Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this week, May 11 through 17, is ``National Police Week 2003.'' This is the week when thousands of law enforcement officers from all over the United States gather here in our Nation's Capital. Representing a full spectrum of our Nation's law enforcement personnel including local, State, and Federal officers, they gather here to honor their fallen comrades, as well as to celebrate all who serve this country and its citizens. Some of this year's highlights include the May 11 ``Law Ride,'' the May 13 ``Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial'' and the May 15 ``National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service'' which will be held on the Capitol grounds. These events are being held to specifically pay tribute to the more than 145 peace officers who were killed in the line of duty across the U.S. during 2002. In honor of ``National Police Week,'' today I am introducing two bills that will help improve our Nation's justice system and protect the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for us all on a daily basis. The first bill I am introducing is the ``Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003'' which would increase the maximum prison sentences for violating existing stolen gun laws. A growing number of crimes in our country are being committed with stolen guns. The extent of this problem is reflected in a number of recent studies and news reports which indicate that almost half a million guns are stolen each year. This problem is increasing, and is therefore especially alarming among young people. A Justice Department study of juvenile inmates in four States showed that over 50 percent of the inmates in those prison systems had stolen a gun. In the same study, gang members and drug sellers were also more likely to have stolen a gun. Specifically, this bill would increase the maximum penalty for violating four provisions of the firearms laws. Under title 18 of the U.S. Code, it is illegal to knowingly transport or ship a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. It is also illegal to knowingly receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. The penalty for violating either of these provisions is a fine, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, or both. My bill increases the maximum prison sentence to 15 years. I am a strong supporter of the rights of law-abiding gun owners. However, I firmly believe we need tougher penalties for the illegal use of firearms. The ``Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003'' will send a strong signal to criminals who are even thinking about stealing a firearm. I urge my colleagues to join in support of this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003 be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this week, May 11 through 17, is ``National Police Week 2003.'' This is the week when thousands of law enforcement officers from all over the United States gather here in our Nation's Capital. Representing a full spectrum of our Nation's law enforcement personnel including local, State, and Federal officers, they gather here to honor their fallen comrades, as well as to celebrate all who serve this country and its citizens. Some of this year's highlights include the May 11 ``Law Ride,'' the May 13 ``Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial'' and the May 15 ``National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service'' which will be held on the Capitol grounds. These events are being held to specifically pay tribute to the more than 145 peace officers who were killed in the line of duty across the U.S. during 2002. In honor of ``National Police Week,'' today I am introducing two bills that will help improve our Nation's justice system and protect the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for us all on a daily basis. The first bill I am introducing is the ``Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003'' which would increase the maximum prison sentences for violating existing stolen gun laws. A growing number of crimes in our country are being committed with stolen guns. The extent of this problem is reflected in a number of recent studies and news reports which indicate that almost half a million guns are stolen each year. This problem is increasing, and is therefore especially alarming among young people. A Justice Department study of juvenile inmates in four States showed that over 50 percent of the inmates in those prison systems had stolen a gun. In the same study, gang members and drug sellers were also more likely to have stolen a gun. Specifically, this bill would increase the maximum penalty for violating four provisions of the firearms laws. Under title 18 of the U.S. Code, it is illegal to knowingly transport or ship a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. It is also illegal to knowingly receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. The penalty for violating either of these provisions is a fine, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, or both. My bill increases the maximum prison sentence to 15 years. I am a strong supporter of the rights of law-abiding gun owners. However, I firmly believe we need tougher penalties for the illegal use of firearms. The ``Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003'' will send a strong signal to criminals who are even thinking about stealing a firearm. I urge my colleagues to join in support of this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003 be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, the second bill I am introducing today is the ``Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act of 2003''. This bill is named in honor of Officer Dale Claxton of Cortez, CO, a fine law enforcement officer and family man, who was fatally shot through the windshield of his patrol car on May 29, 1998, after stopping a stolen truck. His assailants turned out to be dangerous fugitives and as a result, a large-scale man hunt was launched. The assailants were brought to justice, but Officer Claxton was tragically and prematurely taken away from his wife and four children. ``The Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act'' would aid law enforcement agencies in acquiring bullet resistant equipment for their forces, including bullet resistant glass for law enforcement vehicles, hand-held shields and any other equipment that officers may need when they serve on the front lines of law enforcement. Specifically, this