July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8087 been working around the clock, and I George Tenet is well known to many across the globe enjoy the support that am really indebted to them. I thank members of the Senate, as he served they need to carry out their duties. I the distinguished chairman. with distinction as a staff member, and wish him a long, fruitful and rewarding Mr. GREGG. I thank the Senator for then Staff Director of the Senate Intel- tenure as our new Director of Central all his work. ligence Committee during the service Intelligence. f of Senator David Boren, of Oklahoma, f when he was Chairman of that Com- MORNING BUSINESS mittee. When Senator Boren retired, to CNN’S COVERAGE OF THE SENATE Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask take up the post of President of the CAMPAIGN FINANCE HEARINGS unanimous consent that there now be a University of Oklahoma, George be- Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, Cable period for the transaction of morning came the Assistant to the President for News Network announced this week business with Senators permitted to Intelligence matters on the staff of the that it would provide live television speak therein for up to 5 minutes each. National Security Council, and served coverage of the Senate Governmental The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with great distinction in that capacity. Affairs Committee hearings on cam- objection, it is so ordered. As a result of that service, he was paign finance activities. But, Mr. f asked by Mr. John Deutsch to be the President, their decision was based Deputy Director of Central Intelligence PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR only on the fact that former Repub- when Mr. Deutsch was appointed Direc- lican National Committee chairman, Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, in behalf tor, and he has served as the Acting Di- Haley Barbour, is scheduled to testify. of Mr. BINGAMAN, I ask unanimous con- rector since January of this year when CNN has been suspiciously absent in sent that privileges of the floor be Mr. Deutsch returned to the private its live coverage of the hearings, only granted to Dr. Robert Simon on detail sector. Mr. Tenet has been praised on allowing its viewers to see the opening from the Department of Energy to his the floor by the current leadership of statements of the chairman and the staff, during the pendency of Senate the Senate Intelligence Committee, by ranking member during the past 2 Resolution 98 or any votes occurring the Chairman, the distinguished Sen- weeks of the hearings. thereupon. ator from Alabama, Mr. SHELBY, and As I understand it, CNN based its de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Ranking Democrat, the distin- cision to provide live coverage of Mr. objection, it is so ordered. guished Senator from Nebraska, Mr. Barbour’s testimony on the judgment f KERREY. They have praised Mr. Tenet’s that he has celebrity status. Or, as capabilities, judgment and character. I CNN’s own Washington Bureau chief, THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE wish to express my own confidence in Frank Sesno, called them yesterday, his leadership and I believe he has the Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the ‘‘major players’’. capacity to bring the agency out of the close of business yesterday, Wednes- That is a decision more fitting of the unfortunate period that it has recently day, July 23, 1997, the Federal debt program ‘‘Entertainment Tonight’’, in- experienced which was tarnished by es- stood at $5,367,622,941,689.53. (Five tril- stead of a network which prides itself pionage scandals, and too rapid a turn- lion, three hundred sixty-seven billion, on being the world’s leader of news. over in the Office of the Director. He six hundred twenty-two million, nine I am certain that I am not the only faces the challenge of bringing morale hundred forty-one thousand, six hun- one disappointed by CNN’s decision to up, as well as restoring public and Con- dred eighty-nine dollars and fifty-three forgo live coverage of the hearings. In gressional confidence in the intel- cents.) fact, on CNN’s own Internet web page, ligence organization of the nation. It is One year ago, July 23, 1996, the Fed- an overwhelming number of CNN’s his responsibility to ensure that the In- eral debt stood at $5,171,664,000,000. viewers are distressed over the net- telligence Community performs on the (Five trillion, one hundred seventy-one work’s failure to provide live coverage. basis of the highest standards of integ- billion, six hundred sixty-four million.) One viewer wrote, and I quote: Five years ago, July 23, 1992, the Fed- rity, and that the tremendous analyt- eral debt stood at $3,988,415,000,000. ical, technical, and personnel resources Although I am very pleased that you are carrying the campaign finance hearings (Three trillion, nine hundred eighty- that the community possesses, without through your Web site, I must say after all of eight billion, four hundred fifteen mil- rival in the world, are brought to bear the interminable O.J. hearings you carried lion.) on the often dangerous and difficult live on CNN, why on God’s earth aren’t you Ten years ago, July 23, 1987, the Fed- targets and areas of concern that con- carrying the hearings as well? I