Lincoln Chafee

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined today by Senators Graham, Lincoln, Torricelli, and Kohl in introducing the Child Support Fairness and Tax Refund Interception Act of 2001. The Child Support Fairness and Tax Refund Interception Act of 2001 closes a loophole in current federal statute by expanding the eligibility of one of the most effective means of enforcing child support orders, that of intercepting the federal tax refunds of parents who are delinquent in paying their court-ordered financial support for their children. Under current law, eligibility for the federal tax refund offset program is limited to cases involving minors, parents on public assistance, or adult children who are disabled. Custodial parents of adult, non-disabled children are not assisted under the IRS tax refund intercept program, and in many cases, they must work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. Some of these parents have gone into debt to put their college-age children through school. The legislation we are introducing today will address this inequity by expanding the eligibility of the federal tax refund offset program to cover parents of all children, regardless of whether the child is disabled or a minor. This legislation will not create a cause of action for a custodial parent to seek additional child support. In will merely assist the custodial parent in removing debt that is owed for a level of child support that was determined by a court. Improving our child support enforcement programs is an issue that should be of concern to us all as it remains a serious problem in the United States. According to the most recent government statistics, there are approximately twelve million active cases in which a child support order requires a noncustodial parent to contribute to the support of his or her child. Of the $22 billion owed in 1999, only $12 billion has been collected. In 1998, only 23 percent of children entitled to child support through our public system received some form of payment, despite federal and state efforts. Similar shortfalls in previous years bring the combined delinquency total to approximately $47 billion. We can fix this injustice in our federal tax refund offset program by helping some of our most needy constituents receive the financial assistance they are owed. While previous administrations have been somewhat successful in using tax refunds as a tool to collect child support payments, more needs to be done. The IRS tax refund interception program has only collected one-third of tardy child support payments. The Child Support Fairness and Tax Refund Interception Act of 2001 will remove the current barrier to fulfilling an individual's obligation to pay child support, while helping to provide for the future of our nation's children. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined today by Senators Reid, Hatch, Leahy, Warner, Toricelli, Snowe, Murray, Mikulski, Johnson, Corzine, and Kerry in introducing the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001. This bill would establish research centers that would be the first in the nation to specifically study the environmental factors that may be related to the development of breast cancer. The lack of agreement within the scientific community and among breast cancer advocates on this question highlights the need for further study. It is generally believed that the environment plays some role in the development of breast cancer, but the extent of that role is not understood. The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001 will enable us to conduct more conclusive and comprehensive research to determine the impact of the environment on breast cancer. Before we can find the answers, we must determine the right questions we should be asking. While more research is being conducted into the relationship between breast cancer and the environment, there are still several issues that must be resolved to make this research more effective. They are as follows: There is no known cause of breast cancer. There is little agreement in the scientific community on how the environment effects breast cancer. While studies have been conducted on the links between environmental factors like pesticides, diet, and electromagnetic fields, no consensus has been reached. There are other factors that have not yet been studied that could provide valuable information. While there is much speculation, it is clear that the relationship between environmental exposures and breast cancer is poorly understood. There are challenges in conducting environmental research. Identifying links between environmental factors and breast cancer is difficult. Laboratory experiments and cluster analyses, such as those in Long Island, New York, cannot reveal whether an environmental exposure increases a woman's risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological studies must be designed carefully because environmental exposures are difficult to measure. Coordination between the National Institutes of Health, NIH, the National Cancer Institute, NCI, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIEHS, needs to occur. NCI and NIEHS are the two institutes in the NIH that fund most of the research related to breast cancer and the environment; however, comprehensive information specific to environmental effects on breast cancer is not currently available. This legislation would establish eight Centers of Excellence to study these potential links. These ``Breast Cancer Environmental Research Centers'' would provide for multi-disciplinary research among basic, clinical, epidemiological and behavioral scientists interested in establishing outstanding, state-of-the-art research programs addressing potential links between the environment and breast cancer. The NIEHS would award grants based on a competitive peer-review process. This legislation would require each Center to collaborate with community organizations in the area, including