September 28, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S11715 And then, of course, a book has been and my friends—our children. Since I morous Members, one of the most dedi- finished. That has a unique title. The came here, Bill has married Debbie, cated Members, I think, to serve in the title of that book is ‘‘In the Old Gazoo: and we could not have found one like Senate—and with courage too, taking Observations From a Lifetime of that for him. They have given us two on little issues, tough issues, like enti- Scrapping with the Press.’’ And that grandchildren in the passing years, tlements and Social Security and so book, of course, will be a remarkable Beth and Eric—just dazzlers, both of on. document and certainly I will at least them. And then Susan is married to a I just compliment my colleague from sell 50 copies because I shall assign it wonderful man named John Gallagher. Wyoming, and I can speak on behalf of to my class. And so that will be at Again, if you could go shopping for all my colleagues, we certainly value least—now, let us see, the royalty on those in-laws, sons-in-laws and daugh- his contributions to this body and to that. ters-in-law, those are two you would our country. We wish you and your Well, there is no question about pick—Debbie and John. Colin is not lovely bride, Ann, all the best in the fu- where we are headed here. So enough. linked up with anyone as yet. But he ture. The legacy that I have with Social Se- has had a great deal of hot pursuit over Mr. SIMPSON. That is very nice. curity is going to go on to JUDD GREGG, the years, in my time here. He is a Thank you. wonderful, picking it right up where I wonderful, splendid man, the middle Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I yield left off. The legacy of immigration will son. the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- go on to JOHN KYL and DIANNE FEIN- So my parents are, too, joined now ator from South Dakota. STEIN, and that is spirited and I am and gone since I came here. I close with Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I pleased. The legacy of the Veterans’ three things my parents taught me want to join the tribute to AL SIMPSON, Affairs Committee will go to ARLEN that I leave with you. the Senator from Wyoming. I came SPECTER and JAY ROCKEFELLER, and No. 1, my mother said, ‘‘Humor is the here with him and there is almost no- they are both dedicated, passionate universal solvent against the abrasive body I admire more than AL SIMPSON. I people about veterans. In fact, almost elements of life.’’ It is, and you need it enjoyed that speech very much. I wish too much so. That is why we will have here. I could be in your class at Harvard. I some further discussions together on No. 2 is our line of work, and Edmund think that would be fun. But stay with- that. Burke said it best. Listen to it: in the subject matter. But, I intend to work with young Those who would carry the great public Mr. SIMPSON. Buy the book. people. I intend to get involved with schemes must be proof against the most f the Third Millennium. These are not fatiguing delays, the most mortifying dis- antisenior people. These are young peo- appointments, the most shocking insults, THE FEDERAL AVIATION ple. If people between 18 and 45 cannot and the worse of all—the presumptious judg- AUTHORIZATION BILL ment of the ignorant beyond their design. figure out what is going to happen to Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, as them when they are 65, they will be That is our work. That is what we do. chairman of the conference on H.R. picking grit with the chickens. We are But in the combat of the day, the best 3539, the Federal Aviation Authoriza- going to work with them, we are going one of all, if you are doing anything, tion Act of l996, I rise to urge my col- to talk about the entitlements and So- you are making enemies. If you are leagues to permit the Senate to imme- cial Security and Medicare. doing nothing, or just want to be loved, diately proceed to consideration of the I commend the leaders I have worked get into another line of work, because conference report for this critically im- with, Senator NICKLES, TED STEVENS, here it is, all in this little couplet: portant legislation. H.R. 3539 is a bipar- Howard Baker, ROBERT BYRD, Al Cran- You have no enemies, you say? My friend, tisan, omnibus aviation bill which re- ston, WENDELL FORD, George Mitchell, your boast is poor. For anyone who has en- authorizes the Airport Improvement TOM DASCHLE, TRENT LOTT—doing a tered the fray of duty, where the brave en- Program [AIP], reforms the Federal tremendous job. I am very proud of dure, must have made foes. If he has none, Aviation Administration, improves small is the work that he has done; he has him. never cast a cup from perjured lips, he has aviation safety and security, and pro- And particularly to the Wyoming never struck a trailer on the hip, never vides long overdue assistance to the people who allowed me to do this in my turned a wrong to right, or beat a coward in families of victims of aviation disas- own way for 18 years—in