legislation would help our Nation's State and local law enforcement officers acquire the bullet resistant equipment they need in order to protect themselves from would-be killers. This legislation would authorize the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance to administer a $40 million matching grant program to assist these agencies purchase bullet resistant equipment. This legislation is a worthy companion, and similar in many ways, to S.764, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act, which I recently introduced for reauthorization. Like S. 764, today's bill would help State and local law enforcement agencies acquire bullet resistant equipment--however this bill would simply provide for a wider array of bullet resistant equipment to supplement bullet proof vests. As a former deputy sheriff, I am personally aware of the dangers which law enforcement officers face on the front lines every day. One way in which the Federal Government can improve their safety is to help them acquire bullet resistant glass and other equipment for patrol cars. These partnership grants are especially crucial for officers who serve in small, local jurisdictions that often lack the funds to provide their officers with the life saving equipment they may need. The second component of this legislation would launch expedited and targeted research and development by authorizing $3 million over 3 years for the Justice Department's National Institute of Justice, NIJ, to conduct research and development of new bullet resistant technologies, such as bonded acrylic, polymers, polycarbons, aluminized material, and transparent ceramics. Promising new bullet resistant materials now being developed could be as revolutionary in coming years as the development of Kevlar was in the 1970s for the manufacture of body armor. These exciting new technologies promise to be lighter, more versatile and hopefully less expensive than traditional heavy bulletproof glass. Our Nation's police officers, sheriffs and deputies regularly put their lives in harm's way as they protect the people and preserve the peace. They deserve to have access to the bullet resistant equipment they need. The Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act will both accelerate the development of new lifesaving bullet resistant technologies and then help get them deployed into the field where they are needed. Officers lives will be saved. I ask unanimous consent that the text of Officer Dale Claxton Bullet Resistant Police Protective Equipment Act of 2003 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, May 14, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on S. 285, the Native American Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Consolidation Act of 2003; S. 555, the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation Act of 2003; S. 558, a bill to elevate the Position of Director of the Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary; S. 344, a bill to express 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 S. 702, a bill to reauthorize the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, to be followed immediately by an oversight hearing on the Role and Funding of the Federal National Indian Gaming Commission, NIGC. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 10 a.m. in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building to conduct an oversight hearing on the Role and Funding of the Federal National Indian Gaming Commission, NIGC. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 10 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 575, a bill to amend the Native American Languages Act to provide for the support of Native American language survival schools, and for other purposes. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing a resolution declaring the week of August 10, 2003, 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 17 of my 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 non-profit, 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. Over the past 2 years, the number of patients seen by community health centers in my state of Colorado has increased 20.8 percent and the number of visits provided has increased by 26 percent over the same period. Of the patients seen in Colorado in 2002, 48 percent had no health insurance, 26 percent were Medicaid recipients and 94 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 nation-wide 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 10, 2003, a National Health Center Week.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 14, the comprehensive energy bill. The chairman and all the members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee worked hard to produce a comprehensive energy bill. While no legislation is perfect, S. 14 is the product of careful debate and was subject to tough scrutiny through the committee process. Where the committee was uncertain or where significant consensus on particular issues proved difficult, deference was given to Senators so those issues could be addressed before the full Senate. The Committee-reported energy bill represents a careful balance of diverse and complex issues, and I am proud to have had a role in the process. No matter one's political leanings or personal opinions, two irrefutable facts are abundantly clear. First, energy is needed to fuel the economy. Second, America needs more energy. Between 1991 and 2000, Americans used 17 percent more energy than in the previous decade, while during that same period, domestic energy production rose by only 2.3 percent. Further, our Nation's energy consumption is projected to increase 32 percent by 2020. Our projected demand increase translates to projected price increases. The Energy Information Administration estimates that oil prices will increase 20 percent and natural gas prices will increase more than 50 percent in the next 25 years. Price increases like these emphasize our need to embrace policies that consider our Nation's diverse fuel mix. This bill correctly encourages the consideration of all of our energy sources. Some in Congress would pursue policies choosing certain energy sources over others, resulting in fuel switching. I oppose such policies for several reasons. Principally, however, I oppose policies that would significantly reduce our Nation's fuel options because such policies would have catastrophic effects on our economy. It should be noted that the EIA projections cited earlier all assume a diverse portfolio of energy sources. We