Ben Campbell

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am delighted to learn the Finance Committee adopted a provision that would allow tax exempt organizations to be eligible to maintain pensions under section 401(k). It is my understanding that tribal governments would be allowed to sponsor 401(k) plans under the budget reconciliation proposal reported by the Finance Committee. In order to ensure that I am clear that tribal governments would, in fact, be included under this provision I would like to ask the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee a question to clarify the Finance Committee's budget reconciliation proposal.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Is my understanding correct that tribal governments are eligible to sponsor 401(k) plans under the Finance Committee budget reconciliation proposal?

Mr. CAMPBELL. I note the presence of the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, Senator McCain, and ask if he would have any comments.

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank my colleague. Tax Credit for Research and Development Projects

Mr. CAMPBELL. Finally, the legislation provides that the Vega recreation facilities be transferred to the State of Colorado at a future date, which includes lands currently owned by the United States in sections 31, 32, and 33 of township 9 south, range 93 west, 6th principal meridian, and sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of township 10 south, range 93 west, 6th principal meridian. Does the transfer of these facilities to the State include any of Collbran project facilities, and does the transfer of the project provide the districts with any land that could be sold in the future for residential development?

Mr. CAMPBELL. I would also like to confirm my understanding that the transfer renders moot the pending litigation by the Department of Justice regarding water rights for Vega Reservoir.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this bill includes a measure directing the sale and transfer of the federally owned Collbran Project, located near Grand Junction, Colorado. The provision is similar to S. 1109, which I introduced earlier this year with Senator Brown. Since the introduction of this legislation I have worked with the citizens of the Plateau Valley, with Mesa county officials, with various departments of the State of Colorado, and with the local and national staff of the Federal Reclamation, Forest Service, and BLM. In that process I have agreed to make dozens of changes to the bill; however, at the request of my colleagues on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee I will not take up the Senate's time and will instead have the changes made during conference on the budget bill. I do want to take a moment to describe the changes to the Collbran bill that I intend to make in conference. From the start I have wanted to make sure the bill protects the longstanding commitment to provide top quality public recreation at Vega Reservoir. I have worked with the State to make sure that the Federal commitment to make major improvements at Vega is retained, and to provide for State ownership of the recreation facilities and open space at the reservoir. The Forest Service and BLM wanted to make sure the bill would not affect recreation or any other multiple use of the national forest, and the agencies also wanted to avoid the creation of private inholdings within the Federal lands. In response, the bill will provide for easements to the water facilities, and provide a specific role for the Forest Service in preparing the annual operating plan for the project. The State asked, and I have agreed, that money contributed by the districts toward the recovery of endangered fish be spent on recovery efforts in Colorado. Many folks in the Plateau Valley have raised a concern with me that there will be insufficient opportunity for the public to be involved with the operation of the project. I understand this concern, it is legitimate, and I have tried to address it in various ways. The issue is ``To what extent will the Ute and Collbran Water Conservancy Districts be publicly accountable in their operation of this Federal water project?'' First, the bill states that ``the power component and facilities of the project shall be operated in substantial conformity with the historic operations of the power component and facilities.'' That will be the law. The language is plain. Second, the bill requires annual reporting to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture as to the operating plan for the project in the coming year. The purpose of this provision is for full public disclosure of annual operations. I will amend that provision to increase accountability by requiring full consultation with the Mesa County Commissioners and with the Forest Service in preparation of the annual operating plan. This will allow the public to raise issues through the Commissioners and through the Forest Service and get action on those issues through the annual planning process. Part of the concern that has been raised involves the extent to which the bill can affect the disposition of water between the Plateau Valley and the Grand Valley, and this is an issue on which I have broadly consulted with state officials and water lawyers. There are several reasons that federal legislation on this point would be unworkable. [[Page S 16060]] First, all changes in water use are subject to state water law and are adjudicated through the state water court process. The water court is charged with protecting the interests of all associated water users when a change in use is considered or requested. Second, the holding of a water right is a private property right and one in which I frankly would oppose Federal interference. And third, the Ute and Collbran Water Conservation Districts are publicly accountable organizations created in accordance with Colorado law. Colorado Law includes a number of provisions providing for public accountability, including the ability to elect board members. It would be inappropriate for the Congress to interfere with that structure. I will, however, amend my bill to prohibit any out of state transaction involving water from this project. I have appreciated the willingness of citizens and agency staff to work with me on the development of this legislation. I am open minded about making further changes to the bill, in addition to the many that have already been made. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. CAMPBELL. The transfer of the Collbran project is based on the requirement that the water and power resources produced by the project will continue to be used for the purposes for which the project was authorized for a period of 40 years from the date of enactment of the legislation. This requirement ensures that the transfer will not cause any significant change in project operations or distribution of benefits, and obviates any need for any further study or review of the transfer. However, some have sought assurance that the legislation does not interfere with the district's ability to negotiate a contract with preference power customers in the Salt Lake City Area Integrated projects office of WAPA or their designee for operation and maintenance of the power features of the Collbran project.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the October 26, 1995, hearing which had been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to receive testimony on S. 231, a bill to modify the boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona; H.R. 562, a bill to modify the boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona; S. 342, a bill to establish the Cache La Poudre River National Water Heritage area in the State of Colorado; S. 364, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the operation of certain visitor facilities associated with, but outside the boundaries of, Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado; S. 489, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an appropriate form of agreement with the town of Grand Lake, CO, authorizing the town to maintain permanently a cemetery in the Rocky Mountain National Park; and S. 608, a bill to establish the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park in New Bedford, MA, has been postponed. The hearing will now take place on Thursday, November 9, 1995, at 2 p.m. in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. H.R. 629, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the operation of certain visitor facilities associated with, but outside the boundaries of, Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado has been added to the hearing agenda. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, 364 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact Jim O'Toole of the subcommittee staff at (202) 224-5161.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I introduce the National Physical Fitness and Sports Foundation Act. This legislation serves the growing need of the President's Council on Physical Fitness to expand and become more self-sufficient. Mr. President, the foundation created by this bill simply allows the Council to expand its scope and activities without burdening the Federal Government with this expense. As it stands today, the President's Council operates under a severely limited budget. This legislation will empower the Council to become more self-reliant, and less dependent on Federal funding, by creating opportunities to generate and solicit independent sources of funding for the organization. At a time where we are operating under fiscal restraints, I want to assure my colleagues that this bill does not create a quasi-federal agency to add to the already burdensome system. The foundation created by this bill will be established in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services. It would be a nonprofit, private corporation that would encourage the participation by, and support of private organizations for the activities of the Council. For my colleagues that may not be familiar with the Council, I would like to provide some background on its mission and intent. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was originally established by President Eisenhower in 1956 to promote physical fitness for our Nation's youth. Since that time, the Council has undergone significant changes, expanding its services to include opportunities with physical fitness, sports, and sports medicine for people of all ages. Today, the Council serves an important role with other national physical fitness and sports organizations and several [[Page S 15039]] Federal agencies, collaborating on important issues and campaigns to improve the health of the citizens of this country. The President's Council on Physical Fitness is of personal interest to me. As many of my colleagues know, sports, specifically judo, played a critical role in my life. I was hardly a role model as a young man; I hung out with a tough crowd and got into plenty of trouble. The discipline and commitment that judo taught me, literally turned my life around. After many years of dedicated training, I was honored with a gold medal in the 1963 Pan Am Games for judo, and then was selected a year later as captain of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Judo Team. I personally know what a difference sports can make in a person's life. That is why I am encouraging any and all efforts to promote sports and physical fitness in our country. The Council is the only Federal office that is solely devoted to programs involving physical activity, fitness, and sports. Because of the invaluable role these activities play in the lives of nearly all Americans, it is critical that we support this organization in its vital efforts to continue to promote high standards of health and fitness for the citizens of this Country. