Conrad Burns

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. I thank the Chair. I yield to the Senator from Wisconsin [Mr. Kohl].

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the routine requests through the morning hour be granted and the Senate be in a period of morning business from the hour of 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Senators permitted to speak up to 5 minutes with the following exceptions: Senator Domenici for 25 minutes, Senator Byrd for 30 minutes, Senator Faircloth for 5 minutes, Senator Torricelli for 20 minutes, and Senator Hutchinson for 10 minutes.

Mr. BURNS. For the information of all Members, today, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Senate will be in a period of morning business, and it is the leader's hope that following morning business the Senate may be able to proceed to consideration of S. 672, the supplemental appropriations bill. In addition, the Senate may also take up S. 419, the Birth Defects Prevention Act and any executive or legislative business cleared for action during today's session of the Senate. Therefore, Senators can anticipate rollcall votes throughout today's session.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, today I introduce a bill that will ensure the Assiniboine and Sioux people of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana a safe and reliable water supply system. The Fort Peck Reservation is located in northeastern Montana. It is one of the largest reservations in the United States, and has a population of more than 10,000. The Fort Peck Reservation faces problems similar to all reservations in the country, that of remote rural areas. This reservation also suffers from a very high unemployment rate, 75 percent. Added to all this, the populations on the reservation suffer from high incidents of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A safe and reliable source of water is needed to both improve the health status of the residents and to encourage economic development and thereby self-sufficiency for this area. This legislation would authorize a reservation-wide municipal, rural, and industrial water system for the Fort Peck Reservation. It would provide a much needed boost to the future of the region and for economic development, and ultimately economic self-sufficiency for the entire area. My bill has the support of the residents of the reservation and the endorsement of the tribal council of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. The residents of the Fort Peck Reservation are now plagued with major drinking water problems. In one of the communities, the sulfate levels in the water are four times the standard for safe drinking water. In four of the communities the iron levels are five times the standard. Sadly, some families were forced to abandon their homes as a result of substandard water quality. Basically, the present water supply system is inadequate and unreliable to supply a safe water supply to those people that live on the reservation. Several of the local water systems have had occurrences of biological contamination in recent years. As a result, the Indian Health Service has been forced to issue several health alerts for drinking water. In many cases, residents of reservation communities are forced to purchase bottled water. Not a big deal to those who can afford it, but difficult to a population that has the unemployment rate found on the Reservation. All this, despite the fact that within spitting distance is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, built on the Missouri River. Agriculture continues to maintain the No. 1 position in terms of economic impact in Montana. In a rural area like the Fort Peck Reservation agriculture plays the key role in the economy, more so than in many areas of the State. The water system authorized by the legislation will not only provide a good source of drinking water, but also a water supply necessary to protect and preserve the livestock operations on the reservation. A major constraint on the growth of the livestock industry around Fort Peck has been the lack of an adequate watering site for cattle. This water supply system would provide the necessary water taps to fill watering tanks for livestock, which in normal times would boost the local economy of the region and the State. An additional benefit of this system would be more effective use of water for both water and soil conservation and rangeland management. The future water needs of the reservation are expanding. Data shows that the reservation population is growing, as many tribal members are returning to the reservation. It is clear that the people that live on the reservation, both tribal and nontribal members, are in desperate need of a safe and reliable source of drinking water. The solutions to this need for an adequate and safe water supply is a reservation wide water pipeline that will deliver a safe and reliable source of water to the residents. In addition this water project will be constructed in size to allow communities off the reservation the future ability to tap into the system. A similar system for water distribution is currently in use on a reservation in South Dakota. The surrounding communities have also agreed with the importance of this system. Last year when I introduced this bill, there were no additional communities signed on to the system. Today, the surrounding communities have signed on and look at this system as a means of supplying clean, safe drinking water to their residents. The people of the Fort Peck Reservation, and the State of Montana are only asking for one basic life necessity. Good, clean, safe drinking water. This is something that the more developed regions of the Nation take for granted, but in rural America we still seek to develop. I realize the importance of getting this bill introduced and placed before the proper committee. This action will allow us to move forward and provide a basic necessity to the people of this region in Montana. Good, clean, safe drinking water.