can only imagine the cost to ratepayers and the Nation if an energy source, such as coal, were no longer a viable option. To consider all of our energy options requires more than just lip service. It means taking action based upon stated positions. The Indian Energy Title of the bill moves beyond lip service. It incorporates several key reforms based on fundamental principles of American liberty and Indian self-determination. I imagine that many, if not all of the members of this body believe-- or at least say they believe--in the right to self-determination. Many of my colleagues celebrate and support the rights of indigenous peoples in the context of international law. In the case of Iraq, all agree that the Iraqi Government must be comprised of and run by Iraqis, for Iraqis, without U.S. interference. Unfortunately, if we are to ask the very same members to apply those recognized principles at home to our Nation's own indigenous peoples, their resolve and belief in self-governance seems to disintegrate. The Indian Energy Title in the bill before the Senate is not merely a reiteration of touchy-feely concepts. Concepts without action do not help people. And despite what many Americans, and many in this Chamber believe about Indian gaming and a few rich tribes, the truth is that Indians are still the poorest people in America; still have the worst health care; still have the fewest educational opportunities; and Indian children still suffer from sniffing glue, using ``canned heat,'' and committing suicide. The truth is often uncomfortable. The truth is undeniable. The Indian provisions in S. 14 are designed not only to respect tribes' right to self-determination, but to unshackle them from a regulatory and bureaucratic system that doesn't care whether an energy project goes forward; doesn't care whether a tribe's energy partner decides the bureaucratic hurdles are too high; and doesn't care whether jobs will be created to benefit Indians. Title III provides financial assistance, loan guarantees, hydro and wind power and wind power studies, and most importantly a liberalization of the Indian land leasing process. These provisions are wholly voluntary, allowing participating tribes greater flexibility in exercising their right to self-determination. Title III contains no NEPA exemptions and the Indian Energy Title does not circumvent environmental protections. What it does do, however, is empower Indian tribes with long-overdue authority to manage their land while, ``ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental laws.'' The Indian energy provisions in S. 14 accepts that unfortunate reality and provides critical economic development opportunities to participating tribes. The chairman has a difficult task--to produce a balanced comprehensive energy bill during a Presidential election cycle. Politics and rhetoric run highest at times like these. Although it has happened since the days of the frontier, the powerful and wealthy should not manipulate the disenfranchised for political gain. I sincerely hope that my colleagues in the Senate regard the Indian energy provisions as what they are--a tool to exercise self- determination. If it is good enough for Iraqis, shouldn't it be good enough for Americans?

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation aimed at addressing the long term shortage of workers in our health care system. In recent months, America's health care workforce shortage has made headline news. While most of the stories have focused on the lack of nurses, the shortage of health care professionals also includes radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, clinical laboratory scientists, imaging technologists, rehabilitation professionals, pharmacists and others. This shortage is different than the one hospitals have experienced in the past because it is only the prelude to a long-term shortage of crisis proportions. The demand for health care is increasing as Americans are living longer than previous generations, and advances in medicine have let more people live with chronic and age-related diseases. With the demand for hospital services increasing because of a growing and aging population, the workforce shortages present our Nation with a potential health care crisis. I believe we must do something to change this disturbing trend. In my State of Colorado, a task force made up of community colleges, universities, corporations, hospitals, social services and interested community activists has been convened to actively find solutions for the workforce shortages. One of the proposals would be to hold a health career summer youth camp under the title, Gee Whiz Jobs, where young people would be introduced to a full range of career possibilities in the health care field. I believe this idea and their program can become a model for other such programs throughout the country. The legislation I am introducing today attempts to build on the career camp idea. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make demonstration grants to accredited universities and/or community colleges to establish summer health career introductory programs for middle school and high school students. Many students are not prepared in the necessary levels of math, science and reading to enter health education programs directly out of high school. Many others have never been exposed to health careers and do not even consider them as a possibility. And, a significant number have little knowledge of the range of career possibilities or what the working environments may be like. Summer school exposure to health careers which allows young people to visit hospitals, doctors' offices, emergency rooms, and community health clinics and witness professionals at work in providing health care services may be just what they need to guide them into a health career. I believe that we must broaden the base of health care workers by designing strategies that attract and retain a diverse workforce. We must collaborate with others--hospitals, health care and professional associations, educational institutions, corporations, philanthropic organizations, and government to attract new entrants to the health professions. And, we must begin these efforts early in the lives of our young people. It is going to take all of us--educators, government and community officials, hospital leaders, health care workers, and the public-- working together to meet the challenge facing our health care system today. That is why I urge my colleagues to act quickly on this legislation. Let's begin to aggressively address the health care worker shortage in a way that will carry us into the future. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation aimed at addressing the long term shortage of workers in our health care system. In recent months, America's health care workforce shortage has made headline news. While most of the stories have focused on the lack of nurses, the shortage of health care professionals also includes radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, clinical laboratory scientists, imaging technologists, rehabilitation professionals, pharmacists and others. This shortage is different than the one hospitals have experienced in the past because it is only the prelude to a long-term shortage of crisis proportions. The demand for health care is increasing as Americans are living longer than previous generations, and advances in medicine have let more people live with chronic and age-related diseases. With the demand for hospital services increasing because of a growing and aging population, the workforce shortages present our Nation with a potential health care crisis. I believe we must do something to change this disturbing trend. In my State of Colorado, a task force made up of community colleges, universities, corporations, hospitals, social services and interested community activists has been convened to actively find solutions for the workforce shortages. One of the proposals would be to hold a health career summer youth camp under the title, Gee Whiz Jobs, where young people would be introduced to a full range of career possibilities in the health care field. I believe this idea and their program can become a model for other such programs throughout the country. The legislation I am introducing today attempts to build on the career camp idea. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make demonstration grants to accredited universities and/or community colleges to establish summer health career introductory programs for middle school and high school students. Many students are not prepared in the necessary levels of math, science and reading to enter health education programs directly out of high school. Many others have never been exposed to health careers and do not even consider them as a possibility. And, a significant number have little knowledge of the range of career possibilities or what the working environments may be like. Summer school exposure to health careers which allows young people to visit hospitals, doctors' offices, emergency rooms, and community health clinics and witness professionals at work in providing health care services may be just what they need to guide them into a health career. I believe that we must broaden the base of health care workers by designing strategies that attract and retain a diverse workforce. We must collaborate with others--hospitals, health care and professional associations, educational institutions, corporations, philanthropic organizations, and government to attract new entrants to the health professions. And, we must begin these efforts early in the lives of our young people. It is going to take all of us--educators, government and community officials, hospital leaders, health care workers, and the public-- working together to meet the challenge facing our health care system today. That is why I urge my colleagues to act quickly on this legislation. Let's begin to aggressively address the health care worker shortage in a way that will carry us into the future. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, later this week individuals around the world will mark World Press Freedom Day. The functioning of free and independent media is tied closely to the exercise of many other fundamental freedoms as well as to the future of any democratic society. The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which I co-chair, is responsible for monitoring press freedom in the 55 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE. Recently, I reported to the Senate on the deplorable conditions for independent media in the Republic of Belarus. Today, I will address the situation of journalists and media outlets in Ukraine. Several discouraging reports have come out recently concerning the medic environment in Ukraine. These reports merit attention, especially within the context of critical presidential elections scheduled to take place in Ukraine next year. The State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Ukraine for 2002 summarizes media freedoms as follows: ``Authorities interfered with the news media by intimidating journalists, issuing written and oral instructions about events to cover and not to cover, and pressuring them into applying self- censorship. Nevertheless a wide range of opinion was available in newspapers, periodicals, and Internet news sources.'' Current negative trends and restrictive practices with respect to media freedom in Ukraine are sources of concern, especially given that country's leadership claims concerning integration into the Euro- Atlantic community. Lack of compliance with international human rights standards, including OSCE commitments, on freedom of expression undermines that process. Moreover, an independent media free from governmental pressure is an essential factor in ensuring a level playing field in the upcoming 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine. In her April 18, 2003 annual report to the Ukrainian parliament, Ombudsman Nina Karpachova asserted that journalism remains among the most dangerous professions in Ukraine, with 36 media employees having been killed over the past ten years, while beatings, intimidation of media employees, freezing of bank accounts of media outlets, and confiscation of entire print runs of newspapers and other publications have become commonplace in Ukraine. The murder of prominent journalist Heorhiy Gongadze--who disappeared in September 2000--remains unsolved. Ukrainian President Kuchma and a number of high-ranking officials have been implicated in his disappearance and the circumstances leading to his murder. The Ukrainian authorities' handling, or more accurately mishandling of this case, has been characterized by obfuscation and stonewalling. Not surprisingly, lack of transparency illustrated by the Gongadze case has fueled the debilitating problem of widespread corruption reaching the highest levels of the Government of Ukraine. Audio recordings exist that contain conversations between Kuchma and other senior government officials discussing