S58 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2001 O’Neill, Donald H. Rumsfeld, Donald L. rests with the Secretary of Energy. the costs of war. The other is to honor Evans, Spencer Abraham, Rod Paige, This decision, and others relating to our commitments to veterans who have Anthony Principi, Ann Veneman, and Yucca Mountain, must be made absent paid those costs.’’ I doubt that any Mitch Daniels. bias. Regrettably, Secretary designee Member of the Senate would take ex- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. With- Abraham’s record as a Senator and his ception with those obligations. Don out objection, it is so ordered. testimony before the Energy Com- Rumsfeld will certainly accept these f mittee as a nominee lead me to believe obligations with enthusiasm. that he may not be capable of such im- Public service is a demanding voca- EXECUTIVE SESSION partiality on this very important issue. tion for the family as well as the nomi- Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I now I withdraw my reservation. nee. I want to express my personal ap- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise preciation to Mrs. Joyce Rumsfeld for ate proceed to executive session to con- today to give my strongest rec- rededicating herself to public service sider the nominations of Donald H. ommendation for the confirmation of as well. The Nation will never fully ap- Rumsfeld to be Secretary of Defense, the nomination of Donald H. Rumsfeld preciate the sacrifices spouses, such as Colin L. Powell to be Secretary of to be Secretary of Defense. Joyce Rumsfeld, make supporting State, Paul H. O’Neill to be Secretary On December 28, 2000, then President- those who serve our country. of the Treasury, Ann Veneman to be elect Bush announced his intention to Mr. President, I want to commend Secretary of Agriculture, Donald L. nominate former-Secretary of Defense my friend and colleague, Senator Evans to be Secretary of Commerce, Rumsfeld, a man I have known for LEVIN, for the manner in which, as the Rod Paige to be Secretary of Edu- more than 20 years, to be his Secretary chairman of the Armed Services Com- cation, and Spencer Abraham to be of Defense. I support this nomination, mittee, he dealt with this nomination. Secretary of Energy. and I am pleased that the President de- Chairman LEVIN and I worked together The PRESIDENT pro tempore. With- cided to recommend him for this im- very closely as the committee consid- out objection, it is so ordered. portant position. ered the nomination in a deliberate and Mr. ROBERTS. I further ask unani- Don Rumsfeld served as Secretary of timely manner. mous consent, Mr. President, that the Defense for President Ford from 1975 to I support this nomination. I urge my nominations be considered en bloc and 1977. I am confident that he will, once colleagues to support the nomination disposed of en bloc, that each nomina- again, be a competent, trustworthy, ef- as well. Secretary Rumsfeld will be a tion be considered separately in the fective Secretary of Defense. He has crucial part of the great national secu- RECORD, and following the confirma- the experience, knowledge, skill and rity team that President Bush has as- tions the motion to reconsider be laid ability to oversee the best—the larg- sembled. upon the table, that the President be est—military force in the world. His The nominations were considered and immediately notified that the Senate challenge will be to prepare that force confirmed, as follows: has given its consent to these nomina- for missions in the ever-growing, in- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE tions, and the Senate then return to creasingly complex threat environment Ann Margaret Veneman, of California, to legislative session. of the 21st century. He must ‘‘jump be Secretary of Agriculture. Mr. REID. Reserving the right to ob- start’’ the pace of transition from cold DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ject, Mr. President, war thinking to new thinking. Donald Henry Rumsfeld, of Illinois, to be I wish the RECORD to reflect that Don Rumsfeld has been extremely Secretary of Defense. with regard to the nomination of Spen- successful in the business world in the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE cer Abraham to be Secretary of En- years since he last served as Secretary ergy, I am voting in the negative. I ap- Donald Louis Evans, of Texas, to be Sec- of Defense. He has served as the chief retary of Commerce. preciate the fact that we need a Sec- executive officer of G.D. Searle and DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY retary of Energy immediately because Company, a worldwide pharmaceutical of the dire energy crisis in the State of company, and as chairman and chief Spencer Abraham, of Michigan, to be Sec- retary of Energy. California. My objection to Secretary executive officer of General Instrument designee Abraham’s nomination is Corporation, a leader in broadband and DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY based on the troubling record Mr. digital, high-definition television tech- Paul Henry O’Neill, of Pennsylvania, to be Abraham has established on nuclear nology. While leading these major pri- Secretary of the Treasury. waste. This objection is based on a dif- vate-sector businesses, he continued DEPARTMENT OF STATE ference of opinion over this matter. In- his public service by serving in a vari- Colin Luther Powell, of Virginia, to be Sec- deed, I had the honor of serving in this ety of Federal posts and as a member retary of State. body with Spencer Abraham in his ca- of several commissions. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION pacity as a Senator from Michigan. I Many Senators are familiar with the Roderick R. Paige, of Texas, to be Sec- know him to be a decent and honorable excellent work Secretary Rumsfeld has retary of Education. man who served with distinction. done on both the Commission to Assess NOMINATIONS As a Senator from Michigan, how- the Ballistic Missile Threat to the Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I said ever, he voted repeatedly to ship nu- United States, which issued its report on January 3 that I intended to savor clear waste to the State of Nevada de- in 1998, and the Commission to Assess every one of the next 17 days. And I am spite the overwhelming evidence that United States National Security Space pleased to tell you, I did. such a move was being made without Management and Organization, which In fact, I called my office this morn- regard for sound science and public issued its report on January 11, 2001. ing just to hear the receptionist say— health and safety. He voted to ship nu- President Bush has articulated a vi- one last time—‘‘Majority Leader’s Of- clear waste to Nevada notwithstanding sion for the U.S. military and has set fice.’’ I did it again this morning. the fact that there is no safe route for three broad goals for national defense: It was an honor to serve as majority the transportation of high level nu- first, to renew the bond of trust be- leader of this Senate—even if only for clear waste through the states and cit- tween the President and the military; 17 days. ies and towns of America. He supported second, to defend the American people In the spirit of bipartisanship, I want an industry backed bill that would against missiles and terror; and third, to say to my friend, Senator LOTT that have expedited delivery of nuclear to begin creating the military of the if he every needs to take a day off—for waste to Nevada on an ‘‘interim’’ basis. next century. I know that Don Rums- any reason—I’ll be happy to fill in for He even supported overriding President feld is committed to these goals as him. Clinton’s veto of a bill which would well. I also want to thank my fellow have greatly weakened the EPA’s role In a speech at the Citadel in Sep- Democratic Senators—particularly our in establishing the appropriate radi- tember 1999, then-Governor Bush said, committee chairs. ation standards at Yucca Mountain. ‘‘Those who want to lead America ac- It’s been a while since a Democratic The decision on the designation of a cept two obligations. One is to use our Senator had banged a chairman’s gavel permanent nuclear waste repository military power wisely, remembering around here.

