Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

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.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Madam President, today I am joined by the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senators Hatch and Leahy and Senator Allard in introducing this resolution to keep alive in the memory of all Americans the sacrifice and commitment of those law enforcement officers who lost their lives serving their communities. Specifically, this resolution would designate May 15, 2004, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. As a former deputy sheriff, I know first-hand the risks which law enforcement officers face every day on the frontlines protecting our communities. Currently, more than 850,000 men and women who serve this Nation as our guardians of law and order do so at a great risk. Every year, about 1 in 9 officers is assaulted, 1 in 25 officers is injured, and 1 in 6,000 officers is killed in the line of duty somewhere in America every other day. There are few communities in this country that have not been impacted by the words ``officer down.'' On September 11, 2001, 72 peace officers died as a result of a cowardly act of terrorism. This single act of terrorism resulted in the highest number of peace officers ever killed in a single incident in the history of this country. Before this event, the greatest loss of law enforcement in a single incident occurred in 1917, when nine Milwaukee police officers were killed in a bomb blast at their police station. In 2003, nearly 150 Federal, State, tribal and local law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line of duty, well below the decade- long average of 166 deaths annually, and a major drop from 2001 when a total of 230 officers were killed. A number of factors contributed to this reduction including better equipment and the increased use of bullet-resistant vests, improved training, longer prison terms for violent offenders, and advanced emergency medical care. And, in total, more than 16,000 men and women have made the supreme sacrifice. The chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig W. Floyd, reminds us that a police officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in America nearly every other day. More than 850,000 officers put their lives at risk each and every day for our safety and protection. National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day provide our Nation with an important opportunity to recognize and honor that extraordinary service and sacrifice. On May 15, 2004, more than 20,000 peace officers are expected to gather in our Nation's Capital to join with the families of their fallen comrades who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities. In doing so, these heroes have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens. This resolution is a fitting tribute for this special and solemn occasion. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting passage of this important resolution.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank my colleague. Mr. President, before I make some comments on the amendment, No. 2623, which we discussed Thursday, listening to the Senator's comments about the so-called gun show loopholes and the point of contact, I might ask, what if a person goes to a gun show and sees something he might like and forgets about it and months later he sees it in a classified ad of a newspaper and buys it through the classified ad in the paper from the man who originally had it at a gun show the year before? Does that make the person liable who had the booth at a gun show? I think this amendment complicates things rather than answers things.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise to comment on amendment No. 2623 of S. 1805, the Protection of Lawful Commerce and Arms Act, which was offered on my behalf by my colleague and friend Senator Craig from Idaho last Thursday. This amendment is based on a bill I worked on for a number of years. I am pleased to say it has the broad bipartisan support of my colleagues. In fact, it has 67 cosponsors. It enjoys the support of numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Fraternal Order of Police. I am delighted to have Senators Hatch, Leahy, and Reed joining me as original cosponsors of this amendment. I was particularly pleased that last Thursday, a second-degree amendment was adopted naming this bill to honor Steve Young, the recently retired president of the 300,000-member Fraternal Order of Police. This amendment, which is identical to my bill which was introduced as S. 253 and was reported out of the Judiciary Committee in March 2003, would permit qualified former and current law enforcement officers who are employed by or retired from a local, State, or Federal law enforcement agency to carry concealed weapons across jurisdictions. A ``qualified law enforcement officer'' is any individual who has retired in good standing from service of a government agency as a law enforcement officer for a total of 15 years or more. The only exception is if the officer was separated from duty by a duty-related injury. Officers will be required to carry photographic identification issued by the agency for which they are or were employed. It is an extremely important measure. With specific regard to retired officers, this amendment requires them to meet annually and at their own expense the very same standards that active officers must meet in the State where they reside. Thus, there should be no question as to the qualifications of either active or retired officers. There are several important benefits to this amendment. First, the American public will undoubtedly be safer as off-duty and retired law enforcement officers are allowed to carry concealed weapons as they travel across jurisdictions. If enacted into law, the basic net effect will be thousands of additional police officers on the streets at zero taxpayer expense. Criminals and terrorists certainly will not be happy when this bill is passed. They would not be sure whether or not seemingly average citizens are actually off-duty or retired law enforcement officers who are armed, trained, and ready to deal with whatever situation may arise. I certainly believe that this type of