Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, October 4, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Building to conduct an oversight hearing on alcohol and law enforcement in Alaska. Those wishing additional information may contact committee staff at 202/224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, September 27, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Building to conduct a hearing on S. 2052, a bill to establish a demonstration project to authorize the integration and coordination of Federal funding dedicated to community, business, and the economic development of Native American communities to be followed immediately by a business meeting to markup pending committee bills. Those wishing additional information may contact committee staff at 202/224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to respond to my friend and colleague from North Dakota. His advice and counsel has been extremely important to me. I appreciate his comments very much. As I mentioned in my opening statement, I would have preferred to bring the bill to the floor as a self-standing bill, too. We are simply running out of time with only less than 3 weeks, I guess, of actual workdays before we adjourn for the year. It just was not possible this year. But I look forward to working with him. If we do bring some emergency spending bill to the floor through the full committee, I would ask to work with him to try to fill in some of the holes we have missed in this bill. With that, I thank the Chair and I yield the floor. Grand forks federal building and united states courthouse

Mr. CAMPBELL. Yes.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I thank the manager, my friend from Utah. I would like to review the Treasury and general government section, which was added to the legislative branch bill in conference. I am going to repeat a few numbers. They are rather dry, but they are important numbers for my colleagues. Needless to say, I think this is an important section and hope they support it. Budget constraints made it impossible for the committee to fund all requests made by the administration and by our colleagues in the Senate, too, but we tried to accommodate all of the requests as far as we could. I think, as does my ranking minority member, Senator Dorgan, we would probably have preferred to bring this bill to the floor as a free- standing bill, but time constraints prevented us from doing that. But I believe it is still a good bill. Let me go over some of the numbers. Mr. President, the Treasury and general government portion of this conference report contains a total of $30,371,000 in new budget authority. Of that, $14,679,607,000 is for mandatory programs over which the Appropriations Committee has no control. This conference report strikes a portion between congressional priorities, administration initiatives, and agency requirements. Preparation of the Senate committee-reported bill would not have been possible without the hard work and cooperation of the ranking member of the subcommittee, Senator Dorgan, and his staff. As we consider the Treasury and general government portion of the legislative branch conference report, I would like to highlight some of the provisions before us: We emphasize on the need for the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program--called GREAT--by including $3 million more than the administration request for grants to State and local law enforcement. We provided a total of $93,751,000 for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to enforce existing gun laws. This includes: $19,078,000 to fully staff and expand the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative, bringing the total to 50 cities. This program allows ATF to track and prosecute those who supply guns to our youth. Also, $23,361,000 for expanded ballistics imaging technology, and $41,322,000 to significantly expand the Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy to support criminal enforcement initiatives such as Project Exile and Project Ceasefire to combat violent crime. We have also included $13,700,000 for the Southwest Border Customs staffing initiative, $130 million for the Customs automation effort, called ACE, and $2,572,000 more to combat importation of items produced by forced child labor. Speaking of youngsters, Mr. President, I am pleased to note that we have been able to fund the ONDCP anti-drug youth media campaign at $185 million. We have spent over half a billion dollars in this program in the last several years. Title II of this section provides $96,093,000 for the U.S. Postal Service and continues to require free mailing for overseas voters as well as for the blind, as well as a 6-day delivery and prohibit the closing or consolidation of small and rural post offices. Title III contains a total of $691,315,000 for the Executive Office of the President. This includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Federal drug control programs, and the funding for the media campaign to which I alluded. There is $29,053,000 for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center for their program to transfer technology to State and local law enforcement agencies. This is an ongoing program and has been a huge benefit to both State and local law enforcement groups. There is $206 million for the High Intensity Drug Traffickers Area Program, called the HIDTA Program. This is an existing program, and the funding is continued in this bill under the current level. HIDTA Programs coordinate local, State, and Federal antidrug efforts. It has met with a great deal of approval with local and State law enforcement. As a matter of fact, many Senators requested expansion of this program, but we had to live within our budget constraints. Title IV is independent agencies, such as the Federal Elections Commission, the General Services Administration, the National Archives, as well as agencies involved in Federal employment issues, such as the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Office of Government Ethics, the Office of Special Counsel, and the Office of Personnel Management. Also included in this title are mandatory accounts to provide for Federal retiree annuities, health benefits, and life insurance. The conferees have provided a total of $15,986,378,000 for this title in fiscal year 2001. For the first time in 4 years, the administration has requested funding for courthouse construction. Although we have not been able to fund the entire list due to limited resources, we have included funding for four courthouse projects in fiscal year 2001, as well as an additional four projects in fiscal year 2002. Again, I thank the ranking member of our subcommittee, Senator Dorgan, for his hard work and support. Certainly this bill would not have been possible without his assistance. Too often we forget the hard work of staff--for Senator Dorgan, Chip Walgren and Steve Monteiro; for the majority, Pat Raymond, Tammy Perrin, and Lula Edwards--who deserve a great deal of credit for the long hours, nights, and sometimes weekends spent in trying to put this section of the bill together. I believe this conference report deserves the support of the Senate. One last thing, Mr. President. We are still obviously in a state of shock and loss at the death of our colleague, Senator Paul Coverdell, who was a tireless worker in trying to reduce youth violence and drug use. His life was a model of what youngsters should aspire to. In his honor, we have named the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's newest dormitory building at Glynco, GA, for him.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Yes, that is my expectation. national drug-free workplace alliance