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 00:40 Jan 23, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.016 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 January 20, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S59 But you never would have known it terest to help foster the rule of law and cleansing in the former Yugoslavia and to see them in action. a professional police force in Russia. restore stability to southeastern Eu- One measure of their dedication is I mention this because I believe there rope. In East Asia, we worked with our the fact that we are here today to con- are parallels between what Officer Korean and Japanese allies to diminish firm the first seven of President Bush’s Schmit and his colleagues did, and North Korea’s nuclear threat and come Cabinet nominees. what Secretary Powell can, and must, within striking distance of an agree- Every other Cabinet nominee has do as Secretary of State. ment to halt that country’s missile gotten, or is getting, a fair hearing. The threats to world peace are dif- program. We must not threaten these Something else happened during ferent today than when Colin Powell and other critical alliances by rushing these last 17 days: We reached a his- first joined the Army—but they are no to disengage from successful efforts in toric agreement to share responsibility less dangerous. the Balkans and elsewhere. in America’s first-ever 50/50 Senate. The proliferation of weapons of mass Second: We must also avoid threat- I want to thank Senator LOTT again, destruction has turned what used to be ening our friends—and our enemies— and commend him for having the faith regional conflicts into potential global unnecessarily by rushing too quickly and the courage to do the right and fair catastrophes. to deploy a national missile defense. thing. New technologies and more open so- President Bush has said he is com- Today, I hand the title of Majority cieties have enabled drug traffickers mitted to deploying such a system, and Leader back to him. and other criminals to expand their ac- Secretaries Powell and Rumsfeld also And that’s just fine. tivities—threatening American citi- have expressed support for it. As Thomas Jefferson said: ‘‘I like the zens and democratic advances world- Let me be clear: Democrats also sup- dream of the future better than the wide. port ballistic missile defense system— history of the past.’’ Abandoning our responsibilities as a as long as it meets four essential cri- Today, as President Bush begins his world leader will not protect us from teria. It must be affordable and effec- Presidency, we wish him well. We want the threats in today’s world. But it tive, it must meet the threat, and it to work with him to make a better fu- would deprive us of the benefits. must not damage relations with our al- ture—for all Americans. We must not fall for the false secu- lies. In short, it must make us more se- To the cynics who say that’s not pos- rity of isolationism. cure, not less. We must remain engaged in the sible, let me point out seven reasons Third: We want to work with Secre- world. for hope: Colin Powell, Donald Rums- taries Powell and Rumsfeld, and with Protecting America’s interests and feld, Paul O’Neill, Don Evans, Spence President Bush, to build bipartisan promoting the causes of peace and de- Abraham, Ann Veneman, and Rod support for the Comprehensive Test mocracy throughout the world will re- Paige. Ban Treaty. quire a team effort. I’d like to say a few words about each I will not dwell here on the lengths of these extraordinary men and women. I can think of no one better-suited to head that team than Colin Powell. to which CTBT opponents went in the Colin Powell: last Congress to tilt the playing field— I told Colin Powell earlier this week Donald Rumsfeld: both procedurally and substantively. Joining Secretary Powell on that that he has lots of admirers on both Suffice it to say that this important team is an outstanding leader who has sides of the aisle here, and I consider treaty did not get the fair and full also had a long and distinguished ca- myself one of the biggest. America is hearing it should have, and the Senate reer inside and outside of government: fortunate to have him as our ambas- failed to ratify it. Donald Rumsfeld. sador to the world. General John Shalikashvili, former As Secretary of Defense, Don Rums- General Powell has spent his entire chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, feld will lead 1.5 million active duty adult life serving this nation. He start- said recently: ‘‘(t)he advantages of the personnel, nearly 1 million reserve per- ed in the Army as a second lieutenant Test Ban Treaty outweigh any dis- sonnel and more than 800,000 full-time in June 1958 and spent the next 35 years advantages, and thus . . . ratification civilian employees. And he will en- as a professional soldier. He eventually would increase national security.’’ I counter new and unconventional rose to become Chairman of the Joint hope the Bush administration will pay threats that defy conventional solu- Chiefs of Staff—the highest military close attention. tions. assignment at the Pentagon—and Na- Clearly, these are daunting chal- Fourth: We must maintain our sup- tional Security Adviser to President lenges. But Don Rumsfeld is well-quali- port for efforts to control the spread of Reagan. He received many awards, in- fied to meet them. weapons of mass destruction, such as cluding: the Defense Distinguished A graduate of Princeton University, the Cooperative Threat Reduction pro- Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, he served three years as a U.S. Navy gram—better known as ‘‘the Nunn- the Army Distinguished Service Medal aviator before being elected in 1962—at Lugar program.’’ This program enables with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Su- the age of 30—to the House of Rep- us to work with Russia to reduce its perior Service Medal, the Legion of resentatives. nuclear arsenal. It has led to the de- Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Sol- In 1969, he resigned from Congress to struction of thousands of Russian nu- dier’s Medal, the Bronze Star, and the work for President Nixon, and stayed clear weapons and weapons platforms. Purple Heart. to work for President Ford. It has also resulted in tighter security In 1993, General Powell retired from In 1975 he was confirmed by the Sen- at Russian nuclear weapons develop- the Army and found a new way to serve ate to serve as our 13th and youngest ment and production facilities. his country: as chairman of America’s Secretary of Defense. It is hard to imagine a better invest- Promise—The Alliance for Youth. Two years later, he began a 20-year ment in our national security. We must The world has changed dramatically career in the private sector. But he maintain it. since Colin Powell first put on an continued to answer the call of public Fifth: Our diplomatic corps will al- Army uniform. I was reminded of that duty, serving as President Reagan’s ways be our first line of defense. We again a few days ago when I read a Special Envoy for the Middle East and must make sure it has the resources it newspaper article about police officer chairman of the Commission to Assess needs to do its job well. in Sioux Falls by the name of Greg the Ballistic Missile Threat to the At the same time, we must make it Schmit. Officer Schmit and 10 other United States. clear to our friends and our enemies police officers throughout America re- I look forward to working with both alike that, if America’s values and in- cently returned from Russia. Secretary Powell and Secretary Rums- terests are threatened, and if diplo- They went to Russia as part of a feld. macy fails, we will use force. State Department program to train There are five areas in particular We must maintain America’s role as Russian police in Western policing where I hope we can build bipartisan a global leader. methods. They didn’t go out of some support: Paul O’Neill: misguided idealism. They went because First: In recent years, the U.S. has To do that, we must maintain our fis- it is in America’s national security in- worked with NATO to end ethnic cal discipline.

