Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, at this time, I yield time to Senator Thompson for the purpose of submitting an amendment.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

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

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this is an amendment which has been cleared by both sides of the aisle. This amendment is about child care services for children of Federal employees, which allows agencies to provide child care at an affordable cost.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I move to table the Feinstein amendment and ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 258, submitted earlier today by Senators Lott and Daschle.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to; that the preamble be agreed to; that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; and that a statement of explanation appear at the appropriate place in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this amendment makes a technical correction to title IV under the General Services Administration's Federal Buildings Fund to list the amount we are appropriating in this fund.

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

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that these amendments be agreed to en bloc and that the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, the package of amendments I have sent to the desk have been agreed to by both sides. This package includes the following items: Language regarding antique firearms regulation and an exemption for muzzle loader firearms under the Gun Control Act; A technical correction regarding the Federal Financing Bank in order to reflect the true amount of debt accumulated; Senator Sarbanes language reforming Federal firefighter overtime pay; Senators Cochran and Stevens language on the Postal Service providing an annual report regarding international postal services; A sense-of-the-Senate from Senator Coverdell regarding the IRS and random audits; Finally, the last is language changes relating to the drug czar's office media campaign and the programmatic goals of this campaign. I yield to Senator Kohl.

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

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

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 29, 1998, at 2 p.m. to conduct a business meeting to consider the following pending business of the Committee: S. 1905, A Bill to Compensate the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and for Other Purposes; H.R. 3069, A Bill to extend the Advisory Council on California Indian Policy to allow the Advisory Council to advise Congress on the implementation of the proposals and recommendations of the Advisory Council; S. 1770, To Elevate the Position of the Director of the Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services; S. 391, To Provide for the Distribution of Certain Judgment Funds to the Mississippi Sioux Tribe of Indians, and for Other Purposes; and S. 1419, A Bill to deem the activities of the Miccosukee Tribe on the Tamiani Indian Reserve to be consistent with the purposes of the Everglades National Park, and for other purposes. The business meeting will be held in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building. Those wishing additional information should contact the Committee on Indian Affairs at 202/224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to two Capitol Police officers, two heroes, who last Friday gave their lives in the line of duty while serving their country, Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut. Last Friday's shocking and senseless violence in the halls of the U.S. Capitol both saddened our nation and took the lives of two of our finest. I would like to take a moment to share a few memories and thoughts about the two slain officers. About a month ago, in late June, I had the chance to start a new friendship with a good man. I had the pleasure to get to know John Gibson, not just as a able and dedicated detective, but also as a gentleman and dedicated family man. During our time together, I learned that we shared common values and a similar hobby. As a former deputy sheriff myself, it quickly became evident that Detective Gibson and I shared an understanding of the daily perils facing law enforcement officers. Detective Gibson and I also discovered that we both shared the rather unique hobby of collecting police patches. In fact, just last month I sent him several police arm patches from Colorado to add to his collection as a small token of my appreciation for his dedicated service. I understand that it was Detective John Gibson's final shot, his final act as a defender of the peace, that brought the gunman down and ended the violent rampage. The Detective's steadfast valor, while already having been shot several times, was the difference that saved many lives. We all owe him a deep debt of gratitude. Officer Jacob Chestnut was posted at the Document Door entrance on the Capitol's East Front. Officers posted to this entrance are the first faces that many tourists see when they come to visit the Capitol. Officer Chestnut's post, which involves achieving a delicate balance between the ensuring safety of those who visit the Capitol while keeping the People's House as free and open as possible, requires a very special combination of hospitality, humor, patience and professionalism. To his credit, Officer Chestnut excelled in this endeavor. If it had not been for the heroic actions of these two brave officers, this dangerous gunman would almost certainly have killed many more innocent people. The officer's ultimate sacrifice saved lives. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these two fallen heroes. This building, the U.S. Capitol, is far more than just a building, it is a living monument to freedom and democracy. It is perhaps the only building on earth that simultaneously houses a healthy democracy at work, while standing as a tribute to freedom that attract millions of visitors from all over the U.S. and the entire world each year. The chambers, galleries and halls of our Capitol are full of statues, busts, paintings and displays that commemorate heroes and key events in our nation's history. The men and women honored under this magnificent dome have served their country in a wide variety of ways. Some have been great visionaries and statesmen. Some have been leaders in science or adventurers, like Colorado's son, astronaut Jack Swaggered whose statute stands in these halls. Each of these heroes has contributed and sacrificed in his or her own very real and personal way. Some of these heroes have made the greatest sacrifice for their nation, giving their lives. Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut have joined this honored rank. They gave their lives for their nation while protecting our nation's Capitol, and it is fitting that they will lie in honor in the Capitol's Rotunda while a grateful nation pays its respects. Not only is the Capitol the American people's house, it stands as a bright beacon of hope to all of the world's freedom loving people. While traveling this building's halls, I have been regularly awed by the comments of visitors from other countries as they comment in astonishment how open and free this building is. They state how they would never be allowed to walk so freely through the halls of their own capital buildings back home in their respective countries. This is an important part of what makes America great. Whenever I have heard such sentiments, I am reminded of just how fortunate I am, and we all are, to be Americans. Our Capitol is the People's House, and it must remain open and accessible to all. Thanks to the sacrifices of Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut, and the dedication and professionalism of the entire U.S. Capitol Police force, our nation's Capitol building is freely accessible and continues to serve as a beacon of freedom.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank the chairman for his support and look forward to working with him to address the methamphetamine problem on Colorado's Western Slope. new jersey state police

