Susan Collins

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, along with my colleague, the senior Senator from Maine, I am pleased today to introduce legislation that would bring about the release of certain interests of the United States in property that the Federal Government conveyed to the State of Maine more than 90 years ago. The property in question, which is situated on a bluff overlooking the Kennebec River in Augusta, Maine, is known as the Kennebec Arsenal. In 1905, the Secretary of the Army, acting pursuant to a Congressional mandate, executed a deed transferring the property to Maine. That conveyance was subject to the conditions that the property be used for what was then called the Maine Insane Hospital and that the United States could take possession should the President determine that the country had a need for it. In 1980, Congress provided that the first condition be broadened to allow the property to be used for any public purpose. Today, I seek to complete the transfer process through legislation that would effectively eliminate the conditions attached to the conveyance. Mr. President, the property is no longer needed for it former purposes, and my bill would set in motion a chain of events that would allow for new uses that would benefit not only the City of Augusta and the State of Maine but our entire country. With the exception of the Kennebec Arsenal, virtually all of the great arsenals of the nineteenth century have been demolished or so completely altered that their original appearance has been lost. The new uses contemplated by Maine would raise money needed for repairs that would maintain what historic preservation experts have described as the most perfectly intact of the nineteenth century arsenals. To be more specific, the State of Maine and City of Augusta plan to form a nonprofit corporation to oversee the property. That corporation would seek out private parties interested in using the land and buildings for such purposes as a marina, a museum, and a restaurant. Those parties would provide the capital for infrastructure development that would likely include sidewalks, streets, water, sewer and other utility service, and landscaping. In addition, the Arsenal's retaining wall needs repair, and a marina cannot be established without substantial dredging of the river. The objective of my bill is to open the way for these improvements and new uses by eliminating any reversionary interests of the United States. The existence of such interests is a barrier to the private sector making the long-term commitments required to fund the improvements. In other words, Maine needs clear title for this plan to go forward. Mr. President, the Kennebec Arsenal occupies an important place in the history of Maine and the nation. It was established in 1827 to deal with the threat of invasion from Great Britain, either from across the sea or from Canada to the north. The possibility of such an invasion was seen as a major threat to American security during the first half of the nineteenth century. Much of the tension with the British stemmed from our disputed border with Canada, and in the late 1830's that dispute nearly blossomed into a full-scale war. While the so-called bloodless Aroostook War proved to be more talk than action, it caused a flurry of activity at the Kennebec Arsenal, with newly fabricated munitions sent there in anticipation of full-scale fighting. Fortunately, cooler heads and the arrival of the spring planting season brought the parties to the negotiating table. During the Mexican War, rockets and fixed ammunition were manufactured at the Arsenal and shipped to the front. During the Civil War, the post became an important depot of military stores. Indeed, a fear that Confederate guerrillas based in Canada would seek to burn the Arsenal led to the stationing of extra guards there, but despite the approach late one dark night of an unidentified boat, nothing came of this concern. During the latter half of the century, the Arsenal's importance declined, and in 1901, the Army posted an order for its abandonment. That process culminated in the legislation signed by President Theodore Roosevelt providing for the transfer of the property to the State for use as a hospital to serve the mentally ill. Mr. President, I have offered this greatly abbreviated history of the Kennebec Arsenal to demonstrate the value of finding uses for the property that will guarantee its permanent preservation. That is the goal of the State of Maine and the City of Augusta, and this legislation will remove an anachronistic obstacle to the realization of that goal. I thank you, Mr. President, and I hope to have your support for this very important legislation when it comes before the Committee on Armed Services.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, along with my colleague, the senior Senator from Maine, I am pleased today to introduce legislation that would bring about the release of certain interests of the United States in property that the Federal Government conveyed to the State of Maine more than 90 years ago. The property in question, which is situated on a bluff overlooking the Kennebec River in Augusta, Maine, is known as the Kennebec Arsenal. In 1905, the Secretary of the Army, acting pursuant to a Congressional mandate, executed a deed transferring the property to Maine. That conveyance was subject to the conditions that the property be used for what was then called the Maine Insane Hospital and that the United States could take possession should the President determine that the country had a need for it. In 1980, Congress provided that the first condition be broadened to allow the property to be used for any public purpose. Today, I seek to complete the transfer process through legislation that would effectively eliminate the conditions attached to the conveyance. Mr. President, the property is no longer needed for it former purposes, and my bill would set in motion a chain of events that would allow for new uses that would benefit not only the City of Augusta and the State of Maine but our entire country. With the exception of the Kennebec Arsenal, virtually all of the great arsenals of the nineteenth century have been demolished or so completely altered that their original appearance has been lost. The new uses contemplated by Maine would raise money needed for repairs that would maintain what historic preservation experts have described as the most perfectly intact of the nineteenth century arsenals. To be more specific, the State of Maine and City of Augusta plan to form a nonprofit corporation to oversee the property. That corporation would seek out private parties interested in using the land and buildings for such purposes as a marina, a museum, and a restaurant. Those parties would provide the capital for infrastructure development that would likely include sidewalks, streets, water, sewer and other utility service, and landscaping. In addition, the Arsenal's retaining wall needs repair, and a marina cannot be established without substantial dredging of the river. The objective of my bill is to open the way for these improvements and new uses by eliminating any reversionary interests of the United States. The existence of such interests is a barrier to the private sector making the long-term commitments required to fund the improvements. In other words, Maine needs clear title for this plan to go forward. Mr. President, the Kennebec Arsenal occupies an important place in the history of Maine and the nation. It was established in 1827 to deal with the threat of invasion from Great Britain, either from across the sea or from Canada to the north. The possibility of such an invasion was seen as a major threat to American security during the first half of the nineteenth century. Much of the tension with the British stemmed from our disputed border with Canada, and in the late 1830's that dispute nearly blossomed into a full-scale war. While the so-called bloodless Aroostook War proved to be more talk than action, it caused a flurry of activity at the Kennebec Arsenal, with newly fabricated munitions sent there in anticipation of full-scale fighting. Fortunately, cooler heads and the arrival of the spring planting season brought the parties to the negotiating table. During the Mexican War, rockets and fixed ammunition were manufactured at the Arsenal and shipped to the front. During the Civil War, the post became an important depot of military stores. Indeed, a fear that Confederate guerrillas based in Canada would seek to burn the Arsenal led to the stationing of extra guards there, but despite the approach late one dark night of an unidentified boat, nothing came of this concern. During the latter half of the century, the Arsenal's importance declined, and in 1901, the Army posted an order for its abandonment. That process culminated in the legislation signed by President Theodore Roosevelt providing for the transfer of the property to the State for use as a hospital to serve the mentally ill. Mr. President, I have offered this greatly abbreviated history of the Kennebec Arsenal to demonstrate the value of finding uses for the property that will guarantee its permanent preservation. That is the goal of the State of Maine and the City of Augusta, and this legislation will remove an anachronistic obstacle to the realization of that goal. I thank you, Mr. President, and I hope to have your support for this very important legislation when it comes before the Committee on Armed Services.

