requires the Com- ation of the nominations of Alston their steadfast support of these nomi- mittee to begin holding hearings right Johnson and Enrique Moreno last year. nees. They are now in line to receive away and to hold hearings at least I hope that the Senate will consider Senate action. We should do the same every other week for the entire session. both of them promptly in the early with all the others. I am continuing to work with Chair- part of this year. Then there is the question of the 31 man HATCH so that all of the nominees I deeply regret that the Senate ad- judicial nominations pending in the Ju- submitted to us get a fair hearing be- journed in November and left the Fifth diciary Committee. In fact, 29 not yet fore the committee and a fair up-or- Circuit to deal with the crisis in the had hearings, although we now have down vote before the Senate. federal administration of justice in some planned. We begin this year with 79 judicial Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi with- I am challenging the Senate to re- vacancies, more than existed when the out the resources that it desperately gain the pace it met in 1998 when the Republican majority took control of needs. I look forward to our resolving committee held 13 hearings and the the Senate five years ago and over 50 this difficult situation promptly this Senate confirmed 65 judges. That would percent more than when the Senate ad- session. I will work with the majority still be one fewer than the number of journed in 1998. Over the last 5 years we leader and the Democratic leader to re- judges confirmed by a Democratic Sen- have actually lost ground in our efforts solve that emergency at the earliest ate majority in the last year of the to fill longstanding judicial vacancies possible time. Bush administration in 1992. In fact, in that are plaguing the Federal courts. With 27 vacancies on the Federal ap- the last 2 years of the Bush administra- Moreover, the Republican Congress pellate courts across the country and tion, a Democratic Senate majority has refused to consider the authoriza- 73 percent of the judicial emergency with a Republican President confirmed tion of the additional judges needed by vacancies in the Federal courts system 124 judges. We now have a Democratic the federal judiciary to deal with their in our appellate courts, our courts of President with a Republican-controlled ever increasing workload. In 1984, and appeals are being denied the resources Senate, and it would take 90 confirma- in 1990, Congress responded to requests that they need, and their ability to ad- tions this year alone for the Senate to by the Chief Justice and the Judiciary minister justice for the American peo- ple is being hurt. There continue to be equal that total. Conference for needed judicial re- Let me show a chart. These are Pres- sources. Indeed, in 1990, a Democratic multiple vacancies on the Ninth Cir- idential election years. This is what we majority in the Congress created scores cuit. Six vacancies out of 28 authorized have done on nominations: 64 in 1980; 44 of needed new judgeships during a Re- judgeships is too many; perpetuating in 1984; 1988, with a Democratic-con- publican administration. five judicial emergency vacancies, as trolled Senate and a Republican-con- Three years ago the Judicial Con- the Senate has in this one circuit, is ir- responsible. We should act on these trol Presidency, 42; in 1992, with the ference of the United States requested nominations promptly and provide the Democrats in control of the Senate and that an additional 53 judgeships be au- Ninth Circuit with the judicial re- with a Republican President, we con- thorized around the country. Last year sources it needs and to which it is enti- firmed 66 judges; but then 4 years later the Judicial Conference renewed its re- quest but increased it to 72 judgeships tled. with a Republican Senate and a Demo- I am likewise concerned that the needing to be authorized around the cratic President, it dropped to only 17 Third, Fourth and Sixth Circuits are country. Instead, the only Federal judges without a single judge con- suffering from multiple vacancies. firmed to the federal courts of appeals; judgeships created since 1990 were the I look forward to Senate action on and now we have confirmed 2 judges so nine District Court judgeships author- the long-delayed nominations of Judge far this year. ized in the omnibus appropriations bill Richard Paez, Marsha Berzon and Tim I hope we can do better. I hope we at the end of last year. Dyk. I continue to urge the Senate to will say that 1996 was an anomaly and If Congress had timely considered meet our responsibilities to all nomi- the Senate will very much take its du- and passed the Federal Judgeship Act nees, including women and minorities, ties seriously. of 1999, S. 1145, as it should have, the and look forward to prompt and favor- Let these judges have a vote. If Sen- Federal judiciary would have over 150 able action on the nominations of ators do not want them, vote against vacancies today. That is the more ac- Judge Julio Fuentes to the Third Cir- them. But as we have seen, oftentimes curate measure of the needs of the Fed- cuit, Judge James Wynn, Jr. to the even when they are held up, if they can eral judiciary that have been ignored Fourth Circuit, Enrique Moreno to the finally get a vote, they are overwhelm- by the Congress over the past several Fifth Circuit, and Kathleen McCree ingly confirmed by the Senate. years and places the vacancy rate for Lewis to the Sixth Circuit. Over the last 5 years, the Republican- the Federal judiciary at over 16 per- Working together the Senate can join controlled Senate confirmed the fol- cent—151 out of 915. As it is, the va- with the President to confirm well- lowing: 58 federal judges in the 1995 ses- cancy rate is almost 10 percent—79 out qualified, diverse and fair-minded sion; 17 in 1996; 36 in 1997; 65 in 1998; and of 852—and has remained too high judges to fulfill the needs of the Fed- 34 in 1999. In one year, 1994, with a throughout the 5 years that the Repub- eral courts around the country. I urge Democratic majority in the Senate, we lican majority has controlled the Sen- all Senators to make the Federal ad- confirmed 101 judges. With commit- ate. ministration of justice a top priority ment and hard work many things are Especially troubling is the vacancy for the Senate this year. achievable. I am not demanding that rate on the courts of appeals, which Mr. President, I see my distinguished the Senate confirm 101 judges this continues at 15 percent—27 out of 179— friend from Florida on the floor. I year, as we did in 1994, or 90 or 80 or without the creation of any of the addi- thank him for his courtesy. I commend even 70. But I do challenge the Repub- tional judgeships that those courts the distinguished senior Senator from lican-controlled Senate to hold at least need to handle their increased work- New Jersey for giving us such a fine 13 hearings and confirm at least 65 loads. nominee. I yield the floor. judges, as it did in 1998. Most troubling is the circuit emer- Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I We failed to reach those goals last gency that had to be declared four ask unanimous consent that I be per- year when the Judiciary Committee months ago by the Chief Judge of the mitted to speak for up to 6 minutes

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 02:12 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.057 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S589 without the Senator from Florida los- actly what we need at a time when Mr. WELLSTONE. The Senator from ing any of his time. I thank him for his staggering caseloads are making it Florida has been gracious enough to willingness to allow this. more and more difficult for our Federal allow me to take a few moments, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without judges to spend as much time with that is all I will do. I ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. each case as they would wish. consent to be able to do that. Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, He will tackle his new responsibil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without this is a good day for New Jersey. I am ities with energy to spare. I am pleased objection, it is so ordered. so pleased the Senate has confirmed the Senate confirmed him. I am hon- (The remarks of Mr. WELLSTONE per- the appointment of an outstanding cit- ored that I brought him to the atten- taining to the introduction of S. 2055 izen of our State, Joel Pisano, for a tion of the Senate. I believe he will are located in today’s RECORD under seat on the U.S. District Court for New serve as one of our most outstanding ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and Jersey. He is a competent, thorough, judges in the district court. Joint Resolutions.’’) well-thought-of individual. I thank Mr. President, I thank my friend Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I Senator HATCH and Senator LEAHY for from Florida and yield the floor. thank my colleague from Florida for their help in moving Mr. Pisano’s nom- Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I allowing me to speak. ination through the Judiciary Com- am pleased that the Senate, by a 95–2 I yield the floor. mittee and their support of his nomina- vote, has confirmed Joel Pisano as a Mr. GRAHAM addressed the Chair. tion. I recommended him in June of district court judge for the District of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- 1999. I am grateful to hear he was con- New Jersey. ator from Florida. (The remarks of Mr. GRAHAM per- firmed by a vote of 95 to 2. Judge Pisano is an excellent choice taining to the introduction of S. 2058 Joel Pisano has outstanding creden- to fill the district court seat created are located in today’s RECORD under tials. He is going to be an excellent ad- with the confirmation of Marion ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and dition to our district court. The back- Trump Barry to the third Circuit Court log of cases is very high. It takes a Joint Resolutions.’’) of Appeals this past summer. He is ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- long time for people to bring their tremely well-respected in New Jersey cases and have them adjudged. Joel ator from West Virginia is recognized. for his commitment to public service, Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, what is the Pisano will be an excellent addition to as well as for his depth and breadth of our bench and help move that caseload business before the Senate? knowledge of the law. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fairly and rapidly. A graduate of Lafayette College and He has served as a magistrate judge ate is in morning business. later of Seton Hall University Law since 1991. He is already performing Mr. BYRD. Is there a time limit in School, Judge Pisano has had a varied many of the duties of a district court the order? and distinguished legal career. He judge, including jury and nonjury The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is served for 4 years as a public defender trials. He has managed pretrial pro- no time limit. in New Jersey, before moving into pri- ceedings in about 600 civil cases, so he f vate practice as a partner with a well- is used to controlling the large case- respected New Jersey law firm for 14 FLOYD RIDDICK load of a Federal court. He has also years. Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I wish to dealt with a wide variety of different In 1991, Judge Pisano was appointed speak briefly regarding the late Floyd cases—patent and trademark cases, en- to be a U.S. Magistrate Judge in New- Riddick. vironmental cleanup disputes, anti- Floyd Riddick was for several years trust and securities litigation, employ- ark, New Jersey. In that capacity, he the Parliamentarian of the Senate. ment discrimination cases, and civil ably presided over a number of high Floyd Riddick was born in 1908 in RICO matters. profile cases, including that of a former I did a lot of personal research, as I Mexican deputy attorney general who Trotville, NC. That was the same year have on all of the recommendations I was charged with laundering $9.9 mil- in which the Model T Ford was made. have made to the Federal bench, and I lion in drug payoffs. The Model A Ford came along in De- was so pleased to hear of the unani- In a 1995 survey of attorneys who cember of 1927, but the Model T Ford mous approval of Mr. Pisano as a can- practice in New Jersey before Federal came on the market in 1908. Floyd Riddick was from that genera- didate for the Federal bench. judges, Judge Pisano was praised for He has a reputation for competence, his skills in managing cases and his ef- tion of Americans committed to duty, energy, and commitment that perfectly ficiency in moving a calendar quickly. excellence, and hard work. His entire fits the profile of an excellent can- His ‘‘street-wise’’ nature and prior ex- life reflected a love of duty, of excel- didate to sit on the Federal district perience as a trial attorney were said lence, and of hard work. Floyd Riddick court bench. to serve him well on the bench. attended Duke University. He attained He has consistently impressed every- Judge Pisano’s 8 years as a mag- his master’s degree at Vanderbilt, and one who appears before him and who istrate judge have prepared him for his then he returned to Duke University to works with him in his capacity for fair- promotion to the district court. He has earn his Ph.D. in political science. ness and his thorough understanding of an understanding of, and the training While working on his doctoral disserta- the law. for, the responsibilities and challenges tion, Floyd Riddick spent a year ob- I heard not one critical note from the he will face as a district court judge. I serving the workings of the U.S. House people I spoke to—lawyers, judges, am confident that he will serve us all of Representatives. And then, in 1941, those who make up much of the legal well in his new role. he published an expanded version of community in the State of New Jersey. In conclusion, I just want to say how that research as congressional proce- Prior to his appointment as a mag- pleased I am that Joel Pisano has been dure. istrate, Mr. Pisano was a partner in a confirmed by the Senate as a district For the benefit of the viewing public, distinguished law firm. In the 13 years court judge for the District of New Jer- I hold in my hand a copy of the volume he spent representing clients, he devel- sey. I am sure that he will be a superb about which I have just spoken. The oped an expertise in a wide variety of addition to the bench. title is ‘‘Riddick’s Senate Procedure.’’ areas, in both civil and criminal mat- f This particular volume, which was ters. printed by the U.S. Government Print- Mr. Pisano appeared in court almost LEGISLATIVE SESSION ing Office here in Washington in 1992, every day and tried 150 cases to conclu- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. FITZ- including the appendix, contains 1,564 sion. He also managed the litigation GERALD). Under the previous order, the pages. Mr. President, I have read this section of his firm, which I think was Senate will now return to legislative book on Riddick’s Procedure through an early indication of the supervisory session. and through and through a number of skills that have served him so well as a Mr. WELLSTONE addressed the times. It used to be that when I was the magistrate. Chair. Democratic whip, and while I was also Magistrate Pisano’s depth of experi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Secretary of the Democratic Con- ence and organizational skills are ex- ator from Minnesota. ference in the Senate, and during the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.060 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 time I was majority leader, minority valuable compendium of the actions of He was a Parliamentarian who would leader, and majority leader again, I the Senate and the House on the day not be swayed by anybody in the Sen- read this book once every year—the previous to the day on which the CON- ate. He called the shots exactly as he complete book. It is a very valuable GRESSIONAL RECORD appears in our of- saw them. He didn’t lean toward the book. If one hopes to ever have a fairly fice. Republicans; he didn’t lean toward the good understanding of the Senate rules From that position in 1951, Dr. Democrats. He called the questions as and precedents, then he or she should Riddick joined the Office of Parliamen- he saw them, and based them on the read this book. The Parliamentarians tarian as an assistant, succeeding to Senate rules and upon the precedents. of the Senate are very familiar with it. the position of Senate Parliamentarian When we received advice from Dr. They resort to it many times a day, in 1964 where he served until 1974. After Riddick while he was Parliamentarian, and it is a sure and dependable guide- his retirement, Dr. Riddick continued we knew that was the way it was. We line with respect to the rules and to serve the Senate as Parliamentarian knew he wasn’t bending the rules to precedents in the Senate. Doc Emeritus and as a consultant to the favor any of us or to favor either polit- Riddick—we called him ‘‘Doc’’—pub- Senate Committee on Rules and Ad- ical party. lished a book on congressional proce- ministration. Do you know what his So the word ‘‘integrity’’ was an ex- dure. This book is on Senate procedure. salary was? Zero. He didn’t charge any- tremely well-fitting word for Floyd He then came to Washington perma- thing for his services. Riddick. nently as a statistical analyst and as That was a deeply dedicated man who There are some individuals who come an instructor of political science at enjoyed giving of his knowledge and up from their origins with a closeness American University. He was a Ph.D. talents, his expertise, his experience to to earth and a nearness to growing in political science. I never received other Senators. I have been a member things—growing things, the lilac bush, my baccalaureate in political science of that committee for a long time, so I the rosebush, the tomato plant, the or- until I was 76 years old. That was about am quite familiar with Floyd Riddick dinary weed, a blade of grass—these in- 6 years ago. I received my bacca- and his work on the committee. dividuals have integrity. There is a laureate in political science, but, of Most Senators now serving will be sort of elemental trueness about them course, I knew a lot about political most familiar with the name of Floyd which even the foibles and the follies science long before I ever received that Riddick in connection with Riddick’s and the bright lights of Washington degree. I am a graduate of the school of Rules of Procedure. He also authored a politics cannot shake from their being. hard knocks, and I learned a long time series of articles summarizing each As Popeye says, ‘‘I am what I am and ago the lessons that are taught by serv- congressional session which appeared that is all I am.’’ And these people are ice in this body and in the other body. in the American Political Science Re- just what they are and that is all they This is my 48th year on Capitol Hill. view and the Western Political Quar- are. That was Dr. Riddick. Even the The late Richard Russell talked with terly, along with several other books foibles and follies of politics in Wash- me one day about the rules in the on the organization, history, and pro- ington could not shake his being. Democratic Cloakroom, right in back cedures of the Congress. So it is not surprising to learn that of where I am now standing. He said: I used to conduct a seminar on the Floyd Riddick enjoyed being on a farm. ROBERT, you need not only to know legislative process at American Univer- He used to give some of us here a few about the rules, you need also to un- sity during the summers. I didn’t earn of his tomatoes. He grew those large, derstand the precedents of the Senate. much money, but the money that I beefsteak tomatoes, and he would bring I said: Where can I learn about them? earned I put into a fund for the college them in from the farm. He would give He picked up this book, ‘‘Riddick’s education of a Chinese orphan. I would me some in the summer. And there Procedure,’’ and he said: This is the have Dr. Riddick over to speak during were others who were fortunate enough book where you can learn a lot about those days when I was conducting the to be the recipients of Floyd Riddick’s the precedents of the Senate. seminar. Dr. Riddick would come over tomatoes. And later in life, Dr. Riddick Doc Riddick—as I say, because he and speak to the class. It wasn’t an routinely escaped to his farm in Rappa- had a Ph.D. in political science, Doc easy class. It was a tough one. I gave hannock County, VA, as if for renewal Riddick wrote the book. From 1943 to between 600 and 700 questions on the and refreshment. 1946, Dr. Riddick edited the Legislative final exam, and I flunked three or four Rappahannock County, VA—my dis- Daily for the U.S. Chamber of Com- individuals in the class who apparently tant forbear, whose name was William merce, a post which led to his being thought it would be an easy thing to Sale, came from England in 1657 and asked to set up a Daily Digest in the skip when they wanted to. But they settled on the Rappahannock River in CONGRESSIONAL RECORD which would didn’t make the grade. I had no hesi- Virginia. He worked 7 years as an in- summarize congressional events and tancy in flunking them. Dr. Riddick, dentured servant to pay for his trip serve as a guide to the daily RECORD. though, was one of those who spoke for across the Atlantic—7 years. Then he Now, Doc Riddick wasn’t the first me from time to time. received 160 acres of land. So it was in man who ever thought of that. Julius I also had Senator Sam Ervin over to Rappahannock County that Dr. Caesar developed what well might have speak to my class. I had the late Riddick had a farm. He loved that been called the legislative daily. He de- Speaker, Carl Albert, over to American farm. veloped a process whereby the daily ac- University from time to time to speak Emerson said, ‘‘The true test of civ- tions of the Senate would be noted and in this seminar. I asked some of the of- ilization is not in the census, nor the would be distributed to the various ficers of the Senate to visit the class. size of cities, nor the crops. No. But the parts of the Roman Empire, and nailed So we offered those young people a real kind of man the country turns out.’’ upon walls for all to see. treat in the legislative process. This was the kind of man we could That was a kind of daily legislative The Random House College Dic- emulate. He was a noble soul, Floyd digest. That came along quite a good tionary gives us this definition of the Riddick. He was the kind of man we many years before Dr. Riddick’s time. word ‘‘integrity’’: ‘‘Adherence to moral could proudly call a friend or associate. But he followed in the shoes of Julius and ethical principles; soundness of Emerson also said: ‘‘It is easy in the Caesar in that regard in that he set up moral character; honesty.’’ world to live after the world’s opin- a Daily Digest in the CONGRESSIONAL That word ‘‘integrity’’ is used repeat- ion.’’ That is easy. ‘‘It is easy in soli- RECORD. It is still to be found in the edly in the publication entitled ‘‘Trib- tude to live after our own.’’ That is back of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. In utes to Dr. Floyd M. Riddick’’ upon the easy. ‘‘But the great man is he who, in the back of the RECORD there is a Daily occasion of his retirement and designa- the midst of the crowd, keeps with per- Digest, and Senators can go to the tion as parliamentarian emeritus, fect sweetness the independence of soli- Daily Digest and very quickly be in- which was ordered by the Senate to be tude.’’ formed about the actions of the Senate printed on December 19, 1974. Senator Floyd Riddick never seemed frazzled, and the House the day before, and what after Senator, in speaking of the serv- never seemed exasperated by the pres- legislation was passed and how many ices of Floyd Riddick upon his retire- sure cooker atmosphere that can and rollcall votes there were. It is a very ment, used that word ‘‘integrity.’’ does develop here on the Senate floor.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.069 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S591 Even though Dr. Riddick’s tenure as THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA AND standing as to how that fighting should Senate Parliamentarian coincided with KOSOVO stop. It was causing tremendous dam- some of the most difficult and pas- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise age, but there was no other recourse by sionate issues ever encountered by the today to address my colleagues on both which we could get the attention of Senate, such as Vietnam and civil sides of the aisle with regard to the Milosevic. rights, he was ever the calm profes- deepening and very grave concerns I There are those who say today, in sional, always willing and ready to lift have in my heart about the situation hindsight, perhaps we should not have a hand, always desirous of helping es- in both Bosnia and Kosovo. I, as many done this, perhaps we should not have pecially the new Members who were colleagues, travel with some regularity blown up that bridge. When I visited sworn into this body, always there, too, to that region of the world, the Bal- Pristina several weeks ago, someone at the beck and call of the Members kans. Just 3 weeks ago, I completed my said: We haven’t got power because the who had been here a long time. most recent trip. I had the distinct power lines were blown out. It was a Such a common, friendly, warm, con- privilege of being accompanied on that tough war, and our military com- genial, accommodating, decent indi- trip by the Supreme Allied Commander manders made tough decisions; 19 na- vidual! Around him there seemed to be of Europe, General Clark, Commander tions got together to make those deci- always an aura of peace and control. in Chief of NATO Forces, in my travels sions—a historic first combat by He kept his mind on his responsibil- through Kosovo, and then later the NATO. They made it work. Now they ities, and he never ever forgot that, as next day with his deputy, Admiral Ab- have basically stopped any major fight- Parliamentarian—in effect, the silent bott, as I went into Bosnia. ing and we are down to incidents —fortu- referee of Senate debate and proce- I have been to this region many nately few incidents, but nevertheless dure—he had to maintain complete and times, although I am not suggesting I dangerous ones. total objectivity. No partisanship— am any more of an expert than my col- When I looked into the faces of the complete and total objectivity. leagues. I first went in 1990 with then- young men and women of our Armed Senators on both sides of the aisle leader Robert Dole. We went to Forces, and indeed other armed forces, knew it. They knew when they went to Pristina, in Kosovo. I remember our and actually walked the streets with a him, they would get the straight an- delegation of Senators queried Senator patrol, it was clear they were per- swer and it would not be colored or Dole: Why here? Bob Dole instinctively forming duties for which they were tinctured by partisanship. Doc Riddick knew that Kosovo could become a bat- never trained in their military careers. was in every sense of the word a schol- tleground. I remember Stephen Am- Historically, our troops have not in ar. He was quiet, soft spoken, unassum- brose, the historian, was alleged to any great measure performed the type ing, and absolutely rock solid. That have quoted Eisenhower when Eisen- of mission they are doing in that re- was Floyd Riddick! hower was asked, 10 years after D-day: gion. But they are doing it and doing it I leaned upon him heavily in my ear- General, tell us about the next war. very well. They are accepting the risks lier years in the Senate. He was a de- And Ike very wisely did not opine, ex- of getting caught in the crossfire that light to work with, and I enjoyed his cept to say: That war could come as a still erupts as a consequence of the cul- company. He was one of those com- surprise and may well come from a di- tural differences, the ethnic hatreds. pletely dedicated selfless people who rection that none of us could antici- Indeed, much of the fighting today in labored for the good of the institution. pate. Kosovo is Albanian upon Albanian. It He loved the institution. He labored for In our visit to Kosovo, I and that is retribution against fellow Albanians the good of the Senate and for the good tried and tested and courageous Bob because they at one time or another of his country. Dole, a soldier of World War II, were did something to further the Serb in- Robert E. Lee said that the word confronted with a totally unpredicted terest. ‘‘duty’’ was the sublimest word in the situation while in Pristina. Thousands Our troops are there. When you ask English language. Dr. Riddick under- and thousands of people heard about those in charge, whether it is the stood what that meant, and, to him, Members of the U.S. Congress coming NATO commanders, the U.N. represent- duty was sublime. He was above poli- to this remote region, and they con- ative, the E.U. representative, or any- tics, as I have repeatedly said, he was verged on the hotel. There was panic in one else, no one can give you any time honorable, and he was entirely above the streets and a great deal of disorder. estimate within which our forces can reproach. People were being trampled in the be withdrawn. The infrastructure that Floyd Riddick did not need praise, al- crowds, and Senator Dole had to make was to move in behind in Kosovo, the though he certainly deserved it. He did a wise decision, and a quick one, that commitments that were made by a not covet recognition, although the we had to exit because we could be re- number of nations to provide police, to recognition of his scholarly expertise sponsible for injuries to people, people provide money to pay salaries for the was widespread. For him, the glory of who wanted to come to see us, people judicial element, to help rebuild the the work, the glory of serving the Sen- who wanted to tell us about the hard- power lines—it is not flowing. It is ate, the glory of serving Senators, and ships that were then being inflicted by caught up in bureaucracies, inter- through Senators the glory of serving Milosevic. Indeed, we made a hasty re- national bureaucracies. It is all but the American people, was enough. stagnant—all but stagnant. We will long remember Dr. Riddick, treat. But as we went back to our plane, we I met with the commander of all those of us who served with him. passed that historic piece of ground, troops, a very competent professional Whence cometh such another? German officer. I met Ambassador I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- whose origin goes way back, in my Kouchner, who has been designated to sence of a quorum. recollection, to the 1300s, that field of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The battle which actually the persons who pull together the various elements to clerk will call the roll. preceded the governing structure today make this work. We were in a room in The assistant legislative clerk pro- lost. They lost the war, yet they still the military headquarters. There was ceeded to call the roll. consider that hallowed ground. But I no running water. The water pipes were Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask remember as we passed that battle- shut off, partially due to freezing and unanimous consent that the order for field, Bob Dole said: Tragedy and fight- partially due to lack of power. The the quorum call be rescinded. ing will visit this land someday. light bulbs flickered. Ambassador The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without And that it did. Our Nation’s men Kouchner pointed out we do not have objection, it is so ordered. and women of the Armed Forces, pri- enough power to keep the homes warm. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask marily the Air Force, fought a coura- There was a certain feeling we won the unanimous consent the Senator from geous battle: 78 days of combat, tens of war but we could lose the peace, be- Virginia may proceed as in morning thousands of missions together with cause the war goes on amongst the bu- business for such time as I may re- other nations—seven other nations reaucracies, no matter what the good quire. were flying missions with our Air intentions may be to bring forth and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Force—and eventually the major na- reestablish in that war-torn region of objection, it is so ordered. tions of the world came to an under- Serbia—Kosovo is a part of Serbia—the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.072 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 infrastructure needed to bring back The fighting has stopped, and the my intention, when the piece of legis- just a modicum of a normal life. military provides a security blanket lation we anticipate will be coming Foremost in my heart is my deep within which the various factions can through soon, the supplemental—the concern for the men and women of the begin to reestablish that country. supplemental has $2 billion—can I re- armed services undertaking missions Some progress is being made, but by peat that?—$2 billion associated with for which they were not trained. Mis- any timetable, that progress is way be- our obligations, military and other- sions which take them away not only hind the expectations, given the fight- wise, in just Kosovo. I think it is time from their families, but take them ing has been over for several years. It we stated our intention as the Congress away from other potential deployments is way behind, again, because of the of the United States to allow the first of our U.S. military, a military that is difficulty of the bureaucracies working part of those funds to flow—I will re- stretched far too thin already. to bring in adequate police, and not fine the language eventually—but to These men and women of our mili- just the police who perform duties on have a stopping point when we take a tary need to have some definitization the streets, but in the case of Bosnia, pause and we say to our President re- of how much longer we are going to we need an international police force spectfully: Mr. President, no further keep significant numbers deployed to to investigate and fight the rampant funds of the $2 billion will flow until Kosovo. That timing is directly tied to crime. you can come back and give us some the ability and the willingness of other Beneath the security blanket pro- type of assurance, certification, or oth- nations and organizations to come in vided by the men and women of the erwise, that the other nations are liv- and consolidate the military gains, re- Armed Forces, organized crime is ing up to their commitments. That establish an infrastructure—be it judi- rampant. It has been said the only should get the attention of the other cial, be it police, be it rebuilding, be it thing really organized in Bosnia is or- nations. I say most respectfully, that a form of government, be it elections— ganized crime. The various ethnic fac- should give our President some lever- so that the troops can return—ours and tions get along very well in the crimi- age to deal with these other nations. others—to their assignments and their nal underworld. They have charted I am not alone on this. I have talked bases elsewhere. their ground. to a number of colleagues. As I say, my A similar situation still exists in Yes, things are slowly improving in language is not refined at this point. I Bosnia after these many years. How- Bosnia but ever so slowly. There we welcome suggestions. I welcome those ever, let me draw a distinction. After have independent entities. The U.N. who can contribute facts where I may the fighting stopped in Bosnia, the has one area of responsibility, pri- be in error with regard to some of the military decided they would locate the marily the police; the E.U. another statements I make today. In good con- troops in heavily protected compounds. area of responsibility; the OSCE re- science, I tried to check out every- They would go out on daily patrols to sponsibility with regards to elections. thing. But, as I say, getting your arms prevent the eruption of further fight- However, they each report to different around this problem is not easy. Get- ing. So far, that has worked. Clearly, without any question, the capitals. ting the body of facts is difficult. In- I had the Deputy Secretary General military operations in Bosnia and deed, others have worked as hard as I of the United Nations in my office yes- Kosovo are a great credit to the men have. terday. He is in charge of peacekeeping Collectively, let us bring together and women who fought them, the men all over the world. He made clear how and women who planned them, and the our judgments as to how best and by the four basic entities in charge of men and women who are still there what mechanism we can assert our re- today. That job was done and done bringing about the restoration of Bos- sponsibility under the Constitution—as well. nia all have different reporting chan- the coequal branch, as those who con- In Kosovo, they decided not to con- nels. There is no central authority that trol the purse strings of the U.S. Gov- centrate the military, either the U.S. works today for the greater betterment ernment—to string this purse of $2 bil- military, or the other militaries. Rath- of that region. lion such that our President can ex- er, they were dispersed in the various What has happened? You still cannot pend what has to be expended in the regions. The U.S. region is the same as get a definitive date from anybody as next 90 days, following adoption by the the one controlled by the British and to when the American troops and other Congress, but that there comes a time the French. They dispersed them right troops can be withdrawn. when accountability steps in. out into the small communities so that I say it is time the Congress of the Our President has to explain to the men and women of the U.S. Armed United States should step up. We are a Congress what he has done, what re- Forces, four and five of them at a time, coequal branch of our Government. mains to be done, and hopefully some are living in some war-torn house or in This body has time and time been prospects of when these situations in a small churchyard where I saw them. called upon to vote for funds, for reso- both Bosnia and Kosovo can be brought Some are just guarding churches be- lutions, and other legislative initia- to a state of affairs where the infra- cause of the incredible desire to de- tives with regard to the Balkan situa- structure allows the significant with- stroy churches. That is a whole chapter tion. Now it is time for us to take a drawal of our troops and, indeed, of this tragedy which someone has to look at the constant flow of the Amer- troops of other nations. examine. The Albanian forces prac- ican taxpayers’ money and say: Is It may well be that the United tically destroyed every church the Ser- America going to keep its spigot flow- States—we took a major role in the bian people ever used. ing when, at the same time, other na- war in Kosovo, a major role in the war Quite different is the military de- tions are not meeting their financial in Bosnia—could turn over such bal- ployment in Kosovo from that in Bos- commitments or obligations? ance of troop responsibilities as may nia, but both have worked. Both were If I can digress for a moment, I have remain in, say, a year, 18 months, to carefully planned, both have a credible studied this situation, I have talked the Europeans. They are quite anxious, measure of success. with innumerable people, I have trav- under NATO, to establish their own or- In Bosnia, the Dayton accords laid eled to this region. The Balkan situa- ganization militarily to do certain the blueprint. One can argue we should tion is the most difficult problem and a things in the event NATO, for one rea- have done this and we should have done matrix of diversified responsibility and son or another, decides not to do them. that in Dayton. Yes, we knew it could commitment I have ever tried to get This might be their first challenge. have been better, but we had to get an my arms around. As soon as I feel I I see on the floor the distinguished agreement, and we got the best we have one body of fact on which I can leader of our NATO group in the Sen- could at that time. rely and reach a decision, another per- ate, the Senator from Delaware. We One of my concerns is we should go son will come along and say: No, it’s just met with the British Foreign Sec- back—not reconvene everybody who different than that. retary on this very question. This was at Dayton—but go back and exam- I have tried in this set of remarks to might be an opportunity to test that ine what was right and what proved not outline how I understand the situation new military structure. I have con- to be successful at Dayton and correct to be in Bosnia and Kosovo. But I rise cerns about that and how it might have it. today to say to the Senate that it is long-term effects on the weakening of

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.085 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S593 NATO, but for the moment I give those the coming days, I intend to continue kans—having traveled regularly to the who propose it the benefit of the doubt. to consult with my colleagues in the region since first visiting Kosovo in It has not been completely refined yet, Senate, and others in the Administra- September 1990 with then-Senate Ma- this concept, nor implemented. So that tion and outside of government, on this jority Leaders Bob Dole and others, is another question for another day. initiative. From my initial discussion and being the first U.S. Senator to go The reason for my addressing the with my colleagues I have to say, sup- to Sarajevo during the war, in Sep- Senate today is my deep concern for port is growing for my concept. tember 1992—I was, quite frankly, dis- the welfare of the men and women of Congress has a co-equal responsi- tressed by what I saw during my last the Armed Forces of the United States bility with the Administration, and we visit in January. who are going through a winter far now must exercise leadership, hope- Let me be clear—our troops, along more severe than anything we have ex- fully with concurrence by the Adminis- with the troops from over 30 other na- perienced here, certainly in the area of tration. This situation just cannot con- tions that have joined the NATO-led the Nation’s Capital. And every day tinue. Other nations and organizations operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, per- they could be subject to someone look- will have to follow through on their formed magnificently in their military ing down a gun barrel, perhaps not fir- commitments, the parties in the region missions. They are, today, conducting ing in anger at them or the troops of will have to start cooperating with a wide variety of assignments, and other nations but firing in anger at international authorities and taking doing an outstanding job. The U.S. someone else because of the persistent on more responsibility for the fate of troops I met in Bosnia and Kosovo are ethnic hatred that remains. their region and their people. among the finest I have encountered in I say most respectfully, we have a The U.S. military will not stay there my 30-plus years of public service in duty in this institution to assert our- forever. The United States has far too working with military organizations selves as to the timetable committed many commitments around the world, throughout the world. They are well- to by other nations with regard to our military is stretched too thin as it trained, motivated and enthusiastic their support in both Bosnia and is; we cannot have a decades-long mili- about what they are doing to help the Kosovo which, up to this point, has not tary deployment to the Balkans. people of Bosnia and Kosovo. Simply been met. We should do everything We, together with other nations, put—they have achieved their mission. within our power, and working with went into Bosnia and Kosovo with the To the extent possible, given the con- our President, to see that that is done. best of intentions—to stop the slaugh- tinued ethnic animosities, the military Mr. President, simply put, the United ter of tens of thousands of innocent has stopped the large-scale fighting Nations, the European Union, and the people, to restore peace and stability and has created a safe and secure envi- OSCE are not doing the job they com- to the region, and to help the people of ronment, from a military perspective, mitted to do—in a timely manner—in the Balkans rebuild lives shattered by in both Bosnia and Kosovo. However, Bosnia or Kosovo. The successful war and ethnic cleansing. But what has unacceptable, dangerous levels of NATO-led military operations in Bos- the coalition achieved? Our military criminal activity continue, and put our nia and Kosovo were undertaken—at forces have done their job. We have troops at constant risk. personal risk to our troops, and those stopped the fighting, but precious little So, why are our troops still in Bosnia of other nations, and with billions of other progress has taken place. As one over four years after they were first de- dollars in cost to the American tax- official said to me in Bosnia, ‘‘We have ployed? Why is there no end in sight in payer—with the express understanding stopped the fighting, but the war goes Kosovo? The reason is that the United here in America that the UN and oth- on.’’ Four years after the Dayton Ac- Nations, the EU and other inter- ers would promptly move in behind and cords ended the war in Bosnia, little national organizations charged with consolidate the gains. Now, as a result progress has been made in rebuilding the responsibility of rebuilding the ci- of little consolidation, U.S. troops— that country. The economy is stag- vilian structures in Bosnia and Kosovo and troops from over 30 other nations— nant, police forces are inadequate and are simply not doing their job. This sit- remain in Bosnia over four years after ineffective even to deal with routine uation has to change. the end of that war, and are facing in- criminal activity—much less the grow- Yesterday, I had the opportunity to definite deployments to both Bosnia ing problems of organized crime, the communicate this message directly to and Kosovo. judicial system is far from ready, only Bernard Miyet, the Under Secretary Personal bravery and international crime and corruption are growing. In General for Peacekeeping Operations bonds of commitment won the wars in fact, I was told by a senior UN official at the United Nations. We had a the Balkans; but, will the slow pace of in Bosnia that the only truly orga- lengthy discussion regarding Bosnia follow-on actions result in a loss of nized, multi-ethnic institution in Bos- and Kosovo and I conveyed to him my peace? nia is organized crime. Regrettably, a extreme concern with the situation During a Senate Armed Services similar situation is rapidly developing there, in particular the slow pace with Committee hearing on February 2, in Kosovo. when NATO commander General Clark At this point, I would like to men- which the United Nations, European was the witness, I first signaled my in- tion a positive event that has occurred Union and other international organi- tention to take legislative action, in in the region, the recent elections in zations are fulfilling their promised as- connection with the upcoming Kosovo Croatia. However, at this point, it re- sistance to the region. Supplemental to be proposed by Presi- mains to be seen if those elections will Foreign donors must deliver, imme- dent Clinton, to revitalize the near translate into similar positive events diately, on their promises of inter- stagnant situations in both Bosnia and in Bosnia and Kosovo. national police so that NATO soldiers Kosovo. I addressed this subject again Since the timing of the departure of can get out of the business of policing. this past Tuesday, during the Commit- U.S. and allied troops from both Bosnia Our troops are not trained to perform tee’s annual hearing with the Sec- and Kosovo is directly linked to the these tasks, and it should not be part retary of Defense and the Chairman of progress—or lack of progress—that the of their mission. The United States has the Joint Chiefs on the budget request. UN and others make in achieving their made a major contribution of 450 police I am considering a variety of options, goals, I am gravely concerned with the for Kosovo and is about to increase its including tying U.S. military funding current situation. Clearly, the military commitment. Others, particularly the for these operations to demonstrable has fulfilled its mission—namely, to Europeans, have to do their share by progress by the UN, the EU, and the provide a secure situation in Bosnia providing the necessary police forces. OSCE in fulfilling their commitments and Kosovo. In sharp contrast, the UN, Secretary Cohen delivered that mes- to rebuild the civil society in Bosnia the EU, the OSCE and others are not sage to our European allies this past and Kosovo; or requiring the with- living up—in a timely manner—to the weekend, at the annual Wehrkunde drawal of U.S. troops by a time cer- commitments they made to consoli- Conference. According to Secretary tain—perhaps in 18 months—and leav- date the gains made by the military. Cohen, ing the military occupation in Bosnia Even though I have had a long asso- To date there has been a clear failure by and Kosovo to European leadership. In ciation with the situation in the Bal- participating nations to provide the UN with

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.088 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 sufficient numbers of police for public secu- fire is in real jeopardy and will fail un- returning Albanians. Now that the rity duties in Kosovo, with a significant dis- less a sufficient number of inter- Serb population of Kosovo—such as it parity in the amount of support provided by national civil police are put on the is—has been isolated in small pockets different Alliance members. Indeed, the ground promptly by the Europeans. of the province, we are seeing growing number of police deployed is roughly half of what was planned. As a result, KFOR sol- The European Union can talk all it violence by Albanians against fellow diers, who are trained to fight wars, are wants to about its plans to provide a Albanians, simply for their past or working as policemen, a job for which they militarily strong European pillar with- present association with Serbs. In the have not been trained and should not be in NATO under the European Security town of Vitina, I was shown a store, asked to perform indefinitely. and Defense Identity. But that is just owned by an Albanian, which had been I agree. rhetoric. The reality is their failure to bombed 2 days before our arrival. Why? We must be mindful of the fact that meet their current commitments in The Albanian shopkeeper had pur- the United Nations and other inter- Kosovo.’’ chased property from a Serb—he was a national organizations can only suc- Since NATO troops were first de- ‘‘collaborator’’ in the minds of hardline ceed if the nations comprising these or- ployed to Bosnia in December of 1995, Albanians. ganizations contribute the needed re- the United States has spent almost $10 Is it realistic for us to think that sources. billion dollars to support our military these people can ever live together In Kosovo, the UN needs the money commitment of troops to that nation. peacefully? Or are we wasting our time to do the job. Only a small portion of We have spent an additional $5 billion and money—and needlessly risking the the money pledged at last November’s in Kosovo for the air campaign and the lives of our people—trying to achieve donors conference for Kosovo’s budget deployment of U.S. KFOR troops. The the goal of a multiethnic society for has actually been delivered. This is the annual price-tag for these military Bosnia and Kosovo? money that pays the salaries for teach- commitments is $1.5 billion for Bosnia I believe that we have reached that ers, judges, and street sweepers—the and $2 billion projected for Kosovo. point in time when it is the responsi- people who make Kosovo work and This is an obligation for the American bility of the Congress to take action— whose loyalty the United Nations Mis- taxpayer. to reexamine the goals, their sion in Kosovo (UNMIK) needs if it is In addition to these significant sums achievability, and what appears to be to succeed. The Europeans and others of money, I am concerned about the our open-ended involvement in Bosnia have to carry their weight and deliver safety and welfare of the men and and Kosovo for an undetermined period on their commitments. women of our Armed Forces, and the of time. I am particularly concerned with the Armed Forces of the other nations, The PRESIDING OFFICER: The Sen- performance thus far of the European who every day patrol the towns and ator from Delaware. Union. The EU has taken on the pri- villages of Bosnia and Kosovo, sub- (The remarks of Mr. ROTH pertaining mary responsibility for the reconstruc- jecting themselves to substantial per- to the submission of S. Con. Res. 81 are tion of Kosovo. This is a job to which sonal risk while performing duties tra- located in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- the EU committed—in recognition of ditionally not performed by military mission of Concurrent and Senate Res- the fact that the United States bore personnel. olutions.) the lion’s share of the cost of the war. As I said earlier, our troops have per- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Unfortunately, it is not quite working formed their mission—they have cre- ator from New York. out as planned. ated a safe and secure environment, as f Last fall, the EU committed almost I previously indicated. But the UN and $500 million for reconstruction. Re- other elements of the international BLOCK GRANTS IN EDUCATION cently, the European Parliament re- community have not filled in behind Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I rise duced that commitment to less than our troops to perform their mission. to express my strong opposition to the $200 million, questioning Kosovo’s ‘‘ab- The results is that our troops are use of block grants in education spend- sorption capacity.’’ It now appears that forced to fill the vacuum, preforming ing. there is a serious chance that even this missions for which they were not First, education is clearly the No. 1 reduced EU commitment will not ar- trained—acting as mayors, policemen, issue this body, our Government, and rive in time to make a difference. arbiters of disputes, large and small. I our country will face in the next dec- I would like to quote from the excel- was told of U.S. troops who were guard- ade. We have huge educational prob- lent statement made by the Ranking ing two old Serb women who did not lems. We are now an ideas economy. Member of the Armed Services Com- want to leave their home, which hap- Alan Greenspan put it best. He said: mittee, Senator LEVIN, during last pened to be in an Albanian village. I High value is no longer added by mov- week’s Committee hearing with Gen- saw three U.S. soldiers guarding a Serb ing things but by thinking things, that eral Clark: church in an Albanian section of it is an idea that produces value. It is vitally important for the inter- Kosovo. We must ask ourselves, are In that kind of time and place, what national community and particularly the na- these jobs our troops should be per- could be more important than edu- tions of Europe to provide the funding and forming today, tomorrow or for an in- cation? In an ideas economy, for Amer- the civilian police that are so necessary if definite period, as is now projected? ica to have a mediocre educational sys- these missions (in Bosnia and Kosovo) are to These are commendable, humanitarian tem, which is what we have now, is a be successful...The European Union can objectives which should be assumed by very real crisis. If we continue to be talk about a goal of greater Euoprean mili- rated 15th, 16th, 17th among the edu- tary strength—a stronger European pillar entities other than the Armed Forces. within NATO. But the first test is whether it In Kosovo—as is the case in Bosnia— cational systems of the OECD Western will meet the responsibilities they have al- there is a level of hatred—personal, countries, the 22 countries in North ready accepted of providing $36 million and ethnic and religious—that is simply be- America, Asia, and Europe, we are not civilian police for Kosovo. On my scorecard, yond our comprehension. When I was in going to stay the greatest country in they are flunking the test. Kosovo in January, I was told that the world by the time 2025 or 2050 rolls The distinguished Ranking Member most of the violence in Kosovo is now around. Fortunately, because of our and I agree. Albanian on Albanian violence. I find democratic system and our free enter- And again, during last Tuesday’s this troubling. The United States and prise system, because of the great en- hearing, Senator LEVIN reiterated and our NATO allies went into this region trepreneurial nature of America, be- strengthen his message from last week for the purpose of stopping and revers- cause we accept ambitious and intel- by saying, ‘‘There is a requirement (in ing the ethnic cleansing of Albanians ligent people from all over the world to Kosovo) for 6,000 civilian police, but by Serbs. But what has been a con- come here and grow and prosper, we less than 2,000 have been provided. We sequence of our involvement? While have a little lead time but not much. have provided our share but others hundreds of thousands of Albanians Our educational system is at a crit- have failed, and that failure endangers have returned to their homes, tens of ical point. Over the next decade, for in- our troops and the success of our mis- thousands of Serbs have been driven stance, high school enrollment will in- sion. Civil implementation of the cease from Kosovo—the result of attacks by crease by 11 percent. Schools will need

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.045 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S595 to hire 2.2 million public school- tax—justifiably the most hated tax in cation bureaucracy ring hollow. In a teachers. Over 50 percent of the teach- America—so they can’t raise new dol- letter written to the President by the ers are over 50 years old. Every day lars. House Committee on Education in the more than 14 million children will at- I have sympathy for those local Workforce in 1997, the committee ma- tend schools in need of extensive repair school districts, but we all agree they jority listed 760 so-called educational and replacement, and 12 percent of all are not doing as good a job as they programs. They said we have too many. newly hired teachers who enter the might. The irony is that my colleagues Combine them. workforce will enter without any train- from the other side of the aisle would Look at the programs they call ‘‘edu- ing at all. That will be even higher in probably say it is not more money. It cational’’ programs: Boating safety fi- math and science, computer science, is wasted money. Yet here we are, giv- nancial assistance, Air Force defense engineering, and languages, the kinds ing them more money. research sciences, biological response of things for which we need people. In today’s global ideas-based econ- to environmental health hazards, fi- So with the crisis upon us, all of a omy, we cannot afford to have an nancial assistance for the Nuclear Reg- sudden we have a new proposal: a block atomized educational system. Instead, ulatory Commission. grant. A block grant is exactly what the trend must be for local, State, and Those are not educational programs. we don’t need to improve the edu- Federal governments to work together In truth, the Federal Government pro- cational system. A block grant is with families and communities. What vides, on average, only 7 percent of all something that gives the school dis- is very interesting about any public K-through-12 educational funding. It is the State and local communities that tricts more money and doesn’t direct good is that there is no capitalism. should and do maintain control over them on how to spend it. Good ideas don’t spread on their own. I find there is a contradiction among If someone invented a new heart valve educational priorities. But what Wash- ington can do is help communities so many of my friends who are strong in San Diego, it would spread to Boston meet certain reform priorities when advocates of block grants. They say in an hour. Why? Someone would sell their budgets are stretched too thin. the educational system is poor. I agree it. That is what America is all about. Again, if the system isn’t working, why in many instances. They say we spend But when a new educational innovation give more money with no strings at- too much money and waste too much develops in one school district, it tached to the very localities that we money on education. Then they say: doesn’t spread, frankly, because there think can do better? Why not do it in is no capitalism. Give those same localities, without any a way that directs them? Sure, the The appropriate role of the Federal direction, more money. local school board wants free money. They can’t have it both ways. Either Government in education is to find Fine. Let them raise taxes and do it for the localities are doing a good job and what works and, on a matching grant themselves. Don’t let us put more bur- need more money, which they are not basis, say to the locality, this is a pro- den on the Federal taxpayers to do it. professing because they really don’t gram that works. We will pay half or Proponents of the block grants argue think they need more money, or the lo- three-quarters of the cost because we strenuously that control should be re- calities are doing a bad job and to give know you are strapped based on these turned to the localities. But the irony them more money makes very little high property taxes. You pay some and here is the block grants would not re- sense at all. use it. We are not requiring you to use turn power to the communities; rather, The notion that we should take Fed- it. I don’t like mandates. We are giving it shifts control of the Federal funding eral dollars, which have been used to you the opportunity to use it because away from parents and communities raise academic standards, reduce class we have seen it works in some areas. and gives it to politicians—Governors size, recruit new teachers, hold schools When I was working on the crime and the State legislature. This is the accountable, and send them in an un- bill, this is what we did. We found antithesis of local control. marked paper bag to the Governors there were, again, programs that What I would like to do before I con- breaks our commitment to help com- worked. clude is look at a couple of examples of munities and parents across the coun- Community policing: Wichita, KS, block grant proposals. The Straight A’s try. Block grants are a blank check had developed community policing and Act gives the States and the Governors from the Federal Government. They done it well. But it hadn’t spread to the authority to combine into a block fundamentally make no sense. They Topeka. So I put in a bill when I was grant Federal funds from 10 edu- are bad government policy. chairman of the Crime Subcommittee cational programs. More than 80 per- I am sure many of my colleagues on in the other body and I said let’s give cent of all Federal support to elemen- the other side of the aisle would agree the localities money to do community tary and secondary education will be with me that to separate the taxing au- policing on a matching grant basis. included in the block grant. This thority and the spending authority The President came in, and in his usual sounds to me like LEA. I remember makes no sense. The spending author- intelligent and astute way on these Law Enforcement Assistance—a block ity for that spending, if they don’t matters, said let’s call it ‘‘100,000 cops grant to law enforcement. That is the have to raise the taxes, painful as that on the beat.’’ So we did and it has area in which I have the most exper- is, is not going to spend it as wisely as worked. It changed policing in Amer- tise. Do you know what they did when somebody who knows how important ica. no strings were attached? One police those dollars are. Without that program, we would not department bought a tank; another po- Sometimes I think we would be a lot have had community policing. But the lice department bought an airplane to better off eliminating the block grant Federal Government played the appro- take the police officers back and forth program and giving the money back to priate role—finding a good idea, giving to Washington—I think it was a jet— the taxpayers rather than the Federal money as an incentive to help spread all with block grant money. If we do Government taxing and then giving the idea—not 100 percent; that is a bad this Straight A’s Program, we will be this blank check to the locality and idea, not even 90 percent. Then it is back on the floor of the Senate a year letting them spend it. like a block grant with no strings at- or two later pointing out horror stories A block grant is poor government tached and money gets wasted. And of how the taxpayers’ money was wast- policy to begin with because it sepa- then they let it happen. It is not bu- ed. rates the spending power from the tax- reaucracy that is the problem in Fed- Under Straight A’s, parents, teach- ing power. In education, it is even eral aid to education, as some who sup- ers, principals, and school boards would worse. We hear clamor in the land that port the block grant would say. Only no longer have a say in how the Fed- the local school districts are not doing one-half of 1 percent of Federal aid to eral dollars are spent. Schools would a good job. I have sympathy for those schools is spent on administration. The no longer be accountable for results local school districts. First, they are so States use an additional 4 percent. All and national priorities, such as funding busy minute to minute and day to day the rest, 951⁄2 percent, goes to local for the neediest students and better trying to run a school system. They are school districts. It is not bureaucracy teachers. New school buildings could be up to their necks. Second, their only at all. In fact, the claims of those who put aside for more salaries for adminis- spending power is from the property spin stories of a grand Federal edu- trators. If this program gets straight

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.089 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 A’s, I would like to see what the curve gained from harnessing the nucleus to ciate that he made some very tough de- is in that classroom. support actions focused on reducing cisions in crafting this bill that blends The Senate Health Committee in- the remaining risks. ideas from many sources to seek com- tends to mark up a reauthorization of Just one example that should be bet- promise in this difficult area. the Elementary and Secondary Edu- ter understood and appreciated in- One concession involves tying the cation Act in the next few weeks. I am volves our nuclear navy. Their experi- issuance of a license for the ‘‘early re- concerned to learn that the bill cur- ence has important lessons for better ceipt facility’’ to construction author- rently includes a block grant for teach- understanding of these technologies. ization for the permanent repository. er quality and professional develop- The Nautilus, our first nuclear pow- I’d much prefer that we simply moved ment, programs to reduce class size ered submarine, was launched in 1954. ahead with interim storage. An interim and Goals 2000. Yes, we need qualified Since then, the Navy has launched over storage facility can proceed on its own teachers and smaller classes. They 200 nuclear powered ships, and about 85 merits, quite independent of decisions produce the best results for children. are currently in operation. Recently, surrounding a permanent repository. But with the committee bill, there is the Navy was operating slightly over Such an interim storage facility could no guarantee that class size reduction 100 reactors, about the same number as be operational well before the ‘‘early or teacher development will be done those operating in civilian power sta- receipt facility’’ authorized in this Act. well, or even done at all. tions across the country. There are absolutely no technical I ask my colleagues to look at the The Navy’s safety record is exem- issues associated with interim storage proposal that Senator KENNEDY is put- plary. Our nuclear ships are welcomed in dry casks, other countries certainly ting together. His leadership on this into over 150 ports in over 50 countries. use it. Nevertheless, in the interests of issue has been extraordinary. His pro- A 1999 review of their safety record was seeking a compromise on this issue, I posal does not intend to dictate to lo- conducted by the General Accounting will support this Act’s approach with calities what they must do or impose Office. That report stated: ‘‘No signifi- the early receipt facility. cant accident—one resulting in fuel new mandates on localities. Rather, it I appreciate that Senator MURKOWSKI says, here are our Federal priorities; do degradation—has ever occurred.’’ For has included Title III in the new bill you want to be part of them? They in- an Office like GAO, that identifies and with my proposal to create a new DOE clude smaller class size and new school publicizes problems with government Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research. construction. Fine. You are going to programs, that’s a pretty impressive This new Office would organize a re- match our dollars. If you don’t want to statement. search program to explore new, im- be part of them, keep doing the same Our nuclear powered ships have trav- proved national strategies for spent nu- old thing, but not with Federal dollars, eled over 117 million miles without se- clear fuel. rious incidents. Further, the Navy has Federal taxpayer money, which gives Spent fuel has immense energy po- commissioned 33 new reactors in the you a free ride. tential—that we are simply tossing 1990s, that puts them ahead of civilian I hope my colleagues will look at away with our focus only on a perma- power by a score of 33 to zero. And Senator KENNEDY’s proposal and will nent repository. We could be recycling Navy reactors have more than twice examine the folly of block grants. I that spent fuel back into civilian fuel the operational hours of our civilian look forward to the debate that may and extracting additional energy. We systems. come on education in the near future. could follow the examples of France, The nuclear navy story is a great I thank the Chair and yield the floor. the U.K., and Japan in reprocessing the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- American success story, one that is fuel to not only extract more energy, ator from New Mexico. completely enabled by appropriate and but also to reduce the volume and tox- Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask careful use of nuclear power. It’s con- icity of the final waste forms. unanimous consent to speak for 3 min- tributed to the freedoms we so cherish. utes, and in the normal routine to re- Nuclear energy is another great Now, I’m well aware that reprocess- ing is not viewed as economically de- turn to Senator MURKOWSKI from Alas- American success story. It now sup- ka. plies about 20 percent of our nation’s sirable now, because of today’s very The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without electricity, it is not a supply that we low uranium prices. Furthermore, it objection, it is so ordered. can afford to lose. It’s done it without must only be done with careful atten- tion to proliferation issues. But I sub- f release of greenhouse gases, with a su- perlative safety record over the last mit that the U.S. should be prepared NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY decade. The efficiency of nuclear plants for a future evaluation that may deter- AMENDMENTS ACT has risen consistently and their oper- mine that we are too hasty today to Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, yes- ating costs are among the lowest of all treat this spent fuel as waste, and that terday, I commented on the Nuclear energy sources. instead we should have been viewing it Waste Policy Act amendments. I I’ve repeatedly emphasized that the as an energy resource for future gen- thought then, and I think today, there United States must maintain nuclear erations. are a few remarks that I probably energy as a viable option for future en- We do not have the knowledge today ought to make aside from compli- ergy requirements. And without some to make that decision. Title III estab- menting the distinguished Senator for near-term waste solution, like interim lishes a research program to evaluate his untiring efforts to address nuclear storage or an early receipt facility, we options to provide real data for such a waste in a logical and sensible way. are killing this option. We may be de- future decision. Mr. President, I rise to compliment priving future generations of a reliable This research program would have Senator MURKOWSKI’s leadership on the power source that they may des- other benefits. We may want to reduce Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments perately need. the toxicity of materials in any reposi- Act. I appreciate his efforts to enable There is no excuse for the years that tory to address public concerns. Or we progress on the nation’s need for con- the issue of nuclear waste has been may find we need another repository in crete action on spent nuclear fuel. with us. Near-term credible solutions the future, and want to incorporate ad- I find it amazing how fear of any- are not technically difficult. We abso- vanced technologies into the final thing in this country with ‘‘nuclear’’ in lutely must progress towards early re- waste products at that time. We could, its title, like ‘‘nuclear waste’’, seems ceipt of spent fuel at a central loca- for example, decide that we want to to paralyze our ability to act deci- tion, at least faster than the 2010 esti- maximize the storage potential of a fu- sively. Nuclear issues are immediately mates for opening Yucca Mountain ture repository, and that would require faced with immense political chal- that we now face or risk losing nuclear some treatment of the spent fuel before lenges. power in this country. final disposition. There are many great examples of Senator MURKOWSKI’s bill is a signifi- Title III requires that a range of ad- how nuclear technologies impact our cant step toward breaking the deadlock vanced approaches for spent fuel be daily lives. Yet few of our citizens which countries to threaten the future studied with the new Office of Spent know enough about the benefits we’ve of nuclear energy in the U.S. I appre- Nuclear Fuel Research. As we do this,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:36 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.092 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S597 I’ll encourage the Department to seek MURKOWSKI has expended in seeking review. ‘‘No significant accidents. One international cooperation. I know, compromise in this difficult area. resulting in fuel degradation has ever based on personal contacts, that By following the procedures in the occurred.’’ For an office such as the France, Russia, and Japan are eager to manager’s amendment, we can allow GAO that identifies public problems join with us in an international study the EPA to set the final standard, guid- with Government programs, that is a of spent fuel options. ed by the inputs from the NRC and pretty impressive statement. Title III requires that we focus on re- NAS. Thus, I will support the man- Our nuclear-powered ships, I say to search programs that minimize pro- ager’s amendment. Senator MURKOWSKI, have traveled liferation and health risks from the Mr. President, I want to thank Sen- over 117 million miles on the high seas spent fuel. And it requires that we ator MURSKOWSKI for his superb leader- of the world. Nobody has said we don’t study the economic implications of ship in preparing this new act. We need want them on the high seas because each technology. to pass this manager’s amendment they have a nuclear powerplant in With Title III, the United States will with a veto-proof majority, to ensure them because they are safe as safe can be prepared, some years in the future, that we finally attain some movement be. Yet when it comes to us here in to make the most intelligent decision in the nation’s ability to deal with America we wonder whether we can regarding the future of nuclear energy high level nuclear waste. transport some nuclear waste 200 as one of our major power sources. We hear so much in the United miles. If we aren’t technically sound Maybe at that time, we’ll have other States about how dangerous nuclear enough, if we are not smart enough, if better energy alternatives and decide power is, how dangerous these fuel rods we are not engineered and qualified to that we can move away from nuclear are that come out of the reactors, how be able to move something such as this power. Or we may find that we need nu- dangerous nuclear reactors are, and I 200 or 300 miles when the Navy has been clear energy to continue and even ex- thought I might share with whomever moving reactors on the high seas 117 pand its current contribution to our is interested a bit of information about million miles—they have commis- nation’s power grid. In any case, this how safe nuclear powerplants are. sioned 33 new reactors in the 1990s. research will provide the framework to In this country, when we talk about Just think of that. That puts them guide Congress in these future deci- moving some of the nuclear waste from ahead of the civilian power by a score sions. one State to another, people get up in of 33 to 0. Because we have frightened Mr. President, I want to specifically arms and they want to march down the ourselves to death, we will not even li- discuss one of the compromises that streets because they are frightened to cense a new nuclear powerplant in the Senator MURKOWSKI has developed in death that something is going to hap- United States. his manager’s amendment. In my view, pen if this nuclear waste moves down We surely are proud as proud can be his largest compromise involves the the streets, the roads, the highways, or when we see a great big American bat- choice between the Environmental Pro- whatever. I thought I might share a se- tleship or aircraft carrier floating on tection Agency or the Nuclear Regu- ries of facts with you that might make those high seas with all those Navy latory Commission to set the radi- you think a little bit. guys on board. What do they have? ation-protection standards for Yucca First, the U.S. Navy launched the Some of them have two nuclear power- Mountain and for the ‘‘early release fa- first nuclear-powered submarine in plants in the hull loaded with the same cility.’’ 1954. We put a nuclear reactor in a sub- kind of waste product about which we The NRC has the technical expertise marine and we sent the submarine all are so worried. The distinguished Sen- to set these standards. Furthermore, over the oceans of the world, and noth- ator from Alaska is saying: Why don’t the NRC is a non-political organiza- ing ever happened to anyone. Since we just move that and put it in a place tion, in sharp contrast to the political then, the Navy has launched 200 nu- where it can be stored? No one else in nature of the EPA. We need unbiased clear-powered ships, and about 85 are the world who is involved in nuclear technical knowledge in setting these currently in operation. In other words, power has tied the future of nuclear standards, there should be no place for 85 of the U.S. Navy’s best and biggest power and nuclear use to the ultimate politics at all. The EPA has proposed a warships are on the high seas with a disposition of the high-level waste res- draft standard already, that has been nuclear reactor—in some cases two re- idue in a permanent underground facil- widely criticized for its inconsistency actors—on board. Were something to ity from whence it can never be ex- and lack of scientific rigor—events happen, it would permeate and go right tracted and for which the technical re- that do not enhance their credibility through the water. But guess what. quirements are so severe in terms of for this role. Nothing has ever happened to anyone. I appreciate, however, the care that Guess what else. Every major port in making sure it lasts for 100,000 years— or whatever the number is—that we are Senator MURKOWSKI has demonstrated the world accepts America’s Navy ships in providing the ultimate authority to with nuclear reactors on board gener- never going to get it done. It is amaz- the EPA. His new language requires ating power to run that ship. Nobody ing. It is just amazing. both the NRC and the National Acad- seeks to say: You better keep these The country of France gets 87 per- emy of Sciences to comment on the away from our port because there are a cent of its electricity from nuclear EPA’s draft standard. And he provides lot of other ships around here. power. They still do not have a plan to a period of time, until mid-2001, for the Why is that, I wonder? Why are we on put the nuclear waste away perma- EPA to assess concerns with their the floor of the Senate almost whipped nently because they are not frightened standard and issue a valid standard. up to a lather of fear about moving about it. They trust their intelligent, These additions have the effect of high-level waste from some State in enlightened leaders, who currently providing a strong role for both the middle America to some State in west- have it in gymnasiums about the size NRC and NAS to share their scientific ern America and we have 85 nuclear- of high schools. That is where it is knowledge with the EPA and help powered U.S. Navy ships, from battle- stored. You can walk on top of it where guide the EPA toward a credible stand- ships on down, moving around the high it is stored and nobody is worried ard. seas and docking at various ports ev- about anything. Here we are debating The NRC should be complimented for erywhere? Nobody has a sign up. No- whether we could have a temporary their courageous stand against the body is frightened. Nothing has ever storage facility—as the country that EPA in this issue. Their issuance of a happened. And guess what. Because it invented it, as the country that engi- scientifically appropriate standard was too good to be true, somebody said neered it, as the country whose great stands in stark contrast to the first ef- to go out and find out something about nuclear physicists invented the notion fort from the EPA. Thanks to the ac- them; they must be hurting people and came up with the idea of how to tions of the NRC, the EPA can be guid- with all these nuclear reactors. power-generate it, and we sit, except ed toward reasonable standards. So the GAO went out and did an ex- for the U.S. Navy, letting the rest of Certainly, my preference is to have tensive and exemplary study about the world just pass us by. the NRC issue the final standard. But I what they had done and not done. The Senator from Alaska will never appreciate the effort that Senator Guess what they found. This is a 1999 get the credit he deserves for trying to