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President. I seek recognition to raise an important issue with the manager of this bill, Senator Gregg. One area of growing concern in my home state of Colorado is the production, distribution and use of methamphetamines. To help law enforcement address this problem, I pushed for designation and funding of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA which is operating in many regions of the state, and secured additional funding in the Treasury subcommittee for a methamphetamine initiative through the Office of National Drug Control Policy. I also have supported budget increases for the Drug Enforcement Administration, but believe that agency can do much more, especially to help Western Colorado. The Western Slope of Colorado is becoming a major drug transit point because of its close proximity to I-70, its easy access to trains, buses and planes, and the large geographic areas which law enforcement officers have to patrol. The scope of the methamphetamine problem in this area recently was underscored by the Grand Junction Chief of Police, Gary Konzak. Chief Konzak informed me that ``the quality of life of this city and the safety of its citizens are in peril if significant and organized law enforcement resources are not deployed soon to combat this menace.'' Based on his almost 30 years of law enforcement in Chicago before coming to Colorado, Chief Konzak believes neighborhoods and communities in Western Colorado are vulnerable to degradation similar to what he witnessed when crack cocaine arrived in the Chicago area in the early and mid 1980s. Mr. President, in Colorado the DEA operates a regional office in Denver and recently established a field office in Glenwood Springs. However, I believe the DEA can do much more to assist police chiefs and sheriffs in Mesa County, Montrose County and other counties on the Western Slope. The bill we are considering today includes a significant increase in the DEA's budget for the coming fiscal year. The bill also includes $24.5 million and 100 agents specifically for the Methamphetamine Initiative to target and investigate methamphetamine trafficking, production and abuse. Chief Konzak and other law enforcement officials throughout the Western Slope believe there is an urgent need for a DEA presence, through a field office or permanently assigned agents. I strongly support their request for assistance from the DEA and ask the Chairman for his support.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I begin my statement today describing a powerful and emotional sight that moves us to the core of our faith and beliefs about America and about those who have served in the Armed Forces of our nation. Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that train our future military leaders. These academies have varied missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing leaders for their particular service and our country. On the grounds of each academy is a chapel, a spectacular place that at once identifies itself as a place of worship. In each chapel, a place has been reserved for the Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action from their particular branch of service. A pew has been set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful, symbolic reminder that not all have returned from battle. This hallowed place has been set aside so that all POWs and MIAs are remembered with the dignity and honor they deserve. It is a moving and emotional moment to pause at this reserved pew, to be encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers, sailors or pilots, and to be inspired today by what they have done. Back in 1970, a wife of a soldier missing in action made a simple request to have a flag designed for a small group of families whose loved ones were prisoners or missing in action in Southeast Asia. As a member of the National League of Families she felt the organization needed a symbol. This symbol, a black and white flag, with a silhouette of a bowed head set against a guard tower and a single strand of barb wire, was designed by Newt Heisley. Congress has officially recognized the National League of Families POW/MIA flag. This flag has become a powerful symbol to all Americans that we have not forgotten--and will not forget. Since its creation, the flag has flown over numerous state and federal buildings, and has even been adopted by similar organizations in Kuwait, Chechnya, Bosnia, and other countries. Newt Heisley made the sketch of this symbol over a couple of days in a New Jersey advertising studio, never imagining the impact the design he created almost 27 years ago would have. Mr. Heisley used the inspiration of his ill son returning from Marine training at Quantico, Virginia for the silhouette. Otherwise the flag was just a quick sketch that wasn't even supposed to be black and white. Mr. Heisley planned on adding colors but the black and white motif remained. Mr. Heisley, first realized how popular the symbol had become when he moved to Colorado Springs in 1972. Only two years after he made the design he was touring the Air Force Academy when he saw the flag on display at the visitors center. Today, the flag is a national symbol that is seen on everything from ball caps to bumper stickers. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Heisley knows of the importance of his design. We must never forget those who gave their lives for our country. Mr. Heisley never felt the need to profit from the POW/MIA flag design. The image was never copyrighted and today is used by many companies and organizations. Mr. Heisley was simply glad to create a symbol that honors veterans and the sacrifices they made for our country and freedom. Mr. President, the United States has fought in many 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 the tremendous importance of their presence through the POW/MIA flag. 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, and remember the loyalty and devotion of those who served. 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 offer. Newt Heisley has inspired this remembrance and honor and I thank him, personally, for this tremendous symbol that shall endure forever.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 29, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. to conduct a Business Meeting to consider the following pending business of the Committee: S. 1905, A Bill to Compensate the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and for Other Purposes; S. 391, To Provide for the Distribution of Certain Judgment Funds to the Mississippi Sioux Tribe of Indians, and for Other Purposes; and S. 1770, To Elevate the Position of the Director of the Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services. The Business Meeting will be held in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building. Those wishing additional information should contact the Committee on Indian Affairs at 202/224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to lend my support to the amendment offered by my friend and colleague from Idaho, Senator Craig, for several reasons. The Internet presents opportunities for education, business, and governance that were unthinkable until recently. Concepts such as ``distance learning'', and ``e-commerce'' are tied to this new and little understood technology. As a Congress and as a nation, we must come to grips with this technology in a way that encourages development and at the same time provides protection from abuses for our most vulnerable citizens. So let me start out by saying that I have a healthy respect for the Internet and the possibilities it holds. Like Senator Kyl, however, I am troubled by unregulated gambling and other objectionable material or services being offered on the Internet, particularly when young children and other vulnerable people are involved. Nonetheless, as chairman of the committee on Indian affairs, I must point out that there are several objectionable provisions in the bill before us, not the least of which is that S. 474 amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in significant ways, without the benefit of committee deliberations, or the input of the many affected tribes. I firmly believe that any legislation aimed at Internet gambling should be ``technology-neutral'' and not tied to or focused on a specific technology. Given the creativity and genius of computer and high-tech individuals, such as framework would quickly become obsolete--and require new legislation. For instance, there are 30 Indian tribes operating games like ``Megabingo'' and ``satellite bingo''; dozens of tribes that operate parimutuel betting and other games that are authorized by and regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The IGRA provides that bingo games that rely on or use electronic or technological aids, are legal and are explicitly permitted by the IGRA. In addition to the jurisdictional issues raised, S. 474 would criminalize certain games that are legally played as class II games under the IGRA. When the IGRA was enacted in 1988, the position of this Congress was to ``provide maximum flexibility'' to tribes in terms of technology or in terms of conducting multi-state operations through the use of such technology. The Congress' intent included the use of technological aids for bingo and similar games ``on or off of Indian lands.'' The bill before us should provide a categorical exception for these and similar games. The bill defines ``person'' as including ``other governments'' which may be construed to include tribal governments. Together with section 4, which authorizes state attorneys general and other state officials to bring enforcement actions against Indian tribes for violations that occur on Indian lands, this provision will alter the law regarding jurisdiction in ways that I strongly oppose. This bill is a serious change in federal Indian law not seen since the enactment of ``P.L. 280'' in 1953, which conferred state jurisdiction over Indian lands without tribal consent. Section 4 is also in direct conflict with the IGRA, which provides the United States with enforcement authority over Indian gaming activities. The civil enforcement remedy granted to the states in S. 474 is unnecessary and unwarranted. Current law provides that class II gaming is regulated by the tribes and the federal government; and class III gaming is regulated pursuant to tribal-state compacts. Contrary to the assertions of many, the Indian gaming industry is subject to many layers of regulation. Federal law already establishes enforcement remedies under the IGRA. These very jurisdictional issues arose when Congress considered the IGRA. In 1987, the Supreme Court decided the Cabazon case which says that Indian tribes have the right to conduct gaming on Indian lands largely unhindered by state interference. With S. 474, we are re-opening an issue that has been settled