those that represent women with breast cancer. The bill would authorize $30 million for the next five years for these grants. ``Genetics loads the gun, the environment pulls the trigger,'' as Ken Olden, the Director of NIEHS, frequently says. Many scientists believe that certain groups of women have genetic variations that may make them more susceptible to adverse environmental exposures. We need to step back and gather evidence before we come to conclusions--that is the purpose of this bill. People are hungry for information, and there is a lot of inconclusive data out there, some of which has no scientific merit whatsoever. We have the opportunity through this legislation to gather legitimate and comprehensive data from premier research institutions across the nation. According to the American Cancer Society, each year 800 women in Rhode Island are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 200 women in my state will die of this terrible disease this year. We owe it to these women who are diagnosed with this, life-threatening disease to provide them with answers for the first time. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting and cosponsoring this important legislation, and ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined today by Senators Reid, Hatch, Leahy, Warner, Toricelli, Snowe, Murray, Mikulski, Johnson, Corzine, and Kerry in introducing the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001. This bill would establish research centers that would be the first in the nation to specifically study the environmental factors that may be related to the development of breast cancer. The lack of agreement within the scientific community and among breast cancer advocates on this question highlights the need for further study. It is generally believed that the environment plays some role in the development of breast cancer, but the extent of that role is not understood. The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001 will enable us to conduct more conclusive and comprehensive research to determine the impact of the environment on breast cancer. Before we can find the answers, we must determine the right questions we should be asking. While more research is being conducted into the relationship between breast cancer and the environment, there are still several issues that must be resolved to make this research more effective. They are as follows: There is no known cause of breast cancer. There is little agreement in the scientific community on how the environment effects breast cancer. While studies have been conducted on the links between environmental factors like pesticides, diet, and electromagnetic fields, no consensus has been reached. There are other factors that have not yet been studied that could provide valuable information. While there is much speculation, it is clear that the relationship between environmental exposures and breast cancer is poorly understood. There are challenges in conducting environmental research. Identifying links between environmental factors and breast cancer is difficult. Laboratory experiments and cluster analyses, such as those in Long Island, New York, cannot reveal whether an environmental exposure increases a woman's risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological studies must be designed carefully because environmental exposures are difficult to measure. Coordination between the National Institutes of Health, NIH, the National Cancer Institute, NCI, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIEHS, needs to occur. NCI and NIEHS are the two institutes in the NIH that fund most of the research related to breast cancer and the environment; however, comprehensive information specific to environmental effects on breast cancer is not currently available. This legislation would establish eight Centers of Excellence to study these potential links. These ``Breast Cancer Environmental Research Centers'' would provide for multi-disciplinary research among basic, clinical, epidemiological and behavioral scientists interested in establishing outstanding, state-of-the-art research programs addressing potential links between the environment and breast cancer. The NIEHS would award grants based on a competitive peer-review process. This legislation would require each Center to collaborate with community organizations in the area, including those that represent women with breast cancer. The bill would authorize $30 million for the next five years for these grants. ``Genetics loads the gun, the environment pulls the trigger,'' as Ken Olden, the Director of NIEHS, frequently says. Many scientists believe that certain groups of women have genetic variations that may make them more susceptible to adverse environmental exposures. We need to step back and gather evidence before we come to conclusions--that is the purpose of this bill. People are hungry for information, and there is a lot of inconclusive data out there, some of which has no scientific merit whatsoever. We have the opportunity through this legislation to gather legitimate and comprehensive data from premier research institutions across the nation. According to the American Cancer Society, each year 800 women in Rhode Island are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 200 women in my state will die of this terrible disease this year. We owe it to these women who are diagnosed with this, life-threatening disease to provide them with answers for the first time. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting and cosponsoring this important legislation, and ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I rise in strong support of S. 350, the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001. This bill has won the support of the Bush administration, dozens of organizations, and 68 co-sponsors in the Senate. Today, the Senate has the opportunity to pass this bipartisan, pro-environment and pro- economic development bill. Brownfields are the legacy of our nation's industrial heritage. A changing industrialized economy, the migration of land use from urban to suburban and rural areas, and our nation's strict liability contamination laws have all contributed to the presence of abandoned industrial sites. With more than 450,000 brownfield sites nationwide, we must begin to reclaim those lands, clean up our communities, and discontinue the practice of placing new industrial facilities on open, green spaces. As a former mayor, I understand the environmental, economic, and social benefits that can be realized in our communities from revitalizing brownfields. While the environmental and social benefits can seem obvious, only a mayor understands the continuing fiscal expense to our nation's municipalities of the hundreds of thousands of pieces of prime real estate that have dropped from the tax rolls. Enactment of this legislation will provide a building block for the revitalization of our communities. Communities whose fortunes sank along with the decline of mills and factories will once again attract new residents and well-paying jobs. We will bring vibrant industry back to the brownfield sites that currently host crime, mischief and contamination. There will be parks at sites that now contain more rubble than grass. City tax rolls will burgeon; neighborhoods can be invigorated; new homes can be built, and community character will be restored. S. 350 enjoys broad bipartisan support. Not only is it supported by the Bush administration, the bill's predecessor was supported by the Clinton administration last session. The bill is strongly supported by the nation's mayors, state elected officials, the real estate industry, open space advocates, business groups, and environmental organizations. Rarely do we see these organizations come together on the same side of an issue. This high level of support is testimony to the bipartisan nature of the legislation. It demonstrates that we can forge sound legislation, and balance the needs of the environment and the economy if we come to the table with open minds and good intentions. I would like to thank the distinguished chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee for his leadership on this issue, Senator Smith. His tireless efforts over that time have certainly paved the way for this legislation. I also would like to extend my appreciation to Senator Reid of Nevada and Senator Boxer for their commitment to this issue and the bipartisan process which has proven so successful. In addition, let me thank the staff that has worked so hard on this bill: David Conover, Chelsea Maxwell, and Marty Hall of Senator Smith's staff, Lisa Haage of Senator Reid's staff, Sara Barth of Senator Boxer's staff, and Ted Michaels of my staff. The issue of brownfields has been discussed for nearly a decade. While I was mayor of Warwick, my fax machine constantly fed me alerts from the U.S. Conference of Mayors seeking my support for brownfields reform. With this legislation today, we have the opportunity to protect the environment, strengthen local economies, and revitalize our communities. I urge each of my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 350 and give each mayor across the country the benefit of the full potential of their real estate.

Mr. CHAFEE. I thank the Senator very much.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, the Senator from Nevada is correct. This provision is intended only to clarify that a person performing the characterization, assessment, or cleanup can use federal assistance to purchase environmental insurance such as cost-cap insurance, which is one of the most frequently used policies at brownfield sites. Such a policy would cover the costs of cleanup if the actual costs exceeded estimated costs. It is my understanding that this clarifies EPA's current practice. This protection can give a developer the necessary comfort to invest in a site. In addition, the purchase of such environmental insurance with federal assistance is not intended to be a significant portion of the overall assessment, characterization, or cleanup costs at a site. The Senator from Nevada also is correct regarding the purpose of these policies: no portion of the funding under this bill would be available for other types of insurance.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, this past weekend, twenty-two exceptional students from Central Falls High School in Rhode Island visited Washington to compete in the national finals of the ``We The People . . . The Citizen And The Constitution'' program, after finishing in first place in the Rhode Island competition. In fact, this is the fourth time that the Central Falls High School team has won the statewide competition! For those of my colleagues who are not familiar with it, the ``We The People . . . The Citizen And The Constitution'' program is among the most extensive educational specifically to ensure that young people understand the history and philosophy of the Constitution and the Bill of rights. The three-day national competition simulates a congressional hearing in which students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while they evaluate, take, and defend positions on historical and contemporary constitutional issues. Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the ``We The People . . . The Citizen And The Constitution'' program provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain an informed perspective on the significance of the U.S. Constitution and its place in our history. It is heartwarming to see young Rhode Islanders taking such an active and participatory interest in public affairs. I am very proud of Gabriel Arias, Jorge Bolivar, Andrew Castillo, Karen Corrales, Johnathan DePina, Kinga Dobrzycki, Kayla England, Renee Fisher, Christina Garcia, Roseangel Gavidia, Karen Hurtado, Deborah Navarro, Jessica Pareja, Denisse Reyes, Erik Rua, Shirley Rua, Jesse Salazar, Janet Sanchez, Corey Stad, Monica Torres, Vladimir Uran, Sirabel Uran, for making it to the national finals. I congratulate this outstanding group of young men and women for their hard work and perseverance. Also, I want to applaud Jeff Schanck, a fine teacher who deserves so much credit for guiding the Central Falls High School team to the national finals. Yesterday, I was pleased to visit with the students from Central Falls to offer my congratulations for what they have achieved. These students, with the guidance of Mr. Schanck, have learned much about the meaning of our nation and what countless men and women have fought and died to protect. No matter what the outcome of the contest, they have each earned the greatest prize of all: Knowledge.