Mr. CAMPBELL. I understand the Senator's interest in this area.

Mr. CAMPBELL. The Subcommittee is increasingly aware of the problems that drugs pose in the workplace. Helping businesses to address such a problem will greatly benefit our communities and children. I look forward to working with my colleague to address your concerns.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Building to conduct a business meeting to markup S. 2920, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Improvement Act of 2000; S. 1840, the California Indian Land Transfer Act; S. 2688, the Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2000; S. 2665, To establish a streamlined process to enable the Navajo Nation to lease trust lands without having to obtain the approval of the Secretary of the Interior of individual leases, except leases for exploration, development, or extraction of any mineral resources; S. 2917, the Santo Domingo Pueblo Claims Settlement Act of 2000; S. 2580, the Indian School Construction Act; and S. 3031, technical amendments. Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation and Rural Revitalization

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce a bill making certain technical amendments to laws relating to Native Americans. As my colleagues know, Congress typically considers legislation like this every year or so. This bill provides an opportunity to address a series of corrections to the law or other non-controversial, minor amendments to Indian laws in one broad stroke, rather than having to introduce several separate bills. This bill includes amendments regarding issues of importance to a number of my colleagues that have been brought to my attention over recent months. The amendments include, for instance, one-year reauthorizations of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as well as a clarification of a bill signed into law earlier this year relating to the status of certain lands held in trust by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. All amendments included in this bill will serve to promote the original intent of the affected laws, and do not alter the meaning or substance of the laws they amend. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, the sole purpose of which is to ensure that the laws this body has already passed are carried forward in the way we originally intended. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the bill be printed in the Record. I thank the Chair and yield the floor.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs is re-scheduling their September 13, 2000 hearing to September 14, 2000, in the Russell Senate Office Building room number 485, at 3:30 p.m. on S. 2899, a bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States' relationship with Native Hawaiians. Immediately following the hearing will be a business meeting where S. 2920, a bill to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, S. 2688, a bill to amend the Native American Languages Act, and S. 2899, a bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States' relationship with Native Hawaiians, will be considered. subcommittee on water and power