knowledge should act as a major deterrent for anyone dumb enough to be contemplating crime. Now there may be some who question whether or not this is a States rights issue. Let me address that for a moment. In this instance, it is exactly the wide and vast variety of different State gun laws that make this type of Federal legislation necessary. The result is this amazing maze of different laws in the States and other jurisdictions which results in a paradox for officers, and sometimes places them in extreme jeopardy. Congress has the authority, under the ``full faith and credit'' clause of the Constitution, to extend full faith and credit to qualified active and retired officers who have met the criteria to carry firearms set by one State, and make those credentials applicable and recognized in the States and territories of the United States. My legislation maintains the State's power to set these requirements and determine whether or not an active or retired office is qualified to use the firearm, and it would only allow this vary narrow group of people to carry their firearms when traveling outside their immediate jurisdiction. In the most simplistic terms, it is like a driver's license. Each State issues their own version and gives their own test, yet although the standards may differ from State to State, all drivers can still cross lines, as they have been recognized and certified to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Congress has the authority to preempt state and local prohibitions on the carrying of concealed weapons and has done so in the past on the basis of employment for other professions. To do the same for law enforcement just makes good sense. This amendment will also help off-duty and retired law enforcement officers protect themselves and their families. All too often, after they are released from prison, violent criminals seek revenge against the law enforcement officers who helped lock them away. While at a minimum this legislation will even out the playing field for off-duty and retired law enforcement officers, I hope that it will go further and actually give them an advantage. This isn't a ``firearms issue''-- it is an officer safety issue. And without a doubt, on September 11, 2001, it became a critical public safety and homeland security issue. This important law enforcement amendment is especially meaningful to me for a number of reasons. First of all, through 6 years of service as a deputy sheriff with Sacramento County, CA, I was able to get first- hand experience with the challenges facing our Nation's law enforcement officers. While in that position, I personally patrolled the streets and encountered some dangerous characters. I also clearly learned that a law enforcement officer's job does not necessarily end when he or she is off duty since you never know when you may come face-to-face with violent criminals. Now is the time to clearly demonstrate the Senate's strong support for our Nation's men and women serving on the front lines of law enforcement. Law enforcement officers are a dedicated and trained body of men and women who are sworn to uphold the law and keep the peace. Unlike many other professions, a police officer is rarely ``off duty.'' When there is a threat to the peace or to public safety, officers are sworn to answer the call of duty. Officers who are traveling from one jurisdiction to another don't leave their instincts or training behind them, but without being able to carry their weapon, all of that training and knowledge is basically useless. This amendment will help officers protect themselves, their families, and their fellow Americans by harmonizing our Nation's conceal-carry laws for qualified off-duty and retired law enforcement officers. More now than ever before, we all realize Homeland Security is vital to protecting our Nation, and this amendment will enhance the ability of our valuable law enforcement officers to do their job--to protect and serve. One of the problems we have now, of course, is with multiple jurisdictions in multiple States. A good example is where I live in southwest Colorado, a law enforcement officer who lives, say, in Durango, only 30 miles from New Mexico, is duly authorized to carry a weapon on or off duty in Colorado. But if he goes to New Mexico, he is in violation if he has a concealed weapon. It seems to me we need some kind of blanket protection for law enforcement officers when they cross State lines. Also, there is another factor involved in this issue, and that is we are in a new kind of war, one in which the Geneva Convention rules of engagement and distinguishing between an armed soldier or armed opponent and an innocent child is simply no longer a consideration. ``Kill all Americans'' seems to be the credo of terrorists, and because of that, American policemen, firemen, and EMTs have become frontline warriors. I know some question that this is a States rights issue. As I explained, there is a patchwork, a crazy quilt of different jurisdictions, and we need some kind of Federal recognition of that. Congress certainly has this authority under the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution to extend full faith and credit to qualified and active retired officers who have met the criteria to carry firearms set by one State and to make those credentials applicable and recognized in all States and territories in the United States. This legislation maintains State power to set these requirements and to determine whether or not an active or retired officer is qualified for continued use of a firearm. It would only allow, to a narrow group of people, the authority to carry firearms when traveling outside their immediate jurisdiction. I think this is very good. We have already done this in one case by allowing airline pilots to arm, and that bill did pass and was incorporated in H.R. 5005, which is now a public law. So this is not the first time we have done this. I hope my colleagues will support this amendment when it comes up for a vote because I think it is going to be beneficial, not only to law enforcement officers, but certainly to people who rely on law enforcement officers who are off duty but still trained in the use of firearms and trained in the rule of law to protect us in this new kind of war.