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001. The purpose of this hearing will be to review agricultural trade issues.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, immediately following the nomination hearing, on status of labor issues in airline industry.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee, on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. on the nomination of Brenda Becker to be Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (DOC), and Michael Jackson to be Deputy Secretary for the Department of Transportation.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Finance be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, to hear testimony on Medicare and SSI Benefits: Turning off the Spigot to Prisoners, Fugitives, the Deceased and other ineligibles.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 10:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m., to hold two hearings.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet to conduct a hearing on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 10 a.m., in SD226.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 2 p.m., to hold a closed briefing on intelligence matters.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 2:30 p.m., on west coast gas prices.

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, to conduct a hearing on ``HUD's Program, Budget and Management Priorities for FY 2002.''

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Strategic of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 2:30 p.m., in open session to receive testimony on the fiscal year 2002 budget request of the National Nuclear Security Administration in review of the Defense authorization request for fiscal year 2002 and the future years Defense program.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise to express my support of the budget resolution we approved today. This was a long and arduous process, but I am pleased that at the end of the day we have a document that both Republicans and Democrats can embrace. I also extend my deep appreciation and admiration to Budget Chairman Domenici for doing his usual outstanding job of overseeing the Senate's consideration of the federal budget. This weeks' debate was about how best to allocate the apparent budget surplus that our nation is beginning to achieve. I appreciate President Bush's leadership in calling for a part of our surplus to be returned to the taxpayers. While all Americans may desire a tax cut, I believe it is also true that all Americans would like Congress to continue its prudent course of balanced budgets. I am concerned that a tax cut of $1.6 trillion over ten years would seriously impair our ability to maintain a balanced budget, while meeting the necessary priorities of debt reduction, infrastructure development, improvement in health and education, and Social Security and Medicare reform. I was pleased to work within the Centrist Coalition, a bipartisan group of Senators, to fashion a compromise tax cut. I am very thankful for the friendship and leadership in particular of Senators John Breaux, Jim Jeffords, and Ben Nelson. I believe that we have helped the Senate come to a compromise, and am proud to have joined a group of such thoughtful and constructive people. I am not without my reservations about the compromise tax cut of $1.2 trillion over ten years that we have approved today. It is still large for my preference, but I recognize that in order to work in a bipartisan manner one must be able to compromise in a principled manner. I believe that that is what we have accomplished here, and that belief is borne out by the fact that 65 Senators supported the final budget, which included the compromise tax cut. Beyond the tax cut, the Senate has made its mark on this budget. Senator Domenici brought to the floor a budget that closely reflected the President's priorities. We took up amendment after amendment, considered each by its merits, and dispensed with them. These amendments reflected our priorities in several areas. We can see those priorities in the document that we now send to the House and Senate conferees to negotiate. We see a doubling of the money set aside for prescription drugs, to $300 billion over ten years. We see $320 billion set aside for education, which includes enough money to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. As a former Mayor who has had to budget for the costs of providing the best service for these special children, it was a particular priority of mine to have the federal government pay its fair share. We see increased money for defense, for veterans, and for farmers. We see the work on environmental issues, including funding for conservation and global warming. And, we see the work on urgent health matters, including increased health care coverage for the uninsured. And, of great importance to those of us in the Northeast, we see an increase of energy funds for our low-income citizens. This is a good budget. It is perhaps not perfect, but it shows the benefit of having a strong President providing leadership in stating his priorities, and the value of centrist leadership in Congress to win wider acceptance of the President's proposals.