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, today I introduce a bill that will ensure the Assiniboine and Sioux people of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana a safe and reliable water supply system. The Fort Peck Reservation is located in northeastern Montana. It is one of the largest reservations in the United States, and has a population of more than 10,000. The Fort Peck Reservation faces problems similar to all reservations in the country, that of remote rural areas. This reservation also suffers from a very high unemployment rate, 75 percent. Added to all this, the populations on the reservation suffer from high incidents of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A safe and reliable source of water is needed to both improve the health status of the residents and to encourage economic development and thereby self-sufficiency for this area. This legislation would authorize a reservation-wide municipal, rural, and industrial water system for the Fort Peck Reservation. It would provide a much needed boost to the future of the region and for economic development, and ultimately economic self-sufficiency for the entire area. My bill has the support of the residents of the reservation and the endorsement of the tribal council of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. The residents of the Fort Peck Reservation are now plagued with major drinking water problems. In one of the communities, the sulfate levels in the water are four times the standard for safe drinking water. In four of the communities the iron levels are five times the standard. Sadly, some families were forced to abandon their homes as a result of substandard water quality. Basically, the present water supply system is inadequate and unreliable to supply a safe water supply to those people that live on the reservation. Several of the local water systems have had occurrences of biological contamination in recent years. As a result, the Indian Health Service has been forced to issue several health alerts for drinking water. In many cases, residents of reservation communities are forced to purchase bottled water. Not a big deal to those who can afford it, but difficult to a population that has the unemployment rate found on the Reservation. All this, despite the fact that within spitting distance is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, built on the Missouri River. Agriculture continues to maintain the No. 1 position in terms of economic impact in Montana. In a rural area like the Fort Peck Reservation agriculture plays the key role in the economy, more so than in many areas of the State. The water system authorized by the legislation will not only provide a good source of drinking water, but also a water supply necessary to protect and preserve the livestock operations on the reservation. A major constraint on the growth of the livestock industry around Fort Peck has been the lack of an adequate watering site for cattle. This water supply system would provide the necessary water taps to fill watering tanks for livestock, which in normal times would boost the local economy of the region and the State. An additional benefit of this system would be more effective use of water for both water and soil conservation and rangeland management. The future water needs of the reservation are expanding. Data shows that the reservation population is growing, as many tribal members are returning to the reservation. It is clear that the people that live on the reservation, both tribal and nontribal members, are in desperate need of a safe and reliable source of drinking water. The solutions to this need for an adequate and safe water supply is a reservation wide water pipeline that will deliver a safe and reliable source of water to the residents. In addition this water project will be constructed in size to allow communities off the reservation the future ability to tap into the system. A similar system for water distribution is currently in use on a reservation in South Dakota. The surrounding communities have also agreed with the importance of this system. Last year when I introduced this bill, there were no additional communities signed on to the system. Today, the surrounding communities have signed on and look at this system as a means of supplying clean, safe drinking water to their residents. The people of the Fort Peck Reservation, and the State of Montana are only asking for one basic life necessity. Good, clean, safe drinking water. This is something that the more developed regions of the Nation take for granted, but in rural America we still seek to develop. I realize the importance of getting this bill introduced and placed before the proper committee. This action will allow us to move forward and provide a basic necessity to the people of this region in Montana. Good, clean, safe drinking water.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Faircloth, along with Senators Craig, Reid, Jeffords, Lott, Mack, and Hutchinson, as a co-sponsor of S. 50, the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit Bill. S. 50 will help thousands of folks earn a 2-year college degree without creating a new Federal program. S. 50 is simple: it provides for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,500, depending on the cost of attendance, for students attending a 2-year school, full-time or part-time. To receive the tax credit students must maintain a minimum grade point average as determined by the college. Mr. President, this morning I read an Associated Press article with a Great Falls byline entitled ``Regents OK $7.6 million increase in college tuition, fees.'' The AP reports that tuition rates at 2-year and 4-year schools in Montana will rise an average of 6.5 percent, climbing to 7.5 percent when student fees are factored in. At Montana's colleges of technology, whose students this bill will help, the new tuition and fees vary from $1,871 to $2,121, an increase as high as 11.3 percent. The education and training two-year schools provide is more important for our workforce than it has ever been, but it is also more expensive than it's ever been. A tax credit is a simple way to put a degree within reach of thousands of students. There are numerous tax credit proposals out there for 4-year schools, and I support some of these proposals. But it is vital that Montanans have the specialized training demanded by employers in the technology sector--one of the fastest growing sectors in our entire labor force-- and it is our 2-year schools that provide much of that training. This tax credit is a jobs credit: a well-trained workforce not only benefits existing businesses, but will attract new businesses to Montana as well. During the just-concluded debate on the fiscal year 1998 budget resolution, I was pleased to support a sense of the Senate resolution offered by Senator Faircloth which puts the Senate on record as supporting a tax credit for the expenses of two-year colleges. As debate on the budget continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues on enacting this measure.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Madam President, on this amendment, I am heartily supporting this, especially because not supporting the amendment would be irrational, knowing that the blueprint is in front of us that spectrum does not have the value that is put into this bill. So, if we have a track record that proves that it does not, it is outrageous that we would accept the figures in this budget.