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.042 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 get this little site, this temporary fa- talk much about. It works. The Navy, strong environmental regulations. cility. He will never get the credit. Peo- obviously, has the expertise that has They do. But we have to understand ple are thinking we are trying to pull been developed over a long period of how we got into this predicament. That something over on them; we might be time. When those submarines or sur- is the reason why the inventories are hurting people; we are just trying to face ships are taken out of active duty, down. get it out of one site and hide it some- reactors are removed. That waste is Some say the answer is to open up place else. taken and stored at various areas in SPR, a strategic petroleum reserve in There are 85 U.S. Navy ships, I re- the country. Chicken Little was sug- Louisiana. We need to recognize we mind everybody one more time, of all gested around here today; the world is don’t have a shortage of crude oil at sizes, including battleships, aircraft coming down. It doesn’t have to come the refineries, and if we further under- carriers, and some with two nuclear down. It is the emotional arguments stand that in SPR there is no heating powerplants on them. As we stand that prevail without any sound science. oil—it is not refined oil, it is crude oil; right here, they are floating around on I appreciate the input of my good therefore, by taking oil out of SPR and the high seas where the water is all fis- friend and his commitment to the obli- take it to the refinery, we will displace sionable. If you are in this part of the gation that remains unresolved. what the refinery is already refining to Atlantic, the water will eventually end f accommodate SPR. So we don’t have up over here miles away, and nobody is any net gain. lodging serious complaints. They may HEATING OIL PRICES Most people cannot quite understand say we don’t want the U.S. Navy Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I that. They think SPR is for heating oil around for some other reason. And would like to address very briefly a that can be taken out of SPR and dis- thank God we have them. But they are couple of issues. One is the issue of the tributed, thereby easing the shortage. in ports everywhere. They don’t take high cost of heating oil, particularly in We cannot do that. I understand the Secretary of Energy the nuclear powerplant out before they the Northeast corridor at this time. I will make an announcement today or come into a port. Right? They don’t know my colleagues from the North- very shortly about the administra- have three kinds of motors around. east are looking for relief. Perhaps I tion’s efforts regarding high oil prices. They may have a couple of auxiliary could enlighten them to some extent Let’s look at this because it is impor- motors. But the nuclear powerplants on the reasons behind why prices are tant. They will do something more for are right there on board. high and why stocks are low. the Low-Income Housing Energy As- I thought I would just state that part I think it is important to recognize a sistance Program, which provides of my statement which I put in the couple of basic facts that underline the money for the low-income areas. That RECORD yesterday because it is so obvi- whole question; that is, understanding is commendable. However, that does ous to me that we are being so foolish the crude oil and heating oil relation- not solve the underlying problem. They in tying the ultimate disposition of the ship. will ‘‘jawbone’’ more with the OPEC high-level waste generated by 20 per- There are some who suggest we have countries to release more oil. They can cent of our electrical powerplants, a shortage of crude. That is the reason release more oil, but will they reduce which are nuclear, to a policy that says we have higher prices for heating oil. the price? That is crude oil that had to unless and until we find a place to put Factually, however there is no refinery in this country that has been short of be refined. They will encourage refin- that underground at Yucca—wherever ers to make more heating fuels—they it is in Nevada—forever we will not a supply of crude oil during this crisis. The problem is the refineries have been might be able to persuade them to do continue with nuclear power. that but it will change the mix and I believe it is so shortsighted and cutting a different mix of product. might result in a gasoline shortage this based on such an insignificant set of They cut heating oil. They cut gaso- line. They cut diesel fuel as well as summer. scientific facts that it is almost as if The interesting thing about the ad- other hydrocarbons. They have begun America just wouldn’t do something ministration’s response is, nowhere is to cut other mixes instead of heating such as that. But we are doing it. There there a commitment that we increase oil. So if they change the mix and re- were letters circulating yesterday that our domestic petroleum production to the proposal of the Senator from Alas- duce gasoline for heating oil, that make us less dependent on OPEC pric- ka would not be helpful; in fact, it could give some relief, but it may ulti- ing policies. That would be contrary to would hurt people. I don’t think I have mately result in a shortage of gasoline the environmental community who ob- to repeat. I think I have made the case. during peak usage in the coming jects to the production domestically of What would the world be doing if in months. oil and gas. Let me go a step forward. fact nuclear reactors were that unsafe The basic difficulty is coupled with The Vice President said: If I’m elected and U.S. Navy ships want to dock to let the fact that the inventories were low. I will cancel all the OCS leases, oil and their Navy men go on shore for a while That is perhaps the fault of the indus- gas. and then get on with something else? I try. But while the inventories were What does he propose we will do? We do not believe they would be saying: low, the crucial problem is the storage cannot address what we will do with Have we found a place to put the nu- areas for these stocks were reduced our nuclear waste. As far as I’m con- clear waste that is coming in on that dramatically. What do I mean by that? cerned the administration can choke new battleship that you are gener- I mean the tanks around the metro- on that waste. That seems to be their ating? Have you found a place to put it politan areas that are conventionally only solution. away forever? I think they would say: used to store the heating oils, the gaso- We have an administration that pro- Gee, there is no risk at all involved. It lines, and so forth. poses more new taxes on our domestic is a pretty good venture. We are glad to In the case of New York, petroleum oil and gas industry. Think about that. have you. bulk storage capacity has declined 15 We have a heating oil crisis, we have I yield the floor. percent over the past 5 years. Why? Ac- high prices, there are barges in transit The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cording to testimony the other day and ships coming over from Europe ator from Alaska. from New York State officials on heat- with heating oil. That may help. We Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, let ing oils, this is a consequence of tight- cannot move the crude oil out of SPR me thank my good friend from New er environmental controls that suggest fast enough. We cannot get it to refin- Mexico, the chairman of the Budget these old storage areas are inadequate eries that have any unused capacity. Committee. We had a chart that we or a danger to the environment. That And we don’t have adequate storage to used in the debate. That chart showed may well be the case. However, the re- store the reserves. the 40 States that had the accumulated ality is we reduced our storage and as If you want to debate that issue, as waste—80 sites in 40 States. I wish I a consequence we don’t have the inven- chairman of the Energy and Natural would have added the 85 nuclear ships tory of heating oils that we would have Resources Committee I will try to that are traversing the ocean because had if we had the storage available. work with Members. But let’s be real- the Senator from New Mexico is quite I am not suggesting that people from istic and try to understand what the correct. That is something we don’t New York or anywhere else don’t need problem is and not fool the public.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.095 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S599 If anyone saw the Coast Guard cutter share in, whether they have any oil and vantage to a private retailer, let alone the grinding through the ice on the Hudson gas activities. This legislation would largest retailer in America. Select boxes of River to try and clear the waterways benefit the environment but it would General Mills’ Cheerios contain the new dol- for the heating supplies to be delivered, put control of how that money is lar coins. According to an article in today’s Wall they would have a better under- spent—not with a central Federal Gov- Street Journal, banks, which are the back- standing and appreciation of some of ernment dictate, but with the partici- bone of our financial system do not have this the real problems. pation of the States and the local com- type of ready access to these new coins. I want to work with my colleagues to munities. That is the way it has to be. Some bankers were quoted as saying they try and address this but let’s make f are referring people who want the new coins sure we understand the realities associ- to Wal-Mart. Moreover, a private citizen who ated with that. I have a problem with DISTRIBUTING NEW MONEY orders these new coins from the U.S. Mint our continued dependence on FAIRLY can expect a 6-8 week delivery time. Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, as I would like you to answer the following jawboning the Middle East countries. questions. Who made the decision to give Our friend Saddam Hussein is now pro- a former banker, I must draw attention these companies the ability to distribute the ducing nearly 2 million barrels a day. to what I consider an extraordinary coins before banks? Was a procedure similar The consequences of that, in view of movement by this administration, the to the awarding of federal contracts used in the fact we fought a war not so long Department of Treasury’s decision to choosing Wal-Mart and General Mills? ago, suggests that our energy policies distribute the U.S. $1 coin to America’s I look forward to your prompt response. are inconsistent, to say the least. largest retailer, Wal-Mart, in Arkan- Sincerely, We talked about the administration’s sas. FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, ‘‘cure’’ to encourage more production. Isn’t that extraordinary? The banks U.S. Senate. The President has proposed $50 million have always been the agency for dis- BANKERS ASSAIL MINT FOR DEAL WITH WAL- in new and expanded user fees over 5 tributing new money and the agency MART years on our domestic oil companies for bringing in mutilated money. But (By Julia Angwin) drilling in offshore waters. Is that for the first time the Department of Bank tellers at First State Bank in going to continue to drive production Treasury has gone to a retailer, Wal- Middlebury, Ind., have recently been going in the United States? It will continue Mart, headquartered in President Clin- to unusual lengths to fill their coin drawers. to drive it overseas and increase our re- ton’s home State, I might add, and I While on lunch break, they would sprint to liance on imported oil from foreign am told that as a promotion they have the local Wal-Mart store to buy the govern- shores—and we are 56 percent depend- cut a deal with General Mills, where ment’s newly minted $1 coin. ent now. The user fees are included in there are a few of them in boxes of ‘‘We thought if we could get 50 or 100 coins, the administration’s fiscal year 2001 Cheerios. then maybe we could give them to our cus- tomers,’’ says Sara Baker, the bank officer budget. According to reports, the fees The banks are the backbone of our fi- that organized the tellers. would raise $10 million in each of the nancial system. I cannot understand When a bank goes to Wal-Mart to get its next 5 years by increasing rental rates the logic or the fairness where if you money, something odd is going on. In this on oil leases, among other fees. are a banking customer, and your cus- case, it’s a new strategy the U.S. Mint adopt- In addition, we understand the budg- tomers want coins, you have to run ed when it issued the new golden-colored dol- et recommends reinstating the oil spill down to Wal-Mart. A private citizen lar, featuring the image of Native American liability trust fund to add 5 cents a who orders those new coins from the heroine Sacagawea, at the end of January. barrel excise on both domestic and im- U.S. Mint I am told can expect a 6 to 8 Prompted by the flop of the Susan B. An- ported oil. This equals $350 million per thony coin 20 years ago, the Mint crafted an week delivery time. agreement with Wal-Mart, the nation’s larg- year from all sources. I would like to ask the following est retailer, allowing it to essentially have Once again, instead of encouraging questions. Who made the decision to first dibs over most banks on the new coin. our domestic oil industry, this admin- give these companies, Wal-Mart par- The U.S. Mint says it shipped the coins to istration seeks to discourage it wher- ticularly, the ability to distribute 3,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores and the ever possible. The result is that we are coins before the banks? I would like to 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks on the 56 percent dependent on foreign oil; and know the name of the person who made same day, Jan. 27. But it mailed the coins to the Mideast, where that oil comes that judgment; and what part of Ar- Wal-Mart, while it sent the coins to the Fed from, where there is a huge abundance branches by truck. Many community banks kansas he was from? Was it a procedure are reporting a five-week wait for the coins of oil, is sitting back nodding their similar to awarding Federal contracts that they have ordered from the Federal Re- head and smiling as they continue to used in choosing Wal-Mart and General serve. control the discipline within their car- Mills? I have sent that letter to Law- The delay has caused a furor among some tel not to allow overproduction and a rence Summers, and I hope we can get bankers, who are embarrassed that they decline in price. a response very soon. have to send coin-seeking customers to Wal- The national energy security of this I yield the floor and encourage every- Mart, and among some business owners, who Nation is at risk as we become more body who has a box of Cheerios to be complain they can’t get the coins from banks. and more dependent on imported oil. sure and shake it because there might We have tremendous domestic reserves ‘‘Wal-Mart doesn’t need any more advan- be a new dollar in it. Don’t go to your tages over a little business like mine,’’ said in this country if we can only open bank because they will not have it. Bill Taylor, owner of Boiling Springs Hard- them. My State of Alaska has produced I ask unanimous consent that my let- ware & Rental in South Carolina, who tried 20 percent of the crude oil produced in ter, and an article that appeared in the unsuccessfully to get some dollar coins from the United States for the last 20 years. Wall Street Journal, be printed in the his local banks. If allowed on land in Alaska to use the RECORD. * * * off an angry letter to the U.S. Mint technology that we have, we can con- There being no objection, the mate- on behalf of its members, protesting the tinue not only to produce 20 percent agreement with Wal-Mart and asking the rial was ordered to be printed in the Mint to speed delivery to community banks but probably increase that to 30 per- RECORD, as follows: of the golden coins. Dubbed the Golden Dol- cent or maybe 40 percent. The alter- Hon. LAWRENCE SUMMERS, lar by the Mint, the new coin is actually native is to increase our dependence on Secretary, Department of the Treasury, Wash- made of an alloy of manganese, brass and imported oil. ington, DC. copper. Senator LANDRIEU and I have a bill, DEAR SECRETARY SUMMERS: I am surprised ‘‘The U.S. Mint has done an end run around Senate bill 25, that will try and address and very concerned about the method the the whole banking system,’’ says Ann a fair return to the coastal impact Department of the Treasury has chosen to McKenna, vice president for finance at Tioga areas offshore and onshore relative to a distribute the U.S. Mint’s new one dollar State Bank in Spencer, N.Y. ‘‘It’s very dis- reasonable revenue stream that ought coin. America’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, appointing.’’ headquartered in President Clinton’s home In fact, the Mint planned the Wal-Mart to come back to these areas as a con- state, has been given priority over our na- agreement as a way of encouraging U.S. sequence of oil and gas development on tion’s banks to distribute these coins. I find banks to order the new golden dollar coin in the outer continental shelf. This is leg- it hard to believe that any federal agency larger numbers than their orders for the islation that all coastal States would would deliberately give such a marketing ad- Susan B. Anthony. And it has worked. The

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.098 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S600 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 demand for the new coin has reached 200 mil- Washington’s appetite for more money should be repealed. Thomas Jefferson lion in the first month. It took the Susan B. from the American people. said we should have a revolution in Anthony four years to reach that level. Regarding especially the President’s this country every 20 years. He be- U.S. Mint Director Philip Diehl says he doesn’t mind the controversy as long as the proposal to impose $1 billion in new lieved that laws should constantly be coin is a success. ‘‘I’d rather have a noisy taxes on our mining industry, I guess revised and revisited to make sure they success than a quiet failure,’’ he says. he is trying to drive it offshore. The were responsive to the needs of society Mr. Diehl says the U.S. Mint got a luke- President has submitted this proposal at any given time. Yet, Mr. Smith sees warm response from most banks when it first every year for at least the past 4 years the need for loophole closing in the fed- approached them about potential demand for and I say this proposal is going to meet eral election laws as evidence that the the coin last summer. In response, he says, the same fate it has met every time it whole system should be scrapped. the Mint decided to talk to some retailers has been sent to the hill. It will be In a policy paper published by the about putting the coin into circulation. Only two retailers showed interest: Wal-Mart killed, and I can promise you that. I Cato Institute, for whom Mr. Smith Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., and 7-Elev- can assure you, the same tired, worn- has written extensively in recent en Inc., of Dallas. At the same time, the out proposals to add $13 billion of new years, he says the following: Mint also crafted an agreement with General taxes to the insurance industry will FECA [the Federal Election Campaign Act] Mills Inc. to distribute the coin in selected never again see the light of day. I no- and its various state counterparts are pro- Cheerios boxes—11 million in all—beginning tice there are other proposals the foundly undemocratic and profoundly at last month. President has proposed, but I am sure odds with the First Amendment. Because of the logistical difficulties of dis- most of my colleagues share my senti- I wonder how Mr. Smith will rec- tributing coins to its stores, 7-Eleven oncile those views with his new posi- dropped out of the agreement, says Dana ment that we do not need to raise taxes Manley, marketing communications man- by $95 billion at this time, when most tion as one of six individuals respon- ager for the convenience-store chain. How- of what is contained in the tax code sible for enforcing and implementing ever, Wal-Mart was willing to buy 100 million should be summarily rejected. the statute and any future reforms coins and promote them nationally in its I conclude by saying what we need is that the Congress might pass. He has stores. tax reform. As a consequence, the shown such extreme disdain in his Wal-Mart spokeswoman Laura Pope says President’s proposal to add 192 separate writings and public statements for the the company was excited to work with the very law he would be charged to en- Mint. ‘‘Our goal is to offer customers some- sections to the Tax Code hardly is re- thing unique that they can only find at Wal- form. force that I simply do not think he Mart and Sam’s Club stores,’’ she says. Wal- f should be entrusted with this impor- Mart promoted the new coin in a mailing dis- tant responsibility. tributed to 90 million customers at the end ORDER OF PROCEDURE It is especially ironic and disheart- of January. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ening that this nomination has been The Mint’s Wal-Mart strategy seems to ator from Wisconsin. made at a time when the prospects for have worked, helped by the coin’s golden Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ask reform and the legal landscape for color, to make the new dollar more popular those reforms have never looked bet- than its Anthony predecessor. Most banks in unanimous consent my friend, the dis- search of the coin have started referring tinguished Senator from South Caro- ter. We are all aware that certain Pres- their customers to Wal-Mart. Even Ms. lina, be recognized after I complete my idential candidates have highlighted Baker eventually gave up on her quest to remarks. campaign finance issues with great buy coins from the local Wal-Mart for her The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without success. The public is more aware than bank branch. objection, it is so ordered. ever of the critical need for reform. After two days of buying a few coins at a f Campaign finance reform is and will be time (each Wal-Mart has its own policy of a major issue in the 2000 Presidential how many coins it will give out at one time), NOMINATION OF BRADLEY SMITH race. her tellers rebelled. ‘‘Some employees went TO THE FEC out and said, ‘I could only get three coins In addition, just a few weeks ago, the and I’m keeping them,’ ’’ she says. ‘‘Frankly, Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, the Supreme Court issued a ringing reaffir- now we’re telling customers to go to Wal- President sent a nomination to the mation of the core holding of the Buck- Mart.’’ Senate that anyone who cares about ley decision that forms the basis for f the campaign finance laws in this the reform effort. The Court once again country will find very troubling. I held that Congress has the constitu- CHANGING OUR TAX CODE speak of the nomination of Bradley tional power to limit contributions to Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, we Smith to a 6-year term on the Federal political campaigns in order to protect talk a lot here about tax cuts. We talk Election Commission. Mr. Smith’s the integrity of the political process about tax increases. But we do not views on the federal election laws, as from corruption or the appearance of often talk about changing our Tax expressed in law review articles, inter- corruption. In upholding contribution Code. The President’s proposal makes views, op-eds, speeches over the past limits imposed by the Missouri legisla- 192 separate changes to the Tax Code. half decade are disturbing, to say the ture, Justice Souter wrote for the The IRS book is about 5 pounds. The least. He should not be on the regu- Court: code itself is already 3,400 pages of latory body charged with enforcing and [T]here is little reason to doubt that some- text. That is 1,600 pages longer than interpreting those very laws. times large contributions will work actual the King James version of the Bible, Today I am placing a very public corruption of our political system, and no and at least the Bible is large type, but hold on this nomination. I will object reason to question the existence of a cor- you need a magnifying glass to read to its consideration on the floor and I responding suspicion among voters. the IRS code. There are more than 2000 ask all of my colleagues who support In my view, the Supreme Court’s rul- separate sections of the Code, tens of campaign finance reform to oppose this ing in the Shrink Missouri case re- thousands of subsections, tens of thou- nomination. moves all doubt as to whether the sands of pages of regulations and inter- In a 1997 opinion piece in the Wall Court would uphold the constitu- pretive rulings. Now the President Street Journal, Mr. Smith wrote the tionality of a ban on soft money, which wants to add another 192 sections to following: is the centerpiece of the reform bill the code which will surely make up When a law is in need of continual revision that has passed the House and is now several hundred additional pages of to close a series of ever-changing ‘‘loop- awaiting Senate action. One hundred mindless complexity. holes,’’ it is probably the law, and not the twenty-seven legal scholars have writ- As I indicated, the President is pro- people, that is in error. The most sensible re- ten to us that a soft money ban is con- posing more than $95 billion of new form is a simple one: repeal of the Federal stitutional, and their analysis is taxes on a wide variety of industries. Election Campaign Act. strongly supported by this very recent There are new taxes that are being pro- That’s right, the man who the Presi- decision of the Supreme Court. posed at a time when the Government dent has just nominated to serve on Mr. Smith has a wholly different is already taking in more than it the Federal Election Commission be- view of the core holding of Buckley, on spends. I wonder if there is any end to lieves the Federal campaign laws which the arguments supporting the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.091 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S601 constitutionality of banning soft it in a way that is consistent with con- We need FEC Commissioners who un- money relies. He wrote the following in gressional intent. I simply have no con- derstand and accept the simple and a 1997 law review article: fidence—I do not know how I can get basic precepts about the influence of Whatever the particulars of reform pro- confidence—that Mr. Smith will be money on our political system that the posals, it is increasingly clear that reformers able do that—how can he? It would be Court reemphasized in the Shrink Mis- have overstated the government interest in completely at odds with his own loudly souri case. We need FEC Commis- the anticorruption rationale. Money’s al- professed principles. sioners who believe in the laws they leged corrupting influence are far from prov- This is not a matter of personality. I en. .... [T]hat portion of Buckley that re- are sworn to uphold. We do not need lies on the anticorruption rationale is itself have never met Mr. Smith. I am sure FEC Commissioners who have an ideo- the weakest portion of the Buckley opinion— he is a good person. I do not question logical agenda contrary to the core ra- both in its doctrinal foundations and in its his right to criticize the laws from his tionale of the laws they must admin- empirical ramifications. outside perch as a law professor and ister. In another article, Mr. Smith writes: commentator. But his views on the The public is entitled to FEC Com- ‘‘I do think that Buckley is probably very laws he will be called upon to en- missioners who they can be confident wrong in allowing contribution lim- force give rise to grave doubt as to will not work to gut the efforts of Con- its.’’ whether he can faithfully execute the gress to provide fair and democratic Mr. Smith’s view, as quoted by the duties of a Commissioner on the FEC. rules to govern our political systems. I Columbus Dispatch, is that ‘‘people It is simply not possible for him to dis- will oppose this nomination and I urge should be allowed to spend whatever tance himself from views he has repeat- my colleagues to do the same. they want on politics.’’ In an interview edly and stridently expressed now that I yield the floor. on MSNBC, he said, ‘‘I think we should he is nominated. We would not accept The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. deregulate and just let it go. That’s such disclaimers from individuals nom- SMITH of Oregon). The Senator from how our politics was run for over 100 inated to head other agencies of Gov- South Carolina. years.’’ ernment. He is right about that. Mr. Smith The campaign finance laws are not f would have us go back to the late 19th undemocratic. They are not unconsti- century, before Theodore Roosevelt tutional. They are essential to the FRAUD pushed through the 1907 Tillman Act, functioning of our democratic process Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, if which prohibited corporate contribu- and to the faith of the people in their people back home only knew. This tions to federal elections. Mr. Smith government. As the Supreme Court whole town is engaged in the biggest has expressed the view that a soft said in the Shrink Missouri case: fraud. Tom Brokaw has written that money ban would be unconstitutional. Leave the perception of impropriety unan- the greatest generation suffered the He wrote the following in a paper for swered, and the cynical assumption that Depression, won the war, and then the Notre Dame Law School Journal of large donors call the tune could jeopardize came back to lead. They not only won Legislation: the willingness of voters to take part in the war but were conscientious about [R]egardless of what one thinks about soft democratic governance. Democracy works money, or what one thinks about the appli- only if the people have faith in those who paying for that war and Korea and cable Supreme Court precedents, a blanket govern, and that faith is bound to be shat- Vietnam. Lyndon Johnson balanced ban on soft money would be, under clear, tered when high officials and their ap- the budget in 1969. well-established First Amendment doctrine, pointees engage in activities which arouse I ask unanimous consent to print in constitutionally infirm. suspicions of ‘‘malfeasance and corruption.’’ the RECORD the record of all the Presi- A majority of this Senate has voted In the wake of that clear declaration dents, since President Truman down repeatedly in favor of a soft money by the Court, how can Bradley Smith through President Clinton, of the def- ban. I cannot imagine that that same continue to rationalize the gutting of icit and debt, the national debt, and in- majority will vote to confirm a nomi- the Federal Election Campaign Act? terest costs. nee who believes such a ban is uncon- And how can we allow him the chance There being no objection, the mate- stitutional. We need an FEC that will to carry it out as a member of the rial was ordered to be printed in the vote to enforce the law and to interpret FEC? RECORD, as follows: HOLLING’S BUDGET REALITIES

Annual in- U.S. budget Borrowed Unified def- Actual def- National creases in President and year (outlays) (In trust funds icit with icit without debt spending for billions) (billions) trust funds trust funds (billions) interest (billions) (billions) (billions)

Truman: 1946 ...... 55.2 ¥5.0 ¥15.9 ¥10.9 271.0 ...... 1947 ...... 34.5 ¥9.9 4.0 +13.9 257.1 ...... 1948 ...... 29.8 6.7 11.8 +5.1 252.0 ...... 1949 ...... 38.8 1.2 0.6 ¥0.6 252.6 ...... 1950 ...... 42.6 1.2 ¥3.1 ¥4.3 256.9 ...... 1951 ...... 45.5 4.5 6.1 +1.6 255.3 ...... 1952 ...... 67.7 2.3 ¥1.5 ¥3.8 259.1 ...... 1953 ...... 76.1 0.4 ¥6.5 ¥6.9 266.0 ...... 1954 ...... 70.9 3.6 ¥1.2 ¥4.8 270.8 ...... Eisenhower: 1955 ...... 68.4 0.6 ¥3.0 ¥3.6 274.4 ...... 1956 ...... 70.6 2.2 3.9 +1.7 272.7 ...... 1957 ...... 76.6 3.0 3.4 +0.4 272.3 ...... 1958 ...... 82.4 4.6 ¥2.8 ¥7.4 279.7 ...... 1959 ...... 92.1 ¥5.0 ¥12.8 ¥7.8 287.5 ...... 1960 ...... 92.2 3.3 0.3 ¥3.0 290.5 ...... 1961 ...... 97.7 ¥1.2 ¥3.3 ¥2.1 292.6 ...... 1962 ...... 106.8 3.2 ¥7.1 ¥10.3 302.9 9.1 Kennedy: 1963 ...... 111.3 2.6 ¥4.8 ¥7.4 310.3 9.9 1964 ...... 118.5 ¥0.1 ¥5.9 ¥5.8 316.1 10.7 Johnson: 1965 ...... 118.2 4.8 ¥1.4 ¥6.2 322.3 11.3 1966 ...... 134.5 2.5 ¥3.7 ¥6.2 328.5 12.0 1967 ...... 157.5 3.3 ¥8.6 ¥11.9 340.4 13.4 1968 ...... 178.1 3.1 ¥25.2 ¥28.3 368.7 14.6 1969 ...... 183.6 0.3 3.2 +2.9 365.8 16.6 1970 ...... 195.6 12.3 ¥2.8 ¥15.1 380.9 19.3 Nixon: 1971 ...... 210.2 4.3 ¥23.0 ¥27.3 408.2 21.0 1972 ...... 230.7 4.3 ¥23.4 ¥27.7 435.9 21.8 1973 ...... 245.7 15.5 ¥14.9 ¥30.4 466.3 24.2 1974 ...... 269.4 11.5 ¥6.1 ¥17.6 483.9 29.3 1975 ...... 332.3 4.8 ¥53.2 ¥58.0 541.9 32.7 Ford: 1976 ...... 371.8 13.4 ¥73.7 ¥87.1 629.0 37.1

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.103 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 HOLLING’S BUDGET REALITIES—Continued

Annual in- U.S. budget Borrowed Unified def- Actual def- National creases in President and year (outlays) (In trust funds icit with icit without debt spending for billions) (billions) trust funds trust funds (billions) interest (billions) (billions) (billions)

1977 ...... 409.2 23.7 ¥53.7 ¥77.4 706.4 41.9 Carter: 1978 ...... 458.7 11.0 ¥59.2 ¥70.2 776.6 48.7 1979 ...... 503.5 12.2 ¥40.7 ¥52.9 829.5 59.9 1980 ...... 590.9 5.8 ¥73.8 ¥79.6 909.1 74.8 1981 ...... 678.2 6.7 ¥79.0 ¥85.7 994.8 95.5 Reagan: 1982 ...... 745.8 14.5 ¥128.0 ¥142.5 1,137.3 117.2 1983 ...... 808.4 26.6 ¥207.8 ¥234.4 1,371.7 128.7 1984 ...... 851.8 7.6 ¥185.4 ¥193.0 1,564.7 153.9 1985 ...... 946.4 40.5 ¥212.3 ¥252.8 1,817.5 178.9 1986 ...... 990.3 81.9 ¥221.2 ¥303.1 2,120.6 190.3 1987 ...... 1,003.9 75.7 ¥149.8 ¥225.5 2,346.1 195.3 1988 ...... 1,064.1 100.0 ¥155.2 ¥255.2 2,601.3 214.1 1989 ...... 1,143.2 114.2 ¥152.5 ¥266.7 2,868.3 240.9 Bush: 1990 ...... 1,252.7 117.4 ¥221.2 ¥338.6 3,206.6 264.7 1991 ...... 1,323.8 122.5 ¥269.4 ¥391.9 3,598.5 285.5 1992 ...... 1,380.9 113.2 ¥290.4 ¥403.6 4,002.1 292.3 1993 ...... 1,408.2 94.3 ¥255.0 ¥349.3 4,351.4 292.5 Clinton: 1994 ...... 1,460.6 89.2 ¥203.1 ¥292.3 4,643.7 296.3 1995 ...... 1,514.6 113.4 ¥163.9 ¥277.3 4,921.0 332.4 1996 ...... 1,453.1 153.5 ¥107.4 ¥260.9 5,181.9 344.0 1997 ...... 1,601.2 165.9 ¥21.9 ¥187.8 5,369.7 355.8 1998 ...... 1,651.4 179.0 70.0 ¥109.0 5,478.7 363.8 1999 ...... 1,704.5 250.5 122.7 ¥127.8 5,606.5 353.5 2000 ...... 1,769.0 234.5 176.0 ¥58.5 5,665.0 362.0 2001 ...... 1,839.0 262.0 177.0 ¥85.0 5,750.0 371.0 * Histocial Tables, Budget of the US Government FY 1998; Beginning in 1962 CBO’S 2001 Economic and Budget Outlook.

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, Lyn- from itself. The Federal Government, MasterCard with your Visa card and don Johnson balanced the budget in like an insurance company, has various saying you do not owe anything. Dr. 1969. At that time, the national debt funds held in reserve to pay benefits of Dan Crippen, the Director of the Con- was $365 billion with an interest cost of the program—Social Security, Medi- gressional Budget Office, describes this only $16 billion. Now, under a new gen- care, military retirement, civilian re- as ‘‘taking from one pocket and put- eration without the cost of a war, the tirement, unemployment compensa- ting it in the other.’’ debt has soared to $5.6 trillion with an- tion, highway funds, airport funds, For years we have been using the nual interest costs of $365 billion. That railroad retirement funds. trust funds to report a unified budget is right. We spend $1 billion a day for Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- and a unified deficit. This has led peo- nothing. It does not buy any defense, sent to print in the RECORD a list of ple to believe the Government was re- any education, any health care, or trust funds looted to balance this budg- porting net figures. It sounded authen- highways. Astoundingly, since Presi- et. tic. But as the unified deficit appeared dent Johnson balanced the budget, we There being no objection, the mate- less and less, the national debt contin- have increased spending $349 billion for rial was ordered to be printed in the ued to increase. While the unified def- nothing. RECORD, as follows: icit in 1997 was $21.9 billion, the actual Early each morning, the Federal deficit was $187.8 billion. In 1998 the Government goes down to the bank and unified budget reported a surplus of $70 borrows $1 billion and adds it to the na- 1998 1999 2000 billion, but actually there was a deficit tional debt. We have not had a surplus of $109 billion. In 1999 the ‘‘unified sur- Social Security ...... 730 855 1,009 for 30 years. Senator TRENT LOTT, com- Medicare: plus’’ was $124 billion, but the actual menting on President Clinton’s State HI ...... 118 154 176 deficit was $127.8 billion. SMI ...... 40 27 34 of the Union Address, said the talk cost Military Retirement ...... 134 141 149 Now comes the Presidential cam- $1 billion a minute. For an hour-and-a- Civilian Retirement ...... 461 492 522 paign. Social Security is a hot topic. Unemployment ...... 71 77 85 half talk, that would be $90 billion a Highway ...... 18 28 31 Both parties are shouting: Save Social year. Governor George W. Bush’s tax Airport ...... 9 12 13 Security. Social Security lockbox. The Railroad Retirement ...... 22 24 25 cut costs $90 billion a year. Together, Other ...... 53 59 62 economy is humming, booming. With high employment, the Social Security that is $180 billion. Just think, we can Total ...... 1,656 1,869 2,106 pay for both the Democratic and Re- revenues have increased. It appears publican programs with the money we Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, these that, separate from Social Security, are spending on interest and still have funds are held in trust for the specific there will be enough trust fund money $185 billion to pay down the national purpose for which the taxes are col- to compute a surplus. We have reached debt. Instead, the debt increases, inter- lected. the millennium—Utopia—enough est costs increase, while all in town, all Under corporate law, it is a felony to money to report a surplus without in the Congress, shout: Surplus, sur- pay off the company debt with the pen- spending Social Security. plus, surplus. sion fund. But in Washington we pay Washington jargon now changes. In- Understand the game. Ever since down the public debt with trust funds, stead of a ‘‘unified budget,’’ the Gov- President Johnson’s balanced budget, call it a surplus, and they give us the ernment now reports an ‘‘on-budget’’ the Government has spent more each ‘‘Good Government’’ award. and an ‘‘off-budget.’’ This is so we can year than it has taken in—a deficit. To make it sound correct, we divide all call it an on-budget surplus, mean- The average deficit for the past 30 the debt in two: The public debt and ing without Social Security. But to years was $175 billion a year. This is the private debt. Of course, our Gov- call it an on-budget surplus, the Gov- with both Democratic and Republican ernment is public, and the law treats ernment spends $96 billion from the Presidents and Democratic and Repub- the debt as public without separation. other trust funds. lican Congresses. Somebody wants to The separation allows Washington poli- We ended last year with a deficit of know why the economy is good? If you ticians to say: We have paid down the $128 billion—not a surplus. The Presi- infuse $175 billion a year for some 30 public debt and have a surplus. There is dent’s budget just submitted shows an years and do not pay for it, it ought to no mention, of course, that the Govern- actual deficit each year for the next 5 be good. ment debt is increased by the same years. Instead of paying down the debt, The trick to calling a deficit a sur- amount that the public debt is de- the President shows, on page 420 of his plus is to have the Government borrow creased. It is like paying off your budget, the debt increasing from the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.110 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S603 year 2000 to the year 2013—$5.686 tril- that reports the increase in the debt by nine other States, at least 20 percent of lion to $6.815 trillion, an increase of the minute. At present, it shows that the households depend on satellite $1.129 trillion. we are increasing the debt every broadcasts for TV reception. They They are all talking about paying off minute by $894,000. Think of that— can’t get it with an antenna. They the debt by 2013, and the actual docu- $894,000 a minute. Of course, increase can’t get it from cable. They have to ment they submit shows the debt in- the debt, and interest costs rise. Al- get it off the satellite. And in places creasing each year, and over that pe- ready, interest costs exceed the defense such as Montana, with mountains, riod an increase of over $1 trillion. budget. Interest costs, like taxes, must buttes, ravines, and gullies, all the dif- Each year, Congress spends more be paid. Worse, while regular taxes sup- ferent geographic conditions that occur than the President’s budgets. There is port defense, and other programs, in- in our State, there are many people no chance of a surplus with both sides terest taxes support waste. Running a who live on the outskirts of major proposing to reduce revenues with a deficit of over $100 billion today, any towns who can’t get local television tax cut. But we have a sweetheart deal: tax cut amounts to an interest tax in- signals with antenna, no matter how The Republicans will call a deficit a crease—an increase in waste. hard they try. They can’t get any tele- surplus, so they can buy the vote with If the American people realized what vision. There are many communities tax cuts; the Democrats will call the was going on, they would run us all out and homes that are much too remote deficit a surplus, so they can buy the of town. to receive news or TV coverage by vote with increased spending. The Mr. President, I thank the distin- cable. They are just too remote. worst abuse of campaign finance is guished Chair and suggest the absence Why is it so many people can’t get using the Federal budget to buy votes. of a quorum. TV coverage that is important for ties Alan Greenspan could stop this. He The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to local communities? The major sat- could call a deficit a deficit. Instead, clerk will call the roll. ellite companies have told us that the appearing before Congress in his con- The assistant legislative clerk pro- free market simply doesn’t pay. It firmation hearing, Greenspan, talking ceeded to call the roll. doesn’t pay for the satellite companies of the Federal budget, stated: ‘‘I would Mr. BAUCUS. I ask unanimous con- to provide the signal to smaller com- fear very much that these huge sent that the order for the quorum call munities. It does pay for the larger surpluses . . .’’ and on and on. We are be rescinded. communities but not for the small. The in real trouble when Greenspan calls The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without satellite companies have told us they huge deficits ‘‘huge surpluses.’’ Green- objection, it is so ordered. can only afford to market in the high- span thinks his sole role is to protect Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask density urban areas. I understand that. the financial markets. He does not unanimous consent to speak as in All companies want to make as much want the U.S. Government coming into morning business. money as they can. That is the Amer- the market borrowing billions to pay The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ican way. That is wonderful. But the its deficit, crowding out private cap- objection, it is so ordered. difficulty is, as a consequence, there ital, and running up interest costs. f are many areas of our country that But Congress’ job is to not only pro- can’t get TV coverage—that is, cov- UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO tect the financial markets but the erage at all—or cannot get local tele- TECHNOLOGY overall economy. Our job, as the board vision, local news. of directors for the Federal Govern- Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I wish We can’t rely solely on the profit mo- ment, is to make sure the Government to spend a few minutes addressing a tive. That drives America; it is wonder- pays its bills. In short, our responsi- matter that is very important to the ful. That is why American prosperity is bility is to eliminate waste. people of my home State of Montana doing so well and for so long. But we The biggest waste of all is to con- but also to about 50 million other also have to be sure that it is not the tinue to run up the debt with dev- Americans. Universal access to tech- only condition because otherwise we astating interest costs for nothing. In nology and services all across our would still be cooking supper by can- good times, the least we can do is put country is a very important principle dlelight in rural America. We would this Government on a pay-as-you-go in American history. From the Postal have to go down to the local telegraph basis. Greenspan’s limp admonition to Service to electricity to phone service, office to communicate with friends. ‘‘pay down the debt’’ is just to cover we have all made sure, as a national That is because without rural electric his backside. He knows better. He policy, that all Americans have access service or rural co-op service, that should issue a clarion call to stop in- to the basic services they need. would be the case. creasing the debt. While he is raising Now we need to make sure all Ameri- This map is very interesting, the one interest rates to cool the economy, he cans also receive universal access to behind me to my immediate right. should categorically oppose tax cuts to another major service; that is, TV serv- Under the most optimistic local-to- stimulate it. ice, weather reports, emergency broad- local plans—that is, where a satellite Our only hope is the free press. In the casts, local news. All Americans should signal is sent down to communities so earliest days, Thomas Jefferson ob- be able to get local news on their tele- the communities can, from their sat- served, given a choice between a free vision set, to get information about ellite, get local television—only about government and a free press, he would their local communities. That is not 67 out of a total of 210 TV markets in choose the latter. Jefferson believed available today for about 50 million the United States will get access to strongly that with the press reporting Americans. In my State alone, 120,000 local channels via the satellite. The the truth to the American people, the people, about 35 percent of the homes more realistic answer is probably about Government would stay free. in Montana, receive video program- 40 markets will be served by satellite; Our problem is that the press and ming via satellite because there is sim- that is, either by DirecTV or Echostar. media have joined the conspiracy to ply no way else to get it. That is the Millions of households will get it in defraud. They complain lamely that highest per capita rate in the Nation. communities such as New York City the Federal budget process is too com- We have more satellite dishes per and Los Angeles. plicated, so they report ‘‘surplus.’’ capita than any other State in the Na- The red dots on the map are cities Complicated it is. But as to being a def- tion. We jokingly call the satellite dish served, as of the end of last year, by icit or a surplus is clear cut; it is not our new State flower. It used to be the satellite; that is, local service, local complicated at all. All you need to do bitterroot; now it is the satellite dish. TV coverage, local news coverage is go to the Department of the Treas- The problem is, we in Montana have served by satellite. As we can see, ury’s report on public debt. They re- to watch the news from New York City there are a lot of places in America port the growth in the national debt or Denver or Seattle. We can’t get local without red dots. If you are in a city every day, every minute, on the Inter- news from our local stations from our with a red dot, you can get local news net at ‘‘www.publicdebt.treas.gov.’’ satellites. The technology isn’t there. by satellite. But if you live someplace In fact, there is a big illuminated The satellite companies don’t provide else and not one of these red dots oc- billboard on Sixth Avenue in New York the service. Montana is not alone. In curs, then you cannot get local news by

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.107 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 satellite. The orange-yellow dots are only implement it in the areas that can outside investment. The Rural Utility announced probable sites in the future. already receive local channels? That is Service is the logical team to make As I said, the most optimistic estimate what we did last session, but we didn’t sure this program is properly adminis- is 67 markets served out of the 210; the provide full coverage. tered. most probable is about 40 markets This is a problem not only for view- Perhaps the RUS could consult with served out of 210. ers; it is a problem for local TV broad- other agencies—the National Tele- Let me tell my colleagues where my casters. Local broadcasters are vital to communications and Information Asso- State ranks in terms of the probability local economies. They provide jobs and ciation, perhaps—and that makes of getting served with local coverage an avenue for local businesses to grow. sense. But I think the core of the ad- by satellite. I can assure you, we are How? Through advertising. It is very ministration should be in the RUS. not in the top 67. Our largest city in important that we can keep our local Some colleagues have suggested maybe Montana is Billings. Billings ranks broadcasters thriving. I think there are new legislation for a new oversight about 169 in the Nation out of 210. four main issues we have to address to board, a new bureaucracy, similar to Butte, MT, is about 192. Glendive is up solve this problem. what was provided for in the Emer- in the northeastern part of the market. First, we have to assure that every gency Steel Loan Guarantee Act of That TV market is number 210; that is, household in America has access to 1999. out of 210 TV markets in the country, their local television station. That is a I have some concerns about that. My we are 210. So we have a ways to go if given. Every household in America real question is, how can an agency we are going to get satellite local news must have access to their local tele- successfully administer the loans when coverage. vision station. the guarantee decision is made inde- This isn’t a problem only in Mon- This can be achieved, I submit, pendent of that agency? A critical step tana. It is a problem in 16 States. Six- through a loan guarantee program that in implementing the loan is a clear un- teen States have no single city among encourages investment in infrastruc- derstanding of the funded project. That the top 70 markets, not one. They in- ture, whether it be satellite, cable, or is best achieved during the review of clude half of the Nation’s State cap- some other new emergency technology. the applications, including the finan- itals. A dozen cities with nearly 500,000 Loan guarantees are going to be nec- cial and technical feasibility analysis. people each won’t get service. From essary for those less densely populated That brings the third issue. We must the Great Plains to Alaska and Maine parts of our country that need assist- construct this program in a fiscally re- to Mississippi, much of America is ance, such as REA, the rural electric sponsible manner, minimizing the cost being left behind. co-ops of not too many years ago, and and risk to the taxpayer. I think this Why is this so important? Why is such as telephone co-ops. It is a guar- goal can be achieved by utilizing an ex- local-to-local broadcasting so impor- anteed service to all Americans. isting agency—one with a good track tant? Essentially because this is the Look at this chart. This shows where record. heart of the community. One of the fi- the Rural Utilities Service—the organi- RUS has done a good job. In 50 years, bers that holds a community together zation in the USDA that administers RUS has experienced not one loan loss is the ability to communicate within the utility service programs in our in its telecommunications program. that community. The community is country, whether it be electric power, That is, to me, a very good record. able to tune into a TV to hear about telecommunications, or whatnot—cur- Finally, I think we need to make the local high school football team: rently provides service. All 50 States sure the guarantee program is utilized how did they do? Did they win or lose? currently have service under the Rural to provide local-to-local service to all And local news, all the things that go Utilities Service. The yellow dots are of America. I have heard from col- on in a local community: what is hap- water and wastewater guarantee pro- leagues that Congress should require pening in the neighborhood? Maybe grams, loan guarantee programs. The some level of private capital invest- there is a sale going on at a local store. other is electrical distribution. That is ment in conjunction with the loan There is a TV advertisement. You the red. The dark blue is electrical gen- guarantee. Some have even suggested know what is going on in the commu- eration and transmission. Look at the that the loan guarantee should be per- nity. There is a charity fundraiser. green; it is telecommunications. That haps as low as 50 percent. That gives Then look at some of the more dra- is what we are talking about—admin- me some pause because I don’t want to matic reasons for local news accessi- istering a loan guarantee tele- have something set up with too many bility: winter storm warnings, hurri- communications program. The Rural hurdles and redtape, which has the ef- canes, school closures, emergencies of Utility Service isn’t doing that. Those fect of increasing interest rates nec- one kind or another, floods, tornadoes. are the green dots. If you stand close, essarily and therefore diminishing the There are a lot of reasons why we in you can see the green dots—mostly in likelihood that all of America will be all our communities want to know the East, where you would expect, and served. what is happening locally. As I said at also you will find a few in other parts In summary, these are my four main the outset, there are about 15 million of the country. We have to make sure criteria: One, every household must be Americans who are not able to tune the program is properly administered, served; two, the program must be ad- into their local TV stations, and we once we guarantee access. Certainly, ministered by an agency with the nec- should find some way to solve that. the Rural Utility Service is currently essary expertise, somebody with a Last month, I heard from a good, providing service in all 50 States and track record that knows what is going solid Montanan, Gary Ardesson of are more than qualified to provide that on; three, the program must be cost ef- Frenchtown, MT, which is about 20 service. fective and low risk to taxpayers; four, miles outside of Missoula. Gary can’t The RUS currently manages a $42 bil- the program should not be structured get any local channels—none whatso- lion loan portfolio for rural America— in a manner that is so cost prohibitive ever—either by antenna, or by cable, or $42 billion—including investments in to the private sector that it sits on the by satellite. He wants to pay for it, but approximately 7,600 small community shelf unused. it isn’t available. He just can’t get it. and rural water and wastewater sys- So I say, let’s move ahead and let’s So Gary asked why in the world should tems, and about 1,500 electric and tele- also keep this nonpartisan. There are he be in this situation. What would communications systems servicing some in the Senate who have suggested Gary do if he wanted to get the latest about 84 percent of America’s counties. that maybe this issue is driven by par- storm warning? All he can do is stick They have been very successful. tisan politics. Mr. President, I totally his head out the window and put his This map shows the vast area that is reject that notion; indeed, I find it of- finger up in the wind to find out what covered. RUS’s success in developing fensive. the weather is going to be. There is no infrastructure in rural America has led This issue doesn’t belong to one Sen- other way except by radio. to the infusion of private capital in ator or to one party. This issue belongs He commented on the legislation we rural infrastructure. For every $1 of to the American people—people who passed in the last session. He said: capital that RUS provides to rural need service, people who are demand- What is the point of legislation if they America, that leverages to $2 or $3 of ing that we act to provide them with

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.110 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S605 comprehensive satellite coverage. That Again, as is the case with the Micro- been in effect for 35 years. The dif- is all this is. I call on the Senate to do soft action by the U.S. Department of ference in achievement between the that. That is what the people want. Justice, this European investigation kids it is designed to help and the less The loan guarantee program that I seems to have been sparked by an underprivileged children is as great as am talking about was regrettably American competitor, even more per- it was when the program began. Yet stripped from the Satellite Home View- haps than the European authorities what we have from the Senator from er Act in the eleventh hour of the last themselves. But nothing but ill can New York and the Senator from Massa- session. I say, let’s put it back in in a come from investigations or actions of chusetts is to have more of exactly nonpartisan way. I say that because all this sort. what has failed and that perhaps what Americans who do not get local service This industry and our economy has is really lacking is sufficient direction would be very grateful. Let’s do this grown because it is highly innovative, from Washington, DC. not only for Gary Ardesson in highly competitive, and very rapidly I do not claim to be an expert on Frenchtown, MT. Let’s do it for all of changing. Neither our antitrust laws what is needed for a higher and better the Americans in rural America who nor European antitrust laws fit that education in the city of New York or in deserve the same service that people in very well—the Europeans probably less any other New York school district. the big cities are getting. than our own, as they represent views However, I don’t think the Senator Mr. President, I suggest the absence in an economy that has been for gen- from New York knows more about of a quorum. erations far more stagnant than our what the schools in my State need—I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The own. won’t even say that I do—than the su- clerk will call the roll. In any event, Mr. President, I regret perintendents, principals, teachers, and The assistant legislative clerk pro- to have to bring this matter to your at- parents of students in my own State. ceeded to call the roll. tention and to the attention of my col- What we seek—and this will be the Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask leagues. But I have feared exactly this great debate that will take place in unanimous consent that the order for for more than a year. I fear that it will this body in less than a month—will be: the quorum call be rescinded. breed other copycat actions in other Do we trust the people who have dedi- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. BEN- parts of the world that would also like cated their lives and careers to edu- NETT). Without objection, it is so or- to grab for free the innovations and cating our children, to make the funda- dered. progress that have meant so much to mental decisions about what they need f the United States and that are so im- in 17,000 school districts across the country and hundreds of thousands of EUROPEAN UNION ANTITRUST portant in reducing what is now the individual schools or do we believe INVESTIGATION largest bilateral trade deficit in our history or in the world. This is bad they need total supervision and control Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, it was news. But it is bad news that is in Washington, DC, in the bureaucracy just last week that I came to the floor brought upon us largely by the ill-ad- in the U.S. Department of Education? of the Senate to share a legal brief out- vised and ill-founded actions against We have increasingly followed that lining the weakness of the Department Microsoft by our own U.S. Department lateral line now for 35 years. It is a of Justice’s case against Microsoft. But of Justice. dead-end street. That is what has failed I repeated at that time a thought I f to work in connection with our edu- have expressed several times on the cation system. floor of the Senate that perhaps the EDUCATION IN AMERICA For the first time, with the minor ex- most long-lasting effect of this ill-be- Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I was ception of the Ed-Flex bill we passed gotten lawsuit would be on the U.S. sitting in the seat the Presiding Officer last year, we seek to restore some of international competitiveness and our is occupying about an hour ago when that authority to our local school dis- place in the world that is changing so the junior Senator from New York re- tricts, to our teachers, and to our par- rapidly due to the development of both galed the Senate with his views on edu- ents. That is what Straight A’s is all software and hardware in the computer cation in the Elementary and Sec- about. industry and in the related high-tech ondary Education Act. I suppose I should be honored to have fields. Yesterday, the other shoe He did me a great honor to denounce my own program attacked specifically dropped. The European Union an- my proposal, Straight A’s, rather spe- and by name because I think that nounced an antitrust investigation cifically. But it did seem to me to be a means it is making very real progress. against Microsoft, something, as I say, strange and inverted world in which I know it is at home, whenever I go to that I have been predicting for more Straight A’s, a proposal designed to a school or to a school administration than a year. empower education authorities such as building and discuss its ideas. Our When the Department of Justice was parents, teachers, and superintend- teachers and our educators want more asked about it, it said this action took ents—the very people who know our authority to make up their minds as to them by surprise. I don’t know why we students by their first names—to say, what their children need. Those needs should be surprised that the European somehow or another, this was an at- are not the same in every school dis- Union is very much interested in re- tack on local authority but that the trict. Not every school district has as stricting access of U.S. goods and serv- issuance of thousands of pages of regu- its highest priority more teachers. Not ices in Europe, whether they are soft- lations, on hundreds of different indi- every school district has as its highest ware, airplanes, bananas, or a wide vidual categorical aid programs, at the priority more bricks and mortar. Not range of other goods and services, or Department of Education in Wash- every school district has as its highest why the Department of Justice should ington, DC, was somehow liberating. priority teacher education. Not every be surprised that the European Union The Senator from New York criti- school district has as its highest pri- investigates and reflects its own ac- cized our present education system as a ority more computers. But many tions in a matter of this sort. In fact, failure, a statement with which I do school districts have any one of those the report of this lawsuit points out not agree. I believe there are many im- as a highest priority, and many have that it is easier to bring an antitrust provements necessary, but my own ex- some other. Each of them ought to be case in Europe than it is in the United perience, in literally dozens of schools permitted, each of them ought to be States. over the last 2 or 3 years, has shown a encouraged, to make those decisions We have simply opened up to Euro- tremendous dedication to better teach- for the students. pean competitors the opportunity to ing methods, to the education of our A final point. The Senator from New cripple or destroy one of the most inno- children, to innovation, changes that I York attacked this proposal as lacking vative and progressive of all U.S. cor- want to encourage. accountability. We certainly have ac- porations, one that bears a very signifi- In fact, if we look for something to countability now. The way our schools cant share of the credit for the mag- criticize as a failure, we need look no account for the spending of money nificent performance of our economy further than the present Federal edu- under hundreds of present school pro- and for the changes in our lives. cation system itself. Title I has now grams is by filling out forms and by

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.113 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 being visited by auditors who make a mend him for his involvement in nu- this Session, Congress will support full precise determination as to whether $10 merous civic activities and for his mili- funding for this aggressive gun enforce- for one purpose has been used for some tary service. Mr. Harper is a veteran of ment initiative, and will act to close other purpose or not. It is a form of ac- the United States Marines, having loopholes in our federal firearm laws countability that has required our served 31 months in the Pacific Theater that give young people and felons easy school districts to spend more and during World War II. In 1951, while he access to guns. more money on administrators and on was a member of the Mississippi Na- f filling out forms and less and less tional Guard, he was ordered to active BLACK HISTORY MONTH money on educating the students military duty for 2 years and served 1 themselves. year in Korea during 1951–1952. In con- Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I am We substitute for that one ultimate junction with his military service, Mr. most pleased to join millions of Ameri- form of accountability, accountability Harper is a member and past Com- cans in commemorating African-Amer- measured by whether or not our stu- mander of the Indianola American Le- ican History Month and particularly dents are doing better, by whether or gion and VFW posts. Additionally, Mr. this year’s theme ‘‘Heritage and Hori- not our kids are getting a better edu- Harper has been active in his commu- zons: The African Legacy and the Chal- cation. No State may gain the benefit nity, as demonstrated by the fact that lenges of the 21st Century.’’ This theme from the provisions of Straight A’s un- he served as President of the Indianola as announced by the Association for less that State agrees to a form of test- Lions Club and as the District Gov- the Study of Afro-American Life and ing, of actual achievement of the stu- ernor of the Mississippi Lions. History (ASALH) is most appropriate dents, and promising if it is given this Jack Harper has always shown a and timely as we enter a new millen- flexibility, those student achievement commitment to education. He earned nium and hopefully a new and even standards will rise, scores will rise in degrees from Indianola High School, brighter era of African-American the period under which they are work- Mississippi Delta Community College, progress. ing with Straight A’s. and both Bachelor of Laws and Juris Since 1926, Americans have observed It is neither more complicated nor Doctor degrees from the University of a time during the month of February more simple than that. The goal of Mississippi School of Law, my alma to recognize the vast history and leg- educating our children is to see to it mater. Additionally, he has served as a acy that African-Americans have con- that they are prepared for the world in member of the Board of Trustees of tributed to the founding and building which they will live. We are now able Mississippi Delta Community College of this great nation. It was the vision more and more to measure how those since January, 1961, and has served as of the noted author and scholar, Dr. goals are met. Do our students read Board Chairman since 1968. He is a past Carter G. Woodson, that led to this better? Do they write better? Do they President of the Mississippi Junior Col- celebration. As we review the last 100 compute better? The accountability in lege Inter-Alumni Association, and he years, it is important to remember Straight A’s is measured by those is a member of the State Association of that there have been many challenges standards, not by how well their ad- Community and Junior College Trust- and changes in the 1900’s for African- ministrators and teachers fill out ees. He currently serves as the Co- Americans. forms and not how well they come out Chairman of the Education Committee During the early 1900’s, discrimina- in an after-the-fact audit. for the Indianola Chamber of Com- tion against African-Americans was I have every confidence that as a part merce. very wide spread. By 1907, every South- of the very important debate over edu- Although Jack Harper is retiring ern state required racial segregation on cation and the renewal of the Elemen- from official public office, I know that trains and in churches, schools, hotels, tary and Secondary Education Act, we he will continue to serve his commu- restaurants, theaters, and in other pub- will debate Straight A’s. I am con- nity and the State of Mississippi in the lic places. New leaders for the African- vinced as this body finishes its work it same devoted manner that he has for American race emerged such as W.E.B. will be a part of the most constructive his entire life. I am envious of the time DuBois and Booker T. Washington, and most successful renewal of our ac- that he will now have to spend with his whose intellectual thoughts on the tivity in the field of education that family, particularly his grandchildren. progress and direction of African- this Congress has accomplished in gen- Once again, I congratulate and thank Americans are still very much dis- erations. Mr. Harper for his service to Sunflower cussed in the community. f County and Mississippi. There was also the Northern migra- f tion of hundreds of thousands of South- MORNING BUSINESS ern African-Americans during World Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I now GUN ENFORCEMENT War I to seek jobs in defense plants and ask consent there be a period for the Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, earlier other factories. Many African-Ameri- transaction of routine morning busi- this week, President Clinton sent to cans served our country admirably dur- ness with Senators permitted to speak Congress his budget proposal for the ing this war and in World War II. Like for up to 10 minutes each. 2001 fiscal year. World War I, this war led to the expan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Among his initiatives is a proposal to sion of defense-related industries and objection, it is so ordered. improve the enforcement of federal opportunities in the North for employ- f firearm laws. Specifically, the Presi- ment. During the 1940’s, about a mil- dent requests more than $280 million to lion Southern African-Americans RETIREMENT OF JACK E. HARPER, provide law enforcement agencies with moved North. Discrimination played a JR., CHANCERY CLERK OF SUN- tools they need to reduce gun crime. large role in the labor industry which FLOWER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI The proposal includes funds to: im- led A. Philip Randolph of the Brother- Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise today prove the speed and accuracy of Brady hood of Sleeping Car Porters to threat- to recognize Jack E. Harper, Jr., of background checks by upgrading State en a march on Washington, D.C. Presi- Sunflower County, Mississippi. Mr. and local criminal history records; hire dent Roosevelt then issued an execu- Harper recently retired as the Chan- 500 new Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, tive order forbidding racial discrimina- cery Clerk of Sunflower County after and Firearms (ATF) agents and inspec- tion in defense industries. serving tirelessly in this position for 44 tors; provide grants to hire 1,000 new Following World War II, three major years. This is an exemplary record of federal, state and local gun prosecu- factors encouraged the beginning of a public service, and it is a privilege to tors; implement a comprehensive crime new movement for civil rights. First, honor this outstanding Mississippian gun tracing program; and support local many African-Americans served with for his unselfish dedication to Sun- anti-gun violence media campaigns. honor in the war, as they had in many flower County government for so many I believe this is an important initia- of the wars since the American Revolu- years. tive in the fight against gun violence, tion. However, in this instance, Afri- In addition to Mr. Harper’s lengthy and I applaud the President’s commit- can-American leaders pointed to the service as Chancery Clerk, I also com- ment to this issue. I hope that during records of these veterans to show the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.116 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S607 injustice of racial discrimination expand, we continue to strive to make My bill would permanently prohibit against patriots. Second, more and laws that improve the lives of all the Environmental Protection Agency more African-Americans in the North Americans so that many more record from requiring water pollution control had made economic gains, increased breaking accomplishments occur. permits under the National Pollutant their education, and registered to vote. As we begin the first Census count of Discharge Elimination System for the Third, the NAACP had attracted many the 21st century, we are working to en- forestry activities of site preparation, new members and received increased fi- sure that Census 2000 is the most accu- reforestation, thinning, prescribed nancial support from blacks and rate census possible using the best, burning, pest and fire control, har- whites. Additionally, a young group of most up-to-date methods to make sure vesting operations, surface drainage, energetic lawyers, including Thurgood every person is counted. According to road construction and maintenance, Marshall, of Baltimore, Maryland, used the Census Bureau, the 1990 Census and nursery operations. the legal system to bring about impor- missed 8.4 million people and double- Recently in El Dorado and Tex- tant changes in the lives of African- counted 4.4 million others. Nationally, arkana, Arkansas, literally thousands Americans, while Dr. Martin Luther 4.4 percent of African-Americans were of private timberland owners came to- King Jr. appealed to the conscience of not counted in the 1990 census. While gether to discuss and express their con- all Americans. missing or miscounting so many people cerns about this new extension of EPA Congress had an important role in is a problem, the fact that certain regulations and to learn of the poten- passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and groups—such as children, the poor, peo- tial impact they may have on their pri- the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I am ple of color, and city dwellers—were vate property and private forests. pleased to note that Clarence Mitchell missed more often than others made Simply put, my legislation will Jr. of Maryland played a critical part the undercount even more inaccurate. statutorily ensure that all forestry ac- in steering this legislation through A fair and accurate Census is a funda- tivities will remain as non-point Congress. African-Americans also mental part of a representative democ- sources in the eyes of the EPA. Under began to assume more influential roles racy and is the basis for providing the Clean Water Act, the EPA has ju- risdiction to protect the water quality in the national government, a develop- equality under the law. Therefore, I en- of the United States by regulating ment which has benefitted the entire courage everyone to make sure your neighbor is counted. point sources of water pollution. Nation. Let me define what I mean when I Gains in education for the African- I would also like to observe that the speak of ‘‘point’’ and ‘‘non-point’’ American community have been sig- State of Maryland is currently benefit- sources of pollution. A point source of nificant. From 1970 to 1980, college en- ting from a continued growth in our pollution is pollution from a single rollment among African-Americans African-American population. Between point such as an industrial plant’s rose from about 600,000 to about 1.3 1990 and 1997, when the last set of com- wastewater pipe or a wastewater drain- million. This gain resulted in part from plete figures were available from the age ditch. Non-point sources of pollu- affirmative action programs by pre- Census Bureau, the number of African- tion like rainfall runoff from a field or dominantly white colleges and univer- Americans calling Maryland ‘‘home’’ grew to 1.4 million—an increase of a forest cannot be defined as a set sities. By the early 1990’s about 11 per- point. What is important here is that cent of all African-Americans 25 years 200,609 people. This makes Maryland the state with the eighth largest Afri- Congress, upon passage of the Clean of age or older had completed college. can-American population in the United Water Act in 1972, very clearly did not About two-thirds of that group had fin- States. Nearby Prince George’s County give the EPA authority to regulate ished high school. There have also been was second in the Nation in terms of non-point sources of pollution. many more advances and accomplish- growth during this seven-year period The EPA’s proposed revisions to the ments during that time, but this is just with 68,325 new African-American resi- Total Maximum Daily Load require- a brief overview of what has been a tre- dents. I am confident that an accurate ments of the National Pollutant Dis- mendous and rich history and heritage Census 2000 count will show increases charge Elimination System, issued in for African-American people in our Na- in these figures across the state. September of last year, seeks to change tion for the last 100 years. I am also most gratified to note that this authority. This proposed regula- As we look forward to a new century, finally, a memorial to honor Dr. Mar- tion would enhance clean water by ex- we anticipate that African-Americans tin Luther King Jr. has been approved tending the NPDES point source TMDL will continue to prosper in American and a site near the tidal basin in Wash- water pollution rules to forestry activi- society and throughout the world. ington D.C. was chosen. The sacrifice ties. This would be accomplished by re- Their success is our success. As we that Dr. King made for civil rights has classifying forestry non-point sources look towards the horizon, we see record touched every element of American so- of pollution as point sources of pollu- breaking events for African-Americans. ciety. I am particularly pleased to be tion. The unemployment rate for African- involved in this effort to mark the con- The forestry activities included in Americans has fallen from 14.2 percent tributions of this great leader. This my legislation have always been con- in 1992 to 8.3 percent in 1999—the lowest memorial will join the monuments to sidered as non-point sources of water annual level on record. The median Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln in pollution and therefore not subject to household income of African-Ameri- some of the most hallowed ground in EPA regulations. The EPA’s new regu- cans is up 15.1 percent since 1993, from our Nation. lation change would require point $22,034 in 1993 to $25,351 in 1998. The real Mr. President, as we look towards source water pollution permits for all wages of African-Americans have risen the future for African-Americans dur- of these activities. In other words, rapidly in the past two years, up about ing this new century, it is my hope these new regulations would require 5.8 percent for African-American men that the King Memorial will serve both permits on the very things we want to and 6.2 percent for African-American as a monument to past achievements promote in forestry—responsible har- women since 1996. and our heritage, and also as an inspi- vesting and thinning operations, best The African-American poverty rate ration for our Nation to continue the management practices, and reforest- has dropped from 33.1 percent in 1993 to struggle for an equality that includes ation. 26.1 percent in 1998—the lowest level all Americans. I agree with the EPA’s objective of ever recorded and the largest five-year Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise cleaning up our nation’s impaired riv- drop in more than twenty-five years. today to bring your attention to an ers, lakes and streams, but firmly be- Since 1993, the child poverty rate issue of great concern to many people lieve that its proposed revisions are among African-Americans has dropped in my home state of Arkansas. not the best solution to the problem of from 46.1 percent to 36.7 percent in This week, I introduced a bill, S. 2041, clean water. Placing another unneces- 1998—the biggest five-year drop on to continue to promote the use of best sary layer of regulation upon our na- record. While the African-American management practices in the forestry tion’s local foresters will only slow child poverty rate is still too high, it is industry by relieving this nation’s pri- down the process of responsible for- the lowest level on record. As the Afri- vate timberland owners of an impend- estry and the implementation of for- can-American population continues to ing unnecessary regulatory burden. estry Best Management Practices.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.078 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 In Arkansas, we have a very success- try. Following Best Management Prac- sand, eight hundred eighty-one dollars ful Best Management Practices pro- tices ensures that during any har- and thirty-four cents) during the past gram for all forestry activities. In fact, vesting operation, extreme care is 10 years. over 85% of Arkansas’ private taken to prevent unnecessary water f timberland owners voluntarily adhere pollution. Best Management Practices to these Best Management Practices to encourage thinning of existing forests MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT reduce water pollution from all for- as opposed to clear-cutting of our Na- Messages from the President of the estry activities. tion’s forests. Thinning is going into a United States were communicated to Let me restate that over 85% of Ar- forest and removing only a small por- the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his kansas’ private timberland owners vol- tion of the timber. secretaries. untarily adhere to these Best Manage- Surface drainage. Surface drainage EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED ment Practices to reduce water pollu- through a forest is a naturally slow. As in executive session the Presiding tion from all forestry activities. This is And, following Arkansas’ Best Manage- Officer laid before the Senate messages a wonderful example of where everyone ment Practices, a buffer of trees must from the President of the United works together to take care of their be left around all streams and rivers. States submitting sundry nominations own environment and have been suc- Road Maintenance and Construction. and a treaty which were referred to the cessful in their efforts! It is necessary to have forest roads to Committee on Foreign Relations. The EPA’s background for the new reach the available timber. Best Man- (The nominations received today are regulation states that these new re- agement Practices require the mini- printed at the end of the Senate pro- quirements of obtaining water permits mization of stream crossings, designing ceedings.) for forestry activities would take effect the road to be no wider than necessary, f only if the state did not develop a sat- and building roads to minimize the ad- isfactory system of its own, or if a spe- verse impacts of heavy rain. 2000 ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE cific water body needed the regulation Nursery Operations. To conduct any PRESIDENT—MESSAGE FROM to remain clean. It also states that reforestation activities, you must have THE PRESIDENT—PM 87 only 3 to 9 percent of all non-point seedlings to plant. Best Management The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- source pollution comes from forestry- Practices for nurseries include mini- fore the Senate the following message related activities. mizing soil disturbance, runoff, and from the President of the United Mr. President, let’s talk through chemical application. States, together with an accompanying each of these forestry-related activities Mr. President, the voluntary use of report; which was referred to the Joint to find out just exactly what each in- these and many, many other Best Man- Economic Committee. cludes as well as what a good Best agement Practices in Arkansas have Management Practices program does successfully reduced and prevented To the Congress of the United States: to combat potential pollution from water pollution from all forestry ac- Today, the American economy is each of these. tivities. Our nation’s private stronger than ever. We are on the brink Site preparation. Generally, site timberland owners should not be bur- of marking the longest economic ex- preparation includes removing un- dened with more unnecessary regula- pansion in our Nation’s history. More wanted vegetation and other material tions when they are already volun- than 20 million new jobs have been cre- when necessary and before any har- tarily complying with Best Manage- ated since Vice President Gore and I vesting of timber can take place. Best ment Practices to effectively reduce took office in January 1993. We now Management Practices provide guide- water pollution. have the lowest unemployment rate in lines to minimize the use of equipment Reasonable minds should prevail and 30 years—even as core inflation has and disturbances near streams or other agree on a common sense solution to reached its lowest level since 1965. bodies of water, keep equipment out of promoting Best Management Practices This expansion has been both deep streamside management zones, and in the forestry industry without unnec- and broad, reaching Americans of all minimize the movement and disturb- essary regulation and allow states like races, ethnicities, and income levels. ance of soil. Arkansas to continue voluntarily im- African American unemployment and Reforestation. Reforestation is sim- plementing our successful best man- poverty are at their lowest levels on ply the process of planting trees. Refor- agement practices. record. Hispanic unemployment is like- estation is the single process that pre- f wise the lowest on record, and poverty vents any further erosion of exposed among Hispanics is at its lowest level soil. I can’t see why we would want to THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE since 1979. A long-running trend of ris- slow down the reforestation process by Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the ing income inequality has been halted implementing a permitting process. close of business yesterday, Wednes- in the last 7 years. From 1993 to 1998, Prescribed burning. Prescribed burn- day, February 9, 2000, the Federal debt families at the bottom of the income ing is done almost exclusively to pre- stood at $5,690,617,208,881.34 (Five tril- distribution have enjoyed the same vent potential forest fires. In many of lion, six hundred ninety billion, six strong income growth as workers at our nation’s old growth forests, pre- hundred seventeen million, two hun- the top. scribed burning has prevented what dred eight thousand, eight hundred In 1999 we had the largest dollar sur- would have been certain destruction of eighty-one dollars and thirty-four plus in the Federal budget on record thousands of acres of beautiful cents). and the largest in proportion to our forestland. We want to prevent forest One year ago, February 9, 1999, the economy since 1951. We are on course fires for the loss of timber as well as Federal debt stood at $5,585,068,000,000 to achieve more budget surpluses for for the potential loss of property and (Five trillion, five hundred eighty-five many years to come. We have used this life. Best Management Practices pro- billion, sixty-eight million). unique opportunity to make the right vide guidelines for conducting pre- Five years ago, February 9, 1995, the choices for the future over the past 2 scribed burning operations and ensur- Federal debt stood at $4,803,443,000,000 years, America has paid down $140 bil- ing a minimal potential for erosion and (Four trillion, eight hundred three bil- lion in debt held by the public. With forest fire. lion, four hundred forty-three million). my plan to continue to pay down the Pest and fire control. If someone is Ten years ago, February 9, 1990, the debt, we are now on track to eliminate trying to control a forest fire, why do Federal debt stood at $2,980,491,000,000 the Nation’s publicly held debt by 2013. we want to hinder their efforts? For (Two trillion, nine hundred eighty bil- Our fiscal discipline has paid off in the same reason, we don’t want our Na- lion, four hundred ninety-one million) lower interest rates, higher private in- tion’s forests eaten up by bugs. which reflects a doubling of the debt— vestment, and stronger productivity Harvesting operations including an increase of almost $3 trillion— growth. thinning and, when necessary, clear- $2,710,126,208,881.34 (Two trillion, seven These economic successes have not cutting. This is the crux of the issue. hundred ten billion, one hundred twen- been achieved by accident. They rest Timber harvesting is the timber indus- ty-six million, two hundred eight thou- on the three pillars of the economic

