Wayne Allard

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I want to point out that the Strategic Subcommittee, which I chair, has been realizing that times are changing and we need to reevaluate and reassess our nuclear forces. In fact, if you look in the bill, we have set up a couple of studies: a revised nuclear posture review in section 1015. Another is a plan for a long- term sustainment of modernization of U.S. strategic nuclear forces in section 1016. We recognize that times are changing. But this is very serious business. When you are talking about a balance of power between the United States and the rest of the world--and in this particular case, Russia, the former U.S.S.R.--we are talking about very serious business. I don't think this decision should be made by one person. That is why we have set up this posture review process. We suggested it in the bill we have introduced in the full committee and now it is part of the bill. Apparently, this sort of mantle was picked up by Presidential candidate George W. Bush. An important part of his comments is that there be a posture review, a careful analysis of where we are with our nuclear forces. I think your amendment is carrying forward with what the Strategic Subcommittee suggests and the Armed Services Committee and even candidate for the Presidency George W. Bush. I support the chairman in his amendment to ask for a posture review before we move forward. If I am not a cosponsor on that amendment, I will ask that I be added because I think it is very important. No matter who is President, I don't think one single person should be making these decisions without a careful review from those people who know what they are doing in the Department of Defense. As I understand the chairman's amendment, it does call for that very careful review. There is one thing I would like to comment on before I yield. The Warner substitute amendment, as I understand it, would provide authority for the President to waive the limitations in current law regarding the retirement of strategic nuclear delivery systems once the Secretary of Defense has completed the Nuclear Posture Review required by section 1015, which I referred to earlier in my comments. The amendment of the Senator from Nebraska, as I understand it, would not be consistent with the policy enunciated by Governor Bush, nor would it satisfy the concerns that Congress has raised for the last 5 years. It would lead to misguided and uninformed reductions, in my view, rather than a force posture based on careful review of all our strategic requirements and how these relate to our overall national military policy. I think the chairman is headed in the right direction.

Mr. ALLARD. That is correct. This issue was not brought up in subcommittee or full committee that I recall.

Mr. ALLARD. Will the Senator from Virginia yield?