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank the Chair.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this amendment has 67 cosponsors. I am proud to say Senator Leahy and Senator Reid of Nevada are original cosponsors. This is the No. 1 priority for the 300,000-member Fraternal Order of Police, and has been endorsed by literally every major police organization in the country, giving off-duty and retired policemen authority to carry concealed weapons interstate with proper training. We already have a similar law in place for airline pilots. Certainly law enforcement is kind of the front line of new defense in the war on terrorism as well as the work they do with traditional law enforcement. It defies common sense that trained policemen cannot carry interstate when we all know criminals and terrorists do outside of the law. I want to make sure we give America's policemen the same protection. I yield to Senator Leahy.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on the Committees Views and Estimate Letter on the President's FY '05 Budget Request for Indian Programs, to be followed immediately by an oversight hearing on the Status of the Completion of the National Museum of The American Indian. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. energy and natural resources committee

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct an oversight hearing on the Proposed Reorganization of major agencies and functions related to Indian trust reform matters within the Department of the Interior. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. Committee on Rules and Administration

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 1529, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2003. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. subcommittee on water and power

Mr. CAMPBELL

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

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint resolution 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, February 25, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Request. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, several weeks ago, I addressed the Senate, in my capacity as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, on critical Presidential elections scheduled to be held later this year in Ukraine. In the latest twist in the lead up to those elections, yesterday Radio Liberty was abruptly informed that its Ukrainian Service programming would be removed from its major radio rebroadcaster's FM schedule, beginning February 17. In a press release, RFE/RL President Tom Dine said, ``This is a political act against liberal democracy, against free speech and press, against RFE/RL, and shows, once again, that Ukraine's political leadership is unable to live in an open society and is compelled to `control' the media as if it were the good old days of the Soviet Union.'' This is not the first time that there has been official Ukrainian pressure to drop RFE/RL broadcasting since September 2001, shortly after the murder of independent journalist Heorhiy Gongadze and the release of secretly-recorded tapes in Ukrainian President Kuchma's office implicating him and other high-ranking officials in the disappearance, corruption, and other dubious actions. Radio Liberty covers these and many issues about life in Ukraine, serving as an objective source of information in a media environment increasingly dominated by these authorities. In the past I have spoken out about Ukraine's troubled pre-election environment, including its media environment. This latest move, together with repressive measures against the democratic opposition and independent media over the course of the last few months, raise profound questions as to whether the October presidential elections will be free, fair, open, and transparent, in a manner consistent with Ukraine's freely undertaken OSCE and other international commitments. Effectively unplugging an important independent source of information does not bode well for democracy in Ukraine.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, it is a privilege to introduce a joint resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 landings in Normandy that paved the way for the liberation of Europe. Operation Overlord, code named D-Day, was the culmination of months of planning and strategic air attacks. Under cover of darkness 18,000 British and American airborne forces were deployed in the initial phase of the operation commanded by Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Combined Allied forces landed at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword as part of the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. In all, over 5,000 ships and landing craft, 10,000 airplanes and 150,000 Allied forces took part in the operation. An estimated 70,000 Americans took part in D-Day operations, including 225 U.S. Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to capture German heavy artillery emplacements. American troops also landed at Utah beach, and at Omaha beach where they faced a myriad of challenges, including high seas, mines and elite German infantry forces. In a radio address and prayer to the American people on the evening of June 6, President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid out the mission undertaken by G.I.s and Allied forces: ``They fight not for the lust of conquest, They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.'' During the evening of June 6, 1944 church bells tolled throughout America and in Philadelphia the Liberty Bell was rung as Americans awaited word from the rocky battlefield of northern France. On that fateful day, 1,465 Americans laid down their lives on the field of battle. Another 3,184 were wounded, 1,928 missing, and 26 captured. In the days and weeks to follow, thousands more would spill their blood on French soil to liberate Europe. D-Day ushered in a series of battles over the next three months until the liberation of Paris in late August 1944. In a very real sense, the fate of Europe hung in the balance of the success or failure of the D-Day operations. As a senior member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am especially mindful of the tremendous sacrifice made by those men and women of the uniformed services who served with distinction at D-Day and throughout the course of World War II. Almost forty percent of U.S. service men and women were volunteers, with the duration of service for all troops averaging 33 months. Nearly 300,000 Americans made the supreme sacrifice during World War II, including the valiant troops that took part in D-Day. I would take this opportunity to recognize the World War II military service of current members of the United States Senate: the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Inouye; the Senator from South Carolina, Mr. Hollings; the Senator from Alaska, Mr. Stevens; the Senator from Virginia, Mr. Warner; the Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Lautenberg; and the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Akaka. As Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I had the privilege to lead a delegation of colleagues to the Normandy American Cemetery in July 2001, where we participated in ceremonies honoring Americans killed in D-Day operations. Maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the cemetery is the final resting place for 9,386 American service men and women and honors the memory of the 1,557 missing. The superintendent of the cemetery noted that each year the sea surrenders the remains of Americans who fought and died in the service of freedom at home and abroad. The Normandy American Cemetery, Mr. President, is the resting place for 100 Coloradans who gave their lives on the field of battle. From Toffoli and Sweeney to Martinez the roster is a testament to diversity of those from my home state of Colorado who answered the call to defend freedom along the rocky coast of a distant land. I urge my colleagues to act quickly on this resolution which will commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day and honor those who so bravely served in that effort. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, it is a privilege to introduce a joint resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 landings in Normandy that paved the way for the liberation of Europe. Operation Overlord, code named D-Day, was the culmination of months of planning and strategic air attacks. Under cover of darkness 18,000 British and American airborne forces were deployed in the initial phase of the operation commanded by Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Combined Allied forces landed at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword as part of the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. In all, over 5,000 ships and landing craft, 10,000 airplanes and 150,000 Allied forces took part in the operation. An estimated 70,000 Americans took part in D-Day operations, including 225 U.S. Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to capture German heavy artillery emplacements. American troops also landed at Utah beach, and at Omaha beach where they faced a myriad of challenges, including high seas, mines and elite German infantry forces. In a radio address and prayer to the American people on the evening of June 6, President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid out the mission undertaken by G.I.s and Allied forces: ``They fight not for the lust of conquest, They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.'' During the evening of June 6, 1944 church bells tolled throughout America and in Philadelphia the Liberty Bell was rung as Americans awaited word from the rocky battlefield of northern France. On that fateful day, 1,465 Americans laid down their lives on the field of battle. Another 3,184 were wounded, 1,928 missing, and 26 captured. In the days and weeks to follow, thousands more would spill their blood on French soil to liberate Europe. D-Day ushered in a series of battles over the next three months until the liberation of Paris in late August 1944. In a very real sense, the fate of Europe hung in the balance of the success or failure of the D-Day operations. As a senior member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am especially mindful of the tremendous sacrifice made by those men and women of the uniformed services who served with distinction at D-Day and throughout the course of World War II. Almost forty percent of U.S. service men and women were volunteers, with the duration of service for all troops averaging 33 months. Nearly 300,000 Americans made the supreme sacrifice during World War II, including the valiant troops that took part in D-Day. I would take this opportunity to recognize the World War II military service of current members of the United States Senate: the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Inouye; the Senator from South Carolina, Mr. Hollings; the Senator from Alaska, Mr. Stevens; the Senator from Virginia, Mr. Warner; the Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Lautenberg; and the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Akaka. As Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I had the privilege to lead a delegation of colleagues to the Normandy American Cemetery in July 2001, where we participated in ceremonies