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.073 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S609 strategy that the Vice President and I and extending the benefits of the eco- We have seen dramatic advances in laid out when we took office: fiscal dis- nomic expansion to all communities health care over the course of the 20th cipline to help reduce interest rates and all parts of this Nation. century, which have led to an increase and spur business investment; invest- We must help our children prepare in life expectancy of almost 30 years. ing in education, health care, and for life in a global, information-driven But much remains to be done to ensure science and technology to meet the economy. Success in this new environ- that all have and maintain access to challenges of the 21st century; and ment requires that children have a quality medical care. That is why my opening foreign markets so that Amer- high-quality education. That means budget expands health care coverage, ican workers have a fair chance to safe, modern schools. It means making calls for passing a strong and enforce- compete abroad. As a result, the Amer- sure our children have well-trained able Patients’ Bill of Rights, strength- ican economy is not only strong today; teachers who demand high standards. ens and modernizes Medicare, addresses it is well positioned to continue to ex- It means making sure all schools are long-term care, and continues to pro- pand and to widen the circle of oppor- equipped with the best new tech- mote life-saving research. nologies, so that children can harness tunity for more Americans. My budget invests over $110 billion THE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY the tools of the 21st century. First and foremost, our children can- over 10 years to improve the afford- Our economic strategy was based on ability, accessibility, and quality of a commitment, first, to fiscal dis- not continue trying to learn in schools that are so old they are falling apart. health insurance. It will provide a new, cipline. When the Vice President and I affordable health insurance option for took office, the U.S. Government had a One-third of all public schools need ex- tensive repair or replacement. By 2003 uninsured parents as well as accelerate budget deficit of $290 billion. Today we enrollment of uninsured children who have a surplus of $124 billion. This fis- we will need an additional 2,400 schools nationwide to accommodate these ris- are eligible for Medicaid and the State cal discipline has helped us launch a ing enrollments. That is why, in my Children’s Health Insurance Program. virtuous circle of strong investment, State of the Union address, I proposed The initiative will expand health insur- increasing productivity, low inflation, $24.8 billion in tax credit bonds over 2 ance options for Americans facing and low unemployment. unique barriers to coverage. For exam- Second, we have remained true to our years to modernize up to 6,000 schools, and a $1.3 billion school emergency ple, it will allow certain people aged commitment to invest in our people. 55–65 to buy into Medicare, and it will Because success in the global economy loan and grant proposal to help ren- ovate schools in high-poverty, high- give tax credits to workers who cannot depends more than ever on highly afford the full costs of COBRA coverage skilled workers, we have taken con- need school districts. Second, if our children are to succeed after leaving a job. Finally, my initia- cerned steps to make sure all Ameri- tive will provide funds to strengthen cans have the education, skills, and op- in the new digital economy, they must know how to use the tools of the 21st the public hospitals and clinics that portunities they need to succeed. That century. That is why the Vice Presi- provide health care directly to the un- is why, even as we maintained fiscal re- dent and I have fought for initiatives insured. If enacted, this would be the sponsibility, we expanded our invest- like the E-rate, which is providing $2 largest investment in health coverage ments in education, technology, and billion a year to help schools afford to since Medicare was created in 1965, and training. We have opened the doors of network their classrooms and connect one of the most significant steps we college to all Americans, with tax cred- to the Internet. The E-rate and our can take to help working families. its, more affordable student loans, edu- other initiatives in education tech- cation IRAs, and the HOPE Scholar- As our Nation ages and we live nology have gone a long way toward longer, we face new challenges in Medi- ship tax credits. So that working fami- giving all children access to tech- lies will have the means to support care and long-term care. Despite im- nology in their schools. But there is provements in Medicare in the past 7 themselves, we have increased the min- still a great ‘‘digital divide’’ when chil- imum wage, expanded the Earned In- years, the program begins this century dren go home. Children from wealthy with the disadvantages of insufficient come Tax Credit (EITC), provided ac- families are far more likely to have ac- cess to health insurance for people funding, inadequate benefits, and out- cess to a computer at home than chil- dated payment systems. To strengthen with disabilities, and invested in mak- dren from poor or minority families. ing health insurance coverage avail- and modernize the program, I have pro- That is why, in my budget, I propose a posed a comprehensive reform plan able to millions of children. new Digital Divide initiative that will Third, we have continued to pursue a that would make Medicare more com- expand support for community tech- petitive and efficient and invest $400 policy of opening markets. We have nology centers in low-income commu- achieved historic trade pacts such as billion over the next 10 years in extend- nities; a pilot project to expand home ing solvency through 2025 and adding a the North American Free Trade Agree- access to computers and the Internet ment and the Uruguay Round agree- long-overdue, voluntary prescription for low-income families; and grants drug benefit. ments, which led to the creation of the and loan guarantees to accelerate the The aging of America also under- World Trade Organization. Negotia- deployment of high-speed networks in scores the need to build systems to pro- tions in the wake of the Uruguay underserved rural and urban commu- Round have yielded market access nities. vide long-term care. More than 5 mil- commitments covering information Third, we must continue to make col- lion Americans require long-term care technology, basic telecommunications, lege affordable and accessible for all because of significant limitations due and financial services. We have en- Americans. I have proposed a college to illness or disability. About two- gaged in bilateral initiatives with opportunity tax cut, which would in- thirds of them are older Americans. Japan and in regional initiatives in Eu- vest $30 billion over 10 years in helping That is why I have proposed a $27 bil- rope, Africa, Asia, the Western Hemi- millions of families who now struggle lion investment over 10 years in long- sphere, and the Middle East. We have to afford college for their children. term care. Its centerpiece is a $3,000 also actively protected our rights When fully phased in, this initiative tax credit to defray the cost of long- under existing trade agreements would give families the option to claim term care. In addition, I propose to ex- through the World Trade Organization a tax deduction or a tax credit on up to pand access to home-based care, to es- and helped maintain the Internet as a $10,000 of tuition and fees for any post- tablish new support networks for care- tax-free zone. secondary education in which their givers, and to promote quality private MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE members enroll, whether college, grad- long-term care insurance by offering it Despite the economy’s extraordinary uate study, or training courses. I have to Federal employees at group rates. performance, we must continue work- proposed increases in Pell grants, Sup- We must continue to make this eco- ing to meet the challenges of the fu- plemental Educational Opportunity nomic expansion reach out to every ture. Those challenges include edu- Grants, and Work Study. I have also corner of our country, leaving no town, cating our children, improving the proposed creating new College Comple- city, or Native American reservation health and well-being of all our citi- tion Challenge Grants to encourage behind, That is why I am asking the zens, providing for our senior citizens, students to stay in college. Congress to authorize two additional

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.061 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 components of our New Markets agen- EC–7496. A communication from the Pro- Commander Aircraft Corporation 600 Series da. The first is the New Markets Ven- gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- Airplanes; Docket No. 99–CE–51 (2–4/2–7)’’ ture Capital Firms program, geared to- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0070), received February 7, 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, ward helping small and first-time busi- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Bom- Science, and Transportation. nesses. The second is America’s Private bardier Model DHC–8–100, –200, and –300 Se- EC–7505. A communication from the Pro- Investment Companies, modeled on the ries Airplanes; Request for Comments; Dock- gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- Overseas Private Investment Corpora- et No. 2000–NM–08 (2–1/2–3)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) tion, Department of Transportation, trans- tion, to help larger businesses expand (2000–0052), received February 3, 2000; to the mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule or relocate to distressed inner-city and Committee on Commerce, Science, and entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; British Transportation. Aerospace Model 4101 Airplanes; Docket No. rural areas. Overall the New Markets 99–NM–309 (2–3/2–3)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000– initiative could spur $22 billion of new EC–7497. A communication from the Pro- gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- 0064), received February 7, 2000; to the Com- equity investment in our underserved tion, Department of Transportation, trans- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- communities. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule tation. I am also proposing a new initiative entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Bom- EC–7506. A communication from the Pro- gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- called First Accounts, to expand access bardier Model CL–600–2B19 Series Airplanes; tion, Department of Transportation, trans- to financial services for low- and mod- Docket No. 99–NM–34 (2–7/2–7)’’ (RIN2120– mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule AA64) (2000–0065), received February 7, 2000; erate-income Americans. We will work entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Aero- to the Committee on Commerce, Science, with private financial institutions to Space Technologies of Australia Pty. Ltd. encourage the creation of low-cost and Transportation. Models N22B and N24A Airplanes; Docket No. EC–7498. A communication from the Pro- 99–CE–47 (2–4/2–7)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0076), bank accounts for low-income families. gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- received February 7, 2000; to the Committee We will help bring more automated tion, Department of Transportation, trans- teller machines to safe places in low- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule EC–7507. A communication from the Pro- income communities, such as the post entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- office. And we will educate Americans Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models tion, Department of Transportation, trans- about managing household finances 65–90, 65–A90, B90, and C–90; Request for Com- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule and building assets over time. ments; Docket No. 99–CE–92 (2–1/2–1)’’ entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; To further increase opportunities for (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0053), received February Empressa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 3, 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, working families, I am proposing an- Models EMB–110P1 and EMPB–110P2 Air- Science, and Transportation. planes; Docket No. 99–CE–42 (2–4/2–7)’’ other expansion of the EITC to provide EC–7499. A communication from the Pro- (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0075), received February tax relief for 6.4 million hard-pressed gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- 7, 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, families—with additional benefits for tion, Department of Transportation, trans- Science, and Transportation. families with three or more children. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule EC–7508. A communication from the Pro- We have seen the dramatic effects that entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- our 1993 expansion of the EITC had in Raytheon Model Hawker 800 and 1000 Air- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- planes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule reducing poverty and encouraging BAe.125 Series Airplanes; Docket No. 99–NM– entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Short work: 4.3 million people were directly 160 (2–7/2–7)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0056), re- Brothers and Harland Ltd. Models SC–7 and lifted out of poverty by the EITC in ceived February 7, 2000; to the Committee on 2 and SC–7 Series 3 Airplanes; Docket No. 97– 1998 alone. More single mothers are Commerce, Science, and Transportation. CE–99 (2–1/2–3)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0054), working than ever before, and the child EC–7500. A communication from the Pro- received February 3, 2000; to the Committee poverty rate is at its lowest since 1980. gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Our initiatives to open overseas mar- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- EC–7509. A communication from the Pro- gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- kets will continue. We have success- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; tion, Department of Transportation, trans- fully concluded bilateral negotiations Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Model mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule on China’s accession to the World MU–2B Series Airplanes; Docket No. 99–CE– entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Trade Organization and now seek con- 38 (2–7/2–4)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0073), re- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Model gressional action to provide China with ceived February 7, 2000; to the Committee on MU–2B Series Airplanes; Docket No. 99–CE– permanent normal trade relations. The Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 38 (2–7/2–4)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0073), re- EC–7501. A communication from the Pro- ceived February 7, 2000; to the Committee on United States will also work to give Commerce, Science, and Transportation. the least developed countries greater gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- EC–7510. A communication from the Pro- access to global markets. We will par- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- ticipate in the scheduled multilateral entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Harbin tion, Department of Transportation, trans- talks to liberalize trade in services and Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation Model mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; agriculture and will continue to press Y12IV Airplanes; Docket No. 99–CE–41 (2–4/2– Eurocopter France Model SA.315B Heli- 7)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0074), received Feb- our trading partners to launch a new copters; Docket No. 98–SW–63 (2–7/2–7)’’ ruary 7, 2000; to the Committee on Com- round of negotiations within the World (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0077), received February merce, Science, and Transportation. Trade Organization. 7, 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, EC–7502. A communication from the Pro- We have a historic opportunity to an- Science, and Transportation. gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- swer the challenges ahead: to increase EC–7511. A communication from the Direc- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- tor of the Office of Management and Budget, economic opportunity for all American mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule families; to provide quality, affordable Executive Office of the President, transmit- entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to child care, health care, and long-term SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATRIALE Model written certificates OMB received from agen- care; and to give our children the best TBM 700 Airplanes; Docket No. 99–CE–50 (2–4/ cies that have assessed the impact of their education in the world. Working to- 2–7)’’ (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0071), received policies and regulations on the family; to the gether, we can meet these great chal- February 7, 2000; to the Committee on Com- Committee on Appropriations. lenges and make this new millennium merce, Science, and Transportation. EC–7512. A communication from the Chair- EC–7503. A communication from the Pro- one of ever-increasing promise, hope, man of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- transmitting, pursuant to law, a quarterly and opportunity for all Americans. tion, Department of Transportation, trans- report on the denial of safeguards informa- WILLIAM J. CLINTON. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule tion; to the Committee on Environment and THE WHITE HOUSE, February 10, 2000. entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Public Works. f Aircraft Ltd. Models PC–12 and PC–12/45 Air- EC–7513. A communication from the Assist- planes; Docket No. 99–CE–64 (2–4/2–7)’’ ant Comptroller General, transmitting a re- EXECUTIVE AND OTHER (RIN2120–AA64) (2000–0072), received February port entitled ‘‘Funding Trends and Opportu- COMMUNICATIONS 7, 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, nities to Improve Investment Decisions’’; to The following communications were Science, and Transportation. the Committee on Governmental Affairs. EC–7504. A communication from the Pro- EC–7514. A communication from the Direc- laid before the Senate, together with gram Analyst, Federal Aviation Administra- tor, Office of General Counsel and Legal Pol- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- tion, Department of Transportation, trans- icy, Office of Government Ethics, transmit- uments, which were referred as indi- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- cated: entitled ‘‘Airworthiness Directives; Twin titled ‘‘Executive Agency Ethics Training

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.064 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S611 Programs Regulation Amendments’’ A–119’’ (DFARS Case 99–D024), received Feb- PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS (RIN3209–AA07), received February 9, 2000; to ruary 9, 2000; to the Committee on Armed the Committee on Governmental Affairs. Services. The following petitions and memo- EC–7515. A communication from the Dep- EC–7526. A communication from the Chair- rials were laid before the Senate and uty Executive Secretary, Health Care Fi- man and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Cred- were referred or ordered to lie on the nancing Administration, Department of it Administration, transmitting, pursuant to table as indicated: Health and Human Services, transmitting, law, a report of its 2000 compensation pro- POM–403. A joint resolution adopted by the pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled gram adjustments; to the Committee on Ag- Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massa- ‘‘Timelines Under the Head Start Appeals riculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. chusetts relative to the Highland Links Golf Process’’ (RIN0970–AB87), received February EC–7527. A communication from the Acting Course in the Town of Truro, MA; to the 9, 2000; to the Committee on Health, Edu- Administrator, Agricultural Research Serv- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- cation, Labor, and Pensions. ice, Department of Agriculture transmitting, sources. EC–7516. A communication from the Direc- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled tor, Regulations Policy and Management ‘‘Amendment of Fee Schedule, National Ag- RESOLUTION Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- ricultural Library’’ (RIN0518–AA01), received Whereas, the town of Truro was incor- partment of Health and Human Services, February 9, 2000; to the Committee on Agri- porated as a town of this commonwealth in transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. 1709; and a rule entitled ‘‘Gastroenterology-Urology EC–7528. A communication from the Asso- Whereas, the Highlands Links is a 107 year- Devices: Reclassification of the Penile Rigid- ciate Administrator for Procurement, Na- old golf course located in Truro within the ity Implant’’ (Docket No. 97N–0481), received tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- boundaries of the mational seashore; and February 9, 2000; to the Committee on tion transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Whereas, the town of Truro has operated Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. port of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard Clause for and managed the Highland Links Golf Course EC–7517. A communication from the Dep- Export Controlled Technology,’’ received for over 10 years in a professional and effi- uty General Counsel, Small Business Admin- February 9, 2000; to the Committee on Com- cient manner; and istration transmitting, pursuant to law, the merce, Science, and Transportation. Whereas, the town of Truro is the only report of a rule entitled ‘‘Small Business In- EC–7530. A communication from the Acting known municipality in the United States op- vestment Companies’’ (RIN3245–AE08), re- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Na- erating a concession for the National Park ceived February 9, 2000; to the Committee on tional Marine Fisheries Service, Department Service; and Small Business. of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, Whereas, the proposed interpretation of EC–7518. A communication from the Man- the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Fisheries of the title IV of the National Parks Omnibus Man- aging Director, Federal Housing Finance Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka agement Act of 1998, and the proposed Na- Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Mackerel in the Eastern Aleutian District tional Park Service rules, 36 CFR part 51, in- port of a rule entitled ‘‘Information Collec- and Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea terpret new concession contract procedures tion Approval; Technical Amendment to Af- and Aleutian Islands,’’ received January 28, in a manner requiring the National Park fordable Housing Program Rule’’ (RIN3069– 2000; to the Committee on Commerce, Service to solicit public bids to operate the AA93), received February 9, 2000; to the Com- Science, and Transportation. Highland Links Golf Course; and mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- EC–7531. A communication from the Spe- Whereas, such a public bid for these serv- fairs. cial Assistant to the Chief, Mass Media Bu- ices would not be in the public interest and EC–7519. A communication from the Man- reau, Federal Communications Commission, would disturb a long-standing and histori- aging Director, Federal Housing Finance transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of cally significant contractual arrangement Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- a rule entitled ‘‘Amendment of Section benefiting the town and its residents; and port of a rule entitled ‘‘Information Collec- 73.202(b), Table of Allotments, FM Broadcast Whereas, private operation would harm the tion Approval; Technical Amendment to Stations; Middlebury, Berlin and Hardwick, public interest and destroy a piece of the Community Support Requirements Rule’’ VT’’ (MM Docket No. 98–72, RM–9265, RM– unique character of Cape Cod; now therefore (RIN3069–AA95), received February 9, 2000; to 9368), received February 9, 2000; to the Com- be it the Committee on Banking, Housing, and mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Resolved, That the Massachusetts general Urban Affairs. tation. court strongly favors a change to the Code of EC–7520. A communication from the Under EC–7532. A communication from the Spe- Federal Regulations allowing a contract for Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Tech- cial Assistant to the Chief, Mass Media Bu- concessions to be awarded to a governmental nology), transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- reau, Federal Communications Commission, unit operating a concession in the public in- port relative to the percentage of funds that transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of terest, without public solicitation and re- were expended during the preceding two fis- a rule entitled ‘‘Amendment of Section spectfully requests the National Park Serv- cal years for performance of depot-level 73.202(b), Table of Allotments, FM Broadcast ice to accommodate the will of the town of maintenance and repair workloads by the Stations; Alberton and Big Sky, MT, Albany Truro to continue the unique arrangement public and private sectors; to the Committee and Seymour, TX and Inglis, FL’’ (MM Dock- for operation of the Highland Links Golf on Armed Services. ets No. 99–304. 99–307, 99–286, 99–303, and 99– Course as it has for 30 years; and be it fur- EC–7521. A communication from the Direc- 306), received February 9, 2000; to the Com- ther tor, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions Office of Management and Budget, Executive tation. be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the Office of the President, transmitting, pursu- EC–7533. A communication from the Acting Senate to the National Park Service. ant to law, a report relative to Cost Ac- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Na- counting Standards; to the Committee on tional Marine Fisheries Service, Department POM–404. A resolution adopted by the Armed Services. of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, House of the General Assembly of the State EC–7522. A communication from the Acting the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Fisheries of the of Rhode Island relative to the United Na- Director, Defense Procurement, Department Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Fish- tions Convention on the Elimination of All of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, ing Vessels Greater than 99 feet LOA Catch- Forms of Discrimination Against Women; to the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Mentor-Protege ing Pollock for Processing by the Inshore the Committee on Foreign Relations Program Improvements’’ (DFARS Case 99- Component Independently of a Cooperative HOUSE RESOLUTION D307), received February 9, 2000; to the Com- in the Bering Sea,’’ received February 9, 2000; mittee on Armed Services. to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Whereas, A twenty-year study by the EC–7523. A communication from the Acting and Transportation. United Nations reported that women face Director, Defense Procurement, Department EC–7534. A communication from the Ad- discrimination in every region on earth; and of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, ministrator, Federal Aviation Administra- Whereas, In 1979, the United Nations Gen- the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Delegation of tion, Department of Transportation, trans- eral Assembly adopted the Convention on Class Deviation Authority’’ (DFARS Case 99– mitting, pursuant to law, a report of foreign the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimina- D027), received February 9, 2000; to the Com- aviation authorities to which the Adminis- tion Against Women, and President Carter mittee on Armed Services. trator provided services in the preceding fis- sent the convention to the Senate Foreign EC–7524. A communication from the Acting cal year; to the Committee on Commerce, Relations Committee for ratification where Director, Defense Procurement, Department Science, and Transportation. it has remained; and of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, EC–7535. A communication from the Direc- Whereas, Currently, one hundred sixty-five the report of a rule entitled ‘‘People’s Repub- tor, National Marine Fisheries Service, Na- (165) nations, including all of the industri- lic of China’’ (DFARS Case 98–D305), received tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- alized world, except South Africa and the February 9, 2000; to the Committee on Armed tion, Department of Commerce, transmit- United States, have agreed to be bound by Services. ting, pursuant to law, the report on actions the convention’s provisions; and EC–7525. A communication from the Acting taken in respect to the New England fishing Whereas, The spirit of the convention is Director, Defense Procurement, Department capacity reduction initiative; to the Com- rooted in the goals of the United Nations to of Defense transmitting, pursuant to law, mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- affirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the report of a rule entitled ‘‘OMB Circular tation. the dignity and worth of the human person,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.068 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 and in the equal rights of men and women; wealth of Pennsylvania relative to the Low tional Day of Celebration of Greek and and Income Home Energy Assistance Program, American Democracy.’’ Whereas, The convention provides a com- the United States strategic petroleum re- By Mr. HATCH, from the Committee on prehensive framework for challenging the serves and to negotiate with OPEC or non- the Judiciary, without amendment: various forces that have created and sus- OPEC countries for additional oil reserves or S. 671. A bill to amend the Trademark Act tained discrimination based on sex, and the supplies; to the Committee on Energy and of 1946 to provide for the registration and nations in support of the present convention Natural Resources. protection of trademarks used in commerce, have agreed to follow convention prescrip- in order to carry out provisions of certain SENATE RESOLUTION tions; and international conventions, and for other pur- Whereas, Women constitute at least forty- Whereas, Fuel, in particular diesel fuel, poses. one percent of the work force worldwide yet and home heating oil prices have sky- By Mr. HATCH, from the Committee on are far behind men in pay, power, and re- rocketed to record highs in the first weeks of the Judiciary, without amendment: sponsibility; and 2000, threatening this Commonwealth’s citi- S. 1638. A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Whereas, Nearly seventy percent of the zens’ well-being and safety to crisis propor- Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to ex- world’s poor are women; and tions; and tend the retroactive eligibility dates for fi- Whereas, On average, women around the Whereas, Retail prices of home heating nancial assistance for higher education for world earn thirty to forty percent less than fuel and diesel fuel in some areas of this spouses and dependent children of Federal, men for work of comparable value; and Commonwealth have reached $2 per gallon, State, and local law enforcement officers Whereas, Twelve countries have laws that and level rack prices of diesel fuel are 106% who are killed in the line of duty. do not allow women to seek employment, higher than they were in the first week of f open a bank account, or apply for a loan February 1999; and without the husband’s authorization; and Whereas, The impact of escalating oil EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF Whereas, Thirty-three and six-tenths per- prices on an industry that is operating on COMMITTEES cent of the adult female population is illit- narrow profit margins is being compounded erate versus 19.4 percent of the adult male by driver shortages and other increased The following executive reports of population; and costs; and committees were submitted: Whereas, Young women face discrimina- Whereas, These increases dramatically af- By Mr. MURKOWSKI for the Committee on tion in the classroom which undermines fect prices for essential utility and munic- Energy and Natural Resources. their self-esteem and jeopardizes their future ipal services, and increases in transportation Sylvia V. Baca, of New Mexico, to be an performance; and costs threaten jobs and could cause major Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Whereas, Over sixty percent of the women disruption of vital supplies and other goods (The above nomination was reported and girls in the world live under conditions and services; and which threaten their health; and with the recommendation that she be Whereas, Home heating oil supplies are ex- confirmed subject to the nominee’s Whereas, Eleven percent of the women in tremely tight, particularly in the Mid-Atlan- industrialized countries suffer from nutri- tic and the Northeast, and weather forecasts commitment to respond to requests to tional anemia, and up to two-thirds of preg- call for continued below-normal tempera- appear and testify before any duly con- nant women in Africa and much of Asia are tures; and stituted committee of the Senate.) anemic; and Whereas, Refineries in Pennsylvania and f Whereas, In Austria, violence against other states must produce more home heat- wives was cited as a contributing factor in 59 ing fuel, which may cause shortages of other INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND percent of 1,500 divorce cases that were re- oil products such as gasoline, kerosene and JOINT RESOLUTIONS viewed; and undyed diesel fuel, thereby driving up prices Whereas, In the United States six million The following bills and joint resolu- accordingly; and women are beaten by their husbands or boy- tions were introduced, read the first Whereas, The Organization of the Petro- friends each year, and 1,500 of them will die; leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has indi- time and second time by unanimous and consent, and referred as indicated: Whereas, Battering is the major cause of cated its desire to extend existing output injury to women in the United States; and cuts amounting to over 4 million barrels per By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Whereas, In India, registered cases of day, resulting in nearly triple prices in less Mrs. BOXER): women being killed in disputes over their than one year, devastation to world eco- S. 2051. A bill to revise the boundaries of dowries soared from 999 in 1985 to 1,786 in nomic growth and inflation; and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 1987; and Whereas, According to the International and for other purposes; to the Committee on Whereas, Kuwait is the only country in the Energy Agency, global oil supplies could be Energy and Natural Resources. world that extends voting privileges to cer- as much as 3 million barrels per day below By Mr. CAMPBELL: tain citizens, but prohibits all women from demand in the first quarter of 2000, and as S. 2052. A bill to establish a demonstration voting; and much as 1.5 million barrels per day below re- project to authorize the integration and co- Whereas, Although women have made quirements in the second quarter; and ordination of Federal funding dedicated to major gains in the struggle for equality in Whereas, A mid-January snowstorm, which community, business, and the economic de- social, business, political, legal, educational, occurred in the northeast region of the velopment of Native American communities; and other fields in this century, there is United States, triggered even faster price in- to the Committee on Indian Affairs. much yet to be accomplished, and through creases in Pennsylvania, resulting in United By Mr. JEFFORDS: its support and leadership, the United States States light crude oil selling just 4¢ below S. 2053. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- can help create a world where women are no the $30 per barrel mark; therefore be it enue Code of 1986 to provide marriage tax longer discriminated against and can achieve Resolved, That the Senate of the Common- penalty relief for earned income credit; to one of the most fundamental of human wealth of Pennsylvania urge the President of the Committee on Finance. rights, equality; now, therefore, be it the United States and the Secretary of En- By Mr. MACK: Resolved, That his House of Representa- ergy to take immediate action to release S. 2054. A bill for the relief of Sandra J. tives of the State of Rhode Island and Provi- emergency funding to the State for the Low Pilot; to the Committee on the Judiciary. dence Plantations hereby respectfully urges Income Home Energy Assistance Program By Mr. WELLSTONE: President William J. Clinton and Secretary (LIHEAP) and to release the United States S. 2055. A bill to establish the Katie Poirier of State Madeleine Albright to place the strategic petroleum reserves, negotiate re- Abduction Emergency Fund, and for other United Nations Convention on the Elimi- lease of additional oil reserves from non- purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- nation of All Forms of Discrimination OPEC countries or negotiate with OPEC on ary. Against Women in the highest category of additional supplies; and be it further By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself and Mr. priority in order to accelerate the treaty’s Resolved, That copies of this resolution be CRAIG): passage through the Senate Foreign Rela- sent to the President of the United States, S. 2056. A bill to amend the Richard B. Rus- tions Committee; and be it further the Secretary of Energy, the presiding offi- sell National School Lunch Act to ensure an Resolved, That the Secretary of State be cers of each house of Congress and to each adequate level of commodity purchases and he hereby is authorized and directed to member of Congress from Pennsylvania. under the school lunch program; to the Com- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- transmit duly certified copies of this resolu- f tion to the President of the United States, estry. the Secretary of State of the United States, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES By Mr. MURKOWSKI: the President of the , S. 2057. A bill to amend the Communica- the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations The following reports of committees tions Act of 1934 to prohibit the use of elec- Committee, and to the members of the were submitted: tronic measurement units (EMUs); to the Rhode Island Delegation to the Congress of By Mr. HATCH, from the Committee on Committee on Commerce, Science, and the United States. the Judiciary, without amendment and with Transportation. a preamble: By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. POM–405. A resolution adopted by the Sen- S. Res. 251. A resolution designating March MACK, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, and ate of the General Assembly of the Common- 25, 2000, as ‘‘Greek Independence Day: A Na- Mrs. FEINSTEIN):

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 03:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.086 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S613 S. 2058. A bill to extend filing deadlines for bulk-power system; to the Committee on En- Government of the People’s Republic of applications for adjustment of status of cer- ergy and Natural Resources. China should immediately release Rabiya tain Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Haitian nation- By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. Kadeer, her secretary, and her son, and per- als; to the Committee on the Judiciary. LAUTNEBERG, Mr. LIEBERMAN, and Mr. mit them to move to the United States if By Mr. SARBANES: JEFFORDS): they so desire; to the Committee on Foreign S. 2059. A bill to modify land conveyance S. 2072. A bill to require the Secretary of Relations. authority relating to the former Naval Energy to report to Congress on the readi- f Training Center, Bainbridge, Cecil County, ness of the heating oil and propane indus- Maryland, and for other purposes; to the tries; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED Committee on Armed Services. ural Resources. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. LEVIN, DURBIN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BAUCUS, and Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. MOYNIHAN, and By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself Mr. HELMS): Mr. AKAKA): and Mrs. BOXER): S. 2060. A bill to authorize the President to S. 2073. A bill to reduce the risk that inno- S. 2051. A bill to revise the bound- award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress cent people may be executed, and for other to Charles M. Schulz in recognition of his aries of the Golden Gate National purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- lasting artistic contributions to the Nation Recreation Area, and for other pur- ary. and the world, and for other purposes; to the poses; to the Committee on Energy and Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban f Natural Resources. Affairs. SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND THE GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA By Mr. BIDEN (for himself and Mr. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2000 SPECTER): SENATE RESOLUTIONS Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I S. 2061. A bill to establish a crime preven- The following concurrent resolutions tion and computer education initiative; to am pleased to introduce this legisla- the Committee on the Judiciary. and Senate resolutions were read, and tion to permit the National Park Serv- By Mr. DEWINE (for himself, Mr. DUR- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: ice to expand the boundaries of the BIN, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. By Mr. SPECTER (for himself, Mr. Golden Gate National Recreation Area CLELAND, Mr. DODD, Mr. LEVIN, and AKAKA, Mr. ASHCROFT, Mr. BAUCUS, (GGNRA) by acquiring critical natural Mr. SESSIONS): Mr. BAYH, Mr. BENNETT, Mr. BIDEN, landscapes and scenic vistas. This in- S. 2062. A bill to amend chapter 4 of title Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BREAUX, Mr. 39, United States Code, to allow postal pa- CHAFEE, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. CLELAND, cludes land in San Mateo County, as trons to contribute to funding for organ and Ms. COLLINS, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. CRAIG, well as land in San Francisco and tissue donation awareness through the vol- Mr. DEWINE, Mr. DODD, Mr. DORGAN, Marin County. untary purchase of certain specially issued Mr. DURBIN, Mr. ENZI, Mrs. FEIN- A key component of this legislation United States postage stamps; to the Com- STEIN, Mr. FITZGERALD, Mr. FRIST, is that about half of the total cost of mittee on Governmental Affairs. Mr. GORTON, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. By Mr. TORRICELLI (for himself and purchasing these lands will be donated GRAMM, Mr. GRAMS, Mr. GRASSLEY, by the local community. This legisla- Mr. FEINGOLD): Mr. HATCH, Mr. HELMS, Mr. INOUYE, S. 2063. A bill to amend title 18, United tion specifically provides that all land Mr. KERRY, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. LAU- States code, to provide for the applicability TENBERG, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. MACK, Ms. transactions involve a willing seller to operators of Internet Web sites of restric- MIKULSKI, Mr. MOYNIHAN, Mr. MUR- and willing buyer. tions on the disclosure or records and other KOWSKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Mr. In introducing this bill, I am joined information relating to the use of such sites, REID, Mr. ROBB, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. by my esteemed colleague from Cali- and for other purposes; to the Committee on ROCKEFELLER, Mr. ROTH, Mr. SAR- the Judiciary. fornia, Senator BARBARA BOXER. This BANES, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. SHELBY, By Mr. EDWARDS (for himself and Mr. bill also has the bipartisan support of Mr. SMITH of Oregon, Mr. THURMOND, BIDEN): the entire Bay Area Congressional Del- S. 2064. A bill to amend the Missing Chil- Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. WARNER, Mr. egation including original co-sponsors WELLSTONE, Mr. WYDEN, Ms. SNOWE, dren’s Assistance Act, to expand the purpose in the House, Representatives TOM of the National Center for Missing and Ex- Mr. JEFFORDS, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SES- LANTOS, NANCY PELOSI, and LYNN ploited Children to cover individuals who are SIONS, Mr. STEVENS, and Mr. at least 18 but have not yet attained the age LIEBERMAN): WOOLSEY. of 22; to the Committee on the Judiciary. S. Res. 256. A resolution designating the Furthermore, this bill also has the By Mr. EDWARDS: week of February 14–18, 2000, as ‘‘National strong support of local environmental S. 2065. A bill to authorize the Attorney Heart Failure Awareness Week’’; considered and advocacy and preservation groups, General to provide grants for organizations and agreed to. the Point Reyes National Seashore Ad- to find missing adults; to the Committee on By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. INHOFE, visory Commission, and the National the Judiciary. Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. CRAPO): By Mr. CLELAND: S. Res. 257. A resolution expressing the Park Service. I know of no opposition S. 2066. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- sense of the Senate regarding the responsi- to this bill. enue Code of 1986 to exclude United States bility of the United States to ensure that the The three Marin County properties savings bond income from gross income if Panama Canal will remain open and secure lie in the Marin headlands. Preserva- used to pay long-term care expenses; to the to vessels of all nations; to the Committee tion of these lands will protect habitat, Committee on Finance. on Foreign Relations. ridge-top trails and scenic views of San By Mr. FRIST (for himself and Mr. By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. AKAKA, Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. ABRAHAM): Mr. ALLARD, Mr. CLELAND, Mr. The San Francisco land along the pa- S. 2067. A bill to provide education and DEWINE, Mr. DODD, Mr. DOMENICI, training for the information age; to the Com- Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. GORTON, Mr. cific coastline, the city of San Fran- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and GRAMS, Mrs. HUTCHISON, Mr. INOUYE, cisco would like to donate to the fed- Pensions. Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. KERRY, Ms. eral government and has authorized By Mr. GREGG: LANDRIEU, Mr. LOTT, Mr. MCCONNELL, $100,000 for the restoration of this site. S. 2068. A bill to prohibit the Federal Com- Mrs. MURRAY Mr. SMITH of Oregon, munications Commission from establishing The legislation also proposes to in- and Mr. SPECTER): rules authorizing the operation of new, low clude land near Labos Creek, adjacent S. Res. 258. A resolution designating the power FM radio stations; to the Committee to the Presido-West Gate, which was week beginning March 12, 2000 as ‘‘National on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. damaged during a severe storm in 1997. Safe Place Week’’; to the Committee on the By Mr. ENZI: Judiciary. The American Land Conservancy in- S. 2069. A bill to permit the conveyance of tends to acquire this land and donate it certain land in Powell, Wyoming; to the By Mr. LOTT: Committee on Energy and Natural Re- S. Con. Res. 80. A concurrent resolution to the National Park Service. Lobos sources. providing for a conditional adjournment or Creek is the key source of the Pre- By Mr. FITZGERALD (for himself and recess of the Senate and a conditional ad- sidio’s water supply and a unique eco- Mrs. LINCOLN): journment of the House of Representatives; logical resource. S. 2070. A bill to improve safety standards considered and agreed to. Together, these parcels offer beau- for child restraints in motor vehicles; to the By Mr. ROTH (for himself, Mrs. MUR- tiful vistas, sweeping coastal views and RAY, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. EDWARDS, Committee on Commerce, Science, and spectacular headland scenery and the Transportation. Mr. CRAPO, Mr. DODD, Mr. THOMAS, By Mr. GORTON: and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): preservation of unique bayland eco- S. 2071. A bill to benefit electricity con- S. Con. Res. 81. A concurrent resolution ex- systems with added public access. sumers by promoting the reliability of the pressing the sense of the Congress that the Much of this land also protects the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.054 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 habitat of several species of rare or en- and more tribal governments realize (2) Despite the infusion of substantial Fed- dangered plants and animals. Several the benefits of self governance. eral dollars into Native American commu- of the vegetation communities is home As of 1999, nearly 48% of all Bureau of nities over several decades, the majority of to at least 18 endangered or threatened Indian Affairs (BIA) and 50% of all In- Native Americans remain mired in poverty, unemployment, and despair. species including the winter-run chi- dian Health Service (IHS) programs (3) The efforts of the United States to fos- nook salmon, American peregrine fal- and services have been assumed by ter community, economic, and business de- con, the mission blue butterfly and the tribes under the Indian Self-Deter- velopment in Native American communities southwestern pond turtle. mination Act. have been hampered by fragmentation of au- I urge my colleagues to support pas- The legislation I introduce today will thority, responsibility and performance and sage of the Golden Gate National begin the second phase of the Self-De- by lack of timeliness and coordination in re- Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment termination experiment by assistant sources and decision-making. Act. (4) The effectiveness of Federal and tribal Indian tribes in their use and maxi- efforts to generate employment opportuni- mization of existing federal resources ties and bring value-added activities and eco- By Mr. CAMPBELL: for purposes of economic development. S. 2052. A bill to establish a dem- nomic growth to Native American commu- By authorizing tribes and tribal con- nities depends on cooperative arrangements onstration project to authorize the in- sortia to consolidate and target exist- among the various Federal agencies and In- tegration and coordination of Federal ing federal funds for development pur- dian tribes. funding dedicated to community, busi- poses, this bill will promote a more ef- (b) PURPOSES.—It is the purpose of this Act ness, and the economic development of to— ficient use of federal resources. Per- Native American communities; to the (1) enable Indian tribes and tribal organiza- Committee on Indian Affairs. haps more importantly, the legislation tions to use available Federal assistance will lay the foundation for a develop- more effectively and efficiently; INDIAN TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT CONSOLIDATED (2) adapt and target such assistance more FUNDING ACT OF 2000 ment strategy that looks to employ- ment creation, investment and im- readily to particular needs through wider use Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, of projects that are supported by more than though there are glimmers of hope in proved standards of living in Indian country as the real measure of a suc- 1 executive agency, assistance program, or Native communities, most Native appropriation of the Federal Government; Americans remain racked by unem- cessful development policy. (3) encourage Federal-tribal arrangements ployment, mired in poverty, and rank One of the key goals of this bill is to under which Indian tribes and tribal organi- at or near the bottom of nearly every eliminate inconsistencies and duplica- zations may more effectively and efficiently social and economic indicator in the tion in federal policies that continue to combine Federal and tribal resources to sup- nation. be a barrier to Indian development port economic development projects; (4) promote the coordination of Native For years the Committee on Indian through the issuance of uniform regu- lations and policies governing the use American economic programs to maximize Affairs, which I chair, has made the benefits of these programs to encourage strengthening Indian economies a top of funds across federal agencies. a more consolidated, national policy for eco- priority. Healthy tribal economies and By authorizing federal-tribal ar- nomic development; and lower unemployment rates are impera- rangements to combine and coordinate (5) establish a demonstration project to aid tive if tribes are to achieve the goals of federal resources, this bill will make Indian tribes in obtaining Federal resources self-sufficiency and true self-deter- the best use of existing federal pro- and in more efficiently administering these mination. grams to assist tribes in attracting pri- resources for the furtherance of tribal self- Although federal economic develop- vate investment and capital onto In- governance and self-determination. dian reservations. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. ment assistance has been available for In this title: Already in this session we have ad- years, poverty, ill health, and unem- (1) APPLICANT.—The term ‘‘applicant’’ ployment remain rampant. dressed other building blocks to Indian means an Indian tribe or tribal organization One of the reasons for the lack of development such as financing housing applying for assistance for a community, success despite spending billions of dol- construction and physical infrastruc- economic, or business development project, lars, is the lack of a consistent or con- ture, the need for good governance including facilities to improve the environ- solidated federal policy to target devel- practices at the federal and tribal lev- ment, housing, roads, community facilities, opment resources. Indian business, eco- els, ensuring adequate capital for en- business and industrial facilities, transpor- tation, roads and highway, and community nomic and community development trepreneurs, and encouraging private facilities. programs span the entire federal gov- sector investment into Native commu- (2) ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘‘assistance’’ ernment and for any given project un- nities. means the transfer of anything of value for a dertaken by a tribe, there may be 6 to I am hopeful that the legislation I in- public purpose or support or stimulation 8 or more agencies involved. This frag- troduce today will signal a new day for that is— mentation and lack of coordination is how the federal government assists Na- (A) authorized by a law of the United not producing the kind of progress In- tive communities in creating jobs and States; and dian country so badly needs. building a better future for their mem- (B) provided by the Federal Government through grant or contractual arrangements, To begin to remedy this problem, bers. including technical assistance programs pro- today I am pleased to introduce legis- I ask unanimous consent that a copy viding assistance by loan, loan guarantee, or lation that builds on the most success- of the bill be printed in the RECORD. insurance. ful federal Indian policy to date: Indian There being no objection, the bill was (3) ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘as- self-determination. ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as sistance program’’ means any program of the The Indian Self-Determination and follows: Federal Government that provides assistance Education Assistance Act, which was S. 2052 for which Indian tribes or tribal organiza- tions are eligible. enacted in 1975, authorizes Indian Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tribes and tribal consortia to ‘‘step (4) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ resentatives of the United States of America in has the meaning given such term in section into the shoes’’ of the federal govern- Congress assembled, 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and ment to administer programs and serv- SECTION 1. TITLE. Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)). ices historically provided by the United The Act may be cited as the ‘‘Indian Tribal (5) PROJECT.—The term ‘‘project’’ means States. Development Consolidated Funding Act of an undertaking that includes components This Act has worked as it was in- 2000’’. that contribute materially to carrying out 1 tended and has resulted in improved ef- SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES. purpose or closely-related purposes that are ficiency of program delivery and serv- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- proposed or approved for assistance under ice quality; better managed tribal in- lowing findings: more than 1 Federal Government program. stitutions; stronger tribal economies; (1) A unique legal and political relation- (6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ ship exists between the United States and In- means the Secretary of the Interior. and a general shift away from federal dian tribes that is reflected in article I, (7) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘trib- control over Indian lives to more local, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United al organization’’ has the meaning given such tribal authority. States, various treaties, Federal statutes, term in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-Deter- What began as a Demonstration Supreme Court decisions, executive agree- mination and Education Assistance Act (25 Project in 1975 has blossomed as more ments, and course of dealing. U.S.C. 450b(l)).

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.059 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S615 SEC. 4. LEAD AGENCY. and modify such requirement when appro- or committee where reviews by separate pan- The lead agency for purposes of carrying priate; els, boards, or committees are not specifi- out this Act shall be the Department of the (5) establish common technical and admin- cally required by the statute that authorizes Interior. istrative regulations for related Federal pro- the Federal program under which such SEC. 5. SELECTION OF PARTICIPATING TRIBES. grams to assist in providing joint financing project is funded. (a) PARTICIPANTS.— to support a specific project or class of SEC. 9. DELEGATION OF SUPERVISION OF ASSIST- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may select projects; and ANCE. not to exceed 24 Indian tribes in each fiscal (6) establish joint or common application Pursuant to regulations established to im- year from the applicant pool described in processing and project supervision proce- plement this Act, the head of an executive subsection (b) to participate in the projects dures, including procedures for designating— agency may delegate or otherwise enter into carried out under this Act. (A) a lead agency responsible for proc- an arrangement to have another executive agency carry out or supervise a project or (2) CONSORTIA.—Two or more Indian tribes essing applications; and that are otherwise eligible to participate in (B) a managing agency responsible for class or projects jointly financed in accord- a program or activity to which this Act ap- project supervision. ance with this Act. Such a delegation— plies may form a consortium to participate (d) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out this (1) shall be made under conditions ensuring as a single Indian tribe under paragraph (1). Act, the head of each executive agency that the duties and powers delegated are ex- ercised consistent with Federal law; and (b) APPLICANT POOL.—The applicant pool shall— described in this subsection shall consist of (1) take all appropriate actions to carry (2) may not be made in a manner that re- each Indian tribe that— out this Act when administering a Federal lieves the head of an executive agency of re- (1) successfully completes the planning assistance program; and sponsibility for the proper and efficient man- phase described in subsection (c); (2) consult and cooperate with the heads of agement of a project for which the agency (2) has requested participation in a project other executive agencies to carry out this provides assistance. under this Act through a resolution or other Act in assisting in the administration of SEC. 10. JOINT ASSISTANCE FUNDS AND official action of the tribal governing body; Federal assistance programs of other execu- PROJECT FACILITATION. (a) JOINT ASSISTANCE FUND.—In providing and tive agencies that may be used to jointly fi- support for a project in accordance with this (3) has demonstrated, for the 3 fiscal years nance projects undertaken by Indian tribes Act, the head of an executive agency may immediately preceding the fiscal year for or tribal organizations. provide for the establishment by the appli- which the requested participation is being SEC. 7. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING RE- cant of a joint assistance fund to ensure that made, financial stability and financial man- QUESTS FOR JOINT FINANCING. amounts received from more than 1 Federal agement capability as demonstrated by the In processing an application or request for assistance program or appropriation are Indian tribe having no material audit excep- assistance for a project to be financed in ac- more effectively administered. tions in the required annual audit of the self- cordance with this Act by at least 2 assist- (b) AGREEMENT.—A joint assistance fund ance programs, the head of an executive determination contracts of the tribe. may only be established under subsection (a) agency shall take all appropriate actions to (c) PLANNING PHASE.—Each Indian tribe in accordance with an agreement by the ex- ensure that— seeking to participate in a project under this ecutive agencies involved concerning the re- (1) required reviews and approvals are han- Act shall complete a planning phase that sponsibilities of each such agency. Such an dled expeditiously; shall include legal and budgetary research agreement shall— (2) complete account is taken of special and internal tribal government and organiza- (1) ensure the availability of necessary in- considerations of timing that are made tional preparation. The tribe shall be eligible formation to the executive agencies and Con- known to the head of the agency involved by for a grant under this section to plan and ne- gress; the applicant that would affect the feasi- gotiate participation in a project under this (2) provide that the agency administering bility of a jointly financed project; Act. the fund is responsible and accountable by (3) an applicant is required to deal with a SEC. 6. AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF EXECUTIVE program and appropriation for the amounts minimum number of representatives of the AGENCIES. provided for the purposes of each account in Federal Government; (a) IN GENERAL.—The President, acting the fund; and (4) an applicant is promptly informed of a through the heads of the appropriate execu- (3) include procedures for returning an ex- decision or special problem that could affect tive agencies, shall promulgate regulations cess amount in the fund to participating ex- the feasibility of providing joint assistance necessary to carry out this Act and to ensure ecutive agencies under the applicable appro- under the application; and that this Act is applied and implemented by priation (an excess amount of an expired ap- (5) an applicant is not required to get in- all executive agencies. propriation lapses from the fund). (b) SCOPE OF COVERAGE.—The executive formation or assurances from 1 executive agency for a requesting executive agency SEC. 11. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, ACCOUNT- agencies that are included within the scope ABILITY AND AUDITS. when the requesting agency makes the infor- of this Act shall include— (a) SINGLE AUDIT ACT.—Recipients of fund- (1) the Department of Agriculture; mation or assurances directly. ing provided in accordance with this Act (2) the Department of Commerce; SEC. 8. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCE- shall be subject to the provisions of chapter (3) the Department of Defense; DURES. 75 of title 31, United States Code. (4) the Department of Education; (a) IN GENERAL.—To make participation in (b) RECORDS.—With respect to each project (5) the Department of Health and Human a project simpler than would otherwise be financed through an account in a joint man- Services; possible because of the application of vary- agement fund established under section 10, (6) the Department of Housing and Urban ing or conflicting technical or administra- the recipient of amounts from the fund shall Development; tive regulations or procedures that are not maintain records as required by the head of (7) the Department of the Interior; specifically required by the statute that au- the executive agencies responsible for ad- (8) the Department of Labor; and thorizes the Federal program under which ministering the fund. Such records shall (9) the Environmental Protection Agency. such project is funded, the head of an execu- include— (c) ACTIVITIES.—Notwithstanding any other tive agency may promulgate uniform regula- (1) the amount and disposition by the re- provision of law, the head of each executive tions concerning inconsistent or conflicting cipient of assistance received under each agency, acting alone or jointly through an requirements with respect to— Federal assistance program and appropria- agreement with another executive agency, (1) the financial administration of the tion; may— project including accounting, reporting and (2) the total cost of the project for which (1) identify related Federal programs that auditing, and maintaining a separate bank such assistance was given or used; are likely to be particularly suitable in pro- account, to the extent consistent with this (3) that part of the cost of the project pro- viding for the joint financing of specific Act; vided from other sources; and kinds of projects; (2) the timing of payments by the Federal (4) other records that will make it easier to (2) assist in planning and developing Government for the project when 1 payment conduct an audit of the project. projects to be financed through different schedule or a combined payment schedule is (c) AVAILABILITY.—Records of a recipient Federal programs; to be established for the project; related to an amount received from a joint (3) with respect to Federal programs or (3) the provision of assistance by grant management fund under this Act shall be projects that are identified or developed rather than procurement contract; and made available to the head of the executive under paragraphs (1) or (2), develop and (4) the accountability for, or the disposi- agency responsible for administering the prescribe— tion of, records, property, or structures ac- fund and the Comptroller General for inspec- (A) guidelines; quired or constructed with assistance from tion and audit. (B) model or illustrative projects; the Federal Government under the project. SEC. 12. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND PER- (C) joint or common application forms; and (b) REVIEW.—In making the processing of SONNEL TRAINING. (D) other materials or guidance; applications for assistance under a project Amounts available for technical assistance (4) review administrative program require- simpler under this Act, the head of an execu- and personnel training under any Federal as- ments to identify those requirements that tive agency may provide for review of pro- sistance program shall be available for tech- may impede the joint financing of projects posals for a project by a single panel, board, nical assistance and training under a project

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.048 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 approved for joint financing under this Act every dollar of income. But after in- Tragically, later her body was recov- where a portion of such financing involves come reaches a certain point, the EITC ered. A suspect has been arrested for such Federal assistance program and another is gradually phased out. her murder. assistance program. Unfortunately, a marriage penalty is I have, along with Sheila, stayed in SEC. 13. JOINT FINANCING FOR FEDERAL-TRIBAL ASSISTED PROJECTS. built into the EITC. This marriage pen- close touch with Katie’s family. We Under regulations promulgated under this alty exists because a married couple’s have talked quite often with her moth- Act, the head of an executive agency may combined earnings put them at a high- er Pam, her dad Steve, and her brother enter into an agreement with a State to ex- er point in the EITC phase-out range Patrick. tend the benefits of this Act to a project that than where one or both of them would When I went to the service, I couldn’t involves assistance from at least 1 executive have been if they had remained single. even stand it, just to see the pain. This agency and at least 1 tribal agency or instru- If, for example, one minimum wage never should have happened. mentality. The agreement may include ar- earner marries another minimum wage I thought about what I could do as a rangements to process requests or admin- Senator to make a difference. I, there- ister assistance on a joint basis. earner with two children, the couple’s fore, started talking to a lot of our SEC. 14. REPORT TO CONGRESS. EITC would be over $1,300 less than the Not later than 1 year after the date of en- combined EITC they would have re- rural law enforcement people. They actment of this Act, the President shall pre- ceived if they hadn’t gotten married. told me that whatever we could do in pare and submit to Congress a report con- For working families that subsist on Congress, the key would be to enhance cerning the actions taken under this Act to- the minimum wage, this is a signifi- their ability to respond quickly and ag- gether with recommendations for the con- cant loss—more than half of their com- gressively to such crimes, that that tinuation of this Act or proposed amend- bined wages for a month. would make a difference. ments thereto. Such report shall include a To reduce the EITC marriage pen- So there are two pieces to this piece detailed evaluation of the operation of this of legislation. I hope I will get tremen- Act, including information on the benefits alty, the bill I’m introducing will ex- and costs of jointly financed projects that tend the point at which the EITC be- dous bipartisan support. accrue to participating Indian tribes and gins to phase out. This is the approach The first is an abduction emergency tribal organizations. I advocated, and which was subse- fund called the Katie Poirier Abduction quently adopted in last year’s tax bill. Emergency Fund. Basically, what I am By Mr. JEFFORDS: It is also the approach adopted in the saying, colleagues, is that for rural law S. 2053. A bill to amend the Internal bill passed by the Ways and Means enforcement, especially in the critical Revenue Code of 1986 to provide mar- Committee. The difference between my first 72 hours, they should never have riage tax penalty relief for earned in- bill and these other bills is the amount to worry about whether they will have come credit; to the Committee on Fi- by which the beginning point of the the resources and what the cost will be. nance. phase-out range would be extended. This will be an emergency fund they MARRIAGE TAX PENALTY RELIEF The other bills proposed to extend it by can draw upon from the Attorney Gen- Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, today $2,000. I propose to extend it by $3,500; eral, to State agencies, down to the I am introducing a bill to reduce the this would provide significantly more local level. For our rural law enforce- marriage penalty built into the Earned marriage penalty relief. My back-of- ment community, this is critically im- Income Tax Credit—the EITC. It ap- the-envelope calculations indicate that portant. pears that Congress may well act to ad- my bill would eliminate about half of Then the second piece is to provide dress the marriage penalty this year. the marriage penalties built into the local law enforcement officers with re- Eliminating the marriage penalty is a EITC. sources to use the latest identification worthwhile goal. A marriage license I do not have a cost estimate for this systems to solve and prevent crime. In shouldn’t come with a higher tax bill bill. For the Ways and Means marriage our metropolitan areas we have the from Uncle Sam. As we consider this penalty bill, the Joint Committee on technology, but in our rural commu- issue, however, I want to make sure Taxation estimated that a $2,000 exten- nities quite often our local law enforce- that low-income taxpayers are not left sion of the beginning point of the EITC ment communities do not have the ca- out of the debate. In terms of dollars, phase-out would cost $11 billion over 10 pacity to link up with systems such as the EITC marriage penalty may be rel- years. This is a relatively small part of the FBI’s very sophisticated finger- atively small, but for workers trying to a bill whose overall 10-year cost is $182 print identification system. This can raise children on low wages it rep- billion. be the difference between 2 hours and 2 resents a significant loss of income, Last year, the conferees on the tax months. There will be money that will and it may well deter couples from bill initially chose not to include help go to local law enforcement, rural law marrying. for EITC taxpayers in the marriage enforcement so they can be able to Though our nation’s economy con- penalty provisions. I threatened to take advantage of this technology. tinues to thrive, many Americans still vote against the bill, probably depriv- Altogether, with the abduction emer- struggle to make ends meet. Working ing it of a majority in the Senate. The gency fund, we are talking about $10 families across the nation hover above conference was reopened, and relief of million over 3 years, for $30 million; the poverty level, striving to stay off the EITC marriage penalty was in- and on the technology upgrade for welfare and yearning to provide a de- cluded in the final bill. I think that rural law enforcement, we are talking cent life for their children. We can and shows how strongly I feel about this about $20 million over 3 years, for $60 must do more to help these families. issue. I’m glad that the House has million—total cost for 3 years, $90 mil- And we can do it through the tax code looked out for low-income taxpayers in lion. in a manner that is proven and fair, its marriage penalty bill. Still, I think This is incredibly important to rural using the earned income tax credit. we can do better. America. It is an investment we should The EITC is a refundable tax credit make. While I know no piece of legisla- specifically targeted to help low-in- By Mr. WELLSTONE: tion can ever provide 100 percent safety come workers and their families. In my S. 2055. A bill to establish the Katie for our children, I do know this piece of state of Vermont, with soaring housing Poirier Abduction Emergency Fund, legislation will make a difference for costs and spiking fuel costs, the EITC and for other purposes; to the Com- rural law enforcement and will provide has proven effective in supplementing mittee on the Judiciary. some protection for our children and the income of working families. KATIE’S LAW will provide some protection for our By some estimates, the EITC has Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I rural citizens. moved more than two million children rise to introduce a piece of legislation I have never been more determined to out of poverty. One recent report calls that I hope will be called Katie’s Law. pass any piece of legislation than this it the most effective safety net pro- This past year, colleagues, in Carlton small step. It is something I think I gram for children in working poor fam- County, we lost a young, beautiful should do as a Senator. I think as Sen- ilies. In 1999, the EITC provided low-in- woman who worked at a convenience ators talk to their rural communities come working families with two chil- store. She was abducted. Everybody in from around the country, they will find dren a subsidy of roughly 40 cents for the community helped the family. this does meet a very critical need.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.048 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S617 By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself THE MOTORISTS PRIVACY ACT OF 2000 consent that the text of the bill be and Mr. CRAIG): Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I printed in the RECORD. S. 2056. A bill to amend the Richard rise today to introduce the Motorists There being no objection, the bill was B. Russell National School Lunch Act Privacy Act of 2000. This legislation ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as to ensure an adequate level of com- has become necessary because techno- follows: modity purchases under the school logical advancements threaten to allow S. 2057 lunch program; to the Committee on government and private enterprise to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. develop a vast database of information resentatives of the United States of America in EMERGENCY COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION ACT about the comings and goings of ordi- Congress assembled, nary Americans. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise Recently, I learned of a device known This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Motorists today to join my colleague Senator as an electronic measurement unit Privacy Act of 2000’’. JOHNSON in introducing the Emergency (EMU). EMUs are placed on billboards SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF ELECTRONIC Commodity Distribution Act of 2000. along highways and at the entrances to MEASUREMENT UNITS. Children are our future. I strongly stadiums and concert locations in At- Part I of title III of the Communications believe each child deserves at least one lanta, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Phoe- Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new sec- warm, nutritious meal every day. I nix, Boston, and a variety of other cit- stand before you today with a new bill tion: ies throughout the nation. These shoe- ‘‘SEC. 338. PROHIBITION ON USE OF ELECTRONIC that will restore $500 million to the box size devices instantly determine School Lunch Program. The positive MEASUREMENT UNITS. what radio station a car radio is tuned ‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.—No person may install, impacts of this program are endless. to by detecting electronic signals emit- post, operate, or otherwise use an electronic Children should not have to pay the ted from the oscillators in every car measurement unit (EMU). price of not having enough money for radio. ‘‘(b) ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT UNIT DE- food. These devices are capable of meas- FINED.—In subsection (a), the term ‘elec- Originally enacted in 1946, the school uring tens of thousands of radios in tronic measurement unit (EMU)’ means a de- lunch program set goals to improve vice that determines the frequency of the passing cars every day. And they pro- radio broadcast being received by a radio re- children’s nutrition, increase low-in- vide nearly instantaneous information come children’s access to nutritious ceiver located within a vehicle passing on the number of people listening to a through the operating range of the device.’’. meals, and to help support the agricul- radio station at any given time. This tural industry. A family of four has to valuable data can then be sold to radio By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, have an income at or below 130 percent owners, who can then adjust their ad- Mr. MACK, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. of the federal poverty level to qualify vertising rates based on listenership. DURBIN, and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): for a free lunch. The income for these Mr. President, there is nothing wrong S. 2058. A bill to extend filing dead- families is tragically low. Congress has with surveying radio usage so long as a lines for applications for adjustment of a role in providing these children with citizen voluntarily chooses to partici- status of certain Cuban, Nicaraguan, assistance their families cannot pro- pate in such a survey. However, when and Haitian nationals; to the Com- vide. private enterprise or the government mittee on the Judiciary. Last year, Congress enacted the begin to monitor radio or television LEGISLATION TO EXTEND FILING DEADLINES FOR Ticket to Work and Work Incentives usage, without the knowledge of the APPLICATIONS FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS Improvement Act. This legislation citizen, then a line is crossed that can OF CERTAIN CUBAN, NICARAGUAN, AND HAI- amended the School Lunch Act to re- only lead down the path to Big Broth- TIAN NATIONALS quire the United States Department of er. And as far as this Senator is con- Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I come Agriculture to count the value of bonus cerned, that is not going to happen so to the Senate floor this afternoon to commodities when it determines the long as I am a Member of the Senate. introduce legislation which has as its total amount of commodity assistance When a citizen is sitting inside of his objective to assure a greater measure provided to schools. This change will or her car, there is a 100 percent expec- of fairness to a particularly vulnerable result in a $500 million budget cut for tation of privacy that what is said and group of Central American and Carib- the school lunch program over a nine- listened to is private. Motorists, right- bean nationals who, in many cases, for year period. fully, should have no suspicion that many years have resided in the United In FY1998, the school lunch program they are being monitored by the gov- States. comprised over 90 percent of schools, ernment or by private enterprise. How- I appreciate the support of my col- with some 90,000 schools enrolling 46.5 ever, in the case of EMUs, few motor- leagues: Senators MACK, KENNEDY, million children. Children receiving ists are aware that these devices even DURBIN, and FEINSTEIN, who join in this free lunches averaged 13 million a day, exist and in most cases, no attempt is effort as cosponsors. and those receiving reduced price made to inform motorists when they For some background: In 1997, and lunches averaged 2.2 million a day. enter an area in which EMUs are uti- again in 1998, Congress passed legisla- Each state and millions of children are lized. tion to protect, first, a group of Cen- affected. This program provides a basic Mr. President, what right does a tral American and Cuban nationals and requirement of food for needy children. company or government have to snoop then a similar group of Haitian nation- No child should be without food. The on what people are listening to in their als who were refugees and were threat- Emergency Commodity Distribution automobiles? It is not a very great leap ened with deportation. Act of 2000 would ensure that schools to imagine a world where EMUs track Action was needed in those 2 years receive the full value of entitlement not only what you listen to in the car, because of passage of the 1996 Illegal commodity assistance, and allow the but combined with remote television Immigration Reform and Immigrant School Lunch Program to continue to cameras, track your driving patterns. Responsibility Act, which changed im- meet its dual purpose of supporting And surely, such devices could be in- migration rules and did so, in many in- American agriculture while providing stalled in neighborhoods in order to stances, retroactively. The history of nutritious food to schools across the monitor what families watch on tele- this group of people started during the country. I urge members to support vision in their homes. Surely such in- Presidency of Ronald Reagan. The this bill, support children, and support vasions of privacy cannot be tolerated. United States offered protection and our future. Therefore, I am today introducing legal status to many Central American the Motorists Privacy Act which out- nationals who were fighting for democ- By Mr. MURKOWSKI: laws the use of electronic measurement racy in their home country or fleeing S. 2057. A bill to amend the Commu- units to scan car radios. Regardless of the war that had ensued. Similarly, nications Act of 1934 to prohibit the whether or not these scans are anony- during the Presidency of George Bush, use of electronic measurement units mous, motorists deserve the same ex- Haitian nationals were forced to flee (EMUs); to the Committee on Com- pectation of privacy within their cars after the overthrow of the elected merce, Science, and Transportation. as does a homeowner. I ask unanimous President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.077 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 1994. They were offered protection and sands of examples. Let me just cite one agency, the INS, to issue the regula- legal status in the United States. which was brought to my attention by tions. In 1996, these Central American and a prominent immigration attorney in I send to the desk a few of the letters Haitian nationals had been living in Florida. I will call this young woman, I have received from individuals and our country for years; in the cases of in order to protect her privacy, advocacy groups and religious leaders the Central Americans, often longer Frances. She is a real human being. calling for this deadline extension, and than a decade. They established busi- Frances is 22 years old. Her parents I ask unanimous consent that these nesses. They formed and raised fami- fled Haiti in the 1980s, when she was a letters from the American Immigra- lies. They bought homes. They child. Her family settled in Florida. tion Lawyers Association of South strengthened the communities in She now has three U.S. citizen brothers Florida, the Haitian American Founda- which they lived. Then in 1996, with the and sisters. Tragedy has struck her tion, the Haiti Advocacy Agency, all be passage of the Illegal Immigration Re- family on several occasions. Her father printed in the RECORD. form and Immigrant Responsibility died when she was just 7 years old. Her The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Act, these Central American and Hai- mother died when she was still in her objection, it is so ordered. tian individuals and families were early teens. She finished high school (See Exhibit 1.) made retroactively deportable. These and is now raising her younger broth- Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I send deportations would have occurred ers and sisters while working. She is an the legislation to the desk, which has years and years after these nationals orphan. She would be in the class of been cosponsored by Senators MACK, had established their lives in the persons protected by the 1998 legisla- KENNEDY, DURBIN, and FEINSTEIN. I ask United States. tion. She is trying now to put together my colleagues for their understanding Congress moved quickly to protect the documents necessary to apply to and their support for this legislation— their legal status here by passing the stay in the United States and not be legislation that will ensure the most Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central separated from her U.S. citizen broth- basic elements of fairness in our demo- American Relief Act in November of ers and sisters, the only family she has cratic system, which will allow people 1997, and then the Haitian Refugee Im- left. who have fled war and persecution to migration Fairness Act in October of The 1-year extension and the ability come to the freedom of the United 1998. These two bills made certain sec- to apply for relief once regulations are States and to be treated fairly by our tions of the 1996 immigration law non- final will make a huge difference in the laws. retroactive. We mandated in those two life of this woman, will make a huge EXHIBIT NO. 1 pieces of legislation that to apply for difference in her ability to comply with AMERICAN IMMIGRATION relief from deportation under this procedures which are probably the LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, measure, applications had to be made most significant in her life. SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER, by a date certain: March 31, 2000. Today, I am introducing this in an ef- January 24, 2000. The sad fact is, in 3 years after one of fort to secure as rapid a resolution of Senator BOB GRAHAM, these pieces of legislation was passed these concerns as possible. I am not un- U.S. Senate, mindful of the magnitude of the task Re: Letter of support for your effort to ex- and more than 2 years after another, tend application period for HRIFA & we are still waiting for the final regu- Congress has asked the Immigration NACARA. lations to be issued for both of these and Naturalization Service to perform. DEAR SENATOR GRAHAM: On behalf of the pieces of legislation. The final rules I don’t want to imply that the INS and South Florida Chapter of the American Im- that would help families apply for re- other Federal agencies should rush migration Lawyers Association (AILA) I lief have not yet been issued. Interim through these technical pieces of legis- write this letter of support to encourage you regulations were issued for both bills in lation. However, in situations such as in your effort to introduce legislation to ex- 1998 and 1999, but in neither case have this, where a longer time than expected tend the application period for HRIFA & NACARA beneficiaries. the regulations become final. There is was needed to develop the regulations, My organization has long-supported both the very real possibility that the appli- it is only fair to allow a longer time for bills and is appreciative of your great efforts cation deadline, March 31, 2000, could those who are going to be affected by in support of these efforts. Please let us come and go before the final regula- the law. know if there is anything we can do to help. tions, which establish the rules and I understand the INS has been very Thank you, Senator GRAHAM. procedures by which applications will thorough and understanding. It has Sincerely, be submitted and evaluated, have even met with individual groups on all sides MICHAEL D. RAY, President, AILA South Florida Chapter. been issued. of this issue. Many of them have been Both for reasons of fairness and to my constituents in Florida. I commend HAITIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION, INC., promote good Government, we should the INS for its willingness to hear all January 24, 2000. extend the application deadline for re- points of view and be thorough in their Hon. BOB GRAHAM, lief. Under this legislation, the new review before issuing final regulations. U.S. Senate, Senate Office Bldg. deadline for relief will be 1 year after However, having said that, I believe Washington, DC. the date the regulations become final. nearly 3 years is a reasonable amount DEAR SIR: Thank you for introducing legis- I point out to my colleagues that this of time to have finalized these regula- lation to extend the filing period under which HRIFA and NACARA can be filed. legislation will not cover any addi- tions. Haitians have had an extraordinarily short tional individuals who will have the The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Cen- period of time to apply—a mere nine months. right to apply for the right to live in tral American Relief Act took only Due to this narrow time period, many eligi- the United States. No additional per- nine pages of text in Public Law 105–100 ble poor people have not been able to apply sons will be granted eligibility as a re- when it was passed. Similarly, the Hai- because of the uncapped INS fee structure sult of this legislation beyond those tian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act and the reluctance of the few pro bono attor- who were made eligible in 1997 and took less than two pages to print in the neys serving them to submit fee waiver re- again in 1998. What this legislation CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. These were quests for fear that INS might deem the ap- concise, targeted pieces of legislation. plication untimely. As you know, as of De- does is create a more realistic and fair cember 31, 1999 only 18,000 individuals had deadline for individuals Congress has They were not lengthy, complex over- applied (of 50,000 INS estimates are eligible). already passed legislation to protect. hauls of major components of the im- This low number of applicants is due to the This action should be taken because migration law. It is plain unfair to give high costs involved. Most families must pay it is fair. First, it is fair to the immi- someone a deadline and charge them a between $1,000 to $2,000 in INS fees alone. grants. We shouldn’t expect them to go substantial fee to file and then to be Supplement fees—such as the requisite med- through the arduous and very costly uncertain as to what the rules will be ical exams—are additional financial burdens that will govern those applications. for applicants. application process without the cer- Extension of the HRIFA and NACARA fil- tainty that the regulations which will With this legislation, I seek the flexi- ing deadline is essential if Congress hopes to govern their applications are final. bility to allow more time to apply for help Haitian refugees. Some 30,000 Haitians It is easy to put a human face on this relief in a situation where more time in South Florida are expected to benefit issue. There are scores, hundreds, thou- than expected was necessary by the from such extension.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.062 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S619 Your legislation is indispensable and cru- gram; Daniel M. Schweissing; The Cen- lished his last daily ‘‘Peanuts’’ comic cial. I applaud your leadership in introducing ter for Haitian Ministries; William strip ending a remarkable fifty year the legislation and thereby serving as a Shagan, Supervising Attorney; Lu- run. To commemorate Charles Schulz’s champion to your constituents. theran Family and Community Serv- extraordinary career, I urge my col- Sincerely, ices, Inc.; Althea Stahl, Assistant Pro- LEONIE M. HERMANTIN, fessor; Earlham College, Languages leagues to join me in awarding him a Executive Director. and Literatures; Rick Swartz, Presi- Congressional Medal of Honor. dent, Swartz & Associates; Michele Charles Schulz’s body of work in the HAITI ADVOCACY, INC., Wucker, Author. Why the Cocks Fight: ‘‘Peanuts’’ strip deserves recognition 1309 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE SE Dominicans, Haitians, and the Struggle as a national treasure. For half a cen- Washington, DC, January 31, 2000. for Hispaniola; 245 West 107th Street, tury, his cartoon illustrations have in- Office of the Hon. BOB GRAHAM, Apt. 9D; New York NYC 10025 spired millions of Americans with its 524 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, wry humor and endearing cast of char- DC. By Mr. SARBANES: acters. Who has not been touched by Re: Extension of HRIFA/NACARA Filing S. 2059. A bill to modify land convey- Deadlines. ance authority relating to the former the trials and tribulations of Charlie DEAR SENATOR GRAHAM: We are greatly en- Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and the couraged that you are introducing legisla- Cecil County, Maryland, and for other rest of the ‘‘Peanuts’’ family? tion to extend the deadlines for applications At its peak, Peanuts appeared in under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Cen- purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. close to 3,000 newspapers in 75 coun- tral American Relief Act (NACARA) and the tries and was published in over 20 dif- Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act BAINBRIDGE NAVAL TRAINING CENTER LAND (HRIFA). CONVEYANCE ferent languages to more than 355 mil- As you know, more than 2 years has passed Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, lion daily readers. Charles Schulz’s tel- since the passage of NACARA and more than today I am introducing legislation that evision special, ‘‘A Charlie Brown one since the passage of HRIFA and the INS would alleviate the $500,000 cost associ- Christmas,’’ has run for 34 consecutive has yet to issue final regulations imple- ated with the transfer of the former years. In all, more that 60 animated menting these laws. The statutory deadline Bainbridge Naval Training Center in specials have been created based on for applications under both laws, April 1, ‘‘Peanuts’’ characters. Four feature 2000, is fast approaching. Cecil County, Maryland. It is my hope Interim regulations contained unreason- that this bill will help expedite the de- films, 1,400 books, and a hit Broadway ably burdensome documentary requirements, velopment of this property by the musical about the ‘‘Peanuts’’ char- excessive fees and lack of appropriate consid- Bainbridge Development Corporation acters also have been produced. eration for special groups such as abandoned and the State of Maryland, and allow Charles Schulz’s achievements are all children and refugees who were compelled to this site to realize its tremendous po- the more remarkable because, through- use false documents in order to flee. These tential as soon as possible. Moreover, out his career, he has worked without and other deficiencies have, to date, pre- the money that the BDC will save any artistic assistants, unlike most vented all but a minority of those eligible syndicated cartoonists. Schulz has from filing applications. through this waiver will be put towards Hundreds of comments were filed salvaging several of the historic build- painstakingly drawn every line and critiquing these and other restrictions as in- ings on the site, namely, the historic frame in his comic strip for 50 years, an consistent with the remedial intent of Con- Tome School. unparalleled commitment to his art gress. We certainly hope that the INS will Next week, I will participate in the and profession. give full and fair consideration to these com- transfer ceremony for this base, which In 1994, while speaking before the Na- ments and ameliorate the shortcomings in now represents 1200 acres of pristine tional Cartoonists Society, Charles the final version. Nevertheless, it is now ap- and strategically located land. The Schulz said of his comic strip, ‘‘There’s parent that any such improvements will be transfer follows decades of negotiations largely, if not completely, negated by the still a market for things that are clean short time remaining before the deadline. and cleanup, and I, along with the and decent.’’ Charles Schulz has given Accordingly, it is fitting and proper to ex- Navy, my constituents in Cecil County, generations of children a cast of color- tend the deadlines to one year following the and the other members of the Mary- ful characters to grow up with and to promulgation of such final regulations so land State congressional delegation teach the small and large lessons of that the intended beneficiaries of this impor- hope to see development of this site life. tant legislation receive the full measure of begin promptly. Seventeen Americans from the arts justice provided under law. In my view, the transfer of the Bain- Thank you for your support and kind con- and entertainment world have been bridge site is a shining example of what awarded the Congressional Gold Medal sideration of our views. can be accomplished through partner- Respectfully, for their achievements in the enrich- Merrill Smith, Director; And: Linda ships between Federal, State, and local ment of American culture. I urge that Wood Ballard; Maurice Belanger, Sen- governments. I introduce this bill to Charles Schulz become the eighteenth ior Policy Associate; National Immi- sustain our momentum and move this individual so honored. Please join me gration Forum; 220 I Street NE, Suite property into productive use as expedi- in recognizing the lifetime contribu- 220; Washington DC 20002; Phillip J. tiously as possible. Mr. President, I tions of Charles Schulz by awarding Brutus, Esq.; 645 NE 127 Street; North have spoken with the appropriate Navy him the Congressional Gold Medal. Miami FL 33161; Alison Laird Craig, officials regarding this matter and Member Haitian Studies Association; they have raised no concerns about Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, Jr., President; By Mr. BIDEN (for himself and this waiver. Indeed, this is truly a non- Mr. SPECTER): Lutheran Immigration and Refugee controversial measure with a very Service; Geary Farrell; 0–261 Luce SW; S. 2061. A bill to establish a crime Grand Rapids, MI 49544; Michael A. modest cost and I urge my colleagues prevention and computer education ini- Foulkes, Attorney At-Law; 4770 Bis- to support its swift passage. tiative; to the Committee on the Judi- cayne Boulevard, Suite 570; Miami FL By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, ciary. 33137; Muriel Heiberger, Executive Di- THE KIDS 2000 ACT rector Massachusetts Immigrant and Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. Refugee Advocacy; Trevor Jackson, BAUCUS, and Mr. HELMS): Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, there has Senior Programmer Analyst; Con- S. 2060. A bill to authorize the Presi- been incredible prosperity that the necticut Community Colleges—Board dent to award a gold medal on behalf of vast majority of our country is bene- of Trustees; Maureen T. Kelleher, Flor- the Congress to Charles M. Schulz in fiting from—and that prosperity was ida Immigrant Advocacy Center; Guy recognition of his lasting artistic con- built on a combination of communica- H. Larreur, President, Konbit, L.L.C.; tributions to the Nation and the world, tion and computers. This technology Haitian Immigration Support & Advo- and for other purposes; to the Com- has opened a whole new world for cate Center; P.O. Box 6736; St. Thomas, mittee on Banking, Housing, and America. This new technology has VI 00804; John B. Percy; 35 Parsons Road; Enfield CT 06082; Edwige Rom- Urban Affairs. driven our economic growth. And, the ulus, Chair; Haitian-American Support LEGISLATION TO AWARD CHARLES SCHULTZ THE future lies with those who can master Group of Central Florida; William CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL the tools of this new economic age. Sage, Interim Director; Church World Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, on It wasn’t too long ago that it looked Service Immigration and Refugee Pro- January 3rd, 2000, Charles Schulz pub- like our time in the sun was behind us.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:49 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.093 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 Behind us was the idea of prosperity in The digital divide is also significant tiative in a very significant way. You our country. But times have changed because the new digital economy can’t know we could not do this without you over the past few years. And we stand run on computers alone. Businesses and I appreciate your generosity and here today with the prospect of a new need workers with computer know-how commitment to the cause. era of prosperity. and Internet literacy. Those who are This initiative has brought together With flexible financial markets, a not competent with the tools of tech- so many integral sectors of society. historic wave of entrepreneurial activ- nology will be left behind. Some of Business, government, the non-profit ity, and the convergence of new tech- them are our kids. They are our re- world. Together, we can make this pro- nologies from the personal computer to sponsibility and we cannot let this hap- gram a success. Together we can make the Internet, we are transforming our- pen. a difference in the lives of kids and selves into what is now called the ‘‘new And we know what happens to our provide our children with the tools economy.’’ kids when they are left behind. Their they need to live and learn in a world Look at the numbers: In recent opportunities are vastly reduced, there that has become so dependent on tech- years, Information Technology indus- is despair, and even criminal behavior. nology. tries contributed 35% to Gross Domes- But there is something that we can do. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- tic Product growth. The Information And we are here today to begin a sig- sent that a copy of this bill be printed Technology sector is growing at twice nificant effort to do just that—to close in the RECORD. the rate of the rest of the economy. the digital divide. There being no objection, the bill was And by 2006, more than half of the U.S. Addressing the problems associated ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as workforce will be employed by indus- with the digital divide is not all this follows: tries that are either major producers, initiative seeks to do. Another goal is S. 2061 or intensive users, of Information to reduce juvenile crime by providing Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Technology. kids with substantive after-school pro- resentatives of the United States of America in A lot of what we do—manufacturing, grams. Congress assembled, shipping, marketing, are basically the Everyone has heard me say this time SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. same old functions. But we do virtually and time again, but let me say this one This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Kids 2000 all of them in new and better ways more time—prevention works. Act’’. thanks to the explosion of information While kids are learning in these com- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. technology. This has increased our pro- puter centers, they will be off the Congress makes the following findings: ductivity in ways that the best econo- street and out of harm’s way. They will (1) There is an increasing epidemic of juve- mists still don’t completely under- be occupied with constructive activi- nile crime throughout the United States. stand. ties. School dropout rates will be re- (2) It is well documented that the majority of juvenile crimes take place during after- But, there is one thing that we do un- duced because kids will realize that school hours. derstand: those who can master tech- they have great potential. Kids 2000 is (3) Knowledge of technology is becoming nology will be able to benefit from this the ultimate after-school program. increasingly necessary for children in school great expansion—and that is why we That is precisely why I have asked and out of school. are here today. So no one is left be- the Boys and Girls Clubs to host my (4) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America hind. computer initiative. For decades, the have 2,300 clubs throughout all 50 States, That is why today I am proud to be Boys & Girls Clubs of America have serving over 3,000,000 boys and girls pri- introducing legislation, aptly titled provided young people all across the marily from at-risk communities. (5) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America Kids 2000, that will be one step in our United States with the support and in- have the physical structures in place for im- mission to provide all children with ac- spiration they need to make it in a mediate implementation of an after-school cess to technology. world full of peer pressure and crime. technology program. It is my hope, that through a public/ Kids 2000 also makes sense economi- (6) Building technology centers and pro- private partnership, led by members of cally. It is estimated that allowing a viding integrated content and full-time staff- Congress and Steve and Jean Case, single youth to drop out of high school ing at those centers in the Boys and Girls state-of-the-art computer centers will and enter a life of drug abuse and crime Clubs of America nationwide will help foster be placed in Boys & Girls Clubs nation- costs society between $1.7 and $2.3 mil- education, job training, and an alternative wide. Located in largely under-served to crime for at-risk youth. lion. In comparison, Kids 2000 will cost (7) Partnerships between the public sector communities, Club computer centers the government a mere $40 per child. and the private sector are an effective way of will reach precisely the kids who need Because I believe that there is a role providing after-school technology programs these resources the most. And none of for the private sector, I have asked my in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. these kids will be left behind. good friends Jean and Steve Case and (8) PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide is One goal of Kids 2000 is to help close PowerUp to be an integral part of this an entity comprised of more than a dozen the digital divide by providing kids initiative. That means computers, nonprofit organizations, major corporations, with computers, internet access, and America On-Line accounts, educational and Federal agencies that have joined to- fully comprehensive technical training. curriculum, and fully comprehensive gether to launch a major new initiative to help ensure that America’s underserved As the wonders of computers become technical training in Boys and Girls young people acquire the skills, experiences, increasingly evident and celebrated, Clubs nationwide. and resources they need to succeed in the certain segments of society still lack And PowerUp is not alone. 3-Com has digital age. access to these resources. Some seg- committed to donating $1 million in (9) Bringing PowerUp into the Boys and ments are not participating in this networking equipment, MCI Worldcom Girls Clubs of America will be an effective technological revolution that is sweep- will be donating educational software way to ensure that our youth have a safe, ing across our country. and training, American Airlines has crime-free environment in which to learn the And the disparities are alarming. agreed to donate free airline travel to technological skills they need to close the Look at the figures: Of households divide between young people who have access train teachers, Ripple Effects Software to computer-based information and tech- making over $75,000, 80% own com- will donate educational software, and nology-related skills and those who do not. puters and 60% use the Internet. Yet, Sabre Inc. will be donating computers. SEC. 3. AFTER-SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS TO for households making between $10,000– I want to thank all the corporations THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF $15,000, only 16% own a computer and that have stepped forward and I hope AMERICA. only 7% use the Internet. that there will be many more in the (a) PURPOSES.—The Attorney General shall And it’s not just income levels. There coming months. We can’t do this make grants to the Boys and Girls Clubs of are disparities amongst races, edu- project without the private sector’s America for the purpose of funding effective cation levels and geography. In addi- after-school technology programs, such as help. PowerUp, in order to provide— tion, at all income levels, households I want to say thanks to Steve and (1) constructive technology-focussed ac- with two parents are far more likely Jean Case who have been in the fore- tivities that are part of a comprehensive pro- than one-parent households to own front of this issue since the beginning gram to provide access to technology and computers and have Internet access. and who are participating in this ini- technology training to youth during after-