my own a fight. ters. unique way, however that is defined. I have lived that one. I commend it Mr. President, it is absolutely imper- But, to me it has been a true honor to to you. Finally, on my wall in leath- ative that the Senate approves this represent this proud people of Wyo- er—appropriately, because leather is conference report before we adjourn ming, my native land, who are opinion- supple and tough—is this phrase: and that the President signs the re- ated, thoughtful, articulate, and well port. Yesterday, the House met its re- Press on. Nothing in the world can take read; who really let you know how they the place of persistence. Talent will not; sponsibility to the American traveling feel and don’t mince words, and that is nothing is more common than unsuccessful public by passing this legislation. If the way we do it out in the land of high men with talent. Genius will not; the Senate fails to approve this excel- altitude and low multitude. unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Edu- lent legislation which represents an- Someone asked me, what would be cation will not; the world is full of educated other significant legislative accom- the epitaph you would like at the end derelicts. Persistence and determination plishment for this body, we will have of public life? It did not take me long alone are omnipotent. failed to meet our responsibility to the to think of the answer. The answer is, I commend that to my colleagues. I American traveling public. For exam- ‘‘You would have wanted him on your thank the Chair. ple, if we do not approve this report, side.’’ It has been a great run. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- airports across the country will not re- God bless you all. ator from Oklahoma. ceive Federal funding which is vital for Mr. President, it is very important Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I wish safety-related repairs and other im- that I relate the great pride I have in to congratulate the very distinguished provements. the fact that my father served in this senior Senator from Wyoming. I will If we fail to pass this report, the Sen- U.S. Senate and what a sheer privilege say, for one who has been in combat ate will have neglected our responsibil- and honor it has been to come here with my colleague from Wyoming, I ity to ensure the United States main- after him. He served here from 1962 to would always say that I want him on tains the safest and most secure avia- 1966 and retired because of arthritis my side. I look forward to reading his tion system in the world. For example, and Parkinson’s disease, and he lived books. the conference report implements to be 95. So I want to say that to carry You might note, you will have at many of the aviation security rec- on his legacy has been a moving thing. least 51 copies I know you will be en- ommendations made by the White And as the passing parade of life goes riched by the royalties of. We have all House Commission on Aviation Safety on, in 18 years here, I want to recognize been enriched by your humor and par- and Security earlier this month. Bill, Colin, Susan, who are wonderful, ticipation in this body, one of the most Mr. President, there are dozens of im- dear, splendid people, all Ann’s friends colorful Members, one of the most hu- portant provisions in this legislation, S11716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 28, 1996 but I would like to focus my remarks the committee of their harrowing expe- person of rights without the benefit of on four main areas. riences. I promised those witnesses, as a hearing, debate, or even discussion. First, aviation security. Air trans- well as other families of victims in the Section 10501 of the ICC Termination portation in this country is safe. In- room, that Congress finally would act Act makes that point crystal clear. deed, it remains the safest form of this year to put in place measures to Section 10501 states ‘‘[t]he enactment travel. However, we can and we must improve the treatment families re- of the ICC Termination Act of 1995 do more. This legislation facilitates ceive, protect their privacy in a time of shall neither expand nor contract cov- the replacement of outdated air traffic grief, ensure they receive timely and erage of employees or employers by the control equipment. It puts in place a accurate information, and address a Railway Labor Act.’’ mechanism to evaluate FAA’s long- number of other concerns they elo- Mr. President, fairness dictates we term funding which is critically impor- quently voiced to the committee. The correct that inadvertent technical tant at a time in which enplanements family advocacy and assistance provi- error. That is precisely what the Hol- continue to increase yet Federal budg- sions in this conference report are sup- lings amendment does. It is exactly et constraints limit the ability of the ported by these families and I hope the why I supported it in conference. It is FAA to respond to the increased needs Senate will help me keep my promise why I continue to strongly support it. of our aviation system. Additionally, to