January 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S113 who they were. This is not the Amer- it requests the concurrence of the Sen- materials that are not supplied by ican way. We must draw the line. With- ate: their schools or school districts. These out delay, we must pass the Hate H. Con. Res. 241. Concurrent resolution expenditures enhance our childrens’ Crimes Prevention Act and the Em- providing for a joint resolution of Congress education but are paid for out-of-pock- ployment Non-Discrimination Act. And to receive a message from the President on et. we should reauthorize the Violence the state of the Union. In fact, in 1996, according to a study Against Women Act. f by the National Education Association, No American should be subjected to the average K–12 teacher spent $408 an- discrimination in finding a home, get- MEASURE PLACED ON THE nually on classroom materials needed ting a job, going to school, or securing CALENDAR for education but not supplied by the a loan. Tonight, I propose the largest The following bill was read the sec- schools. These materials include every- ever investment to enforce America’s ond time and placed on the Calendar: thing from books, workbooks, erasers, civil rights laws. Protections in law S. 2006. A bill for the relief of Yongyi Song. paper, pens, equipment related to class- room instruction, and professional en- must be protections in fact. f Last February, I created the White richment programs. House Office of One America to pro- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Under current law, a tax deduction is mote racial reconiliation. That’s what JOINT RESOLUTIONS allowed for such expenses, but only if the teacher itemizes, and only if the Hank Aaron, has done all his life. From The following bills and joint resolu- expenses exceed two percent of the his days as baseball’s all-time homerun tions were introduced, read the first teacher’s AGI. Of course, a deduction king to his recent acts of healing, he time and second time by unanimous just reduces taxable income. A credit has always brought Americans to- consent, and referred as indicated: would give teachers relief dollar-for- gether. We’re pleased he’s with us to- By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. night. dollar spent, up to the $100 annual NICKLES, Mr. ASHCROFT, Mr. CRAIG, limit. This fall, at the White House, one of Mr. SHELBY, Mr. SANTORUM, Mr. On a modest income, teachers pro- America’s leading scientists said some- LOTT, Mr. ENZI, and Mr. SMITH of thing we should all remember. He said New Hampshire): vide an incalculable service to our all human beings, genetically, are 99.9 S. 2010. A bill to require the Federal Com- country. Surely, we should not expect percent the same. So modern science munications Commission to follow normal them to pay for school supplies out of rulemaking procedures in establishing addi- their salary, when they have already affirms what ancient faith has always tional requirements for noncommercial edu- committed their lives to the education taught: the most important fact of life cational television broadcasters; to the Com- of our young. is our common humanity. mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- A similar provision enacted by the Therefore, we must do more than tol- tation. Arizona legislature in 1995 has been ex- erate diversity—we must honor it and By Mr. ASHCROFT: tremely well-received by teachers. The S. 2011. A bill to amend title 18, United celebrate it. provision was recently upheld as con- My fellow Americans, each time I States Code, to expand the prohibition on stitutional by the Arizona Supreme prepare for the State of the Union, I stalking, and for other purposes; to the Com- Court. approach it with great hope and expec- mittee on the Judiciary. By Mr. KYL: Please join me in supporting this bill. tations for our nation. But tonight is S. 2012. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Our teachers deserve to be at least par- special—because we stand on the enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tially reimbursed for financial sac- mountaintop of a new millennium. Be- income tax to elementary and secondary rifices they make to educate our na- hind us we see the great expanse of school teachers who provide classroom mate- tion’s children.∑ American achievement; before us, even rials; to the Committee on Finance. grander frontiers of possibility. By Mr. LOTT (for Mr. MCCAIN): By Mr. LOTT (for Mr. MCCAIN): We should be filled with gratitude S. 2013. A bill to restore health care equity S. 2013. A bill to restore health care and humility for our prosperity and for medicare-eligible uniformed services re- equity for Medicare-eligible uniformed progress; with awe and joy at what lies tirees, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee on Armed Services. services retirees, and for other pur- ahead; and with absolute determina- poses; to the Committee on Armed tion to make the most of it. f Services. When the framers finished crafting STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED HONORING HEALTH CARE COMMITMENTS TO our Constitution, Benjamin Franklin BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS SERVICEMEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT ACT OF stood in Independence Hall and re- 2000 flected on a painting of the sun, low on By Mr. KYL: ∑ Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, last No- the horizon. He said, ‘‘I have often S. 2012. A bill to amend the Internal vember, I spoke on the floor of the Sen- wondered whether that sun was rising Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit ate about the severe deficiencies in our or setting.’’ Today, Franklin said, ‘‘I against income tax to elementary and nation’s military health care delivery have the happiness to know it is a ris- secondary school teachers who provide system. We, as a nation, face a very ing sun.’’ Well, today, because each classroom materials; to the Committee critical challenge in determining how generation of Americans has kept the on Finance. best to reconfigure the military health fire of freedom burning brightly, light- TEACHER TAX CREDIT RELIEF ACT, 2000 care delivery system so that it can con- ing those frontiers of possibility, we ∑ Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I rise to in- tinue to meet its military readiness still bask in the warmth of Mr. Frank- troduce the Teacher Tax Credit Relief and peace-time obligations during this lin’s rising sun. Act of 2000. The act would provide an period of ongoing change in our base After 224 years, the American Revo- annual tax credit of up to $100 for and force structure. lution continues. We remain a new na- teachers’ un-reimbursed classroom ex- This is a challenge that has con- tion. As long as our dreams outweigh penditures that are qualified under the cerned me for some time. As I have our memories, America will be forever Internal Revenue Code. been working on this matter and decid- young. That is our destiny. And this is Thomas Jefferson once said that ‘‘an ing how best to proceed, I have met our moment. educated citizenry is essential for the with, and heard from, many military Thank you, God bless you, and God preservation of democracy.’’ It falls to family members, veterans, and mili- bless America. our teachers—through their hard work tary retirees from around the country. f and lifetime of commitment to young And, in that process, I have been inun- people—to inculcate the academic val- dated with suggestions for reform. Dur- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE ues and analytical skills that make ing every meeting and in every letter, At 8:35 p.m., a message from the good citizenship possible. I have heard from retired service men House of Representatives, delivered by In my discussions with teachers— and women about so many problems one of its reading clerks, announced public and private—I have been amazed with all aspects of the military med- that the House has agreed to the fol- to learn that many use their own ical care system—including long wait- lowing concurrent resolution, in which money to cover the cost of classroom ing periods, access to the right kind of S114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 27, 2000 care, access to needed pharmaceutical shortfalls and, significantly, provide a tions might be satisfied, for example, drugs, and especially the ‘‘broken quality health care delivery system for with the addition of a relatively low- promise’’ of free lifetime health care our older military retirees, once and cost prescription drug benefit. Still for military retirees and their spouses. for all. others, however, might desperately I have also personally heard such con- I must add that there are other need full-coverage insurance such as cerns repeatedly expressed as I have wasteful funding efforts that are par- the Federal Employees Health Benefits traveled extensively throughout the ticularly disgraceful. While Congress Program (FEHBP). The plan would ac- United States over the past several wastes taxpayer money on obsolete in- commodate these different require- months. frastructure, unneeded weapon sys- ments. This health care reform plan I have found that a primary concern tems, and projects that have no mean- also would be portable and less depend- among military retirees and their fam- ingful value to our Armed Forces, it si- ent on any specific military hospital ilies is the ‘‘broken promise’’ of life- multaneously refuses to adequately system, particularly if further rounds time medical care. In this vein, retiree pay the nearly 12,000 enlisted military of base closures occur. health care is a readiness issue. To- personnel who are forced to subsist on SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN day’s service members are acutely food stamps. We must work to improve For Medicare-eligible military retir- aware of retirees’ disenfranchisement our treatment of all the honored mili- ees, this legislation authorizes the fol- from military health care coverage, tary personnel serving our nation. lowing options: and exit surveys cite this issue with in- INITIAL STEPS ON THE ROAD TO REFORM Option 1: Establishes a nationwide creasing frequency as one of the factors Last October, the Chairman of the mail-order pharmacy service and com- in members’ decisions to leave the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the other munity-based pharmacy network to service. In fact, a recent General Ac- Joint Chiefs testified before the Senate serve the prescription drug needs of counting Office study found that poor Armed Services Committee on the over-age 65 military retired members, ‘‘access to medical and dental care in state of the military. During that hear- their spouses and survivors of the mili- retirement’’ was among the top five ing, they universally declared the year tary community; this provision would elements of dissatisfaction among ac- 2000 to be the year of military health expand the Base Realignment and Clo- tive duty officers in retention-critical care reform. sure (mail-order and TRICARE retail) specialties. The rush to implement military pharmacy benefit nationwide to all Failure to keep health care commit- health care reform, as evidenced by a Medicare-eligible uniformed services ments is hurting service recruiting ef- plethora of well-intentioned legislation beneficiaries beginning October 1, 2000. forts, as well. Traditionally, retirees introduced by Congress and to be pro- Option 2: Allows Medicare-eligible re- have been the services’ most effective posed by the Administration, and the tirees to enroll in the Medicare sub- recruiters, and their children and those evaluation of current health care deliv- vention benefit and expands TRICARE of family friends have been more likely ery pilot projects must be balanced Senior Prime nationwide beginning Oc- to serve. Unfortunately, increasing with the need to provide uninterrupted tober 1, 2000. numbers of retirees who have seen the critical health care to the over-65 mili- Option 3: Allows Medicare-eligible re- government renege on its ‘‘lifetime tary retirees and their families, as well tirees to enroll in the Federal Employ- health care’’ promises have become as, recognize the need to provide free ees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) more reluctant to recommend service health care to those Medicare eligible and would expand FEHBP benefits careers to their family members and retirees who entered military service worldwide effective with the fall 2000 friends. Restoring retirees’ confidence before June 7, 1956. Their concern open enrollment period and coverge be- ginning January 1, 2001. in their health care coverage could go about losing even the minimal health This legislation includes a critical a long way in restoring this invaluable care they received from the time of re- ‘‘Sense of the Senate’’ instruction: recruiting resource. tirement until age 65 increases dra- That urgent priority should be given to Certainly, the high cost of providing matically as they turn 65. If this is to the enactment of legislation (such as S. quality health care has contributed to be the year of military health care, a 2003/H.R. 2966) that provides health care Congress’ failure to implement mean- key part of this effort must entail reas- coverage at no cost for Medicare-eligi- ingful reform in the past. Yet, even suring these older retirees that the De- ble military retirees who first entered though Congress has increased the partment of Defense will no longer the service before June 7, 1956, and President’s defense budget requests in deny or ignore their legitimate health their dependents. Such legislation also recent years to attempt to meet the care needs. By doing so, Congress also should have priority consideration by military’s future needs, it simulta- will be taking an essential step in reas- the Senate committee with jurisdic- neously has squandered billions each suring today’s servicemembers that the tion over the bill and the measure year on projects the military did not government does, in fact, keep its re- should receive expedited consideration request and does not need. Last year cruiting and retention promises con- by the full Senate, immediately after alone, Congress appropriated over $6 cerning health care and other career it has been reported out of committee billion for wasteful, unrequested, and service benefits. to the Senate. low-priority projects that would have The legislation that I am proposing This legislation proposes to make es- no positive effect on preparing our is the next step in my effort to lead sential improvements to the military military for future challenges, and Congress down the road to meaningful health delivery system for active duty would address this military health care reform of our nation’s military health servicemembers and their families, in- quandary. care delivery system. This measure cluding: Congress also continues to refuse to adopts positive ideas already based in Elimination of copayments and close military bases that are not essen- other legislation, but offers an essen- deductibles for all active duty family tial to our security, permitting politics tial element that other plans do not— members enrolled in TRICARE Prime; to outweigh military readiness, at a that is, choice. My legislation would this is a great quality of life improve- cost to the taxpayer of nearly $7 billion offer the military retiree and his fam- ment for our military personnel and each year. If Congress would allow the ily a choice of several health care de- their families, especially our enlisted Pentagon to privatize or consolidate livery plans. Having the choice to de- families; and depot and base maintenance activities, cide which health care plan works well Extension of TRICARE Prime Re- savings of $2 billion each year could be is important for two reasons: to ensure mote coverage free of charge to the achieved. In addition, Congress refuses control of overall health care reform families of 80,000 active duty members to eliminate