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I introduce the National Physical Fitness and Sports Foundation Act. This legislation serves the growing need of the President's Council on Physical Fitness to expand and become more self-sufficient. Mr. President, the foundation created by this bill simply allows the Council to expand its scope and activities without burdening the Federal Government with this expense. As it stands today, the President's Council operates under a severely limited budget. This legislation will empower the Council to become more self-reliant, and less dependent on Federal funding, by creating opportunities to generate and solicit independent sources of funding for the organization. At a time where we are operating under fiscal restraints, I want to assure my colleagues that this bill does not create a quasi-federal agency to add to the already burdensome system. The foundation created by this bill will be established in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services. It would be a nonprofit, private corporation that would encourage the participation by, and support of private organizations for the activities of the Council. For my colleagues that may not be familiar with the Council, I would like to provide some background on its mission and intent. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was originally established by President Eisenhower in 1956 to promote physical fitness for our Nation's youth. Since that time, the Council has undergone significant changes, expanding its services to include opportunities with physical fitness, sports, and sports medicine for people of all ages. Today, the Council serves an important role with other national physical fitness and sports organizations and several [[Page S 15039]] Federal agencies, collaborating on important issues and campaigns to improve the health of the citizens of this country. The President's Council on Physical Fitness is of personal interest to me. As many of my colleagues know, sports, specifically judo, played a critical role in my life. I was hardly a role model as a young man; I hung out with a tough crowd and got into plenty of trouble. The discipline and commitment that judo taught me, literally turned my life around. After many years of dedicated training, I was honored with a gold medal in the 1963 Pan Am Games for judo, and then was selected a year later as captain of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Judo Team. I personally know what a difference sports can make in a person's life. That is why I am encouraging any and all efforts to promote sports and physical fitness in our country. The Council is the only Federal office that is solely devoted to programs involving physical activity, fitness, and sports. Because of the invaluable role these activities play in the lives of nearly all Americans, it is critical that we support this organization in its vital efforts to continue to promote high standards of health and fitness for the citizens of this Country. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today, I introduce a bill that will statutorily permit tribal governments, and enterprises owned by tribal governments, to offer salary reduction pension plans to their employees under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under current law, tribal governments are not allowed to offer tax deferred, salary reduction pension plans because tax exempt organization are generally prohibited from doing so. Further exacerbating the dilemma confronting tribal governments is the fact that they are not eligible to participate in other tax deferred, salary reduction pension plans. For example, since 1982 a dozen or more Indian tribal governments have adopted section 403(b) salary reduction pension arrangements only to have the Internal Revenue Service determine these arrangements are not properly qualified. In addition, Indian tribal governments are not eligible to offer section 457 salary reduction pension arrangements because they are not ``eligible employers'', as defined in section 457. It is apparent that Indian tribal governments seem to be one of only a few categories of employers who do not have these kinds of pension arrangements available to them. I believe that Indian tribal governments, like most all employers, should have opportunity to offer competitive salary reduction pension arrangements, such as a 401(k). Mr. President, the 401(k) plan was formally authorized in 1978 as a salary reduction arrangement for employees of profit making firms. The authority was subsequently expanded to tax exempt organization and State and local government. In 1986, however, State and local governments and nonprofit organizations, including Indian tribes, were prohibited from offering 401(k)'s. At this time, only rural electric cooperatives are exempted from the prohibition. Mr. President, this bill simply adds Indian tribal governments to the list of qualified offerors. A 401(k) plan permits employees to elect a contribution of part of their wages on a tax-deferred basis to a plan that may offer several investment options. Employers usually make contributions, which are also tax-deferred. In the same way, investment earnings are also tax deferred. This means that taxes aren't paid on the amount saved until it is withdrawn, thereby earning greater interest. Essentially, this expands the amount of money invested, and allows participants to put more money to work for them. Without question, Indian tribal governments should be allowed to offer some kind of tax deferred salary reduction plan. Almost all sectors of society, including the Federal Government, Congress, State and local governments, and private employees