the desirability of Gongadze's elimination. Some of these have been passed to the U.S. Department of Justice as part of a larger set of recordings of Kuchma's conversations implicating him and his cronies in numerous scandals. Together with Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Chris Smith, I recently wrote to the Department of Justice requesting technical assistance to determine whether the recordings in which the Gongadze matter is discussed are genuine. A credible and transparent investigation of this case by Ukrainian authorities is long overdue and the prepetrators--no matter who they may be--need to be brought to justice. The case of Ihor Alexandrov, a director of a regional television station, who was beaten in July 2001 and subsequently died also remains unsolved. Serious questions remain about the way in which that case was handled by the authorities. A Human Rights Watch report, Negotiating the News: Informal State Censorship of Ukrainian Television, issued in March, details the use of explicit directives or temnyky, lists of topics, which have been sent to editors from Kuchma's Presidential Administration on what subjects to cover and in what manner. The report correctly notes that these temnyky have eroded freedom of expression in Ukraine, as ``editors and journalists feel obligated to comply with temnyky instructions due to economic and political pressures and fear repercussions for non- cooperation.'' To their credit, the independent media are struggling to counter attempts by the central authorities to control their reporting and coverage of issues and events. Another troubling feature of the media environment has been the control exerted by various oligarchs with close links to the government who own major media outlets. There is growing evidence that backers of the current Prime Minister and other political figures have been buying out previously independent news sources, including websites, and either firing reporters or telling them to cease criticism of the government of find new jobs. Last December, Ukraine's parliament held hearings on ``Society, Mass Media, Authority: Freedom of Speech and Censorship in Ukraine.'' Journalists' testimony confirmed the existence of censorship, including temnyky, as well as various instruments of harassment and intimidation. Tax inspections, various legal actions or license withdrawals have all been used as mechanisms by the authorities to pressure media outlets that have not towed the line or have supported opposition parties. As a result of these hearings, the parliament, on April 3rd, voted 252 to one to approve a law defining and banning state censorship in the Ukrainian media. This is a welcome step. However, given the power of the presidential administration, the law's implementation remains an open question at best, particularly in the lead up to the 2004 elections in Ukraine. I urge our Ukrainian parliamentary colleagues to continue to actively press their government to comply with Ukraine's commitments to fundamental freedoms freely agreed to as a signatory to the Helsinki Final Act. I also urge the Ukrainian authorities, including the constitutional ``guarantor'', to end their campaign to stifle independent reporting and viewpoints in the media. Good news from Ukraine will come not from the spin doctors of the presidential administration, but when independent media and journalists can pursue their responsibilities free of harassment, intimidation, and fear.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 519, the Native American Capital Formation and Economic Development Act of 2003. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at 10:00 a.m., in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 550, the American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2003. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Madam President, recently I introduced S. 700, the Belarus Democracy Act, a bipartisan inititive aimed at supporting democratic forces in the Republic of Belarus. As co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I want to report to my colleagues on the pressures faced by independent media in that country. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has just released their annual report documentating the dangers journalists face around the world, including Belarus. In May of 2002, CPJ named Belarus one of the 10 worst places in the world to be a journalist due to the worsening repression under Europe's most authoritarian regime. Throughout the year the situation of the country's independent media deteriorated as Belarusian leader Aleksander Lukashenka mounted a comprehensive assault on all independent and opposition press. While criminal libel laws had been on the books since 1999, they were not used by the Government until 2002. The law stipulates that public insults or libel against the President may be punished by up to 4 years in prison, 2 years in a labor camp, or by large fine. Articles in the criminal code which prohibit slaundering and insulting the President or government officials are also used to stifle press freedom. The criminal code provides for a maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment for such offenses. Journalists critical of the fall 2001 presidential elections were targeted. Mikola Markevich and Pavel Mazheyka of Pahonya and Viktar Ivashkevich of of Rabochy were sentenced to corrective labor for `libeling'' the President in pre-election articles. On March 4, a district court in Belarus commuted Milola Markevich's sentence from time in a corrective labor facility to ``corrective labor at home.'' On March 21, a district court released Pavel Mazheyka on parole. Under Belarus law, prisoners may be released on parole after serving half term their. Other charges were leveled later in the year against a woman who distributed anti-Lukashenka flyers, an opposition politician for libeling the President in a published statement, and a Belarusskaya Delovaya Gazeta reporter for criticizing the Prosecutor General of Belarus. A former lawyer for the mother of disappeared cameraman Dmitry Zavadsky received a 1\1/2\ year prison sentence suspended for 2 years for libeling the Prosecutor General. Last August the independent newspaper Nasha Svaboda was fined 100 million Belarusian rubles for civil libel of the chairman of the State Control Committee. The paper closed when it could not pay the fine. There are other forms of pressure and harassment as well. The CPJ report notes the financial discrimination faced by nonstate media, including pressure from government officials on potential advertisers not to buy space in publications that criticize Lukashenka and his regime. Government officials also regularly encourage companies to pull advertising and threaten them with audits should they fail to do so, according to CPJ. When the Belasrusian Government increased newspaper delivery rates, only nongovernmental papers had to pay. When the Minsk City Council of Deputies levied 5 percent tax on newspapers, government papers were again exempt. Such tactics caused such indepdents as the Belaruskaya Maladzyozhnaya, Rabochy, Den and Tydnyovik Mahilyouski to go under. According to the State Department's recently released County Reports on Human Rights Practices ``the regime continued to use its near- monopolies on newsprint production, newspaper printing and distribution, and national television and radio broadcasts to restrict dissemination of opposition viewpoints.'' Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to support S. 700, the Belarus Democracy Act, in support of those brave individuals in Belarus, including representatives of independent media, who speak out in defense of human rights and democracy in a nation which enjoys neither.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting to mark up pending committee legislation. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 202-224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation that would amend Title V of the United States Code. It authorizes the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, to make payments to a disability trust or a pooled trust which is set up for a disabled dependent of a Federal worker in a way that would allow him or her to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. My bill would put disabled dependents of federal workers on a par with disabled dependents of those in the private sector. In 1993, Congress passed a statute allowing disabled persons to have trusts. And, in 1999, the Supplemental Security Income, SSI, statute was amended to conform with the basic Medicaid law. But, as current law is interpreted, these protective trusts cannot be set up for disabled dependents of federal workers in a way that allows them to keep their other benefits. This oversight can cause devastating and confusing circumstances for disabled dependents and their guardians. In Colorado, Lisa Neikirk, a Downs Syndrome child, became entitled to a small civil service retirement annuity from her father when he died in 1994. This benefit in the amount of $310 per month was just high enough to push her off SSI and Medicaid and she lost her benefits at that time. Because Congress had recently passed a Medicaid statute allowing disabled people to have trusts, Lisa's mother created a trust for her. However, the Social Security Administration took the position that OPM statutes do not permit Lisa's benefit to be assigned to a trust without negating her Medicaid benefits. The Social Security Administration accepts these trusts with other assets but the OPM statute preexisted the 1993 law and would not allow benefits to be assigned to these trusts without this change. Lisa's situation is only one of several such cases throughout the country. The bill I am introducing would grant to OPM the discretion to pay a retirement annuity to a disability trust which is set up for a person in a way which would allow them to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. This policy change has been very carefully drafted so that it cannot be abused. It stipulates a trust that is qualified under Medicaid law and adheres to two Medicaid statutes. I believe it is important that we better protect disabled children of Federal workers. We need to make it clear that disabled dependents of Federal workers are protected by laws that now protect people in the private sector. In today's uncertain world, I believe dependents of federal workers need all the protection that is available to them under the law. We must not let outdated federal statutes put federal workers and their dependents at a disadvantage. This legislation provides another step toward making our laws fair for the disabled in our country. I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objective, the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation that would amend Title V of the United States Code. It authorizes the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, to make payments to a disability trust or a pooled trust which is set up for a disabled dependent of a Federal worker in a way that would allow him or her to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. My bill would put disabled dependents of federal workers on a par with disabled dependents of those in the private sector. In 1993, Congress passed a statute allowing disabled persons to have trusts. And, in 1999, the Supplemental Security Income, SSI, statute was amended to conform with the basic Medicaid law. But, as current law is interpreted, these protective trusts cannot be set up for disabled dependents of federal workers in a way that allows them to keep their other benefits. This oversight can cause devastating and confusing circumstances for disabled dependents and their guardians. In Colorado, Lisa Neikirk, a Downs Syndrome child, became entitled to a small civil service retirement annuity from her father when he died in 1994. This benefit in the amount of $310 per month was just high enough to push her off SSI and Medicaid and she lost her benefits at that time. Because Congress had recently passed a Medicaid statute allowing disabled people to have trusts, Lisa's mother created a trust for her. However, the Social Security Administration took the position that OPM statutes do not permit Lisa's benefit to be assigned to a trust without negating her Medicaid benefits. The Social Security Administration accepts these trusts with other assets but the OPM statute preexisted the 1993 law and would not allow benefits to be assigned to these trusts without this change. Lisa's situation is only one of several such cases throughout the country. The bill I am introducing would grant to OPM the discretion to pay a retirement annuity to a disability trust which is set up for a person in a way which would allow them to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. This policy change has been very carefully drafted so that it cannot be abused. It stipulates a trust that is qualified under Medicaid law and adheres to two Medicaid statutes. I believe it is important