Jeff Bingaman

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, in response, I say that is right. Obviously, the work of an organization such as this United Nations Population Fund can only be effective if they can put in place programs they can then sustain over a period of years and actually do some educational efforts in these underdeveloped countries. That is what is so unfortunate about the decision of the administration to withhold funds this year. We will have a chance, once again, to appropriate additional funds for the new fiscal year, but this year has been lost, and unfortunately there are other years, previous years, where our opportunity to help solve these problems has been squandered.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, again, let me respond by saying that is my clear impression as well. The estimates which I have given in my floor statement are that there will be in the range of 200,000 abortions performed as a result of our Government, our administration, withholding this money. I think those who are opposed to abortion are finding an odd way to pursue that goal by trying to keep these funds from being expended.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I do agree this is a perfect example. This is a case where the Congress made a very clear decision to provide assistance to this United Nations Population Fund. It did give the administration discretion to look into the question of whether there were human rights problems, and the administration looked into it, and its own panel determined there were not. Yet in spite of that, the administration made a decision to withhold the funds. So I agree entirely with the statement of the Senator from Nevada that this is a case where the administration is acting contrary to the clear intent of the Congress.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a field hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. It will be held at the Albuquerque City Council Chambers, Albuquerque, NM. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on recent developments in advanced fuel cell and lighting technology, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, or to Senator Bingaman's office in Albuquerque, Suite 130, 625 Silver, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For further information please contact John Kotek at 202-224-6385, Jonathan Epstein at 202-224-3357, or Amanda Goldman at 202-224-6836.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, August 7, 2002, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 Rodeo Road, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on S. 2776, a bill to provide for the protection of archaeological sites in the Galisteo Basin in New Mexico, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, or to Senator Bingaman's office in Santa Fe, 119 E. Marcy Street, Suite 101, Santa Fe, NM 87501. For further information, please contact David Brooks of the Committee staff at (202) 224-4103.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to introduce legislation to protect several important archaeological sites in the Galisteo Basin in New Mexico. This bill identifies approximately two dozen sites in northern New Mexico which contain the ruins of pueblos dating back almost 900 years. When Coronado and other Spanish conquistadores first entered what is now New Mexico in 1541, they encountered a thriving Pueblo culture with its own unique tradition of religion, architecture and art, which was influenced through an extensive trade system. We know that these sites remain occupied up through the Pueblo revolt in 1680. After that, the sites were deserted, although we still don't know why they were abandoned, after over 700 years of continuous use. Through these sites, we now have the opportunity to learn more not only about the history and culture of these Pueblos, but also about the first interaction between European and Native American cultures. The Cochiti Pueblo, in particular, is culturally and historically tied to these sites, which have tremendous historical and religious significance to the Pueblo. I am grateful for the continued support of the Pueblo de Cochiti for this legislation. This bill has strong local support, including the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners, the City of Santa Fe, and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. I would also like to thank the Archaeological Conservancy for its efforts over the past several years to identify and protect many of these sites, and in helping with this legislation. Many of these archaeological sites are on Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. BLM archaeologists have already provided extensive background research on many of these sites, and I was pleased that the agency supported a similar bill I introduced in the previous Congress. Many of the archaeological sites identified in the bill are on non- Federal land. I would like to emphasize that the bill only authorizes voluntary participation, and there is no restriction or other limitation imposed on these lands. Because this is a sensitive issue, I have added language to this year's bill to explicitly state that the Secretary of the Interior has no authority to administer sites on non- Federal lands except to the extent provided for in a cooperative agreement entered into between the Secretary and the landowner. Similarly, the Secretary's authority to acquire lands is limited to willing sellers only. In the three years since I first introduced this proposal, many irreplaceable archaeological resources have been lost, whether by vandalism, erosion, or other means. Enactment of the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act will allow us to take the first steps necessary to protect these resources and to allow for improved public understanding and interpretation of these sites. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to introduce legislation to protect several important archaeological sites in the Galisteo Basin in New Mexico. This bill identifies approximately two dozen sites in northern New Mexico which contain the ruins of pueblos dating back almost 900 years. When Coronado and other Spanish conquistadores first entered what is now New Mexico in 1541, they encountered a thriving Pueblo culture with its own unique tradition of religion, architecture and art, which was influenced through an extensive trade system. We know that these sites remain occupied up through the Pueblo revolt in 1680. After that, the sites were deserted, although we still don't know why they were abandoned, after over 700 years of continuous use. Through these sites, we now have the opportunity to learn more not only about the history and culture of these Pueblos, but also about the first interaction between European and Native American cultures. The Cochiti Pueblo, in particular, is culturally and historically tied to these sites, which have tremendous historical and religious significance to the Pueblo. I am grateful for the continued support of the Pueblo de Cochiti for this legislation. This bill has strong local support, including the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners, the City of Santa Fe, and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. I would also like to thank the Archaeological Conservancy for its efforts over the past several years to identify and protect many of these sites, and in helping with this legislation. Many of these archaeological sites are on Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. BLM archaeologists have already provided extensive background research on many of these sites, and I was pleased that the agency supported a similar bill I introduced in the previous Congress. Many of the archaeological sites identified in the bill are on non- Federal land. I would like to emphasize that the bill only authorizes voluntary participation, and there is no restriction or other limitation imposed on these lands. Because this is a sensitive issue, I have added language to this year's bill to explicitly state that the Secretary of the Interior has no authority to administer sites on non- Federal lands except to the extent provided for in a cooperative agreement entered into between the Secretary and the landowner. Similarly, the Secretary's authority to acquire lands is limited to willing sellers only. In the three years since I first introduced this proposal, many irreplaceable archaeological resources have been lost, whether by vandalism, erosion, or other means. Enactment of the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act will allow us to take the first steps necessary to protect these resources and to allow for improved public understanding and interpretation of these sites. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that has significance for the entire Great Plains region of our Nation. The High Plains Aquifer, which is comprised in large part by the Ogallala Aquifer, extends under eight states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. It is experiencing alarming declines in its water levels. This aquifer is the source of water for farmers and communities throughout the Great Plains region. The legislation I am introducing today is intended to ensure that sound and objective science is available with respect to the hydrology and geology of the High Plains Aquifer. This bill, the ``High Plains Aquifer Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Act,'' would direct the Secretary of the Interior to develop and carry out a comprehensive hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. The Secretary is directed to work in conjunction with the eight High Plains Aquifer States in carrying out this program. The U.S. Geological Survey and the States will work in cooperation to further the goals of this program, with half of the available funds directed to the State component of the program. I have appreciated the input and assistance of many in the High Plains Aquifer States in putting this legislation together. Last session, I introduced two bills relating to the High Plains Aquifer. One of these bills, S. 1537 would have established a mapping and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. The bill I am introducing today revises and refines that program based on input from several of the State geologists and water management agency officials who would be involved in implementing the program. Their assistance has been invaluable. As we conduct hearings on this legislation, I hope to receive further comment from them on the legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we proceed with this important legislation. The second bill that I introduced last session, S. 1538, proposed that the Secretary of Agriculture provide incentive payments through the Farm Program to producers who were willing to conserve water by converting to less water-intensive crops or to dryland farming. In addition, the bill would have provided assistance to producers to make their irrigation systems more water efficient. I am pleased that the recently-enacted Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 establishes a ground and surface water conservation program which incorporates several of the concepts contained in S. 1538. It is to be funded in the amount of $25 million for fiscal year 2002, $45 million for fiscal year 2003, and $60 million for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2007. The Conference Report for the 2002 Farm Bill makes clear that ``highest priority'' is to be accorded the High Plains region in the funding and implementation of this program. I expect that the new program will yield substantial benefits to the High Plains region in addressing ground water depletion by providing cost-share payments, incentive payments, and loans to producers to improve irrigation systems, enhance irrigation efficiencies, convert to the production of less water-intensive crops or dryland farming, improve water storage through measures such as water banking and groundwater recharge, mitigate the effects of drought, and institute other measures as determined by the Secretary. A reliable source of groundwater is essential to the well-being and livelihoods of people in the Great Plains region. Local towns and rural areas are dependent on the use of groundwater for drinking water, ranching, farming, and other commercial uses. Yet many areas overlaying the Ogallala Aquifer have experienced a dramatic depletion of this groundwater resource. The problem we are confronting is that the aquifer is not sustainable, and it is being depleted rapidly. This threatens the way of life of all who live on the High Plains. The bill I am introducing today would help ensure that the relevant science needed to address this problem is available so that we will have a better understanding of the resources of the High Plains Aquifer. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and the section-by- section be printed in the Record. I also ask unanimous consent that a letter from the State Geologist of Kansas, written on behalf of the State geological surveys of the eight High Plains Aquifer States, endorsing the legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that two additional bills have been added to the hearing agenda for the hearing that was previously scheduled before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Wednesday, July 31, 2002, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The additional measures to be considered are S. 2773, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the High Plains Aquifer States in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping modeling, and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer and for other purposes; and H.R. 2990, to amend the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2000 to authorize additional projects under that Act, and for other purposes. For further information, please contact Patty Beneke at (202) 224- 5451 or Mike Connor at (202) 224-5479, of the Committee staff.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that an additional bill has been added to the hearing agenda for the hearing that was previously scheduled before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday, July 30, 2002, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The additional measure to be considered is S. 2652, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange certain land in the State of Florida, and for other purposes. For further information, please contact Kira Finkler of the Committee staff at (202-224-8164). subcommittee on water and power

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that has significance for the entire Great Plains region of our Nation. The High Plains Aquifer, which is comprised in large part by the Ogallala Aquifer, extends under eight states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. It is experiencing alarming declines in its water levels. This aquifer is the source of water for farmers and communities throughout the Great Plains region. The legislation I am introducing today is intended to ensure that sound and objective science is available with respect to the hydrology and geology of the High Plains Aquifer. This bill, the ``High Plains Aquifer Hydrogeologic Characterization, Mapping, Modeling and Monitoring Act,'' would direct the Secretary of the Interior to develop and carry out a comprehensive hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. The Secretary is directed to work in conjunction with the eight High Plains Aquifer States in carrying out this program. The U.S. Geological Survey and the States will work in cooperation to further the goals of this program, with half of the available funds directed to the State component of the program. I have appreciated the input and assistance of many in the High Plains Aquifer States in putting this legislation together. Last session, I introduced two bills relating to the High Plains Aquifer. One of these bills, S. 1537 would have established a mapping and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. The bill I am introducing today revises and refines that program based on input from several of the State geologists and water management agency officials who would be involved in implementing the program. Their assistance has been invaluable. As we conduct hearings on this legislation, I hope to receive further comment from them on the legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we proceed with this important legislation. The second bill that I introduced last session, S. 1538, proposed that the Secretary of Agriculture provide incentive payments through the Farm Program to producers who were willing to conserve water by converting to less water-intensive crops or to dryland farming. In addition, the bill would have provided assistance to producers to make their irrigation systems more water efficient. I am pleased that the recently-enacted Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 establishes a ground and surface water conservation program which incorporates several of the concepts contained in S. 1538. It is to be funded in the amount of $25 million for fiscal year 2002, $45 million for fiscal year 2003, and $60 million for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2007. The Conference Report for the 2002 Farm Bill makes clear that ``highest priority'' is to be accorded the High Plains region in the funding and implementation of this program. I expect that the new program will yield substantial benefits to the High Plains region in addressing ground water depletion by providing cost-share payments, incentive payments, and loans to producers to improve irrigation systems, enhance irrigation efficiencies, convert to the production of less water-intensive crops or dryland farming, improve water storage through measures such as water banking and groundwater recharge, mitigate the effects of drought, and institute other measures as determined by the Secretary. A reliable source of groundwater is essential to the well-being and livelihoods of people in the Great Plains region. Local towns and rural areas are dependent on the use of groundwater for drinking water, ranching, farming, and other commercial uses. Yet many areas overlaying the Ogallala Aquifer have experienced a dramatic depletion of this groundwater resource. The problem we are confronting is that the aquifer is not sustainable, and it is being depleted rapidly. This threatens the way of life of all who live on the High Plains. The bill I am introducing today would help ensure that the relevant science needed to address this problem is available so that we will have a better understanding of the resources of the High Plains Aquifer. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and the section-by- section be printed in the Record. I also ask unanimous consent that a letter from the State Geologist of Kansas, written on behalf of the State geological surveys of the eight High Plains Aquifer States, endorsing the legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 934, to require the Secretary of the Interior to construct the Rocky Boy's North Central Montana Regional Water System in the State of Montana, to offer to enter into an agreement with the Chippewa Cree Tribe to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain and replace the Rocky Boy's Rural Water System, and to provide assistance to the North Central Montana Regional Water Authority for the planning, design, and construction of the noncore system, and for other purposes; S. 1577, to amend the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2000 to authorize additional projects under that Act, and for other purposes; S. 1882, to amend the Small Reclamation Projects Act of 1956, and for other purposes; S. 2556, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain facilities to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District in the State of Idaho; and S. 2696, to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact Patty Beneke at (202) 224- 5451 or Mike Connor at (202) 224-5479 of the Committee staff.