Ms. COLLINS

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

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, it was Samuel Johnson who said in 1777 that the knowledge that you will be hanged in a fortnight does wonders to concentrate your mind. In 1998, former Senate Majority Leader and Maine Senator George Mitchell proved the truth of this aphorism by giving the Northern Ireland peace talks a deadline, placing upon these negotiations the equivalent, if you will, of a ``sunset'' provision that left the parties no alternative but finally to come up with a real solution. This deadline accomplished its purpose: it concentrated their minds wonderfully, and this led directly to the historic Stormont Agreement. Some years ago it scarcely seemed possible to imagine a Northern Ireland in which children could grow up without fear of sectarian violence and bloodshed. Today, however, this brighter future is not only imaginable--it is very nearly here. That Senator Mitchell should possess such statesmanship and political acumen is, of course, no surprise in my home state of Maine. Senator Micthell is greatly admired in this country for his work on behalf of Maine and on behalf of all Americans. Today, however, the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland--and peace-loving people everywhere--also owe Senator Mitchell a great debt for helping steer these talks to their successful conclusion. It is my great hope that with his statesmanship and steady hand, Senator Mitchell has now made it possible to achieve a real reconciliation in Northern Ireland--and for the Irish people to go about building their future together, in cooperation rather than in conflict. And I am very pleased that the Senate tonight will pass legislation expressing our support for the Irish peace process and the brighter future represented by the Stormont Agreement.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the information of the Senate and the public that the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, will hold a hearing on ``The Exploding Problem of Telephone Slamming In America.'' This hearing will take place on Thursday, April 23, 1998, at 9:30 a.m., in room 342 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. For further information, please contact Timothy J. Shea of the subcommittee staff at 224-3721.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the amendment offered by the Senator from Texas. There is a wonderful example of what she is talking about in Presque Isle, ME. There is an all-girl's math class. They produce wonderful results. I have been in that classroom, and the learning there is absolutely terrific. But they had to go through all sorts of regulatory hoops in order to be able to do that. They would not have to under the amendment of the Senator from Texas. I am pleased to join her in support of it. Thank you, Mr. President.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there now be a period for the transaction of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 5 minutes each.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution now remain at the desk, and when the Senate receives the House companion, all after the resolving clause be stricken, the text of S. Con. Res. 86 be inserted and the concurrent resolution be immediately agreed to. I further ask unanimous consent that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes, and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate, all without further action or debate.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the amendment offered by the Senator from Oklahoma.