am very dis- eral debt stood at $2,300,098,000,000. stitute the intelligence agenda of the appointed. (Two trillion, three hundred billion, nation. It was signed by Jim Merrick on July ninety-eight million.) Mr. Tenet is already known as a 16. Fifteen years ago, July 23, 1982, the strong leader with clear focus and a Mr. President, there has been such Federal debt stood at $1,086,341,000,000 broad vision. I do not believe there is sufficient controversy over the CNN’s (One trillion, eighty-six billion, three any recent Director of Central Intel- lack of live coverage of the hearings— hundred forty-one million) which re- ligence that I have dealt with that and even the lack of regular coverage flects a debt increase of more than $4 brings as strong a knowledge of and of the hearings by the other television trillion—$4,281,281,941,689.53 (Four tril- constituency in the Senate as he en- networks—that CNN devoted a sub- lion, two hundred eighty-one billion, joys. Intelligence in the confusing and stantial portion of its program ‘‘Inside two hundred eighty-one million, nine shifting world of this post-cold war era Politics’’ on Tuesday, to discuss the hundred forty-one thousand, six hun- is vital to both branches of the na- uproar. dred eighty-nine dollars and fifty-three tional government, and to be successful In a roundtable discussion, where cents) during the past 15 years. must enjoy the strong support of both journalists interview each other about f of them. George is uniquely qualified what a great job they’re doing, CNN’s to bring about a working consensus on APPROVAL OF GEORGE TENET AS Judy Woodruff asked ABC’s Hal Bruno the priorities, activities and budget of about the difference of these hearings DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTEL- the intelligence community. He enjoys LIGENCE as compared to the Watergate and an extraordinarily deep reservoir of Iran-Contra hearings. Hal Bruno re- Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, on Thurs- support here in the Senate, and I be- plied, and I quote: day evening, July 10, 1997, the Senate lieve in the White House and the Intel- Government was at a standstill in Wash- confirmed the nomination of George J. ligence Community as well. He is an ington as a result of Watergate and the Tenet, of Maryland, to be the Director outstanding choice, and the President whole country was immersed in it. And the of Central Intelligence. I am delighted is to be commended on his selection. I same was true to a lesser degree with Iran- that the Senate has taken this action, look forward to working with him to Contra. These were major stories of revela- based on the unanimous recommenda- ensure that the highly dedicated, tal- tions of criminal wrongdoing. tion of the Senate Intelligence Com- ented and courageous individuals who Mr. President, Hal Bruno’s comment mittee. serve the nation silently day and night is an outrage.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:22 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S24JY7.REC S24JY7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY S8088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 24, 1997 For one, the country was immersed interested in watching instead of the public The Committee learned that John Huang in these events because the television making that decision for themselves. had worked for Lippo Bank in Los Angeles, networks were carrying the hearings Sincerely, but the CEO of the Bank did not know what live. LARRY E. CRAIG, Huang did in his office. Chairman. The Committee learned that Lippo Group, And furthermore, the campaign fi- run by the Riady family, which employed nance hearings have uncovered much SUMMARY OF HIGHLIGHTS OF TESTIMONY OF Huang, had over the past few years become a more serious charges and allegations. FIRST TWO WEEKS OF HEARINGS BY THE major business partner with China Re- They include: Espionage, foreign influ- COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS sources, a trading company wholly owned by ence peddling, campaign corruption INTO 1996 CAMPAIGN FINANCE ABUSES the Government of the People’s Republic of and even money laundering. Just look DNC Finance Director Richard Sullivan ac- China, which has reportedly served as an in- at this summary by the staff of the knowledged that the DNC’s process for vet- telligence-collection front for China. The Committee learned that Huang was Governmental Affairs Committee on ting contributions had ‘‘atrophied,’’ and that the Republican Party’s system for vetting given a political appointment in the Com- what has been revealed so far during 2 merce Department, but his boss, Commerce weeks of hearings. contributions was ‘‘much more systematic, complex and thorough’’ than the Democratic Under secretary Jeffrey Garten found Huang Hal Bruno’s statement is ludicrous, Party’s system. totally unqualified for the position and lim- and CNN’s lack of live coverage of the The Committee learned that John Huang ited his activities to administrative duties. hearings proves that they are ignoring was pushed for his job at the DNC by a for- The Committee learned that Huang was a major news story. eign corporation and its head, James Riady, ‘‘walled off’’ from handling China trade pol- icy and was allowed to handle only some Mr. President, I have written a letter a close friend of President