Lincoln Chafee

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Rockefeller in introducing the Children's Health Improvement and Protection Act of 2002. The Children's Health Improvement and Protection Act of 2002 will finally provide long-term stability to the State Children's Health Insurance Program. While SCHIP has been extremely successful at enrolling and insuring low-income and uninsured children since its inception in 1997, the continued success of this program is in question. In fact, it is estimated that almost a million children will lose their SCHIP coverage over the next three years if a legislative remedy is not signed into law to prevent this from happening. When SCHIP was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, states were given their annual SCHIP allotment based on the number of uninsured and low-income children in each state. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, these state allotments range from $3.5 million for Vermont to $855 million for California. While the percentage of children without health insurance has declined over the past couple of years due to these allotments, the SCHIP allotments for all states are 26 percent lower for Fiscal Years 2002, 2003, and 2004. Each of these years results in a decline of $1 billion for state SCHIP allotments. This phenomenon is known as the ``CHIP- Dip.'' There was no hidden policy agenda behind this steady decline in funding; it was based on a lack of federal funding for SCHIP at the time this program was enacted. In addition, BBA gave states only three years to roll-over unexpended funds before these funds are given back to the federal treasury for redistribution to other states that have used up their entire allotments. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a total of $3.2 billion in federal SCHIP funds is scheduled to expire and revert to Treasury over the next two years. These funding inadequacies not only create instability in the program, but they pose negative consequences for each state over the long-haul due to the uncertainty of federal commitment to SCHIP. The likely result will be that states will either have to cap enrollment in their SCHIP programs, push children out of their programs, or scale back benefits to make up for these budget shortfalls. The end result will be that children who once had access to health insurance will no longer get the care they need. Our bill will remedy these funding problems. It will do so by fixing the ``CHIP-Dip'' and by extending the life of expiring funds to states that need the assistance to take care of funding shortfalls. This legislation is crucial to my state of Rhode Island. Without this legislative remedy, Rhode Island is set to run out of SCHIP funds by FY 2004. At 4.5 percent, Rhode Island currently has the lowest uninsured rate of any state in the nation for children. This bill will enable Rhode Island to continue offering health coverage to this vulnerable population. I urge my colleagues to join Senator Rockefeller and me in supporting this important legislation. It is a crucial step in ensuring that our nation's children will have long-term access to quality health insurance.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I join with Senator Boxer to introduce a bill to fund the Superfund program for the 10 years. With the Superfund Trust Fund on the verge of insolvency and with a large number of Superfund sites still requiring cleanup, it is incumbent upon us to provide a stable source of funding for this important program. I am pleased that the bill we introduce today will ensure Superfund cleanups will continue without jeopardizing funding for other key programs. The need for the Superfund program dates back to the late 1970 and the discovery of thousands of barrels of toxic waste buried illegally in a New York community outside of Buffalo. Congress responded to Love Canal and other sites by enacting Superfund. This law was intended to address the Nation's worst sites and ensure that parties are held responsible for the contamination they created. Litigation ensued throughout the 1980's, which slowed down the pace of cleanups. By the 1990s, the pace of Superfund cleanups increased. Administrative and legislative reforms in the last 10 years have significantly improved the effectiveness and pace of the Superfund program. Collection of excise and income taxes to supply the Superfund ceased at the end of 1995 and have never been reinstated. While spending for the Superfund program has remained steady, the dependence on general revenue dollars have grown. By fiscal year 2004, the Superfund program will be funded virtually entirely by general revenues. Unfortunately, we are currently living in an atmosphere of budget deficits. We find ourselves unable to pay for key programs due to insufficient resources and I believe it is a mistake to make the Superfund program compete for those limited general revenue dollars because we did not replenish the Superfund Trust Fund. The legislation which we have introduced today will reinstate the Superfund taxes for 10 years. It is true that these taxes will generate less revenue than those that expired in 1995. This is a deliberate effort maintain balance between the amount of money paid into the trust fund and the amount of money appropriated by Congress. We do not want to create a situation in which we are putting more money into the trust fund than will be spent. At the same time, we must ensure that Superfund cleanups progress as quickly as possible. Despite some claims that Superfund cleanups will soon be complete, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency testified recently before the Environment and Public Works Committee that the remaining Superfund sites are complex and costly. All evidence points to the fact that the Superfund program is not in jeopardy of winding down any time soon and that adequate funding will be needed. In conclusion, I would like to say that I believe this to be a reasonable proposal. It is not perfect, because a perfect solution would ensure that the people responsible for the contamination pay to clean it up. In the future we may wish to look for more equitable ways to fund the Superfund program. However, with the Superfund Trust Fund on the verge of insolvency, a return to the previous funding mechanism is a prudent step.