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, it is my great privilege to pay tribute to a Rhode Islander, Lieutenant Colonel Michael David, who will soon complete 23 years of distinguished service to our Nation. As friends and colleagues gather to honor Lieutenant Colonel David's retirement from the U.S. Air Force, I would also like to extend to him my heartiest congratulations. Indeed, the State of Rhode Island is very proud and fortunate to have had a native of Warwick, RI represent us so well. I join with all Rhode Islanders in expressing thanks to Lieutenant Colonel David for the wonderful job he has done. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lieutenant Colonel David has shared his expertise as he trained service men and women to fly the T-38 and C-141 aircraft at Air Force bases across our land; he has served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot, a C-141 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot. In addition, he has flown and led many world-wide airlift and formation airdrop missions. At present, he is charged with aiding the Pentagon's top brass in leading the Armed Forces into the 21st century, equipping our military to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Along the way, Lieutenant Colonel David has been awarded numerous decorations including: Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd OLC, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Pistol Ribbon, Air Force Legacy Service Award, Air Force Training Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Lieutenant Colonel David currently has the Defense Superior Service Medal pending approval by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. That is an impressive list! Out hats are off to Lieutenant Colonel David for these tremendous accomplishments. Yet, we all know it is the military family that also deserves the recognition and congratulations for the years of travel, leaving family and friends, and for their tireless energy and support of the United States Armed Forces. For their outstanding dedication, I wish to commend and congratulate Lieutenant Colonel David's wife, the former Bernadette Louise Brennan, of Providence, and his two daughters, Ashley Nicole David and Stephanie Michelle David. In closing, I am pleased to offer my very best wishes to Lieutenant Colonel David for happiness and fulfillment in his new endeavors. His contributions certainly will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today is the 11th annual National Sportsmanship Day, a day designated to promote ethics, integrity, and character in athletics. I am pleased to say that National Sportsmanship Day was a creation of Mr. Daniel E. Doyle, Jr., Executive Director of the Institute for International Sport at the University of Rhode Island. Participation this year will include more than 12,000 schools in all 50 States and more than 101 countries. This year, organizers of the National Sportsmanship Day aim to promote appreciation for the critical role of ethics and fair play in athletics, and indeed, in society in general, through student-athlete outreach programs. I believe this mission is of critical importance, and I commend the athletes, coaches, journalists, students, and educators who are engaged in today's activities. As part of the day's celebration, the Institute selects Sports Ethics Fellows who have demonstrated ``highly ethical behavior in athletics and society.'' This year, the Institute will honor such renowned athletes as Mia Hamm, member of the U.S. national soccer team and Washington Freedom of the Women's United Soccer Association; Sergei Fedorov, three-time All-Star with the Detroit Red Wings; and Lenny Krayzelburg, three-time gold medal U.S. Olympic swimmer. Grant Hill, a past Sports Ethics Fellow and five-time All-Star with the Orlando Magic, will talk about the importance of fair play both on and off the court to approximately 700 students at Rolling Hills elementary School in Orlando, FL. Another key component of National Sportsmanship Day is the Student- Athlete Outreach Program. This program encourages high schools and colleges to send talented student-athletes to local elementary and middle schools to promote good sportsmanship and serve as positive role models. These students help young people build self-esteem, respect for physical fitness, and an appreciation for the value of teamwork. If all those activities were not enough, the Institute has begun another avenue to promote understanding and good character for youngsters. A program called ``The No Swear Zone'' was instituted in 1998 to encourage teams and coaches to sign a pledge to stop the use of profanity in sports and everyday life. I remain very proud that National Sportsmanship Day was initiated in Rhode Island, and I applaud the students and teachers who are participating in the events of this inspiring day. Likewise, I congratulate all of those at the University of Rhode Island's Institute for International Sport, whose hard work and dedication over the last eleven years have made this program so successful.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am humbled today to honor the 1- year anniversary of the passing of Steven A. Hook of North Providence, RI. During his 44 years, Steven proved that having a disability does not disable one from leading an active life. At the age of 14, Steve broke the fifth vertebra in his neck in an automobile accident, which left him partially paralyzed. Determined to walk again, Steven endured months of extensive therapy sessions, constantly pushing himself to new limits. During this battle, Steven found an inner-strength, a strength that would allow him to fight to empower people with disabilities. Steven's desire to help those with disabilities led him to the PARI (People Actively Reaching Independence) Living Center in Pawtucket, RI. He began his career there in 1980 as a volunteer peer counselor and then program director. He was named executive director in 1997. Steven was a crusader in implementing