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 2016, to authorize an exchange of lands between an Alaska Native Village Corporation and the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; S. 2565, to enhance ecosystem protection and the range of outdoor opportunities protected by statute in the Skykomish River Valley of the State of Washington by designating certain lower-elevation Federal lands as wilderness, and for other purposes; S. 2587, to establish the Joint Federal and State Navigable Waters Commission for Alaska; S. 2612, to establish wilderness areas, promote conservation, improve public land, and provide for high quality development in Clark County, Nevada, and for other purposes; and S. Con. Res. 107, expressing the sense of Congress that Federal land management agencies should fully support the Western Governors Association ``Collaborative 10-year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment'', as signed August 2001, to reduce the overabundance of forest fuels that place national resources at high risk of catastrophic wildfire, and prepare a National Prescribed Fire Strategy that minimizes risks of escape. Becausae of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact David Brooks or Kira Finkler of the Committee staff at (202) 224-4103.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a full Committee hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, July 24, at 3:00 pm in SD- 366. The purpose of the hearing is to conduct oversight to examine issues related to the need for and barriers to development of electricity infrastructure. The hearing will focus on the Department of Energy's National Transmission Grid Study, and on information developed in a series of technical conferences held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission starting in November of 2001. Those wishing to submit written statements on this subject should address them to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Attn: Leon Lowery, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. For further information, please call Leon Lower at 202/224-2209 or Jonathan Black at 202/224-6722.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Retirement Security for All Americans Act,'' legislation that will help all of our Nation's workers save for their retirement. Although there are several ways to measure pension and retirement plan coverage, there is one constant statistic, less than half of the workers in our country are covered by an employer sponsored pension plan. In spite of numerous incentives provided by Congress over the years, our Nation's coverage rate has remained virtually unchanged for the past three decades. New Mexico, my home State is the worst, with a coverage rate of 30 percent. In real terms, this means that 70 percent of New Mexicans working in the private sector will have to fund their retirement on the other 2 legs of the proverbial 3 legged stool, personal savings and Social Security. In truth, it seems unlikely that private sector workers who do not have a pension or retirement plan will have any significant savings, leaving them to get by on a one legged stool, not an easy trick. Not surprisingly, the coverage rate is substantially reduced for lower income workers and minorities. For example, the 1999 U.S. Census Current Population Survey illustrates that only 27 percent of Hispanics in the private sector have an employer sponsored pension or retirement plan while it is 47 percent for whites and 44 percent for all workers. The Census data further illustrates that minorities are more likely to work at jobs that do not offer their workers a retirement plan. For instance, only 40 percent of Hispanics work at jobs that offer retirement plans while 62 percent of whites and 58 percent of all workers have this employee benefit. If, on the other hand, an employer does offer its employees a retirement plan, the Census data indicates that all workers, regardless of race or ethnicity tend to participate at the same rate. While it is not conclusive, this data indicates that if workers are offered a plan, they tend to take advantage of this benefit and save for their retirement. We cannot continue to have a national retirement policy that results in the majority of Americans not having adequate savings for what is supposed to be their golden years. This is unacceptable. The legislation that I am introducing today addresses this need by encouraging employers to not only offer plans, but to provide contributions to their lower paid workers. While each of these provisions standing alone would improve coverage and our national savings rate, combined, there is a strong synergic effect among the provisions, making passage of all three imperative. The first provision expands and makes permanent the current Savers' Credit that was signed into law last year. Under this new provision, employees earning up to $15,000, $30,000 for married couples, will receive $0.50 for every dollar that they save in their 401(k) or IRA. The credit rate gradually phases down for those with incomes between $15,000 and $27,500, $30,000 and $55,000 for married couples. Currently, the Savers' Credit drops from 50 percent to 20 percent once a worker makes $15,001. We get rid of this cliff by phasing the credit out so as to not have disincentives to save more. For those taxpayers without income tax liability, we will provide a tax credit of 50 cents on the dollar for their contributions through a new series of indexed government bonds. These bonds are not transferable and not redeemable until the worker retires to avoid abuses and to guarantee the funds are saved for retirement. By giving new savers bonds, it will encourage them to save more and help them realize the benefits of long term savings plans. The second provision of the bill requires all employers with more than 10 employees, who do not