anti-competitive ‘‘Buy costs and to reflect the reality that living more than 50 miles from a mili- American’’ restrictions, which could each retiree’s needs can be very dif- tary medical treatment facility (i.e., save almost $5.5 billion annually on de- ferent. recruiters, ROTC instructors, reserve fense contracts. These common sense Some military retirees live near center and National Guard active duty reforms together would free up nearly military installations and could use personnel, and others similarly situ- $20 billion per year, which could be military health care if they had access ated), who are unable to participate in used to begin correcting our readiness to it. Others who live far from installa- TRICARE Prime. January 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S115 This measure proposes other signifi- active duty servicemembers who uti- active duty for a period of more than 30 days, cant administrative improvements to lize the system can work together and who is entitled to hospital insurance benefits the military medical delivery system, galvanize support for a solid military under part A of title XVIII of the Social Se- including: health care system for the long term. curity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.). Promotes efficiency in the military Mr. President, I ask that letters from (2) An individual described in paragraph (1) health care system by combining the The Military Coalition, The Military is not eligible to obtain pharmaceuticals various uniformed services health care And Veterans Alliance, the Air Force under this section if the individual is covered delivery systems for Medicare-eligibles Association (AFA), the National Asso- by a health benefits plan offered through the under a common delivery program, ciation For Uniformed Services Federal Employee Health Benefits program, TRICARE Senior Prime, just as the (NAUS), and Colonel George ‘‘Bud’’ whether as an employee under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, or pursuant to same systems for younger beneficiaries Day, USAF, Ret. (a Medal of Honor re- section 1108 of title 10, United States Code. have been combined under TRICARE cipient and who is very active in mili- Prime; tary and veterans’ issues) in support of (c) FEES AND CHARGES.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the amount of the deductible, Establishes an account within the this comprehensive military health Treasury called the Uniformed Serv- copayment, annual fee, or other fee, if any, care reform plan be placed in the paid by an eligible individual described in ices Retirees Health Care Account that RECORD, immediately following my re- subsection (b) who obtains a pharmaceutical helps fund the added cost of this new marks. In addition, I ask that the bill under this section through the project re- benefit for age-65 uniformed services be printed in the RECORD as well as the ferred to in subsection (a)(1) or a retail phar- retirees; under this concept, savings letters from the military and veterans’ macy network referred to in subsection (a)(2) from efficiencies (such as moving to associations.∑ shall not exceed the amount of the deduct- electronic vs. paper claims processing) The material follows: ible copayment, annual fee, or other fee paid could be devoted to fulfilling health S. 2013 by other persons for such pharmaceutical care obligations to older retirees; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- through the project or the pharmacy net- Authorizes the Secretary of Defense resentatives of the United States of America in work, as the case may be. to enter into contracts with private in- Congress assembled, (2) An eligible individual described in sub- dustry for the purpose of recovering SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. section (b) shall not be charged an enroll- overpayments to civilian health care This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Honoring ment fee for participation in the project or a providers under TRICARE program; Health Care Commitments to retail pharmacy network under this section. these services may include audits and Servicemembers Past and Present Act of (3) The Secretary of Defense may not es- 2000’’. other services deemed necessary by the tablish or collect any new fee or charge SEC. 2. SENSE OF SENATE ON HEALTH CARE FOR Secretary of Defense; under the project referred to in subsection MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED (a)(1), or any retail pharmacy network re- Directs the Secretary of Defense to SERVICES WHO FIRST BECAME MEM- enhance and simplify the TRICARE BERS BEFORE JUNE 7, 1956, AND ferred to in subsection (a)(2), by reason of health program through administrative THEIR DEPENDENTS. the participation of eligible individuals de- It is the sense of the Senate that— scribed in subsection (b) in the project or efficiencies and the use of the Internet (1) urgent priority should be given to the network under this section. relating to marketing, beneficiary en- enactment of legislation that provides rollment, beneficiary and provider edu- SEC. 4. NATIONWIDE EXPANSION OF MEDICARE health care coverage for Medicare-eligible SUBVENTION. cation, claims processing, scheduling members and former members of the uni- of appointments and other services, as formed services who first became members of (a) PARTICIPANTS.—Effective October 1, deemed appropriate by the Secretary, the uniformed services before June 7, 1956, 2000, subsection (a)(4) of section 1896 of the to enhance the military health deliv- and for their dependents, at no cost to such Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ggg) is amended by adding after subparagraph (D) ery system; and members, former members, and dependents; and the following new flush matter: Directs the Secretary of Defense to ‘‘Notwithstanding the first sentence of this design and issue a national enrollment (2) the bill proposing to provide the health care coverage described in paragraph (1), subparagraph, the term does not include any card for the TRICARE health program which has been introduced in the Senate, individual who is covered by a health bene- that shall serve as an enrollment card should— fits plan offered through the Federal Em- for participation in the TRICARE pro- (A) receive priority of consideration by the ployee Health Benefits program, whether as gram nationwide; the enrollment card committee of the Senate having jurisdiction an employee under chapter 89 of title 5, is designed to facilitate the ready port- over the bill; and United States Code, or pursuant to section ability of benefits under TRICARE na- (B) become the pending business of the 1108 of title 10, United States Code.’’. tionwide. Senate immediately after its reporting to (b) REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF CONCLUSION the Senate by the committee of the Senate SITES.—Effective October 1, 2000, paragraph The federal government must not fail described in paragraph (1). (2) of section 1896(b) of such Act is amended our nation’s military retirees, their SEC. 3. PARTICIPATION OF MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE to read as follows: BENEFICIARIES IN CERTAIN DE- ‘‘(2) LOCATION OF SITES.— families, and survivors in ensuring the PARTMENT OF DEFENSE PHARMACY ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The program shall be continuation of adequate health care PROGRAMS. conducted in any site designated jointly by (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than October 1, coverage in their late years. I believe the administering Secretaries. 2000, the Secretary of Defense shall— the steps I have outlined today, which ‘‘(B) FEE-FOR-SERVICE.—If feasible, at least (1) expand and make permanent the dem- have earned the overwhelming endorse- 1 of the sites designated under subparagraph onstration project for pharmaceuticals by (A) shall be conducted using the fee-for-serv- ment of The Military Coalition and mail established under subsection (a) of sec- ice reimbursement method described in sub- The Military And Veterans’ Alliance, tion 702 of the National Defense Authoriza- section (l)(1). representing 9 million members, start tion Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (10 U.S.C. 1079 ‘‘(C) UNIFORMED SERVICES TREATMENT FA- us down the road to comprehensive re- note) in order to permit individuals de- CILITIES.