families who already have suffered Contrary to what some Senators have this legislation eliminates the FAA’s enough. I hope we do not disappoint claimed, it is my understanding the dual mandate. It ensures the FAA fi- them. Hollings amendment will not create nally focuses solely on aviation safety. Mr. President, despite all the vitally any new labor protections which Fed- A second area I want to highlight is important aviation safety and security eral Express did not have prior to en- aviation security. This conference re- provisions in this legislation, I under- actment of the technical error in the port contains numerous provisions de- stand a very small group of Senators ICC Termination Act. Nor will it signed to improve security at our Na- are concerned about one provision in broaden labor protections Federal Ex- tion’s airlines and airports. The meas- the legislation which makes a tech- press previously had. The amendment ure before us today incorporates many nical correction affecting Federal Ex- is precisely what it purports to be, a of the recommendations of the White press. I refer to the amendment the technical correction. House Commission on Aviation Safety ranking member of the Commerce The conference report should be on and Security of which I am a member. Committee, Senator HOLLINGS, offered the floor for consideration and we In fact, this legislation provides statu- in conference to correct a technical should be debating a truly historic tory authority requested by the Presi- error in the Interstate Commerce Com- piece of aviation legislation which re- dent to implement several of the Com- mission Termination Act of 1995. It is flects the outstanding work Congress mission’s recommendations. Passage of time we reach an agreement on this does when it proceeds on a bipartisan this bill will improve aviation security issue. basis. Unfortunately, instead of dis- by: speeding deployment of the latest The Hollings amendment, which I charging our duty to the American explosive detection devices; enhancing strongly support, is not the partisan traveling public, the Senate is bogged passenger screening processes; requir- provision these Senators believe it to down in procedural maneuvers by a ing criminal history record checks on be. All five Senate conferees—Senator small group of Senators to prevent the screeners; requiring regular joint MCCAIN, Senator STEVENS, Senator conference report accompanying H.R. threat assessments; and encouraging HOLLINGS, Senator FORD and I—voted 3539 from being considered by the Sen- other innovative procedures to improve in favor of that amendment because, ate. Why? We cannot consider this overall aviation security such as auto- despite all the rhetoric, it is simply a vital legislation because a small group mated passenger profiling. technical correction which fairness dic- of Senators does not support the Hol- The third area I wish to highlight is tates the Congress make. lings amendment which is contained in how this legislation will help small I would like to briefly discuss the just 5 lines of a 189-page bill. All too community air service and small air- rhetoric that has clouded the Hollings often, Congress is criticized for losing ports. The legislation before us today amendment issue and, regrettably, has sight of the big picture. Today, regret- reauthorizes the Essential Air Service transformed the Hollings amendment tably, the Senate is reinforcing that Program at the level of $50 million. into an issue which some now feel is perception. This program is vital to States such as more important than enhancing avia- Some members of the American pub- South Dakota. By adjusting the for- tion safety and security. When the lic watching these proceedings either mula for AIP funds, we would now en- House debated the conference report, I from the gallery or on C-SPAN will un- sure that all airports receive virtually heard a number of Members make blan- derstandably ask themselves ‘‘has the all their entitlement funds in addition ket statements that the Hollings Senate lost sight of the goal of ensur- to being eligible for discretionary amendment is not truly a technical ing the safety and security of air travel funds. This is great news for small air- correction. Those same Members in the United States?’’ Others will ask ports which in recent years have re- claimed their statements were based on themselves ‘‘has the Senate forgotten ceived far less than their full and fair their purported knowledge of the Sen- the importance of safety-related re- share of these funds. Also, the legisla- ate’s intent when it considered and pairs and other improvements at our tion directs the Secretary of Transpor- overwhelmingly passed the ICC Termi- Nation’s airports?’’ And the family tation to conduct a comprehensive nation Act. With all due respect to members of aviation disaster victims study on rural air service and fares. those Members of the House, I au- will correctly ask ‘‘why has the Senate For too long, small communities have thored the ICC Termination Act and failed to listen to our pleas to put in been forced to endure higher fares as a can unequivocally say they are dead place measures to improve the treat- result of inadequate competition. The wrong. The Hollings amendment is ment of families of future aviation dis- Department of Transportation will now nothing more than a technical correc- aster victims?