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:06 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.071 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S621 school hours, weekends, and school vaca- postage stamps; to the Committee on of Transplant Surgeons; LifeBanc; and tions; Governmental Affairs. the Association of Organ Procurement (2) supervised activities in safe environ- ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS Organizations. ments for youth; and ‘‘SEMI-POSTAL’’ STAMP I urge my colleagues to join us in (3) full-time staffing with teachers, tutors, Mr. DEWINE. Mr. President, I am and other qualified personnel. supporting this important legislation. (b) SUBAWARDS.—The Boys and Girls Clubs pleased to be here today with my friend Time is of the essence. The waiting list of America shall make subawards to local and colleague from Illinois, Senator for organs includes 67,000 people, with a boys and girls clubs authorizing expenditures DURBIN, to introduce legislation that new name added to that list every 16 associated with providing technology pro- would authorize the issuance of the minutes. Moreover, ten to twelve peo- grams such as PowerUp, including the hiring organ and tissue donation awareness ple die every day waiting for an organ of teachers and other personnel, procure- ‘‘semi-postal’’ stamp. With 67,000 peo- to become available. There is simply ment of goods and services, including com- ple on the organ donation waiting list, no time to lose. Every effort we make puter equipment, or such other purposes as we have no time to lose in educating are approved by the Attorney General. to increase, and in this case help gen- the public about the importance of life- SEC. 4. APPLICATIONS. erate, funds for organ and tissue dona- (a) ELIGIBILITY.—In order to be eligible to giving organ and tissue donations. tion awareness will help to save some- receive a grant under this Act, an applicant In August 1998, as a result of strong one’s life. for a subaward (specified in section 3(b)) public and congressional interest, the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- shall submit an application to the Boys and U.S. Postal Service issued a 32-cent sent that the text of this legislation be Girls Clubs of America, in such form and organ and tissue donation commemora- printed in the RECORD. containing such information as the Attorney tive stamp. But, just five months later, There being no objection, the bill was General may reasonably require. the postal rate increased to 33-cents. ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as (b) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.—Each ap- To use the stamp, that meant pur- plication submitted in accordance with sub- follows: section (a) shall include— chasers would have to buy an addi- S. 2062 (1) a request for a subgrant to be used for tional one-cent stamp to make up the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of the purposes of this Act; postage difference. Yet, despite this Representatives of the United States of America (2) a description of the communities to be hassle, more than 47 million of the 50 in Congress assembled, served by the grant, including the nature of million stamps originally printed have SECTION 1. SPECIAL POSTAGE STAMPS TO BEN- juvenile crime, violence, and drug use in the been purchased, demonstrating the EFIT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION communities; strong demand for an organ and tissue AWARENESS. (3) written assurances that Federal funds donation awareness postage stamp. (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 4 of title 39, received under this Act will be used to sup- Since the U.S. Postal Service does United States Code, is amended by inserting plement and not supplant, non-Federal funds after section 414 the following: that would otherwise be available for activi- not re-issue commemorative stamps, we are seeking authorization for a ‘‘§ 414a. Special postage stamps for organ and ties funded under this Act; tissue donation awareness ‘‘semi-postal’’ stamp. This stamp (4) written assurances that all activities ‘‘(a) In order to afford the public a conven- funded under this Act will be supervised by would sell for up to 25 percent above ient way to contribute to funding for organ qualified adults; the value of a first-class stamp, regard- and tissue donation awareness, the Postal (5) a plan for assuring that program activi- less of the price of the first-class Service shall establish a special rate of post- ties will take place in a secure environment stamp, itself. The surplus revenues age for first-class mail under this section. that is free of crime and drugs; would be directed to programs that in- ‘‘(b) The rate of postage established under (6) a plan outlining the utilization of con- crease organ and tissue donation this section— tent-based programs such as PowerUp, and ‘‘(1) shall be equal to the regular first-class the provision of trained adult personnel to awareness. The decision to donate an organ or tissue is a life-saving one. rate of postage, plus a differential of not to supervise the after-school technology train- exceed 25 percent; ing; and However, it is frequently one that fam- ‘‘(2) shall be set by the Governors in ac- (7) any additional statistical or financial ily members and loved ones fail to cordance with such procedures as the Gov- information that the Boys and Girls Clubs of communicate to one another. Every ef- ernors shall by regulation prescribe (in lieu America may reasonably require. fort we make to remind people that of the procedures under chapter 36); and SEC. 5. GRANT AWARDS. this is a decision that should be com- ‘‘(3) shall be offered as an alternative to In awarding subgrants under this Act, the municated before a tragedy strikes is the regular first-class rate of postage. Boys and Girls Clubs of America shall ‘‘(c) The use of the special rate of postage consider— an effort toward saving lives. Whether it is an organ and tissue donation post- established under this section shall be vol- (1) the ability of the applicant to provide untary on the part of postal patrons. the intended services; age stamp or a box that drivers can ‘‘(d)(1) The Postal Service shall pay the (2) the history and establishment of the ap- mark as they renew their drivers’ li- amounts becoming available for organ and plicant in providing youth activities; and censes, they are steps that raise aware- tissue donation awareness under this section (3) the extent to which services will be pro- ness of the importance of commu- to the Department of Health and Human vided in crime-prone areas and techno- nicating to family and friends the deci- Services for organ and tissue donation logically underserved populations, and ef- sion to become an organ or tissue awareness programs. Payments under this forts to achieve an equitable geographic dis- paragraph to the Department of Health and tribution of the grant awards. donor. I would like to thank my colleague, Human Services shall be made under such ar- SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. rangements as the Postal Service shall by Senator DURBIN, for joining me in in- (a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to mutual agreement with the Department es- be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of the fis- troducing this legislation, and Sen- tablish in order to carry out the purposes of cal years 2001 through 2006 to carry out this ators ABRAHAM, BAUCUS, CLELAND, this section, except that, under those ar- Act. DODD, and LEVIN for their co-sponsor- rangements, payments to the Department (b) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Funds to carry out ship. I have appreciated their support shall be made at least twice a year. In con- this Act may be derived from the Violent for this bill and for their tremendous sultation with donor organizations and other Crime Reduction Trust Fund. work on behalf of organ and tissue do- members of the transplant community, the (c) CONTINUED AVAILABILITY.—Amounts nation awareness. I would also like to Department of Health and Human Services made available under this section shall re- may make any funds paid to the Department main available until expended. thank a number of organ and tissue do- under this section available to donor organi- nation groups who support this legisla- zations and other members of the transplant By Mr. DEWINE (for himself, Mr. tion—the Minority Organ Tissue community for donor awareness programs. DURBIN, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. BAU- Transplant Education Program ‘‘(2) For purposes of this section, the term CUS, Mr. CLELAND, Mr. DODD, (MOTTEP); the National Kidney Foun- ‘amounts becoming available for organ and Mr. LEVIN, and Mr. SESSIONS): dation (NKF); the United Network for tissue donation awareness under this sec- S. 2062. A bill to amend chapter 4 of Organ Sharing (UNOS); Transplant Re- tion’ means— title 39, United States Code, to allow cipients International Organization, ‘‘(A) the total amounts received by the Postal Service that it would not have re- postal patrons to contribute to funding Inc. (TRIO); the Coalition on Donation; ceived but for the enactment of this section, for organ and tissue donation aware- Hadassah; the Eye Bank Association of reduced by ness through the voluntary purchase of America; the American Society of ‘‘(B) an amount sufficient to cover reason- certain specially issued United States Transplantation; the American Society able costs incurred by the Postal Service in

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:06 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.058 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 carrying out this section, including those at- locating missing people. One bill, the tional clearinghouse for information on tributable to the printing, sale, and distribu- ‘‘Abducted Young Adults Act,’’ will missing children and the prevention of tion of stamps under this section, give the National Center for Missing child victimization. The Center works as determined by the Postal Service under and Exploited Children the legal au- in partnership with the Office of Juve- regulations that the Postal Service shall pre- scribe. thority to assist law enforcement offi- nile Justice and Delinquency Preven- ‘‘(e) It is the sense of Congress that noth- cers in locating abducted young adults tion at the U.S. Department of Justice, ing in this section should— aged 18 through 21. The second bill, and its mission is codified in federal ‘‘(1) directly or indirectly cause a net de- ‘‘Kristen’s Law,’’ authorizes the Attor- law. crease in total funds received by the Depart- ney General to provide grants to public Because the Center was established ment of Health and Human Services or any agencies and nonprofit private organi- for the purpose of assisting with cases other agency of the Government (or any zations that help find missing adults. that involve missing children under the component or program thereof) below the Mr. President, let me tell you a story age of 18, the Center does not typically level that would otherwise have been re- ceived but for the enactment of this section; about a girl from my State of North assist with cases involving involun- or Carolina. Her name is Kristen tarily missing college students and ‘‘(2) affect regular first-class rates of post- Modafferi. Kristen was a bright, hard- other people who happen to be 18 age or any other regular rates of postage. working student at North Carolina through 21 years old. The sad fact is ‘‘(f) Special postage stamps under this sec- State University. After finishing up that had Kristen been just a few weeks tion shall be made available to the public be- her freshman year of college, she trav- younger when she disappeared, the ginning on such date as the Postal Service eled to San Francisco to spend the Center would have immediately mobi- shall by regulation prescribe, but in no event summer taking a photography class at lized to start a search. later than 12 months after the date of the en- One of the measures I introduce actment of this section. Berkeley. Once Kristen arrived in San ‘‘(g) The Postmaster General shall include Francisco, she started her class and got today, The Abducted Young Adults in each report rendered under section 2402 a couple of jobs to help pay for her ex- Act, would expand the Center’s charter with respect to any period during any por- penses. She was settling in and making to allow it to use its expertise and re- tion of which this section is in effect infor- friends. sources to help find involuntarily miss- mation concerning the operation of this sec- On Monday, June 23, 1997, Kristen left ing young adults in the 18 through 21 tion, except that, at a minimum, each shall work to visit a local beach. She has not year-old age group. include— been seen since. Kristen was three Mr. President, some people might in- ‘‘(1) the total amount described in sub- quire why I chose to limit expansion of section (d)(2)(A) which was received by the weeks over the age of 18 when she dis- Postal Service during the period covered by appeared. the Center’s mission by only covering such report; and Law enforcement devoted a great individuals under age 22. For example, ‘‘(2) of the amount under paragraph (1), deal of time to finding Kristen and my bill would not affect the Center’s how much (in the aggregate and by category) should be commended for their efforts. ability to help police search for was required for the purposes described in Despite a number of leads, Kristen has Kristen’s sister Allison and other indi- subsection (d)(2)(B). never been found. viduals who are 22 and over. The second ‘‘(h) This section shall cease to be effective For 15 years, since the creation of the bill I am introducing today, Kristen’s at the end of the 2-year period beginning on National Center for Missing and Ex- Act, will help fill this gap. I will dis- the date on which special postage stamps under this section are first made available to ploited Children, our Nation has recog- cuss that bill in a moment. However, the public.’’. nized the vulnerability of young chil- the reason for my decision to limit the (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- dren to abductions and exploitation. expansion of the Center’s mission is MENTS.— We have provided the funding and sup- twofold. (1) TABLE OF SECTIONS.—The table of sec- port vital to ensuring rapid and multi First, although a person is considered tions for chapter 4 of title 39, United States jurisdictional responses to these cases. a legal adult when they attain the age Code, is amended by striking the item relat- But in Kristen’s case we could not—and of 18, I think most people would agree ing to section 414 and inserting the fol- all because she was 3 weeks past her that college-aged kids are just that— lowing: 18th birthday. The charter for the Na- kids. Members of this age group are ‘‘414. Special postage stamps to benefit tional Center for Missing and Exploited particularly vulnerable to criminals breast cancer research. ‘‘414a. Special postage stamps to benefit Children only allows the Center to help and are frequently victims of crime. organ and tissue donation law enforcement search for missing They are away from home for the first awareness.’’. children aged 0 to 18. time in their lives, in an unfamiliar (2) SECTION HEADING.—The heading for sec- When a person involuntarily dis- area, without the presence of their par- tion 414 of title 39, United States Code, is appears, time is of the essence. Search ents. I believe that most people would amended to read as follows: efforts must begin quickly, and they agree that this age group needs special ‘‘§ 414. Special postage stamps to benefit must reach across jurisdictions. Ab- protection. breast cancer research’’. ducted youngsters are often taken Statistics demonstrate the need to across state lines. In order to effec- address the issue of missing young By Mr. EDWARDS (for himself tively coordinate a search, the groups adults and to find a way to provide and Mr. BIDEN): conducting the search must have an some additional resources for this S. 2064. A bill to amend the Missing easy way to share information with group. In fact, according to data from Children’s Assistance Act, to expand each other, no matter how far away the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sheriff’s of- the purpose of the National Center for from one another they may be. The fice in my state of North Carolina, in Missing and Exploited Children to greater the number of agencies helping 1999, they received reports of 132 miss- cover individuals who are at least 18 in the search, the more likely it is that ing persons aged 18–21. That’s the num- but have not yet attained the age of 22; the person will be found. But there is ber for just one city, in just one state to the Committee on the Judiciary. no central, federally-established orga- in the country. If we were to amass nization that exists to aid law enforce- similar statistics for every jurisdiction ABDUCTED YOUNG ADULTS ACT ment in their efforts to locate missing across the country, I believe we would By Mr. EDWARDS: 18–21 year-olds. Unfortunately, be astounded at the high rate of dis- S. 2065. A bill to authorize the Attor- Kristen’s tragic story illustrates the appearances for this age group. For ex- ney General to provide grants for orga- need for such an organization. And ample, in February, 1999, the FBI re- nizations to find missing adults; to the what better way to fill this need than ported 1,896 new cases of missing 18 Committee on the Judiciary. to build upon a reputable, federally- through 21-year-olds—1,896 new cases KRISTEN’S LAW partnered organization—the National in just one month. This is a frighten- ∑ Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. President, today Center for Missing and Exploited Chil- ingly large number. And I believe that I introduce two bills that are very im- dren—that already exists to search for the Abducted Young Adults Act is a portant crime fighting measures. My missing individuals under 18? necessary protective measure. It will legislation will help provide law en- The National Center for Missing and provide some comfort to the millions forcement with additional assistance in Exploited Children serves as the na- of parents who send their children to

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:03 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.073 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S623 college every year and worry about help prevent further incidences like (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting after their safety: If anything does happen, a the one involving Kristen Modafferi. ‘‘these children’’ the following: ‘‘and invol- national effort will be mobilized to For every child the Center assists in lo- untarily missing young adults’’; cating, there are a handful of individ- (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting after help. ‘‘these children’’ the following: ‘‘and invol- The second reason that the legisla- uals that it cannot help find. If my bill untarily missing young adults’’; tion would apply to a limited age group enables the Center to help find just one (3) in paragraph (4), by inserting after is that I believe the National Center more missing youngster, then I believe ‘‘many missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and for Missing and Exploited Children the bill will have succeeded in its goal. involuntarily missing young adults’’; should stay focused on its central mis- I am pleased that the Abducted (4) in paragraph (6), by inserting after ‘‘ab- sion—to help search for missing chil- Young Adults Act is co-sponsored by ducted children’’ the following: ‘‘and invol- dren. Senator BIDEN. Senator BIDEN was in- untarily missing young adults’’; and Since its founding, the Center has strumental to the establishment of the (5) in paragraph (7)— helped recover nearly 48,000 children. National Center for Missing and Ex- (A) by inserting after ‘‘leads in missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and involuntarily Imagine the benefit to families and law ploited Children, and I thank him for missing young adults’’; and enforcement if the Center were to help his leadership and support. (B) by inserting after ‘‘where the child’’ search for abducted young adults. Mr. President, the Abducted Young the following: ‘‘or involuntarily missing Surely the number of active missing Adults Act is only one part of the solu- young adult’’. young adult cases would decline if the tion. The other part of the solution is (b) ADDITIONAL FINDINGS.—Section 402 of Center helped with the search efforts. I to provide the organizations that are the Missing Children’s Assistance Act (42 believe my legislation is a logical ex- devoted to searching for missing adults U.S.C. 5771) is amended by— tension of the Center’s current mis- with the resources they need to be (1) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (21) as paragraphs (3) through (22), respec- sion. more effective in their efforts to search tively; and My bill would authorize appropria- for all adults, regardless of age. (2) inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- tions of $2.5 million per year through That is why I am also introducing lowing: 2003 so that the Center does not have to Kristen’s Law, named after Kristen ‘‘(2) each year many young adults are ab- divert any of the funding it needs to ef- Modafferi. This bill has been intro- ducted or are involuntarily missing under fectively search for children. I have duced in the House of Representatives circumstances which immediately place worked closely with the Center’s staff by Representative SUE MYRICK, and I them in grave danger;’’. to ensure that my bill will enhance not thank her for her involvement in this SEC. 3. EXPANSION OF PURPOSE OF NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EX- harm the Center’s current mission. As issue. PLOITED CHILDREN. a result, the Abducted Young Adults As I mentioned, Kristen’s Law would Section 403 of the Missing Children’s As- Act is fully supported by the Center. allow the Attorney General to make sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5772) is amended— The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) grants to public agencies or nonprofit (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) also strongly supports my legislation. private organizations to assist law en- as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and Gilbert Gallegos, National President of forcement and families in locating (2) by adding after paragraph (1) the fol- the FOP, is a member of the Board of missing adults. Grants could also be lowing: Directors for the Center. As he so aptly used by these agencies and organiza- ‘‘(2) the term ‘involuntarily missing young states in his letter of support for the tions for a number of other reasons. adult’ means any individual who is at least 18 but has not attained the age of 22 whose bill, ‘‘Just because you turn eighteen is For example, funds could be used to whereabouts are unknown to such individ- no guarantee that you will not be the maintain a national, interconnected ual’s parent or guardian if law enforcement victim of a crime.’’ database for the purpose of tracking determines— Mr. President, I believe that it is im- missing adults who are determined by ‘‘(A) there is a reasonable indication or portant to mention that it is true that law enforcement to be endangered due suspicion that the individual has been ab- some individuals aged 18 through 21 to age, diminished mental capacity, or ducted or is missing under circumstances may disappear because they want to. the circumstances of disappearance. suggesting foul play or a threat to life; or Some of these individuals may live in And the grants could be used to help ‘‘(B) the individual is known to be suicidal abusive households. Others may want establish a national clearinghouse for or has a severe medical condition that poses to start a new life. And because they a threat to his or her life; missing adults and to assist with vic- ‘‘(3) the term ‘young adult’ means any in- are considered legal adults, they have tim advocacy related to missing adults. dividual who is at least 18 but has not at- the choice to remain missing. In these Generally, the greater the number of tained the age of 22;’’. cases, it may not make sense for law people conducting a search, the greater SEC. 4. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMIN- enforcement, the Center, or anyone the chance is of locating missing indi- ISTRATOR IN REGARD TO INVOLUN- else to launch a search. viduals. The combination of the Ab- TARILY MISSING YOUNG ADULTS. My legislation ensures that the Na- ducted Young Adults Act and Kristen’s Section 404 of the Missing Children’s As- tional Center for Missing and Exploited sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5773) is amended— Law sends a message to families that (1) in subsection (a)— Children will use its public resources to they deserve all of the help necessary (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting after search for only those missing young to locate endangered and involuntarily ‘‘missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and in- adults aged 18–21 that law enforcement missing loved ones. Together, these voluntarily missing young adults’’; has first determined to be missing in- bills will help ensure that all endan- (B) in paragraph (5)(A), by inserting after voluntarily. gered and involuntarily missing ‘‘missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and in- Specifically, my bill says that in adults—regardless of age—will receive voluntarily missing young adults’’; order for an individual to be defined as not only the benefit of search efforts (C) in paragraph (5)(B), by inserting after an involuntarily missing young adult, ‘‘missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and in- by law enforcement, but also by experi- voluntarily missing young adults’’; the following criteria must be met: (1) enced, specialized organizations. their whereabouts must be unknown to (D) in paragraph (5)(C), by— I request that the text of the two (i) inserting after ‘‘missing children’’ the their parent or guardian; (2) law en- bills be printed in the RECORD. following: ‘‘or involuntarily missing young forcement must have entered a missing The material follows: adults’’; and persons report on the individual into S. 2064 (ii) inserting after ‘‘or to children’’ the fol- the National Crime Information Cen- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- lowing: ‘‘or involuntarily missing young ter; and (3) there must be a reasonable resentatives of the United States of America in adults’’; and indication or suspicion that the indi- Congress assembled, (E) in paragraph (5)(I)(iv), by inserting vidual has been abducted or is missing SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. after ‘‘missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and under circumstances suggesting foul This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Abducted involuntarily missing young adults’’; play or a threat to life; or (4) the indi- Young Adults Act’’. (2) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by— vidual is known to be suicidal or has a SEC. 2. FINDINGS IN REGARD TO VULNERABLE INVOLUNTARILY MISSING YOUNG (i) inserting after ‘‘regarding the location severe medical condition that poses a ADULTS. of any’’ the following: ‘‘involuntarily miss- threat to his or her life. (a) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 402 ing young adult or’’; and I believe that the Abducted Young of the Missing Children’s Assistance Act (42 (ii) inserting after ‘‘reunite such child with Adults Act is a common-sense way to U.S.C. 5771) is amended— such child’s legal custodian’’ the following:

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:03 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.125 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S624 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 ‘‘, or request information pertaining to pro- (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting after SEC. 2. GRANTS FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF ORGA- cedures necessary to notify law enforcement ‘‘services to’’ the following: ‘‘involuntarily NIZATIONS TO FIND MISSING about such involuntarily missing young missing young adults,’’; and ADULTS. adult’’; (C) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after (a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General (B) in subparagraph (C)(i), by inserting ‘‘children’’ the following: ‘‘or involuntarily may make grants to public agencies or non- after ‘‘children and their families’’ the fol- missing young adults’’. profit private organizations, or combinations thereof, for programs— lowing: ‘‘and involuntarily missing young SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (1) to assist law enforcement and families adults and their families’’; Section 408(a) of the Missing Children’s As- in locating missing adults; (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5777(a)) is amended by (2) to maintain a national, interconnected (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (F), (G), and adding at the end the following: ‘‘In addi- database for the purpose of tracking missing (H), respectively; tion, there is authorized to be appropriated adults who are determined by law enforce- (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the $2,500,000 for fiscal years 2001 through 2003 to ment to be endangered due to age, dimin- following: carry out the provisions of the amendments ished mental capacity, or the circumstances ‘‘(E) to coordinate public and private pro- made to this Act by the Abducted Young of disappearance, when foul play is suspected grams which locate or recover involuntarily Adults Act.’’. or circumstances are unknown; missing young adults;’’; SEC. 7. SPECIAL STUDY AND REPORT. (3) to maintain statistical information of (E) in subparagraph (F), as redesignated, (a) STUDY.—Not later than 1 year after the adults reported as missing; by inserting after ‘‘missing and exploited date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis- (4) to provide informational resources and children’’ the following: ‘‘and involuntarily trator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and referrals to families of missing adults; missing young adults;’’; Delinquency Prevention shall begin to con- (5) to assist in public notification and vic- (F) in subparagraph (G), as redesignated by duct a study to determine the obstacles that tim advocacy related to missing adults; and inserting after ‘‘missing and exploited chil- prevent or impede law enforcement from re- (6) to establish and maintain a national dren’’ the following: ‘‘and involuntarily covering involuntarily missing young adults. clearinghouse for missing adults. missing young adults’’; and (b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after (b) REGULATIONS.—The Attorney General (G) in subparagraph (H), as redesignated, the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- may make such rules and regulations as may by inserting after ‘‘missing and exploited ministrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice be necessary to carry out this Act. children’’ the following: ‘‘and involuntarily and Delinquency Prevention shall submit a SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. missing young adults,’’; and report to the chairman of the Committee on There are authorized to be appropriated to (3) in subsection (c)— the Judiciary of the House of Representa- carry out this Act $1,000,000 each year for fis- (A) paragraph (1), by inserting after ‘‘num- tives and the chairman of the Committee on cal years 2001 through 2004.∑ ber of children’’ each place it appears (except the Judiciary of the Senate containing a de- after ‘‘who are victims of parental scription, and a summary of the results, of By Mr. CLELAND: kidnapings’’) the following: ‘‘and involun- the study conducted under subsection (a). S. 2066. A bill to amend the Internal tarily missing young adults’’; and Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude United (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after SEC. 8. REPORTING REQUIREMENT. Section 3701(a) of the Crime Control Act of States savings bond income from gross ‘‘missing children’’ the following: ‘‘and in- income if used to pay long-term care voluntarily missing young adults’’. 1990 (42 U.S.C. 5779) is amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘Each Federal, State, expenses; to the Committee on Fi- SEC. 5. AUTHORITY OF ADMINISTRATOR TO and local law enforcement agency may re- nance. MAKE GRANTS AND ENTER IN CON- port each case of an involuntarily missing TAX-EXEMPTION SAVINGS BOND LEGISLATION TRACTS RELATING TO INVOLUN- young adult reported to such agency to the ∑ TARILY MISSING YOUNG ADULTS. Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, to sup- National Crime Information Center of the port Americans faced with long-term Section 405 of the Missing Children’s As- Department of Justice.’’. care needs I am proposing a savings sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5775) is amended— SEC. 9. STATE REQUIREMENTS. bond tax credit. Many people are strug- (1) in subsection (a)— Section 3702 of the Crime Control Act of (A) in paragraph (1)— gling to pay for the assistive care needs 1990 (42 U.S.C. 5780) is amended by— associated with conditions such as Alz- (i) by inserting after ‘‘children,’’ the first (1) redesignating paragraph (3) as para- place it appears the following: ‘‘young graph (4); heimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. An adults,’’; (2) inserting after paragraph (2) the fol- estimated 5.8 million Americans aged (ii) by inserting after ‘‘children’’ the sec- lowing: 65 or older need long-term care. Nurs- ond place it appears the following: ‘‘or invol- ‘‘(3) provide that each involuntarily miss- ing home care is only one component of untarily missing young adults’’; ing young adult report and all necessary and long-term care services that includes (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after available information with respect to such assisted living, adult day and home ‘‘children’’ the following: ‘‘or involuntarily report, shall include— care. Medicare and health insurance do missing young adults’’; ‘‘(A) the name, date of birth, sex, race, (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting after not cover long-term care. In 1995, fed- height, weight, and eye and hair color of the eral and state spending for nursing ‘‘children’’ the following: ‘‘or involuntarily involuntarily missing young adult; missing young adults’’; ‘‘(B) the date and location of the last home care was approximately $34 bil- (D) in paragraph (4)— known contact with the involuntarily miss- lion and an additional $21 billion was (i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), ing young adult; and used for home care. It is projected that by inserting after ‘‘children’’ the following: ‘‘(C) once the State agency receiving the half of all women and a third of men in ‘‘or involuntarily missing young adults’’; case has made a determination to enter such this country who are now age 65 are (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after report into the State law enforcement sys- likely to spend some time in their later ‘‘child’’ each place it appears the following: tem and the National Crime Information ‘‘or involuntarily missing young adult’’; and years in a nursing home at a cost from Center computer networks, and make such $40,000 to $90,000 per person. About 40% (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting after report available to the Missing and Ex- ‘‘child’’ the following: ‘‘or involuntarily ploited Children Information Clearinghouse of all nursing home expenses are paid missing young adult’’; within the State or other agency designated for out-of-pocket by patients and/or (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting after within the State to receive such reports, family members. Liquidating family ‘‘missing children’s’’ the following: ‘‘or in- shall immediately enter such report and all assets is often the only way for many voluntarily missing young adults’ ’’; necessary and available information de- to fund the high costs for care. These (F) in paragraph (6), by inserting after scribed in subparagraphs (A) and (B);’’; staggering statistics and the pleas for ‘‘children’’ the each place it appears the fol- (3) in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by lowing: ‘‘or involuntarily missing young help from Americans in such situations striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and inserting the reinforce the critical need for long- adults’’; following: ‘‘paragraphs (2) and (3)’’; and (G) in paragraph (7), by inserting after (4) in paragraph (4)(C), as redesignated, by term care assistance. ‘‘children’’ each place it appears the fol- inserting after ‘‘missing children’’ the fol- To qualify for this proposed tax cred- lowing: ‘‘or involuntarily missing young lowing: ‘‘and involuntarily missing young it, the person receiving care must have adults’’; and adults’’. at least two limitations in activities of (H) in paragraph (9), by inserting after daily living or a comparable cognitive ‘‘children’’ the following: ‘‘or involuntarily S. 2065 impairment. Activities of daily living, missing young adults’’; and like eating, bathing, and toileting, are (2) in subsection (b)(1)— Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after resentatives of the United States of America in basic care needs that must be met. ‘‘children’’ the first place it appears the fol- Congress assembled, Families that claim parents or parents- lowing: ‘‘or involuntarily missing young SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. in law as dependents on their tax re- adults’’; This Act may be cited as ‘‘Kristen’s Law’’. turns can qualify for this tax credit if

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:03 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.074 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S625 savings bonds are used to pay for long- (e) COORDINATION WITH DEDUCTIONS.— er training and development outreach, term care services. ‘‘Sandwich genera- (1) Section 213 of the Internal Revenue providing internship opportunities for tion’’ families paying for both college Code of 1986 (relating to medical, dental, students in secondary and higher edu- education for their children and long- etc., expenses) is amended by adding at the cation, and assisting graduate math, end the following new subsection: term care services for their parents can ‘‘(f) COORDINATION WITH SAVINGS BOND IN- science, and engineering students. use this tax credit for either program COME USED FOR EXPENSES.—Any expense America’s Math and Science Excel- or a combined credit up to the max- taken into account in determining the exclu- lence Act gives priority to applicants imum. sion under section 135 shall not be treated as who obtain private sector or state Mr. President, I ask that this pro- an expense paid for medical care.’’. matching funds. We must encourage posed measure to provide long-term (2) Section 162(l) of such Code (relating to private industry to not only get in- care cost relief be printed in the special rules for health insurance costs of volved in the education of the future self-employed individuals) is amended by RECORD. workforce, but also to help direct and The bill follows: adding at the end the following new para- graph: guide it. S. 2066 ‘‘(6) COORDINATION WITH SAVINGS BOND IN- According to a study by the CEO Be it enacted by the Senate and House of COME USED FOR EXPENSES.—Any expense Forum on Education and Technology, Representatives of the United States of America taken into account in determining the exclu- our schools spend an average of $88 per in Congress assembled, sion under section 135 shall not be treated as student on computers and only $6 on SECTION 1. EXCLUSION OF UNITED STATES SAV- an expense paid for medical care.’’. INGS BOND INCOME FROM GROSS teacher training. And while the na- (f) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— tion’s 87,000 schools have approxi- INCOME IF USED TO PAY LONG- (1) The heading for section 135 of the Inter- TERM CARE EXPENSES. nal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by in- mately six million computers and (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section serting ‘‘AND LONG-TERM CARE about 80 percent of the schools have 135 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- Internet access, the report stated that lating to income from United States savings EXPENSEST1’’ after ‘‘FEES’’. bonds used to pay higher education tuition (2) The item relating to section 135 in the few teachers are ready to use the tech- and fees) is amended to read as follows: table of sections for part III of subchapter B nology in their lessons. This is a na- ‘‘(a) EXCLUSION.— of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by in- tional tragedy. During the past ten ‘‘(1) GENERAL RULE.—In the case of an indi- serting ‘‘and long-term care expenses’’ after years, we have seen a transformation vidual who pays qualified expenses during ‘‘fees’’. in classrooms throughout the country. (g) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments the taxable year, no amount shall be includ- Computers have replaced blackboards ible in gross income by reason of the redemp- made by this section shall apply to taxable ∑ and students now depend on the Inter- tion during such year of any qualified United years beginning after December 31, 1999. States savings bond. net for basic knowledge. Yet teachers By Mr. FRIST (for himself and ‘‘(2) QUALIFIED EXPENSES.—For purposes of are not equipped to incorporate techno- this section, the term ‘qualified expenses’ Mr. ABRAHAM): logical tools into their curricula. means— S. 2067. A bill to provide education The ‘‘IT Teacher Training Grants’’ ‘‘(A) qualified higher education expenses, and training for the information age; created by this legislation support pro- and to the Committee on Health, Edu- fessional advancement in the related ‘‘(B) eligible long-term care expenses.’’. cation, Labor, and Pensions. fields of IT for teachers who instruct (b) LIMITATION WHERE REDEMPTION PRO- AMERICA’S MATH AND SCIENCE EXCELLENCE ACT elementary, secondary, or charter CEEDS EXCEED QUALIFIED EXPENSES.—Section Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I am 135(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 school students. These grants may be (relating to limitation where redemption proud to introduce America’s Math and used for teacher salaries, fees for at- proceeds exceed higher education expenses) Science Excellence Act that will keep tending special conferences, work- is amended— the United States on the cutting edge shops, or training sessions. They may (1) by striking ‘‘higher education’’ in sub- of the Information Technology (IT) also be used for the development of a paragraph (A)(ii), and revolution. If we are to prepare our compensation system that rewards ex- (2) by striking ‘‘HIGHER EDUCATION’’ in the children to meet the demands of our fu- cellence in math and science related heading thereof. ture workforce, we must dedicate our- areas. In administering these grants, (c) ELIGIBLE LONG-TERM CARE EXPENSES.— selves to strengthening math and Section 135(c) of the Internal Revenue Code the National Science Foundation shall of 1986 (relating to definitions) is amended by science literacy. America’s Math and give priority consideration to schools redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) Science Excellence Act would author- that score in the 25th percentile or and by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- ize funding for math and science edu- below for academic performance ac- lowing new paragraph: cation and training through a series of cording to their respective state stand- ‘‘(4) ELIGIBLE LONG-TERM CARE EXPENSES.— grants awarded by the National ards, and programs that provide The term ‘eligible long-term care expenses’ Science Foundation and the National matching funds from the private sec- means qualified long-term care expenses (as Institute of Standards and Technology. defined in section 7702B(c)) and eligible long- tor. This bill would create a long-term The ‘‘Twenty-First Century Work- term care premiums (as defined in section strategy to ensure that the IT industry 213(d)(10)) of— force Internship Grants’’ will consist of is employing American students who ‘‘(A) the taxpayer, awards to students in secondary are prepared to enter the workforce ‘‘(B) the taxpayer’s spouse, or schools, as well as students from insti- with sufficient math and science skills ‘‘(C) any dependent of the taxpayer with tutions of higher learning to explore necessary to compete both domesti- respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a internships in IT. The goal of this pro- deduction under section 151.’’. cally and internationally. (d) ADJUSTMENTS.—Section 135(d) of the In- The Third International Math and gram is to transition students’ math ternal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to spe- Science Study, the most comprehen- and science skills into the new digital cial rules) is amended by redesignating para- sive and rigorous comparison of quan- workforce. By providing them with op- graphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), titative skills across nations, reveals portunities to explore the private sec- respectively, and by inserting after para- that the longer our students stay in tor, these grants will enable the next graph (2) the following new paragraph: generation of labor to experience the ‘‘(3) ELIGIBLE LONG-TERM CARE EXPENSE AD- the elementary and public school sys- IT professional domain, while main- JUSTMENTS.—The amount of eligible long- tem, the worse they perform on stand- term care expenses otherwise taken into ac- ardized tests. Their average tests taining their knowledge and pro- count under subsection (a) with respect to an scores continue to drop from the fourth ficiency in basic math, science, and en- individual shall be reduced (before the appli- to the twelfth grade. The rapidly gineering skills. cation of subsection (b)) by the sum of— changing technology revolution de- The national demand for computer ‘‘(A) any amount paid for qualified long- mands skills and proficiency in mathe- scientists, computer engineers, and term care services (as defined in section matics, science, and technology. IT, systems analysts by 2006 is projected to 7702B(c)) provided to such individual and de- perhaps the fastest growing sector of be more than double our current capac- scribed in section 213(d)(11), plus ity. In addition, the supply of new ‘‘(B) any amount received by the taxpayer our economy, relies on more than basic or the taxpayer’s spouse or dependents for high school literacy in mathematics graduates qualified for these positions the payment of eligible long-term care ex- and science. is expected to fall significantly short of penses which is excludable from gross in- This bipartisan legislation targets the number needed. This deficiency of come.’’. three specific goals: establishing teach- qualified workers in the United States

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:59 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.126 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S626 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 is due in part to a lack of students pur- By Mr. GREGG: congested FM band will make the tran- suing advanced degrees in mathe- S. 2068. A bill to prohibit the Federal sition to digital radio increasingly dif- matics, science, and engineering tech- Communications Commission from es- ficult and problematic. nology. The number of degrees in tech- tablishing rules authorizing the oper- Finally, the new low-power proposal nical science and engineering fields ation of new, low power FM radio sta- makes formerly unlicensed, pirate awarded by American institutions of tions; to the Committee on Commerce, radio operators eligible for LPFM li- higher learning has declined dramati- Science, and Transportation. censes. This ruling re-enforces their cally since 1990. Foreign national stu- THE RADIO BROADCASTING PRESENTATION ACT unlawful behavior and encourages fu- dents in the United States were award- OF 2000 ture illegal activity by opening the ed 47 percent of Doctorate degrees in ∑ Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise door to new unauthorized broadcasters. engineering, 38 percent of Master’s de- today to introduce the Radio Broad- The introduction of thousands of grees, and 46 percent of Doctorate de- casting Preservation Act of 2000. On LPFM stations not only rewards illegal grees in computer science in 1996. The January 20, 2000, the FCC approved a activity, but is certain to undermine ‘‘IT State Scholarship Program,’’ es- new non-commercial low-power FM the integrity of the radio spectrum, tablished in this legislation, targets in- (LPFM) radio service. In order for interfering with current FM service dividual states to provide them with LPFM stations to fit in the FM band, and penalizing the listening public. The supplementary scholarships for stu- the FCC will have to significantly radio programming supplied to lis- dents who want to pursue graduate and weaken the existing interference pro- teners by existing radio stations pro- doctoral degrees in math, science, engi- tections it developed and has sub- vides crucial news, weather, and emer- neering, or related fields. Two-thirds of scribed to for decades. The public com- gency information, as well as cultural these funds shall be awarded to stu- mentary and technical analysis shows entertainment, which must be pre- dents from low-income families. Fur- that LPFM will cause interference thermore, the director of the National served. with current FM stations, and thus re- I ask that the text of the bill be Science Foundation shall award these sult in a loss of service to listeners. It printed in the RECORD. The bill follows: grants to states who provide at least is imperative that the integrity of the one half of the cost of grant. spectrum is protected and that all indi- S. 2068 Finally, this act will reauthorize the viduals have access to local news, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of National Institutes of Standards and weather and emergency information Representatives of the United States of America Technology (NIST) to develop a Twen- free from interference. Both public and in Congress assembled, ty-First Century Teacher Enhance- commercial radio stations are opposed SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ment Program. This initiative was to the FCC’s proposal in its current This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Radio originally written into statute as part Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000’’. of the ‘‘Technology Administration Au- form. These new FCC rules are inconsistent SEC. 2. PROHIBITION. thorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.’’ with sound spectrum management. I (a) RULES PROHIBITED.—Notwithstanding However, we have yet to see the imple- believe that this issue requires further section 303 of the Communications Act of mentation of this program. So I will study, as well as Congressional hear- 1934 (47 U.S.C. 303), the Federal Communica- again request through legislation that ings, to fully examine the impact that tions Commission shall not prescribe rules NIST establish summer program to authorizing the operation of new, low power LPFM would have on existing FM radio provide professional development for FM radio stations, or establishing a low elementary and secondary math and service. Therefore, I am introducing power radio service, as proposed in MM science teachers. I continue to believe the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Docket No. 99–25. that offering teachers opportunities to Act. This legislation would repeal any (b) TERMINATION OF PREVIOUSLY PRE- participate in ‘‘hands-on’’ experiences prescribed rules authorizing LPFM and SCRIBED RULES.—Any rules prescribed by the at NIST laboratories would be invalu- revoke LPFM licenses that may be Federal Communications Commission before the date of the enactment of this Act that able to their understanding of math issued prior to the date of enactment of this bill. would be in violation of the prohibition in and science. Not only would this pro- subsection (a) if prescribed after such date gram develop and improve their teach- While the desire to provide a forum for community groups to have a great- shall cease to be effective on such date. Any ing strategies and self-confidence in in- low power radio licenses issued pursuant to structing math and science, but it er voice is laudable, a multitude of al- such rules before such date shall be void.∑ would also demonstrate their impact ternatives already exist. Currently, on commerce. groups may obtain commercial or non- By Mr. FITZGERALD (for him- We cannot continue to marvel at our commercial radio licenses, use public self and Mrs. LINCOLN): robust economy without also looking access cable, publish newsletters, and S. 2070. A bill to improve safety toward the next century and devel- utilize Internet web sites and e-mail. It standards for child restraints in motor oping a plan to sustain it. The reality is important that our efforts to create vehicles; to the Committee on Com- is simple: we must prepare our stu- more opportunities for those who sup- merce, Science, and Transportation. port LPFM do not lead to the denial of dents to enter the workforce and to THE CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY ACT OF 2000 prosper in the new digital economy. It access for others who depend on FM Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. President, is not enough to put computers in radio for safety, news, and entertain- today, I am introducing legislation every classroom if our nation’s teach- ment. For instance, inexpensive and that will help us fight one of the lead- ers cannot implement them effectively older radios, particularly vulnerable to into their daily lesson plans. Educating interference and most commonly used ing killers of America’s children—the our children and the teachers who in- by low-income and elderly listeners, automobile collision. Car crashes ac- struct them is essential to our eco- will sustain the greatest negative im- count for 1 of every 3 deaths among nomic future. pact caused by LPFM. children. Mr. President, I strongly believe that Furthermore, it is not clear whether In the United States we lose an aver- each of the programs within America’s the relaxation of first, second, or third age of 7 of our children every day to Math and Science Excellence Act will adjacent channel protection standards car collisions. According to the Insur- encourage state and local educators, as will have an adverse effect on the tran- ance Institute for Highway Safety, well as private industry, to engage sition to digital radio. Unlike tele- crash injuries are the leading cause of themselves in the fight to increase vision broadcasters, who are being death for the 5 to 12 year old age group. basic math and science literacy. These given additional free spectrum to Regrettably, up to half of the deaths grants target specific long-term defi- broadcast in digital format, radio involve children who already are buck- ciencies in the IT workforce shortage broadcasters must use the current led up or restrained in car seats and and will help create innovative solu- spectrum allocations to transmit both booster seats. tions to our current national dilemma. digital and analog signals, making ad- That is why I am introducing legisla- I encourage my colleagues to join me jacent channel safeguards all the more tion to substantially improve the child in support of this critical piece of legis- important. At a minimum, adding a safety seats that we buy to protect our lation. large number of LPFMs to the already children. My bill, ‘‘The Child Passenger

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:57 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.084 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S627 Safety Act of 2000,’’ would direct the than those of adults, because children’s (i) to reflect the modern designs of motor National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- heads are larger in proportion to the vehicles in use as of the date of enactment of ministration to improve the safety fea- rest of their bodies. In Europe, car this Act; seats have side impact padding to bet- (ii) to take into account the effects of a tures of car seats, to upgrade the way side-impact crash, a rear-impact crash, or a we test and certify car seats, to con- ter protect children’s heads in these rollover crash; and sider adopting measures to better pro- types of crashes. My bill would require (iii) to require the use of anthropomorphic tect older children, and to give parents car seat manufacturers in the U.S. to devices that accurately reflect the heights the information they need to shop for, provide the same type of protection. and masses of children at ages other than and install, safe car seats for their chil- Third, we must focus more attention newborn, 9 months, 3 years, and 6 years; and dren. on an issue that auto safety advocates (C) has not issued motor vehicle safety Over the years, NHTSA has imple- have dubbed ‘‘the forgotten child’’ standards that adequately protect children mented many measures to improve problem. The ‘‘forgotten children’’ up to the age of 12 who weigh more than 50 (ages 8–12) have outgrown their car pounds; and child passenger safety. I applaud, in (4) the Federal Government should update particular, the NHTSA Administrator’s seats but do not fit properly in adult the test standards for child restraints to re- recent efforts to implement a new teth- seat belts. In crashes, they are at duce the number of children killed or injured er requirement for child seat makers greater risk than other passengers. My in automobile accidents in the United and automobile manufacturers. bill calls for NHTSA to close this child States. But we cannot allow these past suc- safety seat gap, but it leaves it up to SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. cesses to obscure a fundamental fact: NHTSA to decide when and how to do In this Act: too many of our children are killed or that. The agency could, for example, (1) CHILD RESTRAINT.—The term ‘‘child re- injured in car crashes every day. We encourage the states to pass more laws straint’’ has the meaning given the term requiring the use of booster seats for ‘‘child restraint system’’ in section 571.213 of should not wait to begin upgrading the title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in safety of child car seats and booster older children. They could do it by effect on the date of enactment of this Act). seats. mounting a public information cam- (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ The first thing this bill seeks to do is paign about the importance of booster means the Secretary of Transportation. to improve the testing of car seats and seats. Or they could amend our safety SEC. 4. TESTING OF CHILD RESTRAINTS. booster seats. It calls for the govern- standards for seat belts. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years ment to consider using more dummies Fourth and finally, we must get more after the date of enactment of this Act, the that simulate children of many dif- information to parents about the safe- Secretary shall update and improve crash test standards and conditions for child re- ferent ages in these tests. A six-month ty of various car seats on the market today, as well, Mr. President, as on the straints. old has a very different build than an (b) ELEMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION.—In car- eighteen-month-old, and an eighteen- correct means of installing car seats. rying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall month-old is very different from a six- My bill directs NHTSA to institute a consider— year old. In Europe, they use as many new crash test results information sys- (1) whether to conduct more comprehen- as six different child dummies in test- tem that will help equip parents with sive and dynamic testing of child restraints ing their car seats and booster seats, the safety information and knowledge than is typically conducted as of the date of they need to make rational choices enactment of this Act, including the use of ranging in age from newborn to ten test platforms designed— years. In this country, we do not crash when they are buying and installing car seats for their children. My bill (A) to simulate an array of accident condi- test child safety seats with dummies tions, such as side-impact crashes, rear-im- that represent a premature infant, an also requires that the warning labels pact crashes, and rollover crashes; and eighteen-month-old or a ten-year-old. on child seats be straightforward and (B) to reflect the designs of passenger Currently, we test car seats on a sled. written in plain English. motor vehicles in use as of the date of enact- My bill directs NHTSA to put car seats Next week is National Child Pas- ment of this Act; in some of the actual cars that already senger Safety Week. What better time (2) whether to use an increased number of than now to make these efforts to pro- anthropomorphic devices in a greater vari- are being tested under an existing pro- ety of heights and masses; and gram. Under this program, called the tect our children? I urge my colleagues to support this vitally important legis- (3) whether to provide improved protection ‘‘New Car Assessment Program,’’ the in motor vehicle accidents for children up to government buys 40 or so vehicles and lation. 59.2 inches tall who weigh more than 50 I ask unanimous consent that the crash tests them to see how each would pounds. text of the bill be printed in the perform in a collision in the real world. (c) REQUIRED ELEMENTS.—In carrying out RECORD Why, Mr. President, could we not put . subsection (a), the Secretary shall— There being no objection, the bill was (1) require that manufacturers design child at least one car seat or booster seat in ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as restraints to minimize head injuries during each of these cars? Doing it would help follows: side-impact and rollover crashes, including us better understand how these safety S. 2070 requiring that child restraints have side-im- seats perform in the real world. pact protection; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- In addition, my bill calls for the gov- (2) include a child restraint in each vehicle resentatives of the United States of America in crash-tested under the New Car Assessment ernment to study ways to update the Congress assembled, seat bench that is used in tests of child Program of the Department of Transpor- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. tation; and safety seats to better reflect the design This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Child Pas- of modern vehicles. The seat bench (3) prescribe readily understandable text senger Protection Act of 2000’’. for any labels that are required to be placed from a 1975 Chevy Impala with lap belts SEC. 2. FINDINGS. on child restraints. is what we now use to test car seats. Congress finds that— (d) FUNDING.—For each fiscal year, of the I am also asking the government to (1) each day, an average of 7 children are funds made available to the Secretary for ac- focus attention on how car seats and killed and 866 injured in motor vehicle crash- tivities relating to safety, not less than booster seats perform in rollover, rear- es; $750,000 shall be made available to carry out (2) certain standards and testing proce- crash testing of child restraints. impact, and side-impact crashes, as dures for child restraints in the United they do in Europe. These types of SEC. 5. CHILD RESTRAINT SAFETY RATING PRO- States are not as rigorous as those in some GRAM. crashes are not as common as frontal other countries; Not later than 2 years after the date of en- collisions, but they result in a number (3) although the Federal Government es- actment of this Act, the Secretary shall de- of injuries and deaths. Finally, my pro- tablishes safety standards for child re- velop and implement a safety rating pro- posal calls upon NHTSA to increase the straints, the Federal Government— gram for child restraints to provide prac- funds they spend on testing car seats (A) permits companies that manufacture ticable, readily understandable, and timely each year to at least $750,000, from the child restraints to conduct their own tests information to parents and caretakers for for compliance with the safety standards and use in making informed decisions in the pur- current $500,000. interpret the results of those tests, but does chase of child restraints. Second, we must deal with the prob- not require that the manufacturers make the lem of head injuries in side-impact results of the tests public; By Mr. GORTON: crashes and rollovers. Children’s heads (B) has not updated test standards for child S. 2071. A bill to benefit electricity and necks are even more vulnerable restraints— consumers by promoting the reliability

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.083 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S628 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 of the bulk-power system; to the Com- In anticipation of competitive markets, SEC. 2. ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATION. some utilities have adopted a strategy of mittee on Energy and Natural Re- (a) IN GENERAL.—Part II of the Federal sources. cost cutting that involves reduced spending Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is amended on reliability. In addition, responsibility for ELECTRIC RELIABILITY 2000 ACT by adding at the end the following: ∑ reliability management has been Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today I disaggregated to multiple institutions, with ‘‘SEC. 215. ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZA- introduce the Electric Reliability 2000 utilities, independent system operators, TION. Act, a measure that deals with the independent power producers, customers, and ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: somewhat mysterious world of the bulk markets all playing a role. The overall effect ‘‘(1) AFFILIATED REGIONAL RELIABILITY EN- electricity system. Although most has been that the infrastructure for reli- TITY.—The term ‘affiliated regional reli- Americans are not experts on the intri- ability assurance has been considerably erod- ability entity’ means an entity delegated au- cacies of interstate electric trans- ed. thority under subsection (h). mission grids, they need to have con- The report continues: ‘‘(2) BULK-POWER SYSTEM.— fidence that the system will work and Moreover, historical levels of electric reli- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘bulk-power their lights and heat will be there when ability may not be adequate for the future. system’ means all facilities and control sys- they need them. The quality of electric power and the assur- tems necessary for operating an inter- This nation’s interstate electric ance that it will always be available are in- connected electric power transmission grid transmission system is an extremely creasingly important in a society that is or any portion of an interconnected trans- mission grid. complex network that connects with ever more dependent on electricity. ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘bulk-power Canada and Mexico. It has developed The report includes several findings system’ includes— over decades with various voluntary that suggest a range of policy ques- ‘‘(i) high voltage transmission lines, sub- agreements that allow areas to work tions that need to be addressed in order stations, control centers, communications, together depending on changing power to assure the reliability of the Nation’s data, and operations planning facilities nec- needs that vary from day to day and bulk power system. essary for the operation of all or any part of hour to hour and sometimes minute to The bill I introduce today includes the interconnected transmission grid; and minute. These voluntary agreements what has been termed the ‘‘consensus ‘‘(ii) the output of generating units nec- were developed after a disastrous event essary to maintain the reliability of the language’’ that was developed over the transmission grid. in 1965 led to a blackout in New York past year by these experts who work on ‘‘(3) BULK-POWER SYSTEM USER.—The term City and throughout other parts of the the reliability side of the electricity ‘bulk-power system user’ means an entity Northeast. industry. This bill is not the complete that— Yet a fundamental change has made solution to the reliability issue for this ‘‘(A) sells, purchases, or transmits electric this voluntary system unworkable for industry. It is a good starting point. It energy over a bulk-power system; or the future. With the expansion of com- creates a process to develop enforce- ‘‘(B) owns, operates, or maintains facilities petition in the wholesale electricity able rules for the bulk-power system, or control systems that are part of a bulk- market—starting with the 1992 Energy power system; or while giving various regions the ability ‘‘(C) is a system operator. Policy Act—the system of buying and to tailor these rules in ways that make selling wholesale power is now many ‘‘(4) ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATION.— sense for their individual systems and The term ‘electric reliability organization’ times more complex than it was just a their specific geography. means the organization designated by the decade ago. With a stronger economy, In addition to setting up rules and a Commission under subsection (d). electricity usage has increased while referee to enforce these rules, ‘‘reli- ‘‘(5) ENTITY RULE.—The term ‘entity rule’ thousands of new electricity marketers ability’’ also involves many other fac- means a rule adopted by an affiliated re- and buyers have created new stresses ets of the electricity industry that are gional reliability entity for a specific region and designed to implement or enforce 1 or on the system. not addressed in this bill: full and open These stresses to the system have af- more organization standards. access to transmission systems, effec- fected many parts of the country. In ‘‘(6) Independent director.—The term ‘inde- tive conservation programs that can August 1996, a sagging power line in Or- pendent director’ means a person that— help reduce peak system demands, the ‘‘(A) is not an officer or employee of an en- egon made contact with a tree, and ability to site electricity generation tity that would reasonably be perceived as combined with other factors led to a plants closer to the loads they serve, having a direct financial interest in the out- power outage that affected over 7 mil- promoting small-scale distributed gen- come of a decision by the board of directors lion consumers along the West Coast. eration, such as fuel-cells, throughout of the electric reliability organization; and Other outages have occurred in dif- ‘‘(B) does not have a relationship that ferent parts of the country since that the grid, and many other wide-ranging would interfere with the exercise of inde- time. actions. Until we can gain a greater pendent judgment in carrying out the re- To address this situation, more than consensus of the need to address these sponsibilities of a director of the electric re- a year ago a group of electricity indus- issues, this bill provides the oppor- liability organization. try officials began meeting to develop tunity to begin these discussions. ‘‘(7) INDUSTRY SECTOR.—The term ‘industry Despite being described as a con- sector’ means a group of bulk-power system legislative language needed in this new users with substantially similar commercial era in electricity. They developed pro- sensus bill, there may need to be changes to this legislative language so interests, as determined by the board of di- visions that have been included as a rectors of the electric reliability organiza- small part of several bills, including that it is effective. For example, there tion. the larger restructuring bills developed are ongoing discussions about the ap- ‘‘(8) INTERCONNECTION.—The term ‘inter- in the House and by the Clinton admin- propriate role for State regulators as connection’ means a geographic area in istration. their responsibilities relate to the which the operation of bulk-power system Events in recent months have lent interstate transmission system. There- components is synchronized so that the fail- urgency to this issue. I believe it is fore I respectfully request Chairman ure of 1 or more of the components may ad- time to separate the issue of elec- MURKOWSKI to conduct hearings on this versely affect the ability of the operators of serious issue of the reliability of the other components within the interconnec- tricity reliability from the larger issue tion to maintain safe and reliable operation of restructuring. Our continued eco- bulk power system and also to hold of the facilities within their control. nomic growth is fueled by electricity, hearings on this bill as the starting ‘‘(9) ORGANIZATION STANDARD.— and we need to assure the public that point for solving this problem. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘organization the power will be there for their homes Mr. President, I ask that a copy of standard’ means a policy or standard adopt- and their jobs when they count on it. the bill be printed in the RECORD. ed by the electric reliability organization to The stresses in the system continue The bill follows: provide for the reliable operation of a bulk- power system. to mount. In the summer of 1999, Amer- S. 2071 icans experienced a wide-range of se- ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘organization Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- standard’ includes— vere electricity outages. The Depart- resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(i) an entity rule approved by the electric ment of Energy created a team of ex- Congress assembled, reliability organization; and perts to investigate these outages, and SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(ii) a variance approved by the electric re- it submitted its report last month. I This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Electric Re- liability organization. quote from the report’s summary: liability 2000 Act’’. ‘‘(10) PUBLIC INTEREST GROUP.—