are allowed to enroll in salary reduction pension plans. In 1990, according to Department of Labor statistics, about 19.5 million Americans were enrolled in 401(k) plans. Tribal governments should be allowed to offer 401(k) pension plans because they will give tribal employees an incentive to save money for retirement. It's no secret that Indian tribes have a history of economic hardship. Under this plan, workers who otherwise might not save money, and workers who otherwise might not be offered a pension plan, will be allowed to participate. In addition, the portability of benefits will encourage tribal employees to enroll in pension plans. If an employee terminates employment with the tribe, that person is allowed to put the accumulated savings into an individual retirement account [IRA]. A 401(k) plan also must be offered to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis, ensuring that both higher and lower wage employees must be able to access pension benefits. As tribal governments are successful in their business ventures, it is critically important that tribal employees are encouraged to save money for retirement. In the past, only a few tribal governments had the resources to offer employees salary reduction pension plans. Today, however, with the growth of tribal enterprises, there is more money to invest in the future and there are more tribal employees. In my home State, the largest employer in Montezuma County is now the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. It's time that Congress recognize the economic gains being made by tribes and to allow them to offer [[Page S 15041]] these broad based, elective deferral arrangements for their employees. There is danger that if Congress fails to act now, tribes will mistakenly offer their employees 401(k) pension plans. Current law is confusing, leading some tribes to think that they are already qualified to offer 401(k) plans. Investment companies are trying to sell 401(k) pension plans to tribes, even though it's not legal. Unfortunately, we know from the past that this can lead to the loss of tribal funds. This proposal explicitly allows tribal governments to offer these plans, thereby clearing up any confusion. Recognizing the advantages of section 401(k) salary reduction pension arrangements, the House Ways and Means Committee included in its budget reconciliation mark a provision to again expand the authority to a broader range of organizations that include nonprofit organizations and State and local governments. Mr. President, it is my hope that in the coming days this proposal will be favorably considered by my colleagues on the Finance Committee. In closing I would ask unanimous consent that a revenue estimate from the Joint Tax Committee also be included in the Record to accompany the text of the bill.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today, I introduce a bill that will statutorily permit tribal governments, and enterprises owned by tribal governments, to offer salary reduction pension plans to their employees under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under current law, tribal governments are not allowed to offer tax deferred, salary reduction pension plans because tax exempt organization are generally prohibited from doing so. Further exacerbating the dilemma confronting tribal governments is the fact that they are not eligible to participate in other tax deferred, salary reduction pension plans. For example, since 1982 a dozen or more Indian tribal governments have adopted section 403(b) salary reduction pension arrangements only to have the Internal Revenue Service determine these arrangements are not properly qualified. In addition, Indian tribal governments are not eligible to offer section 457 salary reduction pension arrangements because they are not ``eligible employers'', as defined in section 457. It is apparent that Indian tribal governments seem to be one of only a few categories of employers who do not have these kinds of pension arrangements available to them. I believe that Indian tribal governments, like most all employers, should have opportunity to offer competitive salary reduction pension arrangements, such as a 401(k). Mr. President, the 401(k) plan was formally authorized in 1978 as a salary reduction arrangement for employees of profit making firms. The authority was subsequently expanded to tax exempt organization and State and local government. In 1986, however, State and local governments and nonprofit organizations, including Indian tribes, were prohibited from offering 401(k)'s. At this time, only rural electric cooperatives are exempted from the prohibition. Mr. President, this bill simply adds Indian tribal governments to the list of qualified offerors. A 401(k) plan permits employees to elect a contribution of part of their wages on a tax-deferred basis to a plan that may offer several investment options. Employers usually make contributions, which are also tax-deferred. In the same way, investment earnings are also tax deferred. This means that taxes aren't paid on the amount saved until it is withdrawn, thereby earning greater interest. Essentially, this expands the amount of money invested, and allows participants to put more money to work for them. Without question, Indian tribal governments should be allowed to offer some kind of tax deferred salary reduction plan. Almost all sectors of society, including the Federal Government, Congress, State and local governments, and private employees are allowed to enroll in salary reduction pension plans. In 1990, according to Department of Labor statistics, about 19.5 million Americans were enrolled in 401(k) plans. Tribal governments should be allowed to offer 401(k) pension plans because they will give tribal employees an incentive to save money for retirement. It's no secret that Indian tribes have a history of economic