″ look into this issue as a result of this tion. And, Mr. President, each and every conference report. This follows on the Let me explain. Prior to the Inter- one of these questions is perfectly important work that I instructed the state Commerce Commission Termi- valid. If we fail to pass this conference General Accounting Office to initiate nation Act of 1995, the Railway Labor report before we adjourn, I would hate last year. Act had jurisdiction over carriers in- to be in the position of having to an- Mr. President, the final area I wish cluding express companies. A conform- swer them. to highlight is the compassionate ing amendment in the ICC Termination We owe it to the American public to measures this legislation would put in Act inadvertently dropped express preempt these questions by resisting place for the families of victims of companies from the scope of the Rail- the invitation to lose sight of the big- aviation disasters. Last week, I chaired way Labor Act. As the author of the ger picture. Today, we are trying to a hearing of the Commerce Committee ICC Termination Act, I can say un- pass an historic aviation safety and se- in which the families of victims of five equivocally that the Senate never in- curity bill. Let us get the job done for aviation tragedies courageously told tended to strip Federal Express or any the American public. I urge that the September 28, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S11717 Senate immediately take up for consid- mobile manufacturer—General Mo- large electric trucks, vans, and buses in lieu eration the conference report to ac- tors—intends to market an electric ve- of the credit for electric vehicles, and (d) company H.R. 3539. hicle in the showrooms of one of its modify the credit for electric vehicles and Let me add that I pledge to join most successful product lines. allow the credit to be applied against the al- General Motor’s Saturn dealerships ternative minimum tax. The modifications whatever efforts the Senator from to the electric vehicle credit and the alter- Alaska, who is in the chair, or others in southern California and Phoenix/ native minimum tax would be effective for take to ensure this conference report Tucson, AZ will begin selling electric taxable years beginning after December 31, passes before we adjourn. This legisla- vehicles this fall. Next year, General 1996. In general, the remaining provisions tion is yet another example of the ex- Motors will offer, through Chevrolet would be effective for property placed in cellent bipartisan cooperation of the dealers, an electric light duty truck; service after the date of enactment. Commerce Committee. The Hollings Toyota and Honda will begin selling For the purpose of preparing a revenue es- amendment enjoys the bipartisan sup- EV’s; and Chrysler has proposed to sell timate for sections 2 through 5 of your draft bill, we have assumed that the bill will be port of all of the Senate conferees. In electric minivans to the U.S. Govern- enacted on October 1, 1996. The following is a that bipartisan spirit, I urge Senators ment. In 1998, Ford Motor Co. will in- revenue estimate for sections 2 through 5 of from both sides of the aisle to join our troduce a vehicle for the U.S. market, the bill: effort to pass the FAA conference re- as will Chrysler and Nissan. Many port. other companies in California and FISCAL YEARS f throughout the United States also are [In millions of dollars] actively involved in clean fuel vehicle CLEAN FUEL VEHICLE ACT OF 1996 1997– 1997– development. Item 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2001 2006 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, in June Even with this degree of very promis- of this year, along with my colleagues Sections 2 ing activity, the market is uncertain through Senators INOUYE, FEINSTEIN, KENNEDY, because the number of first-time buy- 5 of the KERRY, and JEFFORDS, I introduced leg- Clean ers is uncertain. The short-term tax in- Fuel islation (S. 1848) to provide temporary centives in my proposal will go far to- Vehicle tax incentives to spur the market for Stimu- ward helping to encourage the initial lus Act ¥2 ¥3 ¥3 ¥4 ¥4 ¥3 ¥15 ¥22 clean fuel vehicles, including natural market. All of the tax provisions will gas and electric vehicles. While this sunset at the end of the year 2004. Most Note: Details may not add to totals due to rounding. Congress has no time remaining to con- important, we have an opportunity to I hope this information is helpful to you. If sider this proposal, I intend to intro- assist in creating new forms of per- we can be of further assistance in this mat- duce the legislation in the 105th Con- sonal transportation—ones that ter, please let me know. gress, and I urge my colleagues to then Sincerely, produce little or no tailpipe