the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in Rhode Island's communities. He participated in two national training programs on the ADA. The programs were conducted by the National Council on Independent Living, Independent Living Research Utilization and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund under a grant provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. He also trained and was certified as a Rhode Island state mediator on Titles I, II, and III of the ADA. Steven was a member of countless other state and local boards, making strong contributions to Rhode Island and its residents. Today my heart is with Steven's family and friends, mourning the loss of a great citizen of Rhode Island and our Nation. Steven's dedicated service on behalf of those living with disabilities should serve as inspiration for us all to give back to our communities. His life story should serve as a reminder that no matter the obstacles, where there is a will, there will always be a way.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I introduce the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001. Together with Chairman Bob Smith, Senators Harry Reid, and Barbara Boxer, and other members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am reintroducing the popular bipartisan legislation that I co-authored in the 106th Congress. That bill eventually amassed sixty-six co-sponsors and I look forward to the bill enjoying the same strong bipartisan support it did last year. As the chairman of the Senate Superfund Subcommittee, I have made brownfields reform my top environmental priority. As one of six former mayors in the Senate, I understand the environmental, economic, and social benefits that can be realized in our communities from revitalizing brownfields. Estimates show there to be between 450,000 and 600,000 brownfield sites in the United States. Why do we have so many of these abandoned sites? The shift away from an industrialized economy, the migration of land use from urban areas to suburban and rural areas, and our nation's strict liability contamination statutes have all contributed. By enacting this legislation, we can recycle our nation's contaminated land, reinvigorate our urban cores, stimulate economic development, revitalize blighted communities, abate environmental health risks, and reduce the pressure to develop pristine land. People may legitimately question the necessity of enacting federal brownfields legislation. Given the frequent touting of brownfield success stories, is federal legislation necessary? The short answer is ``yes''. While many states have implemented innovative and effective brownfield programs, they cannot remove the federal barriers to brownfield redevelopment. By providing federal funding, eliminating federal liability for developers, and reducing the role of the federal government at brownfield sites, we will allow state and local governments to improve upon what they are already doing well. I would like to briefly describe the highlights of our legislation. The bill authorizes $150 million per year to state and local governments to perform assessments and cleanup at brownfield sites. In addition, that money will allow EPA to issue grants for cleanup of sites to be converted into parks or open space. It also authorizes $50 million per year to establish and enhance state brownfield programs. The bill clarifies that prospective purchasers, innocent landowners, and contiguous property owners, that act appropriately, are not responsible for paying cleanup costs. Finally, this legislation offers finality by precluding EPA from taking an action at a site being addressed under a state cleanup program unless there is an ``imminent and substantial endangerment'' to public health or the environment, and additional work needs to be done. Enactment of this legislation and the accompanying redevelopment will provide a building block for the revitalization of our communities. Communities whose fortunes sank along with the decline of mills and factories will once again attract new residents and well-paying jobs. We will bring vibrant industry back to the brownfield sites that currently host crime, mischief and contamination. There will be parks at sites that now contain more rubble than grass. City tax rolls will burgeon; schools will be invigorated; new homes will be built, and community character will be restored. This vision for our communities can be realized with enactment of this legislation. As with all legislation, we must reach across the aisle and work with bipartisan cooperation to be successful. The legislation we are introducing today garnered sixty-six bipartisan co-sponsors in the 106th Congress. It also enjoyed broad support from the real estate community, local government officials, state officials, business groups, and environmental groups. I hope that the bill will continue to attract such broad support in the 107th Congress. I would like to thank Chairman Bob Smith, and Senators Harry Reid and Barbara Boxer for their leadership on this issue and their steadfast commitment to moving this legislation forward. I look forward to working with all my colleagues and with the Administration on this very important measure. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and letters of support be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I introduce the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001. Together with Chairman Bob Smith, Senators Harry Reid, and Barbara Boxer, and other members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am reintroducing the popular bipartisan legislation that I co-authored in the 106th Congress. That bill eventually amassed sixty-six co-sponsors and I look forward to the bill enjoying the same strong bipartisan support it did last year. As the chairman of the Senate Superfund Subcommittee, I have made brownfields reform my top environmental priority. As one of six former mayors in the Senate, I understand the environmental, economic, and social benefits that can be realized in our communities from revitalizing brownfields. Estimates show there to be between 450,000 and 600,000 brownfield sites in the United States. Why do we have so many of these abandoned sites? The shift away from an industrialized economy, the migration of land use from urban areas to suburban and rural areas, and our nation's strict liability contamination statutes have all contributed. By enacting this legislation, we can recycle our nation's contaminated land, reinvigorate our urban cores, stimulate economic development, revitalize blighted communities, abate environmental health risks, and reduce the pressure to develop pristine land. People may legitimately question the necessity of enacting federal brownfields legislation. Given the frequent touting of brownfield success stories, is federal legislation necessary? The short answer is ``yes''. While many states have implemented innovative and effective brownfield programs, they cannot remove the federal barriers to brownfield redevelopment. By providing federal funding, eliminating federal liability for developers, and reducing the role of the federal government at brownfield sites, we will allow state and local governments to improve upon what they are already doing well. I would like to briefly describe the highlights of our legislation. The bill authorizes $150 million per year to state and local governments to perform assessments and cleanup at brownfield sites. In addition, that money will allow EPA to issue grants for cleanup of sites to be converted into parks or open space. It also authorizes $50 million per year to establish and enhance state brownfield programs. The bill clarifies that prospective purchasers, innocent landowners, and contiguous property owners, that act appropriately, are not responsible for paying cleanup costs. Finally, this legislation offers finality by precluding EPA from taking an action at a site being addressed under a state cleanup program unless there is an ``imminent and substantial endangerment'' to public health or the environment, and additional work needs to be done. Enactment of this legislation and the accompanying redevelopment will provide a building block for the revitalization of our communities. Communities whose fortunes sank along with the decline of mills and factories will once again attract new residents and well-paying jobs. We will bring vibrant industry back to the brownfield sites that currently host crime, mischief and contamination. There will be parks at sites that now contain more rubble than grass. City tax rolls will burgeon; schools will be invigorated; new homes will be built, and community character will be restored. This vision for our communities can be realized with enactment of this legislation. As with all legislation, we must reach across the aisle and work with bipartisan cooperation to be successful. The legislation we are introducing today garnered sixty-six bipartisan co-sponsors in the 106th Congress. It also enjoyed broad support from the real estate community, local government officials, state officials, business groups, and environmental groups. I hope that the bill will continue to attract such broad support in the 107th Congress. I would like to thank Chairman Bob Smith, and Senators Harry Reid and Barbara Boxer for their leadership on this issue and their steadfast commitment to moving this legislation forward. I look forward to working with all my colleagues and with the Administration on this very important measure. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and letters of support be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the New England Storm, a Women's Professional Football League, WPFL, team based in Providence, Rhode Island. Established just one year ago, the New England Storm logged an impressive first season capped by winning the National Conference Championship January 6, 2001. This was truly an amazing accomplishment--a testament to the players' dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. As a Rhode Islander, I am particularly proud of the Storm's success. In January 2000, Rhode Island native Melissa Korpacz--know to all as ``Missi''--founded the Storm and rooted it in Providence's Mt. Pleasant Stadium. Missi put aside her fledgling education law practice and invested her time and money into helping the New England Storm take flight. She secured a venue, recruited 43 top athletes, a dedicated staff of managers, coaches, and trainers and secured the necessary business licenses. And, throughout the season, she balanced the roles of team owner and regional director of team management for the WPFL while taking to the field each game as the Storm's fullback. To be sure, Missi's efforts were boosted by the spirit and professionalism of her fellow teammates. Together, their performance stirred an enormous amount of pride in Rhode Island and set a laudable goal toward which young women athletes across our state can strive. And so, I offer my heartiest congratulations to all the members of the New England Storm Women's Professional Football Team, and all who were associated with their championship season. I ask that a copy of the team roster be printed in the Record. The roster follows. New England Storm Women's Professional Football Team 2000-2001 Season Jennifer Blum; Kathleen Bolduc; Sue Burtoft; Patricia Carey; Linda Caruso; Kendra Cestone; Deb Cote; Heather Davis; Karolyn Domini; Kerry Dudley; Audrey Everson; Toni Farfaras; Tara Fay; Chantalle Forgues; Sandy Frizell; Christina Gibbons; Nicole Girard; Theresa Gomes; Ann Hadwen; Cheryl Hancin; Kim Hickey; Rumonda Holder; Debra Hutter; Jessica Johnson; Stephanie Kehas; Catherine Kidd; Missi Korpacz; Tracey Kowalski; Stephanie Lake; Veronica Milinazzo; Darci Mix; Sara Moon; Amy O'Hara; Samantha Phillips; Leah Proia; April Riccardone; Beatrice Robinson; Lori Rubolotta; Amy Saur; Jeanne Sherlock; Kate Skidmore; Karen Sweet; and Sarah Ward.