hardship. Under this plan, workers who otherwise might not save money, and workers who otherwise might not be offered a pension plan, will be allowed to participate. In addition, the portability of benefits will encourage tribal employees to enroll in pension plans. If an employee terminates employment with the tribe, that person is allowed to put the accumulated savings into an individual retirement account [IRA]. A 401(k) plan also must be offered to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis, ensuring that both higher and lower wage employees must be able to access pension benefits. As tribal governments are successful in their business ventures, it is critically important that tribal employees are encouraged to save money for retirement. In the past, only a few tribal governments had the resources to offer employees salary reduction pension plans. Today, however, with the growth of tribal enterprises, there is more money to invest in the future and there are more tribal employees. In my home State, the largest employer in Montezuma County is now the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. It's time that Congress recognize the economic gains being made by tribes and to allow them to offer [[Page S 15041]] these broad based, elective deferral arrangements for their employees. There is danger that if Congress fails to act now, tribes will mistakenly offer their employees 401(k) pension plans. Current law is confusing, leading some tribes to think that they are already qualified to offer 401(k) plans. Investment companies are trying to sell 401(k) pension plans to tribes, even though it's not legal. Unfortunately, we know from the past that this can lead to the loss of tribal funds. This proposal explicitly allows tribal governments to offer these plans, thereby clearing up any confusion. Recognizing the advantages of section 401(k) salary reduction pension arrangements, the House Ways and Means Committee included in its budget reconciliation mark a provision to again expand the authority to a broader range of organizations that include nonprofit organizations and State and local governments. Mr. President, it is my hope that in the coming days this proposal will be favorably considered by my colleagues on the Finance Committee. In closing I would ask unanimous consent that a revenue estimate from the Joint Tax Committee also be included in the Record to accompany the text of the bill.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce an addition to the hearing scheduled before the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [[Page S 14942]] on Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 2 p.m., in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. In addition to the other measures noted in the original hearing notice on September 29, 1995, the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will also receive testimony on H.R. 562, a bill to modify the boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona. For further information, please contact Jim O'Toole of the committee staff at (202) 224-5161.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, there will be much discussion today about estimates of money, but very little about who stands to make it. Of course we are all interested in supporting actions that will aid the National Treasury. However, with regard to this amendment, as the Congressional Budget Office has pointed out, the Federal Communications Commission can hold auctions for the licenses in question, and as I understand it, is already considering a proposal that would raise even more money than we are currently considering in this amendment without any legislative intervention on our part. However, it should be noted in this debate that one of the supporting groups will definitely gain from the passage of this amendment. The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, the NRTC, which has loudly supported this amendment, has very good reason to do so. The NRTC has an exclusive contract in many rural areas to market the DBS service of General Motors' direct TV. So any delay in introducing significant high-power DBS competition will benefit the NRTC's exclusive sales deal. I do not criticize the NRTC for having such a deal, but I think it is important to know as we discuss this amendment and note who is supporting it, that the NRTC is far from a disinterested party. In fact, the delays that this amendment will create in the ability of any major competitor to challenge the dominance of direct TV works directly in favor of those such as the NRTC who retain monopoly sales rights in rural America. This is a far more complex subject than we are even aware. The implications of what this amendment would do are unknown. There have been no hearings. The expert agency is already considering the issues involved. It already has the authority to both do what is right and assure maximum benefit for the value of the licenses. It is bad public policy for this body to step in and interfere with the adjudicatory process of an agency when we don't even know who the parties are in the dispute. That is why the bipartisan leadership of the Commerce Committee opposes this amendment and why my colleagues should also oppose it. The modification of this amendment as offered by the Senator from Arizona [Mr. McCain], seems to resolve our disagreement and heartily support this compromise.