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‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘public inter- ‘‘(4) ENFORCEABILITY.—A standard, guid- ‘‘(iii) includes alternative procedures to be est group’ means a nonprofit private or pub- ance, or practice in effect under this sub- followed in emergencies; lic organization that has an interest in the section shall be enforceable by the Commis- ‘‘(H) has established fair and impartial pro- activities of the electric reliability organiza- sion. cedures for implementation and enforcement tion. ‘‘(d) DESIGNATION OF ELECTRIC RELIABILITY of organization standards, either directly or ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘public inter- ORGANIZATION.— through delegation to an affiliated regional est group’ includes— ‘‘(1) REGULATIONS.— reliability entity, including the imposition ‘‘(i) a ratepayer advocate; ‘‘(A) PROPOSED REGULATIONS.—Not later of penalties, limitations on activities, func- ‘‘(ii) an environmental group; and than 90 days after the date of enactment of tions, or operations, or other appropriate ‘‘(iii) a State or local government organi- this section, the Commission shall propose sanctions; zation that regulates participants in, and regulations specifying procedures and re- ‘‘(I) has established procedures for notice promulgates government policy with respect quirements for an entity to apply for des- and opportunity for public observation of all to, the market for electric energy. ignation as the electric reliability organiza- meetings, except that the procedures for ‘‘(11) SYSTEM OPERATOR.— tion. public observation may include alternative ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘system oper- ‘‘(B) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Commis- procedures for emergencies or for the discus- ator’ means an entity that operates or is re- sion shall provide notice and opportunity for sion of information that the directors rea- sponsible for the operation of a bulk-power comment on the proposed regulations. sonably determine should take place in system. ‘‘(C) FINAL REGULATION.—Not later than 180 closed session, such as litigation, personnel ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘system oper- days after the date of enactment of this sec- actions, or commercially sensitive informa- ator’ includes— tion, the Commission shall promulgate final tion; ‘‘(i) a control area operator; regulations under this subsection. ‘‘(J) provides for the consideration of rec- ‘‘(ii) an independent system operator; ‘‘(2) APPLICATION.— ommendations of States and State commis- ‘‘(iii) a transmission company; ‘‘(A) SUBMISSION.—Following the promul- sions; and ‘‘(iv) a transmission system operator; and gation of final regulations under paragraph ‘‘(K) addresses other matters that the ‘‘(v) a regional security coordinator. (1), an entity may submit an application to Commission considers appropriate to ensure ‘‘(12) VARIANCE.—The term ‘variance’ the Commission for designation as the elec- that the procedures, governance, and funding means an exception from the requirements of tric reliability organization. of the electric reliability organization are ‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—The applicant shall de- an organization standard (including a pro- just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory scribe in the application— posal for an organization standard in a case or preferential, and in the public interest. ‘‘(i) the governance and procedures of the in which there is no organization standard) ‘‘(5) EXCLUSIVE DESIGNATION.— that is adopted by an affiliated regional reli- applicant; and ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall ‘‘(ii) the funding mechanism and initial ability entity and is applicable to all or a designate only 1 electric reliability organiza- funding requirements of the applicant. part of the region for which the affiliated re- tion. gional reliability entity is responsible. ‘‘(3) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Commis- ‘‘(B) MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS.—If the Com- ‘‘(b) COMMISSION AUTHORITY.— sion shall— mission receives 2 or more timely applica- ‘‘(1) JURISDICTION.—Notwithstanding sec- ‘‘(A) provide public notice of the applica- tions that satisfy the requirements of this tion 201(f), within the United States, the tion; and subsection, the Commission shall approve Commission shall have jurisdiction over the ‘‘(B) afford interested parties an oppor- electric reliability organization, all affili- tunity to comment. only the application that the Commission determines will best implement this section. ated regional reliability entities, all system ‘‘(4) DESIGNATION OF ELECTRIC RELIABILITY operators, and all bulk-power system users, ORGANIZATION.—The Commission shall des- ‘‘(e) ORGANIZATION STANDARDS.— including entities described in section 201(f), ignate the applicant as the electric reli- ‘‘(1) SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS TO COMMIS- for purposes of approving organization stand- ability organization if the Commission de- SION.— ards and enforcing compliance with this sec- termines that the applicant— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The electric reliability tion. ‘‘(A) has the ability to develop, implement, organization shall submit to the Commission ‘‘(2) DEFINITION OF TERMS.—The Commis- and enforce standards that provide for an proposals for any new or modified organiza- sion may by regulation define any term used adequate level of reliability of bulk-power tion standards. in this section consistent with the defini- systems; ‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—A proposal submitted tions in subsection (a) and the purpose and ‘‘(B) permits voluntary membership to any under subparagraph (A) shall include— intent of this Act. bulk-power system user or public interest ‘‘(i) a concise statement of the purpose of ‘‘(c) EXISTING RELIABILITY STANDARDS.— group; the proposal; and ‘‘(1) SUBMISSION TO THE COMMISSION.—Be- ‘‘(C) ensures fair representation of its ‘‘(ii) a record of any proceedings conducted fore designation of an electric reliability or- members in the selection of its directors and with respect to the proposal. ganization under subsection (d), any person, fair management of its affairs, taking into ‘‘(2) REVIEW BY THE COMMISSION.— including the North American Electric Reli- account the need for efficiency and effective- ‘‘(A) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Commis- ability Council and its member Regional Re- ness in decisionmaking and operations and sion shall— liability Councils, may submit to the Com- the requirements for technical competency ‘‘(i) provide notice of a proposal under mission any reliability standard, guidance, in the development of organization standards paragraph (1); and practice, or amendment to a reliability and the exercise of oversight of bulk-power ‘‘(ii) allow interested persons 30 days to standard, guidance, or practice that the per- system reliability; submit comments on the proposal. son proposes to be made mandatory and en- ‘‘(D) ensures that no 2 industry sectors ‘‘(B) ACTION BY THE COMMISSION.— forceable. have the ability to control, and no 1 industry ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—After taking into consid- ‘‘(2) REVIEW BY THE COMMISSION.—The Com- sector has the ability to veto, the applicant’s eration any submitted comments, the Com- mission, after allowing interested persons an discharge of its responsibilities as the elec- mission shall approve or disapprove a pro- opportunity to submit comments, may ap- tric reliability organization (including ac- posed organization standard not later than prove a proposed mandatory standard, guid- tions by committees recommending stand- the end of the 60-day period beginning on the ance, practice, or amendment submitted ards for approval by the board or other board date of the deadline for the submission of under paragraph (1) if the Commission finds actions to implement and enforce standards); comments, except that the Commission may that the standard, guidance, or practice is ‘‘(E) provides for governance by a board extend the 60-day period for an additional 90 just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory wholly comprised of independent directors; days for good cause. or preferential, and in the public interest. ‘‘(F) provides a funding mechanism and re- ‘‘(ii) FAILURE TO ACT.—If the Commission ‘‘(3) EFFECT OF APPROVAL.—A standard, quirements that— does not approve or disapprove a proposal guidance, or practice shall be mandatory and ‘‘(i) are just, reasonable, not unduly dis- within the period specified in clause (i), the applicable according to its terms following criminatory or preferential and in the public proposed organization standard shall go into approval by the Commission and shall re- interest; and effect subject to its terms, without prejudice main in effect until it is— ‘‘(ii) satisfy the requirements of subsection to the authority of the Commission to mod- ‘‘(A) withdrawn, disapproved, or superseded (l); ify the organization standard in accordance by an organization standard that is issued or ‘‘(G) has established procedures for devel- with the standards and requirements of this approved by the electric reliability organiza- opment of organization standards that— section. tion and made effective by the Commission ‘‘(i) provide reasonable notice and oppor- ‘‘(C) EFFECTIVE DATE.—An organization under section (e); or tunity for public comment, taking into ac- standard approved by the Commission shall ‘‘(B) disapproved by the Commission if, on count the need for efficiency and effective- take effect not earlier than 30 days after the complaint or upon motion by the Commis- ness in decisionmaking and operations and date of the Commission’s order of approval. sion and after notice and an opportunity for the requirements for technical competency ‘‘(D) STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL.— comment, the Commission finds the stand- in the development of organization stand- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall ard, guidance, or practice to be unjust, un- ards; approve a proposed new or modified organi- reasonable, unduly discriminatory or pref- ‘‘(ii) ensure openness, a balancing of inter- zation standard if the Commission deter- erential, or not in the public interest. ests, and due process; and mines the organization standard to be just,

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reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or ‘‘(i) determines that an emergency exists ‘‘(4) ORDER TO AMEND.— preferential, and in the public interest. requiring that the new or modified organiza- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission, on ‘‘(ii) CONSIDERATIONS.—In the exercise of tion standard take effect immediately with- complaint or on the motion of the Commis- its review responsibilities under this sub- out notice or comment; sion, may require the electric reliability or- section, the Commission— ‘‘(ii) notifies the Commission as soon as ganization to amend a procedural, govern- ‘‘(I) shall give due weight to the technical practicable after making the determination; ance, or funding provision if the Commission expertise of the electric reliability organiza- ‘‘(iii) submits the new or modified organi- determines that the amendment is necessary tion with respect to the content of a new or zation standard to the Commission not later to meet the requirements of this section. modified organization standard; but than 5 days after making the determination; ‘‘(B) FILING.—The electric reliability orga- ‘‘(II) shall not defer to the electric reli- and nization shall submit the amendment in ac- ability organization with respect to the ef- ‘‘(iv) includes in the submission an expla- cordance with paragraph (1). fect of the organization standard on competi- nation of the need for immediate effective- ‘‘(h) DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY.— tion. ness. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— ‘‘(E) REMAND.—A proposed organization ‘‘(B) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Commis- ‘‘(A) IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF standard that is disapproved in whole or in sion shall— COMPLIANCE.—At the request of an entity, part by the Commission shall be remanded to ‘‘(i) provide notice of the new or modified the electric reliability organization shall the electric reliability organization for fur- organization standard or amendment for enter into an agreement with the entity for ther consideration. comment; and the delegation of authority to implement ‘‘(3) ORDERS TO DEVELOP OR MODIFY ORGANI- ‘‘(ii) follow the procedures set out in para- and enforce compliance with organization ZATION STANDARDS.—The Commission, on graphs (2) and (3) for review of the new or standards in a specified geographic area if complaint or on motion of the Commission, modified organization standard. the electric reliability organization finds may order the electric reliability organiza- ‘‘(6) COMPLIANCE.—Each bulk power system that— tion to develop and submit to the Commis- user shall comply with an organization ‘‘(i) the entity satisfies the requirements of sion, by a date specified in the order, an or- standard that takes effect under this section. subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), (J), and ganization standard or modification to an ‘‘(f) COORDINATION WITH CANADA AND MEX- (K) of subsection (d)(4); and existing organization standard to address a ICO.— ‘‘(ii) the delegation would promote the ef- specific matter if the Commission considers ‘‘(1) RECOGNITION.—The electric reliability fective and efficient implementation and ad- a new or modified organization standard ap- organization shall take all appropriate steps ministration of bulk-power system reli- propriate to carry out this section, and the to gain recognition in Canada and Mexico. ability. electric reliability organization shall de- ‘‘(2) INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.— ‘‘(B) OTHER AUTHORITY.—The electric reli- velop and submit the organization standard ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The President shall use ability organization may enter into an or modification to the Commission in ac- best efforts to enter into international agreement to delegate to an entity any other cordance with this subsection. agreements with the appropriate govern- authority, except that the electric reli- ‘‘(4) VARIANCES AND ENTITY RULES.— ments of Canada and Mexico to provide for— ability organization shall reserve the right ‘‘(A) PROPOSAL.—An affiliated regional re- ‘‘(i) effective compliance with organization to set and approve standards for bulk-power liability entity may propose a variance or standards; and system reliability. entity rule to the electric reliability organi- ‘‘(ii) the effectiveness of the electric reli- ‘‘(2) APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSION.— zation. ability organization in carrying out its mis- ‘‘(A) SUBMISSION TO THE COMMISSION.—The ‘‘(B) EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION.—If expe- sion and responsibilities. electric reliability organization shall submit dited consideration is necessary to provide ‘‘(B) COMPLIANCE.—All actions taken by to the Commission— for bulk-power system reliability, the affili- the electric reliability organization, an af- ‘‘(i) any agreement entered into under this ated regional reliability entity may— filiated regional reliability entity, and the subsection; and ‘‘(i) request that the electric reliability or- Commission shall be consistent with any ‘‘(ii) any information the Commission re- ganization expedite consideration of the pro- international agreement under subparagraph quires with respect to the affiliated regional posal; and (A). reliability entity to which authority is dele- ‘‘(ii) file a notice of the request with the ‘‘(g) CHANGES IN PROCEDURE, GOVERNANCE, gated. Commission. OR FUNDING.— ‘‘(B) STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL.—The Com- ‘‘(C) FAILURE TO ACT.— ‘‘(1) SUBMISSION TO THE COMMISSION.—The mission shall approve the agreement, fol- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—If the electric reliability electric reliability organization shall submit lowing public notice and an opportunity for organization fails to adopt the variance or to the Commission— comment, if the Commission finds that the entity rule, in whole or in part, the affiliated ‘‘(A) any proposed change in a procedure, agreement— regional reliability entity may request that governance, or funding provision; or ‘‘(i) meets the requirements of paragraph the Commission review the proposal. ‘‘(B) any change in an affiliated regional (1); and ‘‘(ii) ACTION BY THE COMMISSION.—If the reliability entity’s procedure, governance, or ‘‘(ii) is just, reasonable, not unduly dis- Commission determines, after a review of funding provision relating to delegated func- criminatory or preferential, and in the pub- the request, that the action of the electric tions. lic interest. reliability organization did not conform to ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—A submission under para- ‘‘(C) REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION.—A pro- the applicable standards and procedures ap- graph (1) shall include an explanation of the posed delegation agreement with an affili- proved by the Commission, or if the Commis- basis and purpose for the change. ated regional reliability entity organized on sion determines that the variance or entity ‘‘(3) EFFECTIVENESS.— an interconnection-wide basis shall be rule is just, reasonable, not unduly discrimi- ‘‘(A) CHANGES IN PROCEDURE.— rebuttably presumed by the Commission to natory or preferential, and in the public in- ‘‘(i) CHANGES CONSTITUTING A STATEMENT OF promote the effective and efficient imple- terest and that the electric reliability orga- POLICY, PRACTICE, OR INTERPRETATION.—A mentation and administration of the reli- nization has unreasonably rejected or failed proposed change in procedure shall take ef- ability of the bulk-power system. to act on the proposal, the Commission fect 90 days after submission to the Commis- ‘‘(D) INVALIDITY ABSENT APPROVAL.—No may— sion if the change constitutes a statement of delegation by the electric reliability organi- ‘‘(I) remand the proposal for further con- policy, practice, or interpretation with re- zation shall be valid unless the delegation is sideration by the electric reliability organi- spect to the meaning or enforcement of the approved by the Commission. zation; or procedure. ‘‘(3) PROCEDURES FOR ENTITY RULES AND ‘‘(II) order the electric reliability organiza- ‘‘(ii) OTHER CHANGES.—A proposed change VARIANCES.— tion or the affiliated regional reliability en- in procedure other than a change described ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A delegation agreement tity to develop a variance or entity rule con- in clause (i) shall take effect on a finding by under this subsection shall specify the proce- sistent with that requested by the affiliated the Commission, after notice and oppor- dures by which the affiliated regional reli- regional reliability entity. tunity for comment, that the change— ability entity may propose entity rules or ‘‘(D) PROCEDURE.—A variance or entity ‘‘(I) is just, reasonable, not unduly dis- variances for review by the electric reli- rule proposed by an affiliated regional reli- criminatory or preferential, and in the pub- ability organization. ability entity shall be submitted to the elec- lic interest; and ‘‘(B) INTERCONNECTION-WIDE ENTITY RULES tric reliability organization for review and ‘‘(II) satisfies the requirements of sub- AND VARIANCES.— In the case of a proposal submission to the Commission in accordance section (d)(4). for an entity rule or variance that would with the procedures specified in paragraph ‘‘(B) CHANGES IN GOVERNANCE OR FUNDING.— apply on an interconnection-wide basis, the (2). A proposed change in governance or funding electric reliability organization shall ap- ‘‘(5) IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVENESS.— shall not take effect unless the Commission prove the entity rule or variance unless the ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any finds that the change— electric reliability organization makes a other provision of this subsection, a new or ‘‘(i) is just, reasonable, not unduly dis- written finding that the entity rule or modified organization standard shall take ef- criminatory or preferential, and in the pub- variance— fect immediately on submission to the Com- lic interest; and ‘‘(i) was not developed in a fair and open mission without notice or comment if the ‘‘(ii) satisfies the requirements of sub- process that provided an opportunity for all electric reliability organization— section (d)(4). interested parties to participate;

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.089 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S631 ‘‘(ii) would have a significant adverse im- tity, the Commission may order the electric court for the district in which the affected pact on reliability or commerce in other reliability organization to propose a modi- facilities are located. interconnections; fication to a delegation agreement under ‘‘(E) EFFECTIVE DATE.— ‘‘(iii) fails to provide a level of reliability this subsection if the Commission deter- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Unless the Commission, of the bulk-power system within the inter- mines that— on motion of the Commission or on applica- connection such that the entity rule or vari- ‘‘(i) the affiliated regional reliability tion by the bulk-power system user that is ance would be likely to cause a serious and entity— the subject of the disciplinary action, sus- substantial threat to public health, safety, ‘‘(I) no longer has the capacity to carry out pends the effectiveness of a disciplinary ac- welfare, or national security; or effectively or efficiently the implementation tion, the disciplinary action shall take effect ‘‘(iv) would create a serious and substan- or enforcement responsibilities under the on the 30th day after the date on which— tial burden on competitive markets within delegation agreement; ‘‘(I) the electric reliability organization the interconnection that is not necessary for ‘‘(II) has failed to meet its obligations submits to the Commission— reliability. under the delegation agreement; or ‘‘(aa) a written finding that the bulk-power ‘‘(C) NONINTERCONNECTION-WIDE ENTITY ‘‘(III) has violated this section; system user violated an organization stand- RULES AND VARIANCES.—In the case of a pro- ‘‘(ii) the rules, practices, or procedures of ard; and posal for an entity rule or variance that the affiliated regional reliability entity no ‘‘(bb) the record of proceedings before the would apply only to part of an interconnec- longer provide for fair and impartial dis- electric reliability organization; and tion, the electric reliability organization charge of the implementation or enforce- ‘‘(II) the Commission posts the written shall approve the entity rule or variance if ment responsibilities under the delegation finding on the Internet. the affiliated regional reliability entity dem- agreement; ‘‘(ii) DURATION.—A disciplinary action onstrates that the proposal— ‘‘(iii) the geographic boundary of a trans- shall remain in effect or remain suspended ‘‘(i) was developed in a fair and open proc- mission entity approved by the Commission unless the Commission, after notice and op- ess that provided an opportunity for all in- is not wholly within the boundary of an af- portunity for hearing, affirms, sets aside, terested parties to participate; filiated regional reliability entity, and the modifies, or reinstates the disciplinary ac- ‘‘(ii) would not have an adverse impact on difference in boundaries is inconsistent with tion. commerce that is not necessary for reli- the effective and efficient implementation ‘‘(iii) EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION.—The ability; and administration of bulk-power system re- Commission shall conduct the hearing under ‘‘(iii) provides a level of bulk-power system liability; or procedures established to ensure expedited reliability that is adequate to protect public ‘‘(iv) the agreement is inconsistent with a consideration of the action taken. health, safety, welfare, and national security delegation ordered by the Commission under ‘‘(2) COMPLIANCE ORDERS.— The Commis- and would not have a significant adverse im- paragraph (4). sion, on complaint by any person or on mo- pact on reliability; and tion of the Commission, may order compli- ‘‘(B) SUSPENSION.— ‘‘(iv) in the case of a variance, is based on ance with an organization standard and may ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Following an order to a justifiable difference between regions or modify a delegation agreement under sub- impose a penalty, limitation on activities, subregions within the affiliated regional reli- paragraph (A), the Commission may suspend functions, or operations, or take such other ability entity’s geographic area. the delegation agreement if the electric reli- disciplinary action as the Commission finds ‘‘(D) ACTION BY THE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ability organization or the affiliated re- appropriate, against a bulk-power system ORGANIZATION.— gional reliability entity does not propose an user with respect to actions affecting or ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The electric reliability appropriate and timely modification. threatening to affect bulk-power system fa- organization shall approve or disapprove a cilities located in the United States if the ‘‘(ii) ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.—If a proposal under subparagraph (A) within 120 delegation agreement is suspended, the elec- Commission finds, after notice and oppor- days after the proposal is submitted. tric reliability organization shall assume the tunity for a hearing, that the bulk-power ‘‘(ii) FAILURE TO ACT.—If the electric reli- responsibilities delegated under the delega- system user has violated or threatens to vio- ability organization fails to act within the tion agreement. late an organization standard. time specified in clause (i), the proposal ‘‘(3) OTHER ACTIONS.—The Commission may ‘‘(i) ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP.—Each sys- shall be deemed to have been approved. take such action as is necessary against the tem operator shall be a member of— ‘‘(iii) SUBMISSION TO THE COMMISSION.— electric reliability organization or an affili- ‘‘(1) the electric reliability organization; After approving a proposal under subpara- ated regional reliability entity to ensure and graph (A), the electric reliability organiza- compliance with an organization standard, ‘‘(2) any affiliated regional reliability enti- tion shall submit the proposal to the Com- or any Commission order affecting electric ty operating under an agreement effective mission for approval under the procedures reliability organization or affiliated regional under subsection (h) applicable to the region prescribed under subsection (e). reliability entity. in which the system operator operates, or is ‘‘(E) DIRECT SUBMISSIONS.—An affiliated re- ‘‘(k) RELIABILITY REPORTS.—The electric gional reliability entity may not submit a responsible for the operation of, a trans- reliability organization shall— proposal for approval directly to the Com- mission facility. ‘‘(1) conduct periodic assessments of the re- mission except as provided in subsection ‘‘(j) ENFORCEMENT.— liability and adequacy of the interconnected (e)(4). ‘‘(1) DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.— bulk-power system in North America; and ‘‘(4) FAILURE TO REACH DELEGATION AGREE- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Consistent with proce- ‘‘(2) report annually to the Secretary of MENT.— dures approved by the Commission under Energy and the Commission its findings and ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If an affiliated regional subsection (d)(4)(H), the electric reliability recommendations for monitoring or improv- reliability entity requests, consistent with organization may impose a penalty, limita- ing system reliability and adequacy. paragraph (1), that the electric reliability or- tion on activities, functions, or operations, ‘‘(l) ASSESSMENT AND RECOVERY OF CERTAIN ganization delegate authority to it, but is or other disciplinary action that the electric COSTS.— unable within 180 days to reach agreement reliability organization finds appropriate ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The reasonable costs of with the electric reliability organization against a bulk-power system user if the elec- the electric reliability organization, and the with respect to the requested delegation, the tric reliability organization, after notice and reasonable costs of each affiliated regional entity may seek relief from the Commission. an opportunity for interested parties to be reliability entity that are related to imple- ‘‘(B) REVIEW BY THE COMMISSION.—The heard, issues a finding in writing that the mentation or enforcement of organization Commission shall order the electric reli- bulk-power system user has violated an orga- standards or other requirements contained ability organization to enter into a delega- nization standard. in a delegation agreement approved under tion agreement under terms specified by the ‘‘(B) NOTIFICATION.—The electric reliability subsection (h), shall be assessed by the elec- Commission if, after notice and opportunity organization shall immediately notify the tric reliability organization and each affili- for comment, the Commission determines Commission of any disciplinary action im- ated regional reliability entity, respectively, that— posed with respect to an act or failure to act taking into account the relationship of costs ‘‘(i) a delegation to the affiliated regional of a bulk-power system user that affected or to each region and based on an allocation reliability entity would— threatened to affect bulk-power system fa- that reflects an equitable sharing of the ‘‘(I) meet the requirements of paragraph cilities located in the United States. costs among all electric energy consumers. (1); and ‘‘(C) RIGHT TO PETITION.—A bulk-power sys- ‘‘(2) RULES.—The Commission shall provide ‘‘(II) would be just, reasonable, not unduly tem user that is the subject of disciplinary by rule for the review of costs and alloca- discriminatory or preferential, and in the action under paragraph (1) shall have the tions under paragraph (1) in accordance with public interest; and right to petition the Commission for a modi- the standards in this subsection and sub- ‘‘(ii) the electric reliability organization fication or rescission of the disciplinary ac- section (d)(4)(F). unreasonably withheld the delegation. tion. ‘‘(m) APPLICATION OF ANTITRUST LAWS.— ‘‘(5) ORDERS TO MODIFY DELEGATION AGREE- ‘‘(D) INJUNCTIONS.—If the electric reli- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any MENTS.— ability organization finds it necessary to other provision of law, the following activi- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—On complaint, or on mo- prevent a serious threat to reliability, the ties are rebuttably presumed to be in compli- tion of the Commission, after notice to the electric reliability organization may seek in- ance with the antitrust laws of the United appropriate affiliated regional reliability en- junctive relief in the United States district States:

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.089 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 ‘‘(A) Activities undertaken by the electric S. 2072. A bill to require the Sec- million to help low income families. I reliability organization under this section or retary of Energy to report to Congress want to applaud that decision—those affiliated regional reliability entity oper- on the readiness of the heating oil and resources are urgently needed. How- ating under a delegation agreement under propane industries; to the Committee subsection (h). ever, I want to also point out that if we ‘‘(B) Activities of a member of the electric on Energy and Natural Resources. prevent these price spikes with better reliability organization or affiliated regional THE HOME HEATING READINESS ACT evaluation of the industry, we may reliability entity in pursuit of the objectives Mr. KERRY. Mr. President today I have to spend less of those emergency of the electric reliability organization or af- am introducing the Home Heating funds in future winters. Finally, I want filiated regional reliability entity under this Readiness Act, which I offer with Sen- to work with Energy and Natural Re- section undertaken in good faith under the ators LAUTENBERG, LIEBERMAN, and sources Committee to get its input on rules of the organization of the electric reli- JEFFORDS. The goal of this legislation how this proposal can be improved to ability organization or affiliated regional re- liability entity. is to prevent sharp and sustained in- meet our goals. ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF DEFENSES.—In a civil creases in the price of home heating The old adage that an ounce of pre- action brought by any person or entity fuel, like the kind of price spike we are vention is worth a pound of cure cer- against the electric reliability organization experiencing right now in Massachu- tainly holds true in this case, and I or an affiliated regional reliability entity al- setts and other northeastern states. hope that we act to create the Home leging a violation of an antitrust law based Mr. President, at the end of Decem- Heating Readiness Report. on an activity under this Act, the defenses of ber, the price of a gallon of home heat- I ask unanimous consent that a copy primary jurisdiction and immunity from suit ing oil in Massachusetts average $1.78 of the bill be printed in the RECORD. and other affirmative defenses shall be avail- across the state, and in some local able to the extent applicable. There being no objection, the bill was ‘‘(n) REGIONAL ADVISORY ROLE.— areas consumers are complaining of ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL ADVISORY prices as high as $2.00 per gallon. Only follows: BODY.—The Commission shall establish a re- several weeks ago, when the weather S. 2072 gional advisory body on the petition of the was warmer, the price was far lower, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Governors of at least two-thirds of the about $.98, but as soon as the weather resentatives of the United States of America in States within a region that have more than turned cold—as soon as families needed Congress assembled, one-half of their electrical loads served with- more oil to heat their homes—the price SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. in the region. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Home Heat- ‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—A regional advisory spiked. I want to be clear, on average, ing Readiness Act’’. body— it appears that this winter will be ‘‘(A) shall be composed of 1 member from warmer than most. Our problem is not SEC. 2. FINDINGS. each State in the region, appointed by the the weather alone, something else in Congress finds that— Governor of the State; and the supply chain of heating oil has (1) in the United States, more than 10,000,000 households burn heating oil and ‘‘(B) may include representatives of agen- failed. The Home Heating Readiness cies, States, and Provinces outside the more than 5,000,000 burn propane to generate Act is an effort to learn, before it’s too space heat; United States, on execution of an appro- late, the steps we can take to correct priate international agreement described in (2) sharp and sustained increases in the subsection (f). deficiencies and prevent price spikes. price of heating oil and propane dispropor- ‘‘(3) FUNCTIONS.—A regional advisory body Already the Energy Information Ad- tionately harm poor and elderly people with may provide advice to the electric reliability ministration examines the price of low and fixed incomes, who may be forced to organization, an affiliated regional reli- heating fuel each fall in a report called choose between heat and food, medicine, and ability entity, or the Commission the Winter Fuels Outlook, and the Ad- other basic necessities; regarding— ministration has done, overall, an ex- (3) sharp and sustained increases in the ‘‘(A) the governance of an affiliated re- price of heating oil and propane can nega- cellent job of examining supply, de- tively affect the national economy and re- gional reliability entity existing or proposed mand and potential weather scenarios within a region; gional economies, and such increases have ‘‘(B) whether a standard proposed to apply and estimating the price of heating oil occurred in the winters of 1983–84, 1988–89, within the region is just, reasonable, not un- and propane. This legislation would 1996–97, and 1999–2000; duly discriminatory or preferential, and in ask the Administration to go farther (4) sharp and sustained increases in the the public interest; and and examine the functional capability price of heating oil and propane can be ‘‘(C) whether fees proposed to be assessed of the industries, to search out poten- caused by— within the region are— tial problems and help us prevent or (A) deficiencies in global or regional crude ‘‘(i) just, reasonable, not unduly discrimi- oil or refined product supplies; mitigate them. It asks EIA to examine (B) inadequacy or underutilization of refin- natory or preferential, and in the public in- the global and regional crude oil and terest; and ery capacity; ‘‘(ii) consistent with the requirements of refined product supplies; the adequacy (C) inadequacy, underutilization, or disad- subsection (l). and utilization of refinery capability; vantageous distribution of regional refined ‘‘(4) DEFERENCE.—In a case in which a re- the adequacy, utilization, and distribu- product storage capacity; gional advisory body encompasses an entire tion of regional refined product storage (D) adverse weather conditions; interconnection, the Commission may give capacity; weather conditions; refined (E) impediments to efficient and timely deference to advice provided by the regional product transportation system; market transportation of refined product; (F) market inefficiencies; and advisory body under paragraph (3). inefficiencies; and any other factor af- ‘‘(o) APPLICABILITY OF SECTION.—This sec- (G) other factors affecting the functional tion does not apply outside the 48 contiguous fecting the functional capability of the capability of the energy industry; States. industry to provide affordable home (5) the Energy Information Administration ‘‘(p) REHEARINGS; COURT REVIEW OF OR- heating oil and propane. In addition to is charged with analyzing the United States DERS.—Section 313 applies to an order of the identifying problems, EIA will make energy industry and markets and providing Commission issued under this section.’’. recommendations on how those prob- projections on the retail price of energy (b) ENFORCEMENT.— lems can be corrected, and how price products, including heating oil and propane; (1) GENERAL PENALTIES.—Section 316(c) of spikes can be avoided or at least miti- (6) future sharp and sustained increases in the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825o(c)) is the national and regional price of heating oil amended— gated. and propane can be avoided or at least miti- (A) by striking ‘‘subsection’’ and inserting Mr. President, with this legislation gated if— ‘‘section’’; and we are asking the EIA to do more and (A) the Energy Information Administra- (B) by striking ‘‘or 214’’ and inserting ‘‘214 we should appropriate more funding to tion identifies potential failures in the func- or 215’’. get the job done. For now, this legisla- tional capability of the energy industry to (2) CERTAIN PROVISIONS.—Section 316A of tion does not authorize a specific provide affordable heating oil and propane to the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825o–1) is amount. It is my hope that the Clinton consumers in all regions of the United amended by striking ‘‘or 214’’ each place it administration will work with us to de- States; and appears and inserting ‘‘214, or 215’’. termine an appropriate authorization (B) those potential failures are remedied; (c) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—[RESERVED]∑ and level that we can add into this bill at (7) avoiding sharp and sustained increases By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. an appropriate time. To help alleviate in the national and regional price of heating LAUTENBERG, Mr. LIEBERMAN, our current fuel crises the Clinton ad- oil and propane can reduce Federal, State, and Mr. JEFFORDS): ministration has released roughly $175 and local expenditures to assist low-income

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.089 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S633 and other households in need of financial as- the fear of higher gas prices that will mand high, they have frozen rivers and sistance when prices increase. follow. made it difficult at times for oil barges SEC. 3. ANNUAL HOME HEATING READINESS RE- This complaint may sound familiar to dock and unload their product. And PORTS. to some of my colleagues, particularly some questions have to be raised about (a) IN GENERAL.—Part A of title I of the those similarly-situated in cold-weath- Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 the choices made by the major oil com- U.S.C. 6211 et seq.) is amended by adding at er states. Senator DODD and I and sev- panies, while the supply of crude oil eral others have repeatedly voiced con- the end the following: may have been sufficient to meet de- cerns about the volatility of the heat- ‘‘SEC. 108. ANNUAL HOME HEATING READINESS mand, the refiners may have made REPORTS. ing oil-gasoline marketplace over the matters worse by focusing on turning ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—On or before September last several years, about the sudden out more gasoline than heating oil in 1 of each year, Secretary, acting through the swings in prices we have experienced as anticipation of a warmer winter. These Administrator of the Energy Information a result of that volatility, and the questions deserve more attention, and I Agency, shall submit to Congress a Home threat it poses to the livelihood of our Heating Readiness Report on the readiness of intend to press for more information constituents and the stability of our the heating oil and propane industries to about how these decisions are being regional economy. The situation now, supply fuel under various weather condi- made about utilization of capacity, though, is more dire than anything we tions, including rapid decreases in tempera- which are critical to determining oil have seen in recent years. While I do ture. supplies and by extension oil prices. ‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—The Home Heating Readi- not want to be an alarmist, I think it ness Report shall include— is critical for my colleagues to under- But the complexity of this problem ‘‘(1) estimates of the consumption, expend- stand the severity of the squeeze many does not mean we are powerless to itures, and average price per gallon of heat- families and businesses are feeling and help. Along with Senator DODD and the ing oil and propane for the upcoming period of October through March for various weath- the potential for economic havoc. rest of our state delegation, we have er conditions, with special attention to ex- We are bordering on a real crisis. The been doing all we can to provide some treme weather, and various regions of the average price of a gallon of heating oil immediate relief from these spiraling country; in the Northeast has jumped more than prices and troubling shortages. One of ‘‘(2) an evaluation of— 100 percent since mid-January. Many our principal concerns is for the low-in- ‘‘(A) global and regional crude oil and re- families are really struggling to pay come families who are being asked to fined product supplies; their bills and keep their families choose between putting food on the ‘‘(B) the adequacy and utilization of refin- warm. Dealers and distributors are re- ery capacity; porting significant shortages through- table and heating their homes. The ‘‘(C) the adequacy, utilization, and dis- out the region, which promises to send price spike is hitting these families the tribution of regional refined product storage hardest, and we are doing our best to capacity; prices spiraling even higher in the near ‘‘(D) weather conditions; term. And if this vicious cycle of high help them make it through. A bipar- ‘‘(E) the refined product transportation demand and low supply continues to tisan coalition sent a letter to the system; turn, and if the weather stays the way President two weeks ago urging him to ‘‘(F) market inefficiencies; and it has, many households may literally quickly release emergency funds from ‘‘(G) any other factor affecting the func- be left out in the cold, and their well- the Low-Income Home Energy Assist- tional capability of the heating oil industry being put at risk. ance Program, which is a critical first and propane industry that has the potential It is not just consumers, though, who to affect national or regional supplies and line of defense for our neighbors who prices; are being hit hard by this price spike. are least able to cope with sudden price ‘‘(3) recommendations on steps that the It is also hurting a number of small surges. The President thankfully re- businesses that are not prepared to ab- Federal, State, and local governments can sponded by releasing $45 million for the take to prevent or alleviate the impact of sorb this kind of sudden surge in costs. sharp and sustained increases in the price of It sure is hurting many small compa- disadvantaged families of New Eng- heating oil and propane; and nies in the heating oil industry, the land, including $3.1 million for those in ‘‘(4) recommendations on steps that com- independent distributors and retailers, Connecticut. This was a significant panies engaged in the production, refining, who form the backbone of this market. gesture, but there are many families storage, transportation of heating oil or pro- who won’t benefit from it. That is why pane, or any other activity related to the I have already heard of one oil dealer heating oil industry or propane industry, can in Connecticut who owns a family busi- just two days ago our coalition sent take to prevent or alleviate the impact of ness and who needed to take out a sec- the President another letter requesting sharp and sustained increases in the price of ond mortgage on his home to make it that an additional $200 million in heating oil and propane. through this hardship. It may not be LIHEAP funding be released imme- ‘‘(c) INFORMATION REQUESTS.—The Sec- long before others join him. There is diately. I hope the President again retary may request information necessary to also the very real risk of some small prepare the Home Heating Readiness Report hears our concerns and heeds our call. from companies described in subsection dealers being forced out of business. As a result of all this, a conspicuous I am also concerned about the inde- (b)(4).’’. pendent oil suppliers in the Northeast. (b) CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL AMEND- current of fear and uncertainty is rip- MENTS.—The Energy Policy and Conserva- pling throughout the Northeast. People Most home heating oil distributors are tion Act is amended— are anxious for some answers just as small businesses with few employees; (1) in the table of contents in the first sec- they are desperate for some relief. Like these businesses are not always in the tion (42 U.S.C. prec. 6201), by inserting after many of my colleagues, my offices position to weather severe price fluc- the item relating to section 106 the fol- have been inundated with calls from tuations or shortages as we are seeing lowing: around the state from outraged home- now. Part of the problem is that small ‘‘Sec. 107. Major fuel burning stationary owners demanding to know why their oil dealers often must pay the high source. heating bills are going through the roof ‘‘Sec. 108. Annual home heating readiness price of crude oil from large whole- reports.’’; and and what we are doing to bring them salers before they are able to collect on (2) in section 107 (42 U.S.C. 6215), by strik- down. oil sales to residential homes. This We know that supplies are low and ing ‘‘SEC. 107. (a) No Governor’’ and inserting leaves them with few reserves to make the following: demand is high, and that is the basic due. To help relieve the burden on ‘‘SEC. 107. MAJOR FUEL BURNING STATIONARY source of the problem. But it goes SOURCE. much deeper than that. The decision these businesses, I have asked the ‘‘(a) No Governor’’. made by OPEC to limit the production Small Business Administration to Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I and supply of crude oil on the inter- make available a package of short rise to speak about an extremely seri- national market has been a major fac- turnaround loans and technical assist- ous problem plaguing the citizens of tor. Our domestic supply has shrunk ance. The SBA has been highly sen- my state of Connecticut and those considerably. Another factor has been sitive to this problem, and they are throughout the Northeast—the sky- the temperature; the cold weather and moving quickly to spread the word rocketing cost of home heating oil and strong winds have not only kept de- around the region about these options.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.088 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 Along with several of my colleagues Our current situation points to the (Mr. GORTON) was added as a cosponsor on both sides of the aisle, I have sup- fundamental problem that we are far of S. 92, a bill to provide for biennial ported and continue to support a draw- too dependent upon foreign oil for our budget process and a biennial appro- down of the Strategic Petroleum Re- energy needs. We need to employ long- priations process and to enhance over- serve as a way to quickly boost stocks term strategies to decrease our reli- sight and the performance of the Fed- in the Northeast and thereby quickly ance upon foreign nations and bolster eral Government. ODD reduce prices. Senator D and I and our own energy capacity. Many of us S. 162 several of our colleagues from neigh- have cosponsored legislation in the At the request of Mr. BREAUX, the boring states have lobbied hard for the past to increase research and develop- name of the Senator from Mississippi Administration to take that step. We ment funding for renewable energy (Mr. COCHRAN) was added as a cospon- have cosponsored legislation that ex- sources. We need to invest time, plicitly authorizes the Secretary of En- sor of S. 162, a bill to amend the Inter- money, and an increased level of effort nal Revenue Code of 1986 to change the ergy to tap the SPR in these cir- in the development of energy efficient cumstances. We wrote the President determination of the 50,000-barrel refin- power sources such as wind, solar, and ery limitation on oil depletion deduc- two weeks ago urging him to approve a natural gas. I will continue to work to- drawdown as soon as possible. And tion from a daily basis to an annual av- ward this goal and I strongly urge my erage daily basis. shortly thereafter we met with Energy colleagues to do so as well. Secretary Bill Richardson to plead this Mr. President, as I said, I rise to S. 386 case directly. The Secretary unfortu- speak about a very serious problem At the request of Mr. GORTON, the nately has been reluctant to pursue plaguing the citizens of Connecticut name of the Senator from North Caro- this option, but we have not given up and the Northeast; that is, the sky- lina (Mr. EDWARDS) was added as a co- hope of changing his mind, and will rocketing cost of home heating oil and sponsor of S. 386, a bill to amend the continue to push our argument. the fear of higher gas prices that will Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to pro- While we believe the SPR drawdown come with the warmer weather. There vide for tax-exempt bond financing of is critical to getting us through this certain electric facilities. short-term emergency, it is not a long- is a very complicated situation as to term solution. It will not and cannot why it exists. S. 397 defuse the volatility of the heating oil It begins with the decision by the At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the marketplace. But there are a number OPEC cartel to reduce the supply of name of the Senator from New Mexico of steps we can take to prevent these oil. It goes to the decision of some oil (Mr. DOMENICI) was added as a cospon- disruptive price spikes from cycling in companies not to refine adequate sup- sor of S. 397, a bill to authorize the and out. First, it is important that we plies of home heating oil. Whatever the Secretary of Energy to establish a convince leaders of the oil-producing complexity, it does not mean that we multiagency program in support of the nations that colluding to hold down are powerless to help. Materials Corridor Partnership Initia- supply is not in their long-term inter- Senator DODD and I, and the rest of tive to promote energy efficient, envi- est. As we have seen, prices of oil have our delegation, on earlier occasions, ronmentally sound economic develop- indeed gone up, but there is growing re- with colleagues from throughout the ment along the border with Mexico sentment of the policies of OPEC as Northeast from both parties, have ap- through the research, development, our citizens feel a strengthening pinch. pealed to the President to release Low and use of new materials. Income Home Energy Assistance Pro- It is important that these countries S. 486 understand that if they continue with gram funding. He did that—$45 million At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his this strategy, they may jeopardize worth. name was added as a cosponsor of S. good relations with the United States. We have another request in now for 486, a bill to provide for the punish- Secretary Richardson will soon be an additional $200 million. It is that ment of methamphetamine laboratory meeting with OPEC’s leaders, and we bad in our State. operators, provide additional resources are pressing him to forcefully commu- The real answer to this is to open up to combat methamphetamine produc- nicate this message to our allies and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and tion, trafficking, and abuse in the trading partners. effect the laws of supply and demand, Second, we should take a hard look 560 million barrels of oil that we, the United States, and for other purposes. at the use of interruptible gas con- taxpayers, U.S. Government own. This S. 899 tracts by natural gas suppliers and the is the time to use it. At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his evidence that these contracts may be Up until now, Secretary Richardson name was added as a cosponsor of S. exacerbating the volatility of the heat- and the administration have refused to 899, a bill to reduce crime and protect ing oil market. These ‘‘interruptible″ do so. I appeal to them today on behalf the public in the 21st Century by contracts can be obtained at a discount of the people of Connecticut who are strengthening Federal assistance to rate in exchange for giving the con- suffering under the shock of doubling State and local law enforcement, com- tractor the ability to suspend service and in some cases tripling of what they bating illegal drugs and preventing when gas supply is low or demand is pay for home heating oil. Please open drug use, attacking the criminal use of high. When these contracts are inter- up the reserve. There is now a new idea guns, promoting accountability and re- rupted, many customers typically turn of swaps, not selling the oil but allow- habilitation of juvenile criminals, pro- to heating oil as their preferred alter- ing the oil companies to take it out of tecting the rights of victims in the native, creating a sudden, secondary reserve, bring it into the market, in- criminal justice system, and improving demand jolt to the oil market. I have crease supply, lower price, and then criminal justice rules and procedures, heard from a number of leaders in the put oil back into the reserve, even a and for other purposes. heating oil industry who fear that this higher amount. S. 1109 is exactly what is happening now. We The short of it is, we are in crisis in At the request of Mr. MCCONNELL, need to better understand the level of the Northeast. It is a crisis that, if it is the name of the Senator from Missouri additional heating oil demand caused not stopped and is allowed to go on, (Mr. ASHCROFT) was added as a cospon- by these types of contracts and be able with higher gasoline prices that will af- sor of S. 1109, a bill to conserve global to anticipate demand fluctuations as fect the rest of the country in spring bear populations by prohibiting the im- accurately as possible so that we may time, it will begin to create the kind of portation, exportation, and interstate avoid future situations where demand inflation that will cut the economic trade of bear viscera and items, prod- exceeds supply. For that reason, I re- growth we have enjoyed. ucts, or substances containing, or la- cently asked Secretary Richardson to f investigate the extent and impact of beled or advertised as containing, bear interruptible contracts, and to report ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS viscera, and for other purposes. back to us on his findings to determine S. 92 S. 1220 what if anything we should do about At the request of Mr. DOMENICI, the At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his this practice. name of the Senator from Washington name was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.035 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S635 1220, a bill to provide additional fund- S. 1898 DEWINE) was added as a cosponsor of S. ing to combat methamphetamine pro- At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the 1988, a bill to reform the State inspec- duction and abuse, and for other pur- names of the Senator from Connecticut tion of meat and poultry in the United poses. (Mr. DODD) and the Senator from Min- States, and for other purposes. S. 1272 nesota (Mr. GRAMS) were added as co- S. 2003 At the request of Mr. NICKLES, the sponsors of S. 1898, a bill to provide At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. protection against the risks to the pub- names of the Senator from New Mexico lic that are inherent in the interstate GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of (Mr. BINGAMAN) and the Senator from S. 1272, a bill to amend the Controlled transportation of violent prisoners. Tennessee (Mr. FRIST) were added as Substances Act to promote pain man- S. 1921 cosponsors of S. 2003, a bill to restore agement and palliative care without At the request of Mr. CAMPBELL, the health care coverage to retired mem- permitting assisted suicide and eutha- names of the Senator from Utah (Mr. bers of the uniformed services. nasia, and for other purposes. HATCH) and the Senator from Wis- S. 2013 consin (Mr. FEINGOLD) were added as At the request of Mr. JEFFORDS, his S. 1428 cosponsors of S. 1921, a bill to authorize name was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his the placement within the site of the 2013, a bill to restore health care equity name was added as a cosponsor of S. Vietnam Veterans Memorial of a for medicare-eligible uniformed serv- 1428, a bill to amend the Controlled plaque to honor Vietnam veterans who ices retirees, and for other purposes. Substances Act and the Controlled died after their service in the Vietnam S. 2021 Substances Import and Export Act re- war, but as a direct result of that serv- At the request of Mr. BROWNBACK, the lating to the manufacture, traffick, ice. name of the Senator from Alabama import, and export of amphetamine S. 1941 (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- and methamphetamine, and for other At the request of Mr. DODD, the name sor of S. 2021, a bill to prohibit high purposes. of the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. school and college sports gambling in S. 1638 SANTORUM) was added as a cosponsor of all States including States where such At the request of Mr. ASHCROFT, the S. 1941, a bill to amend the Federal gambling was permitted prior to 1991. name of the Senator from Michigan Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 At the request of Mr. REED, his name (Mr. ABRAHAM) was added as a cospon- to authorize the Director of the Fed- was added as a cosponsor of S. 2021, sor of S. 1638, a bill to amend the Omni- eral Emergency Management Agency supra. bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to provide assistance to fire depart- S. 2026 of 1968 to extend the retroactive eligi- ments and fire prevention organiza- At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the bility dates for financial assistance for tions for the purpose of protecting the name of the Senator from California higher education for spouses and de- public and firefighting personnel (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- pendent children of Federal, State, and against fire and fire-related hazards. sponsor of S. 2026, a bill to amend the local law enforcement officers who are S. 1952 Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to au- killed in the line of duty. At the request of Mr. ABRAHAM, the thorize appropriations for HIV/AIDS ef- S. 1653 names of the Senator from Colorado forts. At the request of Mr. SMITH of New (Mr. ALLARD), and the Senator from S. 2029 Hamphire, the name of the Senator Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) were added At the request of Mr. FRIST, the from Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) was as cosponsors of S. 1952, a bill to amend name of the Senator from North Caro- added as a cosponsor of S. 1653, a bill to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to lina (Mr. EDWARDS) was added as a co- reauthorize and amend the National provide a simplified method for deter- sponsor of S. 2029, a bill to amend the Fish and Wildlife Foundation Estab- mining a partner’s share of items of a Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit lishment Act. partnership which is a qualified invest- telemarketers from interfering with ment club. S. 1776 the caller identification service of any S. 1957 person to whom a telephone solicita- At the request of Mr. CRAIG, the tion is made, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the name of the Senator from California S. 2035 BROWNBACK) was added as a cosponsor (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor PECTER of S. 1776, a bill to amend the Energy At the request of Mr. S , the of S. 1957, a bill to provide for the pay- name of the Senator from Massachu- Policy Act of 1992 to revise the energy ment of compensation to the families setts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a co- policies of the United States in order of the Federal employees who were sponsor of S. 2035, a bill to amend title to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ad- killed in the crash of a United States 49, United States Code, to clarify the vance global climate science, promote Air Force CT–43A aircraft on April 3, application of the Act popularly known technology development, and increase 1996, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, carrying as the ‘‘Death on the High Seas Act’’ to citizen awareness, and for other pur- Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. aviation incidents. poses. Brown and 34 others. S. CON. RES. 60 S. 1777 S. 1962 At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the At the request of Mr. CRAIG, the At the request of Mr. ASHCROFT, the name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. names of the Senator from Colorado ROBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. BROWNBACK) was added as a cosponsor (Mr. ALLARD) and the Senator from Con. Res. 60, a concurrent resolution of S. 1777, a bill to amend the Internal Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE) were added as expressing the sense of Congress that a Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incen- cosponsors of S. 1962, a bill to amend commemorative postage stamp should tives for the voluntary reduction of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to be issued in honor of the U.S.S. Wis- greenhouse gas emissions and to ad- protect Social Security and Medicare consin and all those who served aboard vance global climate science and tech- surpluses through strengthened budg- her. nology development. etary enforcement mechanisms. S.J. RES. 39 S. 1816 S. 1983 At the request of Mr. CAMPBELL, the At the request of Mr. HAGEL, the At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the name of the Senator from Washington name of the Senator from Texas (Mrs. name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. (Mr. GORTON) was added as a cosponsor HUTCHISON) was added as a cosponsor of CLELAND) was added as a cosponsor of of S.J. Res. 39, a joint resolution recog- S. 1816, a bill to amend the Federal S. 1983, a bill to amend the Agricul- nizing the 50th anniversary of the Ko- Election Campaign Act of 1971 to pro- tural Trade Act of 1978 to increase the rean War and the service by members vide meaningful campaign finance re- amount of funds available for certain of the Armed Forces during such war, form through requiring better report- agricultural trade programs. and for other purposes. ing, decreasing the role of soft money, S. 1988 S. RES. 60 and increasing individual contribution At the request of Mr. HATCH, the At the request of Mr. MACK, the name limits, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. of the Senator from Missouri (Mr.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:01 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.101 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 ASHCROFT) was added as a cosponsor of cessed or adjourned until noon on Tuesday, States, in addition to her husband, and S. Res. 60, a resolution recognizing the February 22, 2000, or until such time on that Kadeer has expressed a desire to move to the plight of the Tibetan people on the for- day as may be specified by its Majority United States; tieth anniversary of Tibet’s attempt to Leader or his designee in the motion to re- Whereas the People’s Republic of China cess or adjourn, or until noon on the second stripped Rabiya Kadeer of her passport long restore its independence and calling for day after Members are notified to reassemble before her arrest; serious negotiations between China and pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- Whereas reports indicate that Kadeer’s the Dalai Lama to achieve a peaceful lution, whichever occurs first; and that when health may be at risk and that she may be solution to the situation in Tibet. the House adjourns on the legislative day of sentenced to 10 or more years in prison; S. RES. 128 Wednesday, February 16, 2000, Thursday, Whereas repeated requests to the Govern- February 17, 2000, or Friday, February 18, ment of the People’s Republic of China by At the request of Mr. COCHRAN, the 2000, on a motion offered pursuant to this Members of Congress and congressional staff name of the Senator from Tennessee concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader for an explanation of the nature of the (Mr. FRIST) was added as a cosponsor of or his designee, it stand adjourned until 12:30 charges against Rabiya Kadeer, her sec- S. Res. 128, a resolution designating p.m. on Tuesday, February 29, 2000, for morn- retary, and her son, for an update on the March 2000, as ‘‘Arts Education ing-hour debate, or until noon on the second state of Kadeer’s health, and for details of Month.’’ day after Members are notified to reassemble any legal proceedings against those arrested, pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent reso- have gone unanswered since August 1999; S. RES. 237 lution, whichever occurs first. Whereas the People’s Republic of China OXER At the request of Mrs. B , the SEC. 2. The Majority Leader of the Senate signed the International Covenant on Civil names of the Senator from Minnesota and the Speaker of the House, acting jointly and Political Rights on October 5, 1998; (Mr. WELLSTONE), and the Senator from after consultation with the Minority Leader Whereas that Covenant requires signatory South Dakota (Mr. DASCHLE) were of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the countries to guarantee their citizens the added as cosponsors of S. Res. 237, a House, shall notify the Members of the Sen- right to legal recourse when their rights resolution expressing the sense of the ate and House, respectively, to reassemble have been violated, the right to liberty and Senate that the United States Senate whenever in their opinion, the public inter- freedom of movement, the right to presump- est shall warrant it. tion of innocence until guilt is proven, the Committee on Foreign Relations right to appeal a conviction, freedom of f should hold hearings and the Senate thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of should act on the Convention on the SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- opinion and expression, and freedom of as- Elimination of All Forms of Discrimi- TION 81—EXPRESSING THE sembly and association; nation Against Women (CEDAW). Whereas that Covenant forbids torture, in- SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT human or degrading treatment, and arbi- S. RES. 248 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEO- trary arrest and detention; At the request of Mr. ROBB, the PLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Whereas the first Optional Protocol to the names of the Senator from California SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RELEASE International Covenant on Civil and Polit- (Mrs. BOXER), the Senator from North RABIYA KADEER, HER SEC- ical Rights enables the Human Rights Com- Dakota (Mr. CONRAD), the Senator from RETARY, AND HER SON, AND mittee, set up under that Covenant, to re- Wisconsin (Mr. FEINGOLD), the Senator PERMIT THEM TO MOVE TO THE ceive and consider communications from in- dividuals claiming to be victims of viola- from South Carolina (Mr. HOLLINGS), UNITED STATES IF THEY SO DE- and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. tions of any of the rights set forth in the SIRE Covenant; and SESSIONS) were added as cosponsors of Whereas in signing that Covenant on be- S. Res. 248, a resolution to designate Mr. ROTH (for himself, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. half of the People’s Republic of China, Am- the week of May 7, 2000, as ‘‘National bassador Qin Huasun, Permanent Represent- CRAPO, Mr. DODD, Mr. THOMAS, and Correctional Officers and Employees ative of the People’s Republic of China to the Mrs. FEINSTEIN) submitted the fol- Week.’’ United Nations, said the following: ‘‘To real- lowing concurrent resolution; which S. RES. 251 ize human rights is the aspiration of all hu- was referred to the Committee on For- manity. It is also a goal that the Chinese At the request of Mr. SPECTER, the eign Relations: Government has long been striving for. We names of the Senator from Utah (Mr. S. CON. RES. 81 believe that the universality of human rights BENNETT), and the Senator from Ten- should be respected . . . As a member state Whereas Rabiya Kadeer, a prominent eth- nessee (Mr. THOMPSON) were added as of the United Nations, China has always ac- nic Uighur from the Xinjiang Uighur Auton- tively participated in the activities of the cosponsors of S. Res. 251, a resolution omous Region (XUAR) of the People’s Repub- organization in the field of human rights. It designating March 25, 2000, as ‘‘Greek lic of China, her secretary, and her son were attaches importance to its cooperation with Independence Day: A National Day of arrested on August 11, 1999, in the city of agencies concerned in the U.N. system . . .’’: Celebration of Greek and American De- Urumqi; Now, therefore, be it Whereas Rabiya Kadeer’s arrest occurred mocracy.’’ Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- outside the Yindu Hotel in Urumqi as she AMENDMENT NO. 2771 resentatives concurring), That Congress calls was attempting to meet a group of congres- on the Government of the People’s Republic At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his sional staff staying at the Yindu Hotel as of China— name was added as a cosponsor of part an official visit to China organized (1) immediately to release Rabiya Kadeer, amendment No. 2771 proposed to S. 625, under the auspices of the Mutual Edu- her secretary, and her son; and a bill to amend title 11, United States cational and Cultural Exchange Program of (2) to permit Kadeer, her secretary, and her the United States Information Agency; Code, and for other purposes. son to move to the United States, if they so Whereas Rabiya Kadeer’s husband Sidik f desire. Rouzi, who has lived in the United States SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- since 1996 and works for Radio Free Asia, has Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I rise TION 80—PROVIDING FOR A CON- been critical of the policies of the People’s today on behalf of myself and Senators DITIONAL ADJOURNMENT OR RE- Republic of China toward Uighurs in MURRAY, BINGAMAN, EDWARDS, CRAPO, CESS OF THE SENATE AND A Xinjiang; DODD, THOMAS, and FEINSTEIN to sub- CONDITIONAL ADJOURNMENT OF Whereas according to an Amnesty Inter- mit a concurrent resolution stating the national press release of August 16, 1999, ‘‘It sense of Congress that China imme- THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- appears as though the accusations against TIVES Kadeer and her son Ablikim Abdyirim may diately release Rabiya Kadeer, her sec- Mr. LOTT submitted the following relate to her attempts to meet a visiting del- retary and her son. On August 11, 1999 concurrent resolution; which was con- egation from the United States [Congress] Ms. Kadeer was arrested on her way to sidered and agreed to: and her communications with her husband a meeting with a group of Congres- Sidik Rouzi, . . .’’; sional staff visiting China under the S. CON. RES. 80. Whereas reports indicate that Ablikim auspices of a U.S. Information Agency Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- Abdyirim was sent to a labor camp on No- program. Later, two of the sons and her resentatives concurring), That when the Sen- vember 26 for 2 years without trial for ‘‘sup- secretary were detained as well. ate recesses or adjourns at the close of busi- porting Uighur separatism,’’ and Rabiya ness on Thursday, February 10, 2000, or Fri- Kadeer’s secretary was recently sentenced to One son has since been sentenced to 2 day, February 11, 2000, on a motion offered 3 years in a labor camp; years at hard labor and her secretary, 3 pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its Whereas Rabiya Kadeer has 5 children, 3 years. And we have received credible Majority Leader or his designee, it stand re- sisters, and a brother living in the United reports that in the aftermath of the

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.102 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S637 Chinese New Year’s celebrations, she also a goal that the Chinese Govern- Whereas it is vital that the American pub- herself faces imminent trial and sen- ment has long been striving for. We be- lic become aware of the enormous impact of tencing. lieve that the universality of human heart failure, and be better educated regard- The crimes she is accused of commit- rights should be respected * * *.’’ ing the signs and symptoms of the disease: Now, therefore, be it ting remain unclear, despite letters Well, I don’t think China has re- Resolved, That the Senate— from a number of us on Capitol Hill, spected the human rights of Rabiya (1) in recognition of all the individuals who and despite a series of requests to Chi- Kadeer, her son or her secretary. have devoted time and energy toward in- nese officials stretching back to Au- That’s why this resolution calls on creasing public awareness and education on gust. Our attempts at quiet diplomacy, China to release them and give them heart failure, designates the week of Feb- perhaps unsurprisingly, have failed. the chance to move to the United ruary 14–18, 2000, as ‘‘National Heart Failure And so, with her trial and sentencing States, if they wish. Mr. President, I Awareness Week’’; and about to take place, it is vital that we urge my colleagues to support this res- (2) requests that the President issue a olution and move for its earliest pos- proclamation calling on the people of the try a different tack. That is why I am United States to observe the week with ap- offering this resolution. sible passage as Ms. Kadeer’s fate will propriate ceremonies and activities. soon be determined by a country that Ms. Kadeer is a prominent member of f an ethnic minority group in China offers her little or no chance of a fair called Uighurs. These people are trial. SENATE RESOLUTION 257—EX- Turkic-speaking Moslems, and they f PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE RE- form the largest ethnic group in Chi- SENATE RESOLUTION 256—DESIG- na’s northwestern-most province. SPONSIBILITY OF THE UNITED NATING THE WEEK OF FEB- STATES TO ENSURE THAT THE A few years back, Ms. Kadeer was RUARY 14–18, 2000, AS ‘‘NATIONAL lauded by the PRC for her promotion of PANAMA CANAL WILL REMAIN HEART FAILURE AWARENESS OPEN AND SECURE TO VESSELS business enterprises among women and WEEK’’ for contributing to the economic and OF ALL NATIONS Mr. SPECTER (for himself, Mr. social development of her province. To Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. INHOFE, AKAKA, Mr. ASHCROFT, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. honor her efforts, she was named by Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. CRAPO) sub- BAYH, Mr. BENNETT, Mr. BIDEN, Mrs. authorities to the China People’s Polit- mitted the following resolution; which BOXER, Mr. BREAUX, Mr. L. CHAFEE, Mr. ical Consultative Congress and as a del- was referred to the Committee on For- CLELAND, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. CONRAD, egate to the United Nations World Con- eign Relations: Mr. CRAIG, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. DODD, Mr. ference on Women held in Beijing. S. RES. 257 DORGAN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. ENZI, Mrs. But Ms. Kadeer began to fall out of Whereas the 1977 Treaty Concerning the FEINSTEIN, Mr. FITZGERALD, Mr. FRIST, favor with officials in Beijing after her Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the husband emigrated to the United Mr. GORTON, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. GRAMM, Panama Canal provides that Panama and the States in 1997 and became a commen- Mr. GRAMS, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. HATCH, United States have the joint responsibility tator for Voice of America. Soon there- Mr. HELMS, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. KERRY, Ms. to ensure that the Panama Canal will remain after, her passport was seized and the LANDRIEU, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. open and secure, and provides that each sig- assets of an organization she founded LUGAR, Mr. MACK, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. natory, in accordance with its constitutional MOYNIHAN, Mr. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. MUR- processes, shall defend the Canal against any to improve opportunities for Moslem threat to its neutrality and shall have the businesswomen were frozen. Then, in RAY, Mr. REED, Mr. REID, Mr. ROBB, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Mr. ROTH, right to act against threats against the 1998, Ms. Kadeer lost her position in peaceful transit of vessels through the Canal; the Consultative Congress. Mr. SARBANES, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. SHEL- Whereas the United States Armed Forces Perhaps that is why five of Ms. BY, Mr. SMITH of Oregon, Mr. THUR- have depended upon the Panama Canal for Kadeer’s children, three sisters and a MOND, Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. WARNER, Mr. rapid transit in times of global conflict, in- brother are now living in the United WELLSTONE, Mr. WYDEN, Ms. SNOWE, cluding during World War II, the Korean States, in addition to her husband. And Mr. JEFFORDS, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SES- War, the , the Cuban Missile SIONS, Mr. STEVENS, and Mr. Crisis, and the Persian Gulf War; perhaps that is why Ms. Kadeer has ex- Whereas the common interests of Panama LIEBERMAN) submitted the following pressed a desire to move to the United and the United States have produced close States herself. resolution; which was considered and relations between the two nations and a That desire, for the moment, has agreed to: shared interest in protecting the Canal and been quashed. Last summer, as she was S. RES. 256 its operations; on her way to the hotel where the Con- Whereas the primary goals of ‘‘National Whereas the passage of Panama Law Num- gressional staff delegation was waiting Heart Failure Awareness Week’’ are— ber 5 and the port facilities lease agreements have created concern about the future secu- to meet her, Kadeer was arrested. The (1) to promote research related to all as- pects of heart failure and provide a forum for rity of the Canal and its continued unfet- arrest is troubling enough, but the fact presentation of that research; tered operations; that it took place as she was attempt- (2) to educate heart failure caregivers and Whereas Panama does not have an army, ing to have a simple conversation with patients through programs, publications, and navy, or air force, and the national police ca- staffers who work for the United States other media allowing for more effective pabilities are inadequate to defend the Canal Congress, I believe, requires that we treatment and diagnosis of heart failure; and against terrorism from internal or external take a firm stand. (3) to enhance the quality and duration of sources; Let’s not forget that the PRC signed life for those with heart failure; Whereas occupation, damage, or destruc- tion of this crucial naval choke point would the International Covenant on Civil Whereas heart failure, a disease of the heart muscle, is of epidemic proportions in be catastrophic to the United States, its al- and Political Rights in 1998. Among the United States; lies, and the world; other things, that Covenant requires Whereas as of January 1, 2000, approxi- Whereas the Canal has influenced world signatories to guarantee their citizens mately 4,600,000 Americans had been diag- trade patterns, spurred growth in developed the right to liberty and freedom of nosed with congestive heart failure, and an countries, and has been a primary impetus movement; the right to presumption of estimated 450,000 more cases will be diag- for economic expansion in developing coun- innocence until guilt is proven; free- nosed in the year 2000; tries; Whereas coronary artery disease is a cause Whereas the Panama Canal remains a vital dom of thought, conscience, and reli- in approximately 50 percent of the cases of economic and strategic asset to the United gion; freedom of opinion and expres- patients with heart failure, and in such States, its allies, and the world; and sion; and freedom of assembly and as- cases, patients often have heart attacks or Whereas 53 percent of Canal traffic origi- sociation. It also forbids torture, inhu- require bypass surgery; nates or ends at United States port facilities: mane or degrading treatment, and arbi- Whereas the incidence of heart failure in- Now, therefore, be it trary arrest and detention. creases with age and is the most frequent Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate In signing that Covenant on behalf of cause of hospitalization for individuals over that— the age of 65; (1) any attack on or against the Panama the PRC, China’s Permanent Rep- Whereas the prognosis for those diagnosed Canal by any country will be considered an resentative to the United Nations said, with heart failure is not promising, as less act of war against the United States; and I quote, ‘‘To realize human rights than 50 percent of patients live more than 5 (2) the President should, prior to June 1, is the aspiration of all humanity. It is years after their initial diagnosis; and 2001, negotiate security arrangements with

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:38 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.095 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 2001, negotiate security arrangements with pursue actual and potential adversaries counsel and advise youth seeking assistance the Government of Panama that will protect also requires immediate access to the and guidance; the Canal and ensure that the Canal remains Canal. Such possibilities make it es- Whereas Safe Place combines the efforts of the private sector and non-profit organiza- open, secure, and neutral, consistent with sential that the United States retain a the Panama Canal Treaty, the Treaty Con- tions uniting to reach youth in the early cerning the Permanent Neutrality and Oper- measure of conventional military pres- stages of crisis; ation of the Panama Canal, and the resolu- ence in the region. Whereas Safe Place provides a direct tions of ratification thereto; and There are many other reasons for the means to assist programs in meeting per- (3) the President should consult with the United States to retain a presence in formance standards relative to outreach/ leadership of both Houses of Congress and Panama: First, the United States con- community relations, as set forth in the Fed- eral Runaway and Homeless Youth Act with the chairmen and ranking members of ducts a number of humanitarian and the appropriate congressional committees guidelines; civil-military programs throughout the Whereas the Safe Place placard displayed regarding the implementation of this resolu- region. These missions have been tion. at businesses within communities stands as greatly benefitted in the past with a beacon of safety and refuge to at-risk ∑ Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, today I lower transportation costs and greater youth; rise to propose a resolution expressing efficiency afforded by centralized logis- Whereas over 300 communities in 33 states the sense of the Congress regarding the and more than 6,800 business locations have tics within the region. Second, as we established Safe Place programs; responsibility of the United States in all know, Panama is located in the cen- guaranteeing the security and passage Whereas over 35,000 young people have ter of a major drug transit corridor. gone to Safe Place locations to get help of vessels through the Panama Canal. Anti-drug operations will continue to when faced with crisis situations; The Panama Canal Treaty and the be a critical feature of United States Whereas through the efforts of Safe Place Treaty concerning the Permanent Neu- policy in the region. Third, with the coordinators across the country each year trality and Operation of the Panama more than one-half million students learn issue of military readiness, the Jungle that Safe Place is a resource if abusive or ne- Canal were a battle fought and lost be- Operations Training Center at Fort fore my time in the Congress of the glectful situations exist; Sherman provided unequaled facilities Whereas increased awareness of the pro- United States. However, we still have for training in low-intensity warfare. gram’s existence will encourage commu- an obligation to the world, our allies, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense nities to establish Safe Places for the Na- and the people of the United States to Frederick C. Smith stated that this tion’s youth throughout the country: Now, ensure that the Panama Canal will re- therefore be it and other sites ‘‘will be difficult to rep- Resolved, That the Senate— main open, secure, and neutral in pro- licate elsewhere.’’ Last, 65 to 80 percent viding safe passage to vessels of all na- (1) proclaims the week of March 12 through of the Panamanian people favor United March 18, 2000 as ‘‘National Safe Place tions. States involvement in the region. Week’’ and These treaties with Panama gave the In conclusion, Mr. President, we need (2) requests that the President issue a United States the option of continuing to send a decisive message to the cur- proclamation calling upon the people of the our presence in Panama beyond 2000. United States and interested groups to pro- rent administration to renew negotia- mote awareness of and volunteer involve- This option must be exercised! The tions for security arrangements and a United States needs to retain a pres- ment in the Safe Place programs, and to ob- continued United States presence in serve the week with appropriate ceremonies ence in Panama to ensure a measure of the region. And the United States Gov- and activities. power projection capability in an area ernment should make it clear to the Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise of vital national interest to our econ- world that the Panama Canal will re- today to invite my colleagues to join omy, our freedoms, and our way of life. main free, open, and neutral, and any me in sponsoring a resolution desig- Mr. President, this extension of our indications to the contrary will be con- nating the week beginning March 12, presence in Panama is also consistent sidered as an act of war against the 2000 as ‘‘National Safe Place Week.’’ with the intent of Congress. The 1979 people of the United States.∑ This resolution supports the successful Panama Canal Act, which incorporated Project Safe Place program and en- the treaty into United States law, in- f courages its growth. This resolution cluded a sense of the Congress resolu- SENATE RESOLUTION 258—DESIG- promotes a program that improves the tion that the ‘‘best interests of the NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING quality of life for young people across United States require that the Presi- MARCH 12, 2000 AS ‘‘NATIONAL the nation without depleting social dent enter into negotiations with the SAFE PLACE WEEK’’ service funds or instituting new gov- Republic of Panama for the purpose of ernment programs whose success is un- arranging for the stationing of United Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. CLELAND, Mr. DEWINE, sure. Project Safe Place makes use of States military forces after the termi- programs already in place, seeks to nation of the Panama Canal Treaty of Mr. DODD, Mr. DOMENICI, Mrs. FEIN- STEIN, Mr. GORTON, Mr. GRAMS, Mrs. bring families together by helping 1977.’’ them resolve their conflicts. and does Panama agreed to these terms in HUTCHISON, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. KERRY, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. LOTT, not reach into the taxpayer’s pocket. 1979. Since this time, both sides have The National Network for Youth es- Mr. MCCONNELL, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. been working on an agreement to de- timates that more than two million fine our future presence, but progress SMITH, of Oregon, and Mr. SPECTER) submitted the following resolution; young people run away from home each on this effort stalled in early 1998. year. Increasing numbers of teens and The current administration’s policy which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary: even children are also being turned in the region is a legacy of missed op- away from their homes by disin- portunities, including their failure to S. RES. 258 terested or frustrated parents. On the negotiate a continued United States Whereas today’s youth are vital to the street, these youth are likely to resort presence in Panama. There exists a preservation of our country and will be the to using drugs, prostitution and other future bearers of the bright torch of democ- dire need for a stabilizing presence criminal behavior or survive. They are which the United States has brought to racy; Whereas youth need a safe haven from var- more vulnerable to physical or sexual the region since World War II. Al- ious negative influences such as child abuse, violence, and they are more likely to though the traditional threat of a for- substance abuse and crime, and they need to commit suicide. Without help, their fu- eign naval attack on the Canal has vir- have resources readily available to assist ture is bleak and frightening. tually disappeared, the United States them when faced with circumstances that Project Safe Place is designated to still needs to be able to project mili- compromise their safety; assist young people and families who tary power in the region. The unprece- Whereas the United States needs increased face difficult situations. The problems dented upsurge in political instability numbers of community volunteers acting as vary from one individual to the other. and state-sponsored terrorism that the positive influences on the Nation’s youth; Some young people ask Safe Place for Whereas the Safe Place program is com- United States now faces makes it nec- mitted to protecting our Nation’s most valu- assistance because they frequently find essary to provide rapid troop and able asset, our youth, by offering short term themselves in hour-long screaming logistical transit through the Canal. ‘‘safe places’’ at neighborhood locations matches with their parents. Others go The need to conduct surveillance or to where trained volunteers are available to because they are beaten and mentally