Mr. L. CHAFEE

Mr. L. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today we consider legislation that addresses crucial areas of our Nation's tax and health care policy. I applaud the hard work of appropriators and President Clinton in coming to a hard-won agreement on this year's final spending bill. And, I am pleased that we can finally wrap up the business of the 106th Congress and clear the deck for our new President and the 107th Congress. This bill includes many of my legislative priorities, which I believe will benefit Rhode Islanders, and all Americans. First: let's focus on those in the area of health care. The health care portion of this measure includes two legislative proposals I authored, and for which I worked hard to build bipartisan support this year: a version of the State Children's Health Insurance Program Preservation Act, and the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Preservation Act. The SCHIP provision allows 40 states--including Rhode Island--to retain for two more years $1.2 billion in children's health insurance funds. In extending the deadline for states to spend these federal dollars, we give eligible children in 40 states the opportunity to receive health insurance. In Rhode Island, our state's low-income health care program--known as RIte Care--may be able to retain as much a $8 million in federal funds. That amount would go a long way to cover uninsured children between the ages of eight and 18 in my home state. My second priority--The Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Preservation Act--would benefit hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of America's 43 million uninsured. It would increase Medicaid DSH payments to these hospitals to defray their costs of treating Medicaid patients--particularly indigent patients with complex medical needs. In all, it would strengthen the safety net for Rhode Island's hospitals-- that are struggling as a result of the budget cuts instituted by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Indeed, this proposal could save Rhode Island hospitals $10 million over the next two years. What's more, the initiative before us increases Medicare reimbursements for teaching hospitals, and scales back deep cuts to the home health care industry. And, it bolsters the ability of nursing homes and community health clinics to provide high quality service to those in need. Together, these provisions will go a long way to improve the health care received by the children, the elderly, and the uninsured of our nation. Turning to the tax provisions, I am heartened that this bill contains many incentives to rebuild distressed communities, both in urban and rural areas. I've cosponsored legislation to foster urban renewal, and I am pleased that this package contains a version of it. Specifically, this measure would establish 40 renewal communities and designate 9 new empowerment zones that would be eligible for tax breaks. I am particularly heartened that this measure increases the low- income housing tax credit caps over the next two years. Along with the Rhode Island Housing Authority, I am an ardent supporter of this increase because it will help many low-income families gain access to affordable housing. What's more, the initiative we consider today accelerates a scheduled increase in the state volume limits on tax-exempt private activity bonds. This provision has broad, bipartisan support, and I am glad we are moving forward with it. Finally, many of you know that, as a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have worked to win passage of legislation to spur cleanup of lightly contaminated industrial sites--so-called brownfields sites. This bill contains a brownfields expensing provision that promotes the clean-up of environmental contaminants. This is a modest step in the direction of the wholesale reform I've been pressing, but it is an important step towards that eventual goal. I am pleased that we have finally reached agreement with our counterparts on the other side of the aisle here in the Senate; with our colleagues in the House of Representatives; and most importantly, with the Clinton administration on this broad spending package. In that spirit of constructive compromise, I will vote in favor of this bill. I urge my colleagues to do the same. I thank the Chair. the cultural property procedural reform act