Clinton. The Committee learned that Huang was matters related to Taiwan. to CNN president, Tom Johnson, and The Committee learned that despite being also pushed for his fund-raising position by CNN Washington Bureau chief, Frank ‘‘walled off’’ from China policy, Huang was senior White House officials, like Harold given intelligence briefings on China. Sesno, expressing my disappointment Ickes, but he was not hired by the DNC until The Committee learned that while he was and anger over their decision. This is President Clinton himself pushed for Huang’s at the Commerce Department, Huang had a the same network that covered endless hiring. Top Secret security clearance and received hours of the O.J. Simpson murder The Committee revealed several instances 37 intelligence briefings, at which he was of foreign contributions being laundered into trial—a news event that affected rel- shown 10 to 15 intelligence reports, meaning the DNC: atively few Americans. I have not yet that he saw between 370 and 550 pieces of in- (1) Yogesh Gandhi made a $325,000 con- received a reply from my letter, and I telligence. doubt I will. tribution to the DNC at an event at the The Committee learned that of the pieces Sheraton-Carlton Hotel in Washington in Mr. President, I ask for unanimous of intelligence shown to Huang, he kept pos- 1996 and shortly thereafter received two session of 12 classified documents until the consent to have printed in the RECORD $250,000 wire transfers from a Japanese busi- the summary of highlights of the first end of his tenure at the Commerce Depart- nessman named Tanaka to cover the con- ment. 2 weeks of hearings by the Govern- tribution. This was Gandhi’s first US polit- The Committee learned that while he mental Affairs hearings, and my letter ical contribution and the $325,000 represented served as a relatively low-level political to CNN’s president and Washington Bu- more than half the funds raised by the DNC functionary at the Commerce Department, reau chief. at the Sheraton-Carlton event. Huang made at least 67 visits to the White There being no objection, the mate- (2) Johnny Chung contributed $50,000 to the House, often meeting with senior officials on DNC in March 1996, at a time when he had rial was ordered to be printed in the US trade policy. less than $10,000 in his account. A few days The Committee learned that while he RECORD, as follows: after making the contribution Chung re- worked at the Commerce Department, Huang U.S. SENATE, ceived a $50,000 wire transfer from the Bank routinely and regularly used the office of REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE, of China. Soon after making the $50,000 con- Stephens Inc., a Little rock-based company Washington, DC, July 22, 1997. tribution from these funds, Chung attended with an office across the street from the Mr. TOM JOHNSON, the President’s weekly radio address with 5 Commerce Department, to send and receive President, CNN, Atlanta, GA. visiting Chinese officials and guests. phone calls, faxes, and packages, which a DEAR MR. JOHNSON: I am disappointed over (3) In 1992 John Huang contributed $50,000 Stephens employee testified no other non- CNN’s unwillingness to provide live, gavel- on behalf of Hip Hing Holdings, a Riady- Stephens employee did. to-gavel coverage of the Senate Govern- owned company in Los Angeles, and sought The Committee learned that Huang had mental Affairs hearings on campaign finance reimbursement for the contribution from over 400 contacts with Lippo bank and Lippo activities. If you had been carrying the hear- Lippo Group in Indonesia. group employees and associates while he ings, your viewers would have been able to The Committee also revealed that Chinese worked at the Commerce Department, was watch the testimony of witnesses who gave arms merchant Wang Jun, son of a promi- receiving classified information, attending compelling evidence of criminal wrongdoing nent Communist official whose arms com- White House briefings, and using the Ste- by foreign donors to the Democratic party pany has been accused of selling cruise mis- phens Inc. office to send and receive mes- during the 1996 elections. The result of such siles to Iran, attended an event with the sages and faxes. testimony even prompted a key Democrat on President after he contributed $50,000 to the The Committee learned that Huang did the committee, Senator Joseph Lieberman of DNC through Ernest Green of Lehman Broth- make personal calls from his Commerce De- Connecticut, to publicly acknowledge that ers. partment phone, indicating that he was not there was a Chinese government plan to in- The Committee learned that Gregory using the Stephens office to avoid using his fluence the elections. Unfortunately, CNN Loutschansky, a former Soviet citizen living official phone for personal matters. viewers were not given the opportunity to in Tel Aviv who is reputed to be an inter- The Committee learned that while he draw their own conclusions. national gun-runner and drug-smuggler, was served at the Commerce Department, Huang Now, I have come to learn that your net- invited by the DNC to an October 1995 dinner made six visits to the Chinese Embassy and work is planning to provide live coverage of with the President, but was denied a visa by had three other contacts with Chinese Em- this week’s scheduled testimony of