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.106 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S639 abused at home. Sometimes they have ilies have been helped. Even if your testimony on the defense authorization a parent who is addicted to drugs or al- state is not one of the 34 that has at request for fiscal year 2001 and the fu- cohol. All the young people who find least one Safe Place, the program has ture years defense plan. Safe Places have in common an over- probably still affected your state. It is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without whelming need to improve their home likely that a runaway from your state objection, it is so ordered. life. has been returned to his or her family The program works by creating a through this program. Counseling initi- COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL network of businesses and public loca- ated by the program may have involved RESOURCES tions that display the bright yellow, di- a parent who lives in your state. Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I amond-shaped Safe Place logo in their My goal is to have at least one Safe ask unanimous consent that the Com- windows or on other highly visible Place in every state by the end of the mittee on Energy and Natural Re- places on the front of their buildings. decade. I urge all my colleagues to sources be granted permission to meet Businesses and locations such as con- champion this plan and to begin by co- during the session of the Senate on venience stores, fire stations, libraries, sponsoring this resolution making the Thursday, February 10, for purposes of and fast food restaurants are effective second week of March ‘‘National Safe conducting a Full Committee business Safe Places because they are found Place Week.’’ The designation of time meeting which is scheduled to begin at throughout the community and they is a crucial step in promoting aware- 9:00 a.m. The purpose of this business tend to be easily accessible. Also, ness of this effective program. Your meeting is to consider pending cal- young people are more likely to ask for support will help continue the valuable endar business. help in familiar, non-threatening partnership between government and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without places. In most cases, it is easier for a the private sector as we move toward a objection, it is so ordered. young person to find a convenience society with happier and safe young store and walk into it than it is for people. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES him or her to track down a social serv- f ices agency, travel to it and then brave Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I the intimidation of walking through NOTICE OF HEARING ask unanimous consent that the Sen- its doors. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL ate Committee on Energy and Natural The employees at Safe Places are RESOURCES Resources be authorized to meet during trained to act as a link to help. At the Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I would the session of the Senate on Thursday, Safe Place they make sure youth who like to announce for the information of February 10 at 10:00 a.m. to receive tes- ask for help are taken into the back of the Senate and the public that an over- timony on S. 1797, a bill to amend the the store or restaurant, away from peo- sight hearing has been scheduled before Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, ple who may know them and question the Subcommittee on National Parks, to provide for a land conveyance to the them later. The employee immediately Historic Preservation, and Recreation city of Craig, Alaska and for other pur- notifies a shelter. The shelter sends a of the Committee on Energy and Nat- poses; S. 1925, the Lake Tahoe Restora- volunteer counselor to talk to the ural Resources. The purpose of this tion Act; S. 1664, a bill to clarify the youth, offer advice and evaluate the hearing is to review the President’s legal effect on the United States of the problem. The volunteer, who is the proposed Fiscal Year 2001 Budget for acquisition of a parcel of land in the same gender as the young person, will the operation of the National Park Red Cliffs Desert Reserve in the State transport the youth to the shelter if Service system. of Utah; S. 1665, a bill to direct the Sec- more counseling is necessary or if the The hearing will take place on Tues- retary of the Interior to release rever- young person would like a safe place to day, February 29, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. in sionary interests held by the United stay. If the youth decides to stay at the room SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate Of- States in certain parcels of land in shelter, parents will be notified that fice Building in Washington, D.C. Washington County, Utah, to facilitate the young person is all right. Because of the limited time available an anticipated land exchange; H.R. Project Safe Place is a national pro- for the hearing, witnesses may testify 2863, a bill to clarify the legal effect on gram that operates locally. It is a by invitation only. However, those the United States of the acquisitionn unique collaborative effort between wishing to submit written testimony of a parcel of land in the Red Cliffs youth service agencies, a network of for the hearing record should send two Desert Reserve in the State of Utah; volunteers and local businesses to copies of their testimony to the Com- H.R. 2862, a bill to direct the Secretary make help available to youth quickly mittee on Energy and Natural Re- of the Interior to release reversionary and in their own neighborhood. Safe sources, United States Senate, SD–364 interests held by the United States in Place aims to return young people to a Dirksen Senate Office Building, Wash- certain parcels of land in Washington healthy emotional environment. That ington, DC 20510–6150. County, Utah, to facilitate an antici- could mean seeing that the family re- f pated land exchange; and S. 1936, a bill ceives counseling or that could mean AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO to authorize the Secretary of Agri- finding a place outside the house for MEET culture to sell or exchange all or part the youth to live. of certain administrative sites and In addition to enhancing outreach COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND other National Forest System land in programs to area youth, the distinct FORESTRY the State of Oregon and use the pro- Safe Place signs increase awareness of Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I ceeds derived from the sale or exchange the plight of troubled youths. They re- ask unanimous consent that the Com- for National Forest System purposes. mind adults of problems in the commu- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and nity and often inspire people to volun- Forestry, be allowed to meet during COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS teer. They demonstrate to businesses the session of the Senate on Thursday, Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I that the private sector can play a posi- February 10, 2000. The purpose of this ask unanimous consent that the Com- tive role and usually lead to more Safe meeting will be to discuss the findings mittee on Foreign Relations be author- Place sites. of the President’s working group’s re- ized to meet during the session of the Since its beginning in Louisville, port on ‘‘Over the Counter Derivatives Senate on Thursday, February 10, 2000, Kentucky in 1983, acknowledgment of Markets and the Commodity Exchange at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to hold two Project Safe Place has been crucial to Act.’’ hearings. letting young people know that the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without service is available to them and inspir- objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. ing others to create more Safe Places. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES In March 1998, many Senators helped Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS pass Senate Resolution 96, making the ask unanimous consent that the Com- Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I third week to March 1998 ‘‘National mittee on Armed Services be author- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Safe Place Week.’’ Since then, sites ized to meet during the session of the ate Committee on Governmental Af- grew from 6,000 to 8,000. Today, more Senate on Thursday, February 10, 2000 fairs be authorized to meet during the than 30,000 young people and their fam- at 9:30 a.m., in open session, to receive session of the Senate on Thursday,

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.114 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 February 10, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., for a brate the proclamation of a progressive vailed in the community have truly en- hearing regarding the Rising Cost of and independent Republic of Lithuania, riched the history of our country. In College Tuition and the Effectiveness which was reestablished after more areas ranging from business, to aca- of Government Financial Aid. than seven centuries of struggle. Lith- demia, to the arts, Lithuanian-Ameri- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without uania’s democratic hopes were realized cans consistently make significant objection, it is so ordered. once before this century, yet freedom contributions across the Nation. was abruptly revoked in 1940, after 22 COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY Every year Lithuanians gather in years of democratic governance. While Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I their capital, Vilnius, to commemorate February 16th reminds us of Lithua- ask unanimous consent that the Com- this anniversary. I am proud that we in nia’s long and difficult period, it also mittee on the Judiciary be authorized the United States have continued to to meet to conduct a markup on Thurs- affords us the opportunity to commend stand with them on this occasion, both day, February 10, 2000, at 10:00 a.m., in the determination and courage of the in years when there was much to cele- SD226. citizens of Lithuania and other Baltic The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nations. Their strong commitment to brate and in years when there were objection, it is so ordered. democratic values serves as an incen- only dreams of a better future. I am confident that we will continue to cele- SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE tive for us all to rededicate ourselves Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I to the principles for which this impor- brate this anniversary in the future ask unanimous consent that the Select tant day stands, liberty and freedom. with the same optimism that we do ∑ Committee on Intelligence be author- The history of this nation has been this year. marked by constant struggle against ized to meet during the session of the f Senate on Thursday, February 10, 2000 aggressors. Through countless inva- at 2:00 p.m. to hold a closed hearing on sions, Lithuanian defenders have stood intelligence matters. resolutely against their foes and have ACKNOWLEDGING THE CONTRIBU- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without demonstrated their commitment to TIONS OF THE 150TH FIGHTER objection, it is so ordered. independence. After well over a cen- WING tury of domination, the people of Lith- SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC ∑ Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President I rise AFFAIRS uania proclaimed their independence and reestablished their sovereignty as today to salute the 150th Security Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I Forces Squadron and the 150th Civil ask unanimous consent that the Sub- a nation on February 16, 1918. For more Engineering Squadron of the New Mex- committee on East Asia and Pacific Af- than two decades, this young nation ico Air National Guard. fairs of the Committee on Foreign Re- prospered economically and lived at lations be authorized to meet during peace with its neighbors. The events of Federally recognized on July 7, 1947 the session of the Senate on Thursday, World War II brought this period to an as the 188th Fighter Bomber Squadron, February 10, 2000, at 1:30 pm to hold a end when, in 1940, Lithuania was occu- the ‘‘Tacos’’ have contributed signifi- joint hearing with the House Sub- pied by Soviet Armed forces. Our cantly to U.S. military operations in committee on Asia and the Pacific of thoughts must turn to those Lithua- Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraq, and are the House International Relations nians who suffered under the brutality scheduled to deploy to Turkey next The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the Nazi and Soviet occupations. January as part of Operation Northern objection, it is so ordered. Many risked and lost their lives for the Watch. During their 52-year history, SUBCOMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION rights and freedoms that Lithuanians the Tacos were the first Air National Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I today are privileged to enjoy. Their Guard unit to be converted to the F–100 ask unanimous consent that the Com- steadfast determination and courage aircraft in 1958 and the A–7D aircraft in mittee on the Judiciary Subcommittee eventually prevailed, providing hope 1973. Since 1970, when the 150th Fighter on Immigration be authorized to meet for all peoples who dreamt someday of Wing evolved into a joint support force, to conduct a hearing on Thursday, being free. the Tacos have been utilized by every Febraury 10, 2000, at 2:00 p.m., in SD226. In 1990, following the collapse of the branch of our Armed Forces except for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Soviet Union, Lithuania rejoined the the Coast Guard. international community of demo- objection, it is so ordered. The Tacos are characteristic of the f cratic nations and embraced political and economic reforms. Lithuania expe- many exceptional units that comprise PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR rienced a peaceful transfer of civilian our Nation’s Reserve and National Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask rule, despite a difficult period of tran- Guard, and I have no doubt that they unanimous consent during the intro- sition, and has committed to pursuing will continue to ensure the success of duction of my bill, that congressional economic reforms which offer the pos- our military missions both domesti- fellow Terry Ceravolo and intern Er- sibility of greater prosperity, a bright cally and abroad. I would ask that my nest White be allowed privileges of the future and sustainable growth for years colleagues join me in thanking them floor. to come. To this end, Lithuania has for their dedicated service. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without chosen to engage with its neighbors I recently received a letter from Gen- objection, it is so ordered. and other democracies by joining The eral A.C. Zinni, the U.S. Marine Corps Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask Baltic Economic Cooperation Agree- Commander in Chief commending the unanimous consent that an intern in ment and the Council of Europe and Tacos for their distinguished service my office, Mr. Chris Polaszek, be al- through their desire to join the Euro- and the substantial role they played in lowed floor privileges during the intro- pean Union. the success of Operation Southern duction of S. 2058. The Lithuanian people have drawn The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Watch. I ask that General A.C. Zinni’s their strength from a sense of nation- letter be printed in the RECORD. objection, it is so ordered. hood. This has been most evident here f in the United States, where we have The letter follows: ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS witnessed the dedication of Lithuanian U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND, Americans to the freedom of their na- OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, tive land. Their perseverance has en- MacDill Air Force Base, FL, January 20, 2000. THE 81ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE couraged many of us to stand in this Hon. PETE V. DOMENICI, REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, body over the last several decades and Washington, DC. ∑ Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, it is proclaim our support for a Lithuanian a privilege for me to rise today to join republic. DEAR SENATOR DOMENICI: I would like to with nearly 1 million Lithuanian- We in Maryland, and our Nation, are take this opportunity to highlight the de- ployment this past year by members of the Americans in commemorating the 81st particularly fortunate to have such an 150th Security Forces Squadron and the anniversary of an independent Lith- active Lithuanian-American commu- 150th Civil Engineering Squadron, New Mex- uania. On February 16, it is customary nity. Longstanding traditions of self- ico Air National Guard, to the U.S. Central for those of Lithuanian heritage, and help, volunteerism and the dedication Command area of responsibility. These units their friends and supporters to cele- to democratic ideals that have pre- are but two of many outstanding Reserve

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:32 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.108 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S641 and National Guard units to deploy to Cen- sion, rising to meet your high stature. We leagues a sampling of the world’s best tral Command’s area of responsibility and can do no less. We shall never give up march- spuds—Idaho potatoes.∑ contribute to the success of Operation ing to the Promised Land you so abundantly f SOUTHERN WATCH. and sacrificially dreamed of, leaving behind The capability and enthusiasm dem- slavery in all its manifestations. Together EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY OF onstrated by the members of the 150th Secu- we shall yet overcome, O God Almighty, we VERMONTERS rity Forces Squadron and the 150th Civil En- shall yet overcome. Amen.∑ ∑ Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, there was gineering Squadron reflected great credit on f themselves and the professionalism of Re- an article in one of our Vermont papers serve and National Guard units throughout NATIONAL POTATO LOVERS in the last few days about an extraor- the nation. The participation of units like MONTH dinary family of Vermonters. Marcelle these significantly contributes to our overall ∑ Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise to and I have known Dick and Linda effort in support of Operation SOUTHERN make a few remarks concerning Na- Butsch for many, many years and we WATCH and allows the services to ensure a have been especially pleased to watch more responsible and efficient utilization of tional Potato Lovers Month. the total force. It is whispered that February is the their five children as they have grown. Please convey my sincere appreciation and month for lovers. Well, Idahoans know We have also watched Jen and Chris, thanks to the airmen of these great organi- that better than most Americans. You and the triplets, Sarah, Patrick, and zations and their employers for their out- see, February is National Potato Gillian. standing support and patriotism to the na- Lovers Month. That means that the Sarah, Patrick, and Gillian were re- tion in this vital part of the world. ‘‘eyes’’ of the nation are upon the great cently profiled because of their hockey Respectfully, state of Idaho. activities. I will, at the end of my com- A. C. ZINNI, Our spuds come in all shapes, sizes, ments submit to the CONGRESSIONAL General, U.S. Marine RECORD the entire story. Corps, Commander and varieties, but they all have home- in Chief.∑ grown a-peel: Hot taters, big taters, lit- Dick and Linda are the best of Vermonters. Not only have they given f tle taters—even tater tots. Spuds all over the state of Idaho chip-in to put a great deal of themselves to the com- TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER our best side up during National Po- munity and to their families, but I KING, JR. tato Lovers Month. have always remembered with fondness ∑ Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, on January Potatoes are truly an ‘‘all-American’’ the many kindnesses they showed to 17, 2000, I attended the dedication of a food. In fact, instead of apple pie, it my mother and father, while they were memorial monument to Dr. Martin Lu- would be more accurate to say some- alive. ther King, Jr., in Norfolk, Virginia. I thing is as ‘‘American’’ as the potato. We are a small State, but it is people like the Butschs that make us a great want to read into the CONGRESSIONAL Potatoes were first pulled from the State, and I congratulate all of them RECORD the remarks offered at the ground in the New World, whereas dedication by Rabbi Israel Zoberman, apple pie originated in Europe. As and continue to look with admiration spiritual leader of Congregation Beth early as 200 B.C., Inca Indians used po- as their children grow and develop. Mr. President, I ask that the article Chaverim in Virginia Beach, Virginia, tatoes to prevent indigestion and rheu- entitled ‘‘Family Values’’ by Mike and Chairman, Community Relations matism, and used their growing cycles Donoghue be printed in the RECORD. Council, United Jewish Federation of to measure time. During the 19th cen- The article follows: Tidewater: tury, the American food was planted in Ireland, where its popularity surged. In [From the Burlington Free Press, Feb. 4, Our God of Blessings, My Cherished Afri- 2000] can American Sisters and Brothers, Dear fact, the Irish soon learned they Dignitaries and Friends, couldn’t live without potatoes. When FAMILY VALUES Indeed, ‘‘This is the day the Lord has pro- Irish potato crops failed for three HOCKEY HAS BEEN A CONSTANT FOR THE BUTSCH vided for us, let us rejoice in it.’’ We have years, eight million people died. CLAN, INCLUDING TRIPLETS SARAH, PATRICK come together one family to give thanks for Later in the 19th century, Irish im- AND GILLIAN the life of a great son of America and hu- migrants popularized potatoes in (By Mike Donoghue) manity, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther America. They eventually discovered In Central Vermont hockey, it’s not un- King, Jr., and for his legacy that will never the promised land for potatoes—Idaho. usual to see the name Butsch for scoring a die. With joy and pride we dedicate this tow- goal. ering monument to the lasting spirit it rep- Our state has the cool and moist cli- mate that grows perfect spuds. From time to time you might have read a resents—to bring shalom’s gift to the world scoring summary indicating ‘‘Butsch goal through the non-violent means of hope, heal- The only hiccup in America’s steady with Butsch assist.’’ ing and harmony. On the threshold of a new consumption of potatoes came in the On a few rare occasions it might have said, decade, century and millennium, it is an es- 1950’s. First, instant convenience foods ‘‘Butsch goal with Butsch and Butsch as- sential guiding beacon of light and enlight- hit the market, and then a fad diet sists.’’ enment, soothing pain and discovering prom- mistakenly identified potatoes as fat- For years the Butsch family has been syn- ise. tening. But when the tuber’s true onymous with Central Vermont hockey, es- Standing on the giant shoulders of our pecially at U–32 High School in East Montpe- martyr for peace, we gratefully acknowledge traits were told, potatoes joined the ranks of other processed foods. lier. Now the family is getting more and the Biblical fountain of living truth spoken more attention in all four corners of the by Israel’s prophets that nourished, sus- Spuds have a long and cultivated his- state—for both boys and girls teams—and tained and inspired the prophetic conscience tory that includes the political stage. even spreading into colleges in the North- of Dr. King, a Nobel Prize laureate, teaching Politics and the potato met long ago, east. that human dignity is one and indivisible. when Thomas Jefferson served spuds at The latest bunch of Butsch stars are tri- No one is to pass by this sacred site un- White House dinners to special guests. plets—Sarah, Patrick and Gillian—the chil- touched by it, for it is symbol of our collec- And politics and the potato met again dren of Dr. David ‘‘Dick’’ and Linda Butsch. tive mandate to transform the world—tran- when Dan Quayle accidentally gave the The three were born almost as fast as a wing scending limitations and breaking barriers taking three slap shots. that still divide us, keeping all children of country—and himself—a spelling les- ‘‘They came less then a minute apart,’’ Moses’ God of Freedom from rightfully ful- son, making Dan Quayle a true ‘‘hot said Linda Butsch with a laugh as she re- filling their potential to be a blessing. potato.’’ called the birthday in late February 1984. We are deeply moved by the extensive The potato continues its appetizing The triplets have followed each other to labor of love and faith finally giving birth to presence in the political arena. We here the ice rink almost as fast as their births. this grand accomplishment, now and forever in the Senate might disagree, but we They were skating by 4 and playing hockey gracing our beloved City of Norfolk and the usually stop short of calling each other by 6. They worked their way up through Hampton Roads community. May the entire half-baked. And, because we know Mites, Squirts, Pee-wee, and Bantams. nation hearken anew to the compelling mes- They also are following in the ice skates of sage of the Book of Deuteronomy, ‘‘Tzedek there is more than one way to skin a two older siblings, Chris, a sophomore at tzedek tirdof lemann tichye’’ (Justice, jus- potato, we generally manage to un- Skidmore, where he is president of the col- tice shall you pursue that you may live). earth solutions. lege’s club hockey team; and Jen, a freshman Dr. King, we pledge to you and one another To celebrate National Potato Lovers for the Providence College women’s hockey to continue your most noble historical mis- Month, I’ll be sending each of my col- team.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:26 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.013 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 All five made their way through the Cen- on hockey by now. But they are at every The Fine Arts program at William tral Vermont Skating Association before game,’’ he said. Jewell Incorporates an Education Se- joining the U–32 varsity. Butsch’s career included a stint on the jun- ries that offers free masters classes, ‘‘They play hockey for all the right rea- ior varsity team at Princeton. ‘‘It was all workshops and discussions allowing sons,’’ said Bill Driscoll, head of the North downhill after that,’’ he said with a laugh. American Hockey Academy in Stowe. Others would dispute that, including Segar Jewell students and community mem- ‘‘They show up. They love every minute of and Reardon. bers to view artists in a less formal set- every game and practice. They have a super Butsch has been active with the new hock- ting. Furthermore, the program was attitude.’’ ey rink in Montpelier, the Central Vermont named in Peterson’s Smart Parents PLAYING THEIR GAME Civic Center, and helped raise the $1.8 mil- Guide to College as an example of how Sarah and Patrick are stars with the U–32 lion for its construction, Segar said. small colleges can become centers of boys hockey team, while Gillian, the young- ‘‘Dick Butsch is making hockey happen in culture for an entire region. Central Vermont. Not only for U–32 and est of the triplets, is the top scorer on the Mr. President, Dr. Harriman has been newly formed U–32 girls varsity hockey Montpelier, but the Harwood Association and others.’’ He said even Spaulding High a tremendous asset to William Jewell team. College and, indeed, the entire Kansas Patrick led U–32 in scoring last year as a has used the Montpelier center when unable freshman with 24 goals and has tallied 23 this to use its home ice because of the farm show. City area. I ask that my colleagues year. Butsch is trying to raise anothers $100,000 join me in congratulating him on this Patrick admits that he winces a little to put the final touches on the civic center, most distinguished honor.∑ when his sister, Sarah, who plays the wing, which opened in December 1998. f has to take a cheap shot from one of the boys Butsch, a surgeon, has been known to show on the opposing team. Otherwise, she holds up in his hospital scrubs at civic center TRIBUTE TO LESTER S. JAYSON board meetings, Segar said. her own. ∑ Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ‘‘If it’s a clean check, I know she can take Reardon said this winter he had a severe gash to his hand and Gillian pulled out a rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated it,’’ said Patrick, who hopes to play hockey public servant and friend of the Con- in college. medical supply kit to help stop the bleeding Patrick and Sarah normally play on dif- and urged him to go see her father for stitch- gress for many years, Lester S. Jayson, ferent lines, but from time to time they are es. former director of the Congressional on the ice together. Reardon said a few days later, when it can Research Service, who died on Decem- ‘‘We don’t play together that often. We’ve time to removing the stitches, Butsch ac- ber 30, 1999, in Orlando, Florida. played more together in the past,’’ Sarah commodated the coach at the rink by taking Mr. Jayson joined the staff of what said, them out. was then the Legislative Reference Linda Butsch admitted she is a limited Patrick looks forward to those moments Service in October 1960 as Senior Spe- when he is skating alongside Sarah. skater. Her husband said she had a short ‘‘It’s fun when you are out there and know hockey career. cialist in American Public Law and exactly where she is going to be,’’ he said. ‘‘We got her to play goalie once. She never Chief of the American Law Division. He When U–32 voters approved funds for a girls came back,’’ he said. was promoted to Deputy Director of varsity team this winter, Sarah had the THE FIRST WAVE the Service in May 1962, and served as chance to switch from the boys varsity. She The Butsch triplets aren’t the only family Director from February 1966 through declined. If she does switch, she will be members making a name for themselves in September 1975. locked into that decision. the world of hockey. Mr. Jayson was influential in helping ‘‘I wanted to stay with the boys just be- Jen Butsch, a freshman on the Providence cause of the level of play. I thought it would to develop the modern Congressional College woman’s hockey team, had two goals be more advantageous,’’ said Sarah, who Research Service during his tenure as and one assist last weekend, including the would like to play college hockey like her director of CRS between 1971 and 1975, game-winning score against Cornell on Sat- older sister. the years in which the Service began urday. Her coach, Jim Segar, agreed. Earlier this season, she had a game-win- implementation of the Legislative Re- ‘‘It would hurt Sarah to go play with the ning goal with four seconds remaining in organization Act of 1970. This Act girls because of her abilities,’’ Segar said. Her sister, Gillian Butsch, played in the overtime at St. Cloud. The Friars (15–5–3 changed the name of the Service and CVSA’s Bantam Division through last year, overall, 9–4–3 in ECAC play) are ranked fundamentally enhanced its role by but jumped at the chance to be a member of eighth in the nation. Butsch has nine goals emphasizing the provision of policy the original girls varsity team. and seven assists, putting her third in points analysis in all services to Members and ‘‘All the players and all the parents were for Providence, which is undefeated in 13 of committees of the Congress. The staff in favor of a girls team so they could be its last 14 games. ‘‘She is quite a role model for her sisters,’’ of the Service more than doubled dur- equal with the boys,’’ Sarah said. ing this time, and Mr. Jayson helped Sarah, who is the leading scorer on the U–32 boys varsity coach Jim Segar said. girls team, said the varsity team has im- Chris Butsch is a sophomore at Skidmore, guide CRS to fulfill its congressional proved substantially since the start of the where he is president of the first-year club mandate and continue the tradition of season. hockey team. He was a Division III all-state responding to congressional requests In order to better compete with the boys, center at U–32, where he was the leading for comprehensive and reliable infor- Sarah works out with weights in some of her scorer and two-year captain. He keeps busy mation, research, and analysis to the free time. trying to line up games for the team and Congress at all stages of the legislative Segar and U–32 girls coach Mike Reardon checking the Internet to see how his sister Jen is stacking up. When he gets home he process. said the Butsch children have been sup- A graduate of New York City College portive of each other. tries to suit up for an occasional game with Reardon said when no scorekeeper was a local team, the Bolduc Crushers.∑ in 1936 and Harvard Law School in 1939, available for a recent girls varsity game, f Mr. Jayson was admitted to the bar of Patrick jumped in to run the scoreboard. the State of New York and practiced ‘‘Not everybody would do that,’’ said RECOGNITION OF THE HARRIMAN law in New York City until 1942, when Reardon. ARTS PROGRAM OF WILLIAM he was appointed Special Assistant to Hockey isn’t the only passion they share. JEWELL COLLEGE the U.S. Attorney General to handle The three sophomores also like to play soc- ∑ cer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise trial and appellate proceedings in civil They also have been known to pick up a ten- today to recognize the achievements of cases in the New York field office of nis racket. Dr. Richard Harriman. Dr. Harriman the Department of Justice. In 1950, he THE BIGGEST FANS has been an integral part of the Fine joined the Appellate Section of the Dick and Linda Butsch have not only sup- Arts program at William Jewell Col- Civil Division of the Justice Depart- ported their children in their hockey ex- lege and on February 25, 2000, the Fine ment, and in 1957, he became Assistant ploits, but also in their day-to-day lives. Arts program will be named for him. Chief of the Torts Section, Civil Divi- ‘‘The parents are really great people,’’ Among his many accomplishments, sion, and then was promoted to Chief of Reardon said. ‘‘They have instilled a lot of Dr. Harriman presented the world pro- that division. Mr. Jayson was also a social values in their kids. They also have fessional recital debut by the world re- member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme provided them with their same humility and nowned Luciano Pavarotti in 1973. Dr. Court, the U.S. Court of Claims, the sense of humor.’’ Driscoll also has followed their careers. Harriman has also presented other art- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District ‘‘With five children, you would have ists such as Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perl- of Columbia Circuit, and various other thought their parents would have burned out man and Yo-Yo Ma. Federal courts. He served as Chairman

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.016 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S643 and Vice Chairman of the Federal Tort staff. Many of us who know Jim know step further and identifies gifted stu- Claims Committee of the Federal Bar that he has a bad knee, but few of us dents and students with special needs. Association. realize that he got that bad knee Too often, programs for non-English His 1,200-page book, Federal Tort teaching Little Leaguers how to slide speaking students struggle to identify Claims: Administrative and Judicial into second base more than 40 years children needing special attention. Remedies, was considered by many to ago. From his hometown of Waltham, Clearly, JETS has addressed that ob- be the preeminent volume on federal Massachusetts, to here in the Nation’s stacle and serves as a model for school tort law. He wrote the volume as an ex- Capital, Jim Flanagan cared about peo- districts struggling with the same tracurricular activity in 1964 and con- ple. challenges. tinued to update it regularly until sev- In an industry that has gone through The JETS program does not just eral years ago. several sea changes, and in a town teach students English, it identifies On behalf of the Members of Congress where people and ideas come and go, and addresses the many issues that a who knew and worked with Mr. Jayson, Jim Flanagan was a constant—you child new to this country must sud- I would like to thank his family for could always count on him. Jim will be denly deal with and seeks an under- sharing him with us during the years sorely missed—some say the Edison standing of each student’s learning he served the Congress and hope they Electric Institute will not survive level. I applaud the teachers and staff are comforted by his legacy. Our without him—but he will certainly not at Jason Lee Middle School for devel- thoughts and prayers are with his wife, be forgotten. Jim’s wife Beth, and his oping the JETS program which dem- Evelyn, his daughters Jill and Diane, two grown children Billy and Lisa, onstrates the innovation and creativity and his four grandchildren.∑ should be very proud of him.∑ that is happening in our schools today. f f I congratulate Jason Lee Middle TRIBUTE TO JIM FLANAGAN ON RECOGNITION OF JASON LEE MID- School for its outstanding work in this HIS RETIREMENT DLE SCHOOL IN VANCOUVER, WA field of education.∑ ∑ Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. ∑ Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, as I f President, I rise today in recognition of have traveled throughout Washington a gentleman who is known to many of State, meeting with parents and edu- us here in the Senate and in the House cators, I have learned about the unique BEULAH COOL’S 96TH BIRTHDAY of Representatives, Mr. Jim Flanagan, needs that exist in each of our school ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise who is now retiring after more than 35 districts. One of those challenges is to recognize Beulah Cool and congratu- years of representing electric utility teaching children who speak English as late her on the celebration of her 96th interests here in Washington. their second language. In Vancouver, birthday. Ms. Cool was born on June 20, A graduate of St. Michael’s College Washington, Jason Lee Middle School 1903 in Elmdale, MI, and is currently a in Vermont, and an Army veteran who has created a program called the Jason resident of Webberville County, MI. served as a guided missile instructor, Lee English Transition System (JETS) Ms. Cool has lived a life dedicated to Jim Flanagan worked for many years that tackles this challenge head on and helping others, as evidenced by her as the Washington Representative of not only teaches English, but also iden- commitment to education and commu- New England Electric System, and tifies exceptional and special needs nity service. She graduated from later for Yankee Atomic Electric Com- students and helps them to excel. I am Clarksville school in 1921, took a six- pany. It is in that capacity that many proud to present my 32nd ‘‘Innovation week course in teaching, and taught at of us came to know Jim as a wise coun- in Education’’ award to the JETS pro- a rural school that same year. Upon selor on the intricacies of electricity gram of Vancouver’s Jason Lee Middle her marriage to Kenneth Cool in 1929, and tax legislation. Jim always had a School. she put a hold on her teaching career firm grasp on the issues, he often had Twenty-five percent of Jason Lee’s and gave birth to two sons, William an innovative approach to solving a students are English Language Learn- Kenneth (1940) and Robert Arthur problem, and he was unfailingly re- ers [ELL] and speak 14 different lan- (1943), staying at home until they were spectful of the political process and the guages. A majority of these students both in school. In 1950, Ms. Cool re- difficult decisions that elected rep- speak either Russian, Ukrainian, or turned to teaching, instructing first resentatives face when supporting or Spanish, creating a diverse student grade for 21 years until her retirement opposing legislation. body and enhancing every child’s edu- in 1971. I came to know Jim personally under cation. When a child begins to learn just such circumstances. He was an ad- English at Jason Lee, they do not im- After her retirement from teaching, vocate for licensing the Seabrook nu- mediately enter mainstream classes Beulah commenced her ‘‘second ca- clear plant in my state of New Hamp- and instead are taught in their native reer’’ as a volunteer, with organiza- shire, arguably the most controversial language to demonstrate their math tions such as the Red Cross, CROP construction project ever undertaken and reading levels. Students must also Walk and Sparrow Hospital. One of her in this country. Throughout good go through an intensive instruction in specialities when working at Sparrow times and bad, through the many legis- English before they are brought into was knitting caps for premature ba- lative attempts to derail the project, general education classes. This ad- bies. Ms. Cool is also a member of the Jim Flanagan stood his ground, he ar- vance preparation means that ELL stu- Webberville United Methodist Church gued with facts not rhetoric, and he dents are greeted with a more inclusive (where she has taught Sunday School), represented his company’s interests atmosphere and will have a greater un- the Webberville Women’s Advance with integrity and passion. We eventu- derstanding of their classes and Club, the Webberville Garden Club, and ally licensed that plant, something I coursework. the Webberville Extension Club. In am personally proud of, and today Another challenge that faces stu- honor of her extensive community Seabrook is one of the safest, best-per- dents new to the United States is un- service, Beulah was named Webberville forming nuclear plants in the world. derstanding American culture while Citizen of the Year in 1990, ‘‘Queen of Without the efforts of Jim Flanagan, maintaining ties to their own native Webberville’’ by the Webberville Fire- that would not have happened. culture. The JETS program also recog- man’s Organization in 1996, and has Jim had another, equally important, nizes this difficult adjustment by put- served as Grand Marshal in a side to him. Beyond the issues of the ting a great emphasis on encouraging Webberville parade. day, Jim Flanagan was a loyal friend, a both the celebration of the native cul- The town of Webberville and the gentleman who looked out for others ture and in actively encouraging paren- State of Michigan are lucky to have and who would take that extra step to tal involvement. Beulah Cool to call their own. I ap- do someone a favor. He was a believer In addition, JETS has taken the fur- plaud her on her more than 70 years of in young people, and took it upon him- ther step of working to not only pro- community service through education self to be a mentor to many here in vide these students with a smooth and volunteer work and I wish her a Washington, including members of my transition into English, but it goes one very happy 96th birthday.∑

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.030 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 ST. CLAIR SHORES AMVETS POST CENTER LINE HIGH NAMED A African-American Catholic Bishop in 121 CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVER- BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL BY DE- the State of Michigan. SARY PARTMENT OF EDUCATION Bishop Anderson will be honored at a ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise Gratitude Dinner at the Sacred Heart to recognize the St. Clair Shores, to offer my congratulations to Center Major Seminary in the City of Detroit Michigan, AMVETS Post 121 upon the Line High School in Center Line, on February 17, 2000, at which time he celebration of its 50th anniversary tak- Michigan, upon its recognition by the will also be presented with the Mother ing place this February 24th. US Department of Education as a Blue Theresa Duchemin Maxis Award. For the past 50 years the post has Ribbon School. Fully accredited by the Bishop Anderson has served the strived to make a home for many North Central Association and continu- Catholic Church since his ordination as American service men and women, ously endorsed since 1956, Center Line a priest in 1958. He was appointed Aux- while in service and after they received High School has demonstrated excel- iliary Bishop of Detroit in 1982, was an honorable discharge. The post has lence in a variety of areas, including consecrated in 1983 at the Blessed Sac- been involved in the St. Clair Shores student focus and support, active rament Church, and was appointed Pas- Memorial festivities, and has provided teaching and learning, leadership, com- tor of Precious Blood Parish in Detroit community service and child welfare munity partnerships, and educational in 1992. While in service to the Catholic for both veterans and non-veterans vitality. Church in Greater Detroit, Bishop An- yearly by giving college scholarships, The Department of Education’s Blue derson has specialized in several areas, baskets of food during Christmas time, Ribbon Program promotes and sup- most notably those dealing with black and food and clothing donations to ports the improvement of education in theology, art, and evangelization. local children’s facilities. America by: identifying and recog- Bishop Anderson’s membership list I applaud AMVETS Post 121 for its nizing schools that are models of excel- includes: the National Catholic Con- committed remembrance of the men lence and equity, that demonstrate a ference of Bishops—United States and women who have served our coun- strong commitment to educational ex- Catholic Conference, the Society for try in the Armed Forces. Their dedica- cellence for all students; making re- the Study of Black Religion, the New tion and hard work for veterans and search based, self-assessment criteria Detroit Board of Trustees, Boysville of non-veterans alike should serve a available to schools looking for a way America, and the Ecumenical Forum. model for other veteran organizations to reflect on how they are doing; and He has also given lectures or written around the country. It is an honor encouraging schools, both within and papers on the following topics: Black today, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, to among themselves, to share informa- Theology, Evangelization- recognize AMVETS Post 121 on its 50th tion about best practices which is Indigenization, the History of the annviersary.∑ based on a shared understanding of the Black Church in Louisiana, Racism— f standards which demonstrate edu- The Impoverishment of the Body and cational success. the Spirit, Black Awareness—The Har- TRIBUTE TO THE MICHIGAN ASSO- lem Renaissance and the Negritude CIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE Center Line High School dem- onstrated its excellence to the Depart- Poets, and Black Spirituality. ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise ment of Education through a variety of Bishop Anderson’s lengthy list of ac- today to recognize the Michigan Asso- innovative programs intended to pre- complishments also includes edu- ciation of Chiefs of Police (MACP) who pare its students academically, phys- cational achievements, including the are attending their Mid-Winter Train- ically, and socially to participate pro- following degrees: Doctor of Humane ing Conference this week. I want to ductively in this rapidly changing Letters, St. Michael College; Honorary commend Michigan’s Chiefs of Police world. Center Line High is in its second Degree in L.L.D. from Kansas Newman for their dedication to protecting year on an alternating A/B block College; Honorary Doctor of Human- Michigan’s citizens—for their unwaver- schedule, which has allowed the school ities Degree from Madonna College; ing effort to keep our communities to implement 11 new courses this past and Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree safe, even when that means putting year. Beyond its academic and cur- from the University of Detroit Mercy. themselves in harm’s way. ricular superiority, Center Line offers I applaud the Most Reverend Moses The MACP training conference is evi- an array of student-run activities that B. Anderson for his contribution to the dence of their commitment to learning integrate learning and service with Catholic Church and the Greater De- the most current state-of-the-art prac- community involvement. One such pro- troit area and wish to take this oppor- tices and systems used by law enforce- gram allows students the opportunity tunity to personally thank him for his ment in order to keep Michiganians as to operate a branch of the Metro Credit many years of selfless service to the safe as possible. Union (one of the first student-run City of Detroit and the State of Michi- Mr. President, I have had the pleas- gan.∑ ure of working with some of these po- credit unions in the county and state) lice chiefs on legislation. Through this while the student-initiated Community f work, I have only gained more respect Outreach Program gives students the MICHIGAN STUDENTS HONORED AS and appreciation for their dedication chance to engage in area service EXEMPLARY YOUTH VOLUN- and their expertise in law enforcement projects. TEERS BY THE PRUDENTIAL issues. I applaud Center Line High School on At a time when some politicians are its excellence in education and its com- SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS supporting clemency for terrorists, and mitment to the development of stu- ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise others are effectively pitting our law dents and the community. I also with to congratulate and honor two young enforcement officers against the very to congratulate the school once again Michigan students who have achieved people they are protecting, I think it is upon its designation as a Blue Ribbon national recognition for exemplary vol- essential that we publicly recognize School by the Department of Edu- unteer service in their communities. the exemplary role that our police cation.∑ Jonathan Quarles of Flint and chiefs and officers play. f Gopalkrishna Trivedi of Grosse Pointe I am proud to have this opportunity, Park have just been named State Hon- on behalf of the U.S. Senate, to pub- THE RETIREMENT OF THE MOST orees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of licly express our gratitude to police REVEREND MOSES B. ANDERSON, Community Awards program, an an- chiefs and officers across the country S.S.E.; AUXILIARY BISHOP ARCH- nual honor conferred on only one high who risk their lives to keep us safe— DIOCESE OF DETROIT school student and one middle-level who work every day on the side of law- ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise student in each state, the District of abiding citizens. I call on all elected to make a few remarks concerning the Columbia and Puerto Rico. representatives to join me in sup- retirement of the Most Reverend Moses Mr. Quarles, a high school senior at porting the efforts of police chiefs to B. Anderson, S.S.E. Auxiliary Bishop of Flint Northern High School, founded keep our communities safe.∑ Detroit. Bishop Anderson was the first Students Against Violence Everywhere

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.022 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S645 (S.A.V.E.), a group that helps discour- ten will be named America’s top youth on life and his volunteer work have age crime through creative presen- volunteers of the year by a distin- made a positive difference in the lives tations. Since the group was founded in guished national service selection com- of many in his community. It is an 1997, they have worked in collaboration mittee chaired by Senators Byron honor today, on behalf of the U.S. Sen- with many organizations, including Douglas of North Dakota and SUSAN ate, to congratulate Captain Jones on leadership workshops. ‘‘In the past COLLINS of Maine. his receipt of the Service to Children year, not one teen was killed by vio- I heartily applaud Mr. Quarles and Award.∑ lence in Flint,’’ says Jonathan. Mr. Trivedi for their initiative in seek- f Mr. Trivedi, an eighth-grader at ing to make their communities better THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Pierce Middle School, repaired and up- places to live, and for the positive im- VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS graded 120 obsolete computers to help pact they have had on the lives of oth- NATIONAL HOME non-English speaking students learn ers. I would also like to salute other and work in English. He encouraged young people in my state who were ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise two of his computer classmates to help named Distinguished Finalists by The to congratulate the Veterans of For- with the project, and the three stu- Prudential Spirit of Community eign Wars National Home on their 75th dents proceeded to carry the outdated Awards for their outstanding volunteer anniversary. The VFW National computers from the school basement to service. They are: Nupur Kanodia of Home—also known as the VFW Na- the computer lab. They then inspected Rochester Hills, Lauren Lubowicki of tional Home for children—located in each computer to diagnose problems, Fenton, David Sherman of Dearborn, Eaton Rapids, MI, celebrated this mile- and replaced all defective parts. Once Korina Smith of Douglas, Brooke stone birthday on the seventh of Janu- the computers were repaired, Gopal Southgate of Unionville, and Perry ary, 2000. then formatted the hard drives, in- Williams of Grand Rapids. The VFW National Home for Children stalled CD–ROM’s, and loaded each All of these young people have dem- has served more than 1,600 people with an operating system. Most of onstrated a level of commitment and across the country who have family these modified computers were donated accomplishment that is truly extraor- ties to members of the VFW and Ladies to students who had recently arrived dinary in today’s world. They deserve Auxiliary. The 600 acre facility grew from Albania with very few financial our sincere admiration and respect. from a plot of land that was initially donated by a Jackson farmer in 1925. resources. Gopal donated the rest of Their actions show that young Ameri- Originally created as an orphanage for the computers to the school’s science cans can—and do—play important roles children of dead or disabled veterans, lab and the computer keyboarding lab. in their communities, and that Amer- the home now has professional case ‘‘It is a really good feeling when sac- ica’s community spirit continues to workers on staff, while offering full rifices are made for other people and hold tremendous promise for the fu- college funding for children, a program those sacrifices actually change some ture.∑ for single parents, and other social pro- lives for the better,’’ said Gopal re- f cently. grams. In light of numerous statistics that RICK JONES TO RECEIVE 1999 The house is home to 91 children and 27 single parents. In addition to social indicate Americans today are less in- SERVICE TO CHILDREN AWARD services, it offers a nursery, sports pro- volved in their communities than they ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise grams, and several extracurricular ac- once were, it’s vital that we encourage to congratulate Rick Jones, Captain of tivities. And, as if this wasn’t impres- and support the kind of selfless con- the Road Patrol for the Eaton County sive enough, the VFW National Home tributions these young people have Sheriff Department, on his selection as is run totally on private donations. made. People of all ages need to think the 1999 Service to Children Award win- Mr. President, Michiganians are priv- more about how we, as individual citi- ner. This award will be presented to ileged to have this important home in zens, can work together at the local Captain Jones by the Eaton County their state. It is an honor today, on be- level to ensure the health and vitality Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention half of the United States Senate, to of our towns and neighborhoods. Young Council. offer congratulations on their anniver- volunteers like Mr. Quarles and Mr. Captain Jones was selected for his sary and thanks to all of those who do- Trivedi are inspiring examples to all of volunteer work benefitting youth ac- nate their time, their love, and their fi- us, and are among our brightest hopes tivities throughout Eaton County. Cap- nancial resources to the VFW National for a better tomorrow. tain Jones’ involvement in youth ac- Home.∑ The program that brought these tivities in his area range from efforts f young role models to our attention— to build both the Eaton Rapids Play- The Prudential Spirit of Community ground of Dreams and the Potterville WARREN YMCA CELEBRATES 20TH Awards—was created by The Pruden- Imagination Station Playground, to ANNIVERSARY OF ITS GOURMET tial Insurance Company of America in volunteer work with the ‘‘Kids to the DINNER partnership with the National Associa- Rescue’’ Earth Day activities, Grand ∑ Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise tion of Secondary School Principals in Ledge Kid’s Day, 4H programs, and the to recognize the Warren, Michigan, 1995 to impress upon youth volunteers Special Olympics. YMCA upon the 20th anniversary of its that their contributions are critically Captain Jones’ efforts toward im- annual ‘‘Gourmet Dinner.’’ The Warren important and highly valued, and to in- proving his community also reach be- YMCA holds a unique dinner each year, spire other young people to follow their yond his work with area youth. He has raising money for summer camp and example. In only five years, the pro- participated in area programs includ- similar youth projects. The banquet is gram has become the nation’s largest ing Meals on Wheels, 4-H, Eaton Shel- attended by area residents who are youth recognition effort based solely ter, and Eaton Community Hospice. treated to food and drinks prepared by on community service, with nearly The newsletter of the Eaton County area restauranteurs and served by no- 75,000 youngsters participating since Child Abuse and Prevention Council table community members. its inception. said this about Captain Jones: ‘‘Living Part of the funds raised from the Mr. Quarles and Mr. Trivedi should a life of service is paramount to Rick gathering will go toward camperships be extremely proud to have been sin- Jones * * * As a young Sheriff’s dep- for needy children, while some of the gled out from such a large group of uty, Jones learned that ‘life could be monies will supplement the Friday dedicated volunteers. As part of their pretty short.’ After being shot at, Rick night drop-in centers for youths cur- recognition, they will come to Wash- Jones found himself evaluating life’s rently held at various church and ington in early May along with other meaning and concluding that what is school buildings around the city. Gym year-2000 Spirit of Community hon- truly important are contributions to time, craft projects, pool and ping-pong orees from across the country, for sev- his community.’’ games, and dances are also part of the eral days of special events, including a Eaton County, and all of Michigan, available activities. Congressional breakfast reception on are lucky to have Rick Jones to call The event, believed to be the first of Capitol Hill. While here in Washington, their own. I am sure that his outlook its kind in the Warren area, has been

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.037 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 S646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 10, 2000 considered a perennial success by mem- THE WHITE HOUSE, February 10, 2000. patients with heart failure, and in such cases, patients often have heart attacks or bers of the YMCA’s Executive Board as f it merges community cooperation with require bypass surgery; youth development. MEASURES INDEFINITELY Whereas the incidence of heart failure in- The fund raising dinner is a very spe- POSTPONED creases with age and is the most frequent cause of hospitalization for individuals over cial event in Metropolitan Detroit and Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask the age of 65; has been a success since its inaugura- unanimous consent that the following Whereas the prognosis for those diagnosed tion 20 years ago. I applaud the Warren bills be indefinitely postponed: Cal- with heart failure is not promising, as less YMCA for its vision of service and the endar No. 10—S. 270, No. 11—S. 271, No. than 50 percent of patients live more than 5 community for its continued involve- 12—S. 280, No. 22—S. 364, No. 34—S. 96, years after their initial diagnosis; and ment in this very worthy event.∑ Whereas it is vital that the American pub- No. 54—S. 272, No. 55—S. 392, No. 104— f lic become aware of the enormous impact of H.R. 509, No. 105—H.R. 510, No. 112—S. heart failure, and be better educated regard- REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SE- 858, No. 129—S. 415, No. 132—S. 109, No. ing the signs and symptoms of the disease: CRECY—TREATY DOCUMENT NO. 133—S. 441, No. 156—S. 607, No. 171—S. Now, therefore, be it 106–22 140, No. 176—S. 946, No. 177—S. 955, No. Resolved, That the Senate— (1) in recognition of all the individuals who Mr. GORTON. Mr. President as in ex- 207—S. 1248, No. 216—S. 1393, No. 225—S. 581, No. 239—S. 953, No. 248—H.R. 695, have devoted time and energy toward in- ecutive session, I ask unanimous con- creasing public awareness and education on sent that the injunction of secrecy be No. 307—S. 1377, and No. 429—S. 2006. heart failure, designates the week of Feb- removed from the following treaty The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ruary 14–18, 2000, as ‘‘National Heart Failure transmitted to the Senate on February objection, it is so ordered. Awareness Week’’; and 10, 2000, by the President of the United Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, we are (2) requests that the President issue a States: Treaty with Russia on Mutual going to have a lot shorter calendar proclamation calling on the people of the Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters when we come back in a couple of United States to observe the week with ap- (Treaty Document No. 106–22). weeks. propriate ceremonies and activities. f I further ask that the treaty be con- f sidered as having been read the first PERMITTING THE USE OF THE RO- time; that it be referred, with accom- DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF FEB- TUNDA OF THE CAPITOL FOR A panying papers, to the Committee on RUARY 14–18, 2000, AS ‘‘NATIONAL CEREMONY AS PART OF THE Foreign Relations and ordered to be HEART FAILURE AWARENESS COMMEMORATION OF THE DAYS printed; and that the President’s mes- WEEK’’ OF REMEMBRANCE OF VICTIMS sage be printed in the RECORD. Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask OF THE HOLOCAUST The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent the Senate proceed objection, it is so ordered. Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask The message of the President is as to the immediate consideration of S. unanimous consent the Rules Com- follows: Res. 256, submitted earlier by Senator mittee be discharged from further con- SPECTER. sideration of H. Con. Res. 244 and the To the Senate of the United States: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate then proceed to its immediate With a view to receiving the advice clerk will report the resolution by consideration. and consent of the Senate to ratifica- title. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tion, I transmit herewith the Treaty The legislative clerk read as follows: objection, it is so ordered. The clerk Between the United States of America A resolution (S. Res. 256) designating the will report the resolution by title. and the Russian Federation on Mutual week of February 14 to 18, 2000, as ‘‘National The legislative clerk read as follows: Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Heart Failure Awareness Week.’’ A resolution (H. Con. Res. 244) permitting signed at Moscow on June 17, 1999. I There being no objection, the Senate the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for a transmit also, for the information of proceeded to consider the resolution. ceremony as part of the commemoration of the Senate, a related exchange of notes Mr. GORTON. I ask unanimous con- the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust. and the report of the Department of sent the resolution be agreed to, the State with respect to the Treaty. preamble be agreed to, the motion to There being no objection, the Senate The Treaty is one of a series of mod- reconsider be laid upon the table, and, proceeded to consider the resolution. ern mutual legal assistance treaties Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask finally, any statements relating to the being negotiated by the United States unanimous consent the resolution be resolution be printed in the RECORD. in order to counter criminal activities agreed to, the motion to reconsider be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without more effectively. The Treaty should be laid upon the table, and, finally, any objection, it is so ordered. an effective tool to assist in the pros- statements be printed in the RECORD. ecution of a wide variety of crimes, in- The resolution (S. Res. 256) was The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cluding terrorism, moray laundering, agreed to. objection, it is so ordered. orgnanized crime and drug-trafficking The preamble was agreed to. The resolution (H. Con. Res. 244) was offenses. The treaty is self-executing. The resolution, with its preamble, agreed to. The Treaty provides for a broad reads as follows: f range of cooperation in criminal mat- S. RES. 256 ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, ters. Mutual assistance available under Whereas the primary goals of ‘‘National the Treaty included obtaining the tes- Heart Failure Awareness Week’’ are— FEBRUARY 22, 2000 timony or statements of persons; pro- (1) to promote research related to all as- Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask viding documents, records and other pects of heart failure and provide a forum for unanimous consent when the Senate items; aserving documents; locating or presentation of that research; completes its business today it adjourn (2) to educate heart failure caregivers and until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, identifying persons and items; exe- patients through programs, publications, and cuting requests for searches and sei- other media allowing for more effective under the provisions of S. Con. Res 80. zures; transferring persons in custody treatment and diagnosis of heart failure; and I further ask unanimous consent that for testimony or other purposes; locat- (3) to enhance the quality and duration of on Tuesday, immediately following the ing and immobilization assets for pur- life for those with heart failure; prayer, the Journal of proceedings be poses of forfeiture, restitution, or col- Whereas heart failure, a disease of the approved to date, the morning hour be lection of fines and any other form of heart muscle, is of epidemic proportions in deemed expired, the time for the two legal assistance not prohibited by the the United States; leaders be reserved for their use later laws of the Requested Party. Whereas as of January 1, 2000, approxi- in the day, and the Senate then recog- I recommend that the Senate give mately 4,600,000 Americans had been diag- nosed with congestive heart failure, and an nize Senator MOYNIHAN to read Wash- early and favorable consideration to estimated 450,000 more cases will be diag- ington’s Farewell Address as under the the Treaty and give its advice and con- nosed in the year 2000; previous order. sent to ratification. Whereas coronary artery disease is a cause The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without WILLIAM J. CLINTON. in approximately 50 percent of the cases of objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 04:27 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE6.040 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S647 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask icy luncheons. When the Senate recon- COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA unanimous consent that following the venes at 2:15 p.m., it will begin consid- TO THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA. address the Senate begin a period of eration of any executive or legislative DANIEL A. JOHNSON, OF FLORIDA, CAREER MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER- morning business until 12:30 p.m. with items cleared for action. However, the COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND Senators permitted to speak for up to 5 leader has announced there will be no PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME. minutes each with the following excep- votes prior to 2:15 p.m. V. MANUEL ROCHA, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER MEM- tions: Senator DURBIN or his designee f BER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUN- SELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND in control of the first half of the time, ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 11 A.M. PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to be followed by Senator THOMAS, or TO THE REPUBLIC OF BOLIVIA. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2000 MICHAEL J. SENKO, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A his designee, in control of the second CAREER MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, half of the time. Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, if there CLASS OF COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES I also ask unanimous consent the be no further business to come before OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL IS- Senate stand in recess from the hours the Senate, I now ask unanimous con- LANDS, AND TO SERVE CONCURRENTLY AND WITHOUT sent the Senate stand in adjournment ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AS AMBASSADOR EX- of 12:30 to 2:15 for the weekly policy TRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED conferences to meet. under the provisions of S. Con. Res. 80. STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without There being no objection, the Senate, objection, it is so ordered. at 6:15 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, f f February 22, 2000, at 11 a.m. f PROGRAM CONFIRMATIONS Mr. GORTON. For the information of NOMINATIONS Executive nominations confirmed by all Senators, when the Senate recon- Executive nominations received by the Senate February 10, 2000: venes, Senator MOYNIHAN will be recog- the Senate February 10, 2000: THE JUDICIARY nized to read Washington’s Farewell DEPARTMENT OF STATE Thomas L. Ambro, of Delaware, to be Address in honor of the impending holi- EDWARD WILLIAM GNEHM, JR., OF GEORGIA, A CAREER United States Circuit Judge for the Third day. Following this annual Senate tra- MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF CAREER MINISTER, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- Circuit. dition, the Senate will be in a period of DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES Joel A. Pisano, of New Jersey, to be United morning business until the Senate re- OF AMERICA TO AUSTRALIA. RONALD D. GODARD, OF TEXAS, A CAREER MEMBER OF States District Judge for the District of New cesses at 12:30 p.m. for the weekly pol- THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER- Jersey.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 05:26 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10FE6.119 pfrm01 PsN: S10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E109 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL kets over the next 24 months. Ultimately, the sheriff, that’s why. If you don’t like it, get LOCAL BROADCAST SIGNAL ACT two existing satellite ``platform providers'' will outta here!’ ’’ OF 2000 provide local TV via satellite to households in That’s Charles Clifford Plummer to a T. He’ll hear your concerns, take suggestions most, if not all, of the 50 largest television and perhaps even follow them, but never for- HON. BOB GOODLATTE markets in the United States. get he’s the boss. OF VIRGINIA However, there are 211 markets in the The affable-but-tough-talking lawman has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States and in excess of 100 million carried a badge for 37 years and, at age 69, U.S. TV households. There, if matters are left shows little sign of slowing down. His depart- Thursday, February 10, 2000 solely to the initiative of the existing satellite ment’s main duties include policing the Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ``platform providers,'' more than 50 percent of county’s unincorporated areas, running the with my colleague from Virginia, Congressman existing satellite subscribers (over 6 million county jails and coroner’s bureau, and pro- tecting county courts. RICK BOUCHER, to introduce crucial legislation households) will continue to be deprived of Plummer also is a sharp-dressed, number- that will have a significant impact on the lives their local TV stations; more than 60 percent crunching CEO who runs his 1,650-person- of millions of Americans, especially those who of existing commercial television stations (over strong, $145.7 million agency like a business. live in smaller cities and towns, on farms and 1,000) will NOT be available via satellite; and He has a taste for pricey cigars, and he throughout rural areas. This legislation will en- more than 30 million US TV households will donned a tuxedo rather than a uniform for sure that community information such as local remain beyond the reach of local TV via sat- his swearing-in ceremony. He rules from a weather forecasts, natural disaster alerts, and ellite. 12th-floor corner office choked with inter- local government announcements reach those Put another way, local TV via satellite will national police memorabilia and boasting panoramic vistas of Lake Merritt and the who needed it most. not be available in 27 states and in parts of hills. Our legislation, entitled the Rural Local nearly every state. Some of his deputies accuse him of tyran- Broadcast Signal Act, would accomplish these So while the law enacted last fall has elimi- nical bullying, but most officials and fellow goals by authorizing the Rural Utilities Service, nated the legal barriers to delivery of local TV lawmen praise his bluntness. an agency of the U.S. Department of Agri- via satellite, it alone will not assure delivery of ‘‘He is old-school in the sense that when he culture, to provide loan guarantees to entities local TV via satellite to the majority of local TV gives his word, he keeps it,’’ California At- that can obtain the private funding to launch stations and satellite subscribers. For that rea- torney General Bill Lockyer said, adding that Plummer’s post as president of the Cali- technologies that will provide local TV signals son, and because many folks in parts of my fornia Sheriff’s Association ‘‘is an indication over satellite in the medium sized and smaller district and in the districts of most members of the high regard that other elected sheriffs TV markets. Through these loan guarantees, on this Committee cannot receive their local have for his leadership and abilities.’’ the RUS will continue its mission of promoting signals any other way, I am joining with RICK VALUES AND WORK ETHIC economic development and improving the BOUCHER, JOANN EMERSON, and over 100 Plummer was born Aug. 17, 1930, in Fort lives of rural Americans while fulfilling the Members of the House in supporting this legis- Bragg. His parents separated when he was six original intention of legislation enacted last No- lation to assure that all Americans, not just and he grew up in his maternal grand- vemberÐto enable all Americans to receive those in profitable urban markets, can receive mother’s home, where he said he learned their local television signals over satellite. their local TV signals over satellite. ‘‘values and a work ethic that have been I was proud to be a member of the con- f with me forever.’’ ference committee on the recently enacted In- He was on high school football, track and tellectual Property and Communications Omni- STRAIGHT SHOOTER: SHERIFF basketball teams, performed in the band and CHARLIE PLUMMER drama club, and was senior class president. bus Reform Act of 1999, which included lan- He took a job as a water well-digger at age guage to allow direct broadcast satellite pro- 10; while in school, and at Santa Rosa Junior viders to immediately begin retransmitting HON. FORTNEY College, he worked as a gardener, shingle local television broadcast signals into the OF CALIFORNIA mill worker, lumber, camp rigger, apple broadcast station's area, subject to a retrans- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES picker, construction worker, vacuum cleaner mission consent agreement negotiated with salesman and hospital attendant. each station carried. This new law allows sat- Thursday, February 10, 2000 He planned to become a mortician, but a ellite providers to become more effective com- Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, for the past 13 California Highway Patrol officer picked him up hitchhiking and talked him into using his petitors to cable operators, who have been years, California's Alameda County has been gregarious nature and large size to advan- able to provide local over-the-air broadcast blessed to have a tough, hard-working, tage as an officer. stations to their subscribers for years. It will straight-talking sheriff named Charles Plum- The Berkeley Police Department was ‘‘the also benefit American consumers in markets mer. best in the United States, and that’s why I where local TV via satellite is made available The January 2, 2000 issue of The Argus wanted to go there,’’ Plummer said, adding by offering them full service digital television at carried an excellent profile of this outstanding that it seemed like ‘‘the West Point of all po- an affordable price. public servant, that I would like to submit, in lice work.’’ He joined in 1952 and served there for 24 years, acting as field commander dur- More importantly, these consumers will ben- part, in the RECORD. It is a model for those in- ing some of the fiercest student demonstra- efit from local news, weather reports, informa- terested in law enforcement and public service tions and riots of the 1960s and early 1970s. tion such as natural disasters or community throughout the nation. He reached the rank of captain in 1969 and emergencies, local sports, politics, and elec- I would like to especially commend Sheriff was appointed acting chief in 1973. tion information, as well as other information Plummer for his stance on gun control and the He became chief of the Hayward Police De- that is vital to maintaining the integrity of com- need for reasonable regulation. I am proud to partment in 1976. Ten years later he ran for munities across the country. note that this has been an issue that has sheriff, and his opponent’s withdrawal from Local TV via satellite is already available to moved him from the Republican party to the the race led to his uncontested election. He satellite subscribers in America's twenty larg- Democratic party. took the department’s reins in January 1987, the first outsider to hold the job in more est television markets. In these markets CONTROVERSIAL ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF than 40 years. DirecTV and Echostar, the existing satellite CHARLIE PLUMMER OFTEN TALKS TOUGH, CHANGING THE DEPARTMENT ``platform providers,'' have begun retrans- BUT HE ALSO WALKS THE WALK Plummer promised to dismantle the de- mission of affiliates of the ABC, CBS, NBC, (By Josh Richman) partment’s ‘‘old boy network’’ by replacing and FOX broadcast networks. DirecTV and A framed photo on Alameda County Sheriff favoritism with the work ethic, and by Echostar have also announced their intention Charles Plummer’s office wall depicts him threatening dire consequences for deputies to begin retransmission of local TV stations in shouting at someone behind a police crowd- who lied, used racist or sexual slurs, accept- an additional twenty or thirty television mar- control line. The caption: ‘‘ ‘Cause I’m the ed gratuities or took drugs.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate 272000 07:05 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.000 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 He also set about having the department D-Alameda, who earned a permit, wants to Commerce and in addition the Committee on accredited by as many agencies as possible, include such mandates in a plan for state- Education and the Workforce. Titles I and III believing it would bring increased efficiency, wide licensing and registration for gun own- have been traditionally in the sole jurisdiction better eligibility for state and federal grants ers. Plummer approves, explaining, ‘‘we’re and more protection from civil lawsuits. not really anti-gun, we’re pro-gun-responsi- of the Committee on Commerce and Title II, The Commission on Accreditation for Law bility.’’ Family Support, has been traditionally in the Enforcement Agencies accredited his depart- But when he heard U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, R- sole jurisdiction of the Committee on Edu- ment. The American Correctional Associa- Georgia, speak on the radio against gun con- cation and the Workforce. Title II, Family Sup- tion and the National Committee on Correc- trol earlier this year, he had an epiphany. port, would authorize a program that was origi- tional Health Care accredited his jails. The ‘‘I thought, ‘I don’t want my name associ- nally created in Section 315 of P.L. 103±382, American Society of Crime Laboratory Di- ated with that crap,’ ‘‘Plummer said. Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, He would rather associate with his wife of rectors accredited his crime lab, and the U.S. which created a new Part I in the Individuals Department of Justice accredited his bomb 51 years, Norma, their three children—two of squad. The certificates hang in his office whom followed him into law enforcement— with Disabilities Education Act. In 1997, Part I, lobby, tokens of his proudest achievements. and eight grandchildren. He also associates Family Support of IDEA was repealed by Sec- Earning accreditation is like ridding a with the Boy Scouts, the Rotary and other tion 203(a), Repealers, of P.L. 105±17, the In- home of termites, he said—it’s expensive up groups, which he called ‘‘great therapy for dividuals with Disabilities Education Act front, but you do it to save money later. me’’—talking to people outside his work Amendments of 1997, See H.R. 5, the Individ- Even so, he often has had to go toe-to-toe helps him avoid ‘‘burnout’’ after so many uals with Disabilities Education Act Amend- with other county agencies to vie for dollars. years of policing, he said. ments of 1997. Plummer has fought budget battles with His current term will expire in three years, f the same intensity he brought to controlling when he’s 72; whether he runs again ‘‘will de- riots on Berkeley’s streets, He once threat- pend on how I feel.’’ He admits he’ll be ‘‘a HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN little long in the tooth,’’ but a recent phys- ened to close North County Jail rather than OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE cut investigators, crime prevention and ani- ical found him fit, and close aides have mal control. In 1996, asked to trim $6.9 mil- agreed to tell him if they think he’s slowing AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT lion from his budget, he instead asked for $3 down. million more. ‘‘I can’t afford to cut one per- ‘‘If I think I’m taking anything away from HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS this organization, I’m outta here,’’ he said. son, so why go through the charade?’’ he OF VIRGINIA asked at the time. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He doesn’t always win. The 1992–93 budget required 300 layoffs, and Plummer had to HONORING THE DELRAN HIGH Thursday, February 10, 2000 pink-slip a whole academy class—his lowest SCHOOL SWIM TEAM Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise moment, he said. ‘‘That hurt me worse than the riots hurt today to honor the men and women of the me in Berkeley,’’ he said. ‘‘It just tore my HON. JIM SAXTON Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department heart out. We have warned them it could OF NEW JERSEY who have gone above and beyond the call of happen, but that doesn’t make it any easier IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES duty to serve our community. The Fairfax when you’re having a graduation and you Thursday, February 10, 2000 Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 22nd can’t give them badges.’’ Annual Valor Awards today, Friday, February After proclaiming it a ‘‘chainsaw mas- Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to 11, 2000. The Chamber will recognize law en- sacre,’’ he mustered a crowd, hefted a congratulate the Delran High School swim forcement and emergency response personnel chainsaw and marched around the court- team for winning its third straight South Jersey house to protest state funding cuts. A pen- for their acts of bravery. A Valor Award is the Championship and second straight state highest honor Fairfax County bestows upon its ciled caricature of Plummer revving a championship. The Delran swim team dynasty chainsaw near a courthouse hangs on his of- public safety employees. is an excellent example of high school athletes fice wall. The Valor Award recipients are selected by The budget crunches spurred Plummer to performing at their peak level. a committee that designates honorees for a Seldom does a team win a championship, view his department as a business. Assuming Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a even more rare are back to back champion- that a fully-staffed jail is an economically Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This efficient jail, he sought more contracts to ships. It takes extraordinary teamwork, dedica- year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel house other agencies’ inmates in Alameda tion, and perseverance to become a cham- will be honored for acts of bravery that dem- County. Plummer’s jails have held San Fran- pionship team. I applaud the Delran High onstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgment, or cisco county inmates, state parole violators, School swim team's efforts. zeal. federal prisoners from U.S. Marshals in Cali- I would also like to recognize the following fornia and Hawaii, and illegal immigrants Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to Delran swim team members: Mike Haigh, from the federal Immigration and Natu- read the names of the 17 men and women of Steve Kroculick, Rachel Craft, Danielle Hoey, ralization Service. the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart- Jenny Kroculick, Karl Scheimreif, Gerall He acknowledges that those and other con- ment who will receive the 1999 Valor Awards. Tieman, Michelle Aleszczyk, Karlee tracts, such as providing security for county Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Firefighter hospitals and other facilities or events, cre- Scheimreif, Jen Tregl, Lauren Schmidt, Barry J. Rathbone and Lieutenant Paul A. ate a lot of overtime. But his budget always Danielle Kennedy, Brandon Peer, Craig Masiello; Certificate of Valor: Lieutenant Rob- covers it, he noted: ‘‘I’ve never brought in a Tieman, Anne Kennedy Caityln Hoey, Ryan ert E. Wheeler and Firefighter Joseph M. budget in the red in my life.’’ Hannon, Pat Reynolds and Joey Iannuzzi. He has positions for 920 sworn deputies, 37 Laun. Bronze Medal of Valor; Technician Wil- Perhaps the most important role of any of which are now vacant. He hired San liam M. Best, Captain I Vincent R. McGregor, team is that of the one played by the coach. Leandro Police Chief Robert Maginnis as an and Technician Kurt A. Hoffman; Silver Medal Delran's coach, Michael Kennedy, molded and assistant sheriff last August specifically to of Valor; Dr. Joseph Barbera, Captain Robert trained this formidable championship swim recruit. Some said Maginnis was being C. Dube, Master Technician Michael A. Istvan, groomed as a likely successor, but Plummer squad. Coach Kennedy's efforts cannot be Lieutenant Joseph E. Knerr, Technician Evan said Undersheriff Curtis Watson already has overlooked and should be commended. earned that mantle by paying his dues with- Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratu- J. Lewis, Dr. Anthony Macintyre, Technician in the department. lating this special group of individuals. Their Glenn A. Mason, Technician Michael J. Stone, ‘‘Also, I would never support anyone who efforts have brought pride to their community, Technician Rex E. Strickland, and Master would not agree to give at least two terms,’’ families and high school. Technician Jack L. Walmer. he said, because he believes a sheriff needs at In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of f least eight years to be an effective leader. Commerce established a special fund to REPUBLICAN NO MORE RE-REFERRAL OF S. 1809 award scholarships to the children of Valor Plummer ended his lifelong GOP member- Award medal winners who wish to pursue ship in June, reregistering with a ‘‘no party’’ HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING post-secondary education. Support of the designation. Why? Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere ‘‘Guns,’’ he said. OF PENNSYLVANIA As sheriff, he enacted new requirements for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES appreciation of our County's public safety offi- cers. Over the past ten years, more than one concealed firearm permits—a demonstrated Thursday, February 10, 2000 need, a psychiatric exam, $1 million of liabil- hundred generous businesses and individuals ity insurance and qualification at the sher- Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, today S. have contributed to this worthy fund, and nu- iff’s shooting range. State Sen. Don Perata, 1809 was re-referred to the Committee on merous scholarships have been awarded.