that we better protect disabled children of Federal workers. We need to make it clear that disabled dependents of Federal workers are protected by laws that now protect people in the private sector. In today's uncertain world, I believe dependents of federal workers need all the protection that is available to them under the law. We must not let outdated federal statutes put federal workers and their dependents at a disadvantage. This legislation provides another step toward making our laws fair for the disabled in our country. I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objective, the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today Senator Leahy and I are introducing the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003, a bill to reauthorize an existing matching grant program to help State, tribal, and local jurisdictions purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers. This bill represents another in a series of law enforcement initiatives on which I have had the privilege to work with my friend and colleague from Vermont, Senator Leahy. The Senator brings to the table invaluable experience in this area, from his distinguished service as a State's attorney in Vermont, a nationally recognized prosecutor, and as the ranking member of the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are pleased to be joined in this effort by the distinguished Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hatch. Two years ago, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-517), and before that in 1998, P.L. 105-181, which we were privileged to introduce. Since its inception in 1999, this highly successful Department of Justice grant program has provided law enforcement officers in 16,000 jurisdictions with nearly 500,000 vests. There are far too many law enforcement officers who patrol our streets and neighborhoods without the proper protective gear against violent criminals. Each year, on average, more than 60 law enforcement officers are killed by gunfire in the line of duty. The felonious use of guns and the increased use of larger caliber handguns and assault rifles has created an even greater risk for law enforcement officers and an increasing need for higher threat level, better quality, and more comfortable vests that can be worn in a variety of circumstances. The use of body armor to provide protection against the use of deadly force and assaults as well as its demonstrated value in protecting officers involved in vehicle accidents, provides compelling reasons for officers to be equipped with and to wear body armor. In 2002, 149 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line of duty, well below the decade-long average of 165 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 the availability of better equipment and the increased use of bullet-resistant vests. As a former deputy sheriff, I know first-hand the risks which law enforcement officers face every day on the front lines, 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 personal risk. Every year, about 1 in 15 officers is assaulted, 1 in 46 officers is injured, and 1 in 5,255 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.'' The evidence is clear that a bulletproof vest is one of the most important pieces of equipment that any law enforcement officer can have. Since the introduction of modern bulletproof material, the lives of more than 2,700 officers have been saved by bulletproof vests. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded that officers who do not wear bulletproof vests are 14 times more likely to be killed by a firearm than those officers who do wear vests. Simply put, bulletproof vests save lives. Unfortunately, many police departments do not have the resources to purchase vests on their own, especially in America's smaller communities. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003 would continue the partnership with State and local law enforcement agencies to make sure that every police officer who needs a bulletproof vest gets one. It would do so by continuing to authorize up to $50 million per year for the grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the program provides 50-50 matching grants to State and local law enforcement agencies and Indian tribes with under 100,000 residents to assist in purchasing bulletproof vests and body armor. While we know that there is no way to end the risks inherent to a career in law enforcement, we must do everything possible to ensure that officers who put their lives on the line every day also put on a vest. Body armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment an officer can have and often means the difference between life and death. The United States Senate can help, and I urge our colleagues to support prompt passage of this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today Senator Leahy and I are introducing the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003, a bill to reauthorize an existing matching grant program to help State, tribal, and local jurisdictions purchase armor vests for use by law enforcement officers. This bill represents another in a series of law enforcement initiatives on which I have had the privilege to work with my friend and colleague from Vermont, Senator Leahy. The Senator brings to the table invaluable experience in this area, from his distinguished service as a State's attorney in Vermont, a nationally recognized prosecutor, and as the ranking member of the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are pleased to be joined in this effort by the distinguished Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hatch. Two years ago, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-517), and before that in 1998, P.L. 105-181, which we were privileged to introduce. Since its inception in 1999, this highly successful Department of Justice grant program has provided law enforcement officers in 16,000 jurisdictions with nearly 500,000 vests. There are far too many law enforcement officers who patrol our streets and neighborhoods without the proper protective gear against violent criminals. Each year, on average, more than 60 law enforcement officers are killed by gunfire in the line of duty. The felonious use of guns and the increased use of larger caliber handguns and assault rifles has created an even greater risk for law enforcement officers and an increasing need for higher threat level, better quality, and more comfortable vests that can be worn in a variety of circumstances. The use