emissions KENNETH J. KIES. consider the measure and join me and and that rely upon domestically pro- f others in promoting the trans- duced fuels. And, ones that use ad- formation of our transportation system vanced computer-based technologies RETIRING SENATORS to cleaner forms of energy. that position U.S. industries to lead Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, 13 dedi- This proposal calls for targeted tax the transportation sector into the next cated people are leaving the U.S. Sen- incentives that would, first, remove century. ate this year. Each of them will leave clean fuel vehicles from the luxury This legislaton has been endorsed by a mark on this institution. Each has automobile classification for luxury the Union of Concerned Scientists, the contributed to its accomplishments. excise tax and depreciation purposes; Electric Transportation Coalition, the Each has been an able and honorable second, remove the limitations on the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition of the representative of his or her State. availability of credits and deductions USA, the city of Los Angeles and Poto- I count them all as friends, and I for use of electric vehicles by govern- mac Electric Power Co. I urge my col- hope that the friendship I have shared mental units; third, provide deductions leagues to join me in this effort for a with them will continue after they for large electric vans and buses; clean-fuel 21st century and support my leave public life. I wish them all god- fourth, adopt a straight, rather than legislation next year. speed, good health, and long happy graduated, tax credit for electric vehi- I ask unanimous consent that a copy lives after the Senate. cles; and fifth, exempt liquefied natu- of the letter from the Joint Taxation f ral gas from certain taxes. Committee be printed in the RECORD. Recently, the Joint Committee on There being no objection, the letter CLAIBORNE PELL Taxation provided a revenue estimate was ordered to be printed in the Around the Senate, we often hear the of those provisions of the bill that pro- RECORD, as follows: word ‘‘distinguished’’ used to describe vide tax incentives for clean fuel vehi- CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, our colleagues. But in the case of the cles. The committee previously re- JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION, senior senator from Rhode Island, the ported to me that my provision to levy Washington, DC, September 24, 1996. description truly fits the man. CLAI- the same rate of excise tax on liquified Hon. BARBARA BOXER, BORNE PELL has served in this body for natural gas as already is levied on com- U.S. Senate, 36 years. Only two other Senators have pressed natural gas would result in a Washington, DC. DEAR SENATOR BOXER: This completes our served longer. revenue loss of only $4 million from response to your request for a revenue esti- In addition to his almost four dec- 1997 to 2002. I urge my colleagues to mate corresponding to a draft bill to provide ades of devoted service to the people of note, significantly, the committee esti- certain tax incentives for electric vehicles Rhode Island, Senator Pell has an un- mated that for the other provisions, and other clean-fuel vehicles (the ‘‘Clean surpassed record of legislative accom- items one through four above, for the Fuel Vehicle Stimulus Act of 1996’’). plishments—a legacy that will benefit 5-year period between 1997 and 2001 the In our letter of June 24, 1996, we provided Americans all over the Nation for gen- total revenue impacts would equate to you with a revenue estimate for section 6 of erations to come. your draft bill, which would exempt liquified no more than $15 million. Even more natural gas (‘‘LNG’’) from the Highway CLAIBORNE PELL is the father of Pell important, for this modest cost, we can Trust Fund component of the special motor grants, the Nation’s premier assistance spur the development of vehicles that fuels excise tax. program for needy college students. produce no tailpipe emissions. This letter contains a revenue estimate for For many years, he has also been one Zero emission vehicles are not a pipe- sections 2 through 5 of your draft bill. These of the Senate’s leading voices in sup- less dream so to speak. Many are in use sections of the bill would (a) remove clean- port of the National Endowments for today, and they are scheduled to be in fuel vehicles from the luxury automobile the Arts and the Humanities, which Saturn dealer showrooms later this fall classification for luxury excise tax purposes promote and sustain so much of the and exempt such vehicles from depreciation and soon on the lots of other auto- limitations, (b) remove current restrictions creative life of this country. makers. Again, let me state that we on the availability of credits and deductions Throughout his career in the Senate, are not describing some far out in time for electric vehicles used by governmental CLAIBORNE PELL has been deeply in- technology; the world’s largest auto- units, (c) provide certain deductions for volved in foreign policy issues. He