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 at 2:30 p.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Building for a hearing on S. 2899, a bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States' relationship with Native Hawaiians.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, Senator Helms has a substitute amendment at the desk. I ask for its consideration.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. CAMPBELL. I ask unanimous consent the amendment be agreed to, the bill be read the third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 692, H.R. 2909.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation which would preserve over 130,000 acres of land in Western Colorado. This legislation is supported locally by property owners, county commissioners, environmentalists, and recreational groups. My bill is a Senate companion to H.R. 4275 which was introduced by my colleague and fellow Coloradan Representative Scott McInnis. The areas proposed for Wildernesss Protection are the Black Ridge and Ruby Canyons of the Grand Valley and Rabbit Valley near Grand Junction, Colorado. They contain unique and valuable scenic, recreational, multiple use, paleontological, natural, and wildlife components. This historic rural western setting provides extensive opportunities for recreational activities, and are publicly used for hiking, camping, and grazing. This area is truly worthy of additional protection as a national conservation area. This legislation has the support of the administration and should easily be signed into law. The only issue confronting us is the limited amount of time left in the 106th Congress. I hope we will be able to move this legislation quickly through the process and that it will not get bogged down in partisan politics. It simply is the right thing to do. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record following my remarks. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2000, legislation which will finally recognize and memorialize the hallowed ground on which hundreds of peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were massacred by members of the Colorado Militia. The legislation I introduce today follows The Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site Study Act of 1998, legislation I introduced and Congress approved to study the suitability of creating an enduring memorial to the slain innocents who were camped peacefully near Sand Creek, in Kiowa County, in Colorado on November 28, 1868. 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 now SE Colorado. In some cases denial of the events of the day or a sense that ``the Indians had it coming'' has prevailed. This legislation finally recognizes a shameful event in our country's history based on scientific studies, and makes it clear America has the strength and resolve to face its past and learn the painful lessons that come with intolerance. The indisputable facts are these: 700 members of the Colorado Militia, commanded by Colonel John Chivington struck at dawn that November day, attacking a camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho 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 perpetrators of this horrible attack which left Indian women and even babies dead, were never brought to justice even after a congressional investigation concerning this brutality. The legislation I introduce today authorizes 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. This legislation has been developed over the course of the last 18 months. It represents a remarkable effort which brought divergent points of view together to define the events of that day and to plan for the future protection of this site. The National Park Service, with the cooperation of the Kiowa County Commissioners, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe, the State of Colorado and many local landowners and volunteers have completed extensive cultural, geomorphological and physical studies of the area where the massacre occurred. All of those involved in this project agree, not acting now is not a option. This legislation does not compel any private property owner to sell his or her property to the federal government. It allows the National Park Service to negotiate with willing sellers to secure property at fair market value, for a national memorial. This process could take years. However, several willing sellers have come forward and are willing to negotiate with the NPS. The property they own has been identified by the NPS as suitable for a memorial. Additional acquisitions of property from willing sellers could come in the future. However, the Sand Creek National Historic Site could never extend beyond the 12,470 acres identified by the site resource study already completed. This legislation has come to 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. We have a window of opportunity here that will not always be available. I encourage my colleagues to respect the memory of those so brutally killed and support the creation of a National Historic Site on this hallowed ground in Kiowa County, in Colorado. I ask unanimous consent that the bill and other research material associated with the studies of the Sand Creek site be printed in the Record for my colleagues or the public to review.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 567, S. 1089.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House, and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Finally, I ask unanimous consent S. 1089 be placed back on the calendar.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, Senators Snowe and Kerry have an amendment at the desk. I ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2000, legislation which will finally recognize and memorialize the hallowed ground on which hundreds of peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were massacred by members of the Colorado Militia. The legislation I introduce today follows The Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site Study Act of 1998, legislation I introduced and Congress approved to study the suitability of creating an enduring memorial to the slain innocents who were camped peacefully near Sand Creek, in Kiowa County, in Colorado on November 28, 1868. 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 now SE Colorado. In some cases denial of the events of the day or a sense that ``the Indians had it coming'' has prevailed. This legislation finally recognizes a shameful event in our country's history based on scientific studies, and makes it clear America has the strength and resolve to face its past and learn the painful lessons that come with intolerance. The indisputable facts are these: 700 members of the Colorado Militia, commanded by Colonel John Chivington struck at dawn that November day, attacking a camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho 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 perpetrators of this horrible attack which left Indian women and even babies dead, were never brought to justice even after a congressional investigation concerning this brutality. The legislation I introduce today authorizes 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. This legislation has been developed over the course of the last 18 months. It represents a remarkable effort which brought divergent points of view together to define the events of that day and to plan for the future protection of this site. The National Park Service, with the cooperation of the Kiowa County Commissioners, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe, the State of Colorado and many local landowners and volunteers have completed extensive cultural, geomorphological and physical studies of the area where the massacre occurred. All of those involved in this project agree, not acting now is not a option. This legislation does not compel any private property owner to sell his or her property to the federal government. It allows the National Park Service to negotiate with willing sellers to secure property at fair market value, for a national memorial. This process could take years. However, several willing sellers have come forward and are willing to negotiate with the NPS. The property they own has been identified by the NPS as suitable for a memorial. Additional acquisitions of property from willing sellers could come in the future. However, the Sand Creek National Historic Site could never extend beyond the 12,470 acres identified by the site resource study already completed. This legislation has come to 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. We have a window of opportunity here that will not always be available. I encourage my colleagues to respect the memory of those so brutally killed and support the creation of a National Historic Site on this hallowed ground in Kiowa County, in Colorado. I ask unanimous consent that the bill and other research material associated with the studies of the Sand Creek site be printed in the Record for my colleagues or the public to review.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce legislation which would preserve over 130,000 acres of land in Western Colorado. This legislation is supported locally by property owners, county commissioners, environmentalists, and recreational groups. My bill is a Senate companion to H.R. 4275 which was introduced by my colleague and fellow Coloradan Representative Scott McInnis. The areas proposed for Wildernesss Protection are the Black Ridge and Ruby Canyons of the Grand Valley and Rabbit Valley near Grand Junction, Colorado. They contain unique and valuable scenic, recreational, multiple use, paleontological, natural, and wildlife components. This historic rural western setting provides extensive opportunities for recreational activities, and are publicly used for hiking, camping, and grazing. This area is truly worthy of additional protection as a national conservation area. This legislation has the support of the administration and should easily be signed into law. The only issue confronting us is the limited amount of time left in the 106th Congress. I hope we will be able to move this legislation quickly through the process and that it will not get bogged down in partisan politics. It simply is the right thing to do. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record following my remarks. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.