of body armor to provide protection against the use of deadly force and assaults as well as its demonstrated value in protecting officers involved in vehicle accidents, provides compelling reasons for officers to be equipped with and to wear body armor. In 2002, 149 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers gave their lives in the line of duty, well below the decade-long average of 165 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 the availability of better equipment and the increased use of bullet-resistant vests. As a former deputy sheriff, I know first-hand the risks which law enforcement officers face every day on the front lines, 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 personal risk. Every year, about 1 in 15 officers is assaulted, 1 in 46 officers is injured, and 1 in 5,255 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.'' The evidence is clear that a bulletproof vest is one of the most important pieces of equipment that any law enforcement officer can have. Since the introduction of modern bulletproof material, the lives of more than 2,700 officers have been saved by bulletproof vests. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded that officers who do not wear bulletproof vests are 14 times more likely to be killed by a firearm than those officers who do wear vests. Simply put, bulletproof vests save lives. Unfortunately, many police departments do not have the resources to purchase vests on their own, especially in America's smaller communities. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2003 would continue the partnership with State and local law enforcement agencies to make sure that every police officer who needs a bulletproof vest gets one. It would do so by continuing to authorize up to $50 million per year for the grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, the program provides 50-50 matching grants to State and local law enforcement agencies and Indian tribes with under 100,000 residents to assist in purchasing bulletproof vests and body armor. While we know that there is no way to end the risks inherent to a career in law enforcement, we must do everything possible to ensure that officers who put their lives on the line every day also put on a vest. Body armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment an officer can have and often means the difference between life and death. The United States Senate can help, and I urge our colleagues to support prompt passage of this legislation. 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 order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased that Timothy Tymkovich's nomination to serve on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has come before the full Senate for consideration here today. Almost 7 weeks ago today, on February 12, 2003, along with my friend and colleague, Senator Allard, I was pleased to introduce Tim Tymkovich to the Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. Today, I am once again pleased to be able to speak in strong support of Tim Tymkovich's nomination to serve on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Tim Tymkovich is well qualified to serve on the Tenth Circuit. He is a native Coloradan, an excellent jurist and an all-around outstanding person. I believe he will be a terrific addition to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Since he earned his juris doctor at the University of Colorado's School of Law back in 1982, Tim has had an outstanding career, including a well-balanced combination of service in both the public sector and in private practice. Tim's public service experience includes his service as a clerk to the former Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice William Erickson from 1982 to 1983. From 1991 to 1996, Tim Tymkovich skillfully served as Colorado's solicitor general. In between these years of public service, Tim earned an excellent reputation in private practice with several leading law firms. For the past 2 years, Tim has served as counsel to Colorado Governor Owen's Columbine Review Commission, which reviewed the public agency and law enforcement response to the tragic Columbine High School shootings of 1999. At the same time, he co-chaired the Governor's Task Force on Civil Justice Reform, which has led to significant improvements in Colorado's civil justice and practice. Tim currently serves as a partner in the prestigious Denver-based law firm, Hale, Hackstaff, & Tymkovich. Two of Colorado's leading newspapers have positively endorsed Tim, saying among other things, that he has gained a local reputation as a thoughtful, insightful attorney who knows the law and works hard to uphold it. That was the Denver Post, May, 2002. They have also commented that if the Senate gave Tim Tymkovich a serious look, we would find someone who combines intellectual heft and steady temperament. I have taken a good look at Tim Tymkovich, and I fully agree with these insightful assessments. Tim's nomination enjoys substantial bipartisan support, including the support of Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar and Colorado's well- known former Governor, Roy Romer. Tim Tymkovich's nomination for the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has been pending since he was first nominated for this position back on May 25, 2001. it is now approaching 2 years since he was first nominated. Despite Tim Tymkovich's outstanding qualifications, it has not been an easy task for the Judiciary Committee to get this nomination to the floor of the Senate today. I want to take a moment to say a special word of heartfelt appreciation for my good friend and Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch for his remarkably fair, evenhanded and steadfast stewardship of judicial nominees, including Tim Tymkovich's nomination. Senator Hatch deserves all of our appreciation. It is time for the full Senate to complete our work and hold a straight up-or-down rollcall vote on Tim Tymkovich's worthy nomination. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of Tim Tymkovich's nomination to serve on the Tenth Circuit Court. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the time be charged equally to both sides.

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

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at 10 a.m. in Room 485 of the Hart Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing on S. 556, a bill to Reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. committee on indian affairs