former the State Department to enter the US. bassy officials, even though he had been Republican National Committee chairman, The Committee learned that Roger ‘‘walled off’’ from anything having to do Haley Barbour. Unlike previous witnesses, Tamraz, a US citizen and major DNC donor, with China. who linked one Democratic fundraiser to was invited by the DNC to meet with the The Committee learned that while he possible charges of espionage and illegal in- Vice President, but the invitation was with- served at the Commerce Department, Huang fluence buying and peddling, Mr. Barbour drawn after the Vice President’s staff ob- may have illegally solicited several large has not been charged with any crime nor has jected because Tamraz had ‘‘a shady reputa- contributions for the DNC, for which his wife he broken any laws. Why does CNN deem Mr. tion.’’ Despite the fact that Tamraz was Jane was listed as the solicitor by the DNC, Barbour’s testimony so important as to deemed unacceptable to meet the Vice Presi- from several individuals. merit live coverage? Is your network ‘‘celeb- dent, the DNC invited Tamraz to four subse- rity watching’’—like ‘‘Entertainment To- quent events with the President. July 22, 1997. night’’? The Committee learned that President Mr. TOM JOHNSON, What can be said about CNN’s decision to Clinton’s friend Charlie Trie made a $50,000 President, CNN, Atlanta, GA. only provide live coverage of Mr. Barbour’s contribution to the DNC in June 1995 and DEAR MR. JOHNSON: I am disappointed over testimony is media bias at best, and tabloid raised large amounts for the Presidential CNN’s unwillingness to provide live, gavel- journalism at worst. Your intensive coverage Legal Expense Trust, even though a financial to-gavel coverage of the Senate Govern- of the O.J. Simpson trial suggests that the disclosure form he filled out after securing a mental Affairs hearings on campaign finance later is more accurate. It’s apparent that presidential appointment showed he earned activities. If you had been carrying the hear- CNN has already decided what the public is only $60,000 that year. ings, your viewers would have been able to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:22 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S24JY7.REC S24JY7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S8089 watch the testimony of witnesses who gave first program started in my home MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT compelling evidence of criminal wrongdoing State of Kentucky. Project Safe Place by foreign donors to the Democratic party Messages from the President of the began in a firehouse in Louisville, KY United States were communicated to during the 1996 elections. The result of such in 1983, providing a safe haven from testimony even prompted a key Democrat on the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his the committee, Senator Joseph Lieberman of various negative influences such as secretaries. Connecticut, to publicly acknowledge that child abuse, substance abuse, and EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED there was a Chinese government plan to in- crime. Safe Places put distressed chil- As in executive session the Presiding fluence the elections. Unfortunately, CNN dren and families in touch with the re- Officer laid before the Senate messages viewers were not given the opportunity to sources they need to keep them safe. from the President of the United draw their own conclusions. This assistance often comes in the Now, I have come to learn that your net- States submitting sundry nominations form of counseling and a safe and se- which were referred to the Committee work is planning to provide live coverage of cure place to stay. this week’s scheduled testimony of former on the Judiciary. (The nominations re- Today, the Safe Place Program has Republican National Committee chairman, ceived today are printed at the end of Haley Barbour. Unlike previous witnesses, spread to 34 States across the country. the Senate proceedings.) who linked one Democratic fundraiser to More than 6,000 business locations dis- f possible charges of espionage and illegal in- playing the black and yellow Safe fluence buying and peddling, Mr. Barbour Place sign indicating that those in REPORT OF DRAFT LEGISLATION has not been charged with any crime nor has need can seek help from those inside. ENTITLED ‘‘THE IMMIGRATION he broken any laws. Why does CNN deem Mr. The Safe Place Program exemplifies REFORM TRANSITION ACT OF Barbour’s testimony so important as to the best in our local communities. 