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, as an original cosponsor of S. 765 I want to stress the importance of this measure and urge my colleagues to support its passage. Mr. President, the Safety and Health Advancement Act is based on one simple premise: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] can be more effective at ensuring safe working environments by working with businesses than by waiting for violations to occur and then issuing fines. The purpose of this bill is to refocus OSHA's mission from enforcement to consultation, without putting a straightjacket on its ability to enforce when required. S. 765 takes a number of important steps to help small business comply with OSHA standards. First, it establishes a third-party review process whereby a licensed auditor may consult with businesses and certify that the are in compliance with applicable OSHA standards. If certified, the business will be exempt for 2 years from any civil penalty prescribed by the OSH Act. Second, S. 765 broadens the technical assistance program run by the States and OSHA. Under this program, the Montana Safety Bureau, with assistance from OSHA, consults with businesses and helps them meet OSHA standards. If in compliance, the business is exempt from general inspections for 2 years. This is a good program, but it is not widely used and it is underfunded, especially in Montana. S. 765 expands and makes permanent this assistance program. Third, this bill writes into law OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program and requires the Secretary of Labor to encourage small businesses to use the program. If a business applies under the program and is certified as safe, it is exempt from inspections and certain paperwork requirements. Only 300 employers are currently in this program, but I know of plenty of small businesses that would qualify. Finally, this bill requires OSHA to submit all proposed standards to the National Academy of Sciences for review and comments, and bars OSHA from using quotas for inspections, citations, or penalties. Mr. President, I will soon be chairing a Small Business Committee field hearing in Montana to hear from small businesses how Federal and State regulations adversely affect them. The loudest complaints I will hear will be about OSHA and its heavy-handed enforcement policies. As a former small businessman, I know that working with small businesses to help them comply with OSHA standards will have better results than enforcement alone. By encouraging compliance, workplaces will be safer and workers will be better off.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Dean Folkvord of Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery of Three Forks on winning the Small Business Person of the Year Award. It is a real pleasure to recognize Dean and his family for his dedication and hard work. There is a fierce competition in Montana for Small Business Person of the Year since 98 percent of our businesses are classified as small, and that makes Dean's accomplishments special. I was amazed when I learned of it, but Wheat Montana mills more wheat in a year than is grown in Montana. It takes a truly successful operation to handle that much wheat. Mr. President, I am proud to say we have many small business success stories like Wheat Montana, and many folks like Dean keeping our economy growing and putting Montanans to work. There were two close runners-up for this award this year, and many other small businesses were awarded in other categories. Together, they are the engine that keeps Montana running. Congratulations again to Dean Folkvord and the Wheat Montana family, and to Montana's entire small business community for all you do.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I recently added my name to the list of 37 cosponsors of S. 127 on behalf of those hard-working folks who are trying to get ahead in their jobs by going back to school while they work. The Employee Educational Assistance Act will make permanent the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance under section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code. By doing so, it will remove the penalty part-time students face in the form of higher taxes when their employers provide educational assistance. Mr. President, this bill's sponsor, Senator Moynihan, said it well: This is a very effective program which requires no bureaucracy and which administers itself. Employers and employees arrange for the educational assistance, and the Government's role is to stay out of the way. For example, MSE Technologies Inc. in Butte, MT, provides assistance to its employees who are working on undergraduate or graduate degrees. For MSE this is a wise investment in its employees and helps to keep the company competitive. With section 127 in place, employees can receive up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursements from their employer without paying additional taxes. Without section 127, employees are taxed on the educational assistance they receive. This tax is exactly the wrong message to send to businesses and their employees trying to stay ahead. Section 127, which first went into effect in 1979, will expire in 3 months. The provision has been extended numerous times, and it has widespread support. But the uncertainty of the provision's future has been disruptive to workers and made planning ahead difficult. The full potential of its benefits to workers and employers is not being met, and it won't be until we make it permanent. Let's make helping American workers stay competitive a top priority.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise to express my gratitude to all the folks who made possible the passage of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act reauthorization bill. It's been a real struggle over the last 2 years, but a concerted effort led by David Hoppe of Majority Leader Lott's staff has resulted in a compromise bill that received near unanimous support in both the House and the Senate. I was among those voting for this bill. Mr. President, Montana's schools are breathing a sigh of relief that they will have more flexibility in dealing with disruptive students who pose a threat to teachers and other students. At the same time, the bill preserves the right of disabled students to a free appropriate public education. However, as with all compromises, there is something in this bill for everyone to dislike. I don't think the bill goes far enough in giving local educational agencies the ability to remove and expel dangerous students. I supported Senator Gorton's amendment to allow local agencies to develop their own policies on disciplining students. This amendment was defeated. I also have serious concerns about the costs of implementing this bill, costs which fall directly on the States and the school districts. Make no mistake: at current Federal funding levels, this bill is an unfunded mandate on the States. The Federal Government funds less than 10 percent of the bill's costs, though it has promised to pay 40 percent. This bill does not set funding levels--it is not an appropriations bill. We will have a separate debate on funding later in the year. But I want to point out that we are mandating that our local schools take specific actions which are very expensive and getting even more so every year. We must take more responsibility for our actions, and I hope we will do that when we debate funding later this year.