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the public that a hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The hearing will take place on Thursday, October 26, 1995 at 2 p.m. in room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of this hearing is to review S. 231, a bill to modify the boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona; S. 342, a bill to establish the Cache La Poudre River National Water Heritage Area in the State of Colorado; S. 364, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the operation associated with, but outside the boundaries of, Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado; S. 489, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an appropriate form of agreement with the town of Grand Lake, CO, authorizing the town to maintain permanently a cemetery in the Rocky Mountain National Park; and S. 608, a bill to establish the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford, MA. Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written testimony for the hearing record should send two copies of their testimony to the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, 364 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6150. For further information, please contact Jim O'Toole of the subcommittee staff at 202-224-5161.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, in August, Gov. Roy Romer of Colorado proclaimed October 22 to 29 ``World Population Awareness Week'' for the State of Colorado. I would like to express my support for this proclamation, and for population awareness activities. I support noncoercive international family planning programs as much as possible, given budget constraints. Other countries need our support to control population growth and raise standards of living. Family planning programs help control population growth in overcrowded nations, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and decrease the rates of starvation and poverty. These developments in turn help lower pressures on inadequate, severely stressed health services in many countries. By promoting long-term, sustainable economic and human growth, I believe family planning programs serve U.S. interests in environmental protection, resource conservation, global economic growth, immigration, and international stability. World Population Awareness Week will help promote public awareness of the causes and costs of overpopulation, and effective policies to reduce population growth voluntarily and rationally. Mr. President, I ask that Governor Romer's proclamation be printed in the Record. The proclamation follows: Honorary Proclamation Whereas, the world's population has reached 5.7 billion and is growing at a reported rate of 100 million each year; and Whereas, rapid population growth can overtake the capacity of human societies to provide food, housing, education, employment and basic health services and may undermine economic development as well as social, cultural and political stability; and Whereas, population growth can place strains on the environment and our natural resources; and Whereas, many groups will recognize October 22-29, 1995, as World Population Week to increase public awareness of what many view as a need to find a balance between population development and the natural environment; Now, therefore, I, Roy Romer, Governor of Colorado, proclaim October 22-29, 1995, as World Population Awareness Week in the State of Colorado.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, too often the only thing we hear about the youth of our country is that they do not care about anything but themselves. A tiny little school of 348 kids in the San Luis Valley of Colorado proves that statement is untrue. Friday, September 15, is their homecoming and the students of Sierra Grande Schools have chosen to celebrate their citizenship of this country by having the theme: ``Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.'' The Panthers of Sierra Grande will have their football and volleyball games--hopefully being victorious-- but the big moment of the day will not be the games or dance or bonfire or crowning of the royalty, it will be when the school dedicates a 65-foot flag pole and a 20 by 30 foot garrison flag trumpeting the allegiance to this great country of this school and the communities of Fort Garland and Blanca that it represents. With the 14,000 foot Mount Blanca in the background, the flag will be a reminder to all who pass the school that patriotism and pride in our country is alive and well in the San Luis Valley. After the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the raising of the flag, a group of four Colorado Air National Guard jets will fly over the field breaking the silence of our memory of the POWs and MIAs who gave precious life that the students might receive and enjoy the gift of democracy. The students of Sierra Grande are to be congratulated for their reminder that there are still those who cherish the ideals of freedom and democratic choice.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to thank my Colorado colleague, Senator Brown, for proposing this amendment of which I am a cosponsor. The city of Pueblo faces a dual burden from the chemical weapons stockpile at the Pueblo Depot. First, Pueblo's citizens must cope with a controversial and complicated chemical demilitarization effort. Second, as the depot was realigned in 1988, Pueblo must deal with finding ways to profitably reuse excess facilities. Unfortunately, despite years of effort by the depot's reuse commission, the reuse process is still blocked. People like Mel Takaki, Chuck Finley, and many others worked hard to find users who would be willing to pay for space at the depot's buildings, and they have some takers. They still cannot come to a satisfactory agreement with the Army on leasing the depot's facilities--it seems mostly because of uncertainty about the needs of the demilitarization process. There are not many communities that face this type of situation. There are only eight chemical weapons stockpile sties in the United States. All this amendment does is require the Defense Secretary to let us know that he understands the unique problems faced by Pueblo and other communities in the vicinity of chemical weapons stockpile sites. For those sites that, like Pueblo, also involve closed or realigned military installations, the Secretary would also give citizens in those communities some ideas on how to move forward with reusing those facilities. This is a simple amendment, and it should not require much work at the Defense Department, but it will go a long way toward addressing issues that concern citizens living near stockpile facilities. I hope that the Senate and the conferees will accept this amendment.