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 00:54 Jan 23, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.020 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 S60 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2001 Paul O’Neill, our next Secretary of tial affordable, reliable energy supplies Roderick Paige: the Treasury, understands that. are to our nation. Finally, I want to commend Presi- Like Secretaries Powell and Rums- In California, rolling energy black- dent Bus for choosing Dr. Roderick feld, he comes to his post with a long outs have forced temporary shutdowns Paige as his Secretary of Education. As and impressive record of achievement of Silicon Valley computer giants, and superintendent of the Houston Inde- in both the private and public sectors. turned off traffic lights at the height of pendent School District and before He has been a tremendously success- rush-hour. that, as a member of Houston’s school ful CEO of a major American corpora- In South Dakota and many other board, Dr. Paige has shown that he be- tion, Alcoa, which operates worldwide states, soaring oil and natural gas lieves every child deserves an oppor- and has thrived in the global economy prices are making it harder for families tunity to attend a good public school. under his leadership. to heat their homes, and eating into During his nearly seven years as su- He has earned the respect of Wall business profits. perintendent, Houston saw significant Street—and Alcoa employees. As Secretary of Energy, Spence Abra- gains in the numbers of 10th graders George Becker is president of the ham is the person to whom America passing Texas’ basic skills test—espe- Steelworkers Union. Listen to what he will look for solutions to our nation’s cially among minority students. had to say about Paul O’Neill—quote: Dr. Paige understands from personal pressing energy needs. ‘‘Most of our relationships with em- experience the many challenges facing He is also the person most respon- ployers are confrontational by nature. America’s public schools, the men and sible for ensuring the safety and secu- but we found that Paul had very keen women who work in them, and the chil- rity of our nation’s nuclear stockpile, interest on the side of working people.’’ dren who depend on them. His predecessors in the current Ad- storing and cleaning up nuclear waste, He has earned the support and admi- ministration—Lloyd Bentsen, Bob and overseeing critical research at our ration of a wide variety of education Rubin, and Larry Summers—played national energy labs. professionals. He has earned this nomi- critical roles in restoring the fiscal I am confident that Secretary Abra- nation. I look forward to working strength of the United States and in re- ham is ready for these difficult tasks. closely with him to help President sponding to financial crises around the He showed during his six years in the Bush fulfill his pledge to leave no child globe. As a result—in significant meas- Senate that he is willing to work in a behind. ure—of their insight and actions, the bipartisan fashion. I look forward to Again, I commend President Bush for new Treasury Secretary will inherit a continuing to work with him in his sending us seven such strong nominees. remarkably strong fiscal situation. new capacity. I urge my colleagues to support all of In his new office, I hope Secretary I am especially interested in working them. And I look forward to working O’Neill will remember how hobbled our with him to promote the use of renew- with each of them to make that dream economy was a decade ago, and how able energy sources such as wind and of a better future, that Thomas Jeffer- hard Americans worked to put our ethanol, and providing incentives for son wrote about, a reality. economy back on sound financial foot- improved energy efficiency. NOMINATION OF COLIN POWELL ing. I also hope he will look to the fu- By using our resources wisely, we can Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President I rise ture. reduce our dependence on foreign oil today to offer my unequivocal support In less than a decade, the first Baby and ensure the stability of our econ- for the nomination of General Colin Boomers will retire. We want to work omy. Powell as our Secretary of State. Colin with Secretary O’Neill, President Bush, Ann Veneman: Powell’s experience as a soldier, a pub- and our Republican colleagues to pre- The Department of Agriculture is lic servant, and a civilian leader will pare for the Baby Boomers’ retirement charge with the oversight of a wide serve him well in overcoming the chal- now, while we still have the time, so range of policy areas—from commodity lenges ahead. we can avoid a crisis down the road. programs and trade to food safety, Americans should know that we We can afford to cut taxes. We can af- from natural resources and forestry could not ask for any person with bet- ford to provide to add a prescription management to nutrition programs. ter preparation, more knowledge, or drug benefit to Medicare. But we must I am confident that Ann Veneman greater skills to take the helm of U.S. not go too far. We cannot afford to re- has the breadth of experience and foreign policy and its diplomatic corps turn to fiscal irresponsibility and knowledge to ensure Americans are at this time in our history. weakness. There’s a better way. To- As a former Chairman of the Joint very well served in all of these areas. gether, we can find it. Chiefs of Staff, General Powell fully Ms. Veneman has a long history of understands the role of the military in Don Evans: public service. Maintaining fiscal discipline is the the implementation of foreign policy. In 1991, Agriculture Secretary Mad- key to keeping our economy strong. He also understands that a powerful We must also continue to help Amer- igan tapped her to be Deputy Secretary military can be eroded through misuse. ican businesses and entrepreneurs grow at USDA. She was the first women ever The use of force should be the last re- and create new jobs, and continue to to be appointed to that position. But sort, not the first best solution to seek out new markets for American what people know her for was her sig- failed diplomacy. good and services—at home and abroad. nificant contributions to the GATT As General Powell stated in his testi- That will be the job of President Uruguay round negotiations on agri- mony before the Foreign Relations Bush’s new Commerce Secretary. And culture, from which we continue to Committee, the United States’ chal- he is well-prepared to take it on. benefit. lenge is one of leadership. U.S. power— Mr. Evans understands that we live In 1995, Governor Wilson appointed military, economic, and diplomatic—is in a global economy, and that erecting her to be Secretary of Agriculture in unparalleled. We must use such power trade barriers between countries is the California. judiciously. And we must apply the ap- wrong approach. She was the first woman to serve as propriate type of power in the right sit- As someone from a rural state, I par- Agriculture Secretary in California. uations to shape a more peaceful and ticularly appreciate his commitment While there, she pursued a strong and prosperous world. to promote access to the newest tech- varied agenda that included opening But first we must know and clearly nologies in rural America. new markets for trade and making sig- define our objectives. We are ready to work with Secretary nificant improvements in California’s President Bush stated that U.S. for- Evans on all of these priorities. food safety system. eign policy was ‘‘like a cork in a cur- We also want to work with him to With this nomination, Ms. Veneman rent being swept from crisis to crisis. I keep politics out of the census, so that will be the first woman United States believe this image accurately depicts we can get an accurate count of Amer- Secretary of Agriculture. She brings the struggle over the last several years ica’s population. considerable strengths to this post, and with the lack of a clearly formulated Spencer Abraham: we are confident that we will take and executed foreign policy. These last couple of weeks have pro- major strides in farm policy with her Many recognize, and General Powell vided dramatic reminders of how essen- at the helm. addressed this also in his testimony,

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 00:16 Jan 23, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.022 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 January 20, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S61 that the world we live in has radically young people. General Powell’s efforts drafted. Furthermore, I was extremely changed in the last decade. We no to raise the profile of such an impor- pleased to hear that President Bush longer face an ideological foe. We no tant issue, one that goes to the very has pledged to take a more active role longer live with the threat of annihila- fabric of our society, have clearly in foreign policy with respect to tion from Soviet nuclear forces. begun to bear fruit. As a Senator with strengthening our relations with coun- But the world today is not peaceful. a particular interest in the welfare of tries in our own hemisphere. Many of The end of the Cold War stalemate un- our children, I hope that America’s my colleagues know of my interest in leashed forces of change. These forces Promise will continue its important this region. I had numerous questions of change couple with unprecedented work now that General Powell has a for General Powell on a wide range of technological advances have fundamen- new ‘‘day job.’’ topics of interest in Latin America— tally altered the global landscape. The General Powell has now agreed to Mexico, Plan Colombia, our complex threats we face are diffuse, and many take on yet another assignment for the relationship with Cuba, the political tools of the Cold War era prove insuffi- American people, this time as our chaos in Peru, and how best to spur de- cient in countering these new threats. country’s chief diplomat and inter- mocratization in Haiti. While we did These new challenges—from cyber- national