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.004 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E111 Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all ular tax system.'' Many taxpayers are required technologies, it is easier than ever before to those who serve the Fairfax County Fire and to make several computations just to see if collect information and data and send it Rescue Department. Since 1979, more than they must figure out their tax under the AMT. around the world with a simple click of a 250 members of the Fairfax County Police De- Additionally, AMT presents significant compli- mouse. partment, Fire and Rescue Department and ance and administrative problems for the IRS. As a result of the growth of the Internet and the Office of the Sheriff have received Gold, Finally, many taxpayers are subject to the the ease with which website operators have Silver or Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize AMT ``without being aware of its existence. the ability to collect information, it is important the professionalism of the men and women Often, the way that many individuals first hear that all the players in the Internet industry take who are honored here today. I applaud the he- of the Alternative Minimum Tax is when they proactive steps to protect their consumers. If roic efforts the members of the Fairfax Fire received a notice from the IRS. Outright elimi- this is done effectively by the industry itself, and Rescue make on our behalf as we extend nation of the Alternative Minimum Tax would perhaps legislation will not be needed. our appreciation to these exceptional individ- do a great deal for simplification and burden While the Internet grows at a breathtaking uals today. I commend these individuals and reduction of the tax system (emphasis added)'' pace, so do consumer concerns about their their colleagues for their undaunted commit- I strongly support the work and conclusions privacy online. I have heard from many of my ment to the citizenry. of the National Taxpayer Advocate. My bill will constituents in writing, by e-mail, by telephone f repeal both of these hidden taxes on Amer- and at town hall meetings on this issue. Quite ican families and values. frankly, they are shocked by the reports about INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION Additionally, my bill will go one step further information being collected about them without ENTITLED, ‘‘FAMILY VALUES and repeal another hidden taxÐthe phaseout their knowledge, let alone the frightening re- TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2000’’ of the Child Tax Credit. In 1997, Republicans ports that much of the information that is col- in Congress enacted legislation to return $500 lected is not secure. We do not want con- HON. SAM JOHNSON in tax credits for every child under the age of sumers to lose confidence in the Internet. OF TEXAS 17. Unfortunately, budget constraints and op- Consumers should have the opportunity to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ponents of this pro-family idea forced us to know what information is collected about Thursday, February 10, 2000 phaseout the Child Tax Credit in a com- them, how it is collected and for what pur- plicated and unfair manner. We should not pe- poses. Net surfers want and deserve assur- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, nalize any family who chooses to have chil- ance that personal information that is provided today I have introduced legislation, H.R. 3612 dren. All children should be treated equally as at a website is not misused. That is what H.R. that will repeal certain hidden taxes imposed they are in the eyes of their Maker. Con- 3560 would do without curtailing the exciting on our American families and values. sequently, my bill will repeal this arbitrary hid- growth and potential of the Internet. In his latest report to Congress, our coun- den tax on American families. f try's National Taxpayer Advocate, W. Val Finally, these three hidden taxes also wors- Oveson, urges us to eliminate hidden taxes in en the marriage penalty. The American Insti- LEGISLATION MODIFYING THE the Internal Revenue Code. The National Tax- tute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) has SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM payer Advocate, unlike any top official at the listed these three hidden taxes in its list of IRS or Treasury, reports his findings and rec- ``ways the tax code may drive up a tax bill HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING ommendations directly to Congress without re- when a married couple files together.'' It is just OF PENNSYLVANIA view or revision within the agency or depart- not right that our tax code forces married cou- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment. In one of our greatest legislative ple to pay more in taxes than two people living Thursday, February 10, 2000 achievements, the ``IRS Restructuring and Re- together. form Act of 1998,'' Congress strengthened the I urge my colleagues to join me in repealing Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, throughout National Taxpayer Advocate's independence these hidden taxes and restore freedom to my 25 plus years in Congress, I have been a from the IRS in order to help address tax- American families. very strong supporter of the school lunch pro- payers' concerns. f gram. It was one of the highlights of my career The National Taxpayer Advocate can now when we passed the William F. Goodling Child recommend legislative changes to the tax THE ONLINE PRIVACY Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 last Con- code in cases where current law creates in- PROTECTION ACT OF 2000 gress. To build upon all the great work we equitable treatment or where change will al- have done, today I am introducing legislation leviate barriers to compliance. For the second HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN to modify the school lunch program to ensure year in a row, Mr. Oveson has reported that OF NEW JERSEY that recent cuts made to the program are re- tax code complexity tops the list of taxpayer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stored. concerns. Accordingly, the National Taxpayer During its history, the National School Lunch Advocate has singled out two hidden taxes in Thursday, February 10, 2000 Act has not only provided nutritious meals to the Internal Revenue Code that should be re- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise our nation's children, it has assisted the agri- pealed. today to discuss a bill I introduced, H.R. 3560, culture community through commodity pur- The first of these hidden taxes is the the Online Privacy Protection Act of 2000. chases. ``phaseout of itemized deductions and per- This bill would protect Internet consumers by The Secretary of Agriculture uses funds au- sonal exemptions.'' With regard to this hidden ensuring they are informed when a website thorized by the School Lunch Act to purchase tax on our American families and values, our operator is collecting personal information entitlement commodities, such as fruits and country's National Taxpayer Advocate states about them, and further providing a process vegetables, which are needed by our nation's that ``[n]o other tax issues are taken so per- for consumers to ``opt out'' of allowing compa- schools in order to provide balanced meals. In sonally. As a result, the phaseouts of itemized nies to use their personal information for mar- addition, schools receive bonus commodities deductions and the personal exemptions are keting and other purposes. that the Secretary purchases in order to re- often seen by taxpayers as being especially We all know the Internet is one of the most duce a surplus in the marketplace. Both the unfair, creating a certain amount of resent- exciting and explosive developments of our children and the agriculture community benefit ment and cynicism. ``[A]llowing all taxpayers to time. In fact, many people have called the ad- from these purchases. retain these deductions and exemptions would vent of the Internet the second Industrial Rev- Since the 103rd Congress, 12 percent of the go a long way toward reducing burden, in- olution. With the explosion of E-commerce in cost of school lunches was to be in the form creasing fairness, and restoring faith in the tax America and around the world, people are of agricultural products purchased for schools. system.'' buying everything from food to stocks over the Last session, this law was modified at the sug- The second of these hidden taxes is the Internet. To allow this exciting sector of our gestion of the Clinton Administration to allow ``Alternative Minimum Tax'' or AMT. With re- economy to reach its true potential, I believe the 12 percent commodity requirement to be gard to this hidden tax on our American fami- we must ensure that consumers privacy is not met through a combination of entitlement and lies and values, our country's National Tax- neglected in the process. bonus commodities. The savings achieved as payer Advocate describes the AMT as ``unnec- There is absolutely no question that the a result of this revision were used to help fund essarily complex and burdensome,'' effectively Internet is one of the most valuable and fast- the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Im- operating ``as a separate or `parallel' tax sys- est growing forces in our economy. Along with provement Act of 1999. As a result, schools tem with many rules that differ from the reg- the Internet and so many other advances in will be receiving fewer commodities because

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.009 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 bonus commodities will be counted as part of award scholarships to the children of Valor HONORING MARCUS HOUSTON OF the 12 percent commodity requirement rather Award medal winners who wish to pursue DENVER than as additional commodities over and post-secondary education. Support of the above this requirement. At the same time, pur- Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere HON. DIANA DeGETTE chases of agriculture commodities will also be appreciation of our County's public safety offi- OF COLORADO reduced. cers. Over the past ten years, more than one IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, there are no winners here. hundred generous businesses and individuals Thursday, February 10, 2000 Schools lose, kids lose, and farmers lose. The have contributed to this worthy fund, and nu- bill I am introducing today will restore the origi- merous scholarships have been awarded. Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Marcus Houston, a nal 12 percent commodity requirements and Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all young student from Thomas Jefferson High clarify that the only commodities to be used to those who serve the Fairfax County Police De- School in Denver who has achieved national fulfill this requirement are those authorized partment. Since 1979, more than 250 mem- recognition for exemplary volunteer service to under the School Lunch Act. The Ticket to bers of the Fairfax County Police Department, his community. Mr. Houston was named one Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of Fire and Rescue Department, and the Office of Colorado's top honorees in the 2000 Pru- 1999 should not have been funded at the ex- of the Sheriff have received Gold, Silver or dential Spirit of Community Awards Program, pense of an important program like the School Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize the pro- an annual honor conferred on the most im- Lunch Act. fessionalism of the men and women who are For our children, our schools and our farm- pressive student volunteers in each state, the honored here today. I applaud the heroic ef- ers, I encourage my colleagues to support this District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. forts the members of the Fairfax Police De- legislation. Marcus developed the ``Just Say Know'' pro- partment make on our behalf as we extend f gram that educates middle level students our appreciation to these exceptional individ- about what is necessary to succeed academi- HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN uals today. I commend these individuals and cally, socially, and athletically in high school. OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY PO- their colleagues for their undaunted commit- Noticing the numbers of fellow students who LICE DEPARTMENT ment to the citizenry. were ineligible for participation in athletics due to poor grades or conduct, Marcus developed f HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS a motivational presentation based on his own OF VIRGINIA TRIBUTE TO GENEVA BERRIEN successes. The ``Just Say Know'' program IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES demonstrates how a student's personal pres- Thursday, February 10, 2000 entation can influence his or her performance Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS both in school and on the field. In addition to today to honor those of the Fairfax County Po- OF NEW YORK his motivational speeches, Mr. Houston devel- oped an essay contest, which he funds out of lice Department who have gone above and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES beyond the call of duty to serve our commu- his own pocket, that encourages students to nity. The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is Thursday, February 10, 2000 write about what success means to them and how they plan to personally succeed. hosting the 22nd Annual Valor Awards today, Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Friday, February 11, 2000. The Chamber will Mr. Houston should be extremely proud to honor one of Brooklyn's finest entrepreneurs, have been selected from such a large group recognize law enforcement and emergency re- Geneva Berrien. sponse personnel for their acts of bravery. A of volunteers. I heartily applaud him for his ini- A native of Texas, Mrs. Berrien migrated to tiative in seeking to make his community a Valor Award is the highest honor Fairfax Brooklyn, New York after spending several County bestows upon its public safety employ- better place to live, and for the positive impact years in Chicago. She worked for Gimbel's he has had on the lives of others. Marcus has ees. Department Store before pursuing a career in The Valor Award recipients are selected by demonstrated a level of commitment and ac- hat design. She graduated from McDowell a committee that designates honorees for a complishment that is truly extraordinary in to- School of Design in 1948 after completing a Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a day's world, and deserves our sincere admira- course in millinery design. Geneva became Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This tion and respect. His actions show that young one of Brooklyn's most popular and out- year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel Americans can and do play important roles in standing milliners known for her unique de- will be honored for acts of bravery that dem- our communities and provide us with tremen- signs throughout New York State and the na- onstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgement dous promise for the future. tion. It was not a ``Hat Show'' until ``Geneva's or zeal. f Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to Originals'' were shown. ``Geneva's Millinery Shop'' was opened in 1950 and remained a CONGRATULATIONS TO TATTNALL read the names of the 22 officers of the Fair- SQUARE ACADEMY ONE ACT fax County Police Department who will receive lucrative business until 1968 when she de- cided to operate from her home on a part-time PLAY, GISA STATE AAA CHAM- the 1999 Valor Awards. Receiving the Life- PIONS saving Award: Police Officer First Class John basis. Even today, her hats are still being E. Alford, Police Officer First Class Timothy C. worn and are just as stylish as when Geneva Benedict, Second Lieutenant Michael E. created them. HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS Proffitt, Police Officer First Class Michael Geneva Berrien is also known for her long OF GEORGIA Twomey, Police Officer First Class Jeffrey L. service as a member of Cornerstone Baptist IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Gossett, Sergeant Bruce K. Blechl, Police Offi- Church which she joined in 1947. She was ac- Thursday, February 10, 2000 cer First Class Scott C. Bates, Police Officer tive in the Victory Club and the Business and Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I want to First Class Ronald H. Burke, and Police Offi- Professional Women's Division of the Mis- congratulate the Tattnall Square Academy cer First Class Aniello A. Desantis; Certificate sionary Society. Additionally, she served as a drama students and director Brent Young for of Valor: Police Officer First Class John R. teacher in the Cornerstone Vacation Bible recently winning the GISA State AAA title for Chadwick, Police Officer First Class Frank J. School; she participated as a Board Member their One Act Play production Children of Stecco, Public Safety Communicator III of the Isaiah Whitehurst School and the Cor- Eden. This fine group of young people from Wrentree S. Kelly, Sergeant Mark S. Culin, nerstone Day Care Center. Geneva also was Macon, Georgia, located in the 8th Congres- and Police Officer First Class Christopher M. a faithful member of the Senior Choir and sional District, deserves great recognition for Kindelan; Bronze Medal of Valor: Auxiliary Po- Chairlady of Women's Day in 1964. As a their hard work, artistic talents, and success. lice Officer Gary D. Treadway, Police Officer member of the National Council of American Tattnall has won the GISA State AAA title First Class Robert M. Cornell, Police Officer Baptist Women, she received citations for out- for One Act Play for the last two years, in William A. Giger, Master Police Officer James standing Christian work in the church and the 1998 and 1999, and this marks the third con- D. Call, Lieutenant Scott C. Durham, Second Standard Leadership and Curriculum Card for secutive year Tattnall has won the Region Lieutenant Jack T. Hardin, and Police Officer her involvement in Christian Education Week Title for One Act Play. First Class Donald E. McAuliffe; Silver Medal activities in 1970, 1972, and 1975. Drama Director Brent Young was awarded of Valor: Master Police Officer Robert Wahl. Please join me in honoring one of Brook- 1999 Best Director at the November competi- In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of lyn's pioneering businesswomen, Geneva tion. Over the past few years, under his direc- Commerce established a special fund to Berrien. tion and leadership, Tattnall's drama program

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.012 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E113 has grown to become one of the school's larg- A TRIBUTE TO CARL R. CAMPBELL true hero last week when Wade Thomas Sr., est extracurricular activities with over 200 stu- a Former Tuskegee Airman, passed away. dents involved. HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY WADE THOMAS SR. One hundred twenty-five students performed OF CALIFORNIA ASHEVILLE—Wade Hamilton Thomas Sr., in this year's production. In addition, I would IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 77, of 2 Mardell Circle, died Sunday, Feb. 6, like to recognize Molly Stevens, who was 2000, at Mountain Area Hospice. Thursday, February 10, 2000 awarded the State Award for Best Perform- A native of Jackson, Miss., he was a son of ance. I had the opportunity to see Miss Ste- Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I the late Harrison Spurgeon and Loalor vens perform just a few short years ago in one rise today to pay tribute to the late Carl R. Bandy Thomas. He was a graduate of Pearl Campbell, who made significant contributions Senior High School in Nashville, Tenn., and of Macon's community theaters, and there was Tennessee State University, where he grad- no doubt then she was a rising star. to his community in the field of education. As uated with honors. He completed post-grad- Mr. Speaker, to be an actor or performer, Superintendent of the Kings Canyon Unified uate study at Indiana Central University and one must connect with their audience, a talent School District in Reedley, California, he made the University of Tennessee. that does not come easily to everyone. It great strides in improving reading instruction Wade enlisted in the Army and was a mem- takes dedication, concentration, focus, and a for students in order to meet the state's goal ber of the famed ‘‘Tuskegee Airmen,’’ an all Black fighter squadron. His professional ca- great deal of spirit and imagination. Obviously, of every child becoming a successful reader by the third grade. reer included employment with the State of these tasks were well-delivered by the young Tennessee, U.S. Post Office and U.S. General men and women from Tattnall Square Acad- Mr. Campbell was born in Abilene, Texas on Services Administration. He retired from emy. I am sure each of them is blessed with January 15, 1942. He received his under- USGSA as a buildings manager, Region IV, a number of other talents as well. I look for- graduate degree at California State University, Atlanta. In Asheville, he worked as a man- ward to many more winning performances in Fresno majoring in Political Science. Upon agement consultant, accountant and real es- the future. graduation, he began teaching business and tate broker for over 30 years. government classes at Clovis High School. He He was active in many professional and civic organizations including the National f quickly took a leadership role at Clovis High, serving as advisor for the Student Council and Association of Public Accountants, N.C. H. CON. RES. 247 IN SUPPORT OF Housing Commission, Asheville Board of Ad- coaching the junior varsity basketball team for justments, Asheville Civil Service Board NATIONAL DONOR DAY several years. Realizing that he enjoyed being (vice chair), Daniel Boone Boy Scout Coun- in a position of leadership, he earned a Mas- cil, Asheville Board of Realtors (vice presi- HON. CHARLES T. CANADY ters of Education in Educational Administration dent), Asheville-Buncombe Human Relations and went on to become the principal of two el- Council, YMI cultural Center (treasurer) and OF FLORIDA ementary schools in Clovis. Asheville Optimist Club. Wade was a member IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES After several years as principal, Mr. Camp- of the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Wade was a proud member of several fra- Thursday, February 10, 2000 bell was ready for a new challenge. In 1987 ternal and masonic organizations including he became the assistant superintendent of Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am Venus Lodge No. 62 F&AM, Gizeh Shrine Kings Canyon Unified School District in pleased to support important legislation to en- Temple No. 162, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Asheville Reedley, California. In 1995, he became the courage organ donation introduced by my Consistory No. 253, Daughters of Esther No. Superintendent of the district. As super- 128 OES PHA and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. friend and colleague from Florida, KAREN intendent, Mr. Campbell had a vision to im- He received numerous awards and certifi- THURMAN. I've been pleased to work with Rep- prove reading instruction for students in the cates of service for his professional, civic and resentative THURMAN not only on this bill but district. His vision included Reading Recovery masonic service. also on legislation to provide Medicare trans- Surviving are his wife, Mary Katherine plant recipients with coverage for the immuno- Training for teachers, private-public school Scruggs Thomas, who worked very closely suppressive drugs they need. partnerships, and a new teacher training facil- with him both as a realtor and an account- ity. Each day more than 70,000 people await an ant; seven sons, Wade Jr. (Ora), Karl, Har- On Friday, December 17, 1999, the Carl R. rison, George, Kenneth, Rex and Axel, all of organ transplant, and one more individual is Campbell Education Center was dedicated in Nashville; three daughters, Korda (Don) added to their ranks every 16 minutes. Trag- honor of his service to the district. The training Henry, Renae and Michelle Thomas, all of ically, as a consequence of the shortage of facility will serve to provide literacy training for Nashville; 11 grandchildren; two great-grand- donor organs, more than 10 people die every children; a daughter-in-law, Stephanie S. teachers, as well as in-classroom coaching ex- day. Despite recent advances in medicine, Thomas; two cousins, Claudyne Jefferson periences. A major role of the facility is to ac- transplantation is still a crucial part of pro- and Carlotta (Joe) Morton; other relatives celerate student learning. longing human life. Transplantation is not an and many friends. Carl Campbell was diagnosed with cancer in experimental science; it is the standard meth- I know the Members of the House will join August of 1999 and passed away this week, od of treatment for many diseases, with suc- me in extending heartfelt condolences to his on February 7, 2000 at the age of 58. He is cess rates as high as 95 percent. Just one family and friends. survived by his wife and best friend of 34 donor can help more than 50 people in need. f years, Jayne; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and For the past two years, a coalition of health Mike Murphy of Washington, DC; son and HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN organizations have joined together to des- daughter-in-law, Bret and Tianna Campbell of OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY SHER- ignate a National Donor Day to highlight the Fresno; parents, Fred and Daphna Campbell IFF’S DEPARTMENT need for organ donation. I am encouraged by of Fresno; and brother and sister-in-law, Hollis the success of these first two National Donor and Margie Campbell of Fresno. HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS Days. A total of almost 17,000 units of blood Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me was raised; the names of 2,400 potential do- OF VIRGINIA today in recognizing Carl R. Campbell for his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nors were added to the National Marrow tremendous contributions to education in Fres- Thursday, February 10, 2000 Donor Program Registry; and tens of thou- no County. Carl's friendship and leadership sands of organ and tissue pledge cards were qualities will be dearly missed by his family Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise distributed. It is my hope that the third Na- and his colleagues in education. today to honor those of the Fairfax County tional Donor Day on February 12 will bring f Sheriff's Department who have gone above help to even more people in need. Represent- and beyond the call of duty to serve our com- ative KAREN THURMAN has drafted legislation WADE THOMAS SR., TUSKEGEE munity. The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is to lend the support of Congress to National AIRMAN hosting the 22nd Annual Valor Awards today, Donor Day's goals. It is a straight-forward, Friday, February 11, 2000. The Chamber will non-controversial bill that can truly help edu- HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR recognize law enforcement and emergency re- cate the American people about this crucial OF NORTH CAROLINA sponse personnel for their acts of bravery. A issue. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Valor Award is the highest honor Fairfax I urge my colleagues to support this bill and County bestows upon its public safety employ- encourage all Americans to learn about the Thursday, February 10, 2000 ees. importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speak- The Valor Award recipients are selected by blood donation. er, Western North Carolina and America lost a a committee that designates honorees for a

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.016 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a Marcus Cobb, Snapper Hobbs, Cortez Reed, bone providers which have also grown from Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This Cecil Reed, Matt Albertie, Fielding Dean, fourteen at that time the Act was passed, to year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel Antwan Harvey, Bama Adams, Mark Smith, forty-three today. will be honored for acts of bravery that dem- Walter Williams, Jamie Jackson, Muhammad This growth has been remarkable and has onstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgement Abdullah, Jerome Pollock, Frank Dasher, An- benefited consumers enormously. It is impor- or zeal. thony Haston, Antonio Harvey, Lamar Wil- tant that the pro-competitive provisions of the Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to liams, Harold Hannans, Lanier Milton, Alex 1996 Act are kept in place so that we can read the names of the 3 officers of the Fairfax Zow, Dantonio Davis, Chip Jackson, Tim keep moving towards a fully integrated and County Sheriff's Department who will receive Todd, Pierre Sims, Nathaniel Davis, Jason competitive market. the 1999 Valor Awards. Receiving the Life- Bridges, Vincent Green, Nahshon Nicks, Chris I am strongly in favor of increased competi- saving Award: Private First Class David L. Davis, Brian Drury, Demario Austin, Ivory tion in all areas of telecommunications, which Ross and Deputy Sheriff Charles E. Michael, Smiley, Marquis Elmore, Brett Mitchell, Gene will mean better service and lower prices for Jr.; Bronze Medal of Valor: Deputy Sheriff Erin Wilson, Norris Woods, Cedric Mildton, Brian customers. The sooner there is more competi- L. Cox. Lloyd, Justin Crumbley, J.D. Carter, Jason tion in both local and long-distance telephone In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of Wainwright, Spencer Crews, Tony markets and the Internet industry, the better it Commerce established a special fund to Geoghagan, Ben Huling, Michael Spurlock, will be for all consumers. I look forward to the award scholarships to the children of Valor Brandon Drury, Dusty Phillips, Luke Gowen, day when my constituents have a multitude of Award medal winners who wish to pursue Scott Woolard, Ben Brantley, Marcus Jackson, choices in all areas of in telecommunications, post-secondary education. Support of the Kyle Cook, Sam Melton, Scott Davis, Dusty whether it be voice or high-speed data serv- Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere Thomas, Jarvis Blackshear, Justin Pollock, ices. appreciation of our County's public safety offi- Jimmy Scipp, Matt Drury, and Michael Reed. f cers. Over the past ten years, more than one Mr. Speaker, victory cannot be achieved hundred generous businesses and individuals without the hard work, talent, and persever- PHARMACEUTICAL ACT OF 2000 have contributed to this worthy fund, and nu- ance of every single athlete, the strong leader- merous scholarships have been awarded. ship and direction of the coaches, in addition HON. RON PAUL Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all to the strong support of parents, teachers, stu- OF TEXAS those who serve the Fairfax County Sheriff's dents, and the community. We from South IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Department. Since 1979, more than 250 mem- Georgia know how important community sup- Thursday, February 10, 2000 bers of the Fairfax County Police Department, port is. The Indians are truly a team to be Fire and Rescue Department, and the Office proud of, and it is an honor for me to rep- Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce of the Sheriff have received Gold, Silver or resent Charlton County, Georgia, in the U.S. the Pharmaceutical Freedom Act of 2000. This Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize the pro- House of Representatives. I look forward to legislation ensures that millions of Americans, fessionalism of the men and women who are many more victories from this outstanding including seniors, have access to affordable honored here today. I applaud the heroic ef- team in the years to come. pharmaceutical products. My bill makes phar- forts the members of the Fairfax Sheriff's De- f maceuticals more affordable to seniors by re- partment make on our behalf as we extend ducing their taxes. It also removes needless our appreciation to these exceptional individ- TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF government barriers to importing pharma- uals today. I commend these individuals and 1996 ceuticals and it protects Internet pharmacies, their colleagues for their undaunted commit- which are making affordable prescription drugs ment to the citizenry. HON. DIANA DeGETTE available to millions of Americans, from being f OF COLORADO strangled by federal regulation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The first provision of my legislation provides CONGRATULATIONS TO THE seniors a tax credit equal to 80 percent of CHARLTON COUNTY HIGH Thursday, February 10, 2000 their prescription drug costs. As many of my SCHOOL INDIANS, 1999 CLASS A Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, four years ago colleagues have pointed out, our nation's sen- STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS this week, the Congress approved the Tele- iors are struggling to afford the prescription communications Act of 1996. While I was not drugs they need in order to maintain an active HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS a Member of Congress at that time, I was and healthy lifestyle. Yet, the Federal Govern- OF GEORGIA working on these issues while I was in the ment continues to impose taxes on Social Se- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Colorado state legislature. on the anniversary curity benefits and limits senior citizens' ability of the Act, I would like to both herald the to earn additional income by reducing Social Thursday, February 10, 2000 progress that has been made and comment Security benefits if a senior exceeds the Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I want to on what challenges remain. ``earnings limitation.'' Meanwhile, Congress congratulate the Charlton County High School One of the main goals of the 1996 Act was continually raids the Social Security trust fund football team in Folkston, Georgia, for recently to allow more competitors into local phone to finance unconstitutional programs! It is long capturing the Class A State Championship markets in order to spur competition and pro- past time for Congress to choose between title. This fine group of young men and their vide better opportunities for consumers. The helping seniors afford medicine or using the coaches from Georgia's 8th Congressional introduction of competition into the local mar- Social Security trust fund as a slush fund for District deserve great recognition for their hard kets has been much slower than anticipated big government and pork-barrel spending. work, dedication, and success. and, at this time, over 90% of Americans have Mr. Speaker, I do wish to clarify that this tax This is not only a victory for these fine very little choice of local telephone providers. credit is intended to supplement the efforts to young men, but for their school, parents, and The ultimate goal of course is greater com- reform and strengthen the Medicare system to community as well, particularly all who played petition in all markets, which will result in more ensure seniors have the ability to use Medi- a role in supporting the team throughout a choices and better prices for consumers. care funds to purchase prescription drugs. I hard year of practices and games. Many new companies, many of which are lo- am a strong supporter of strengthening the I want to congratulate CCHS head football cated in my home state of Colorado, have Medicare system to allow for more choice and coach Rich McWhorter and assistant coaches sprung up in the past few years and have consumer control, including structural reforms Bill Pitt, Mike Baxter, Mike McNeil, Russ Mur- gained a significant foothold in the exploding that will allow seniors to use Medicare funds ray, Josh Howard, Dee Barronton, and Tim business of e-commerce. Nearly a billion dol- to cover the costs of prescription drugs. Cochran for their leadership and dedication to lars are being invested by new entrant tele- In addition to making prescription medica- the team. Coaches spend every day of their communications companies in facilities and tions more affordable for seniors, my bill low- lives building character, integrity, and deter- services every month. ers the price for prescription medicines by re- mination in our young athletes, and I want to Today, more than ninety-nine percent of ducing barriers to the importation of FDA-ap- commend them for their commitment and Americans can reach an Internet Service Pro- proved pharmaceuticals. Under my bill, any- service. vider (ISP) with a local phone call. Forty-six one wishing to import a drug simply submits I also want to take this time to recognize the states have 100 or more ISPs and more than an application to the FDA, which then must Charlton County Indians individually. The 1999 half of the states have over 200 ISPs to approve the drug unless the FDA finds the players are Steve Smiley, Kevin Davis, choose from. These ISPs connect into back- drug is either not approved for use in the U.S.

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.020 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E115 or is adulterated or misbranded. This process Programs, Junior charity League, American A former teacher, Mrs. Dixson was also Ex- will make safe and affordable imported medi- Cancer Society, American Heart Association, ecutive Administrative Assistant for the Taxi cines affordable to millions of Americans. Mr. Hospice, United Way, many Mansions, Mana, and Limousine Commission of New York City. Speaker, letting the free market work is the Conejo-Las Virgenes Future Foundation, Park She is an alumna of North Carolina State Col- best means of lowering the cost of prescription Oaks Elementary School Reading Program, lege. She also studied at Bank Street College drugs. Conejo Valley Days, and Special Kids Day. and the New School for Social Research in The Pharmaceutical Freedom Act also pro- In High School sports Los Robles Bank has New York City specializing in Early Childhood tects consumers' access to affordable pre- continuously supported athletic programs at Education. scription drugs by forbidding the Federal Gov- Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake and I am pleased to bring the achievements of ernment from regulating any Internet sales of Aldolfo Camarillo High Schools. one of Brooklyn's finest citizens, Mrs. Evelyn FDA-approved pharmaceuticals by state-li- The Bank is an active sponsor for California Dixson, to the attention of my colleagues. censed pharmacists. As I am sure my col- Lutheran Universities Academic program leagues are aware, the Internet makes phar- through membership in the Community Lead- f maceuticals and other products more afford- ers Club and the Matthews Business Manage- able and accessible for millions of Americans. ment Forum. IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE CONCUR- However, the Federal Government has threat- Recently Credit Swisse Bank sent a top offi- RENT RESOLUTION 247 HONORING ened to destroy this option by imposing un- cial to Los Robles Bank to learn about the NATIONAL DONOR DAY necessary and unconstitutional regulations on Bank operations and approaches to banking in web sites which sell pharmaceuticals. Any fed- general. The Swisse Bank representative upon HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK eral regulations would inevitably drive up his departure stated that he was most im- OF CALIFORNIA prices of pharmaceuticals, thus depriving pressed with Los Robles Bank's customer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many consumers of access to affordable pre- service and employee relations skillsÐsome- scription medications. thing that is continually stressed by the Bank's Thursday, February 10, 2000 In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- Management. Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I join my leagues to make pharmaceuticals more afford- Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, colleague and good friend, Representative able and accessible by lowering taxes on sen- please join me in recognizing Los Robles KAREN THURMAN, in support of House Concur- ior citizens, removing barriers to the importa- Bank for its accomplishments and successes rent Resolution 247, to honor National Donor tion of pharmaceuticals and protecting legiti- in both the Banking and Civic communities Day and recognize the importance of organ, mate Internet pharmacies from needless regu- over the past 12 years. tissue, bone marrow & blood donation. lation by cosponsoring the Pharmaceutical f With more than ten people dying every day Freedom Act of 2000. and approximately 70,000 Americans currently HONORABLE EVELYN DIXSON f awaiting organs, it is clear that our nation is TRIBUTE TO LOS ROBLES BANK facing a crisis. This resolution will help raise HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS awareness and increase donations nation- OF NEW YORK wideÐit is a meaningful step toward bringing HON. BRAD SHERMAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an end to our nation's current predicament. OF CALIFORNIA A number of businesses, foundations, health Thursday, February 10, 2000 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES organizations, and the Department of Health and Human Services have previously des- Thursday, February 10, 2000 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Brooklyn's grand dames, Mrs. ignated February 12th as National Donor Day. Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Evelyn Dixson. The first two National Donor Days succeeded recognize Los Robles Bank headquartered in Mrs. Dixson has provided a lifetime of public in raising a total of almost 17,000 units of Thousand Oaks, California for its continued service to the people of Brooklyn. She was blood, adding over 2,400 potential donors to Superior Customer Service contributions and elected to eight consecutive two-year terms as the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, continued success as a financial institution a Democratic State Committeewoman for the and included mass distribution of organ and during its 12 years of existence in the Conejo 56th Assembly District. She is a past Presi- tissue pledge cards. This Concurrent Resolu- Valley. dent of the Brooklyn Club of the National As- tion supports National Donor Day, encourages Since Los Robles Bank's inception on July sociation of Negro Business and Professional Americans to learn about and openly discuss 2, 1987, its marketing plan has always been to Women's Clubs, Inc. and is presently an advi- donation, and calls on the President to issue provide superior service to the small-to-me- sor to the Club. She is also a former member a proclamation to demonstrate support for dium sized businesses in the Conejo Valley of the Board of Directors of Elected Officials of organ, tissue, blood and bone marrow dona- and contiguous communities. New York State; a past President of the Bed- tion. Under the very capable leadership of its ford Stuyvesant Lioness Club; and a charter Research points to a clear need for public President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert member of the Stuyvesant Heights Lions Club education and incentive programs to increase B. Hamilton and Jerry H. Miller, Chairman of International. A long time member of Corner- organ donation. This Congress, I also intro- the Board of Directors, Los Robles Bank has stone Baptist Church, Mrs. Dixson is President duced legislation, H.R. 941, the ``Gift of Life grown to operate Branches in Thousand Oaks, of the Cornerstone Federal Credit Union and Congressional Medal Act of 1999,'' to create a Westlake Village, and Camarillo. The Bank President of the Board of Directors for Corner- commemorative medal that honors organ do- has grown to assets of over $153,000,000 as stone's Sandy F. Ray Elderly Housing. nors and their families. This Act is intended to of June 30, 1999. As a result of her community activism, Eve- draw attention to this life-saving issue and to Los Robles Bank was selected as the Out- lyn Dixson has received numerous honors and send a clear message that donating one's or- standing Business of the Year for 1998 by the awards including the Sojourner Truth Award, gans is a selfless act worth the profound re- Thousand Oaks/Conejo Valley Chamber of The Churchwoman of the Year Award from spect of our Nation. I hope Members would Commerce and for two consecutive years re- Key Women of America and the Melvin Jones also consider this effort to increase donations. ceived the Readers' choice award as ``Best Award from Lions International. She has also This problem is clearÐthere are not enough Bank in Conejo Valley'' based upon votes cast been honored by a number of elected officials organs to meet the needs of patients nation- by Daily News' readers. like Brooklyn's Borough President, Howard wide. Let's support initiatives such as H.R. Other Significant Corporate Citizenship in- Golden, and the New York State Association 941, to create an organ donor medal, and H. cludes roles in and contributions to Under One of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. Con. Res. 247, to honor National Donor Day Roof, Rotary International, Optimist Clubs of The Pratt Area Community Council also hon- and recognize the importance of organ, tissue, Thousand Oaks, Pleasant Valley Lions Club, ored Ms. Dixson by naming one of its afford- bone marrow & blood donation. Such initia- Thousand Oaks Police Department, Ventura able housing projects in 1994, ``The Evelyn tives will help raise awareness, increase dona- County High Schools and College Scholarship Dixson Houses''. The Dixson Houses are tions nationwide, and both are meaningful Funds, Conejo Free Clinic, Year-Round Star seven newly rehabilitated buildings in Brook- steps toward bringing an end to the lack of Program and Youth employment and Training lyn. available organs nationwide.

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.023 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 RECOGNIZING THE MILLENNIUM health careÐhealth care they were promised, fourteen individual brackets. Within each PLEDGE MADE BY STUDENTS AT and health care they earned through their long bracket, skaters are divided into groups de- SLEEPY HOLLOW ELEMENTARY, years of service. pending on skill level, age and style. Each FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA This national trend hit home in my district on team usually contains between eight and August 5, 1996 when the Pabst Brewing Com- twenty members. The teams skate in forma- HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS pany announced that they were eliminating the tions which are judged in a variety of cat- OF VIRGINIA health benefits plans for almost 750 retirees egories which include artistry, speed, and dif- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and their families. ficulty, while onlookers are marveled, mys- Seniors in my district and throughout the tified, and enthused by a wide range of daring Thursday, February 10, 2000 country rely on their employers' commitment skating tricks, tremendous feats, and gallant Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Speaker, on Thurs- to provide health insurance in their golden efforts. In the United States there are only 325 day, January 16, 2000, I joined students, years. When a company revokes that cov- synchronized skating teams, with the Hershey teachers, and school officials at Sleepy Hollow erage, many older Americans are trapped in KIXX team being the only synchronized com- Elementary School as the final student signa- the limbo between employee health benefits petitive team at the Junior Classic level in all tures were added to the school's ``Millennium and Medicare coverage. Retirees should not of Pennsylvania. Pledge.'' These students have decided to be faced with the vulnerability of being unin- The Hershey KIXX team was first created in enter the new millennium as leaders dedicated sured when irresponsible employers break 1996 and immediately began winning ribbons, to making their world more respectful and tol- their promise to provide retiree health cov- gaining national recognition, and hosting a va- erant. In a campaign spearheaded by Sleep erage. riety of honors In early 1999 they took first Hollow's student council, I praise the students The legislation I am introducing today would place in the junior classic division at the Colo- for committing themselves to this endeavor. establish a critical safety-net for these retirees. nial Classic in Lowell, Massachusetts, going These students are taking an admirable and Through this bill, retirees who were over the on to win second place at the Garden State challenging step. The plan is simple, action age of 55 when their health benefits were ter- Classic in New Jersey later in the summer. oriented, and it allows each and every student minated can choose between two new health They have performed at a variety of venues, to assume a leadership position that can truly coverage options. First, for a monthly premium including club Christmas shows, the Winterfest make a difference in their everyday lives. of approximately $400 per month, retirees at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, summer camps in The pledge kicks off a year-long character would be allowed to buy into the Medicare New England, as well as amaze the local education campaign at the school. After stu- program. Or, if the employer is continuing to crowds in frequent performances at Hershey dent council members added their signatures offer health benefits to its current employees, Bears hockey games. on January 16th, the pledges were hung out- retirees could choose to buy the same health The team is now in its third year of com- side classrooms to serve as a reminder of coverage for themselves and their families that peting and continues to gain in popularity with their resolution, which reads: the company offers current employees. Both girls and young women from statewide ele- With my signature, I recognize that I pos- options ensure that health coverage would be mentary schools, high schools, and even col- sess the power to affect the world around me. available to retirees until they turn 65 and be- leges. The girls currently attend Cedar Cliff, It is my pledge to use this power to spread come eligible for Medicare. Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg, Central kindness and respect, to be accepting and In addition, this legislation would require Dauphin, Hershey, Lower Dauphin, Palmyra, tolerant, and to walk away from negative and Lebanon School Districts, along with and aggressive situations. As a future leader employers to give 6 months notice to retirees of any reduction in their health benefits and Meyer High School in Wilkes-Barre and Get- of America it is my resolution to enter this tysburg College. Currently, the team is new millennium as a nation that values life would also require the Labor Department to and respects our rights to live and learn in a certify that these changes meet the require- coached by Amy Henderson, along with the safe society. I am the future of America. The ments of the collective bargaining agreement. assistance from Elizabeth Beichler and Dr. future begins today, and it begins with me. Legislation cannot heal the pain of employer Ellen Geminani. Similarly to synchronized Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I again would betrayal after a lifetime of service, but it can swimming, the team constantly rehearses their like to commend these fine young students at renew the promise of retiree health coverage. routines to the point where every part of their Sleepy Hollow Elementary for their courage Mr. Speaker, we must act now. I ask my bodies move synchronized to one another fit- and strength in accepting this challenge from colleagues to show their support for retired ting brilliantly with the music and mood. But their peers. These students have signed a workers and their families by cosponsoring unlike synchronized swimming, the skaters are pledge making ``kindness and respect'' their this bill. in constant view, skating at extremely high resolution for the new millennium. This is a f speeds without the benefit of underwater re- pledge I would encourage all people, young configuring. The show only lasts about three HONORING THE HERSHEY KIXX and old, to take. to five minutes, but each performance is guar- SYNCHRONIZED SKATING TEAM f anteed to be filled with drastically precise, vul- UPON THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT nerable, and complicated maneuvers. When INTRODUCTION OF BROKEN PROM- IN RECEIVING THE BRONZE these young women decide to embark in art of ISES RETIREE HEALTH LEGISLA- MEDAL AT THE EASTERN DIVI- synchronized skating, they are learning about TION SION SYNCHRONIZED TEAM the vast responsibility, utmost discipline, and SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS sheer sacrifice the sport entails. The team HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA practices on the ice every Saturday and Sun- OF WISCONSIN HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS day morning at 6:30 a.m., with each session IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PENNSYLVANIA followed by off the ice practices where various IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES new and complicated moves are attempted Thursday, February 10, 2000 without skates. When competitions or perform- Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I am in- Thursday, February 10, 2000 ances are scheduled, you can be certain that troducing the Broken Promises Retiree Health Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the local ice rink will be rented out for a gruel- Act. This legislation would help retirees obtain recognize the Hershey KIXX Synchronized ing practice. But in the end, the dedication and health insurance if their coverage is canceled Skating Team for receiving the Bronze Medal hard work of each team member is rewarded and would ensure that retirees are given fair at the Eastern Synchronized Team Skating with awards, honors, and respect from the warning before their employers terminate their Championships in Lowell, Massachusetts. community both on the ice and off. health coverage. The ``Synchro East 2000'' Competition in- Supporting the Hershey KIXX are the par- The need for this legislation is clear. Far too cluded teams in the Eastern Division of the ents who vigorously and selflessly help raise many companies are breaking their promises USFSA with the gold and silver medal winners money, sew uniforms, transport equipment, to retired workers by eliminating retiree health in the qualifying division advancing to Nation- and cheer their devoted girls at all competi- benefits. A recent report by Mercer/Foster-Hig- als in Detroit in February 2000. With the com- tions. The club also gets financial help from gins found that in 1999, only 35 percent of ing Olympic games in 2002 in Salt Lake City, the community who help the skaters by pur- large employers offered health benefits to their Utah, synchronized team skating will be added chasing hoagies, lollipops, or any other var- early retirees. This is a decline of six percent as a new Olympic sport. Synchronized skating ious seasonal fundraising items the team de- in the past five years alone. As a result, thou- is guided by the United States Figure Skating cides to sell. These supporters, who help the sands of retirees have been stranded without Association, which divides all competitors into team continue to pursue their interests,

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.027 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E117 dreams, and expectations for the future, also duced nothing but failure and frustrated par- secondary school math. What he and his fel- deserve our thanks. ents. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to read low panelists want is a watered-down pro- The Hershey KIXX team is currently sched- Mr. Evers' article on the dangers of the federal gram that all American students—as cur- uled to perform in the Opening Ceremonies at rently trained—can master. endorsement of ``fuzzy math'' and support my Mathematics professor David Klein of Cali- the Keystone State Games at Twin Ponds- efforts to improve education by giving dollars fornia State University at Northridge is a West in February 2000, and at a future Her- and authority to parents, teachers and local proponent of solid content. He is quoted in shey Bears game. I wish them the best of luck school districts by cosponsoring the Family the Chronicle of Higher Education as saying in these performances and all their future en- Education Freedom Act. that algebra is the key course for students, deavors. Williamson Evers is a research fellow at the the gateway to success in mathematics and Mr. Speaker, again we take this opportunity Hoover Institution, an adjunct professor of po- to success in college in general. Leinward to acknowledge and commend the Hershey litical science at Santa Clara University, a re- says that Klein’s algebra-for-all position is KIXX Synchronized Skating Team for their search fellow at the Independent Institute and elitist. Here we have the central difference be- outstanding achievement in winning the an adjunct fellow of the Ludwig Von Mises In- tween the two sides. The rigorous cur- Bronze Medal. stitute. Mr. Evers has served on the California riculum side says that, like Japan, Taiwan, f State Commission for the Establishment of and Singapore, we can have algebra for all, Academic Content and Performance Stand- preparing students for technical careers and ARTICLE BY BILL EVERS ards and he is currently a member of the Cali- college-level work. The water-it-down side fornia State Standardized Testing and Report- says U.S. teachers and students aren’t capa- HON. RON PAUL ing (STAR) assessment system's Content Re- ble of teaching and learning algebra. These federal recommendations are for OF TEXAS view Panels for history and mathematics as kindergarten through high school, which has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES well as the Advisory Board of the Californian serious consequences. In essence, the U.S. Thursday, February 10, 2000 History-Social Science Project. Mr. Evers is Department of Education, by making these the editor of What's Gone Wrong in America's endorsements, is closing the gate on going to Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Classrooms (Hoover Institution Press, 1998). college or even on technical blue-collar jobs RECORD and highly recommend to all of my Mr. Evers has been published in numerous for many students. And it is closing that colleagues Bill Evers' ``Secretary Riley Re- scholarly and popular periodicals, including the gate as early as kindergarten. ignites the Math Wars,'' which recently ap- New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the f peared in the Weekly Standard. Mr. Evers' Los Angeles Times, and the Christian Science provides an excellent overview of the con- Monitor. IN HONOR OF ALFRED RASCON troversy created by the Department of Edu- cation's endorsement of ten ``discovery-learn- SECRETARY RILEY REIGNITES THE MATH WARS (By Bill Evers) HON. ELTON GALLEGLY ing'' programs (also known as ``new, new OF CALIFORNIA math'' or ``fuzzy math''). Concerns have been BILL EVERS IS A RESEARCH FELLOW AT THE HOOVER INSTITUTION AND A MEMBER OF HOO- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES raised that ``fuzzy math'' de-emphasizes tradi- VER’S KORET TASK FORCE ON K–12 EDUCATION. tional mathematics in favor of encouraging Thursday, February 10, 2000 In early 1998, U.S. Secretary of Education children to ``discover'' math without the guid- Richard W. Riley called for a ‘‘cease-fire’’ in Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor ance of a teacher. Under some ``new, new the math wars between the proponents of a hero, former Army medic Alfred Rascon. math'' programs traditional teaching is discour- solid content and the proponents of dis- After a delay of nearly 3 1/2 decades. Alfred aged on the grounds that teachers may harm covery-learning methods. He said he was this week finally received the nation's highest a child's self-esteem by, for example, cor- ‘‘very troubled’’ by ‘‘the increasing polariza- military honor, the Medal of Honor. recting a child's ``discovery'' that 2+2 equals 5. tion and fighting’’ about how and which Mr. Speaker, Alfred was born in Mexico, Obviously, this type of ``education'' diminishes mathematics should be taught from kinder- and moved to Oxnard, California, in my dis- garten through high school. a child's future prospects, after all, few em- Despite this call for a cease-fire, the U.S. trict, with his family when he was a small ployers value high self-esteem more than the Department of Education endorsed ten dis- child. His family raised him there and instilled ability to add! covery-learning programs in October 1999. in him the values of honor, integrity, a love of Mr. Evers' article points out that the federal This federal imprimatur should not be al- his adopted land and a reverence for life and government has no constitutional authority to lowed to disguise the fact that content (such his fellow human beings. dictate or even recommend to local schools as dividing fractions and multiplying At age 17, he left Oxnard and joined the what type of mathematics curriculum they multidigit numbers) is missing from these Army. He trained to be a medic and a para- should adopt. Instead, all curriculum decisions federally approved programs and that there trooper. On March 16, 1966, in the jungles of are solely under the control of states, local is no good evidence that they are effective. Vietnam, Alfred was severely and repeatedly Discovery-learning math is often called by communities, teachers, and parents. I would its critics ‘‘fuzzy math’’ or ‘‘no-correct-an- wounded as he crawled from comrade to com- remind my colleagues that outrages like ``new swer math.’’ rade to render aid, to protect his comrades math'' did not infiltrate the classroom until the In response to the Department of Edu- and to retrieve weapons and ammunition federal government seized control of edu- cation, about two hundred mathematicians needed in the firefight they were in. cation, allowing Washington-DC based bu- and scientists signed an open letter to Sec- By the time Alfred was loaded into a heli- reaucrats to use our children as guinea pigs retary Riley, which was published in the copter, he was near death. A chaplain gave for their politically correct experiments. Washington Post on November 18, 1999 (see him last rites. He survived. Because of his ef- letter at www.mathematicallycorrect.com/ The solution to America's education crisis riley.htm.) The signers, who included Nobel forts, so did his sergeant and at least one lies in returning to the Constitution and restor- laureates and some of the country’s most other in his platoon. ing parental control. In order to restore true eminent mathematicians, didn’t like the De- But the medal Alfred was due was lost in parental control of education, I have intro- partment of Education’s new equation: Fed- red tape, until this week, when the record was duced the Family Education Freedom Act (HR eral Math=Fuzzy Math. The letter asked corrected. 935). This bill would give parents a $3,000 per Riley to withdraw the federal endorsements. During the intervening 34 years, Alfred left year tax credit for each child's education re- The news stories that followed got at the es- the Army, completed his college education, lated expenses. Unlike other so-called ``re- sence of the debate. because U.S. citizen, returned to the Army, re- Steve Leinward of the Connecticut Depart- form'' proposals, my bill would allow parents ment of Education was on the U.S. Depart- turned to Vietnam, and left the Army as a lieu- considerably more freedom in determining ment of Education’s panel that picked the tenant. Now married with two children, Alfred how to educate their children. It would also be math programs that would receive federal is an inspector general for the U.S. Selective free of guidelines and restrictions that only di- approval. In an interview with the Chronicle Service. lute the actual number of dollars spent directly of Higher Education, Leinward defended the When President Clinton presented the on a child. approved programs as the least common de- Medal of Honor to Alfred, the hero The Family Education Freedom Act provides nominator—‘‘a common core of math that downplayed his actions in Vietnam as ``com- all students can master.’’ parents with the means to make sure their Leinward is not saying that the federally mon valor that was done every day.'' We children are getting a quality education that approved programs cover the material know differently. We know that Alfred is spe- meets their child's special needs. In conclu- taught in too-performing countries such as cial. We know we would do well to emulate his sion, Mr. Speaker, I remind my colleagues that Japan or Hungary or that the programs con- values and his humility. We honor him to re- thirty years of centralized education have pro- tain complete coverage of elementary and mind us of the ideal American: someone who

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.029 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 works hard, is willing to risk everything in community service, as recognized by the Bax- chapters, articles and essays. In Fall of 1994, times of crisis, and who shrugs it off as just ter Allegiance and the American Hospital As- she was a Visiting Professor at the University the right thing to do. sociation. Only one institution each year is of Toronto (Canada). She has also been a Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join awarded the prestigious Foster G. McGraw Visiting Scholar at the University of London, me in honoring Alfred Rascon for his heroism prize for innovative health-care programs and the National Institute of Social Work in Eng- in Vietnam 34 years ago and for being the role expedited access to care. LAC+USC earned land, McGill University (Canada), Wayne State model he remains today. that recognition this year, an especially im- University, and the Claremont College system. f pressive achievement given that just a few Dr. Gibbs is a Fellow of the American Psy- years ago this hospital was on the brink of clo- chological Association (Div. 27) and of the TRIBUTE TO DR. W. LEE IRVING sure. American Orthopsychiatric Association. She The LAC+USC Healthcare Network has has also served on the Board of Directors and HON. VERNON J. EHLERS successfully indentified the unique needs of its Editorial Board of the American OF MICHIGAN surrounding population and found creative so- Orthopsychiatric Association, The Publications IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lutions to address those needs. For example, Board of the National Association of Social Thursday, February 10, 2000 learning that childhood asthma represented Workers and is a founding member of the Ad- the number one cause of school absenteeism visory Council of the National Center for Chil- Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to in the Los Angeles Unified School District, dren in Poverty. She has also served as a honor Dr. W. Lee Irving, who is ending his LAC+USC's Healthcare Network formed a member of the Board of Regents of Santa term as President of the American College of partnership with the school district and the Al- Clara University in Santa Clara, California and Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. lergy and Asthma Foundation of America to has been a consultant to the Carnegie Foun- Dr. Irving has held the position since March establish a Mobile Asthma Clinic. The Mobile dation and the Ford Foundation. From 1977± 1999 and will relinquish his duties in April Asthma Clinic has since reduced absenteeism 79 she served as a member of the Special 2000 at the organization's annual meeting in by more than 20 percent for children seen by Populations Task Panel of the President's Nashville, Tennessee. the clinic, nearly 65 percent of the children Commission on Mental Health. Throughout his career, Dr. Irving has had a served has gained control of their asthma, and In 1987, Dr. Gibbs was the recipient of the tremendous impact on the advancement of related emergency room use has declined by McCormick Award from the American Associa- professional opportunities for obstetricians and 18 percent. This program is just one of many tion of Suicidology for her research on minority gynecologists around the country. In addition innovative approaches the LAC+USC youth suicide. In 1990, she received an Alum- to his role as President, Dr. Irving has worn Healthcare Network has implemented to de- nae Achievement Award from Radcliffe Col- many different hats during his career. From liver top-notch health care to hard-to-serve lege, where she currently serves on the Board 1993 to 1999 he served as the College's population, others include: the Violence Inter- of Trustees. She has also received numerous Chairman of the Residency Evaluation Com- vention program, the Day Care Center, the other awards for her research and advocacy mittee. From 1990 to the present he has Trauma Outreach Program and the Safe Kids on behalf of African-American youth from na- served as a member of the College's Certi- program. tional, state and local groups including the fying Board and Board of Trustees. At Metro- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Northern California Chapter of the NAACP- politan Hospital in his hometown of Grand in honoring the Los Angeles County University Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Na- Rapids, Michigan, he served as Program Di- of Southern California Medical Center for the tional Association for Equal Opportunity in rector from 1985 through 1999. He currently extraordinary and commitment it has dem- Higher Education, the National Black Child serves as Chairman of the Obstetrics-Gyne- onstrated in bridging the health care gap for Development, Institute, the city of Detroit and cology Department at Metropolitan Hospital. Los Angelenos. the Michigan State Legislature. Contributions to his profession do not end f In 1985, Dr. Gibbs was a Fellow at the Bun- there. He was recently appointed to the Coun- ting Research Institute at Radcliffe College cil for Resident Education in Obstetrics and IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JEWELLE and from 1991±92 she was a Distinguished Gynecology, a national organization that over- TAYLOR GIBBS FOR OUT- Visiting Scholar at the Joint Center for Political sees the training of all OB-GYN residents for STANDING SERVICE TO THE SO- and Economic Studies in Washington, D.C. In both the Osteopathic and Allopathic profes- CIAL WORK PROFESSION AND 1991, she was also selected as a Scholar for sions. During his tenure as President, he has THE UNIVERSITY OF CALI- the 21st Century Commission on Black Males also been credited with fostering a closer FORNIA AT BERKELEY in Washington, D.C. She currently serves on working relationship between the American the Presidio Advisory Council in San Fran- College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gyn- HON. BARBARA LEE cisco. ecologists and the American College of Obste- OF CALIFORNIA Dr. Gibbs is listed in the Who's Who of tricians and Gynecologists. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES American Women, Who's Who Among Human Mr. Speaker, I commend Dr. Irving for the Thursday, February 10, 2000 Service Professionals, Who's Who in Edu- countless contributions he has made to his cation and Who's Who Among Black Ameri- profession. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mrs. LEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and cans. She has lectured in Canada, England, Irving has had a tremendous impact in his an honor to stand before you today and pay Japan and Hawaii and is a frequent guest on field of expertise. I applaud him and thank him tribute to an outstanding educator from the radio and television programs about youth and for his work as President of the American Col- great State of California and my congressional inner-city issues. lege of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gyne- district, Dr. Jewelle Taylor Gibbs. The above reflects just a sampling of Dr. cologists, and wish him continued success in After a distinguished 20 year career in Gibbs' illustrious career. As a trailblazer in the his work in medical and educational programs. teaching and research, Dr. Gibbs is retiring area of social work, she has provided out- I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Dr. from the University of California at Berkeley's standing service to our nation and I am sure Irving for his outstanding contributions. School of Social Welfare, where she has she will continue to do so throughout the f served as the Zellerbach Family Fund Pro- years to come. fessor of Community Change and Practice. In closing, I congratulate Dr. Gibbs, once HONORING LOS ANGELES COUNTY Dr. Gibbs, who graduated from Radcliffe again, on her retirement and wish her the very UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALI- College with honors, received her M.S.W., best in all of her future endeavors. FORNIA MEDICAL CENTER M.A., and PhD degrees from the University of f California at Berkeley. She is a licensed clin- HON. XAVIER BECERRA ical psychologist whose areas of specialization 30 YEARS OF THE HOUR OF POWER OF CALIFORNIA focus on the psychosocial problems of adoles- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cent, social and mental health issues of low- HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ income and minority populations. Thursday, February 10, 2000 OF CALIFORNIA Dr. Gibbs is the authority of Young, Black IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and Male in America: An Endangered Species congratulate the Los Angeles County Univer- (1988) and co-author of Children of Color: Thursday, February 10, 2000 sity of Southern California Medical Center Psychological Interventions with Minority Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in (LAC+USC) for its outstanding commitment to Youth (1989), as well as numerous book honor of a great American, Dr. Robert H.

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.032 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E119 Schuller. For 30 years, The Rev. Schuller has tional religion. And the history of the Armenian the United States Agency for International De- brought his message of hope and positive nation, language and people goes back many velopment (USAID), sharing his agricultural thinking to the world. centuries earlier. In the years since, despite knowledge, training, and expertise with gov- The Hour of Power is now broadcast all terrible periods of war, conquest and oppres- ernments and farmers in Nepal, Iraq, India, Af- over the world, on each and every continent, sion, the Armenian people have endured and ghanistan, Turkey, and Sri Lanka. to over 30 million people in more than 200 preserved. Today, Armenians the world over USAID had its origins in President Truman's countries. Dr. Schuller has preached in Russia can take pride in the tremendous strides made Inaugural Address of 1949 when he said, and in a Damascus mosque. His show was by the Republic of Armenia and the Republic ``Only by helping the least fortunate of its the first ministry available to Christians in the of Nagorno Karabagh, emerging democracies members to help themselves can the human Soviet Union in 1989. that seek to establish their rightful place as family achieve the decent, satisfying life that is But my friend the Rev. Schuller will tell you members of the family of nations. The sense the right of all people.'' This vision energized that his future was not so certain once upon of pride in being Armenian can be felt in many and motivated a generation of technical advi- a time. In 1955 he was preaching at a drive- parts of the world, from Yerevan to sors to work in agriculture, education, and in- in theater. He once doubted whether there Stepanakert to Scottsdale, Arizona, to my frastructure improvements in remote, devel- was enough support for his program. hometown of Long Branch, New Jersey. oping regions of the world. Knierim and his But like he constantly reminds me, ``God Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege colleagues had an impact on the lives of loves you,'' He loves the Reverend too. And for me to congratulate the Armenian-American countless people as they shared the benefits Dr. Schuller found himself blessed with the community of Scottsdale on the opening of of our extensive American experience. He generosity he needed to begin his ministry. this new facility, and to pay tribute to this im- used his single-minded passion to help protect On September 14, 1980, Dr. Schuller dedi- portant event in the pages of the CONGRES- fragile environments, provide pure water sup- cated the Crystal Cathedral in Garden SIONAL RECORD. plies, improve irrigation practices and improve GroveÐlocated in my Congressional District in f varieties of cereal grains for the developing Orange County, CaliforniaÐto the glory of world. Although he received much recognition man for the greater glory of God. It is now PERSONAL EXPLANATION for his work, he considered his most pres- home to the worldwide Crystal Cathedral Min- tigious title to be ``American Farmer.'' Among istries, and hosts a congregation more than HON. JIM DeMINT the many and varied achievements of his ca- 10,000 members strong as well as the Hour of OF SOUTH CAROLINA reer, the one that pleased him most was the Power. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES opportunity to reinvent and adapt Nineteenth The Rev. Schuller's faith saw him through century-style farm implements for use with Thursday, February 10, 2000 those early years, and our community is not Asian draft animals. ``I just gave them the only stronger and better for it, but also closer Mr. DEMINT. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I tools and ideas that the Mormons brought with to God. I salute Dr. Schuller today in honor of was unavoidably detained from missing votes them into the Salt Lake Valley,'' he said. the 30th anniversary of the Hour of Power. on Tuesday of this week. Had I been present, George Knierim is symbolic of the thou- f I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 8, 9, sands of men and women who sacrificed the and 10. comfort of their homeland and family in the OPENING OF THE ARMENIAN EDU- f United States to share techniques and tech- CATION, ART & COMMUNICATION nology with people for whom simple existence CENTER IN SCOTTSDALE, ARI- 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY and subsistence was a daily challenge. ZONA Our nation has been blessed because of the HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN contributions of compassionate people like HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. OF MARYLAND George Knierim, who carried their kindness OF NEW JERSEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES throughout the globe. Today, Mr. Speaker, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, February 10, 2000 pay tribute to George Knierim, who shared a Thursday, February 10, 2000 portion of the American dream with the world. Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great f Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, pleasure to bring to the attention of my col- February 12, 2000, a ribbon cutting ceremony leagues an exemplary couple from the Fourth PERSONAL EXPLANATION will be held for the opening of the Armenian Congressional District of Maryland, Thomas Educational, Art & Communication Center and and Audrey Johnson. They are celebrating HON. J.C. WATTS, JR. the Nikit and Eleanora Ordjanian Library-Mu- their 50th wedding anniversary today Thurs- OF OKLAHOMA seum, including the Personal Library of Rev- day, February 10th, and a role model of family IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erend Father and Arafelian and the ACYO strength and solidity, which has made America Computer Karam Center. This event will be great. Thursday, February 10, 2000 held at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ari- Their commitment to each other, their fam- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I zona in Scottsdale, AZ. ily, especially Tommie, T.J., and Darius, and was unavoidably detained in my district on This ceremony will be followed by a concert their church family Johnson Memorial Baptist January 31, 2000 and missed Recorded Votes by George Mgrdichian, the world-renowned Church is impressive and deserving of special #2 (Authorizing the Use of the Rotunda for virtuoso of the oud, a traditional Armenian in- recognition and honor. I ask that my col- Holocaust Memorial) and #3 (the Hillory J. strument. Mr. Mgrdichian is the writer and per- leagues join me in congratulating Thomas and Farias and Samantha Reid Date-Rape Pre- former of the Broadway musical ``Nine Arme- Audrey Johnson on their many years of love vention Drug Act of 1999). nians.'' and commitment. May their life together con- Had I been present, I would have voted Mr. Speaker, it is always a matter of great tinue to be full of joy and offer them many ``aye'' on final passage of H. Con. Res. 244 pride for me to join with the Armenian-Amer- pleasant memories. and ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 2130, on ican community in welcoming a new center for f January 31, 2000. the celebration and advancement of Armenian f culture. The Armenian-American community, HONORING GEORGE KNIERIM over one million strong, has contributed in INTRODUCTION OF A PRIVATE RE- countless ways to the economy and the cul- HON. MARK UDALL LIEF BILL FOR LEILANI ture of the United States. While embodying OF COLORADO WINNEFRED TOOLEY the American Dream, the sons and daughters IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Armenia who have settled in the United Thursday, February 10, 2000 HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR. States have for generations striven to maintain OF WASHINGTON their links to one of the most ancient and en- Mr. UDALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES during cultures in the human race. honor the passing of a special brand of Amer- Next year, the Republic of Armenia will be ican hero. George Knierim was an ordinary cit- Thursday, February 10, 2000 the site of celebrations for the 1,700th anniver- izen who devoted his abundant skills to realize Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I am sary of Christianity. Armenia is, in fact, the first his vision of the United States aid effort in the pleased to introduce legislation to grant per- nation to have embraced Christianity as its na- third world. For 30 years, Knierim worked for manent residence to Leilani Tooley.