Mr. BURNS

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

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, to conduct a markup on S. 462, the Public Housing Reform and Responsibility Act of 1997.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Youth Violence, of the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at 2 p.m. to hold a hearing on Fixing a Broken System: A Review of OJJDP Mandates.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, to conduct a hearing to examine the issues surrounding the shredding of Holocaust era documents by the Union Bank of Switzerland.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be granted permission to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, for purposes of conducting a hearing before the Full Committee which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The Purpose of this hearing is to consider the nomination of Elizabeth Anne Moler to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Human Resources be authorized to meet for a Public Health and Safety Subcommittee Hearing on Protecting Public Health: CDC Project Grants for Preventable Health Services during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence by authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at 10 a.m. to hold an open confirmation hearing on the nomination of George J. Tenet to be Director of Central Intelligence.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Subcommittee of the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at 10 a.m. to hold a hearing.

Mr. BURNS

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

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senator Baucus and 23 of our fellow colleagues, to submit a resolution to designate April 30 as ``National Erase the Hate and Eliminate Racism Day.'' We are submitting this measure because, as you may know, a few years ago a series of anti-semitic and racially biased crimes occurred in my home town of Billings, MT. However, instead of ignoring these events, I am proud to say that the community united and worked together to ban these acts of hatred. We are hoping that the American people will learn from Montanans that racism and hate crimes can be done away with if we work together. According to the United States Department of Justice, there are almost 8,000 racially and biased crimes each year--and unfortunately, this number is rising. Due to this disappointing fact, my colleagues and I have determined that a day should be set aside to bring groups together that will work to begin to heal our Nation from the sins of our past and present. This day would serve as a day for people in the United States, and throughout the world, to recognize the importance of using every day as an opportunity to take a stand against hate crimes and violence in their neighborhoods, communities, states and nations. Through this legislation, we hope to reinforce in the American people that our diversity is something to be proud of. A new understanding of our differences would help bring forth a new respect for each other, and this resolution should serve as the vehicle to educate Americans and promote unity throughout our communities and States. Now, I realize that passage of this measure will not immediately obliterate racism from our country. But it is our responsibility, as Members of this distinguished, elected, body to set an example for the American people by speaking up for what is right and encouraging others to do so. I would like to offer a special thanks to the YWCA and the Anti- Defamation League for their assistance in garnering support for this measure. Their continued service to the American people in supporting diversity serves as a means to open the doors between divergent groups. They should be acknowledged and praised by all. We welcome each of our colleagues to join with us to work to eradicate the forces that divide us. Finally, I hope that by April 30, the American people are made aware of our thoughts and that we will work for justice for all.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Ten or less.

Mr. BURNS. Or less.