—If feasible, designated providers scribed in subsection (b) worldwide to obtain form of the military health care sys- covered by section 722 of the National De- pharmaceuticals through the project; and tem. Such an effort has not been seen fense Authorization Act for 1997 (Public Law (2) modify each managed health care pro- in decades, and would fulfill our obliga- 104–201; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note) shall be included gram which includes a managed care net- tion to our military retirees and bol- among the sites designated by the admin- work of community retail pharmacies under istering Secretaries.’’. ster retention and readiness among to- subsection (b) of such section 702 to supply day’s servicemembers. prescription pharmaceuticals to the individ- (c) MAKING PROJECT PERMANENT; CHANGES Mr. President, I concur with the uals described in subsection (b) of this sec- IN PROJECT REFERENCES.— Joint Chiefs that this truly is the year tion through such network in the area cov- (1) ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION.—Para- of military health care reform. The ered by such program. graph (4) of section 1896(b) of such Act is re- success of the legislation that I am in- (b) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.—(1) Except as pealed. troducing today will depend signifi- provided in paragraph (2), an individual eligi- (2) CONFORMING CHANGES OF REFERENCES TO cantly on Congress’ ability to produce ble to obtain pharmaceuticals under this sec- DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.—Section 1896 of real military health care reform and tion is a member or former member of the such Act is further amended— uniformed services described in section (A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘DEM- provide the necessary resources in a 1074(b) of title 10, United States Code, a de- ONSTRATION PROJECT’’ and inserting timely manner. In addition, it will be pendent of a member described in subsection ‘‘PROGRAM’’; important that the Pentagon, private (a)(2)(B) or (b) of section 1076 of that title, or (B) by amending subsection (a)(2) to read industry, and the military retirees and a dependent of a member who died while on as follows: S116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 27, 2000

‘‘(2) PROGRAM.—The term ‘program’ means facilities that provide such services under Federal Employee Health Benefits program the program carried out under this section.’’; this title’’ after ‘‘medicare payments’’; under chapter 89 of title 5. (C) in the heading to subsection (b), by (D) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ‘‘, in- ‘‘(2) The agreement may provide for limita- striking ‘‘DEMONSTRATION PROJECT’’ and in- sofar as it provides for the enrollment of in- tions on enrollment of medicare-eligible cov- serting ‘‘PROGRAM’’; dividuals and payment on the basis described ered beneficiaries in the Federal Employee (D) by striking ‘‘demonstration project’’ or in subsection (i),’’ before ‘‘shall comply’’; Health Benefits program if the Office of Per- ‘‘project’’ each place either appears and in- (E) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ‘‘inso- sonnel Management determines the limita- serting ‘‘program’’; and far as it provides for the enrollment of indi- tions are necessary to allow for adequate (E) in subsection (k)(2)— viduals and payment on the basis described planning for access for services under the (i) in the heading, by striking ‘‘EXTENSION in subsection (i),’’ before ‘‘the Secretary of Federal Employee Health Benefits program. AND EXPANSION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECT’’ Defense’’; ‘‘(b) MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE COVERED BENE- and inserting ‘‘PROGRAM’’; and (F) in subsection (i)(1), by inserting ‘‘and FICIARY DESCRIBED.—A medicare-eligible cov- (ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) through subsection (l)’’ after ‘‘of this subsection’’; ered beneficiary referred to in subsection (a) (C) and inserting the following: (G) in subsection (i)(4), by inserting ‘‘and is a covered beneficiary under this chapter ‘‘(A) whether there is a cost to the health subsection (l)’’ after ‘‘under this subsection’’; who for any reason is or becomes entitled to care program under this title in conducting and hospital insurance benefits under part A of the program under this section; and (H) in subsection (j)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 ‘‘(B) whether the terms and conditions of ‘‘or subsection (l)’’ after ‘‘subsection (i)(1)’’. U.S.C. 1395 et seq.). The covered beneficiary the program should be modified.’’. (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments shall not be required to satisfy any eligi- (3) REPEAL OF OBSOLETE REPORTING RE- made by this subsection take effect on Octo- bility criteria specified in chapter 89 of title QUIREMENT.—Paragraph (5) of section 1896(b) ber 1, 2000, and apply to services furnished on 5 as a condition for enrollment in a health of such Act is repealed. or after such date. benefits plan offered through the Federal (d) CORRECTION OF REFERENCE TO MEDI- (f) ELIMINATION OF RESTRICTION ON ELIGI- Employee Health Benefits program pursuant CARE LIGIBLE ETIREES -E R .—Section 1896 of BILITY.—Section 1896(b)(1) of such Act is to subsection (a). such Act is further amended— amended by adding at the end the following ‘‘(c) LIMITATIONS ON ENROLLMENT.—The (1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘MILITARY new subparagraph: number of medicare-eligible covered bene- RETIREES’’ and inserting ‘‘UNIFORMED ‘‘(C) ELIMINATION OF RESTRICTIVE POLICY.— ficiaries enrolled in the Federal Employees SERVICES RETIREES’’; If the enrollment capacity in the program Health Benefits program under this section (2) in paragraph (4) of subsection (a)— has been reached at a particular site des- shall not exceed 275,000. (A) in the caption, by striking ‘‘MILITARY ignated under paragraph (2) and the Sec- ‘‘(d) CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN UNI- RETIREE’’ and inserting ‘‘UNIFORMED SERV- retary therefore limits enrollment at the FORMED SERVICES HEALTH SYSTEM.—(1) A ICES RETIREE’’; and site to medicare-eligible uniformed services medicare-eligible covered beneficiary who (B) by striking ‘‘military retiree’’ and in- retirees and dependents who are enrolled in enrolls in the Federal Employees Health serting ‘‘uniformed services retiree’’; and TRICARE Prime (as defined for purposes of Benefits program under this section shall (3) by striking ‘‘military retirees’’ each chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code) at not be eligible to receive health care under place it appears and inserting ‘‘uniformed the site immediately before attaining 65 section 1086 or 1097 of this title. services retirees’’. years of age, participation in the program by ‘‘(2)(A) Subject to such limitations as the (e) PERMITTING PAYMENT ON A FEE-FOR- a retiree or dependent at such site shall not Secretary of Defense, after consultation with SERVICE BASIS.— be restricted based on whether the retiree or the other administering Secretaries, a medi- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1896 of the Social dependent has a civilian primary care man- care-eligible covered beneficiary described in Security Act is further amended by adding paragraph (1) may continue to receive health at the end the following new subsection: ager instead of a military primary care man- ager.’’. care in a military medical treatment facility ‘‘(l) REIMBURSEMENT ON FEE-FOR-SERVICE on a space available basis. (g) MEDIGAP PROTECTION FOR ENROLLEES.— BASIS.