Mr. ALLARD. The important point is that we have careful review of our nuclear posture. I think it should be done with a lot of consultation with a lot of different people, other than only the President and his immediate surrounding staff. I think the amendment of Senator Warner does that. I think it is certainly compatible and consistent with what the committee has been thinking in terms of the studies they think are necessary, both in long-term as well as short-term posturing with the nuclear forces. Personally, I think probably there is going to be an opportunity for us to reduce some of our nuclear forces. But it has to be done with a lot of forethought and careful study. I don't think we are going to solve that on the Senate floor. I think it is going to take people who know and understand all the details of the program-- both ours as well as throughout the world--to make this decision. I don't think it can be made quickly.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. I thank the chairman.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I thank Chairman Warner for allowing me the opportunity to speak in strong support of this essential bill for our men and women in the armed services. I believe it to be very fitting that we bring up S. 2549, the fiscal year 2001 Department of Defense Authorization Act, only 9 days after Memorial Day. This bill should always be more than just a funding mechanism for today's military but a fitting tribute and to show our appreciation for those who served, are serving, and will serve in the future. The Defense bill is entirely too important to be mired in politics. We must respect our military and provide them the best Defense authorization bill we can. The fiscal year 2001 Defense Authorization Act is a bipartisan effort, and I believe we all did some essential heavy lifting in committee for our warfighters. For the second year in a row, we have reversed the downward trend in defense spending by increasing this year's funding by $4.5 billion over the President's request, for a funding level of $309.8 billion. This results in a 4.4 percent increase in real growth from last year's appropriated level. Last year as the Personnel Subcommittee chairman, I had the opportunity to oversee the first major pay raise for our military in almost 20 years. Now, I have the great privilege to serve as the chairman of the Strategic Subcommittee. While it is a tall order to fill the shoes of Senator Bob Smith as subcommittee chair, I believe the subcommittee has had a very successful and productive session. Just like last year with Senator Cleland, it is always rewarding to have a dedicated ranking member like Senator Landrieu. I want to thank her, as well as all the members of the subcommittee, for all the hard work they put into this bill. The Strategic Subcommittee has oversight and program authority over the following areas: (1) ballistic and cruise missile defense; (2) national security space; (3) strategic nuclear delivery systems; (4) military intelligence; and (5) Department of energy (DOE) activities regarding the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear waste cleanup, and other defense activities. During the last year, the subcommittee held four hearings. The first was on our national and theater missile defense programs which showed that the DOD continues to have a funding-constrained ballistic missile defense (BMD) program. In this year's budget, the administration finally increased the funding for the National Missile Defense (NMD) program, but we found that all of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization's or BMDO's major acquisition programs remain underfunded. Plus, we were very concerned about the lack of funding for the research and development technology programs. That is why in this bill we recommend substantial increases in funding for ballistic missile defense programs and technologies. We also had a hearing regarding our national security space issues where we identified a number of areas in which budget constraints have caused DOD to insufficiently fund key space programs and technologies and technology development. We also learned from our extensive post- Kosovo conflict hearings that intelligence processing and dissemination was insufficient to meet some of our warfighting requirements. That is why we recommended funding increases for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency to improve the imagery tasking, processing, exploitation and dissemination process. The Strategic Subcommittee also has oversight over two-thirds of the Department of Energy's budget, including the newly created and much needed National Nuclear Security Administration or the NNSA. The subcommittee also authorized funds for the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board, an independent agency responsible for external oversight of safety at DOE defense nuclear facilities. We held the first congressional hearing to assess the programs of the newly established National Nuclear Security Administration or the NNSA. We remain concerned about the science-based stockpile stewardship program and the fact that it could be 15 years before the DOE stockpile stewardship program can be evaluated as an acceptable substitute for underground nuclear testing. We are also concerned about the slow pace in re-establishing pit manufacturing and tritium production capabilities and any long-term requirements or plans for modernization of its aging weapon production plans. The fourth hearing was in the area of environmental management. I am encouraged that DOE continues to make progress in focusing its resources on closure of a limited number of sites and facilities. However, just like in the area of space and missile defense, I am very concerned that funding requests for science and technology development continues to drop. DOE needs a vigorous research and development program in order to meet its accelerated cleanup and closure goals. In response to these needs, the Strategic Subcommittee has a net budget authority increase of $266.7 million above the President's budget. This includes an increase of $530.3 million to the DOD account and a decrease of $263.6 million to DOE accounts. In the DOD accounts, there is a net increase of $418.6 billion for the Ballistic Missile Defense programs, an increase of $98.2 million for advanced space technology, an increase of $190.0 million for tactical and national intelligence programs, and an increase of approximately $22 million for strategic forces. There are two provisions which I would like to highlight which pertain to the future of our nuclear forces. First, we have a provision which requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct an updated nuclear posture review. It has been since 1994 since the last nuclear posture review. This is important piece of the puzzle when determining the future shape of our nuclear forces. The second provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop a long range plan for the sustainment and modernization of the U.S. strategic nuclear forces. We are concerned that neither Department has a long term vision beyond their current modernization efforts. A few budget items I would like to highlight include: an increase of $92.4 million for the Airborne Laser program that requires the Air Force to stay on the budgetary path for a 2003 lethal demonstration and a 2007 initial operational capability; an increase of $30 million for the Space Based Laser program; a $129 million increase for NMD risk reduction; an