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I thank Senator Helms, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. History has to be recorded that this has probably been the most ever- changing and cloudy situation that we have faced here in the U.S. Senate. Some in this body have changed their minds as they have tried to read the public opinion polls, and even some of those who have served in the administration have done the same--the history, as it was articulated here by the majority leader, of getting caught up in Presidential politics in 1996. But basically what it was, it was most of us sitting down and reading the words and trying to make a decision based on what we think is best for our country. No matter the winds that blow in politics or in public opinion, this issue must be considered and decided on its merits. There is just too much at stake. The President has written a letter to the majority leader. If you will read the words real carefully, you could even say you could argue both sides of the issue on that letter alone. But I rise today to express my opposition to this Chemical Weapons Convention treaty. There are several reasons why I have chosen to oppose the treaty. Some would say that it is verifiable. I am not fully convinced of that, yet. Some would say that it does not hinder or break the Constitution. I think I would question that. When it comes to sovereignty of the United States, I would say that very much was in jeopardy. However, I will focus my concerns with article XI and my fears that this article will compromise both the United States and the citizens that live here. Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty prohibits countries from denying others access to dual-use chemicals--that means chemicals that can be used in any manner--processes, and technology. In effect, mandating access to and sharing of materials and the methods of making chemical weapons. By legitimizing commerce in dangerous, dual- use chemicals and processes the CWC will increase, not reduce, the ability of countries to acquire chemical weapons. Second, Mr. President, article XI gives states the treaty right to: Facilitate and have the right to participate in, the fullest possible exchange of chemicals, equipment, and scientific and technical information relating to the development and the application of chemistry for [peaceful] purposes . . . Have we not had enough experience over nuclear problems of this world, just with one country that is on this planet? Third, transferring chemical-related technologies and material to members of the CWC such as Cuba, Iran, India, Pakistan, and China will help them establish and/or improve their chemical weapons programs. This is because there is very little difference between the legitimate commercial chemical processes and those processes used to make chemical weapons. Article XI also legitimizes trade in dangerous dual-use chemicals. The treaty right will be used by countries such as China, India, and Russia to override Western objections to their provision of sensitive chemicals and production technologies to countries such as Iran. China and India already supply Iran with such chemicals, but the CWC will legitimize this trade and allow these countries to expand the volume of commerce conducted in dual-use chemicals. Mr. President, I take a moment to focus on the fact that by ratifying this treaty, Iran will be permitted to have access to our chemical secrets, to have the ability to obtain chemical information from other rogue nations. If ratified, we are allowing a nation that we have confirmed, we have confirmed as a terrorist nation, one that is the primary suspect in numerous terrorist attacks against the United States, and one that calls for the destruction of this country to get more information, not less, on deadly chemicals. How many in this body think that if allowed this information, Iran will, of its own accord, destroy these potentially deadly weapons and not use them against United States citizens around the world? I think that is a legitimate question. How many in this body really think that the United States will be in a more secure position? Finally, how can we in clear conscience give them this information when American men and women have been murdered by their actions? Mr. President, for this reason, I cannot vote for the passage of this treaty. I have heard all the reasons why we would be just a tiny bit better off being part of the convention. Well, this Senator thinks you have to be a bigger part. It falsely promises security to our Nation, and would betray those U.S. citizens who have died by the hand of terrorists. I urge my fellow colleagues to contemplate what I have stated here. I urge a ``no'' vote on ratification of this treaty. This is not an easy decision but is a decision where the majority of people who serve in this body have read and have made their decision on what is actually in it and not the emotion of the times. I urge them to read it and vote accordingly. I yield the floor.

Mr. BURNS

Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, it was with great pleasure that on April 15, Tax Day, I joined with Senators Grassley and Moseley-Braun in cosponsoring the Loan Interest Forgiveness for Education Act, S. 573. With Americans scrambling last week to get their tax returns filed, this bill offers a bit of relief for students who rely on loans to pay their higher education bills. This legislation will restore the tax deduction for student loan interest, with eligibility for the deduction phased out for taxpayers with incomes between $65,000 and $85,000 (single returns) and $85,000 and $105,000 (joint returns). This modest step will take some of the sting out of repaying student loans. A college degree is more important in today's job market than it has ever been. At the same time, education costs continue to rise and the average debt of graduates is at record levels. On top of that, the tax burden has increased, putting a serious strain on college graduates as they work to pay off their loans and interest and still get ahead in the job market. Let us give student loan recipients a tax break. Let us send a message about the importance of student loans and higher education. This is a sound investment in our Nation's future.