currently offer their employees a qualified retirement plan, to provide their workers with the option of a payroll deduction IRA. Presently, all employers remit payments to financial institutions for a variety of reasons, including the deposit of payroll taxes, it is something that they already have to do. This provision would simply ask them to set up accounts at a financial institution so that workers can to send part of their own paychecks directly to an IRA set up at a financial institution of the employer's choice. To offset any administrative cost, a tax credit of $200 for the first year and $50 for subsequent years is provided to the employer, though in most cases there will be no additional expense. Employers are also allowed to remit the employee's contributions to their IRAs on the same schedule as they currently remit payroll tax deposits to the same financial institutions or the IRS. The benefits to the employee are clear. A payroll deduction IRA will allow workers to save small amounts out of each paycheck instead of making periodic or annual contributions to an IRA. As little as $10 a week saved could result in an employee saving over $750 dollars a year when combined with the Savers Credit. Saving is a learned response, the first step is to get people to save the first dollar and experience the benefits of compounding interest. The final section incorporates the Senate passed provision that was dropped in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 conference that provides small businesses with a tax credit for their contributions to the retirement accounts of their non-highly compensated employees. This provision, which has been pushed by Chairman Baucus and others for many years, will greatly increase the amount that employers contribute to workers' retirement plans. Essentially it allows employers to receive a 50 percent tax credit on contributions up to 3 percent of an employee's annual compensation, but only to the non-highly compensated. To keep the costs of the proposal down, it is only available for a limited time, 3 years, to new plans. This should encourage many employers to not only offer a plan for the first time, but creates a noteworthy incentive to contribute to these employees' accounts. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bridge this enormous gap in pension coverage in our country. We must be realistic about how much we can accomplish in one shot. Coverage hasn't improved in 30 years. We must therefore continue to advance proposals that will make gradual but meaningful improvements. We cannot allow ourselves to operate under the fiction that the system is currently working for all Americans. At a time when Social Security solvency is at issue, we must find ways to reduce the reliance of all our seniors on these benefits for their retirement needs. It was never the intent of Social Security to be a retiree's sole source of retirement income. This legislation will begin the slow process of increasing our national pension coverage. Because these benefits will not accrue over night, we must act now while the spotlight is still on retirement policy. I hope all my colleagues will join me in passing this important legislation.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on National Parks of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 2494, to revise the boundary of the Petrified Forest National Park in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes; S. 2598, to enhance the criminal penalties for illegal trafficking of archaeological resources, and for other purposes; S. 2727, to provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3954, to designate certain waterways in the Caribbean National Forest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact David Brooks of the Committee staff at (202) 224-9863.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation important to thousands of independent small businesses across the country. The legislation I am introducing is a modest tax proposal designed to aid the Nation's 2,801 Oldsmobile franchised automobile dealers who are currently in the process of ending that relationship with General Motors, GM, due to GM's decision to eliminate the Oldsmobile product line. This legislation is similar to legislation that has been introduced in the House with bipartisan majority of the House Ways and Means Committee. As many of my colleagues know, GM notified their 2,801 Oldsmobile dealers in the United States on December 12, 2000 that they were phasing out the 100 year-old Oldsmobile brand and its complete line-up of vehicles. The announcement came with little warning to Oldsmobile dealers. In fact, many of the dealers had recently signed a new agreement with GM on November 1, 2000, with most dealers receiving a five-year term. As a consequence of its actions, GM is in the process of compensating Oldsmobile dealers to assist in the phase-out of their Oldsmobile dealerships. These dealers will be required, out of financial necessity, to reinvest the payment from GM into other dealership opportunities. In many cases, these dealers may face a significant financial burden in connection with their efforts to continue in the automobile retail business. The legislation I am introducing today seeks to lessen that burden by treating GM's financial assistance payments, made in connection with GM's unilateral decision to phase-out the Oldsmobile product line, as an involuntary conversion under an existing section of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, the effect of the legislation is to allow the Oldsmobile dealer to defer tax consequences on GM's payments, provided that the proceeds are reinvested in other dealership properties in the time period specified in the Code. Small and family-owned businesses, such as automobile dealerships, form the economic backbone of local communities across our country, particularly in rural states like my home state of New Mexico. Allowing Oldsmobile dealers to reinvest the entire payment received from GM into replacement dealership property gives these dealers an opportunity to continue family-owned businesses and greatly benefits local economies throughout New Mexico and the Nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues on advancing this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation important to thousands of independent small businesses across the country. The legislation I am introducing is a modest tax proposal designed to aid the Nation's 2,801 