spokesman. There is no doubt not discuss any of these topics in great terrorism to AIDS in Africa to pro- in my mind that he will do a superb job depth, it was clear to me that General liferation of weapons of mass destruc- as Secretary of State. While some of Powell has a clear grasp of the prob- tion—will require new approaches and President Bush’s recent appointments lems extant in this region of the world, better coordination between our fed- have provoked controversy, the Rums- and I look forward to working with eral agencies. The Bush Administra- feld/Powell—Defense/Foreign Policy him over the next four years on issues tion is bringing together the most tal- team has strong bipartisan support in of mutual concern. ented and experienced Cabinet in re- Congress and has been welcomed by the General Powell demonstrated a will- cent years to tackle these problems. American people. I want to commend ingness to listen to Senators thoughts Colin Powell brings the leadership President Bush for his wise choice in and concerns over the six hours that skills and commands the respect nec- asking General Powell to join his ad- his hearing lasted. Such an attitude essary to initiate needed changes, ministration, and I want to personally can only serve to forge a strong and renew our diplomatic corps, clearly de- thank General Powell for his willing- productive relationship between the fine our national interests and imple- ness to once again answer the call of State Department and the Senate. At ment policies to achieve U.S. objec- public service to his country. No one the end of the day, dialogue between tives. I look forward to working with would have begrudged him had he said, the Secretary and the Congress will en- Secretary Powell in my role as Chair- ‘‘thanks but no thanks.’’ His commit- sure that the United States foreign pol- man of the Budget Committee to give ment and service to our country is icy agenda has strong bipartisan sup- him the means necessary to address truly extraordinary. port here at home. U.S. foreign policy the State Department’s needs. Let me also say for the record that and national security interests will be Mr. President, in closing I would like General Powell’s recent predecessors, best served if this proves to be so. If to thank General Powell for his will- Madeleine Albright and Warren Chris- anyone can foster a spirit of biparti- ingness to, once again, serve the Amer- topher have also distinguished them- sanship in foreign policy, I believe that ican people. selves during their tenures and have General Powell can. I look forward to Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise left the world a better place for their working with him on issues of mutual today to add my enthusiastic support efforts. I want to thank them for their interest and concern, and urge my col- for the nomination of Colin L. Powell service to our country and wish them leagues to support his nomination. to be the next United States Secretary well in their future endeavors. NOMINATION OF DONALD H. RUMSFELD of State—a view that I believe is unani- On Thursday, I had the privilege of Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I support mous in this body. The reasons are ob- questioning General Powell at his nom- the nomination of Donald Rumsfeld to vious. General Powell is a distin- ination hearing before the Foreign Re- be Secretary of Defense, and I urge my guished American who will bring credit lations Committee. While we did not colleagues to support this nomination. to the Bush administration and our agree on every topic discussed, it was It is important for the Senate confirm country over the next four years. He is clear to me that General Powell has Mr. Rumsfeld today, the first day of without doubt extremely well qualified taken his nomination seriously and has the new administration, so that the by experience and temperament to rep- educated himself on all aspects of for- new Secretary of Defense can assume resent our nation as its chief diplomat eign policy. He listened to every ques- his position in the chain of command of and foreign policy spokesman. tion attentively and answered every our armed forces. I know a number of my colleagues query thoughtfully. I was heartened in Mr. Rumsfeld is well qualified to have already gone on at length about particular by the high priority he has serve as Secretary of Defense. He has a the distinguished record of public serv- placed on ensuring that adequate re- distinguished record of public service, ice that General Powell has performed sources are made available to the State and in fact served as Secretary of De- during his thirty-five years of military Department to make it possible for our fense in the last 14 months of President service before retiring, in 1993, from his diplomatic responsibilities to be effec- Ford’s administration. Since then, he post as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of tively discharged around the world. In has led several large private sector Staff. In the interest of time, I will his prepared statement. General Powell companies, while still remaining active simply associate myself with their re- also outlined his view of the world and in national security policy issues. Most marks in noting that General Powell’s emphasized that the United States can- recently, he served as Chairman of the record of public service is truly impres- not suddenly isolate itself from the U.S. Ballistic Missile Threat Commis- sive. I would point out, however that global community. Moreover, he reiter- sion and the Commission to Assess the the various positions he has held over ated the necessity of the United States United States National Security Space the years have prepared him well to as- remaining engaged internationally in Management and Organization. sume his new responsibilities as Sec- order to build upon the successes of President Bush announced his intent retary of State. previous administrations. to nominate Mr. Rumsfeld to be Sec- And, as if his years of public service I took the opportunity to question retary of Defense on December 28. were not enough, General Powell con- General Powell at length on issues of Since then, the Armed Services Com- tinued to serve his country and com- special concern to me. He pledged to mittee has conducted the same thor- munity in ‘‘retirement.’’ He agreed to continue to monitor the Irish and Mid- ough review of this nomination that we chair President Clinton’s Summit for dle East peace processes, and while I apply to every nomination that comes America’s Future in 1997 and founded know we have a difference of opinion before the committee. The nominee has and chaired America’s Promise—The on this issue, he did not reject outright submitted the required paperwork to Alliance for Youth, a non-profit organi- the idea of an International Criminal the committee, met applicable finan- zation dedicated to strengthening the Court, although he made clear his con- cial disclosure requirements, and character and competence of America’s cerns with the treaty as currently pledged to comply with the conflict of

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 23:47 Jan 22, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.001 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 S62 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2001 interest standards of the executive EXHIBIT 1 While U.S. forces have continued to branch and the committee. U.S. SENATE, shrink in size, increased deployments Mr. Rumsfeld has completed the de- COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, and the corresponding operational Washington, DC, January 19, 2001. tempo has eaten away at moral. Plum- tailed Armed Services Committee ques- Memorandum to: Senator Daschle and Sen- tionnaire that we require of all nomi- meting retention and recruitment ap- ator Lott. pears to have been arrested for the nees. He has also responded in writing From: Senator Levin and Senator Warner. to an extensive series of policy ques- Subject: Nomination of Donald H. Rumsfeld time being, but without acknowledging tions which were circulated to all to be Secretary of Defense. this situation and turning the tide, our members of the committee and re- On December 28, 2000, President-elect Bush military might will wither. leased to the public. announced his intention to nominate Donald In 1975 Donald Rumsfeld had only 14 H. Rumsfeld to be Secretary of Defense. months to turn the tide before Jimmy On February 11, the committee con- On January 3, 2001, the Committee on Carter took the election in 1976. In re- ducted a lengthy hearing with the Armed Services forwarded the Committee’s nomination questionnaire to Secretary-des- viewing his achievements in that short nominee. A number of members of the period, I believe the next four years committee submitted additional ques- ignate Rumsfeld. The Committee requires each nominee to complete a questionnaire hold great promise. tions in writing to the nominee at the relating to the nominee’s qualifications and I would also like to mention some of end of the confirmation hearing, and potential conflicts of interest. Mr. Rums- Donald Rumsfeld’s most recent con- Mr. Rumsfeld has responded to all of feld’s responses to the questionnaire pro- tributions to important national secu- those questions. vided basic biographical and financial infor- rity issues. The Rumsfeld Commis- mation. Finally, Senator WARNER and I have sion’s report in the summer of 1999 un- Pursuant to its normal practice, on Janu- reviewed the summary of the FBI back- ary 3, 2001, the Committee submitted a num- derscored the heightened threat and ground investigation of Mr. Rumsfeld. ber of advance policy questions to the nomi- accelerated pace of missile programs in Yesterday, the Armed Services Com- nee. Secretary-designate Rumsfeld provided nations hostile to the United States. mittee met and voted unanimously to his responses to these questions on January Within a month of the Report’s release, 9, 2001. The questions and Secretary-des- North Korea proved Rumsfeld right. recommend that the full Senate give ignate Rumsfeld’s responses were made a its