Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution declaring the week of August 8, 2004, as a National Health Center Week dedicated to raising awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless health centers. I am pleased to be joined in this effort by Senator Durbin and 31 of our colleagues. The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that these health centers contribute to the health and well-being of their communities by keeping children healthy and in school and helping adults remain productive and on the job. The resolution also recognizes health centers for providing cost- effective, high-quality health care to the Nation's poor and medically underserved, and by acting as a vital safety net in the Nation's health delivery system. These nonprofit, community-based centers are performing a vital service to our country's more vulnerable populations and they are to be commended for their efforts. Health centers throughout the country have a 30-year history of success. Studies continue to show that the centers effectively and efficiently improve our Nation's health. Last year, the community health centers in my State of Colorado provided care to 372,000 patients, and 41 percent of those patients were children under the age of 19. Of the patients seen in Colorado in 2003, 45 percent had no health insurance, 30 percent were Medicaid recipients and 87 percent had family incomes less than $36,200 a year for a family of four. Community health centers are truly America's healthcare safety net. I believe it is important that we support and honor this nationwide network of community based providers. That is why I urge my colleagues to act quickly on this legislation. Let's show our community health center network that we value its significant contribution to the health of our citizens by declaring the week of August 8, 2004, a National Health Center Week.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 10 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 1715, the Department of Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2003. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am introducing an amendment to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act that will serve to protect the limited resources available to the United States Olympic Committee (``USOC'') to support America's Olympic athletes. This amendment would not expand the protections afforded to the USOC under existing law, but would clarify the broad scope of the existing statutory language that guarantees the USOC's exclusive right to commercial use of Olympic marks and terminology in the United States. Congress originally granted these rights to the USOC so that the USOC, through its licensing and sponsorship program, would have the ability to raise funds privately to support United States athletes and programs. Unauthorized use of Olympic marks and terminology by third parties dilutes the value of these marks and terminology and diminishes the USOC's ability to fulfill the mission mandated by Congress. This amendment will help ensure that the USOC can devote more of its resources to assisting athletes as opposed to funding legal actions necessary to prevent foreign or domestic entities from circumventing the broad statutory rights granted to the USOC. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am introducing an amendment to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act that will serve to protect the limited resources available to the United States Olympic Committee (``USOC'') to support America's Olympic athletes. This amendment would not expand the protections afforded to the USOC under existing law, but would clarify the broad scope of the existing statutory language that guarantees the USOC's exclusive right to commercial use of Olympic marks and terminology in the United States. Congress originally granted these rights to the USOC so that the USOC, through its licensing and sponsorship program, would have the ability to raise funds privately to support United States athletes and programs. Unauthorized use of Olympic marks and terminology by third parties dilutes the value of these marks and terminology and diminishes the USOC's ability to fulfill the mission mandated by Congress. This amendment will help ensure that the USOC can devote more of its resources to assisting athletes as opposed to funding legal actions necessary to prevent foreign or domestic entities from circumventing the broad statutory rights granted to the USOC. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I submit today a resolution urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent and fair election process for the presidential elections scheduled to be held in late October. An identical resolution is being submitted by Chairman of the House International Relations Committee Henry Hyde and my colleague and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Representative Chris Smith. I am pleased to note that the Commission's Ranking Member, Mr. Dodd, and the Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Mr. Biden, are original cosponsors of the resolution. The Helsinki Commission, which has long monitored and encouraged human rights, rule of law and democracy in Ukraine, continues to be a stalwart supporter of Ukraine's development as an independent, democratic and market-oriented state. There is a genuine desire in the United States for Ukraine to succeed in this process and for the long- suffering Ukrainian people to fully realize their dreams and aspirations. This resolution, by encouraging fair, open and transparent elections, is a concrete expression of the commitment of the U.S. Congress to the Ukrainian people. The resolution underscores that an election process and the establishment of a genuinely democratic political system consistent with Ukraine's freely-undertaken OSCE commitments is a prerequisite for Ukraine's full integration into the Western community of nations as an equal member, including into NATO. The October elections will be vital in determining Ukraine's course for years to come and they present the Ukrainian authorities with a real opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to OSCE principles and values. Unfortunately, Ukraine's pre-election environment has already been decidedly problematic and of increasing concern to the United States and the international community. During