Oldsmobile franchised automobile dealers who are currently in the process of ending that relationship with General Motors, GM, due to GM's decision to eliminate the Oldsmobile product line. This legislation is similar to legislation that has been introduced in the House with bipartisan majority of the House Ways and Means Committee. As many of my colleagues know, GM notified their 2,801 Oldsmobile dealers in the United States on December 12, 2000 that they were phasing out the 100 year-old Oldsmobile brand and its complete line-up of vehicles. The announcement came with little warning to Oldsmobile dealers. In fact, many of the dealers had recently signed a new agreement with GM on November 1, 2000, with most dealers receiving a five-year term. As a consequence of its actions, GM is in the process of compensating Oldsmobile dealers to assist in the phase-out of their Oldsmobile dealerships. These dealers will be required, out of financial necessity, to reinvest the payment from GM into other dealership opportunities. In many cases, these dealers may face a significant financial burden in connection with their efforts to continue in the automobile retail business. The legislation I am introducing today seeks to lessen that burden by treating GM's financial assistance payments, made in connection with GM's unilateral decision to phase-out the Oldsmobile product line, as an involuntary conversion under an existing section of the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, the effect of the legislation is to allow the Oldsmobile dealer to defer tax consequences on GM's payments, provided that the proceeds are reinvested in other dealership properties in the time period specified in the Code. Small and family-owned businesses, such as automobile dealerships, form the economic backbone of local communities across our country, particularly in rural states like my home state of New Mexico. Allowing Oldsmobile dealers to reinvest the entire payment received from GM into replacement dealership property gives these dealers an opportunity to continue family-owned businesses and greatly benefits local economies throughout New Mexico and the Nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues on advancing this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 25, at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on S. 2672, to provide opportunities for collaborative restoration projects on National Forest System and other public domain lands, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact Kira Finkler of the Committee staff at 202/224-8164.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on National Parks of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 18, 2002, at 2:30 p.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 1865, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Lower Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River watersheds in the State of California as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes; S. 1943, to expand the boundary of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, and for other purposes; S. 2571, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resources study to evaluate the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Rim of the Valley Corridor as a unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area; S. 2595, to authorize the expenditure of funds on private lands and facilities at Mesa Verde National Park, in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1925, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Waco Mammoth Site Area in Waco, Texas, as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact David Brooks of the Committee staff at (202) 224-9863. committee on energy and natural resources

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 18, at 9:30 a.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the effectiveness and sustainability of U.S. technology transfer programs for energy efficiency, nuclear, fossil and renewable energy; and to identify necessary changes to those programs to support U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, ATTN Democratic Staff, United States Senate, 312 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. For further information, please contact Jennifer Michael on 202-224- 7143 or Jonathan Black on 202-224-6722. committee on energy and natural resources

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to a period for morning business, with Senators permitted to speak for up to 5 minutes each.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I rise to give a few comments about a good friend of mine, John Wirth. On June 20, 2 weeks ago, the life of John Wirth, a great American and a citizen of my State of New Mexico, ended way too soon. His death brings deep sadness to his family, to his friends, and indeed to all of us who knew him and knew his important life's work. John was an internationally acclaimed scholar in the history of Latin America. He taught at Stanford University for many years. His vision was for a more integrated world and for a Western Hemisphere in which countries work together for the common good of all. Many of his efforts were personal, and many of his efforts he pursued through the good works of the North American Institute. Several weeks ago, I heard former President Clinton describe the current circumstances that we confront in the world as a struggle between the forces of integration and harmony on the one side and the forces of disintegration and chaos on the other. Throughout his entire life, John Wirth was a leader in that struggle for world integration and harmony. He sought to understand the world in his travels and in his studies. He sought to explain it through his teaching and through his writing. He applied his very fine mind and good heart to every situation, every problem, and the result was one in which everyone could have confidence because of the judgment and thought he used. His vision, his commitment, his strengthen of character, and bedrock decency as a human being served his mission well. The world and all of us who knew him are poorer because of his death, but certainly richer because of his life. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Nancy, to their children, and to all of the Wirth family. I ask unanimous consent that immediately following my remarks, the remarks of former Senator Tim Wirth, which were delivered at his brother's memorial service in Santa Fe, be printed in the Record.

