Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. In addition, Mr. President, since I am retiring at the end of this term, after 22 years in public office, let me say in all honesty that, regardless of party, I have never in my life met a more dedicated, caring group of men and women, who are not only my colleagues but also my friends. We may have our disagreements, but in each our own way, we know in our hearts that we are trying our best to do the right thing for our Nation. And I think we probably all agree that the more we adhere to the teachings of the Good Book, as we have been admonished many times, the less we would need a law book. The people of Colorado have honored me for allowing me to represent them in our Nation's Capital--not long by some standards, of course. But I have to tell you, on each sunlit morning as I drive to work, or each moonlit night, particularly in the wintertime after a fresh snow, and I view the dome of this great building as the first or last thing I do in my workday, I am just thrilled that I was here for a while and it was a part of my life. And now I have to tell you how much I admire and respect my colleagues. Their friendship and guidance is more than I can ever repay. Each is very special to me, and I certainly will not forget them. Surely, when newly elected freshmen are sworn in 100 years from now, and they come on this floor and open the desks and read the bottoms of drawers and the names of all the Senators who have historically been sworn in before them, they will see the names of Senator Robert Byrd, Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Dan Inouye, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Senator Domenici of New Mexico, and they will already know when they read those names they are reading the names of Members who have served in this body for most of their adult lives and both molded the history of this Nation and set a standard of commitment to excellence for all to follow. Mr. President, I would be remiss if I did not thank the unsung heroes of this body, and those are the hard-working staff people without whose dedication many of us simply would not get much done. I salute them because they are not only our employees, but they are our partners in finding solutions in a world that becomes more complicated with each passing decade.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. It will probably be a little later in the day when we ask for a vote. In lieu of that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I thank my friend from Illinois. It is my understanding that the managers' amendments were accepted on a voice vote.

Mr. CAMPBELL. As co-chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have had a long-standing interest in the progress of the countries of the former Soviet Union toward democracy and rule of law. Open World's staff worked very closely with the Helsinki Commission staff to bring Belarusian leaders from the parliament and judiciary to the United States last February. It would be helpful for the Open World staff to continue to work closely with the Helsinki Commission staff given their unique expertise in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The delegates had very useful programs both in Washington, DC and in Florida, meeting with our congressional colleagues, State Department officials, Federal judges and prosecutors. As a group the delegation left with a new-found focus on building relations with the United States and a genuine understanding of both transparency in our government and separation of powers. Open World demonstrated that it successful model could be applied outside Russia. I am also grateful for the genuine involvement of American communities and families in building the ties that are at the heart of the Open World Program. I would like to see Open World continue its important work in Russia but enable us to utilize this flexible and cost-effective program as a valuable tool for American diplomacy.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to present to the Senate the fiscal year 2005 Legislative Branch appropriations bill. I am grateful for the support of my chairman, Senator Stevens, and the ranking member of the full committee, Senator Byrd. Thanks, also, to the ranking member of this subcommittee, Senator Dick Durbin, who has been very supportive of the process in crafting the bill and has been a longtime friend since our House days together in the other body. Their support of this bill has helped us put together legislation that I am very proud of, that provides adequate funding for the Senate and its critical support agencies, such as the Capitol Police and the Library of Congress. This is my last year as chairman of the subcommittee, and I am pleased this bill is moving forward. Mr. President, this bill totals $2.46 billion in budget authority, just $8 million--less than one-half of 1 percent-- over the current year budget. Together with the House items that are included in the House-passed legislative branch bill, H.R. 4755, the bill will meet its allocation of $3.575 billion in budget authority. Reductions totaling $332 million have been made to legislative branch agencies in order to meet the allocation. While this is a very tight allocation, all legislative branch agencies would be able to maintain current or near current staffing levels and cost-of-living adjustments, and