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.036 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 Leilani was adopted from China when she The son of Italian immigrants, Pat was born IN MEMORY OF THEODORE was less than one year old to a United States and raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania. As a KARABINUS citizen father and a Micronesian mother. young man, Pat worked in the steel mills and Through the 1980's when Leilani was a child, as a lumberjack while attending school. From HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH her father was a teacher, traveling throughout his parents, and through his experiences OF OHIO the Marshall Islands. Due to a translation error growing up, he learned the important values of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in China, an attempt to convey resident status integrity, hard work and devotion to God, fam- Thursday, February 10, 2000 upon Leilani was denied. ily and service. Leilani and her parents moved to the United Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to States in 1992. Leilani was admitted as a Pat moved to Hampton, Virginia in 1955 and remember Theodore Karabinus, a community CFA/FSM resident which allows her to remain joined the Hampton Police Division. He started leader, political activist, and a good friend. in the United States legally but does not allow as a patrolman, walking a beat and serving A true patriot, Mr. Karabinus was a highly her to attend postsecondary school or to be- families and small business. He was quickly decorated veteran of the U.S. Marines who come a permanent resident or citizen. From recognized for his enthusiasm for law enforce- served in both World War II and the Korean 1992 through 1998, Leilani was eligible for citi- ment and genuine concern for the safety and Conflict. He was also a member of the Pearl zenship by virtue of her living in the United rights of all citizens. He diligently worked Harbor Survivor's Association. After retiring States and being the adopted daughter of a through each rank, and with his unwavering from the military, Mr. Karabinus embarked on United States citizen. Unfortunately, the natu- desire to serve his citizens, he always applied a career with a local telephone company, ralization process was never completed prior himself to the most challenging operational po- where he worked for thirty years. He was to her father's death in 1998. When her father sitions out in the community. In 1972, his po- dedicated to the advancement of working men passed away, Leilani's permanent resident tential for senior leadership combined with his and women and was a highly respected union mother began the naturalization process her- gifts and skills in law enforcement led the leader in Cleveland, Ohio. He also served as self so that when completed, she could then Mayor and the City Manager to select him to President of the Communication Workers of convey permanent residence to her daughter. become Hampton's Chief of Police, a position America. Unfortunately, Leilani's mother died in 1999, he held for the past 28 years. Mr. Karabinus's extensive humanitarian ef- prior to her being naturalized. forts demonstrate his commitment to improv- Leilani is now alone in this country with no Pat's remarkable career, spanning the terms ing the lives of others. He was actively in- living relatives. She cannot return to China of eight Mayors and six City Managers, re- volved for fifty years in organizations that sup- since she speaks no Chinese and she was re- flects a truly exceptional dedication to serving ported civil rights. As a troop leader for the leased from that country when she was less others and the ability to lead and grow an or- Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Karabinus shared than a year old, and she cannot return to the ganization through long-term vision, passion his experience and wisdom with young men in Pacific Islands since she was Chinese at birth. and law enforcement expertise. Among his Cleveland. He also reached out to the senior All of Leilani's friends and schoolmates are in many accomplishments, Pat holds an MPA citizens in the community and assisted those the United States and it is only due to a string Degree from Harvard University's John F. who needed help with completing their tax re- of unfortunate events that Leilani is not today Kennedy School of Government where he was turn forms. a naturalized citizen. Leilani is a bright, indus- elected Class Marshall. He also is a graduate Mr. Karabinus was a political activist in trious young lady, whose wish is to attend col- of the 92nd Session of the FBI National Acad- Northeast Ohio and has been involved in nu- lege. However, until this legislation is signed emy where he was awarded the J. Edgar Hoo- merous political campaigns including local and into law, her aspirations are on hold. I urge ver Certificate of Scholastic Excellence. presidential campaigns. He also worked with the swift passage of this bill, Mr. Speaker, to Pat served as the 1989 President of the FBI the Committee on Political Education, which grant permanent residence to Leilani Tooley. National Academy Associates and is a past strives to encourage the youth of America to f President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs be involved in our democratic process. TRIBUTE TO HAMPTON POLICE of Police. At the national level, he served as I treasured my friendship with Mr. Karabinus and am certain that his contributions to our CHIEF PAT MINETTI a member of the National Law Enforcement community will never be forgotten. He was an Council during President Bush's Administra- outstanding American and will be missed tion. At the state level, he served as a mem- HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN greatly by those of us privileged to know him. OF VIRGINIA ber of Governor Wilder's Commission on Vio- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES let Crime, where he chaired the Task Force Thursday, February 10, 2000 Subcommittee on Crime Prevention. Under TRIBUTE TO FILLMORE, NEW Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Governor Allen's Administration, he served as YORK recognize an outstanding constituent in my a member of the Joint Subcommittee exam- district, Pat Minetti. I would like to read a letter ining laws regarding handicapped parking. HON. AMO HOUGHTON I sent to Pat in early January before we came Pat was awarded the prestigious Presi- OF NEW YORK back in session and then expand upon it with dential Award for Outstanding Contribution to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these remarks. the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in Thursday, February 10, 2000 Dear Pat, it is with great pleasure that I August 1998, only the third such award to be Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ex- write this letter of congratulations to you on presented since the organization was estab- the occasion of your retirement after an ex- tend my most sincere congratulations to the traordinary tenure of 45 years as a member lished in 1926. community of Fillmore, New York, as it enters of the Hampton Police Division. Your com- Pat's selfless service and dedication to its Sesquicentennial Year. This vibrant com- mitment to your job is exemplified in the Hampton, Virginia's citizens and law enforce- munity, located in Allegany County, in the number of years of your dedicated service ment has earned him the respect and admira- Town of Hume, enjoys a long and proud his- and your immeasurable accomplishments. In tory in the State of New York. Celebrations your 27 years as Chief, you achieved your tion of his beloved community and the many goals and the Hampton Police force and the police officers and local, state and national of- surrounding the 150th Anniversary are City of Hampton are better for it. I know the ficials who have been associated with him planned for this coming May 27 to 29, 2000. City of Hampton is proud to count you over the past 45 years. Pat continues to live Fillmore is, of course, named after the thir- among one of its finest and is greatly in- in Hampton with his wife, Donnie, who has teenth President of the United States, Millard debted to you. Please know that Laura and I shared the thrills and hardships of being a po- Fillmore, who in 1850 was responsible for the wish you the best in retirement. lice wife for more than 43 years. He has two establishment of a Post Office in the then ex- Pat Minetti was a truly outstanding law en- isting settlement. Coincidentally, in addition to daughters and four grandchildren, with whom forcement officer and Chief of Police. His serv- this being the community's sesquicentennial, he enjoys spending time. ice to his community and its citizens has been the year 2000 also marks the 200th anniver- honorable and faithful for 45 years. The story Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Pat and his sary of President Fillmore's birth. of Pat's service reflects the devotion to duty, family for their service to Hampton, its citizens Born on what was then the ``frontier'', in the family and community that helps to keep this and the Commonwealth of Virginia and I wish Finger Lakes region of New York, Millard Fill- nation, America, safe for families and indi- for them all God's blessings in the years to more rose from serving on his family farm to vidual citizens. come. serving in the U.S. House of Representatives,

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.041 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E121 the New York State government, and finally as mond and Scotland Counties, just as local 6. Provide a funding floor to small school Vice President and President of the United taxes support other school districts. In some districts with fewer than 1,000 children who States. In fact, Mr. Speaker, in this very build- cases, Impact Aid supplies a significant por- have a per pupil average lower than the state ing, in the Old House Chamber, there is a tion of school districts' operating budgets. For average. This provision would guarantee them plaque marking the location of then-Congress- example, in Cumberland County, home of Fort a foundation payment of no less than 40 per- man Fillmore's desk. The spirit of hard work Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, over one- cent of what they would receive if the program and rugged dedication shown by President third of the school district's budget comes from were fully funded. Fillmore throughout his life is certainly carried Impact Aid and other Federal education pro- As one of the over 150 Members of the on by this small but vibrant community that grams. In fact, the Cumberland County school House Impact Aid CoalitionÐone of the larg- bears his name. system receives the most Impact Aid of any est bipartisan coalitions in CongressÐwe have Fillmore's idyllic, pastoral setting in the Alle- other school systems in North Carolina. worked together to support our local school gheny Mountain Range at the top of the Appa- The ``Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of systems that provide support for military men lachian Region, makes it a beautiful natural 2000'' builds on key improvements to the Im- and women and those citizens that are af- local surrounded by attractions such as pact Aid program enacted during the 103rd fected by Federal properties. This bill has the Letchworth State Park and the Swain Ski Re- Congress. At that time, the program was re- support of the National Association of Feder- sort. But the people of Fillmore make the com- written so it would focus Impact Aid dollars on ally Impacted Schools, the association that munity the success that it is today. those school districts most heavily impacted represents over 1600 school districts nation- The citizens of Fillmore are very proud of by a Federal presence. Those changes have wide that will benefit from this legislation, and their community, and rightly so. For the past been extremely successful in getting funding the National Military Impacted Schools Asso- 150 years, Fillmore has contributed much to to schools in greatest need of assistance, thus ciation. I would like to submit their letters of our region, state and nation. From the char- enabling them to improve the quality of edu- support for the RECORD. acter and successes of its young peopleÐ cation provided to students. In addition, those Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility to as- both those who remain in Fillmore and those amendments created greater support in Con- sist those school districts impacted by a Fed- who have moved on to serve other commu- gress for funding Impact Aid, and we have eral presence. The ``Impact Aid Reauthoriza- nities around the nationÐto many of its citi- seen consistent increases in the Impact Aid tion Act of 2000'' will help insure school dis- zens who have fought and sacrificed their budget ever since. The legislation I am intro- tricts receive the support they need to provide lives on the world's battlefields. ducing today will further improve the program, children with the best possible education. One of Fillmore's greatest assets is their and should lead to even stronger support These are thoughtful improvements to a very outstanding public school. Fillmore Central among colleagues for funding key needs in important law. I urge my colleagues to support School, led by Superintendent Dave Hanks, is federally impacted school districts. As in my this bipartisan legislation. a shining example of rural public education at Congressional district, many of the children af- NATIONAL MILITARY its finestÐfrom its top notch instruction of sub- fected by this law are the children of members IMPACTED SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION, jects such as mathematics and social studies, of the Armed Services. And, I believe all of Bellevue, NE, February 10, 2000. to a firm commitment to technology, and the you will agree that we should provide the best CHAIRMAN BILL GOODLING, provision of creative outlets for for young peo- House Education and the Workforce Committee, possible education to the children of those in- Washington, DC. ple to participate in the arts through drama, dividuals who put their lives on the line to pro- DEAR CONGRESSMAN GOODLING: The Mili- visual arts, and music. As an added benefit, tect our great Nation. tary Impacted Schools Association (MISA) is the mighty Fillmore Eagles have, on many oc- Key provisions of the bill I am introducing extremely proud of the leadership you and casions, brought great pride to the community today would: your staff have demonstrated in developing by bringing home titles in sports such as bas- 1. Change to formula for payments for fed- the legislative proposal to reauthorize the ketball and tennis, and just last year made it eral property to insure a more equitable dis- Impact Aid Program. There has been a real sensitivity to the to New York State's ``Final Four'' in soccer. tribution of funds. 2. Incorporate into the Impact Aid law the needs of military children and your support Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to rec- is greatly appreciated. ognize one of Fillmore's greatest public serv- pilot program for heavily impacted school dis- Your discussion on the proper weight for a ants, Alton Sylor, who passed away recently tricts included in the past two Labor/HHS/Edu- military (b) child is also appreciated and I after years of service to the community, par- cation Appropriations bills. hope this can be discussed further. ticularly as a member of the Allegany County 3. Insure equitable payment for children liv- On behalf of the public schools serving the Legislature for the past twenty-two years. We ing on land formerly owned by the Federal educational needs of over 550,000 military children, we wholeheartedly endorse and sup- miss him greatly, and will remember him most Government. As the military privatizes more and more housing for military personnel, it is port your Impact Aid reauthorization pro- during this celebration of Fillmore's historyÐa posal. history that he helped shape. expected that school districts will not receive Warmest regards, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in ex- adequate funding under Impact Aid to make JOHN F. DEEGAN, ED.D., tending our most hearty congratulations to Fill- up for the difference in the amount of taxes Chief Executive Officer. more on the occasion of their 150th anniver- paid on such property and the amount they sary. would have received for each child if the prop- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FEDERALLY IMPACTED SCHOOLS, f erty had retained its non-tax status. This provi- sion would continue to count such children as Washington, DC, February 10, 2000. IMPROVING THE IMPACT AID Hon. ROBIN HAYES, on-base children, but would reduce the U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. PROGRAM amount of their Impact Aid payment by the ac- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE HAYES: Over the tual amount of the taxes used for educational past six months the National Association of HON. ROBIN HAYES purposes. Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) has OF NORTH CAROLINA 4. Require the Department of Education to been working closely with the Education and the Workforce Committee in a bi-partisan IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provide a notice to schools that miss filing deadlines and provide them a period of time manner to write legislation that would reau- Thursday, February 10, 2000 within which to submit applications for Impact thorize the Impact Aid Program. The legisla- tion that the committee is about to intro- Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today I am intro- Aid. This change would address the growing duce is the product of that effort. The legis- ducing legislation to reauthorize and to make number of yearly Impact Aid amendments lation reauthorizes the Impact Aid Program further improvements to the Impact Aid Pro- necessary because school districts have and includes only minor changes that NAFIS gram, Title VIII of the Elementary and Sec- missed filing deadlines. and the committee agreed to that either re- ondary Education Act. As you know, Impact 5. Revise the construction provisions of the fines the present law to make the program Aid is part of the basic financial support for Impact Aid to allow Federally impacted school work better and/or to address some changes local school districts whose boundaries include districts with no bonding capacity or with brought about due to actions of the Depart- military bases and other federal lands in lieu schools that have health or safety hazards to ment of Defense designed to implement poli- cies to improve the quality of life of our of local taxes which ordinarily support public apply for the existing Impact Aid construction military personnel. The committee bill also schools. program, and shift some of the existing con- addresses issues of great concern to school In my congressional district, Impact Aid is struction money to serve these districts. The districts educating Native American chil- an element of the basic financial support for Secretary would then fund the highest priority dren. NAFIS is very appreciative of the will- schools in Cumberland, Robeson, Hoke, Rich- projects. ingness of the committee to allow us to work

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.045 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 with them on this legislation and we would as well as to Representatives Clay and Kildee 20,000 nuclear weapons, most sitting atop urge all members of the House of Represent- for the work that has been put into this leg- highly accurate and fully functioning silo- and atives to join with yourself. Chairman Good- islation. In summary, NAFIS urges all mem- sub-launched ballistic missiles awaiting final ling, Ranking Minority Member Clay, and bers of the House to support this legislation Representative Kildee in supporting this bill when it comes before the full House for a target coordinates and a ``fuel and fire'' com- that is about to be introduced. vote in the near future. mand. NAFIS is very pleased with the refine- Sincerely, Yeltsin's impetuous warningÐhowever un- ments included in the bill to insure that all JOHN B. FORKENBROCK, tenable to an America placated by decisive local educational agencies eligible for fund- Executive Director. United States victories in the cold war and the ing under Section 8002 of the program (fed- f gulf war, and blessed with 60 years of domes- eral properties) are treated equitably. Al- tic tranquility and tremendous economic pros- though the changes that were made to this IN TRIBUTE TO HAZEL WOLF section of the program in 1994 did a better perityÐshould be taken quite seriously. In job of measuring the financial impact that 1993, Russia adopted a national security pol- federal property presents to the taxing au- HON. JIM McDERMOTT icy placing even greater reliance upon nuclear thority of a local educational agency, it OF WASHINGTON deterrence due to its worsening economic cri- did—due to the lack of funding for this ele- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sis and deteriorating conventional military ca- ment of the Impact Aid Program—pose a real pabilities. Not only does this reality enhance threat to primarily rural school districts. Thursday, February 10, 2000 the threat of an intentional launch, it heightens The changes included in this legislation will both insure that small rural schools are pro- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today the prospects for an unintentional launch too. vided a foundation payment while at the to honor my constituent, Hazel Wolf. Having Mr. Speaker, the United States remains de- same time recognizing the true fiscal impact achieved her goal to have a foot in three cen- fenseless against any such launch. American of federal property to the tax base of the turies, Hazel passed away on January 19, citizens trust that the first responsibility of their community served by the school system. 2000 at the young age of 101. Tomorrow I government is ``to provide for the common de- The bill also puts into law, a pilot project hope to join hundreds of her friends gathering fense,'' and must accordingly assume there that has been included in both the Fiscal in my district to celebrate her life of tenacious must be in place an effective shield against Year 1999 and 2000 Labor, HHS, and Edu- missile attack. This, however, is not the case. cation Appropriation Bill. The project being dedication to the environment and human placed into the Impact Aid statute will mean rights. Public opinion polls show most Americans still that ‘‘Heavily Impacted Local Educational Hazel was born in Victoria, British Columbia do not realize the U.S. militaryÐthe most pow- Agencies’’ will now receive their additional on March 10, 1898. She immigrated to the erful, most technologically-advanced, and funding under the regular Impact Aid basic United States in 1923 as a single mother most lethal military force ever assembledÐ support program and will not have to wait up seeking work to support her young daughter. could not stop even a single ballistic missile to 18 to 24 months after the appropriation is After a successful career as a legal secretary, from impacting American soil today. made to receive their funding. This change Hazel officially became a citizen in 1976. In fact, long-range ballistic missiles are the will make it easier for these school districts Through all her years Hazel championed only weapons against which the U.S. Govern- to budget their Impact Aid funding and it ment has decided, as a matter of policy, not also insures that the Federal Government re- issues of importance for women, working peo- imburses a school district only for the cost ple, human rights, and the environment. A true to field a defense. is a fierce de- of the impact of the federal dependent child citizen of the world, her efforts were recog- fender of this doctrine of deliberate vulner- rather than the cost for all children, both nized with awards by numerous international, ability and repeatedly threatened to veto any federal and non-federal, enrolled in the national, state, and local organizations. Her serious congressional legislation enacted to school district. These changes are welcomed work continues in the hearts of all who were the contrary. by the heavily impacted community and privileged to share her goals and projects. Clinton's doctrine is predicated upon anti- NAFIS appreciates the understanding of the Mr. Speaker, please join me in tribute to quated agreements dating back to 1972 when committee to incorporate the pilot project the United States signed the Anti-Ballistic Mis- that has already proved to work into the Im- Hazel for demonstrating to us the value of a pact Aid reauthorization. life of simplicity adorned with the riches of gra- sile (ABM) Treaty with the former Soviet NAFIS also supports the recognition by cious service to humanity and nature. We will Union. At the time, and until relatively recently, the committee of the problems that a chang- miss her wit and wisdom, and we will cherish the U.S.S.R. was the only nation known to be ing military force have placed on those her memory by pursuing her lessons of love capable of delivering nuclear warheads to our school systems educating military dependent and understanding for all living creatures. shores. The world is different now, and the children. Committee language addressing the f U.S.S.R. no longer exists. issue of privatization of on-base housing will Not counting Yeltsin's unexpected reminder insure that the funding levels provided under YELTSIN’S NUCLEAR THREAT of Russia's formidable nuclear arsenal, Mr. current law for on-base children will remain, SHOULD ALARM AN UNDE- even if on-base housing and the land upon Speaker, Russia is generally considered on which it is built is turned over to a private FENDED AMERICA the lower end of America's threat scale. That's developer. This a realistic approach to an because it's predictable, if not rational. United issue that could become potentially a major HON. BOB SCHAFFER States and other intelligence sources have threat to school systems providing edu- OF COLORADO firmly documented the aggressiveÐand in cational programs to the children of our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES some cases successfulÐattempts by many of military personnel. the worlds most violent, unstable, and anti- NAFIS would also like to commend the Thursday, February 10, 2000 committee for recognizing the facility needs American entities to develop and acquire of school systems that are highly impacted Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, former Rus- weapons of mass destruction, and the means with Indian land and military children. The sian President Boris Yeltsin's startling and so- to deliver them. committee bill recognizes that many of bering reminder last November of his country's In 1998, the bipartisan Commission to As- these school systems lack the capacity to robust nuclear weapons capability was as ac- sess the Ballistic Missile Threat to the United issue capital construction bonds and in addi- curate as it was menacing. Firing back at Bill States, led by former Secretary of Defense tion, many of these same school systems are Clinton's public criticism of Russian military Donald Rumsfeld, asserted the United States currently educating children in facilities assaults on Chechen rebel strongholds, may have little or no warning before the emer- that pose a serious health threat to the stu- Yeltsin roared, ``[Clinton] must have forgotten gence of specific new ballistic missile threats dents and faculty working within them. The responsible approach taken by the com- for a moment what Russia has. It has a full ar- to our Nation. The Commission estimated mittee to address this very serious issue is senal of nuclear weapons.'' some 20 Third World and outlaw nations, in- welcomed by the impact aid community and Though arguably an impulsive response to cluding North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and Libya al- NAFIS urges the Congress to support the embarrassing and unwanted criticism, Yeltsin ready have, or are vigorously developing, such committee’s recognition of the federal obli- could not have delivered a more concise and capabilities. gation to address this serious facilities issue. troubling threat to our Nation's security, nor a Mr. Speaker, Communist China already has Although NAFIS would like to see an in- more valid and fortified one. Despite highly this capability. In 1998, the Central Intelligence crease in the weights for on-base military and civilian dependent children, we strongly publicized accounts of Russia's deteriorating Agency confirmed 13 of China's 18 long-range support the bill that the committee is about economic, political, and conventional military nuclear-tipped missiles were targeted at U.S. to introduce and again offer our gratitude to realities and capabilities, the country is any- cities. In 1996, Chinese officials threatened to you for introducing this legislation and thing but lightly armed in nuclear weaponry. In launch those missiles at American targets, in- Chairman Goodling and his committee staff fact, Mr. Speaker, Russia still maintains over cluding Los Angeles, if our Nation intervened

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.048 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E123 on behalf of Taiwan during China's threatening Born on the island of Guam, Lou is the Through her distinguished career and out- missile tests over that nation. One official re- daughter of Maria Camacho Taitano standing achievements, Lou has brought rec- marked that Americans ``care more about Los Pangelinan and Jose Guerrero Pangelinan. ognition upon herself, the island of Guam, and Angeles than they do Tai Pei.'' Adding fuel to She grew up in the village of Asan and at- its people. Having been granted the honor and the fire, U.S. defense intelligence officials just tended the Adelup Elementary School. In opportunity to be instrumental in the future revealed plans by China to build a second 1966, the family moved to Castro Valley Cali- growth and development of the Pacific Region, short-range missile base near Taiwan, thereby fornia where Lou attended the Castro Valley I am sure that Lou will successfully meet the allowing it to target the island's primary mili- High School. She was later admitted to the challenge. She has always made us proud. tary and civilian areas. University of California at Davis, California, I join her family in celebrating her extra-ordi- The communist Chinese have also profited where she became a University of California nary accomplishments. On behalf of the peo- greatly from successful espionage missions Board of Regents Scholar and a California ple of Guam, I extend my sincerest congratu- within the United States. Intelligence officials State Scholar. While working toward a Bach- lations to Lou on this recent accomplishment. have confirmed China is beginning work on a elor of Arts degree, Lou took part in a study I wish her and the SPC continued success in new strategic submarine built specifically to abroad program in France focusing on political the years to come, target U.S. nuclear forces. The subs will re- science and the French language. Upon grad- f portedly carry missiles armed with miniaturized uation, she was a fluent speaker of Chamorro, TRIBUTE TO STEVE LEW warheads modeled after American designs de- English and French. veloped at Los Alamos then stolen by spies. In 1977, Lou returned to Guam to work as These smaller, advanced warheads will also a reporter for the Pacific Daily News. She later HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN allow China to place multiple warheads on served as liaison to Guam's overseas resi- OF CALIFORNIA new Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). dents and coordinator of federally funded pro- HON. BRAD SHERMAN Such missiles would have the range to target grams from 1979 to 1982. She did this while OF CALIFORNIA not only Los Angeles, Mr. Speaker, but also working as special assistant to the Lieutenant IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES more ``target-rich'' cities like Washington, Den- Governor of Guam in his San Francisco, Cali- Thursday, February 10, 2000 ver, Chicago, and New York. fornia office. In 1983, Lou worked on national It should be all the more alarming then that research studies on the effectiveness of U.S. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we rise to pay tribute to our good friend, Steve Lew, who has President Yeltsin's perceived threat of nuclear health programs with the U.S. Department of just completed a two-year term as Chairman retaliation was delivered from Beijing. Yeltsin Health and Human Services in Seattle, Wash- of the Valley Industry and Commerce Associa- emerged just minutes before his pronounce- ington. ment from a meeting with Chinese President Lou was back on Guam in 1984, serving as tion. Steve is a man of immense charm, busi- ness smarts and considerable political skills. Jiang Zemin, who stood confidently beside executive assistant to then Guam Senator Jo- He is, in short, a born leader. He will be sorely Yeltsin, both physically and figuratively. Rela- seph Ada. While employed by the senator's tions between the two nuclear powers have missed at VICA. legislative office, she was placed in charge of During his two-year tenure as chairman, warmed significantly over the last few years, developing legislation, conducting research, and that alone should be cause for concern to VICA became much more active in state, local disseminating public information, and handling and federal affairs. Steve expanded VICA's an American left undefended from missile at- constituent services. Upon Senator Ada's elec- tack. sphere of influence; the organization now cov- tion as governor of Guam in 1994, Lou was ers eight congressional districts, six State No matter the source and nature of the appointed his chief of staff. In addition to threat, however, this much is clear: America Senate districts and ten Assembly districts. He being the governor's chief assistant on policy made a point of attending many meetings of must build a National Missile Defense system development and implementation, she also as soon as technologically possible. Last year, the various government committees. had purview over the Cabinet and the gov- In 1999, Steve led VICA's year-long 50th in spite of the general reluctance of Bill Clinton ernor's staff. anniversary celebration, which included a new and his administration, the House and Senate Between January 1995, and February 1996, graphics campaign, newsletter, logo and both overwhelmingly passed legislation to do Lou was employed by the Superior Court of website. He also helped spur a 25 percent rise so, albeit substantially watered-down in order Guam. At this point she has served in top in revenues to VICA, which enabled the orga- to appease White House objections. level management positions in all three nization to initiate new advocacy programs. But in order to ensure the timely and suc- branches of the island's government. As the In 1975, Steve took a job with Universal cessful completion of this most important of Deputy Director/Director of Communications, Studios, where he has held several executive tasks, America must stand united in our ef- she managed the operations of Guam's trial positions. These include Vice President, Gov- forts. Otherwise, Mr. Speaker, if Russia ever court. In addition, she facilitated judges' re- ernment and External Affairs, Universal Stu- follows through with its nuclear threats, all quirements and acted as liaison to the Guam dios, Inc; Senior Vice President, Universal we'll be able to do is fire back, and kiss our Legislature on budget and policy matters. Dur- Studios Recreation Group and President and planet goodbye. ing her service with the government of Guam, CEO, Universal Studios Florida. f she represented the island in key meetings In addition to his professional duties and his CONGRATULATING LOURDES T. and hearings before the United States Con- work with VICA, Steve is Chair of the City of PANGELINAN gress and the United Nations Committee on Los Angeles Volunteer Advisory Council, a Decolonization. member of the Executive Board of the Eco- Lou's involvement with the SPC dates back nomic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD to the early years of the organization's devel- and Past President of the Hollywood Chamber OF GUAM opment. Representing the island of Guam, she of Commerce. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES served as Chairperson of the Committee of We ask our colleagues to join us in saluting Thursday, February 10, 2000 Representatives of Governments and Adminis- Steve Lew, whose commitment to helping Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would trations in May 1989. For the past decade, business and his dedication to the community like to commend Ms. Lourdes T. Pangelinan she played an active part in the organization's are second to none. We are honored to be his for her selection as Director General of the growth. Her command of the French language, friends. Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). her vision, her technical knowledge, and her f The SPC is an organization dedicated to the leadership capabilities made her an ideal can- LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF AGING advancement of the Pacific Region's active didate for a leadership post within the SPC. ORGANIZATIONS: PRINCIPLES membership in the global community through Prior to landing the top job, she served as the FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION the protection and promotion of mutual inter- organization's deputy director general. Upon DRUG LEGISLATION ests. The organization strives to emphasize becoming a member of SPC's executive team, the unique interests of the island nations com- Lou was given oversight over the Social Re- prising the region. With these objectives on sources Division, Support Services Pro- HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK OF CALIFORINA top of their agenda, the SPC would surely gramme and Finance/Administration. As Direc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES reap great benefits from Lou Pangelinan's tor General, Lou is in the best position to fa- abilities, knowledge and vision. Lou is the first cilitate and convey the island of Guam's com- Thursday, February 10, 2000 Chamorro and the first woman to occupy the mitment and support as the SPC charts its Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, following is a let- SPC's top post. course for the new millennium. ter I submit for the RECORD that was sent to

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.051 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 E124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 10, 2000 Members of Congress by the Leadership with the increase in prescription drug costs Medicare prescription drug proposals. We Council of Aging Organizations signed by 32 and not be tied to budgetary caps. look forward to working with you to ensure groups, on the principles that Medicare pre- Adding a Medicare prescription drug ben- that the Medicare program is strengthened efit must not reduce access to other Medi- by your efforts. scription drug legislation should meet. care benefits. If one compares the principles with the var- Sincerely, ious bills that have been introduced, it is clear COVERAGE AARP; AFSCME Retiree Program, Alz- that the President's proposal; the Stark-Din- The Medicare prescription drug benefit heimer’s Association, American Asso- should be available to all Medicare eligible ciation for International Aging, Amer- gell-Kennedy proposal meet the criteria. ican Association of Homes and Services All others bills that I am aware of do not older Americans and persons with disabil- ities, regardless of income or health status. for the Aging, American Federation of meet the criteriaÐthey are either means-test- The Medicare prescription drug benefit Teachers Program on Retirement and ed, unaffordable, don't provide catastrophic must be voluntary and must provide safe- Retirees, American Society of Consult- protection, fail to improve quality, do not buy guards against the erosion of current pre- ant Pharmacists, Asociacion Nacional drugs cost-effectively, and so forth. scription drug coverage provided by others. Pro Personas Mayores, Association for The LCAO has performed a valuable serv- AFFORDABILITY Gerontology and Human Development ice in laying out what good pharmaceutical The financing of a new Medicare prescrip- in Historically Black Colleges and Uni- health insurance policy should be. tion drug benefit should protect all bene- versities, Association of Jewish Aging Congress should proceed accordingly. ficiaries from burdensome out-of-pocket ex- Services, B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Housing and Services, Eldercare Amer- LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF AGING penses and affordable cost sharing. particu- ORGANIZATIONS, larly low-income beneficiaries. ica, Inc., Families, USA, The Geronto- HORACE B. DEETS, CHAIRMAN, The new benefit must protect individuals logical Society of America, Gray Pan- FEBRUARY 7, 2000. from extraordinary expenses for prescrip- thers, National Academy of Elder Law U.S. House of Representatives, tions drugs. Attorneys, National Asian Pacific Cen- Washington, DC. The government subsidy must be sufficient ter on Aging, National Association of DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The undersigned to guard against risk selection and to pro- Area Agencies on Aging, National As- members of the Leadership Council of Aging vide an attractive benefit design. sociation of Foster Grandparent Pro- Organizations (LCAO) look forward to work- Sufficient subsidies should be provided for gram Directors, National Association ing with the Congress on the creation of a low-income beneficiaries to ensure that they of Nutrition and Aging Services Pro- Medicare prescription drug benefit. have access to the benefit. grams, National Association of Retired As you consider current proposals and and Senior Volunteer Program Direc- ADMINISTRATION draft new prescription drug proposals, we tors, Inc., National Association of Sen- would like you to consider the following The new prescription drug benefit should ior Companion Project Directors, Na- issues that are of the highest priority to our be efficiently managed, include appropriate tional Association of State Long-Term organizations and the millions of Americans cost-containment, and reflect the purchasing Care Ombudsman Programs, National that we represent. of the Medicare beneficiary pool. Association of State Units on Aging, BENEFITS QUALITY National Caucus and Center on Black Medicare should guarantee access to a vol- The new Medicare prescription drug ben- Aged, Inc., National Committee to Pre- untary prescription drug benefit as a part of efit must meet rigorous standards for qual- serve Social Security and Medicare, its defined benefit package. ity of care, including appropriate monitoring National Council of Senior Citizens, Medicare’s prescription drug benefit should and quality assurance activities. National Council on the Aging, Inc., provide comprehensive coverage, including The Medicare program should work to pre- National Hispanic Council on Aging, the most current, effective, and individually vent the overuse, underuse, and misuse of National Indian Council on Aging, Inc., appropriate drug therapies. prescription drugs. National Osteoporosis Foundation, Na- Medicare’s contribution toward the cost of We request that you carefully consider the tional Senior Citizen Law Center, Older the prescription drug benefit must keep pace issues presented above as you develop your Women’s League

VerDate 272000 06:58 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10FE8.055 pfrm08 PsN: E10PT1 Thursday, February 10, 2000 Daily Digest

HIGHLIGHTS Senate passed Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. The House passed H.R. 6, Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act. Senate ruary 14–18, 2000, as ‘‘National Heart Failure Chamber Action Awareness Week’’. Page S646 Routine Proceedings, pages S563–S647 Use of Rotunda/Holocaust Remembrance Cere- Measures Introduced: Twenty three bills and five mony: Committee on Rules and Administration was resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. discharged from further consideration of H. Con. 2051–2073, S. Res. 256–258, and S. Con. Res. Res. 244, permitting the use of the Rotunda of the 80–81. Pages S612±13 Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemora- Measures Reported: Reports were made as follows: tion of the days of remembrance of victims of the S. Res. 251, designating March 25, 2000, as Holocaust, and the resolution was then agreed to. ‘‘Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Cele- Page S646 bration of Greek and American Democracy’’. Measures Indefinitely Postponed: Senate indefi- S. 671, to amend the Trademark Act of 1946 to nitely postponed the following bills: provide for the registration and protection of trade- Armed Forces Pay Equity: S. 270, to improve marks used in commerce, in order to carry out provi- pay and retirement equity for members of the sions of certain international conventions. Armed Forces. Page S646 S. 1638, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the retro- Education Flexibility Partnership Act: S. 271, active eligibility dates for financial assistance for to provide for education flexibility partnerships. higher education for spouses and dependent children Page S646 of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers Education Flexibility Partnership Act: S. 280, who are killed in the line of duty. Page S612 to provide for education flexibility partnerships. Measures Passed: Page S646 Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act: By 64 Small Business Investment Improvement Act: S. yeas to 34 nays (Vote No. 8), Senate passed S. 1287, 364, to improve certain loan programs of the Small to provide for the storage of spent nuclear fuel pend- Business Administration. Page S646 ing completion of the nuclear waste repository, after Y2K Act: S. 96, to regulate commerce between agreeing to the following amendment proposed and among the several States by providing for the thereto: Pages S564±79 orderly resolution of disputes arising out of com- Adopted: puter-based problems related to processing data that Lott (for Murkowski) Amendment No. 2808, in includes a 2-digit expression of that year’s date. the nature of a substitute. Pages S564±74 Page S646 Adjournment Resolution: Senate agreed to S. Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building: S. 272, to Con. Res. 80, providing for a conditional adjourn- designate the Federal building located at 1301 Clay ment or recess of the Senate and a conditional ad- Street in Oakland, California, as the ‘‘Ronald V. Del- journment of the House of Representatives. lums Federal Building’’. Page S646 Page S582 Thomas S. Foley Federal Building and Court- National Heart Failure Awareness Week: Senate house/Walter F. Horan Plaza: S. 392, to designate agreed to S. Res. 256, designating the week of Feb- the Federal building and United States courthouse D75

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 D76 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 10, 2000 located at West 920 Riverside Avenue in Spokane, sevelt National Historic Site to the Archivist of the Washington, as the ‘‘Thomas S. Foley Federal Build- United States for the construction of a visitor center. ing and United States Courthouse’’, and the plaza at Page S646 the south entrance of that building and courthouse Virginia Land Acquisition: S. 955, to allow the as the ‘‘Walter F. Horan Plaza’’. Page S646 National Park Service to acquire certain land for ad- Steffens Family Property Transfer: H.R. 509, to dition to the Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia, as direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the previously authorized by law, by purchase or ex- personal representative of the estate of Fred Steffens change as well as by donation. Page S646 of Big Horn County, Wyoming, certain land com- NHTA Authorization Corrections: S. 1248, to prising the Steffens family property. Page S646 correct errors in the authorizations of certain pro- Wyoming Land Transfer: H.R. 510, to direct the grams administered by the National Highway Traffic Secretary of the Interior to transfer to John R. and Administration. Page S646 Margaret J. Lowe of Big Horn County, Wyoming, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjust- certain land so as to correct an error in the patent ment: S. 1393, to provide a cost-of-living adjust- issued to their predecessors in interest. Page S646 ment in rates of compensation for veterans with serv- Lewis R. Morgan Federal Building and U. S. ice-connected disabilities and dependency and in- Courthouse’’: S. 858, to designate the Federal build- demnity compensation for survivors of such veterans, ing and United States courthouse located at 18 to amend title 38, United States Code, to codify the Greenville Street in Newnan, Georgia, as the ‘‘Lewis previous cost-of-living adjustment in such rates. R. Morgan Federal Building and United States Page S646 Courthouse’’. Page S646 Pennsylvania Battlefields Protection Act: S. 581, Arizona Statehood and Enabling Act Amend- to protect the Paoli and Brandywine Battlefields in ments: S. 415, to designate the Federal building and Pennsylvania, to authorize a Valley Forge Museum of United States courthouse located at 18 Greenville the American Revolution at Valley Forge National Street in Newnan, Georgia, as the ‘‘Lewis R. Morgan Historical Park. Page S646 Federal Building and United States Courthouse’’. Terry Peak Land Transfer Act: S. 953, to direct Page S646 the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the State of South Dakota to the Terry Peak Ski Protection: S. 109, to improve protection and man- Area. Page S646 agement of the Chattahoochee River National Recre- New Mexico Land Conveyance: H.R. 695, to di- ation Area in the State of Georgia. Page S646 rect the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail the Interior to convey an administrative site in San Study Act: S. 441, to amend the National Trails Juan County, New Mexico, to San Juan College. System Act to designate the route of the War of Page S646 1812 British invasion of Maryland and Washington, Utah Water Development: S. 1377, to amend the District of Columbia, and the route of the American Central Utah Project Completion Act regarding the defense, for study for potential addition to the na- use of funds for water development for the Bonne- tional trails system. Page S646 ville Unit. Page S646 National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Private Relief: S. 2006, for the relief of Yongyi Act: S. 607, to reauthorize and amend the National Song. Page S646 Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. Page S646 Removal of Injunction of Secrecy: The injunction Thomas Cole National Historic Site Designation of secrecy was removed from the following treaty: Act: S. 140, to establish the Thomas Cole National Treaty with Russia on Mutual Legal Assistance in Historic Site in the State of New York as an affili- Criminal Matters (Treaty Doc. No. 106–22) ated area of the National Park System. Page S646 The treaty was transmitted to the Senate today, Franklin D. Roosevelt National Visitor Center: considered as having been read for the first time, and S. 946, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to referred, with accompanying papers, to the Com- transfer administrative jurisdiction over land within mittee on Foreign Relations and was ordered to be the boundaries of the Home of Franklin D. Roo- printed. Page S646

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D77 Messages From the President: Senate received the Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m., and pur- following message from the President of the United suant to the provisions of S. Con. Res. 80, adjourned States: at 6:14 p.m., until 11 a.m., on Tuesday, February Transmitting, pursuant to law, the 2000 Eco- 22, 2000. (For Senate’s program, see the remarks of nomic Report of the President together with the an- the Acting Majority Leader in today’s Record on nual report of the Council of Economic Advisers; to page S647.) the Joint Economic Committee. (PM–87) Pages S608±10 Committee Meetings During today’s session, Senate also took the fol- lowing action: (Committees not listed did not meet) By 79 yeas to 19 nays (Vote No. 9), Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to executive session. OVER-THE-COUNTER DERIVATIVES Page S584 MARKETS Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Com- lowing nominations: mittee concluded hearings to examine the findings of By 96 yeas 2 nays (Vote No. EX. 10), Thomas L. the President’s Working Group on Financial Mar- Ambro, of Delaware, to be United States Circuit kets’ report on Over the Counter Derivatives Mar- Judge for the Third Circuit. kets and the Commodity Exchange Act, after receiv- By 95 yeas 2 nays (Vote No. EX. 11), Joel A. ing testimony from Laurence H. Summers, Secretary Pisano, of New Jersey, to be United States District of the Treasury; Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Judge for the District of New Jersey vice Maryanne Governors of the Federal Reserve System; William J. Trump Barry, elevated. Pages S584±89, S647 Rainer, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Annette L. Nazareth, Director, Divi- Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- sion of Market Regulation, Securities and Exchange lowing nominations: Commission; Jerold Solzman, Chicago Mercantile Edward William Gnehm, Jr., of Georgia, to be Exchange, and David P. Brennan, Chicago Board of Ambassador to Australia. Trade, both of Chicago, Illinois; and Daniel Ronald D. Godard, of Texas, to be Ambassador to Rappaport, New York Mercantile Exchange, Edward the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. J. Rosen, Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton, on Daniel A. Johnson, of Florida, Career Member of behalf of the Coalition, and Richard Grove, Inter- the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Coun- national Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., all selor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of of Washington, D.C. Suriname. V. Manuel Rocha, of California, to be Ambassador APPROPRIATIONS—AGRICULTURE to the Republic of Bolivia. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agri- Michael J. Senko, of the District of Columbia, to culture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies be Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Is- concluded hearings on proposed budget estimates for lands, and to serve concurrently and without addi- fiscal year 2001 for the Department of Agriculture, tional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic after receiving testimony from Dan Glickman, Sec- of Kiribati. Page S647 retary, Richard Rominger, Deputy Secretary, Keith Collins, Chief Economist, and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Messages From the President: Pages S608±10 Budget Officer, all of the Department of Agri- Communications: Pages S610±11 culture. Petitions: Pages S611±12 APPROPRIATIONS—TRANSPORTATION Executive Reports of Committees: Page S612 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- Statements on Introduced Bills: Pages S613±34 portation concluded hearings on proposed budget es- Additional Cosponsors: Pages S634±36 timates for fiscal year 2001 for the Department of Transportation, after receiving testimony from Rod- Notices of Hearings: Page S639 ney E. Slater, Secretary of Transportation. Authority for Committees: Pages S639±40 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Additional Statements: Pages S640±46 Committee on Armed Services: Committee held hearings Privileges of the Floor: Page S640 on proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. year 2001 for the Department of Defense and the fu- (Total—11) Pages S574, S584, S587 ture years defense program, receiving testimony from

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Louis Caldera, Secretary of the Army; Richard Dan- substitute. (As approved by the committee the sub- zig, Secretary of the Navy; and F. Whitten Peters, stitute amendment incorporated certain provisions of Secretary of the Air Force. S. 1723, Senate companion measure.) Hearings were recessed subject to call. S. 1167, to amend the Pacific Northwest Electric 2001 BUDGET: SPECTRUM AUCTIONS Power Planning and Conservation Act to provide for expanding the scope of the Independent Scientific Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded hear- Review Panel, with an amendment; ings on the President’s proposed budget request for S. 1629, to provide for the exchange of certain fiscal year 2001, focusing on certain provisions relat- land in the State of Oregon, with an amendment in ing to spectrum auctions and their impact on the the nature of a substitute; digital economy, after receiving testimony from Wil- S. 1343, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to liam E. Kennard, Chairman, Federal Communica- convey certain National Forest land to Elko County, tions Commission; Peter Cramton, University of Nevada, for continued use as a cemetery; Maryland, College Park, on behalf of Market Design, S. 408, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to Inc.; Daniel Pegg, Leap Wireless International, Inc., convey a former Bureau of Land Management admin- San Diego, California; Timothy M. Donahue, Nextel istrative site to the City of Carson City, Nevada, for Communications, Inc., Reston, Virginia; Raymond use as a senior center; P. Dolan, NextWave Telecom, Inc., Hawthorne, S. 1218, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to New York; and Dennis F. Strigl, Bell Atlantic Mo- issue to the Landusky School District, without con- bile, Bedminster, New Jersey. sideration, a patent for the surface and mineral es- BUSINESS MEETING tates of certain lots, with an amendment in the na- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ture of a substitute; ordered favorably reported the following business S. 1686, to provide for the conveyances of land in- items: terests to Chugach Alaska Corporation to fulfill the H.R. 150, to amend the Act popularly known as intent, purpose, and promise of the Alaska Native the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to authorize Claims Settlement Act, with an amendment; disposal of certain public lands or national forest H.R. 3090, to amend the Alaska Native Claims lands to local education agencies for use for elemen- Settlement Act to restore certain lands to the Elim tary or secondary schools, including public charter Native Corporation, in lieu of S. 1702, Senate com- schools, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- panion measure; stitute; S. 1694, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to S. 503, designating certain land in the San Isabel conduct a study on the reclamation and reuse of National Forest in the State of Colorado as the water and wastewater in the State of Hawaii, with ‘‘Spanish Peaks Wilderness’’, with an amendment; an amendment; and H.R. 2368, to assist in the resettlement and relo- The nomination of Sylvia V. Baca, of New Mex- cation of the people of Bikini Atoll by amending the ico, to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land terms of the trust fund established during the and Minerals Management. United States administration of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; LAND MANAGEMENT BILLS S. 397, to authorize the Secretary of Energy to es- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee tablish a multiagency program in support of the Ma- concluded hearings on S. 1797, to amend the Alaska terials Corridor Partnership Initiative to promote en- Native Claims Settlement Act, to provide for a land ergy efficient, environmentally sound economic de- conveyance to the City of Craig, Alaska, S. 1925, to velopment along the border with Mexico through promote environmental restoration around the Lake the research, development, and use of new materials, Tahoe basin, S. 1664/H.R. 2863, bills to clarify the with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; legal effect on the United States of the acquisition H.R. 834, to extend the authorization for the Na- of a parcel of land in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve tional Historic Preservation Fund, with an amend- in the State of Utah, S. 1665/H.R. 2862, bills to di- ment in the nature of a substitute; rect the Secretary of the Interior to release rever- H.R. 1444, to authorize the Secretary of the Army sionary interests held by the United States in certain to develop and implement projects for fish screens, parcels of land in Washington County, Utah, to fa- fish passage devices, and other similar measures to cilitate an anticipated land exchange, and S. 1936, mitigate adverse impacts associated with irrigation to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or system water diversions by local governmental enti- exchange all or part of certain administrative sites ties in the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, and other National Forest System land in the State and Idaho, with an amendment in the nature of a of Oregon and use the proceeds derived from the sale

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D79 or exchange for National Forest System purposes, tuition and the effectiveness of Government financial after receiving testimony from Senators Reid and aid, after receiving testimony from Lawrence E. Feinstein; Representatives Doolittle and Gibbons; Galdieux, The College Board, Washington, D.C.; Jack Craven, Director of Lands, Forest Service, De- Michael S. McPherson, Macalester College, Saint partment of Agriculture; Henri Bisson, Assistant Di- Paul, Minnesota; Jerry S. Davis, USA Group Foun- rector, Bureau of Land Management, Department of dation, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mark Kantrowitz, the Interior; Mayor Dennis Watson, Craig, Alaska; FinAid, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Patricia Steve Teshara, Lake Tahoe Gaming Alliance, Lake Somers, University of Missouri, St. Louis. Tahoe, Nevada, and Rochelle Nason, League to Save Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, California, Stan Han- INTELLIGENCE sen, Heavenly Ski Resort, Stateline, Nevada, all on Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed behalf of the Lake Tahoe Transportation and Water hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony Quality Coalition; and Carrie Whitaker, Bend Metro from officials of the intelligence community. Park and Recreation District, Bend, Oregon. Committee recessed subject to call. TRADE NEGOTIATIONS BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Finance: Committee held hearings to as- sess the mission of the World Trade Organization Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favor- over the past five years, events of last year’s Ministe- ably reported the following measures: rial Conference in Seattle, and forthcoming trade ne- S. 1638, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control gotiations, receiving testimony from Charlene and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the retro- Barshefsky, United States Trade Representative; active eligibility dates for financial assistance for Susan S. Westin, Associate Director, International higher education for spouses and dependent children Relations and Trade Issues, National Security and of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers International Affairs Division, General Accounting who are killed in the line of duty; Office; Thomas J. Donohue, United States Chamber S. 671, to amend the Trademark Act of 1946 to of Commerce, Allen F. Johnson, National Oilseed provide for the registration and protection of trade- Processors Association, and Richard L. Trumka, marks used in commerce, in order to carry out provi- AFL-CIO, all of Washington, D.C.; and Mark Van sions of certain international conventions; and Putten, National Wildlife Federation, Vienna, Vir- S. Res. 251, designating March 25, 2000, as ginia. ‘‘Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Cele- Hearings were recessed subject to call. bration of Greek and American Democracy.’’ PRESIDENT’S BUDGET U.S. BORDER SECURITY Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- hearings on the President’s proposed budget request gration concluded hearings to examine enhancements for fiscal year 2001 for foreign assistance programs, to United States border security, after receiving testi- and the priorities of the Agency for International mony from Senators Gorton and Murray; Diana Development, after receiving testimony from Brady Dean, Customs Inspector, and Charles W. Winwood, Anderson, Administrator, U.S. Agency for Inter- Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, both of national Development. the Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; RUSSIAN INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES Michael A. Pearson, Executive Associate Commis- Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded sioner for Field Operations, and Ryan H. Callister, hearings on Russian intelligence activities directed at Immigration Inspector (Eastport, Idaho), and Ora A. the Department of State, after receiving testimony Smith, Immigration Inspector (Detroit, Michigan), from David G. Carpenter, Assistant Secretary of both on behalf of the American Federation of Gov- State for Diplomatic Security. ernment Employees, all of the Immigration and Nat- uralization Service, Department of Justice; and Rob- COLLEGE COST ert E. Lindemann, Detroit Border Patrol Council, Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee con- Detroit, Michigan, on behalf of the National Border cluded hearings to examine the rising cost of college Patrol Council.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 D80 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 10, 2000 House of Representatives that the effectiveness of this tax reduction is contin- Chamber Action gent on a certification by the Director of the Office Bills Introduced: 35 public bills, H.R. 3610–3644; of Management and Budget that (a) there is a com- 2 private bills, H.R. 3645–3646; and 2 resolutions, prehensive framework which provides resources for H. Con. Res. 248–249, were introduced. debt retirement, strengthening Social Security and Pages H339±41 Medicare, tax relief, and investing in other priorities; Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: (b) a portion of the on-budget surplus is reserved for H. Res. 422, providing for consideration of H.R. debt retirement sufficient to eliminate the debt by 2086, authorize funding for networking and infor- 2013; and (c) there are protections to ensure that the mation technology research and development for fis- funds reserved for debt retirement may not be used cal years 2000 through 2004 (Rept. 106–496). or any other purpose, except for technical adjust- Page H339 ments to reflect changes in budget projections by a Journal: Agreed to the Speaker’s approval of the recorded vote of 196 ayes to 230 noes, Roll No. 14. Journal of Wednesday, February 9 by a yea and nay Pages H327±29 vote of 362 yeas to 37 nays with 1 voting ‘‘present’’, Rejected the Rangel amendment in the nature of Roll No. 11. Pages H279±80 a substitute that sought to make marriage tax pen- alty relief contingent on Social Security solvency cer- Presidential Messages: Read the following mes- tification, Medicare solvency certification, and public sages from the President: debt elimination certification by a yea and nay vote Economic Report of the President: Message of 192 yeas to 233 nays, Roll No. 13. Pages H318±27 wherein he transmitted his Economic Report—re- Earlier, agreed to H. Res. 419, the rule that pro- ferred to the Joint Economic Committee and ordered vided for consideration of the bill by a yea and nay printed (H. Doc. 106–161); Pages H331±33 vote of 255 yeas to 165 nays, Roll No. 12. Pursuant Budget Rescissions and Deferrals: Message to the rule, the amendment recommended by the wherein he transmitted his three rescissions of budg- Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the et authority totaling $128 million, affecting the pro- bill was considered as adopted. Pages H281±91 grams of the Department of Energy and the Depart- President’s Day District Work Period: The House ment of Housing and Urban Development, and two agreed to S. Con. Res. 80, providing for a condi- deferrals of budget authority totaling $1.6 million, tional adjournment or recess of the Senate and a con- affecting programs of the Department of State and ditional adjournment of the House of Representa- International Assistance Programs—referred to the tives. Page H331 Committee on Appropriations and ordered printed Legislative Program: The Majority Leader discussed (H. Doc. 106–194); and Page H280 the legislative program for the week of February 14. Albanian Emigration Laws and Policies: Mes- Page H330 sage wherein he transmitted his report concerning Albanian compliance with U.S. and international Meeting Hour Monday, February 14: Agreed that standards in the area of emigration—referred to the when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Committee on Ways and Means and ordered printed at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14 for morning- Page H331 (H. Doc. 106–195). Page H280 hour debate. Marriage Tax Penalty Relief Act: The House Calendar Wednesday: Agreed to dispense with Cal- passed H.R. 6, to amend the Internal Revenue Code endar Wednesday business of Wednesday, February of 1986 to reduce the marriage penalty by providing 16. Page H331 for adjustments to the standard deduction, 15-per- Senate Messages: Message received today from the cent rate bracket, and earned income credit and to Senate appears on page H330. repeal the reduction of the refundable tax credits, by Re-Referral: Agreed to re-refer S. 1809 to the Com- a yea and nay vote of 268 yeas to 158 nays, Roll mittees on Commerce and Education and the Work- No. 15. Agreed to amend the title. Pages H291±H330 force. Pages H330±31 Rejected the Hill of Indiana motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means with Amendments: Amendments ordered printed pursu- instructions to report it back to the House with an ant to the rule appear on page H343. amendment which corrects the disparity in the Tax Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea and nay votes and Code affecting married couples and which provides one recorded vote developed during the proceedings

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D81 of the House and appear on pages H279–80, H291, vices and Radiological Health, FDA, Department of H326–27, H329, and H329–30. There were no Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10:00 a..m. and 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING adjourned at 5:44 p.m. CENTERS PROGRAM Committee on Education and the Workforce: Sub- Committee Meetings committee on Early Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on 21st Century Community Learn- LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION ing Centers Program. Testimony was heard from Mi- APPROPRIATIONS chael Cohen, Assistant Secretary, Office of Elemen- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, tary and Secondary Education, Department of Edu- Health and Human Services, and Education held a cation; and public witnesses. hearing on the Health Resources and Services Ad- ministration and the Centers for Disease Control and OPEC AND THE NORTHEAST ENERGY Prevention. Testimony was heard from the following CRISIS officials of the Department of Health and Human Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Services: Claude Earl Fox, Administrator, Health Re- OPEC and the Northeast Energy Crisis. Testimony sources and Services Administration; and Jeffrey was heard from David L. Goldwyn, Assistant Sec- Koplan, Director, Centers for Disease Control and retary, International Affairs, Department of Energy; Prevention. Peter Bass, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy, Sanc- TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS tions and Commodities, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State; and public Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- witnesses. portation began appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress and public CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT— witnesses. PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Con- BUDGET REQUEST stitution held a hearing on H.J. Res. 64, proposing Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on an amendment to the Constitution of the United the Fiscal Year 2001 National Defense Authorization States to protect the rights of crime victims. Testi- Budget Request. Testimony was heard from the fol- mony was heard from Senators Kyl and Feinstein; lowing officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Representatives Chabot, Barcia and Scott; Judge Eric K. Shinseki, USA, Chief of Staff, Department of Emmet G. Sullivan, U.S. District Court, District of the Army; Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN, Chief of Columbia; and public witnesses. Naval Operations, Department of the Navy; Gen. Michael E. Ryan, USAF, Chief of Staff, Department MONEY LAUNDERING of the Air Force; and Gen. James L. Jones, USMC, Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime Commandant, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. held a hearing on money laundering. Testimony was Hearings continue February 17. heard from the following officials of the Department HOLOCAUST VICTIMS’ ASSETS of Justice: James K. Robinson, Assistant Attorney RESTITUTION General, Criminal Division; and Stefan Cassella, As- sistant Chief, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laun- Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Con- dering Section; John Varrone, Executive Director, cluded hearings on issues related to the restitution Domestic Operations East, Office of Investigations, of Holocaust victims’ assets. Testimony was heard U.S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; from Lawrence Eagleburger, Chairman, International and public witnesses. Commission on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims; Earl Powell, Director, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution; and public witnesses. SECRET EVIDENCE REPEAL ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- REUSE OF SINGLE-USE MEDICAL DEVICES gration and Claims held a hearing on H.R. 2121, Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight Secret Evidence Repeal Act of 1999. Testimony was and Investigations held a hearing on the reuse of sin- heard from Representatives Campbell and Bonior; gle-use medical devices. Testimony was heard from Larry R. Parkinson, General Counsel, FBI, Depart- David W. Feigal, Jr., M.D., Director, Center for De- ment of Justice; and public witnesses.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 D82 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 10, 2000 OVERSIGHT—VISA WAIVER PILOT MEDICAL ERRORS PROGRAM Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- Health held a hearing on Medical Errors. Testimony gration and Claims held an oversight hearing on the was heard from Linda J. Connell, Director, Aviation Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Testimony was heard Safety Reporting System, Ames Research Center, from the following officials of the Department of NASA; James P. Bagian, Director, National Center Justice: Robert Ashbaugh, Acting Inspector General; for Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Mike Cronin, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office Department of Veterans Affairs; and public wit- of Programs, Immigration and Naturalization Serv- nesses. ice; and Elisa Liang, Associate Deputy Attorney BABY BOOMER BENEFICIARIES—SOCIAL General; Ambassador Mary A. Ryan, Assistant Sec- SECURITY READINESS retary, Consular Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on So- cial Security and the Subcommittee on Human Re- OVERSIGHT—PROPOSED CONCESSIONS sources held a joint hearing to Examine Social Secu- REGULATIONS rity’s Readiness for the Impending Wave of Baby Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Boomer Beneficiaries. Testimony was heard from the Parks and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on following officials of the Social Security Advisory Proposed Concessions Regulations. Testimony was Board: Stanford G. Ross, Chair; and Sylvester J. heard from Maureen Finnerty, Associate Director, Schieber, member; the following officials of the Park Operations and Education, National Park Serv- GAO: Cynthia M. Fagnoni, Director, Education, ice, Department of the Interior; and public wit- Workforce and Income Security Issues, Health Edu- nesses. cation and Human Services Division; and Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Systems, Accounting and Information Management Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Division; and public witnesses. Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3595, to increase the authorization of appropriations Joint Meetings for the Reclamation Safety and Dams Act of 1978; EAST TIMOR H.R. 3577, to increase the amount authorized to be Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- appropriated for the north side pumping division of tions’ Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Af- the Minidoka reclamation project, Idaho; H.R. 2647, fairs concluded joint hearings with the House Com- Ak-Chin Water Use Amendments Act of 1999; and mittee on International Relations’ Subcommittee on H.R. 3236, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior Asia and the Pacific to examine the current situation to enter into contracts with the Weber Basin Water in East Timor, after receiving testimony from Stan- Conservancy District, Utah, to use Weber Basin ley O. Roth, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Project facilities for the impounding, storage, and Pacific Affairs, and C. David Welch, Assistant Sec- carriage of nonproject water for domestic, municipal, retary for International Organization Affairs, both of industrial, and other beneficial purposes. Testimony the Department of State; Charles Costello, Emory was heard from Representative Shadegg; Eluid Mar- University Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia; and An- tinez, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, De- drew MacIntyre, University of California Graduate partment of the Interior; and public witnesses. School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, CERTAIN EPA’S PROPOSED REGULATIONS San Diego. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- f committee on Water Resources and Environment COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, held a hearing on EPA’s Proposed Regulations Re- FEBRUARY 11, 2000 garding Total Maximum Daily Loads, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, and the (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Federal Anti-Degradation Policy. Testimony was Senate heard from J. Charles Fox, Assistant Administrator, Committee on the Budget: to resume hearings on the EPA; Peter J. Guerrero, Director, Resources, Com- President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year munity and Economic Development, GAO; Carol R. 2001, 10 a.m., SD–608. Collier, Executive Director, Delaware River Basin Commission; and public witnesses. House Hearings continue February 15. No Committee meetings are scheduled.

VerDate 27-JAN-2000 06:35 Feb 11, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D10FE0.REC pfrm08 PsN: D10FE0 February 10, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D83 CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD February 17, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, on the National Heart, Week of February 14 through February 19, 2000 Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Senate Chamber Dental and Craniofacial Research, 10 a.m., and on the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the National Insti- Senate will not be in session. tute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2 p.m., 2358 Senate Committees Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, February 16, Subcommittee No meetings/hearings scheduled. on Military Procurement and the Subcommittee on Mili- House Chamber tary Research and Development, joint hearing on ballistic missile defense programs, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. To be announced. February 17, full Committee, to continue hearings on House Committees the Fiscal Year 2001 National Defense Authorization Budget Request, 9:30 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Agriculture, February 15, Subcommittee on Committee on Banking and Financial Services, February 15, Risk Management, Research, and Specialty Crops, hearing Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, to review the President’s Working Group Report on the to mark up H.R. 1776, American Homeownership and over-the-counter derivatives markets and the Commodity Economic Opportunity Act of 1999, 10 a.m., 2128 Ray- Exchange Act, 9:30 a.m., 1300 Longworth. burn. February 17, full Committee, to consider Committee February 16, full Committee, to consider Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2001 for Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2001 for submission to the Committee on the Budget; and to hold submission to the Committee on the Budget, 2:30 p.m., a hearing to review the state of agricultural economy, 10 2128 Rayburn. a.m., 1300 Longworth. February 16, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions Committee on Appropriations, February 15, Subcommittee and Consumer Credit, hearing on Merging the Deposit on Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary, on the Legal Insurance Funds, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Services Corporation, 10 a.m., H–309 Capitol. February 17, full Committee, .hearing on the Conduct February 15, Subcommittee on Interior, oversight on of Monetary Policy (Humphrey-Hawkins), 10 a.m., 2128 the Fish and Wildlife Service, 10 a.m., B–308 Capitol. Rayburn. February 15, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Committee on the Budget, February 16, hearing on Pre- Human Services, and Education, on the Director, Na- liminary Analysis of the Administration’s Fiscal Year tional Institutes of Health, 1 p.m., and on the National 2001 Budget, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon. Cancer Institute, 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. February 15, Subcommittee on Military Construction, February 16, hearing on ‘‘Oversight of ‘High-Risk’ on overview, 9:30 a.m., B–300 Rayburn. Government Programs,’’ 210 Cannon. February 15, Subcommittee on Transportation, on the Committee on Commerce, February 16, Subcommittee on Secretary of Transportation, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Health and Environment, hearing on Seniors’ Access to February 16, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural De- Affordable Prescription Drugs: Models for Reform, 10 velopment, Food and Drug Administration, and Related a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Agencies, on the Secretary of Agriculture, 1 p.m., 2362A February 16, Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Rayburn. Trade, and Consumer Protection, hearing on Video on the February 16, Subcommittee on Defense, executive, on Internet: iCraveTV.com and Other Recent Developments Military Readiness, 9:30 a.m., H–140 Capitol. in Webcasting, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. February 16, Subcommittee on Interior, oversight on February 17, Subcommittee on Oversight and Inves- the Forest Service and on the National Association of tigations, hearing on Cyber Insecurity at EPA: GAO Re- Public Administration, 10 a.m., B–308 Rayburn. ports Agency Systems Vulnerable to Attack, 10 a.m., February 16, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and 2123 Rayburn. Human Services, and Education, on the National Institute February 17, Subcommittee on Telecommunications, on Aging and the National Center for Research Re- Trade, and Consumer Protection, hearing on the FCC’s sources, 10 a.m., and on the National Institute of Child Low-power FM: A Review of the FCC’s Spectrum Man- Health and Human Development and the National Insti- agement Responsibilities in addition to H.R. 3439, tute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2 Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999, 10 a.m., p.m., 2358 Rayburn. 2322 Rayburn. February 16, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Committee on Education and the Workforce, February 15, on the Quality of Life, 9:30 a.m., B–300 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth, and Families, February 17, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural De- hearing on H.R. 3614, Emergency Commodity Distribu- velopment, Food and Drug Administration, and Related tion Act of 2000, 2 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. Agencies, on the Inspector General, 10 a.m., 2362A Ray- February 15, Subcommittee on Employee-Employer burn. Relations, hearing on the Evolving Pension and Invest- February 17, Subcommittee on Defense, on Defense ment World After 25 years of ERISA, 10 a.m., 2175 Medical Programs, 9:30 a.m., H–140 Capitol. Rayburn.

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February 16, full Committee, to mark up the following of Federal offshore royalties to satisfy the authorization for bills: H.R. 3222, Literacy Involves Families Together compensation contained in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Act; and H.R. 3616, Impact Act Reauthorization Act of for oil and gas drainage in the West Delta field, 9:30 2000, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. a.m., 1334 Longworth. February 17, Subcommittee on Oversight and Inves- February 15, Subcommittee on Forests and Forest tigations, hearing on 21st Century Worker Shortages, 10 Health, oversight hearing on the Funding of Environ- a.m., 2175 Rayburn. mental Initiatives and Their Impacts on Local Commu- Committee on Government Reform, February 15, Sub- nities, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. committee on the Census, oversight hearing of the 2000 February 16, full Committee, to consider pending busi- Census: Examining the GAO’s Census 2000 Oversight ness, 11 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Activities, 2 p.m., 2203 Rayburn. February 17, Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, February 15, Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Wildlife and Oceans, to mark up pending business; and Policy and Human Resources, hearing on The U.S. Re- to hold an oversight hearing on the Administration’s sponse to the Crisis in Colombia, 10 a.m., 2247 Rayburn. Budget request for Fiscal Year 2001 for U.S. Fish and February 15, Subcommittee on National Economic Wildlife Service and NOAA, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs, hear- February 17, Subcommittee on National Parks and ing on ‘‘Is the Department of Labor Regulating the Pub- Public Lands, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 1509, lic Through the Backdoor?’’ 1 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. to authorize the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foun- February 16, Subcommittee on National Security, Vet- dation to establish a memorial in the District of Colum- erans’ Affairs, and International Relations, hearing on De- bia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled fense Security Service Oversight, 10 a.m., 2247 Rayburn. while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States; February 17, Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug H.R. 1864, to standardize the process for conducting Policy and Human Resources, hearing on HHS Drug public hearings for Federal agencies within the Depart- Treatment Support: Is SAMHSA Optimizing Resources? ment of the Interior; and H.R. 2932, Golden Spike/ 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Crossroads of the West National Heritage Area Act of Committee on International Relations, February 15, Sub- 1999, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. committee on Africa, hearing on Peace Keeping in the Committee on Science, February 16, Subcommittee on Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2 p.m., 2200 Ray- Basic Research, hearing on National Science Foundation burn. Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Authorization Request, Part I: February 16, full committee, hearing on the Adminis- Research and Related Activities and Major Research tration’s Fiscal Year 2001 International Affairs Budget Equipment, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Request, 10 a.m., room to be announced. February 16, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, February 16, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, hearing on Fiscal Year 2001 NASA Authorization, NASA hearing on Indonesia: Confronting the Political and Eco- Posture, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. nomic Crises, 1:30 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. February 17, Subcommittee on Technology, hearing on February 17, full Committee, to consider Committee FAA Research and Development Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2001 for Review, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. submission to the Committee on the Budget; followed by Committee on Small Business, February 16, hearing on a hearing on North Korea: Leveraging Uncertainty? 10 Association Health Plans, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. a.m., room to be announced. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, February Committee on the Judiciary, February 15, to consider 15, Subcommittee on Aviation, hearing on the Recent Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year Breakdown of Aviation Negotiations Between the United 2001 for submission to the Committee on the Budget; States and the United Kingdom, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. and to mark up the following bills: H.R. 1443, Traffic February 15, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Stops Statistics Study Act of 1999; H.R. 1283, Fairness Environment, to continue hearings on the EPA’s Pro- in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1999; and H.R. 2372, posed Regulations Regarding Total Maximum Daily Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 1999, 10 Loads, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sys- a.m., 2141 Rayburn. tem, and the Federal Anti-Degradation Policy, 1 p.m., February 17, Subcommittee on Crime, to mark up the 2318 Rayburn. following bills: H.R. 3048, Presidential Threat Protection February 16, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investiga- Act of 1999; and H.R. 1349, Federal Prisoner Health tions, and Emergency Management, hearing on Flood Care Copayment Act of 1999, 9:30 a.m., 2226 Rayburn. Water Rescue, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. February 17, Subcommittee on Immigration and Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, February 17, hearing on Claims, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 271, Justice the Fiscal Year 2001 budget for the Department of Vet- for Holocaust Survivors Act; H.R. 3058, Anti-Atrocity erans Affairs, 9:30 a.m., 334 Cannon. Alien Deportation Act; and H.R. 2883, Adopted Orphans Committee on Ways and Means, February 15, Sub- Citizenship Act, 9:30 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. committee on Health, hearing on Seniors’ Access to Pre- Committee on Resources, February 15, Subcommittee on scription Drug Benefits, 1 p.m., 1100 Longworth. Energy and Mineral Resources, hearing on H.R. 3432, to February 15, Subcommittee on Social Security, hearing direct the Minerals Management Service to grant the on improving Social Security Work Incentives, 10 a.m., State of Louisiana and its lessees a credit in the payment B–318 Rayburn.

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February 16, full Committee, hearing on the U.S.- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, February 15, China Bilateral Trade Agreement and the Accession of executive, to consider pending business, 2 p.m., H–405 China to the WTO, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Capitol. February 17, Subcommittee on Human Resources, February 16, hearing on the State of Counterintel- hearing on Child Protection Review System, 9 a.m., ligence at the Department of Energy and Its Three Key B–318 Rayburn. Nuclear Weapons Laboratories, 1 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. February 17, hearing on Colombia, 1 p.m., 2212 Ray- burn.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 22 12:30 p.m., Monday, February 14

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Tuesday: Senator Moynihan will read Program for Monday: Consideration of Suspensions. Washington’s Farewell Address; following which, there will be a period of morning business (not to extend be- yond 12:30 p.m.). At 2:15 p.m., Senate will consider any cleared execu- tive or legislative business. (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their respective party conferences.)

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E117 Paul, Ron, Tex., E114, E117 Gekas, George W., Pa., E116 Sanchez, Loretta, Calif., E118 Bateman, Herbert H., Va., E120 Goodlatte, Bob, Va., E109 Saxton, Jim, N.J., E110 Becerra, Xavier, Calif., E118 Goodling, William F., Pa., E110, E111 Schaffer, Bob, Colo., E122 Berman, Howard L., Calif., E123 Hayes, Robin, N.C., E121 Sherman, Brad, Calif., E115, E123 Canady, Charles T., Fla., E113 Houghton, Amo, N.Y., E120 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E109, E115, E123 Chambliss, Saxby, Ga., E112, E114 Johnson, Sam, Tex., E111 Taylor, Charles H., N.C., E113 Davis, Thomas M., Va., E110, E112, E113, E116 Kleczka, Gerald D., Wisc., E116 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E112, E115 DeGette, Diana, Colo., E112, E114 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E120 Underwood, Robert A., Guam, E123 DeMint, Jim, S.C., E119 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E118 Udall, Mark, Colo., E119 Dooley, Calvin M., Calif., E113 McDermott, Jim, Wash., E122 Watts, J.C., Jr., Okla., E119 Ehlers, Vernon J., Mich., E118 Nethercutt, George R., Jr., Wash., E119 Wynn, Albert Russell, Md., E119 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E111 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E119

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