advice and consent to this nomina- Donald Rumsfeld also headed the part of the record of the Committee’s nomi- Commission to Assess United States tion. I ask unanimous consent that a nation hearing. memo that Senator WARNER and I sent In anticipation of the nomination, the National Security Space Management to Senator DASCHLE and Senator LOTT Committee conducted a hearing on January and Organization. The unanimous re- informing them of the committee’s ac- 11, 2001, in public session, to carefully review port of the Commission was released on the credentials of Secretary-designate Rums- tion be printed in the RECORD at the January 11—just nine days ago. The feld. Secretary-designate Rumsfeld was the conclusion of my remarks. Commission’s findings will help inform only witness at this hearing. and guide our national space policy in The PRESIDENT pro tempore: With- As part of the confirmation process, the the coming years. out objection it is so ordered. Committee received the nominee’s Public Fi- nancial Disclosure Report and appended eth- On a more parochial note, Donald (See exhibit 1.) ics agreement, as well as letters on conflict Rumsfeld also has a working cattle Mr. LEVIN. As Secretary of Defense, of interest and related matters from the Di- ranch in northern New Mexico. He and Mr. Rumsfeld will inherit the most rector of the Office of Government Ethics his wife, Joyce, spend many months a dominant military force in the history and the General Counsel of the Department year there. He is known and admired of the world. Over the last two decades, of Defense. Based on this information, the by many in the local community. Committee concludes that the nominee has our military has incorporated a series Knowing the beauty of El Prado as I agreed, upon appointment, to initiate the do, I must say that he is sacrificing a of technological improvements that necessary actions to comply with all applica- have revolutionized their military ca- ble laws and regulations regarding conflict of great deal to take this job. But know- pability—from precision-guided muni- interest. ing Donald Rumsfeld also as I do, he’s tions and stealth technology to sat- The Committee on Armed Services found never shirked in performing his duty to ellite reconnaissance and electronic Donald H. Rumsfeld to be highly qualified this great nation. warfare capabilities. Today, each of our for the position of Secretary of Defense. In Donald Rumsfeld brings the nec- an Executive Session on January 19, 2001, the essary experience, leadership ability, military services is more lethal, more Committee voted unanimously to rec- maneuverable, more versatile and has and esteem to initiate needed changes, ommend the Senate provide its advice and reinvigorate our military forces, and greater situational awareness on the consent to the nomination of Mr. Rumsfeld. prepare them for the 21st century. As battlefield than at any time in our his- JOHN WARNER, tory. Ranking Member. chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Defense Appropria- But this is not a time for us to rest CARL LEVIN, Chairman. tions Subcommittee, I look forward to on our past accomplishments. The next Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise working with Secretary Rumsfeld in administration and the Congress must today to offer my support to the nomi- meeting these challenges. work together to make sure our mili- nation of Donald Rumsfeld as our Sec- Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I am tary is prepared to deal with the new retary of Defense. He will bring unpar- pleased to have the opportunity on this threats to our security—particularly alleled experience, tremendous knowl- historic inauguration day to rise in the terrorist threat—with new tech- edge, and tactics of no fear to a strong support of the Honorable Donald nologies, more mobile forces and im- daunting task. Rumsfeld, President Bush’s nominee proved intelligence capabilities. It is Let me briefly describe his task: As for Secretary of Defense. In my judg- also essential that we devote a great Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld ment, Secretary Rumsfeld is eminently deal of energy to combating what I be- will be charged with leading the qualified for the post, a position he pre- lieve is the greatest single threat to world’s most powerful military. The viously held some 25 years ago, and the our security in the future—the pro- U.S. military is the most techno- decisive action I believe will be taken liferation of weapons of mass destruc- logically advanced and best trained in on the Senate floor today is a clear in- tion. the world. Today, no other nation dication of the strong bipartisan sup- Mr. President, Donald Rumsfeld has would take us on head-to-head. port he has rightfully earned. a strong commitment to the national But this is also a military machine Secretary Rumsfeld has long been a security of our country and to the well- that suffered years of neglect and mis- prominent and positive figure in Amer- being of the men and women of our use. ican public life. Most recently, he armed forces and their families. He is Donald Rumsfeld will take charge chaired the U.S. Ballistic Missile well-qualified to lead the Department after the peace dividend has long ex- Threat Commission and served as a of Defense. I look forward to working pired. The motto of doing ‘‘more with member of the U.S. Trade Deficit Re- with him in his new position, and I less’’ is no longer feasible. The fabric of view Commission, positions that both urge the Senate to confirm his our military forces is stretched so thin inform his understanding and exper- nomination. as to begin unraveling. tise, and demonstrate his diverse

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 23:47 Jan 22, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.003 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 January 20, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S63 broad-ranging talents. A former naval ahead are many. The course laid out by In fact, Senators may be reluctant to aviator, Mr. Rumsfeld ably represented President Bush is neither quickly ‘‘go to the mat’’ with Mr. Rumsfeld. the people of Illinois in the House of achieved nor easily traversed, but it Not only was he captain of Princeton Representatives for four terms before gives me confidence to know that Don- University’s wrestling team and All joining President Nixon’s Cabinet in ald Rumsfeld has answered the call to Navy Wrestling Champion, he was also 1969. He faithfully served this country serve this nation once more. inducted into the National Wrestling in a number of capacities, including I would also like to express my ap- Hall of Fame and Museum. He joins United States Ambassador to NATO, preciation to his wife, Joyce, and the Speaker HASTERT as another famous White House Chief of Staff and, as I Rumsfeld family for the countless sac- wrestler who hails from Illinois. I, for noted, the 13th Secretary of Defense rifices they will make in course of his one, plan to keep in mind that wres- under President Ford from 1975 term. tling depends on strategy and making through 1977. In Secretary Rumsfeld, we have the right move at the right time as The Pentagon Mr. Rumsfeld presided found the right person for the job. I much as it does on strength and power. presided over in the 1970s was very dif- look forward to working with him. Some of his critics have complained ferent from the one he will inherit Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I had that Mr. Rumsfeld’s experience with today. Then, the world was divided by the honor of introducing my distin- defense issues is from the bygone cold cold war and our nation was divided by guished colleague from the Land of war era. Those critics ignore Mr. the Vietnam war. Stung by the lessons Lincoln, Donald Rumsfeld, to the Rumsfeld’s valuable contributions of Vietnam, the efficacy of our mili- Armed Services Committee for his con- chairing several commissions, includ- tary was in question. Today, the firmation hearing just a little over a ing the Ballistic Missile Threat Com- United States stands as the fortress of week ago. mission, and underestimate the value democracy and a compassionate cham- I know that Presidents have often of his experience managing major cor- pion of peace and freedom in an evolv- complained about the Senate confirma- porations in this new economy. Mr. ing global environment. Our military is tion process. Herbert Hoover, upon the Rumsfeld has kept up and I would chal- the best equipped, the best trained and birth of his granddaughter, said lenge his critics to try to keep up with the most capable fighting force in the ‘‘Thank God she doesn’t have to be him. world. The difference between the two confirmed by the Senate.’’ Donald In 1775, in our revolutionary era, Pat- eras is profound, but let there be no Rumsfeld has so much experience, I am rick Henry said: ‘‘I have but one lamp question: this Secretary of Defense is sure he will secure even more votes for by which my feet are guided, and that the right person for today and the days his confirmation today than President is the lamp of experience. I know no to come. Hoover’s granddaughter would have if We face the world with strength and way of judging of the future but by the she had required the Senate’s blessing. confidence, ever mindful of the chal- past.’’ Don Rumsfeld’s resume is impressive: It is only because the United States lenges ahead. The proliferation of 4-term Congressman from Illinois, Di- was so steadfast in fighting for freedom weapons of mass destruction, the rector of the Office of Economic Oppor- and democracy that the world enjoys threat of cyber-terrorism, the potential tunity, US Ambassador to NATO, an unprecedented era of freedom and vulnerability of our space-based assets, White House Chief of Staff, the young- and the future of theater-wide and prosperity today. est-ever Secretary of Defense, CEO of Mr. President, Mr. Rumsfeld carries global missile defense are among our several major companies, and a Special the lamp of experience. I wish him, for present and future challenges that will Envoy for President Reagan. our country’s sake, every success as he require innovative solutions. The We’ve heard a lot about bipartisan- travels by its light. It is with pride health and well-being of our troops and ship lately. When Donald Rumsfeld rep- that I cast my vote to support the their families, and our ability to train resented Illinois in the House of Rep- nomination of one of Illinois’ favorite and retain the brightest and most tal- resentatives, it was before Supreme ented personnel are persistent concerns and most distinguished sons. Court cases that applied the one-person that deserve close attention. Our com- NOMINATION OF RODERICK PAIGE one-vote standard to the drawing of mitment to maintaining a techno- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, all of logical advantage on the battlefield congressional districts. His district was us are pleased that the nominee for and equipping our troops with the most enormous; he represented 1.1 million Secretary of Education, Dr. Roderick advanced, reliable, and effective weap- people, whereas Sam Rayburn only rep- Paige, will be confirmed with unani- onry available must never waver. And resented 89,000. In the Congress that mous bipartisan support. I’m opti- we must achieve these objectives while followed his departure to serve in the mistic that his bipartisan confirmation providing the Navy with the resources Nixon administration, his district was will set a high standard for bipartisan to carry out its expanding and accel- split into two, with one district rep- cooperation on education in the com- erating mission, transforming the resented by a conservative Republican ing years. Army into a more lethal and mobile and one by a liberal Democrat. His The issue is of profound importance force, building the Air Force’s next ability to serve such a diverse district for the future of our country. Edu- generation air-superiority fighter and speaks well of his ability to bridge a cation is a continuum that begins at air-lift capacity, and maintaining the Congress and a country almost equally birth and continues through college budgetary responsibility that has divided. and in the larger working society. yielded America’s strongest fiscal foot- While all Senators may not agree States and communities are making ing in a generation. with Mr. Rumsfeld on every issue, he significant progress in improving their At this moment of transition, I has earned our respect. I may disagree public schools, and that is evident in would also like to commend the out- with him on the deployment of a na- the city of Houston under the leader- going Secretary of Defense, William tional missile defense system, depend- ship of Dr. Paige. But we know that Cohen, on a job well done. He was ing on the plan he supports. I certainly more needs to be done. Public schools called ‘‘the right person to secure the disagree with him about the impor- across the nation are facing ever great- bipartisan support America’s armed tance of continuing to adhere to the er challenges. This year, elementary forces must have and clearly deserve,’’ Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. I believe and secondary schools confront record by President Clinton in 1997, and I be- the treaty remains the cornerstone of enrollments of 53 million students, and lieve his record of service confirms strategic stability, where he dismisses by all estimates, the number of school- those remarks. Secretary Cohen fo- it as ‘‘ancient history.’’ However, I am age children will continue to increase cused on force modernization and troop certain that he will conduct a thorough steadily over the next decade and be- readiness, and he made improving con- and fair review of these issues as Sec- yond. ditions for the fighting men and women retary of Defense. It is my hope that As schools and communities struggle of this nation the touchstone of his we can keep the lines of communica- to educate millions more children, tenure. tion open on these and other important they also face the difficult challenges Secretary Rumsfeld will have a dif- defense issues as we address them in of achieving higher standards of learn- ficult act to follow. The challenges the Senate. ing, and dealing with other problems

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 23:47 Jan 22, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.006 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 S64 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2001 such as overcrowded classrooms, a more students. In 1980, the proportion sity. In recognition of his work in shortage of qualified teachers, in- of grants to loans in Federal college Houston, Dr. Paige was the 2000 Na- creased safety concerns, and a lack of aid was 60–40. But today, it is jut the tional Alliance of Black School Edu- adequate after-school programs. reverse—40–60. Pell grants, supple- cators’ national Superintendent of the Schools cannot face these challenges mental educational opportunity Year and is the Texas Association of alone. They need the help of their com- grants, and campus-based aid offer stu- School Administrators’ nominee for munities, their States, and the Federal dents and institutions the flexibility 2001 National Superintendent of the Government to provide the best pos- they need to help every student make Year. In 1999, he was one of the Council sible opportunities for all children. We college a reality. But by shortchanging of Great City Schools’ two Outstanding must invest in critical national prior- these grants, we are shortchanging stu- Urban Educators. To me, what is equal- ities and target funds to the neediest dents—and shortchanging America too. ly as heartening as all of Dr. Paige’s students. That means investing in bet- I am hopeful that we will continue to experience and awards is his back- ter teachers, smaller classes, safe and support college opportunity programs ground. His father was a principal, his modern facilities, better after-school in the Nation’s public schools—to mother was a teacher and librarian, programs, and programs to help chil- make sure that all children can see col- and all three of his sisters are edu- dren obtain the literacy skills they lege as a realistic possibility for their cators. I also come from a family of need. And that literacy training needs own future. We need to give more stu- educators. Three of my aunts, my sis- to begin in the very early years, long dents the tools and the will to rise out ter, and my brother have devoted dec- before a child first walks through the of poverty, and to enter the workforce ades of their lives to teaching. schoolhouse door. with the ability that comes from a As Dr. Paige said at his hearing, the As we increase support for proven ef- good education. virtues of faith and hard work, love of fective reform in each of these areas, Dr. Paige has an impressive back- country, and the importance of the we must also increase accountability. ground to help the nation meet all American dream that his parents in- At the same time, we can’t afford to these challenges. He currently serves stilled in their five children gave him undermine the Federal investment in as superintendent of the Houston Inde- the confidence to graduate from a seg- education by adopting block grants to pendent School District. He has often regated high school, to pursue higher States in ways that would undermine been credited for turning the Houston education, and to serve his country in local control, reduce targeting to the schools around and raising education the Navy. When a person grows up in neediest children, put too little empha- standards in the city. He was also dean that kind of environment, I know that sis on what works, or eliminate ac- of the College of Education at South his commitment to education is heart- countability for results. Above all, we Texas University, and he knows first- felt and deep. Finally, Dr. Paige’s expe- must not undermine public schools hand what it takes to bring qualified rience and commitment to education through private school vouchers. Block teachers into every classroom. He showed in his statement and answers grants and vouchers have not been comes from a family of educators who to questions at his hearing. I was im- proven effective. They are divisive share a deep commitment to helping pressed by the breadth of his knowl- issues that lead to needless partisan all children do well. I look forward to edge and his ability to respond on the conflict. working closely with Dr. Paige and spot to such a wide range of questions Genuine reform of public schools re- President Bush in the coming years to on so many aspects of education policy. quires bipartisan consensus on targeted meet these high priorities. I congratu- Of course, my great respect for Dr. top priorities. At his confirmation late Dr. Paige on his nomination, and I Paige’s integrity and dedication does hearing, Dr. Paige testified that if a urge the Senate to support his con- not mean that I have no concerns strategy had been proven effective in firmation. about positions that he has taken dur- helping to improve public schools and Mr. DODD. Mr. President. I rise to ing his distinguished career. For exam- student achievement, he will consider support the nomination of Dr. Rod- ple, Dr. Paige supported the use of pub- it as a potential Federal investment. I erick Paige as Secretary of Education. lic funds to pay private school tuition hope that all of us in Congress hold Education is ‘‘the hub of the wheel’’ of in Huston and supported that at his ourselves to the same standard. We our society, founded as it is on the hearing, as well. There are approxi- know what works to help children do principle of equal opportunity. If we mately 53 million children in elemen- well in school. We need to do more to succeed in making our education sys- tary and secondary schools in the help schools implement these strate- tem as good as it can be, there is no na- United States—approximately 48 mil- gies. tional priority that will not benefit. If lion of those attend public schools. I When President Bush submits the de- we do not succeed, we leave things to think that voucher