uncontrollable price-level increases would be accommodated. The major change from last year's bill is the reduction in funding for some major construction projects, such as the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol Powerplant. For the Senate, funding would total $725 million, $12.6 million over the current budget, which is about 2 percent. Reductions to the request level have been made to reflect more accurate estimates of spending, as well as funding certain fiscal year 2005 request items through reprogramming of fiscal year 2004 reprogrammings. Funding for the Capitol Police would total $227 million, $7 million above the current budget. In addition to these funds, the committee directed a reprogramming of prior year funds for a total of $240 million for the Capitol Police in fiscal year 2005. This budget would enable the Capitol Police to maintain the current level of sworn staffing and hire 50 additional civilian staff for critical administrative functions. The additional use of Capitol Police overtime since August has been a significant drain on their resources and may require us to find additional funds for the Capitol Police when we meet with the House with conference. For the Architect of the Capitol, $308 million is recommended, a reduction of $32 million below the current budget and $171 million below the request. The recommendation reflects the need to eliminate lower-priority projects or items which can be deferred. It also enables the Architect to focus efforts on the completion of the Capitol Visitor Center. The bill does accommodate the $39 million Library of Congress' storage module project at Ft. Meade, which is desperately needed to meet burgeoning storage needs and is a top priority for the Librarian. For the Capitol Visitor Center, $7.6 million is included for start- up/transition to operations costs. Moving to the Library of Congress, the bill includes a total of $544 million, $21 million above the current level and $17 million below the request. Current staffing levels are provided for, as well as increases for the Veterans History Project, the Culpeper Audio-Visual Conservation Center, which will begin to come on line in 2005, and security equipment and IT system maintenance. For the Government Printing Office, the subcommittee recommendation is $120.7 million, $30 million below the request. The reduction is attributable primarily to eliminating the $25 million request for GPO's ``transformation efforts.'' While we support GPO's efforts to restructure itself into a 21st century government information office, GPO has yet to submit a comprehensive plan for these funds. The recommendation for the Government Accountability Office totals $470 million, $12 million above the current level but $10.5 million below the requested level. Finally, the Open World Leadership Program would be funded at the current level of $13.5 million. Before I yield the floor to my colleague from Illinois, Senator Durbin, who I have enjoyed the company of for so many years in both the House and the Senate, let me tell you in his presence, he has been an absolute delight to work with. I look forward to coming back as a private citizen many years in the future to renew our friendship. I yield the floor.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, having bid my colleagues farewell and good fortune, I now will turn to the appropriations bill. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. 2666, the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, as under the previous order.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, before I present the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, let me take a moment of personal privilege to thank my colleagues for allowing me last night's unanimous consent agreement to appear on the floor of the Senate in traditional clothing of a Cheyenne chief. This is a very special day in the lives of all Native Americans, and a very special day in my life, too. I would hope my fellow Senators would have time to visit our Nation's newest Smithsonian jewel--the National Museum of the American Indian. I have just come from speaking at the opening and ask unanimous consent that my remarks at that opening be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

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

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, as most of my colleagues know, tomorrow is a very special day because we will be opening the first new museum in 17 years on the Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian. Many of us will be down there, and I will be down there most of the day, literally up to my neck in different commitments. Also, tomorrow will be the last day before I leave the Senate to manage the legislative branch appropriations which will be sometime in the afternoon. I am concerned, since I will be down on the Mall in traditional tribal dress, that I will not be able to get back here in time to get changed and do all of that. My unanimous-consent request is that if it becomes necessary, I be allowed to appear on the floor to present my bill in traditional tribal dress.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a period of morning business for debate only, with Senators speaking up to 10 minutes each.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, is it the appropriate time to propound a unanimous consent request?