increase of $60 million for Navy Theater Wide; and extra $8 million for the Arrow System Improvement Program; and for the Tactical High Energy Program an increase of $15 million. For the Department of Energy programs, the budget structure we have proposed for DOE is slightly different from the Administration's request. We recommend that all activities of the NNSA appear in a single budgetary provision, as required by section 3251 of the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2000. The bill has an increase of $87 million to the programs within the NNSA, which is an increase of $331.0 million over last year. In DOE's Environmental Management account, we decrease the authorization by $132.0 million. However, I want to stress that this bill still increases the environmental management account by more than $350 million over last year's appropriated amount. In addition, we decrease the other defense account by $88.8 million and move the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program account to a non- defense account, reflecting a decrease of $140 million. Finally, the bill also provides $34 million to continue progress on restoring tritium production. I would like to mention an important highlight of the Authorization bill outside of the Strategic Subcommittee. I want to commend the new Personnel Subcommittee chairman, Senator Hutchinson, for his work on the comprehensive health care provisions in the bill. There are many significant improvements to the TRICARE program for active duty family members. The bill includes a comprehensive retail and national mail order pharmacy program for eligible beneficiaries, with no enrollment fees or deductible. This results in the first medical entitlement for the military Medicare eligible population. I am also very happy with the extensions and expansions of the Medicare subvention program to major medical centers and in the number of sites for the Federal Employees Health Benefit demonstration program. Lastly, I would like to point out a few items specific to Colorado. The Defense Authorization Act fully funds Rocky Flats at $673 million. Plus, we require that all safeguard and security activities to be managed by Rocky Flats, and not at DOE headquarter organization, in order to ensure that future savings will be used for additional Rocky Flats cleanup. There is also a provision asking for a report on, as well as encouraging the Secretary of Energy to use, the authority provided in last years DOD authorization bill which allowed him to use prior year unobligated balances to accelerate cleanup at Rocky Flats. Lastly, we also provide employee incentives for retention and separation of federal employees at closure project facilities. These incentives are needed in order to mitigate the anticipated high attrition rate of certain federal employees with critical skills. Also, the bill fully funds the Chemical Demilitarization Program at over $1 billion, while fully funding the military construction for the Pueblo Chemical Depot at $10.6 million. For Pueblo's destruction of their chemical agents, there is a provision which provides for the destruction of the chemical agents at Pueblo either by incineration or any technology through the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment on or before May 1, 2000. The provision is to expedite the destruction activities by using one of the technologies listed in the National Environmental Policy Act documents for the Pueblo Chemical Depot. Plus, there are $34 million for the procurement of precision targeting pods for the Air National Guard and I expect these funds to be used for such procurement. Mr. President, I want to thank Chairman Warner for the opportunity to point out some of the highlights in the bill which the Strategic Subcommittee has oversight and to congratulate him and Senator Levin in the bipartisan way this bill was developed and ask that all Senators strongly support S. 2549. I also want to thank Eric Thoemmes, Paul Longsworth, Tom McKenzie, and Tom Moore of the Strategic Subcommittee, all the Armed Services Committee staff, and Doug Flanders of my staff for all their long hours and hard work they put into this important bill. Finally, one of Congresses main responsibilities is to provide for the common defense of the United States and I am proud of what this bill provides for our men and women in uniform. We must not be blinded by political motives when it comes to our men and women in the Armed Services. I look forward to moving this bill through the Senate, out of conference and to the President in order to quickly provide the much needed and much deserved resources for our military. To our Armed Services, I say this bill is a tribute to your dedication and hard work. I yield the floor.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution, as amended, be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, the title amendment be agreed to, and any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 561, S. Res. 296.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 313, submitted earlier by Senators Lott and Daschle.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and a statement of explanation be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24. I further ask that on Wednesday, immediately following the prayer, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day. I further ask consent that the Senate then proceed to a period of morning business until 11 a.m., with Senators speaking therein for up to 5 minutes each, with the following exceptions: Senator Durbin, or his designee, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Senator Thomas, or his designee, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that S. 2299 be star printed with the changes that are at the desk.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Con. Res. 116, submitted earlier by Senator Lott and others.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 310, submitted earlier by Senator Snowe, for herself and others.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 312, submitted earlier by Senator Lott and Senator Daschle.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and a statement of explanation be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 311, submitted earlier by Senator Bond and Senator Kerry.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, on behalf of the majority leader, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period for the transaction of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate begin consideration of S. 2603, the legislative branch appropriations bill, at 11 a.m.

Mr. ALLARD

Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the Injunction of Secrecy be removed from the following treaties transmitted to the Senate on May 23, 2000, by the President of the United States: Investment Treaty with Bahrain (Treaty Document No. 106-25); Investment Treaty with Bolivia (Treaty Document No. 106-26); Investment Treaty with Honduras (Treaty Document No. 106-27); Investment Treaty with El Salvador (Treaty Document No. 106-28); Investment Treaty with Croatia (Treaty Document No. 106-29); Investment Treaty with Jordan (Treaty Document No. 106-30); Investment Treaty with Mozambique (Treaty Document No. 106-31). Further, I ask unanimous consent that the treaties be considered as having been read for the first time, that they be referred with accompanying papers to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed, and that the President's messages be printed in the Record.