programs, although tails of his education proposals, I am change. So, I believe that Secretary of Dr. Paige chose not to use that term, hopeful that we will find many areas of Education is one of the most, if not the divert much needed funds from our strong bipartisan agreement on re- most, important positions in the Presi- public schools. I also want to work forms such as increased accountability, dent’s cabinet. Dr. Paige will succeed with Dr. Paige to ensure that Federal better targeting of resources to the Secretary Riley, a remarkable man funds continue to benefit low-income neediest students, placing a qualified who has done a remarkable job pro- children. I don’t question that most teacher in every classroom, improving moting and improving education for education decisions are and should be children’s reading skills, making each eight years. I was happy to learn at Dr. made at the State and local level, but school a safe learning environment for Paige’s hearing before the Health, Edu- excellence in education also is a na- students and teachers, and ensuring cation, Labor, and Pensions Committee tional priority and the Federal govern- that all children with disabilities get a of his close friendship with Secretary ment has a role to play. We provide good education too. We can also Riley, and also was happy, though not only about seven percent of elementary strengthen our commitment to make surprised, to read in the Washington and secondary school funding, but we college affordable for every qualified Post on January 19, that Secretary play a very significant role in ensuring student in America. With over 15 mil- Riley welcomed President Bush’s that groups that may have less of a lion students enrolled in higher edu- choice of Dr. Paige. voice in funding decisions, such as un- cation today, we must continue to in- Dr. Paige comes to the Department derprivileged students and their fami- vest in student loans, and ensure that of Education with outstanding creden- lies, receive the resources they need, students continue to obtain the low tials. He has extensive experience in el- and I believe that we need to continue cost loans they deserve. ementary, secondary, and higher edu- doing that. But for the neediest students, loans cation. From 1994 until his selection as And I am concerned about President are often not enough. The prospect of a Secretary, Dr. Paige served as Super- Bush’s proposal to move Head Start mountain of debt is often impossibly intendent of the Houston Independent from the Department of Health and intimidating. We need to focus on School District. Prior to that, he Human Services to the Department of grants as well as loans, so that we can served as the Dean of the College of Education and change the program’s open the doors of college to millions Education at Texas Southern Univer- focus to reading. I’m not out to defend

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 23:47 Jan 22, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.008 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 January 20, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S65 anyone’s bureaucratic turf. I’m inter- tion for Secretary of the Treasury, with Secretary O’Neill, and the new ad- ested in helping low-income children which is under the jurisdiction of the ministration, to address the many and their families, not from which Senate Finance Committee would be challenges that lie ahead. building in Washington the program is considered by the committee after re- Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, the administered. Since 1965, Head Start ferral to the committee. The process American economy has changed dra- programs have provided comprehensive usually involves a hearing and a vote matically in the past decade. Inter- early childhood development, edu- on the nomination. In this case, a hear- national economic policy now has a di- cational, health, nutritional, social, ing in anticipation of the nomination rect effect on our domestic economy. and other services to more than 17 mil- was held. The nomination, however, The information age has transformed lion low-income pre-school children was not fully considered by the com- America’s economic future. Budget and their families. Dr. Edward Zigler, mittee. The committee agreed to be surpluses now suggest the very real one of Head Start’s founders, said in discharged only because of highly un- possibility of paying down the national the December 23, 2000 New York Times usual circumstance. The circumstances debt. This new economy requires a new that the vast majority of three or four- arise from the fact that all Senate kind of Treasury secretary. It requires year olds do not have the cognitive committees, including the Finance someone who is experienced and knowl- ability to ‘‘attribute meaning to ab- Committee, are not yet composed and edgeable in both the domestic and the stract symbols, like written words.’’ He organized. Moreover, the Secretary of international marketplace. It requires added that even the few three or four- the Treasury is a critical Cabinet posi- someone who has demonstrated exem- year olds who do have that ability are tion and expeditious consideration of plary leadership in both government better off spending their time in the the nomination is in the best interests and private enterprise. Experience and Head Start learning behaviors needed of the Nation. leadership Paul O’Neill will bring these in school, like listening, taking turns, Mr. President, I want to make it vital skills to the Department of Treas- and getting along with other children. clear that the Finance Committee will ury. Dr. Zigler said that what children insist on its jurisdictional preroga- Paul O’Neill’s outstanding career in need to be prepared to succeed in tives. This nomination presents a high- both the public and private sectors has school are good health, the early in- ly unusual and compelling procedural clearly demonstrated his ability to volvement of their parents, and relief exception. serve as our Nation’s next Treasury from the complications of poverty. Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise Secretary. In 1967, he stated as a policy That’s exactly what Head Start pro- today to enthusiastically support the analyst for the Office of Management vides. Of course, literacy is important, nomination of Mr. Paul Henry O’Neill and Budget. However, his skill and in- and Congress recognized that when we to be the 72d Secretary of the Treas- telligence were quickly noted by OMB reauthorized Head Start in 1998—which ury. Mr. O’Neill is no stranger to pol- Director George Shultz, who promoted we did in a very bipartisan manner. No icymaking, having served a number of him to serve as Associate Director with one questions the importance of teach- years at the Office of Management and responsibility for social programs. At ing children to read, but it’s not as Budget. He has impressive credentials, OMB, Paul O’Neill gained a reputation simple as providing more reading class- both in and out of government, and an for his sharp analysis and his keen un- es. A child won’t benefit from reading unchallenged reputation for hard work, derstanding of a wide variety of issues. classes alone is she hasn’t eaten break- straight talk and tough-mindedness. In fact, he displayed such strong lead- fast, or has an undiagnosed vision prob- He is an extremely strong candidate ership and gained such respect from lem, or hasn’t learned how to socialize and a very able individual. both parties that in 1976, President with other children. Those kinds of I am also pleased that the Senate Jimmy Carter asked him to serve as benefits, which Head Start provides, will vote today to confirm his nomina- his Deputy Treasury Secretary. How- are not ‘‘add-ons’’ to preparing a child tion. I believe it is important for our ever, Paul O’Neill decided to continue to succeed in school, they are essential country to have a Treasury Secretary his career in the private sector. He to it. As Dr. Zigler said, Head Start’s in place as the new administration went to work for the International job then, is to lay a foundation for lit- takes over. The next administration Paper Company, a global paper cor- eracy. So, I think we need to be cau- will inherit the strongest economy in a poration, of which he eventually be- tious about changing a program that generation, and the Treasury Depart- came President. In 1987, he became the does so much good for so many chil- ment will face extraordinary chal- chairman and chief executive of the dren and families. lenges in keeping the economy going. Alcoa Corporation, where he has But, that said, I have every con- Eight years ago, the nation’s economic worked since. fidence in Dr. Paige’s qualifications growth was low, interest rates and un- Paul O’Neill’s service to Alcoa is a and commitment to America’s chil- employment were high, and Federal shining symbol of his outstanding dren. President Bush has spoken often budget deficit and national debt was abilities. His vision and hard work of the need for bipartisanship in Wash- growing at an unfathomable rate. transformed the troubled industrial ington. I have worked with many of my Today, we have experienced the long- company into a profitable inter- Republican colleagues for many years est economic expansion in history, national enterprise. As chief executive, on education policy; for example, with with record low unemployment, low in- he embraced new technologies and gave Senator DEWINE on the Safe and Drug- terest rates, higher family incomes, Alcoa the ability to prosper in the new Free Schools Program, with Senator and record budget surpluses. Inflation economy, even as the national alu- DOMENICI on character education, with is in check, and we are beginning to minum industry was facing economic Senator JEFFORDS on 21st Century pay down the national debt—something troubles. Most importantly, Paul Community Learning Centers, and I know Mr. O’Neill has advocated. Put- O’Neill demonstrated his leadership at with Senator SHELBY on commer- ting the nation’s fiscal house in order Alcoa by garnering the respect and cialism in schools. I hope and expect didn’t happen overnight. Nor did it trust of his employees. In fact, the that Dr. Paige and the Senate will be happen by chance—tough decisions President of the Untied Steelworkers able to work together to build on the were made and difficult votes taken. of America praised his nomination and education accomplishments of the past In light of this, I am concerned about called him ‘‘a man you can trust and 8 years, and to work toward the goal how we handle the upcoming debate believe.’’ I am certain that his integ- that we all share—that our children re- about the budget and taxes. We should rity and leadership will earn Paul ceive the education they need and de- proceed carefully, and make certain O’Neill the trust of the American peo- serve. that our decisions do not put in jeop- ple and of the world’s economic lead- NOMINATION OF PAUL O’NEILL ardy the accomplishments made over ers. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise the past 8 years. In any event, with Mr. In recent years, Paul O’Neill dedi- to comment on the Senate’s procedure O’Neill, the President and the country cated his time to leading several com- for consideration of the nomination of have found the right person for the job. missions on improving health care, Paul O’Neill for Secretary of the Treas- Mr. O’Neill has my support, and he has education, and the local government of ury. Under regular order, the nomina- my vote. I look forward to working his hometown, Pittsburgh. Our nation