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize a significant service agency in my home State of Colorado. Forty years ago in Denver, CO a small group of visionaries worked to achieve their dream of eliminating the disparities that existed between Latinos and the mainstream community. Prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964, these visionaries incorporated the first 501(c) 3 non-profit agency in the Nation to address the specific needs of Latinos. On March 3, 1964, the Latin American Research and Service Agency was born. Working with these visionaries was an enlightened philanthropic organization that was the first in the Nation to take a risk of giving a significant grant to a Latino based agency. That agency at the time known as the United Fund is today known as the Mile High United Way. Much has happened over the past four decades since attorney Roger Cisneros first wrote the incorporation papers for LARASA. In November of 1964 Mr. Cisneros became the first Hispanic elected to the Colorado Senate since the early 1900's. Bernard (Bernie) Valdez, the first Hispanic appointed to a Denver Mayor's Cabinet was the first Chairman of LARASA's Board of Directors. Ms. Lena Archuletta who was the first Hispanic to serve as a school principal in the Denver Public Schools system was the first Secretary of the Board. Also serving on the first board of directors was Rodolfo ``Corky'' Gonzales a leader in the Chicano Movement and Herrick Roth former leader of the Colorado Labor Movement and founder of the Colorado Forum. Today LARASA continues to provide leadership in the areas of health, education, public policy, leadership development and community outreach. On the occasion of their 40th Anniversary I am proud to recognize their significant achievements by entering this statement into the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I wish to say a few words today about the significance of observing September 14, 2004 as National POW/ MIA Recognition Day, which honors the memory of the POWs and MIAs who have served in our Nation's wars. As my colleagues know, the United States has fought in numerous wars and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action. In 20th Century wars alone, more than 147,000 Americans were captured and became Prisoners of War; of that number more than 15,000 died while in captivity. When we add to this number those who are still missing in action, we realize that we cannot do enough to remember their service. As a veteran who served in Korea, I personally know that the remembrance of another's sacrifice in battle is one of the highest and most noble acts we can perform. Remembering demonstrates our indebtedness and gratitude for those who served that we might live in freedom. Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that train America's future military leaders. These academies have varied missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing leaders for their particular branch of service. On the grounds of each academy is a chapel, spectacular places that are easily identifiable as places of worship. In each chapel, a place has been reserved for those prisoners of war and the missing in action from each particular service. A pew has been set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful symbol that not all have returned from battle. These hallowed places have been set aside so that all POWs and MIAs are remembered with dignity and honor. It is a moving and emotional experience to pause at these reserved pews, to be encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers, sailors, marines, and pilots and to be inspired today by what they have done. Yet, I believe we can and should do more to honor the memory of all the POWs and MIAs who have so gallantly served our Nation. The display of the POW/MIA flag is a forceful reminder that we care not only for them, but also for their families who personally carry with them the burden of sacrifice. We want them to know that they do not stand alone, that we stand with them and beside them, as they remember the loyalty and devotion of those who served. Mr. President, I believe that those who have been captured or are missing in action in the Nation's wars deserve to be honored with dignity and devotion. So today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these Americans and their families by remembering their sacrifice and declaring that it will never be forgotten.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, September 29, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on pending committee matters, to be followed immediately by an oversight hearing on lobbying practices involving Indian tribes regarding allegation of misconduct associated with lobbying and related activities. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. Subcommittee on National Parks

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on pending Committee matters, to be followed immediately by an oversight hearing on the Contributions of Native American Code Talkers in American Military History. 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, September 15, 2004, at 10 a.m. in Room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building to conduct a business meeting on pending Committee matters. Those wishing additional information may contact the Indian Affairs Committee at 224-2251. committee on energy and natural resources

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise to urge passage of S. Con. Res. 106, a bipartisan resolution calling upon the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent and fair election process for the presidential elections scheduled to be held in late October. This resolution, by encouraging fair, open and transparent elections, is a concrete expression of the commitment of the U.S. Congress to the Ukrainian people. The resolution underscores that an election process and the establishment of a genuinely democratic political system consistent with Ukraine's freely undertaken OSCE commitments is a prerequisite for Ukraine's full integration into the Western community of nations as an equal member, including into NATO. The October elections will be vital in determining Ukraine's course for years to come. They present the Ukrainian authorities with a real opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to OSCE principles and values. As cochairman of the Helsinki Commission, I would point out that Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma recently cosigned a Declaration with Russia and