Ms. COLLINS. Thank you, Mr. President. All of us agree that medically necessary patient care should never be sacrificed to the bottom line, and that medical decisionmaking should remain in the hands of medical professionals, and not in the hands of accountants. The question is, how can we best achieve that goal? Is the answer, as the Senator from Massachusetts suggests, massive new Federal regulations, mandates, and a preemption of the State's traditional role to regulate insurance? Or is the answer to trust the private-sector organizations that have made great progress in improving the quality of health care plans? Or is, perhaps, the answer somewhere in between? Is the answer carefully crafted, minimal Federal legislation that supports the efforts in the private sector? The reason this issue is so important is because we don't want to take a misguided step in the name of improving quality and end up making health insurance unaffordable for millions of Americans. The Lewin Group recently released an important study that deserves the attention of all of our colleagues. It estimates that every 1 percent increase in private insurance premiums results in an additional 400,000 Americans who become uninsured. A 1 percent increase in costs brings 400,000 additional uninsured Americans. Health insurance rates are already projected to increase by more than 5 percent in 1998. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reported earlier this week that California's largest HMO was seeking an 11 percent increase in some rates. Therefore, we face an extremely delicate balancing act as we attempt to respond to concerns about quality without resorting to unduly burdensome Federal Government controls and mandates that will further drive up the cost of insurance and reduce access. Furthermore, we want to make certain that our efforts actually improve the quality of health care and not simply increase the amount of Federal regulation. Under the leadership of the Senator from Oklahoma, I serve on the Republican health quality task force. We recently heard from the director of the Mayo Clinic, who voiced their own reservations about the Federal Government's ability to regulate quality. To quote Dr. Bob Waller: Quality is a continuous process that must be woven into the fabric of how we think, act and feel. Government regulation places a stake in the ground that freezes in place a quality standard that may become obsolete very quickly. The Government simply cannot react quickly to the changing quality environment. The goal of quality is to continuously improve patient care--not to achieve some defined regulatory objective. Congress, in its haste to do good, should take care not to violate the first principle of medicine, which is, ``first of all, do no harm.'' Congress should not be acting precipitously, but rather should engage in a thoughtful and thorough debate on how best to ensure that Americans continue to enjoy the highest quality health care in the world. The amendment offered by the assistant majority leader adopts a reasoned, balanced approach to improving health care quality. All of us should be able to agree, as the amendment states, that Congress should not do anything to make health insurance unaffordable for working families and to increase the number of uninsured Americans.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. As in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the injunction of secrecy be removed from the following treaty transmitted to the Senate on April 2, 1998, by the President of the United States: Treaty with Israel on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Treaty Document No. 105-40. I further ask unanimous consent that the treaty be considered as having been read for the first time; that it be referred, with accompanying papers, to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed; and that the President's message be printed in the Record.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until 10 a.m. on Friday, April 3, and immediately following the prayer, the routine requests through the morning hour be granted, and that the Senate begin a period for the transaction of morning business until the hour of 12 noon, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the following exceptions: Senator DeWine for 1 hour, and Senator Daschle for 1 hour.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. 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.

Ms. COLLINS

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

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. COLLINS. I am happy to yield.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, tomorrow the Senate will be in a period for morning business from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. It is hoped that at 12 noon the Senate will be able to proceed to the consideration of Senate bill 414, the international shipping bill. In addition, the Senate may consider any executive or legislative business cleared for Senate action. As previously announced, there will be no rollcall votes during tomorrow's session. When the Senate reconvenes following the Easter holidays, the Senate will resume consideration of the Coverdell A+ Education Act. Also, as announced, the next rollcall votes will occur on that legislation on Tuesday, April 21, at a time to be announced by the majority leader.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements related to the resolution appear at this point in the Record.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate resolution 208, submitted earlier today by Senator Lott.

Ms. COLLINS

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be deemed read a third time and passed, that the title amendment be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the bill appear at this point in the Record.

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be agreed to.

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Ms. COLLINS. Senator Roth has a substitute amendment at desk and I ask for its consideration.

Ms. COLLINS. I ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3130, and, further, that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.