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 23:47 Jan 22, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20JA6.009 pfrm02 PsN: S20PT1 S66 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 20, 2001 will be fortunate to have a Treasury build upon the prosperity achieved over United States. These dedicated young Secretary with such board and varied the past eight years. We now have the people were eyewitnesses to a presi- expertise, and these experiences will lowest unemployment rate in 30 years. dential election which remained unde- prove vital in leading a progressively The national poverty rate is at its low- cided for weeks after the votes were diverse economy. I believe that Paul est mark in 20 years. The economy has cast. In addition, they saw the Senate O’Neill will be an exemplary Treasury created 22 million new jobs since 1993. become an evenly divided body for the Secretary. He has already spoken of his We have moved from record deficits to first time in decades. dedication to paying down our national record surpluses. And October 2000 As I have mentioned on numerous oc- debt, fundamentally reforming the tax marked this country’s 115th consecu- casions when saluting the young people code, and ensuring that America’s in- tive month of economic expansion—the who serve as Senate pages, the life of a dustries can compete in the new global longest period of economic growth in page is quite challenging. The school economy. I am certain that his experi- our nation’s history. Our future policy day begins at 6 a.m. After classes, the ence and leadership will be great assets decisions should reflect a commitment pages report to work at the U.S. Sen- in achieving these important goals. to foster this progress and growth in ate. When the Senate convenes, the Mr. President, it is my great honor the coming years. pages are at their post and ready for to support Paul O’Neill to head the De- And while Mr. O’Neill will be inher- the day’s activities. Pages are called partment of the Treasury. iting a strong economy, there still re- upon to assist Senators and staff in the Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I would main a number of challenges that I be- daily operations of the Senate. Their like to take a few brief moments to lieve will deserve special attention so tasks include providing Senators with comment on the nomination of Paul as to keep our economy moving in a copies of the appropriate bills and reso- O’Neill to be the Treasury Secretary of positive direction. One of the most lutions under consideration. They may the United States. I first want to com- be asked to secure documents from a mend President Bush on choosing such critical tasks to be faced is the aging of Senator’s office and rush over to the a highly qualified candidate to take America, and specifically, the stability Senate floor for that Senator’s use in over the many responsibilities de- of Social Security. As new levels of de- debate on an issue. During rollcall manded of the United States Treasury mand are placed on Social Security, we Secretary. I fully support Mr. O’Neill’s must look to reasonable and balanced votes, pages are often asked to notify nomination, and I look forward to proposals that will ensure a financially relevant staff of the arrival of Senators working with him in the new adminis- secure foundation for current and fu- to the floor. Throughout the day, the page is tration. ture retirees. Mr. O’Neill brings to the position of We must also strive to maintain the called upon to perform any number of Treasury Secretary a broad range of United States position as a trade lead- duties vital to the smooth operation of experience both in the public and pri- er in an ever-increasing global market- the Senate. They do so with a smile. vate sector. He began his career as an place. It is in our best long-term eco- This group of young men and women engineer with Morrison-Knudsen, Inc. nomic interests to remain an active have had an extraordinary opportunity in Anchorage, Alaska and then went on trading partner with our allies and to to serve as a Senate page. They are to serve as Deputy Director of the Of- be open to the opportunities that exist among a very select group to do so, and fice of Management and Budget under in emerging markets. At the same they did a great job. It is my hope that the Ford administration. In 1977, Mr. time, we must remain aware of the their experience here has served them O’Neill became the vice president of needs and job security of American well as they return home. Public serv- International Paper and in 1985 as- workers and the goods they produce. ice is an admirable profession. These sumed the position of President. This Furthermore, emphasis should be young people are our public servants path ultimately led him to aluminum placed on maintaining the competitive- and leaders of tomorrow. Perhaps in giant Alcoa where, as chairman, he has ness of our financial institutions. the not too distant future, some of been credited with the company’s re- And one of the biggest challenges these young pages will return to Wash- vival in the face of the industry’s will be how to expand our nation’s ington to serve as a Congressman or a struggles nationwide. Based on his past prosperity to more Americans—Ameri- Senator, or perhaps even as President accomplishments, I believe Mr. O’Neill cans who have yet to reap the benefits of the United States. will bring valuable insights to the of our dynamic economy and who I know all of my colleagues join me critically important post to which he strive to achieve more financial secu- in wishing the pages well and good luck has been nominated. rity for themselves and their families. as they continue with their education, I noted with interest Mr. O’Neill’s In closing, I once again wish to ex- and I hope that they now have a great- comments during his confirmation press my support for Mr. O’Neill’s nom- er understanding of our Government hearing about the role tax cuts should ination. He has presented himself as a and its importance to all the people of play in our economy, namely, that fair and honest candidate who has ex- the United States. Mr. President, at they are not the sole means by which pressed a willingness to work with all this time, I ask unanimous consent to stimulate a slowing economy. This Members of Congress on our nation’s that the names of those young people is an important cautionary note that most important priorities. I remain who served as fall pages be printed in we all should heed as we move forward hopeful that we will be able to do so, the RECORD. on the issue of tax cuts. While I sup- and urge my colleagues to support this There being no objection, the mate- port tax relief and reform, I also be- nominee. rial was ordered to be printed in the lieve that our Nation’s tax policy f RECORD, as follows: should be guided by three main prin- FALL PAGES LEGISLATIVE SESSION cipals. First, it should be fair. Those DEMOCRATIC PAGES who need tax relief the most should re- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under Ashley Alvarado (Montana); Mathew Man- ceive the most relief. Second, any tax the previous order, the Senate will re- del (Wisconsin); Amber Lopez (Vermont); reform must be consistent with our turn to legislative session. Christina Kielsmeier (Minnesota); Kyle commitment to maintain a balanced f Sapkiewiez (Michigan); Bram Geller (Massa- budget and reduce our national debt. In chusetts); Peter Koziol (Illinois); Milena FAREWELL TO THE FALL PAGES my opinion, this is the best gift we can Caraballo (New Jersey); and Andrea Halver- son (South Dakota). give to future generations of Ameri- Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I rise cans. And finally, we must leave room today to say goodbye to those young REPUBLICAN PAGES to meet our existing obligations, like men and women who served in the Sabrina Byrd (Arkansas); Kenneth defense, education, law enforcement, United States Senate as pages during Donahue (Vermont); Grant Gibson (Idaho); the fall of 2000. When they arrived in Sam Gladney (Missouri); Frances Griffin Medicare, and Social Security, as well (Alabama); Travis Kavulla (Montana); Emily as the new challenges that most cer- Washington in September, no one Nuse (Missouri); Laila Ouhamou (Virginia); tainly lie ahead. would have guessed that their term as Amy Pennington (Washington); Mathew The goal of this new Congress and ad- a Senate page would be at such a his- Wigginton (Virginia); and Daniel Zoller (In- ministration must be to maintain and torical time in the history of the diana).

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