leaders of several other independent former Soviet states criticizing the OSCE for focusing too much attention on human rights and democratization. While disappointing, this diatribe is not surprising given the fact that under President Kuchma's leadership, Ukraine's record in such as media freedoms, elections, the rule of law and corruption has moved in the wrong direction. It is up to the OSCE states, including Ukraine, to implement their freely undertaken OSCE commitments and to take corrective measures if necessary--something I hope the Ukrainian authorities will be mindful of in the run-up to the elections. Ukraine's pre-election environment has already been decidedly problematic and of great concern to the United States and the international community. The pending resolution, S. Con. Res. 106, focuses squarely on key problem areas, including increasing control and manipulation of the media and attempts by national authorities to limit access to international broadcasting, including Radio Liberty. Among other concerns are the serious obstacles to free assembly and a free and fair political campaign as well as substantial irregularities in several recent elections, most notably, the mayoral election held in April in the western Ukrainian city of Mukacheve. This election was marred by intimidation, violence, fraud and manipulation of the vote count, electoral disruptions and irregularities. According to the most recent report of the nonpartisan Ukrainian nongovernmental Committee of Voters of Ukraine: There was no improvement in the political environment in June compared to April and May. Instead, CVU observed an increase in the number of cases of government pressure on the opposition designed to impede their activities. Potential candidates did not enjoy equal access to the media. . . . The level of criminal interference in the pre-election process remains very high, thus threatening free elections. S. Con Res. 106 outlines those measures the Ukrainian authorities need to take--consistent with their own laws and international agreements--for a free, fair, open and transparent election process. The Ukrainian authorities at all levels, including the executive, legislative and judicial branches, need to ensure an election process that enables all of the candidates to compete on a level playing field. This includes the various ministries and agencies involved directly or indirectly in the elections process, as well as Ukraine's courts. Ukraine's October presidential elections should be a watershed for the future direction of that country of great potential. Ukrainian authorities need to radically improve the election environment if there is to be hope for these elections to meet OSCE standards. By doing so, they will go a long way in restoring the trust of the citizens of Ukraine and strengthening Ukraine's independence and democracy.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am honored to rise and introduce legislation that would rename the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area as the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. I do this in recognition of my colleague in the House, Scott McInnis, who will join me this year in returning home to private life after years of dedicated public service to the people of Colorado. For the past two decades, Congressman McInnis has been a true champion in the fight to protect Colorado's public lands. In fact, no sitting Member of Congress has passed more legislation for the designation and protection of Wilderness areas. As Congressman McInnis nears the end of his tenure in office, I thought it appropriate to create a lasting symbol of Colorado's appreciation for his many achievements on behalf of our great State. The Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area is located near Congressman McInnis' home in Grand Junction. The site is one of America's most beautiful natural treasures. These canyons are preserved today because of the work of Congressman McInnis, who began his quest to protect the Colorado Canyons by seeking the input of local citizens and landowners. He then took this input and sought the advice of land managers and non-profit conservation organizations. Upon completing the plan, Congressman McInnis drafted the legislation to create the area and shepherded it through Congress. Simply put, the creation of the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area would not have been possible absent the tireless efforts of Scott McInnis. Recognizing the sizable McInnis legacy on behalf of all Coloradans, I think it only fitting and appropriate to introduce this lasting tribute to recognize Scott's hard work and abiding love of Colorado's public lands.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce The Indian Tribal Detention Facility Reform Act of 2004 which proposes sweeping reforms to operation of tribal detention systems in American Indian communities. The bill will launch significant efforts to address the third world conditions plaguing this system, problems which were the subject of a series of articles in the USA Today and other national newspapers. On June 23, 2004, the Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on the operation and condition of these detention facilities and the testimony we received was very disturbing. At the hearing, the Inspector General of the Department of Interior reported that after reports from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice, his office began an assessment of the physical condition of these facilities and how they are operated. The Inspector General also testified about numerous examples of inmate suicides, escapes, neglect, overcrowding and other inhumane conditions, staffing shortages, inmate access to weapons and poor prisoner supervision, all occurring in facilities operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or by Indian tribes, pursuant to contract. The Inspector General reported that the lack of prison monitoring sadly resulted in the death of a 16 year old Indian girl who was placed in a cell for underage drinking. She later died of alcohol poisoning and her family is now considering legal action charging negligence by the jail's managers. The tragic part of the story is that the death might have been prevented. But what is even more frightening is that deaths and attempted suicides are not isolated events at these facilities. This is but one example brought to the Committee's attention and in my mind these events and conditions are deplorable, inexcusable and have to end. The bill I am introducing today establishes clear lines of authority for detention services by directing the Secretary of Interior to create a separate branch of detention services. This separate branch will give the proper attention to issues surrounding detention facilities. In addition, the bill will require the creation of reporting protocols on serious incidents, particularly escapes, to proper law enforcement authorities. Because in some cases reporting may not be sufficient, the bill will also establish criteria for conducting preliminary inquiries into serious incidents to determine if there is a need for a full investigation. Finally, the bill requires that the Department of Interior conduct a full report on the conditions and needs of the detention facilities in Indian communities, including staffing shortages and training, and a plan for addressing the needs. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am honored to rise and introduce legislation that would rename the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area as the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. I do this in recognition of my colleague in the House, Scott McInnis, who will join me this year in returning home to private life after years of dedicated public service to the people of Colorado. For the past two decades, Congressman McInnis has been a true champion in the fight to protect Colorado's public lands. In fact, no sitting Member of Congress has passed more legislation for the designation and protection of Wilderness areas. As Congressman McInnis nears the end of his tenure in office, I thought it appropriate to create a lasting symbol of Colorado's appreciation for his many achievements on behalf of our great State. The Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area is located near Congressman McInnis' home in Grand Junction. The site is one of America's most beautiful natural treasures. These canyons are preserved today because of the work of Congressman McInnis, who began his quest to protect the Colorado Canyons by seeking the input of local citizens and landowners. He then took this input and sought the advice of land managers and non-profit conservation organizations. Upon completing the plan, Congressman McInnis drafted the legislation to create the area and shepherded it through Congress. Simply put, the creation of the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area would not have been possible absent the tireless efforts of Scott McInnis. Recognizing the sizable McInnis legacy on behalf of all Coloradans, I think it only fitting and appropriate to introduce this lasting tribute to recognize Scott's hard work and abiding love of Colorado's public lands.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce The Indian Tribal Detention Facility Reform Act of 2004 which proposes sweeping reforms to operation of tribal detention systems in American Indian communities. The bill will launch significant efforts to address the third world conditions plaguing this system, problems which were the subject of a series of articles in the USA Today and other national newspapers. On June 23, 2004, the Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on the operation and condition of these detention facilities and the testimony we received was very disturbing. At the hearing, the Inspector General of the Department of Interior reported that after reports from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice, his office began an assessment of the physical condition of these facilities and how they are operated. The Inspector General also testified about numerous examples of inmate suicides, escapes, neglect, overcrowding and other inhumane conditions, staffing shortages, inmate access to weapons and poor prisoner supervision, all occurring in facilities operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or by Indian tribes, pursuant to contract. The Inspector General reported that the lack of prison monitoring sadly resulted in the death of a 16 year old Indian girl who was placed in a cell for underage drinking. She later died of alcohol poisoning and her family is now considering legal action charging negligence by the jail's managers. The tragic part of the story is that the death might have been prevented. But what is even more frightening is that deaths and attempted suicides are not isolated events at these facilities. This is but one example brought to the Committee's attention and in my mind these events and conditions are deplorable, inexcusable and have to end. The bill I am introducing today establishes clear lines of authority for detention services by directing the Secretary of Interior to create a separate branch of detention services. This separate branch will give the proper attention to issues surrounding detention facilities. In addition, the bill will require the creation of reporting protocols on serious incidents, particularly escapes, to proper law enforcement authorities. Because in some cases reporting may not be sufficient, the bill will also establish criteria for conducting preliminary inquiries into serious incidents to determine if there is a need for a full investigation. Finally, the bill requires that the Department of Interior conduct a full report on the conditions and needs of the detention facilities in Indian communities, including staffing shortages and training, and a plan for addressing the needs. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Madam President, during World War II, some 23,000 Roma were sent to Auschwitz, mostly from Germany, Austria, and the occupied Czech lands. Sixty Years ago, on the night of August 2 and 3, the order was given to liquidate the ``Gypsy Camp'' at Auschwitz. Over the course of that night, 2,898 men, women, and children were put to death in the gas chambers. In all, an estimated 18,000 Roma died at Auschwitz- Birkenau. During the intervening years, Aug. 2 and 3 have become days to remember the Porrajmos, the Romani word that means ``the Devouring,'' and to mourn the Romani losses of the Holocaust. As the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has suggested, Roma are ``understudied victims'' of the Nazis. What we don't know about the Romani experiences during the war is far greater than what is known. But we do know that the fate of the Roma varied from country to county, and depended on many factors. We know that, in addition to the atrocities in Auschwitz, thousands of Roma were gassed at Chelmno. We know that an estimated 90 percent of Croatia's Romani population--tens of