1997’’—MESSAGE FROM THE merit live coverage? Is your network ‘‘celeb- Project Safe Place is about community rity watching’’—like ‘‘Entertainment To- PRESIDENT—PM 55 night’’? businesses and volunteers working to- The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- What can be said about CNN’s decision to gether to help the most vulnerable in fore the Senate the following message only provide live coverage of Mr. Barbour’s our society. It is essential that we from the President of the United testimony is media bias at best, and tabloid bring this valuable program to every States, together with an accompanying journalism at worst. Your intensive coverage community, because those in need feel report; which was referred to the Com- of the O.J. Simpson trial suggests that the more comfortable in turning to re- mittee on the Judiciary. later is more accurate. It’s apparent that sources in their own neighborhoods and CNN has already decided what the public is To the Congress of the United States: interested in watching instead of the public communities. By designating March 15 through I am pleased to submit for your im- making that decision for themselves. mediate consideration and enactment Sincerely, March 21, 1998 as ‘‘National Safe Place the ‘‘Immigration Reform Transition LARRY E. CRAIG, Week,’’ we not only bring public aware- Chairman. ness to this outstanding program, but Act of 1997,’’ which is accompanied by a section-by-section analysis. This leg- f recognize those volunteers and busi- nesses who give so much to make our islative proposal is designed to ensure HONORING THE SUETTERLINS ON communities a truly safe place. I urge that the complete transition to the THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVER- my colleagues to lend their names to new ‘‘cancellation of removal’’ (for- SARY this worthwhile legislation. merly ‘‘suspension of deportation’’) provisions of the Illegal Immigration Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, fami- f lies are the cornerstone of America. Reform and Immigrant Responsibility The data are undeniable: Individuals RETIREMENT OF CAROLE Act of 1996 (IIRIRA; Public Law 104–208) from strong families contribute to the STEVENSON can be accomplished in a fair and equi- society. In an era when nearly half of Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I would table manner consistent with our law all couples married today will see their like to say a few words about a dedi- enforcement needs and foreign policy union dissolve into divorce, I believe it cated Senate employee, Carole Steven- interests. is both instructive and important to son, who is retiring after 30 years of This legislative proposal would aid honor those who have taken the com- Federal service. Carole worked for me the transition to IIRIRA’s new can- mitment of ‘‘till death us do part’’ seri- when I served as chairman of the Rules cellation of removal rules and prevent ously, demonstrating successfully the Committee. She currently works on the unfairness of applying those rules timeless principles of love, honor, and the staff of our colleague, TIM JOHN- to cases pending before April 1, 1997, fidelity. These characteristics make SON. the effective date of the new rules. It our country strong. Carole held a number of jobs as she would also recognize the special cir- For these important reasons, I rise went about acquiring her 30 years of cumstances of certain Central Ameri- today to honor Catherine and Martin service. She worked for Senators cans who entered the United States in Suetterlin of St. Louis County, MO, Capehart and Kefauver in the fifties, the 1980s in response to civil war and who on September 27, 1997, will cele- the Architect of the Capitol and the ex- political persecution. The Nicaraguan brate their 50th wedding anniversary. ecutive branch in the sixties, and the Review Program, under successive Ad- My wife, Janet, and I look forward to Office of Technology Assessment in the ministrations from 1985 to 1995, pro- the day we can celebrate a similar mid-seventies. She even took off a dec- tected roughly 40,000 Nicaraguans from milestone. The Suetterlins’ commit- ade to have and raise a family. deportation while their cases were ment to the principles and values of Carole joined the staff of the Senate under review. During this time the their marriage deserves to be saluted Rules Committee in 1977 and stayed for American Baptist Churches v. and recognized. 20 years. She held a variety of jobs, Thornburgh (ABC) litigation resulted in f moving from front office receptionist, a 1990 court settlement, which pro- to room reservationist, to secretary tected roughly 190,000 Salvadorans and NATIONAL SAFE PLACE WEEK and staff assistant in the Technical 50,000 Guatemalans. Other Central Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise Services section of the Rules Com- Americans have been unable to obtain today in support of a Senate resolution mittee. a decision on their asylum applications submitted by the distinguished Senator To put it simply, Carole was a hard for many years. Absent this legislative from Idaho. Senate Resolution 96 spon- worker who took pride in her work. proposal, many of these individuals sored by Senator LARRY CRAIG would She always wanted to do a good job for would be denied protection from depor- designate the week of March 15 her employer, and she did. She loves tation under IIRIRA’s new cancellation through March 21, 1998 as ‘‘National the Senate, so she did her best. of removal rules. Such a result would Safe Place Week.’’ I want to personally thank Carole for unduly harm stable families and com- Project Safe Place is a creative ap- her service to the Senate. Her many munities here in the United States and proach to serving youth and families in friends in this great institution will undermine our strong interests in fa- crisis. I am particularly pleased to co- miss her. All of us wish her well in her cilitating the development of peace and sponsor this resolution on behalf of the retirement. democracy in Central America.

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