honoring Americans killed in D-Day operations. Maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the cemetery is the final resting place for 9,386 American service men and women and honors the memory of the 1,557 missing. The superintendent of the cemetery noted that each year the sea surrenders the remains of Americans who fought and died in the service of freedom at home and abroad. The Normandy American Cemetery, Mr. President, is the resting place for 100 Coloradans who gave their lives on the field of battle. From Toffoli and Sweeney to Martinez the roster is a testament to diversity of those from my home state of Colorado who answered the call to defend freedom along the rocky coast of a distant land. I urge my colleagues to act quickly on this resolution which will commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day and honor those who so bravely served in that effort. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, as co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I want to update colleagues on developments in the Republic of Belarus, a country with the poorest human rights record of any country in Europe today. In the last year, Belarusian dictator Lukashenka's assault on civil society has steadily intensified, with the liquidation of NGOs, violence against opposition activists, and repression of the independent media and trade unions. The situation in Belarus continues its downward spiral with daily reports of growing repression and new human rights violations. Since the beginning of the still relatively new year, NGOs such as the Belarusian Language Society and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee have stepped up harassment. The Minsk City Court has ordered the liquidation of the Independent Association of Legal Research. Leaders of the opposition ``Five Plus'' bloc, who are in Washington this week, were recently detained and searched by customs officials at the Polish- Belarusian border. The officials were reportedly looking for printed, audio or video materials that could ``damage the political and economic interests of the country.'' Human rights activists or independent journalists such as Natalya Kolyada, Nina Davydowskaya, Iryna Makavetskaya, Aksana Novikava and Aleksandr Silitsky continue to be subjected to threats, detentions or heavy fines. Others, including activists of the youth group ZUBR, have been arrested for holding an unauthorized picket demanding a thorough investigation of the disappearances of three democratic opposition members Yuri Zakharenka, Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and journalist Dmitri Zavadsky. Independent media outlets also continue to feel the wrath of the powers that be, including libel proceedings against Narodnaya Volya, Belarus' largest independent daily; the confiscation of Asambleya, a bulletin of the Assembly of the Belarusian Democratic NGOs; the refusal by the Belarusian Postal Service to distribute the independent newspaper Regionalniye Novosti; the confiscation of copies, in the town of Smorgon, of the independent newspaper, Mestnaya Gazeta; and the censoring of the independent newspaper Volnaya Hlybokaye in the Vitebsk region. Several Jewish cemeteries are being destroyed, Baptist congregations are being fined and Krishna followers detained. In an unusual step, the International Labor Organization, ILO, has established a commission of inquiry--only the eleventh time in the body's 84-year history--to examine violations of trade union rights in Belarus. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights unanimously ratified a report on political disappearances in Belarus. The just- released report severely criticizes the Belarusian authorities, stating that ``steps were taken at the highest level of the State actively to cover up the . . . disappearances'' of several high-profile members of the opposition in 1999 to 2000 and that senior Belarusian officials may be involved. Last year I introduced the Belarus Democracy Act of 2003, S. 700, which is designed to help promote democratic development, human rights and rule of law in the Republic of Belarus, as well as encourage the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus' sovereignty and independence. While some might be tempted to dismiss Belarus as an anomaly, the stakes are too high and the costs too great to ignore. It is important for us to stay the course and support Belarus in becoming a genuine European state, in which respect for human rights and democracy is the norm and in which the long-suffering Belarusian people are able to overcome the legacy of dictatorship--past and present. The Belarus Democracy Act--which enjoys bipartisan support--is an important, concrete way to exhibit our support. I urge colleagues to support this measure and look forward to timely consideration of the Belarus Democracy Act.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution recognizing the month of May, 2004, as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. I am pleased to be joined by nine of my colleagues who are original cosponsors of the resolution. We are hopeful that greater awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) will lead to a cure. The resolution is similar to one which I submitted last year, S. Res. 98, declaring a National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week, which was agreed to by unanimous consent on September 25, 2003. Since then, I have received input from the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( CFF) and the National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Committee and have updated the information accordingly. Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common fatal genetic diseases in the United States and there is no known cure. It affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. As recently as 25 years ago, most children born with cystic fibrosis died in early childhood and few survived to their teenage years. Today, the average life expectancy of an individual with cystic fibrosis is in the early thirties, an improvement from a life expectancy of 10 years in the 1960s, but still unacceptably short. The difference stems from productive research which has led to an understanding of the way cystic fibrosis causes life-threatening damage and to the development of preventive techniques and treatments. While there is no cure, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve and extend the lives of those with CF. My home state of Colorado was one of the first States to require CF screening for newborns. Happily, many more States are now performing this simple test. And, since the discovery of the defective CF gene in 1989, CF research has greatly accelerated. I am proud that Colorado is home to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, including the Children's Hospital, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center and the Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine, all of which are actively involved in CF research and care. The Children's Hospital is one of a number of innovative Therapeutics Development Centers nationwide performing cutting edge clinical research to develop new treatments for CF. Currently, the CF Foundation oversees potential CF products in its drug development pipeline, including those in clinical trials. In addition, small pilot trials and large clinical studies are carried out in the CF Foundation-accredited care centers across the United States. Organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc. also sponsor studies for treatment of the disease. Efforts such as these throughout the nation are providing a greater quality of life for those who have CF. We applaud these efforts. While I am encouraged by the CF research in Colorado and elsewhere, more needs to be done. I believe we can increase the quality of life for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis by promoting public knowledge and understanding of the disease in a manner that will result in earlier diagnoses, more fund raising efforts for research, and increased levels of support for those who have CF and their families. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to act on this resolution so we can move another step closer to eradicating this disease.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution declaring Wednesday, April 7, 2004, as a National Day of Hope dedicated to remembering the victims of child abuse and neglect and recognizing Childhelp USA for initiating such a day. I am pleased to be joined in this effort by my colleagues Senators Specter, DeWine, Murkowski, Inhofe, Allen, Dorgan, and Akaka who are original cosponsors of the resolution. This resolution is similar to one I submitted last year, S. Res. 52, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on March 26, 2004. It expresses the sense of Congress that we must break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by mobilizing all our resources including the faith community, non-profit organizations and volunteers. The resolution also recognizes Childhelp USA, one of our oldest national organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. Childhelp and many other non-profits or faith-based organizations nationwide are performing a vital service to these children that they would not have otherwise, and they are to be commended for their efforts. More than 3 million children are reported as suspected victims of child abuse and neglect each year. That is 3 million children too many. And, it is estimated that more than 1,200 children lose their lives as a direct result of abuse and neglect every year. That is not acceptable. We must do something to change these disturbing statistics. I know first-hand the importance of having help when it is needed. The National Day of Hope Resolution calls on each of us to renew our duty and responsibility to the vulnerable children and families caught in the cycle of child abuse and neglect. While we are encouraged by the efforts of many organizations nationwide, more needs to be done. That is why we urge our colleagues to act quickly on this resolution so we can move another step closer to erasing the horror of child abuse from our nation's history.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Request. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. Subcommittee on National Parks

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, as co-chairman of the Helsinki Commission and the sponsor of the 2002 Senate-passed resolution urging the Ukrainian Government to ensure a democratic, transparent and fair election process in advance of their parliamentary elections, I find recent developments relating to upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine deeply troubling. Ten months before these critical elections, a constitutional amendment is making its way through the Ukrainian parliament designed to ensure that the current, corruption riddled powers-that-be retain their grip on power, neutralizing the leader of the biggest democratic fraction in parliament and Ukraine's most popular politician, Victor Yushchenko. The amendment calls for abbreviating the presidential term for the October 2004 elections to 2 years, with the election of a president by the parliament in 2006, notwithstanding opinion pools indicating that the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians support preserving