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to make a few observations on the amendment offered by my colleagues on the Committee on Indian Affairs. I strongly support this amendment because it seeks to restore funds that go directly to tribal governments for basic, necessary governmental functions, such as public safety and law enforcement, education, human services, and community development each vital elements of any government, whether it is a State, local, or tribal government. I appreciate the work of the distinguished chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee. I know they have tried to craft a spending bill that equitably distributes the reductions taken as a result of an overall reduction of nearly 11 percent from fiscal year 1995 levels. Howeer, I remain greatly concerned with the reductions reported by the committee for those programs administered through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. H.R. 1977, as reported by the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, reduces spending for BIA administered programs by approximately $255 million from fiscal year 1995 enacted levels, and $207 million below the level passed by the House earlier last month. While the committee report indicates that every effort was made to limit reductions for Indian-related programs, I would respectfully ask my colleagues to take a closer look at overall spending for each of the major spending categories for Indian programs. Depending on how one reads the numbers, one could come to the conclusion that Indian programs are reduced by a modest 8 percent. While this may be the case if you add in all Indian-related categories such as the Indian Health Service, Indian Education, and others, it is also true that programs administered through the Bureau of Indian Affairs will suffer a reduction of nearly 38 percent in fiscal year 1996. Further, and most importantly, Mr. President, is the fact that these reductions will immediately, and most definitely have hurtful impacts on many Indian people and Indian communities. Unlike the proposed reductions to the other Interior agencies such as: the National Endowment for the Arts, 33 percent; the National Endowment for the Humanities, 33 percent; and the Institute for Museum Services, 27 percent. Cuts in these programs, I suspect, will not force people to go hungry, lose their homes, or reduce an already depressed standard of living. Mr. President, I need not remind my colleagues of the living conditions that exist on many Indian reservations and in many Indian communities, nor do I need to remind my colleagues of the history of Indian people on this continent and the unique relationship that has evolved between Indian tribes, the Congress, and the Federal Government. We, as Members of Congress, have a compelling trust responsibility to Indian people, the origins of which are grounded in the Constitution and through treaties, agreements, and Executive orders that were negotiated with individual Indian tribal nations. Because Congress and the executive branch have, for many years, endorsed the concept of tribal self-determination, and tribal self- governance, efforts have been made so that tribal governments are empowered to administer a greater number of Federal programs with the flexibility to determine how best to serve their local communities. While the Federal Government speaks of ``self-determination'', our actions--such as these cuts--continue to force dependency. In keeping with the concept of empowering our local communities, the amendment before us today seeks to restore $200 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs ``Tribal Priority Allocation'' line item. These funds go directly to Indian tribes for the operation of all tribal governmental programs and are not funds that are siphoned off by the operation and administration overhead costs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to the committee report, ``Tribal Priority Allocations'' are proposed to be reduced by nearly $343 million from budget estimate levels. Again, what causes me great concern is that the proposed reductions are not to construction programs or economic development programs, but to funding that goes directly to local Indian communities. Like all Members of this body, I am well aware of our current budgetary constraints and the necessity for each of us to step up and make sacrifices, however, I believe we should do so in the framework of the budget resolution this Congress adopted earlier this year, Senate Concurrent Resolution 13. In that resolution the Senate directives in all spending categories that provide a direction of where we need to reduce spending in order to reach a balanced budget by the year 2002. In function 300, the category for natural resources and environment, there were several recommendations that were made with respect to agencies of the Department of the Interior. One recommendation assumes a 10-percent reduction in the operating budgets of the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. In addition, the committee recommendation assumes the devolution of the National Biological Survey. While that would also have negative impacts in my home State, that cut is preferable to forcing real people into even deeper poverty and deprivation. Further, the bill as passed out of the House recognizes the need to trim the Federal bureaucracy. That is reflected through reduced spending for the various land management agencies. I support those principles. I tend to believe that in order to maximize the taxpayer dollar, we should not continue to feed the Federal bureaucracy, but should promote funding that will go directly to local communities, in this instance, Indian communities. As debate continues on this amendment, I would ask my colleagues to give their strong support for this amendment. Supporting this proposal is to further empower local communities to maximize taxpayer dollars and to reduce spending on Federal bureaucracy. It is also the right and moral thing to do. I thank the Chair.