thousands of people--were murdered. We know that approximately 25,000 Roma were deported by the Romanian regime to Transnistria in 1942, where some 19,000 of them perished there in unspeakable conditions. We know that in many places, such as Hungary, Roma were simply executed at the village edge and dumped into mass graves. We know that in Slovakia, Roma were put into forced labor camps, and that in France, Roma were kept in internment camps for fully a year after the war ended. Still, far more research remains to be done in this field, especially with newly available archives like those from the Lety concentration camp in the Czech Republic. I commend the Holocaust Museum for the efforts it has made to shed light on this still dark corner of the past, and I welcome the work of nongovernmental organizations, such as the Budapest-based Roma Press Center, for collecting the memories of survivors. I do not think I can overstate the consequences of the Porrajmos. Some scholars estimate that as many as half of Europe's Romani minority perished. For individuals, for families, and for surviving communities, those losses were devastating. Tragically, the post-war treatment of Roma compounded one set of injustices with others. Those who were most directly involved in developing the Nationalist-Socialist framework for the racial persecution of Roma--Robert Ritter and Eva Justin--were never brought to justice for their crimes and were allowed to continue their medical careers after the war. The investigative files on Ritter--including evidence regarding his role in the forced sterilization of Roma--were destroyed. German courts refused to recognize, until 1963, that the persecution of Roma based on their ethnic identity began at least as early as 1938. By the time of the 1963 ruling, many Romani survivors had already died. During my years of service on the leadership of the Helsinki Commission, I have been struck by the tragic plight of Roma throughout the OSCE region. It is not surprising that, given the long history of their persecution, Roma continue to fight racism and discrimination today. I commend Slovakia for adopting comprehensive antidiscrimination legislation in May. As the OSCE participating states prepare for a major conference on racism, discrimination, and xenophobia, to be held in September, I hope they will be prepared to address the persistent manifestations of racism against Roma--manifestations that often carry echoes of the Holocaust.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I send to the desk legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 1001 Williams Street in Ignacio, CO, as the Leonard C. Burch Post Office Building. Anyone who ever met the man knew they were in the presence of someone special. Leonard Burch had a vision. He had the imagination to look beyond a destitute tribe with little hope, and see a people with resources, and determination, and a real opportunity to build a better future if they would only grasp it. Many people have dreams, but Leonard had that rare ability to make other people catch his vision, believe in it, and work just as hard for it as he did. Leonard C. Burch died August 1, 2003. He was 69 years old. Leonard was chairman of the Tribal Council for more than 32 years. Under his leadership, the Southern Utes became an economic force in and beyond the Four Corners and the largest employer in La Plata County. Those thirty-seven years have seen the transformation of a people, the transformation of a region, and all of it largely due to his extraordinary leadership. Burch was credited with bringing his tribe out of poverty. Through his efforts, the tribe became a major player in the energy development market with assets of $1.5 billion. As part of the Council for Energy Resource Tribes, Burch was instrumental in improving energy development throughout Indian Country. He advocated for greater tribal control over tribal resources. Burch's leadership went beyond the tribe. He set an example for young people. Burch was invited by five separate U.S. Presidents to conferences on American Indian policies at the White House and received numerous awards for his commitment to regional water resource development. We will all miss Leonard's wisdom and inspiration. It is a fitting tribute that the postal facility in Ignacio be named after a true warrior. I invite anyone who believes that one man can't make a difference, to take a drive southeast of Durango, and witness what one Leonard Burch can do. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I send to the desk legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 1001 Williams Street in Ignacio, CO, as the Leonard C. Burch Post Office Building. Anyone who ever met the man knew they were in the presence of someone special. Leonard Burch had a vision. He had the imagination to look beyond a destitute tribe with little hope, and see a people with resources, and determination, and a real opportunity to build a better future if they would only grasp it. Many people have dreams, but Leonard had that rare ability to make other people catch his vision, believe in it, and work just as hard for it as he did. Leonard C. Burch died August 1, 2003. He was 69 years old. Leonard was chairman of the Tribal Council for more than 32 years. Under his leadership, the Southern Utes became an economic force in and beyond the Four Corners and the largest employer in La Plata County. Those thirty-seven years have seen the transformation of a people, the transformation of a region, and all of it largely due to his extraordinary leadership. Burch was credited with bringing his tribe out of poverty. Through his efforts, the tribe became a major player in the energy development market with assets of $1.5 billion. As part of the Council for Energy Resource Tribes, Burch was instrumental in improving energy development throughout Indian Country. He advocated for greater tribal control over tribal resources. Burch's leadership went beyond the tribe. He set an example for young people. Burch was invited by five separate U.S. Presidents to conferences on American Indian policies at the White House and received numerous awards for his commitment to regional water resource development. We will all miss Leonard's wisdom and inspiration. It is a fitting tribute that the postal facility in Ignacio be named after a true warrior. I invite anyone who believes that one man can't make a difference, to take a drive southeast of Durango, and witness what one Leonard Burch can do. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.