direct presidential elections. This amendment had been approved by Ukraine's Constitutional Court in a decision which has led many observers both within and outside of Ukraine to question the independence of the court. The court's decision a few weeks ago to allow President Kuchma to run for a third term, despite the 1996 constitution's 2-term limit, has only raised more questions. Media repression continues, including the issuance of directives sent to media by the presidential administration on what and how issues and events should be covered, especially in the electronic media. A recent Freedom House report concludes that: The current state of affairs of Ukraine's media raises serious questions as to whether a fair and balanced electoral contest can be held. Newspapers critical of the authorities are subjected to various methods of repression, including attacks against journalists, arrests of publishers, ``special attention'' via tax inspections, administrative controls over distribution and pressure on advertisers. At the same time, administrative measures are being taken to prevent lawful political activity, the most stark example of which was the disruption--instigated by the authorities--of a national congress of the Yushchenko-led Our Ukraine bloc in Donetsk last November. Most recently, a presidential decree dismissed the elected Our Ukraine mayor of Mukachevo, despite a ruling by the Supreme Court which confirmed that he had been elected in a legitimate way. In a telling twist, an acting mayor from the political party led by the head of the presidential administration, Victor Medvedchuk, has been installed. As co-chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I share the concern of colleagues on both sides of the aisle that the presidential elections in Ukraine scheduled for October be free, fair, open and transparent and conducted in a manner consistent with Ukraine's freely undertaken commitments as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe--OSCE. The Helsinki Commission, consistent with our mandate to monitor and encourage compliance with OSCE agreements by all participating states, will continue to follow the situation in Ukraine closely. I ask unanimous consent that the text of a recent Washington Post editorial on troubling pre-election developments in Ukraine be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 to provide amendments to certain Federal statutes affecting Indian tribes and Indian people. Though a modest bill, when it is enacted it will provide real relief to the affected tribes that seek Congress' help in removing the many obstacles that block the paths to greater levels of advancement. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Sam Maynes of Durango, CO, on his 70th birthday, although it would be more appropriate to congratulate those with the good fortune to have had Sam for an advocate or friend over the years. I have been lucky enough to count him as both. While others have lived as many years, very few have achieved a legacy as significant and lasting as his will prove to be. The Southern Ute Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and all of southwestern Colorado will be enjoying the fruits of Sam's hard work long after the struggles and acrimony he endured these past decades have been forgotten. Those who time and again pronounced Animas-La Plata a lost cause obviously didn't know the stuff Sam was made of. I knew--and I knew that so long as there was any chance at all, he would keep fighting. Sam has a warrior's heart, and it was an honor to do battle alongside him. There are generations of Coloradoans not yet born, who may never know the name of Sam Maynes, but who will live better lives because of his tenacity. So congratulations to them, Sam, and happy birthday to you.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I rise to observe the dedication and naming of a building by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Ignacio, CO, a place I am privileged to call home. On December 1, 2003--about a week from now--the Tribe will dedicate a new tribal office building to the memory of its former chief, Mr. Leonard Burch, who passed away earlier this year. The building will bear his name. Leonard Burch was a quiet man of enormous vision, who led the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for nearly three decades, from a little- known, mostly poor tribe to the pre-eminent energy-producing Indian tribe in the world--a leader among tribes, just as Leonard was a leader among men. Leonard's dream for the Tribe was audacious, but he persisted where others might have faltered and he believed--believed in his vision, but more important, believed in his people: his faith in the inherent strength of the Southern Utes was unshakeable. it speaks well of the Southern Ute Tribe that they were perceptive enough to know a great leader when they saw one, and continued following his lead even when the way was difficult. Leonard and the Tribe deserved each other, and their mutual commitment was rewarded in a community transformed. Leonard Burch will be missed by the Southern Ute Indians, by me, and by all who call southwest Colorado home. He remains in our hearts and, with the dedication of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Office Building, his memory will be forever honored by the tribe he loved.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 to provide amendments to certain Federal statutes affecting Indian tribes and Indian people. Though a modest bill, when it is enacted it will provide real relief to the affected tribes that seek Congress' help in removing the many obstacles that block the paths to greater levels of advancement. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the energy bill conference report and urge its quick passage. I am deeply troubled by the misinformation being cast about by opponents of this bill on the Senate floor and in the press. I would like to take just a moment and distinguish some of the fact from fiction. First, opponents of the bill have been criticizing the energy bill's electricity provisions. They have made sensationalistic allegations about Enron and the August blackout, among others, and conclude that this bill does nothing to improve our Nation's electricity grid. If opponents of this bill were to take the time to read the bill they have been so fervently criticizing, they would have reached far different conclusions. Opponents have been desperately trying to color a good piece of legislation with known bad guys. I don't know how many times I have heard Enron thrown around, but never have those folks mentioned that this bill includes significant market transparency, consumer protection, and improved enforcement provisions. The fact: this bill improves matters. Second, critics have criticized this bill for shielding MTBE producers from product liability lawsuits. Many of those Senators represent States that have sued MTBE producers for contaminating groundwater. On one hand, I appreciate why they object to that provision. My State of Colorado too is searching for ways to meet funding shortfalls, and groundwater out West is always a premium. However, MTBE isn't in groundwater because someone put it there. MTBE is in groundwater because the underground storage tanks made to hold gasoline with MTBE leaked. Another fact: Congress mandated MTBE's use, requiring the oxygenate be added to gasoline to meet Clean Air Act requirements. My friends on the other side should focus on fairness, and not just the deep pockets their trial lawyer friends are after. Fairness is the special interest opponents of the bill are so adamant on vilifying. Opponents of the energy bill conference report have made outlandish claims that this bill does nothing for renewable energy. Again, such statements beg the question; have they bothered to read the bill? The fact of the matter is that this bill includes significant financial incentives for wind, biomass, and solar energy, and has the full support of the Solar Energy Industries Association. Further, the bill requires that 7.5 percent of electricity purchased by the Federal Government come from renewable energy. Opponents have criticized the Indian energy title of the bill as offensive to the environment. They claim that if Indians opt-in to the voluntary provisions, then those tribes can skirt NEPA. Without touching the prejudicial nature of that statement--the assumption that Indians would violate the environment--I seriously doubt that opponents know why NEPA might apply at all. Under current law, if a tribe wanted to build an energy production facility on their own land with their own money, NEPA would not apply. NEPA only applies on Federal land or when there is some Federal action. Although some critics may like to think otherwise, Indian land is treated as their own land. In the example above, there is no Federal action. However, if the Nation's most disenfranchised and poverty stricken group seeks third-party funding to develop their own resources, then the Secretary of Interior must review the proposed project. This paternalistic Secretarial review, a historical construct in the law, is tantamount to Federal action triggering NEPA. Indians believe that their lands should be treated like other private land under the law. Opponents of this bill are playing a cruel joke on Indians. On one hand, they argue that Indians should be free to exercise their right to self-determination. Yet, on the other hand they tell the poorest of the poor that they must do so without any third-party financing. It seems that opponents of this bill believe that, for Indians, self- determination may only be exercised through posing for tourist photos and making handcrafts. The Indian Energy title in the bill under discussion provides Indians with a completely voluntary tool that could help them to develop their own resources. This title could be a significant empowerment vehicle providing much needed jobs and economic development. Last, my friends on the other side have made several statements criticizing this bill's process. In part, I have to agree with them. Similar to the failed energy bill of the democratically controlled 107th Congress that never benefited from being drafted in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the current energy bill has reached the floor in an imperfect way. However, the fact of the matter is that the energy bill of the 108th Congress is a far reaching piece of legislation that is good for the country, good for my State of Colorado, which still relies heavily on the agricultural industries, and good for workers. It is important to note that all manner of farm groups support this bill, including the American Farm Bureau, the American Corn Growers, the National Farmers Union, and the National Cattleman's Beef Association. Furthermore, this bill is supported by a host of labor organizations; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the United Mine Workers, and the United Transportation Union, to name just a few. Mr. President, the comprehensive energy bill before the Senate is a critical piece of legislation for the country. Its writers had the unenviable task to ask the questions that most in the Nation are never required to consider--where does our energy come from, and how can we meet future demand? This bill provides important answers and plans for the future. I urge its passage.