the course of this year I have shared specific concerns with Senate colleagues, particularly in terms of the media. The resolution submitted today focuses squarely on key problem areas, including increasing control and manipulation of the media and attempts by national authorities to limit access to international broadcasting, including Radio Liberty and Voice of America. Among other concerns are the blatant obstacles to free assembly and a free and fair political campaign as well as substantial irregularities in several recent elections. An egregious example of how not to conduct elections was the mayoral election held two weeks ago in the western Ukrainian city of Mukacheve. This election was marred by intimidation, violence, fraud and manipulation of the vote count, electoral disruptions and irregularities. Despite strong evidence indicating that a candidate from the democratic opposition ``Our Ukraine'' bloc had won, the territorial elections commission announced as winner the candidate of a party led by the head of Presidential Administration, Viktor Medvedchuk. That some of the abuses and violence took place in front of OSCE observers, and that some of the victims of violence were members of the Ukrainian parliament, only underscores the brazenness of these actions. The outlandish conduct of the Mukacheve elections not only casts doubt over their outcome, but when coupled with other recent problematic elections, including in Constituency No. 61 in Donetsk, could be a barometer for the October presidential elections. The resolution I submit today outlines those measures the Ukrainian authorities need to take--consistent with their own laws and international agreements--for a free, fair, open and transparent election process. The Ukrainian authorities at all levels, including the executive, legislative and judicial branches, need to ensure an election process that enables all of the candidates to compete on a level playing field. This includes the various institutions and agencies involved directly or indirectly in the elections process, such as the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Procuracy, the State Security Service (SBU), Tax Administration, as well as the Constitutional and Supreme Courts. Ukraine's October presidential elections should be a watershed for the future direction of that country of great potential. It is abundantly clear that a small clique have a vested interest in perpetuating the outmoded status quo. Ukrainian authorities need to radically improve the election environment if there is to be hope for these elections to meet OSCE standards. The question is whether their perceived self-interest will trump the interest of the people of Ukraine. Having restored the independence of their proud land, the Ukrainian people deserve an opportunity to overcome the legacy of the past, and consolidate democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at 10 a.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 2301, a discussion draft bill to improve the management of Native American fish and wildlife and gathering, and for other purposes. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. committee on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at 10 a.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 2172, Tribal Contract Support Cost Technical Amendments of 2004. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. committee on indian affairs

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at 10 a.m. in Room 106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on S. 344, a bill expressing the policy of the United States regarding the United States' Relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, and for other purposes; and S. 1721, a bill to amend the Indian Land Consolidation Act to improve provisions relating to probate of trust and restricted land, and for other purposes, to be followed immediately by a hearing on S. 297, the Federal Acknowledgement Process Reform Act of 2003. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. Subcommittee on National Parks

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to recognize an important civic education program that is available to many youngsters within this country: We the People. This program, administered by the Center for Civic Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education by act of Congress, is an extensive educational program that was developed specifically with the purpose to educate youngsters about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. And, this year, from May 1 through 3 more than 1,200 students from across the United States will visit Washington, DC, to take part in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. I recognize the six schools that participated in the We the People Colorado State competition and the more than 15 lawyers, judges, professors, and community leaders who judged these competitions. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to such an important topic. And, I am proud to announce that the class from East High School from Denver will represent the great State of Colorado in this prestigious national event. By displaying their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, these outstanding youngsters won the statewide competition and earned a chance to come to our Nation's capital and compete at the national level. I truly believe that a thorough understanding and knowledge of our Nation's founding documents will help folks understand and appreciate the sacrifices that our forefathers made, and this will inspire them to stand up for what is right and just. I wish the students from East High School the best of luck at this year's We the People national finals and I applaud their achievement.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 10 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on S. 1529, bill to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to include provisions relating to the payment and administration of gaming fees, and for other purposes; and S. 1955, a bill to make technical corrections to laws relating to Native Americans, and for other purposes. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, in recent days the Belarusian Prosecutor General's office opened criminal proceedings against one of the leaders of the embattled Belarusian democratic opposition, Anatoly Lebedka. Anatoly, who is chairman of the United Civic Party, has been accused of defaming Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko during an interview with Russian television last month where he linked the recent Belarusian-Russian dispute over gas deliveries with the Belarusian authorities' failure to build an efficient economy. Anatoly also mentioned a shadow budget replenished through illegal arms sales and the cover-up of the truth about political disappearances in Belarus. Given the pattern of behavior of the Lukashenko regime, it is crystal clear that this case is politically motivated and designed to suppress dissent. Lebedka's United Civic Party is a member of the Popular Coalition Five Plus, an opposition bloc which is planning to field candidates in this fall's parliamentary elections. The action against Anatoly Lebedka and on the opposition fits squarely within a pattern of the suppression of independent thought and action in Belarus. Lukashenko's repression of those who would dare to challenge him has only intensified over the past year. Just last week, a criminal case was opened against the Belarusian Helsinki Committee chairperson Tatiana Protska and accountant Tatiana Rudkevich. This comes after politically-motivated economic sanctions were imposed on the Committee recently. Also within the last few days, a court seized property of Iryna Makavetskaya, a correspondent for one of Belarus' leading independent newspapers, Beloruskaya Delovaya Gazeta. Lukashenko has a choice--he can continue to act as a pariah, suppressing the voices of democracy in Belarus, or he can realize that the only way to reverse his self-imposed isolation from the international community and increasingly, from his own people is to end his offensive against democracy and civil society. Meanwhile, it is essential that the United States back up its rhetorical support for democratic forces in Belarus through concrete assistance. Earlier this Congress, I introduced the Belarus Democracy Act, a measure with bipartisan support designed to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus. In light of the campaign of repression against democratic forces in Belarus, timely consideration of the Belarus Democracy Act is warranted. I urge colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, at the request of the administration, today I am introducing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2004 to amend and update the act. These amendments are proposed by the administration to update the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by: clarifying how vacancies in the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) are filled; expanding the NIGC's regulatory responsibilities; revising the NIGC statutory rates of pay to correspond with other current Federal rates of pay; and expanding the NIGC's reporting requirements to Congress. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, at the request of the administration, today I am introducing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2004 to amend and update the act. These amendments are proposed by the administration to update the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by: clarifying how vacancies in the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) are filled; expanding the NIGC's regulatory responsibilities; revising the NIGC statutory rates of pay to correspond with other current Federal rates of pay; and expanding the NIGC's reporting requirements to Congress. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues Senators Collins and Snowe to introduce legislation which will rectify a very serious problem affecting veterans in my State and around the Nation. The bill I am introducing will clarify the treatment of the per diem payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to support State Veterans Homes across the country. For several decades, Federal law has required that the VA pay a per diem amount to States to support quality care provided to eligible veterans at qualified State Veterans Homes. This VA per diem, currently about $56 per day for nursing home care and $27 per day for domiciliary care, is intended to assist States in providing the best possible care to those who served in our armed forces. In Colorado and a number of other States, the availability of the VA per diem is threatened by interpretations of Medicaid rules by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. CMS would treat the VA per diem payments as third-party payments, requiring that the entire amount be offset against Medicaid payments. This interpretation would deny residents of State Veterans Homes who receive Medicaid in these states any benefit whatsoever of the VA per diem payments. I believe this runs contrary to the intent of Congress in establishing the VA per diem payment system. State Veterans Homes are required to meet stringent and costly VA standards for care as a condition for receiving these per diem payments. These standards of care exceed those required by Medicaid, and the VA per diem makes it possible for State Veterans Homes to meet the higher VA standards. Most importantly, this per diem allows our veterans to receive high quality nursing care. An insistence by CMS on its interpretation would jeopardize the funding balance for many Medicaid-certified State Veterans Homes across the country. The result of the CMS interpretation would be to force State Veterans Homes that do not currently offset the VA per diem payments against Medicaid funding to reduce their standard of care, defer construction of needed new facilities, and possibly close certain State Veterans Homes. The legislation we are introducing today would simply clarify that the VA per diem payments cannot not be considered to be a third-party liability under Medicaid. It would build on other precedents where Congress wanted to make sure that benefits were received by their intentional recipients, not transferred to the Medicaid program. For example, federal law already includes exceptions for similar payments, such as those made under the Indian Health program. Our legislation recognizes that the States fund their State Veterans Homes in a variety of different manners. It preserves their flexibility to do so in a way that best serves their veterans, and ensures that no state is forced to lose the benefit of the VA per diem. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and move forward with a plan that will enable our State Veterans Nursing Homes to provide the high quality care that our veterans deserve. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues Senators Collins and Snowe to introduce legislation which will rectify a very serious problem affecting veterans in my State and around the Nation. The bill I am introducing will clarify the treatment of the per diem payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to support State Veterans Homes across the country. For several decades, Federal law has required that the VA pay a per diem amount to States to support quality care provided to eligible veterans at qualified State Veterans Homes. This VA per diem, currently about $56 per day for nursing home care and $27 per day for domiciliary care, is intended to assist States in providing the best possible care to those who served in our armed forces. In Colorado and a number of other States, the availability of the VA per diem is threatened by interpretations of Medicaid rules by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. CMS would treat the VA per diem payments as third-party payments, requiring that the entire amount be offset against Medicaid payments. This interpretation would deny residents of State Veterans Homes who receive Medicaid in these states any benefit whatsoever of the VA per diem payments. I believe this runs contrary to the intent of Congress in establishing the VA per diem payment system. State Veterans Homes are required to meet stringent and costly VA standards for care as a condition for receiving these per diem payments. These standards of care exceed those required by Medicaid, and the VA per diem makes it possible for State Veterans Homes to meet the higher VA standards. Most importantly, this per diem allows our veterans to receive high quality nursing care. An insistence by CMS on its interpretation would jeopardize the funding balance for many Medicaid-certified State Veterans Homes across the country. The result of the CMS interpretation would be to force State Veterans Homes that do not currently offset the VA per diem payments against Medicaid funding to reduce their standard of care, defer construction of needed new facilities, and possibly close certain State Veterans Homes. The legislation we are introducing today would simply clarify that the VA per diem payments cannot not be considered to be a third-party liability under Medicaid. It would build on other precedents where Congress wanted to make sure that benefits were received by their intentional recipients, not transferred to the Medicaid program. For example, federal law already includes exceptions for similar payments, such as those made under the Indian Health program. Our legislation recognizes that the States fund their State Veterans Homes in a variety of different manners. It preserves their flexibility to do so in a way that best serves their veterans, and ensures that no state is forced to lose the benefit of the VA per diem. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and move forward with a plan that will enable our State Veterans Nursing Homes to provide the high quality care that our veterans deserve. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that would effect a small land exchange to help the city of Golden, CO in its efforts to augment its water supply, that it might better prepare for a resumption of the drought which has plagued our State in the past several years. The bill I am proposing would direct that the U.S. Forest Service complete a land exchange with the city of Golden at the earliest possible date. In the land exchange, the city would receive approximately 10 acres of National Forest land near Empire, CO. The city needs this land to complete construction of a 140-foot stretch of water pipeline connecting the West Fork of Clear Creek with a brand new water storage reservoir, known as the Guanella Reservoir, which the city completed in December. The Guanella Reservoir will increase the city's existing water storage capacity by approximately 40 percent, and better enable it to cope with future water shortages. This legislation is critical, because while the Guanella Reservoir is now completed, as is the diversion dam, penstock, and all but 140 feet of the connecting pipeline, the reservoir remains dry. In short, the pipeline is completed up to the National Forest boundary, and authorization is needed from either the Forest Service or Congress to complete the small remaining stretch of pipeline that must cross National Forest land. Until that authorization is provided, the reservoir is sitting empty, and that is a situation we do not want to see continued into the dry summer months. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has indicated it would take quite some time, possibly several years, to authorize the pipeline, and we have agreed with them that this land exchange is the best approach to meet everyone's needs and time frames. For this reason, I am introducing this important legislation, and have asked the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to expedite it in every way possible. Additionally, I would like to note that while providing the city of Golden the ability to finish a critical water storage project, my proposal is also a beneficial deal for the United States. In return for the 10 acres it will give up, the Forest Service will receive up to 80 acres of land near a popular trail and recreation area in Evergreen, CO, and will also receive 55 acres of land on and near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in Clear Creek and Summit Counties. The 55 acres are located along one of the most popular stretches of the Trail, and are one of the ways hikers and other users can access the popular Greys and Torreys Peaks, two of the most heavily-climbed 14,000 foot peaks in our State. Further, my bill provides that all land values will be determined in accordance with Forest Service appraisal procedures, so we will be insuring that the United States will receive full market value for its land. In addition, the City is making a donation of Continental Divide Trail lands above which are required. I believe this is truly a ``win-win'' situation for all concerned, and commend the City for making the additional donation to the Forest Service. Finally, I would like to note that my proposal has been endorsed by the County Commissioners of all three counties that have lands involved in the trade, the non-profit Continental Divide Trail Alliance, the City of Blackhawk Public Works Department, the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad, and by numerous others. Again, I would recommend this legislation for my colleagues' quick approval in order that the City of Golden can get on with its urgent needs to supply adequate additional water to its residents this summer. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am today introducing legislation that would authorize the exchange of lands between the Muriel MacGregor Trust and the National Park Service, and to amend the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park to include the newly acquired land. Rocky Mountain National Park was established by Congress on January 26, 1915, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States and to protect the natural conditions and scenic beauties of this portion of the Rocky Mountains. The park currently encompasses approximately 266,000 acres and has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery to be found anywhere in our country. Each year the park draws over 3 million visitors. The MacGregor Ranch, located near Estes Park, CO, was homesteaded in 1873, which predates the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1917, shortly after the establishment of the national park, the National Park Service built a residence for park employees just inside the park boundary, with access via a one-lane dirt road which crosses the MacGregor Ranch for about \3/4\ of a mile. This access was provided with the permission of the MacGregor family, but no easement, right-of- way, or other legal document was ever recorded. The MacGregor Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the charitable Muriel MacGregor Trust. The mission of the trust is to support youth education through the preservation and interpretation of the historic buildings and educational tours of this working high mountain cattle ranch. In 1980, the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park was amended to include much of the MacGregor Ranch, and in 1983 the National Park Service purchased a conservation easement covering 1,221 acres of the ranch. While the ranch is located within the authorized boundary of the national park, it remains private property. In the early 1970s, hikers and rock climbers began using the access road through the MacGregor Ranch to reach a small parking lot located just inside the park boundary. Known as the Twin Owls trailhead, the popularity of the area has grown steadily. In recent years, overflow parking has negatively impacted the ranch, and traffic on the one-lane access road has negatively affected the character of the historic homestead and has diminished the quality of the historic scene that visitors to the ranch come to experience. For several years, the National Park Service and the MacGregor Ranch have been working to find a solution to the traffic and parking problems. Several environmental assessments have been prepared to examine various alternatives and gather public input. In 2003, based on public input and an Environmental Assessment, the National Park Service decided to relocate the Twin Owls parking lot to the east end of the MacGregor Ranch, some distance away from the historic homestead. A new access road and a larger trailhead parking lot that can accommodate 80 to 100 cars will be built at the new location. So that the rules and regulations governing Rocky Mountain National Park can be enforced at the new trailhead and along the access road, the land needs to be incorporated into the national park. To accomplish this, the MacGregor Trust and the National Park Service have agreed to a land exchange. The National Park Service will acquire three parcels of land containing 5.9 acres from the MacGregor Trust for the development of the new parking lot and access road. In exchange, the MacGregor Trust will acquire up to 70 acres from the National Park Service that will be used for growing hay and cattle grazing. A conservation easement will be placed on the 70 acres that is transferred to the MacGregor Trust. The conservation easement will ensure that the property is used solely for ranching. The land exchange is intended to be an equal value exchange. One of the three parcels currently owned by the MacGregor Trust is zoned for residential development and has a high monetary value. A conservation easement will be placed on the 70 acres currently owned by the National Park Service, which will diminish its monetary value. If the lands currently owned by the National Park Service are of higher value, less than 70 acres will be transferred to the MacGregor Ranch. If the three parcels owned by the MacGregor ranch are of higher value, the Ranch is willing to accept the unequal value and will only receive a maximum of 70 acres from the National Park Service. This legislation is needed to authorize the land exchange, and to amend the park boundary to include the new lands to be added to park. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that would effect a small land exchange to help the city of Golden, CO in its efforts to augment its water supply, that it might better prepare for a resumption of the drought which has plagued our State in the past several years. The bill I am proposing would direct that the U.S. Forest Service complete a land exchange with the city of Golden at the earliest possible date. In the land exchange, the city would receive approximately 10 acres of National Forest land near Empire, CO. The city needs this land to complete construction of a 140-foot stretch of water pipeline connecting the West Fork of Clear Creek with a brand new water storage reservoir, known as the Guanella Reservoir, which the city completed in December. The Guanella Reservoir will increase the city's existing water storage capacity by approximately 40 percent, and better enable it to cope with future water shortages. This legislation is critical, because while the Guanella Reservoir is now completed, as is the diversion dam, penstock, and all but 140 feet of the connecting pipeline, the reservoir remains dry. In short, the pipeline is completed up to the National Forest boundary, and authorization is needed from either the Forest Service or Congress to complete the small remaining stretch of pipeline that must cross National Forest land. Until that authorization is provided, the reservoir is sitting empty, and that is a situation we do not want to see continued into the dry summer months. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has indicated it would take quite some time, possibly several years, to authorize the pipeline, and we have agreed with them that this land exchange is the best approach to meet everyone's needs and time frames. For this reason, I am introducing this important legislation, and have asked the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to expedite it in every way possible. Additionally, I would like to note that while providing the city of Golden the ability to finish a critical water storage project, my proposal is also a beneficial deal for the United States. In return for the 10 acres it will give up, the Forest Service will receive up to 80 acres of land near a popular trail and recreation area in Evergreen, CO, and will also receive 55 acres of land on and near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in Clear Creek and Summit Counties. The 55 acres are located along one of the most popular stretches of the Trail, and are one of the ways hikers and other users can access the popular Greys and Torreys Peaks, two of the most heavily-climbed 14,000 foot peaks in our State. Further, my bill provides that all land values will be determined in accordance with Forest Service appraisal procedures, so we will be insuring that the United States will receive full market value for its land. In addition, the City is making a donation of Continental Divide Trail lands above which are required. I believe this is truly a ``win-win'' situation for all concerned, and commend the City for making the additional donation to the Forest Service. Finally, I would like to note that my proposal has been endorsed by the County Commissioners of all three counties that have lands involved in the trade, the non-profit Continental Divide Trail Alliance, the City of Blackhawk Public Works Department, the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad, and by numerous others. Again, I would recommend this legislation for my colleagues' quick approval in order that the City of Golden can get on with its urgent needs to supply adequate additional water to its residents this summer. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am today introducing legislation that would authorize the exchange of lands between the Muriel MacGregor Trust and the National Park Service, and to amend the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park to include the newly acquired land. Rocky Mountain National Park was established by Congress on January 26, 1915, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States and to protect the natural conditions and scenic beauties of this portion of the Rocky Mountains. The park currently encompasses approximately 266,000 acres and has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery to be found anywhere in our country. Each year the park draws over 3 million visitors. The MacGregor Ranch, located near Estes Park, CO, was homesteaded in 1873, which predates the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1917, shortly after the establishment of the national park, the National Park Service built a residence for park employees just inside the park boundary, with access via a one-lane dirt road which crosses the MacGregor Ranch for about \3/4\ of a mile. This access was provided with the permission of the MacGregor family, but no easement, right-of- way, or other legal document was ever recorded. The MacGregor Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the charitable Muriel MacGregor Trust. The mission of the trust is to support youth education through the preservation and interpretation of the historic buildings and educational tours of this working high mountain cattle ranch. In 1980, the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park was amended to include much of the MacGregor Ranch, and in 1983 the National Park Service purchased a conservation easement covering 1,221 acres of the ranch. While the ranch is located within the authorized boundary of the national park, it remains private property. In the early 1970s, hikers and rock climbers began using the access road through the MacGregor Ranch to reach a small parking lot located just inside the park boundary. Known as the Twin Owls trailhead, the popularity of the area has grown steadily. In recent years, overflow parking has negatively impacted the ranch, and traffic on the one-lane access road has negatively affected the character of the historic homestead and has diminished the quality of the historic scene that visitors to the ranch come to experience. For several years, the National Park Service and the MacGregor Ranch have been working to find a solution to the traffic and parking problems. Several environmental assessments have been prepared to examine various alternatives and gather public input. In 2003, based on public input and an Environmental Assessment, the National Park Service decided to relocate the Twin Owls parking lot to the east end of the MacGregor Ranch, some distance away from the historic homestead. A new access road and a larger trailhead parking lot that can accommodate 80 to 100 cars will be built at the new location. So that the rules and regulations governing Rocky Mountain National Park can be enforced at the new trailhead and along the access road, the land needs to be incorporated into the national park. To accomplish this, the MacGregor Trust and the National Park Service have agreed to a land exchange. The National Park Service will acquire three parcels of land containing 5.9 acres from the MacGregor Trust for the development of the new parking lot and access road. In exchange, the MacGregor Trust will acquire up to 70 acres from the National Park Service that will be used for growing hay and cattle grazing. A conservation easement will be placed on the 70 acres that is transferred to the MacGregor Trust. The conservation easement will ensure that the property is used solely for ranching. The land exchange is intended to be an equal value exchange. One of the three parcels currently owned by the MacGregor Trust is zoned for residential development and has a high monetary value. A conservation easement will be placed on the 70 acres currently owned by the National Park Service, which will diminish its monetary value. If the lands currently owned by the National Park Service are of higher value, less than 70 acres will be transferred to the MacGregor Ranch. If the three parcels owned by the MacGregor ranch are of higher value, the Ranch is willing to accept the unequal value and will only receive a maximum of 70 acres from the National Park Service. This legislation is needed to authorize the land exchange, and to amend the park boundary to include the new lands to be added to park. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the Tribal Contract Support Cost Technical Amendments of 2004, a much- needed bill that strengthens the highly successful policy of tribal contracting and compacting under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, Public Law 93-638. Beginning in 1970, with President Nixon's now-famous Special Message to Congress on Indian Affairs and the 1975 enactment of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, Public Law 93-638, Congress has systematically devolved to Indian tribes the authority and responsibility to manage Federal programs and reassume control over their own affairs. For good reason, tribal contracting and compacting has been embraced and expanded by Congress and the Executive by repeatedly amending the 1975 Act in 1984, 1988, 1994 and 2000. Contracting and compacting has resulted in a reduction in the Federal bureaucracy and an improvement in the quality of services delivered to tribal members. Instead of Federal micro-management, the tribes can tailor programs to unique local conditions and better serve their members. Unfortunately, the ability of Indian tribes to continue to contract programs and services is severely hampered by the chronic under-funding of contract support costs. Without such funding, tribes are forced to cut back on services to pay for their administrative costs. The bill I am introducing today will require the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide the funds for contract support costs which those agencies negotiated and contracted to pay to their tribal contractors. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the Tribal Contract Support Cost Technical Amendments of 2004, a much- needed bill that strengthens the highly successful policy of tribal contracting and compacting under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, Public Law 93-638. Beginning in 1970, with President Nixon's now-famous Special Message to Congress on Indian Affairs and the 1975 enactment of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, Public Law 93-638, Congress has systematically devolved to Indian tribes the authority and responsibility to manage Federal programs and reassume control over their own affairs. For good reason, tribal contracting and compacting has been embraced and expanded by Congress and the Executive by repeatedly amending the 1975 Act in 1984, 1988, 1994 and 2000. Contracting and compacting has resulted in a reduction in the Federal bureaucracy and an improvement in the quality of services delivered to tribal members. Instead of Federal micro-management, the tribes can tailor programs to unique local conditions and better serve their members. Unfortunately, the ability of Indian tribes to continue to contract programs and services is severely hampered by the chronic under-funding of contract support costs. Without such funding, tribes are forced to cut back on services to pay for their administrative costs. The bill I am introducing today will require the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide the funds for contract support costs which those agencies negotiated and contracted to pay to their tribal contractors. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I take great pride in introducing the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act of 2004, a bill to establish the Sand Creek National Historic Site in Kiowa County, CO. The bill I am introducing today follows the Sand Creek National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2000, Public Law 106-465, which recognized the tragic events of November 28, 1868 and made it clear that America has the strength and resolve to face its past and learn the painful lessons that come with intolerance. Much has been written about the horrors visited upon the plains Indians in the territories of the Western United States in the latter half of the 19th century. However, what has been lost for more than a century is a comprehensive understanding of the events of that day in a grove of cottonwood trees along Sand Creek. This bill I am introducing today builds upon the Act of 2000 and authorizes the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma to take the land on which these tragic events took place into trust for traditional, cultural, and historical purposes only. The indisputable facts are these: 700 members of the Colorado Militia, commanded by Colonel John Chivington struck at dawn that November day, attacking an encampment of Cheyenne and Arapho Indians settled under the U.S. flag and a white flag which the Indian Chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope were told by the U.S. would protect them from military attack. By day's end, almost 150 Indians, many of them women, children and the elderly, lay dead. Chivington's men reportedly desecrated the bodies of the dead after the massacre, and newspaper reports from Denver at the time told of the troops displaying Indian body parts in a gruesome display as they rode through the streets of Colorado's largest city following the attack. The 2000 legislation authorized the National Park Service to enter into negotiations with willing sellers only in an attempt to secure property inside a boundary which encompasses approximately 12,470 acres as identified by the National Park Service for a lasting memorial to events of that fateful day. The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site has come into being because all of those involved have exhibited an extraordinary ability to put aside their differences, look with equal measure at the scientific evidence and the oral traditions of the Tribes, and come up with a plan that equally honors the memory of those killed and the rights of the private property owners who have been faithful and responsible stewards of this site. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.