— ‘‘(B) A treatment facility providing care Section 1896 of such Act is further amended ‘‘(1) REIMBURSEMENT AT DESIGNATED under subparagraph (A) shall be reimbursed by adding at the end the following new sub- SITES.—In the case of a medicare health care by the Federal Employees Health Benefits section: service provided at a site, if any, designated program for the cost of such care at rates ‘‘(m) MEDIGAP PROTECTION FOR ENROLL- for operation under the fee-for-service model not to exceed the rates of reimbursement for EES.— under subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary such care under the program if such care had ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), shall reimburse the Secretary of Defense at a been provided by a health care provider the provisions of section 1882(s)(3) (other rate equal to 95 percent of the amount that other than the treatment facility. than clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph otherwise would be payable under this title ‘‘(e) LIMITATIONS ON OTHER HEALTH CARE (B)) and section 1882(s)(4) shall apply to any on a noncapitated basis for the service if the COVERAGE.—(1) A medicare-eligible covered enrollment (and termination of enrollment) site were not part of the program under this beneficiary who is covered by a health bene- in the program (for which payment is made section. fits plan through the Federal Employees on the basis described in subsection (i)) in ‘‘(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNENROLLED INDI- Health Benefits program under subsection the same manner as they apply to enroll- VIDUALS.—Notwithstanding subsection (i), in (a) may not, during a period of coverage ment (and termination of enrollment) with a the case of medicare-eligible uniformed serv- under such plan under this section— Medicare+Choice organization in a ices retirees or dependents who are not en- ‘‘(A) be enrolled in a health benefits plan Medicare+Choice plan. rolled in the program under this section, the under the Federal Employees Health Bene- ‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—In applying Secretary may reimburse the Secretary of fits program as an employee under chapter 89 paragraph (1)— Defense for medicare health care services of title 5; ‘‘(A) in the case of enrollments occurring provided to such retirees or dependents at a ‘‘(B) be enrolled in the medicare sub- before October 1, 2000, any reference in military treatment facility under the pro- vention program for military retirees under clause (v) or (vi) of section 1882(s)(3)(B) to 12 gram at a rate that does not exceed the rate section 1896 of the Social Security Act (42 months is deemed a reference to the period of payment that would otherwise be made U.S.C. 1395ggg); ending on September 30, 2001; and under this title for such services. ‘‘(C) otherwise obtain pharmaceuticals by ‘‘(B) the notification required under sec- ‘‘(3) INAPPLICABILITY OF LIMITATIONS ON mail under section 702(a) of Public Law 102– tion 1882(s)(3)(D) shall be provided in a man- FEDERAL PAYMENTS.—Sections 1814(c) and 484 (10 U.S.C. 1079 note) pursuant to section ner specified by the Secretary of Defense in 1835(d), and paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 3(a)(1) of the Honoring Health Care Commit- consultation with the Secretary.’’. 1862(a), do not apply to the making of pay- ments to Servicemembers Past and Present ments under this subsection.’’. SEC. 5. INCLUSION OF MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE UNI- Act of 2000; or (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such sec- FORMED SERVICES BENEFICIARIES ‘‘(D) otherwise obtain pharmaceuticals tion is further amended— IN FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM. through a network of retail pharmacies (A) in subsections (b)(1)(B)(v) and under section 702(b) of Public Law 102–484 (a) FEHBP OPTION.—(1) Section 1108 of (b)(1)(B)(viii)(I), by inserting ‘‘or subsection title 10, United States Code, is amended to pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the Honoring (l)’’ after ‘‘subsection (i)’’; read as follows: Health Care Commitments to (B) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by inserting Servicemembers Past and Present Act of ‘‘(insofar as it provides for the enrollment of ‘‘§ 1108. Health care coverage through Fed- 2000. individuals and payment on the basis de- eral Employees Health Benefits program ‘‘(2) A medicare-eligible covered bene- scribed in subsection (i))’’ before ‘‘shall ‘‘(a) FEHBP OPTION.—(1) The Secretary of ficiary who is also eligible for participation meet’’; Defense, after consulting with the other ad- in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (C) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by inserting ministering Secretaries, shall enter into an program as an employee under chapter 89 of ‘‘and the program (insofar as it provides for agreement with the Office of Personnel Man- title 5 shall participate in the program, if at payment for medicare health care services agement under which a medicare-eligible all, under that chapter. provided at a military treatment facility on covered beneficiary described in subsection ‘‘(f) CONTRIBUTIONS.—(1) In the case of a the basis described in subsection (l)) shall (b) will be offered an opportunity to enroll in medicare-eligible covered beneficiary who meet all requirements that are applicable to a health benefits plan offered through the enrolls in a health benefits plan offered January 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S117 through the Federal Employee Health Bene- care options under the health care system of coverage for medical care under this section fits program pursuant to subsection (a), the the uniformed services. for the dependents referred to in subsection administering Secretary concerned shall be ‘‘(j) TIME FOR OPTION.—The Secretary of (a) of a member of the armed forces covered responsible for Government contributions Defense shall begin to offer the health bene- by section 1074(c) of this title who are resid- that the Office of Personnel Management de- fits option under subsection (a) on January ing with the member, and standards with re- termines are necessary to cover all costs in 1, 2001, with an initial open enrollment pe- spect to timely access to such care, shall be excess of beneficiary contributions under riod conducted in the fall of 2000.’’. comparable to coverage for medical care and paragraph (2). (2) The item relating to section 1108 in the standards for timely access to such care ‘‘(2) The contribution required from the en- table of sections at the beginning of such under the managed care option of the rolled medicare-eligible covered beneficiary chapter is amended to read as follows: TRICARE program known as TRICARE shall be equal to the amount that would be ‘‘1108. Health care coverage through Federal Prime. withheld from the pay of a similarly situated Employees Health Benefits pro- ‘‘(B) No copayment, deductible, or annual Federal employee who enrolls in a health gram.’’. fee may be collected for or with respect to benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5. any medical care provided a dependent under (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 89 ‘‘(g) MANAGEMENT OF PARTICIPATION.—(1) If subparagraph (A). an enrolled medicare-eligible covered bene- of title 5, United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall enter ficiary is a member or former member of the (1) in section 8905— into arrangements with contractors under uniformed services described in section (A) by redesignating subsections (d) the TRICARE program or with other appro- 1074(b) of this title, the authority responsible through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), re- priate contractors for the timely and effi- for approving retired or retainer pay or spectively; and cient processing of claims under this sub- equivalent pay for the member or former (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- section. member shall manage the participation of lowing: ‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense may not re- ‘‘(d) Subject to subsection (e) of section the enrolled member or former member in a quire dependents referred to in subsection (a) 1108 of title 10, an individual whom an ad- health benefits plan offered through the Fed- of a member of the armed forces described in ministering Secretary (as defined in section eral Employee Health Benefits program pur- section 1074(c)(3)(B) of this title to receive 1073 of such title) determines is a medicare- suant to subsection (a). routine primary medical care at a military ‘‘(2) If an enrolled medicare-eligible cov- eligible covered beneficiary under subsection medical treatment facility.’’