for years. Tribes and states can and often do resolve these issues in negotiations. Tribal-State compacts, and P.L. 280, only allow state enforcement activities with the consent of the affected tribes. The IGRA established the mechanisms for tribes and states to negotiate and come to agreement on these matters and some tribes and states have freely entered negotiations to resolve these matters--in the form of state-tribal compacts. Third, this bill amends the IGRA by requiring that any persons who place or receive the wagers involved be ``physically located'' on Indian lands. As my friend from Idaho knows, there is ongoing litigation to determine the meaning of the term ``on Indian lands'' contained in the IGRA. One question that is inherent in this debate over S. 474 is determining where the ``transactions'' that will be prohibited will take place? Recognizing the complexities of Internet commerce and the tax issue, the nation's Governors recently agreed that an enlightened policy requires more information and deferred a decision regarding a ``national Internet sales tax policy''. The notion that with this or any other bill, the United States can stop the flow of electronic gambling on American modems and computers is just not realistic. For instance, the Caribbean nations of Antigua and Barbados actively promote what they call their ``on-line casinos'' to players both on the islands and to anyone off the islands with a computer. So one consequence of this bill if enacted will be the elimination of American-based Internet gaming providers to the benefit of off-shore gaming operators like our friends in the Caribbean. Will this Congress ever stop pursuing policies that send American jobs overseas? Last, let me say a few things about the ``Craig amendment'' which I believe will eliminate the conflicts between S. 474 and the Indian gaming act and will appropriately provide that those games that are currently authorized and regulated under the IGRA would remain outside the purview of this legislation. I am in favor of tribes and others being treated similarly as far as Internet gaming goes, and feel very strongly that tribes should not be singled out either for special treatment or for special scrutiny as far as the Indian Gaming Regulatory act goes. As Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, I know full well the controversy that surrounds gaming activities. I also know that the Indian gaming act represents a complex and delicate balance of competing interests--including state and tribal interests. The tribes are seeking nothing more than what is already sanctioned under federal law in the form of the IGRA. As is the case with the Coeur d'Alene tribe, there is now pending federal litigation that the Congress ought not upset in the form of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Craig amendment to provide equity and fairness to this Internet gaming legislation.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Committee on Resources will meet during open session on Wednesday, July 22, 1998, at 9 a.m. to conduct a joint hearing on S. 1770, to evaluate the Director of Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services; and H.R. 3782, Indian Trust Fund Accounts. The hearing will be held in room 106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Those wishing additional information should contact the Committee on Indian Affairs at 202/224-2251.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President. It seems that in every Congress the issue of ``death taxes'' comes before this body at some time. Each year we tinker around the edges of the issue, making adjustments here and exemptions there. But the fact is, estate and gift taxes still remain a burden on American families, particularly those who own their own businesses. Family-owned businesses are hit with the highest tax rate when they are handed down to descendants. In fact, the highest estate and gift tax rate is fifty-five percent--that's far higher than even the highest income tax rate bracket of thirty-nine percent. Estate and gift taxes right now are one of the leading reasons why family farms and small businesses are declining; the burden of the inheritance tax is just too crushing. That hardly seems fair to me. It also seems to suggest that families should spend as much money as they can while they are still alive, since whatever they have managed to save will create a huge tax burden when passed on to their descendants. That is why today I am introducing the Estate and Gift Tax Rate Reduction Act of 1998, which will gradually eliminate this tax burden. That's right, I said eliminate, not reduce. This bill will phase-out the estate and gift tax by gradually reducing the amount of the tax by five percent each year until the highest rate--55%--reaches zero. Several states have already taken the initiative and phased out this type of tax on their own. I think it's time we follow the example they have set, and eliminate them across the board. At the same time, we will be encouraging better investment, savings and retirement planning by relieving the threat of an impending tax crisis. This legislation is a companion bill to H.R. 3879, introduced by our colleague in the House, Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn. I hope my colleagues will support passage of this bill, and will join me in putting a real end to this oppressive and unfair tax. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record.