Mr. BINGAMAN

Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I appreciate my colleague from Alaska yielding me a few minutes to express my views on this issue. We are in a debate now about whether to proceed to consider S.J. Res. 34 which would approve President Bush's recommendation of Yucca Mountain as the site for the development of a nuclear waste repository. The resolution does not authorize construction of a repository. Similarly, it does not authorize the transportation of nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. What the resolution does do is allow the Department of Energy to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a license to begin construction of the repository. The Department of Energy still needs to persuade the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the repository would be safe before construction could begin and before shipments to the repository could begin. Failure to approve the resolution that we are talking about, S.J. Res. 34, would terminate the Nation's nuclear waste program. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, passed before I came to this Senate, gave the Governor of Nevada the power to veto the President's site recommendation, and the Governor of Nevada exercised that authority in April. If the President does not join the House of Representatives in voting to override the Governor's veto by the 27th of this month--this July--the Governor's veto stands. If the Governor's veto is sustained, either the waste will stay where it is, in temporary above-ground holding tanks at 72 nuclear powerplant sites and 4 Department of Energy nuclear weapons plants in 39 States, either it stays where it is in those locations from now on, or Congress will have to pass a new law to authorize the Department of Energy to search for a new site, leaving the waste where it is safe enough in the short run. I am not one who is saying there is an imminent health risk or safety risk from leaving the waste where it currently is in the short run. However, it is not an acceptable long-term solution. It would require constant monitoring where it now is and frequent replacement of the storage containers for thousands of years, or the waste will escape into the environment. That is based on the expert testimony we received in the committee hearings. Looking for another site, without allowing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to consider Yucca Mountain, to consider an application for a license to use Yucca Mountain, is not a realistic course of action. We have spent 20 years; we spent $4 billion looking at Yucca Mountain already. No one has found a technical or scientific reason that makes it unsuitable as yet. We are not likely to find a better site next time, but, of course, if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission determines that another site has to be found, then we can take on that task. The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which I chair, of which my colleague from Alaska is the ranking member, carefully considered the arguments against the repository that have been raised by opponents of the project. I am the first to admit that not all of the questions that have been raised by the opponents have yet been adequately answered. They have not been. Many of those are questions, though, that are best answered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in its licensing procedures and nothing in the record before us justifies a decision, in my view, to terminate the program at this stage. The hearing record that we compiled in the Energy Committee supports approval of the resolution and it supports allowing the waste program to continue. While not prejudging whether it will approve a license application for Yucca Mountain, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission itself--and we had the Commission members there testifying before our committee--testified that they believed nuclear waste can be safely transported and safely buried at a repository. Not necessarily this one--that will be a decision they will make in the future--but at a repository. The Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board testified that: No individual technical or scientific factor has been identified that would automatically eliminate Yucca Mountain from consideration. The Environmental Protection Agency testified that the radiation protection standards that will apply to this repository are ``among the most stringent in the world.'' If the repository complies with them it ``will be fully protective of public health and the environment.'' That is ``if'' the repository complies with these standards. As I say, that is a decision the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will make in the future. In addition to these agencies of the Federal Government, we also heard from the U.S. Geological Survey. They stated: The scientific work performed to date supports a decision to recommend Yucca Mountain for development of the nuclear waste repository [and that] no feature or characteristic of the site . . . would preclude recommending the site. So based on this record, the committee found no reason to terminate the program. The National Academy of Sciences has said: [G]eological disposal remains the only scientifically and technically credible long-term solution available to meet the need for safety without reliance on active management. We have a responsibility to dispose of these wastes rather than leave them for future generations to deal with. I do not favor just kicking this can down the road and leaving it for someone else to act. In sum, a vote for the motion to proceed on the resolution is not a final vote to put nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain. It is a vote to let the Department of Energy apply for a license, a vote to let the technical experts at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission decide whether Yucca Mountain is, in fact, safe. A vote against the resolution is a vote to stop the program in its tracks, to leave the waste where it is with no alternative strategy for finding another site, and, frankly, with little or no chance of putting together a political consensus to find another site in the foreseeable future. On the basis of those reasons, I urge my colleagues to approve the motion to proceed and to approve the resolution.