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the public that a joint oversight field hearing has been scheduled before the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation and Recreation and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands of the House Committee on Resources. The hearing will take place Friday, August 18, 1995, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at approximately 3 p.m., in the gymnasium of International Falls High School in International Falls, MN. The purpose of this hearing is to review access and management issues at Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. [[Page S 11941]] The subcommittees will invite witnesses representing a cross-section of views and organizations to testify at the hearing. Witnesses invited to testify are requested to submit one copy of their testimony by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 1995, to the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands, House Committee on Resources, 812 Tip O'Neill House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, facsimile (202) 226-2301. In addition, witnesses are requested to bring 75 copies of their testimony with them to the hearing. Statements will also be accepted for inclusion in the hearing record. Those wishing to submit written testimony should send two copies of their testimony to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands, House Committee on Resources, 812 Tip O'Neill House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. For further information, please call Jim O'Toole of the Senate subcommittee staff at (202) 224-5161.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to complete a report on the effect of the closure of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center on gulf war veterans and their families who suffer from health problems associated with Persian Gulf syndrome. That report must also tell Congress how the Defense Department and the Army plan to provide effective testing and treatment of those people. Mr. President, last summer I held a field hearing out in Colorado on the subject of gulf war illnesses. That experience proved to me that the Persian Gulf syndrome is real and serious. Veterans complained of respiratory illnesses, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue, as well as a series of psychological symptoms. One family I know in Colorado watched their son go from a robust, strong, and vigorous young man to a thin, weak, and depressed gulf war vet as a result of unexplained health problems stemming from his Persian Gulf service. Many of these vets, and their families, relied on Fitzsimons for testing and treatment. Fitzsimons is 1 of 15 regional medical centers for conducting evaluations of Persian Gulf war illnesses. Last October, Fitzsimons opened the Persian Gulf War Service Center to diagnose and treat gulf war vets. In addition, Fitzsimons set up a Persian Gulf war hotline to get information and make appointments. It is hard to underestimate the importance of Fitzsimons to the regional effort in support of gulf war vets. Fitzsimons provides initial evaluations for vets in its immediate area, as well as assisted other medical facilities that could not handle the extra workload. Fitzsimons is responsible for all gulf war cases that require more extensive evaluations and treatment. Fitzsimons organizes quarterly regional conferences on Persian Gulf war illness issues. The Fitzsimons hotline continues to generate three or four new referrals every day. We are going to lose all those services when Fitzsimons closes. I say when it closes, because I am sure that Congress will vote to accept the BRAC recommendations, with or without my support. I want to make sure that the Defense Department and the Army do not ignore these gulf war vets, and do not try to sweep their health problems under the rug. Congress needs to know the DOD's plans to care for these people, and that is why I proposed this amendment. I appreciate the help from my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee on both sides of the aisle, and I thank them for agreeing to accept this amendment.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank the distinguished Senator from Alabama for his consideration and I yield the floor. ``guns for felons''

Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank the Senator. As the Senator may recall, the House report on the Treasury/Postal appropriations bill notes that committee's concerns about the failure of the Postal Service to complete the planning and the construction on the new post office in Breckenridge, CO. The planning stage was originally to be finished in fiscal year 1995 so that the new post office could be completed in fiscal year 1996. This issue was not addressed in the Senate report. Breckenridge, CO, is not being adequately served by the Postal Service at this time because of the need for better facilities. I would ask the Senator from Alabama, then, if he would work with me to encourage the conferees to adopt the House's comments on the building of the Breckenridge Post Office in the conference committee report.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Would the Senator from Alabama yield a few moments at this time to enter into a brief colloquy?