. ered beneficiary is a dependent of a member (b) of such section 1108 may enroll in a SEC. 8. UNIFORMED SERVICES RETIREE HEALTH or former member, the authority that is, or health benefits plan under this chapter in ac- CARE ACCOUNT. would be, responsible for approving retired cordance with the agreement entered into (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Chapter 55 of title 10, or retainer pay or equivalent pay for the under subsection (a) of such section 1108 be- United States Code, is amended by adding at member or former member shall manage the tween the Secretary of Defense and the Of- the end the following new section: participation of the dependent in a health fice and in accordance with applicable regu- ‘‘§ 1110. Uniformed Services Retiree Health benefits plan offered through the Federal lations under this chapter.’’; Care Account (2) in section 8906(b), by striking paragraph Employee Health Benefits program under ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established (4) and inserting the following new para- subsection (a). in the Treasury an account to be known as graph (4): ‘‘(3) The Office of Personnel Management ‘Uniformed Services Retiree Health Care Ac- ‘‘(4) In the case of individuals who enroll in shall maintain separate risk pools for en- count’ (in this section referred to as the ‘Ac- a health plan in accordance with section rolled medicare-eligible covered beneficiaries count’). 8905(d) of this title, the Government con- until such time as the Director of the Office ‘‘(b) TRANSFERS TO ACCOUNT.—There shall of Personnel Management determines that tribution shall be determined under section be transferred to the Account any unexpired complete inclusion of enrolled medicare-eli- 1108(f) of title 10.’’; and funds (as determined by the Secretary of De- gible covered beneficiaries under chapter 89 (3) in section 8906(g), by striking paragraph fense, after consultation with the other ad- of title 5 will not adversely affect Federal (3) and inserting the following new para- ministering Secretaries) in the Defense employees and annuitants enrolled in health graph (3): Health Program account that, as a result of ‘‘(3) The Government contribution de- benefits plans under such chapter. economies, efficiencies, and other savings scribed in subsection (b)(4) for beneficiaries ‘‘(h) EFFECT OF CANCELLATION.—The can- achieved in the medical care and health care who enroll in accordance with section 8905(d) cellation by a medicare-eligible covered ben- programs of the Department of Defense, are of this title shall be paid as provided in sec- eficiary of coverage under the Federal Em- excess to the requirements of such programs. tion 1108(f) of title 10.’’. ployee Health Benefits program under this ‘‘(c) USE OF FUNDS.—(1) Amounts in the Ac- section shall be irrevocable for purposes of SEC. 6. ELIMINATION OF COPAYMENTS, count may be used for purposes of covering this section. DEDUCTIBLES, AND OTHER FEES the costs incurred by the Secretary of De- FOR CARE FOR DEPENDENTS UNDER ‘‘(i) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—Not later fense and the other administering Secre- than November 1 of each year, the admin- TRICARE PRIME. (a) ELIMINATION.—Section 1097a of title 10, taries in administering section 1108 of this istering Secretaries and the Director of the United States Code, is amended— title and the provisions of the Honoring Office of Personnel Management shall joint- (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) Health Care Commitments to ly submit to Congress a report describing the as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and Servicemembers Past and Present Act of 2000 provision of health care services to medi- (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- (including the amendments made by that care-eligible covered beneficiaries under this lowing new subsection (d): Act). section during the preceding fiscal year. The ‘‘(2) Notwithstanding any other provision ‘‘(d) PROHIBITION ON COPAYMENTS AND report shall address or contain the following: of law, amounts in the Account shall remain OTHER FEES FOR CARE FOR DEPENDENTS.—No ‘‘(1) The number of medicare-eligible cov- copayment, deductible, annual fee, or other available until expended. ered beneficiaries enrolled in health benefits ‘‘(d) UNEXPIRED FUNDS DEFINED.—In this fee may be collected for or with respect to plans offered through the Federal Employee section, the term ‘unexpired funds’ means any medical care provided a dependent (as Health Benefits program pursuant to sub- funds appropriated for a definite period of described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section (a), both in terms of total number time that remain available for obligation.’’. section 1072(2) of this title) of a member of and as a percentage of all medicare-eligible (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of the uniformed services who is enrolled in covered beneficiaries receiving health care sections at the beginning of such chapter is TRICARE Prime.’’. through the health care system of the uni- amended by adding at the end the following (b) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMEND- formed services. new item: MENTS.—(1) The section heading of such sec- ‘‘(2) The out-of-pocket cost to enrolled tion is amended by adding at the end the fol- ‘‘1110. Uniformed Services Retiree Health medicare-eligible covered beneficiaries under Care Account.’’. lowing: ‘‘; prohibition on fees for certain such health benefits plans. beneficiaries’’. SEC. 9. CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY ‘‘(3) The cost to the Government (including (2) The item relating to such section at the OF OVERPAYMENTS UNDER THE the Department of Defense, the Department beginning of chapter 55 of such title is TRICARE PROGRAM. of Transportation, and the Department of amended by inserting before the period the Section 1097b of title 10, United States Health and Human Services) of providing following: ‘‘; prohibition on fees for certain Code, is amended by adding at the end the care under such health benefits plans as a re- beneficiaries’’. following new subsection: sult of this section. ‘‘(d) CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY SEC. 7. HEALTH CARE COVERAGE OF IMMEDIATE OF VERPAYMENTS ‘‘(4) A comparison of the costs determined FAMILY MEMBERS UNDER PROGRAM O .—The Secretary of De- under paragraphs (2) and (3) and the costs FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED TO CER- fense may enter into contracts with appro- that would have otherwise been incurred by TAIN DUTY LOCATIONS FAR FROM priate private entities for purposes of recov- the Government and enrolled medicare-eligi- CARE. ering amounts of overpayments to health ble covered beneficiaries under alternative Section 1079 of title 10, United States Code, care providers under the TRICARE program. health care options available to the admin- is amended by adding at the end the fol- Services under contracts under this sub- istering Secretaries. lowing: section may include audit services and such ‘‘(5) The effect of this section on the cost, ‘‘(p)(1)(A) Subject to such exceptions as the other services as the Secretary of Defense access, and utilization rates of other health Secretary of Defense considers necessary, considers appropriate.’’. S118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 27, 2000 SEC. 10. ENHANCEMENT OF EFFICIENCY OF AD- entered service before June 7, 1956 would be and include priority access to military treat- MINISTRATION OF MILITARY authorized to enroll themselves and their ment facilities and TRICARE Senior Prime HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. family members in DoD managed health care networks, expansion of the Base Realign- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, programs without any fees or copays. Active ment and Closure pharmacy benefit, allows after consultation with the other admin- duty family members would be fully covered enrollment in the Federal Employees Health istering Secretaries, shall take appropriate by Tricare Prime, without any copays, re- Benefits Program and establishes an accrual actions— gardless of their duty location. account for military health care as is done (1) to enhance the efficiency of administra- What you have proposed is the honorable for other Federal retirees. tion of the provision of health care services thing to do, both to ensure retired members With additional base closings being rec- under chapter 55 of title 10, United States receive long-promised and badly needed ommended, each option in this legislation is Code, including the TRICARE program, in health coverage in their senior years and to essential. One size will not fit all bene- matters relating to marketing, beneficiary improve quality of life and retention among ficiaries and they need the maximum num- enrollment, beneficiary and provider edu- current and future active duty personnel. ber of options to meet the varying needs of cation, claims processing, and the scheduling The Military Coalition looks forward to active duty, retirees, their families and sur- of appointments; and working with you and your staff in seeking vivors whatever their location or medical (2) otherwise to improve the quality of to bring these important health care im- condition. service provided under that chapter. provements to legislative reality. The nation does not have a surplus until (b) PARTICULAR ACTIONS.—The actions Sincerely, all obligations are met. This bill will meet a taken by the Secretary of Defense under sub- THE MILITARY COALITION. major obligation of the Government and we section (a) shall include the following: Air Force Association. thank you for introducing it. (1) Simplification of administrative proc- Air Force Sergeants Association. Sincerely, esses. Army Aviation Assn. of America. Air Force Sergeants Association; Amer- (2) Use of the Internet for critical adminis- Assn. of Military Surgeons of the United ican Military Retirees Association; trative processes. States. American Military Society; American (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section the terms Assn. of the US Army. Retirees Association; Catholic War ‘‘administering Secretaries’’ and ‘‘TRICARE Commissioned Officers Assn. of the US Veterans; Class Act Group; Gold Star program’’ shall have the meanings given Public Health Service, Inc. Wives of America; Korean War Vet- such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United CWO & WO Assn. US Coast Guard. erans Association; Military Order of States Code. Enlisted Association of the National Guard the Purple Heart; Legion of Valor; Na- SEC. 11. NATIONWIDE ENROLLMENT CARD of the United States. tional Assn. for Uniformed Services; UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM. Fleet Reserve Assn. Naval Enlisted Reserve Associa- (a) REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of De- Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. tion;Naval Reserve Association; Non fense, after consultation with the other ad- Jewish War Veterans of the USA. Commissioned Officers Assn; Society of ministering Secretaries, shall issue to cov- Marine Corps League. Medical Consultants; The Retired En- ered beneficiaries under the TRICARE pro- Marine Corps Reserve Officers Assn. listed Association; TREA Senior Cit- gram an enrollment card which shall serve Military Order of the Purple Heart. izen League;Tragedy Assistance Pro- as an enrollment card for participation in National Guard Assn. of the United States. gram for Survivors; Veterans of For- the TRICARE program nationwide. The pur- National Military Family Assn. eign Wars; Women in Search of Equity. pose of the enrollment card is to facilitate National Order of Battlefield Commissions. the ready portability of benefits under the Naval Reserve Assn. AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, TRICARE program. Navy League of the United States. Arlington, Virginia, January 25, 2000. (b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section the terms Reserve Officers Assn. Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, ‘‘administering Secretaries’’ and ‘‘TRICARE Society of Medical Consultants to the Senate Russell Building, Washington, DC. program’’ shall have the meanings given Armed Forces. DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN: such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United The Military Chaplains Assn. of the USA. On behalf of the 150,000 members of the Air States Code. The Retired Enlisted Assn. Force Association, I want to thank you for The Retired Officers Assn. taking the lead in the Senate to enact legis- THE MILITARY COALITION, United Armed Forces Assn. lation to restore affordable, portable and ac- Alexandria, VA, January 21, 2000. USCG Chief Petty Officers Assn. cessible health care for our nation’s military Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, US Army Warrant Officers Assn. members, their families and our retirees. I U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United am confident your legislative actions on this DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN: The Military Coa- States. bill will have a long-term, positive affect on lition (TMC), a consortium of nationally Veterans’ Widows International Network, the morale, welfare and retention of those prominent uniformed services and veterans Inc. who now serve on active duty and will keep associations representing more than five faith with those now retired. million current and former members of the NATIONAL MILITARY AND While I know other Members of the Senate uniformed services, plus their families and VETERANS ALLIANCE, are planning to introduce similar legislation, survivors, applauds your leadership in intro- January 25, 2000. your very comprehensive bill has set a high ducing comprehensive legislation aimed at Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, standard for others to follow. I also am correcting serious inequities in the military U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. pleased to see that the Joint Chiefs of Staff health care benefit. DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN: The National Mili- (JCS) will make military health care reform The Coalition believes enactment of such tary and Veterans Alliance representing over their number one personnel-related issue comprehensive health care equity legislation 3.5 million military retirees and other vet- this year. The majority of the concerns is essential, not only to keep commitments erans strongly supports your legislation, raised by the JCS are pointedly addressed in to long-serving members who sacrificed so ‘‘Honoring Health Care Commitments to your legislation. much, but also to rebuild the readiness of Service Members Past and Present Act of We want to work with you to get this bill the current force. In this regard, broken 2000.’’ enacted into law. Please let us know how we health care promises have undermined one of The bill reflects your longstanding interest can be of assistance. the services’ most potent recruiting re- in improving military health care and it of- Sincerely, sources—the enthusiasm of retired members fers superb options for the entire military THOMAS J. MCKEE. to recommend service careers for their chil- family, retirees, active duty, their families dren and grandchildren and those of their and survivors. With the closure and realign- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR friends and neighbors. The broken promises ment of over 100 domestic military bases UNIFORMED SERVICES, also hurt current force retention, as survey since 1988, hundreds of thousands of military Springfield, VA, January 25, 2000. responses indicate that reenlistment-eligible beneficiaries have been left with no Depart- Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, members are increasingly aware of how poor- ment of Defense sponsored health care. This U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. ly their predecessors are being treated. bill will repair the broken health care prom- DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN: The National Asso- We are grateful to you for introducing leg- ise to the nation’s warriors and will reassure ciation for Uniformed Services and The Soci- islation that would keep promises to those those considering a military career that the ety of Military Widows with membership en- who have already served and improve health nation will honor its promises made to those compassing all grades, ranks, family mem- care delivery to those currently in uniform. who have served to keep our country free. bers and survivors of all seven uniformed You legislation would accomplish TMC’s We applaud your leadership in introducing services strongly support your legislation, longstanding health care equity goals by au- this comprehensive legislation, which would ‘‘Honoring Health Care Commitments to thorizing Medicare-eligibles an option to include Medicare eligible retirees who des- Service Members Past and Present Act of choose between coverage under TRICARE perately need medical care and are the only 2000.’’ Senior Prime or TRICARE Senior Prime Re- Federal employees who lose their DoD spon- We applaud your leadership in introducing mote, FEHBP–65, or DoD mail-order and re- sored health care at age 65. The options of- this most comprehensive legislation which tail pharmacy programs,. Members who first fered are critical to military beneficiaries will improve access to health care for every January 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S119 category of military member, active duty, on the basis of sex, and for other pur- S. 1999 retired, family member and survivor. poses. At the request of Mr. MACK, the name This bill will repair the broken health care S. 92 of the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. promise to the nation’s warriors and will re- BUNNING) was added as a cosponsor of assure those considering a military career At the request of Mr. DOMENICI, the that the nation will honor its promises made name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. S. 1999, a bill for the relief of Elian to those who have served to keep our coun- ROBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. Gonzalez-Brotons. try free. This legislation includes Medicare 92, a bill to provide for biennial budget S. 2003 eligible retirees who desperately need med- process and a biennial appropriations At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the ical care and are the only Federal employees process and to enhance oversight and name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. who lose their DoD sponsored health care at the performance of the Federal Govern- ROBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. age 65. The options offered are critical to military beneficiaries and include priority ment. 2003, a bill to restore health care cov- access to military treatment facilities and S. 242 erage to retired members of the uni- TRICARE Senior Prime networks, expansion At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the formed services. of the Base Realignment and Closure phar- name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. f macy benefit, allows enrollment in the Fed- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. eral Employees Health Benefits Program and JOINT SESSION OF THE TWO establishes an accrual account for military 242, a bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling HOUSES—ADDRESS BY THE health care as is done for other Federal retir- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ees. of imported meat and meat food prod- Each option in this legislation is essential. ucts. STATES (H. DOC. NO. 106–160) Beneficiaries need the maximum number of S. 820 The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The choices to meet the varying needs of active At the request of Mr. L. CHAFEE, his Senate will proceed to the Hall of the duty, retirees, their families and survivors name was added as a cosponsor of S. House of Representatives to hear the whatever their location or medical condi- address by the President of the United tion. 820, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- This bill reflects your longstanding com- enue Code of 1986 to repeal the 4.3-cent States. mitment to a strong national defense and motor fuel excise taxes on railroads Thereupon, the Senate, preceded by the men and women who make that defense and inland waterway transportation the Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Loret- possible. It also will meet a major obligation which remain in the general fund of the ta Symms, the Secretary of the Senate, of the Government and we thank you for in- Treasury. Gary Sisco, and the Vice President of troducing it. S. 851 the United States, ALBERT GORE, Jr., Sincerely, proceeded to the Hall of the House of At the request of Mr. L. CHAFEE, his RICHARD D. MURRAY, Representatives to hear the address by Major General, USAF (Ret), name was added as a cosponsor of S. President, NAUS and Administrator, SMW. 851, a bill to allow Federal employees the President of the United States, to take advantage of the transpor- William J. Clinton. MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2000. tation fringe benefit provisions of the (The address delivered by the Presi- CHRIS PAUL, Internal Revenue Code that are avail- dent of the United States to the joint c/o JOHN S. MCCAIN III. able to private sector employees. session of the two Houses of Congress I am delighted that Senator John McCain appears in the proceedings of the House S. 1055 has signed on to H.R. 2966. This is a giant of Representatives in today’s RECORD). step toward repairing the breach of contract At the request of Mr. INOUYE, his by this Administration. name was added as a cosponsor of S. f Furthermore, the McCain bill goes further 1055, a bill to amend title 36, United ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, to improve the health care delivery system States Code, to designate the day be- for active duty servicemembers and their JANUARY 31, 2000 families and also repairs the ‘‘broken prom- fore Thanksgiving as ‘‘National Day of Reconciliation.’’ At the conclusion of the joint session ise’’ for military retirees and their families. of the two Houses, and in accordance COL. GEORGE ‘‘BUD’’ DAY, S. 1708 with the order previously entered, at Attorney for WWII-Korean Vets. At the request of Mr. MOYNIHAN, the 10:52 p.m., the Senate adjourned until name of the Senator from Michigan f Monday, January 31, 2000, at 12 noon. (Mr. ABRAHAM) was added as a cospon- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS sor of S. 1708, a bill to amend the Em- f S. 74 ployee Retirement Income Security NOMINATION At the request of Mr. DASCHLE, the Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. Code of 1986 to require plans which Executive nomination received by CLELAND) was added as a cosponsor of adopt amendments that significantly the Senate January 27, 2000: S. 74, a bill to amend the Fair Labor reduce future benefit accruals to pro- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Standards Act of 1938 to provide more vide participants with adequate notice NANCY KILLEFER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO effective remedies to victims of dis- of the changes made by such amend- BE A MEMBER OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS. (NEW crimination in the payment of wages ments. POSITION)