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I join with Senator Boxer to introduce a bill to fund the Superfund program for the 10 years. With the Superfund Trust Fund on the verge of insolvency and with a large number of Superfund sites still requiring cleanup, it is incumbent upon us to provide a stable source of funding for this important program. I am pleased that the bill we introduce today will ensure Superfund cleanups will continue without jeopardizing funding for other key programs. The need for the Superfund program dates back to the late 1970 and the discovery of thousands of barrels of toxic waste buried illegally in a New York community outside of Buffalo. Congress responded to Love Canal and other sites by enacting Superfund. This law was intended to address the Nation's worst sites and ensure that parties are held responsible for the contamination they created. Litigation ensued throughout the 1980's, which slowed down the pace of cleanups. By the 1990s, the pace of Superfund cleanups increased. Administrative and legislative reforms in the last 10 years have significantly improved the effectiveness and pace of the Superfund program. Collection of excise and income taxes to supply the Superfund ceased at the end of 1995 and have never been reinstated. While spending for the Superfund program has remained steady, the dependence on general revenue dollars have grown. By fiscal year 2004, the Superfund program will be funded virtually entirely by general revenues. Unfortunately, we are currently living in an atmosphere of budget deficits. We find ourselves unable to pay for key programs due to insufficient resources and I believe it is a mistake to make the Superfund program compete for those limited general revenue dollars because we did not replenish the Superfund Trust Fund. The legislation which we have introduced today will reinstate the Superfund taxes for 10 years. It is true that these taxes will generate less revenue than those that expired in 1995. This is a deliberate effort maintain balance between the amount of money paid into the trust fund and the amount of money appropriated by Congress. We do not want to create a situation in which we are putting more money into the trust fund than will be spent. At the same time, we must ensure that Superfund cleanups progress as quickly as possible. Despite some claims that Superfund cleanups will soon be complete, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency testified recently before the Environment and Public Works Committee that the remaining Superfund sites are complex and costly. All evidence points to the fact that the Superfund program is not in jeopardy of winding down any time soon and that adequate funding will be needed. In conclusion, I would like to say that I believe this to be a reasonable proposal. It is not perfect, because a perfect solution would ensure that the people responsible for the contamination pay to clean it up. In the future we may wish to look for more equitable ways to fund the Superfund program. However, with the Superfund Trust Fund on the verge of insolvency, a return to the previous funding mechanism is a prudent step.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, I rise today in support of the amendment sponsored by Senators Gregg, Feingold, Kerry, Voinovich, McCain, and myself. This is a commonsense amendment that extends existing appropriations caps and pay-as-you-go rules for another 5 years. In addition, the amendment strengthens some budget enforcement mechanisms. The Senators that have spoken before me have done an admirable job of explaining the provisions in the bill. I want to stress the necessity of fiscal discipline. Every day constituents and experts talk to me about spending programs that are vitally important to them, asking me to support increased spending. Just as often I hear from people who want to do away with some tax, or lower a tax. They all have excellent arguments, and there is much merit to the initiatives they would like me to support. The problem is that if I were to support each of them, I would be supporting an agenda of cutting taxes and increasing spending. Such an agenda would directly result in deficit spending, which would increase the already enormous Federal debt. In good conscience, I cannot support such an agenda. Therefore, often I must tell visitors that I cannot be supportive of their cherished initiative. As all in this body know, telling constituents that you do not support their project is a difficult job, especially when the reason that I give them is that ``The money just isn't there.'' Because they respond by saying, ``The money always seems to be there.'' The problem is that they are right. In a time of war, and deficits, we have approved new tax cuts, which I opposed. We are contemplating permanently extending other tax cuts, which I will oppose. As if that were not enough, we also have added a raft of new spending--including the farm bill and the stimulus--which I opposed. There is no end in sight. We have gone from record surpluses straight back to deficits. We approved a massive tax cut last year, which limits the amount of money available. We know that the war on terrorism will be very costly. We know we are facing unprecedented demographic changes that will result in staggering costs to sustain Social Security and Medicare. Added to all that, we have a $6 trillion debt, which costs $200 billion in interest payments each year. And we practice no restraint. We continue to spend money, deepening the hole we are in. This amendment is a step towards reestablishing fiscal discipline in this body. It alone will not ensure the return of balanced budgets--but it is a step in the right direction. Therefore, I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, on Tuesday, May 7th, 2002, the Old Executive Office Building was renamed in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The dedication of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building was pursuant to legislation introduced by my late father, Senator John H. Chafee, on September 28, 1999 and signed into law by President Clinton on November 9, 1999. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, General Service Administration Administrator Stephen A. Perry, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, and Eisenhower Institute President Susan Eisenhower were present and delivered remarks at last Tuesday's ceremony. I ask that their remarks be printed in the Record. The remarks follow: Remarks at Dedication Ceremony to Rename the Old Executive Office Building in Honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, mAY 7, 2002 Remarks by Administrator Stephen A. Perry, U.S. General Service Administration Mr. President, Secretary Powell, Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz, Ms. Eisenhower and the Eisenhower Family, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my privilege to welcome you today to the dedication and renaming of this building--the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This magnificent structure is one of the most distinctive of the 400 historic properties in the inventory of the General Services Administration. This building was commissioned by another renowned general and president--Ulysses S. Grant. It was designed by architect Alfred B. Mullett. The construction of this building was completed in 1888, and it was known originally as the State, War and Navy Building. As might be expected of a building of this vintage and in this location it is steeped in history. Among other things, it has been the office for 16 Secretaries of the Navy, 21 Secretaries of War and 24 Secretaries of State. Seven future presidents had offices in the building before they eventually became occupants of the Oval Office--including, of course, Dwight D. Eisenhower. This building's commanding presence in our Nation's capital serves to remind us of the commanding presence that President Eisenhower always had. He personified honor, dignity and integrity. The many medals that decorated his Army uniform signify that he was a great leader, a brilliant military strategist, a builder of alliances and a peacemaker. As General Eisenhower and as President Eisenhower, he was a staunch defender of freedom--from the vast arena of world war to the classrooms of a local public high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was--and is--a genuine American hero and statesman. Ladies and gentlemen, it is fitting that we honor President Eisenhower's life and legacy with the naming of this stately building. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building marks the spot of its namesake's rightful place in history here in Washington, DC, our nation's capital, and on Pennsylvania Avenue, America's Main Street. Now I would like to introduce our next speaker. Dr. Paul Wolfowitz is our country's 28th Deputy Secretary of Defense. He was previously Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of The Johns Hopkins University. His distinguished government career includes service as the Ambassador to Indonesia and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. His current appointment marks his third tour of duty at the Pentagon. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz. Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz President Bush; Secretary [of State] Powell; [GSA] Administrator Perry; Susan Eisenhower and members of the Eisenhower family; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to be able to join you today in paying tribute to Dwight David Eisenhower-a man whose courage, dignity and character exemplified the spirit of that ``Greatest Generation,'' which sacrificed so much to preserve peace and freedom for our generation and generations to come. The windows of the Pentagon, where I work, frame a view of the Arlington hillsides where so many of those heroes sleep. Images of that great leader known as ``Ike'' line the Eisenhower Corridor just outside the Pentagon office of the Secretary of Defense. His is the first face--the face of the young cadet, the Supreme Allied Commander, the President of the United States--that many of us see on the start of our day and which sends us on our way each night. Dwight Eisenhower's vision, determination and courage to change continues to inspire and serve as a model for us, Mr. President, as we carry out your instructions to transform America's Armed Forces and prepare for the new and different challenges of the 21st Century. When Dwight David Eisenhower was still a young officer between the world wars, he and another young officer by the name of George Patton began writing about the future of armored warfare. He was called in by his commander and told if he published anything else contrary to ``solid infantry doctrine,'' he would be court-martialed. But Major Eisenhower persevered. Later, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight David Eisenhower put George Patton and the Third Army to work. The rest is history. The history of victory in Europe-victory over Nazi oppression--the foundation of a new and stable peace in Europe that has lasted more than half a century and led to the peaceful triumph in the Cold War. Like all great leaders, Eisenhower had a sense of proportion about himself and a deep humility. Addressing the British Parliament, which honored him after the triumph of the Allied Forces, he said that he was merely a symbol--a symbol of the ``great human forces that have labored arduously and successfully for a righteous cause.'' Today, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, we are embarked on another righteous cause, and we remember the example of Eisenhower. We know, as he often told us, that the great fight for freedom did not end at the beaches named Omaha and Utah. It continues today. It continues within the walls of this building that we dedicated to him. And for those who labor for freedom, let them find inspiration in this building's namesake, a man of responsibility and vision, one of freedom's greatest warriors and a great champion of peace. That inspiration is the realization that doing great things requires more than detailed plans--though detailed plans there must be--it requires a great cause and great ideals and, above all, a sense of what is important in this world and the next. No one knew that better than Dwight Eisenhower. There is a story that Eisenhower once went to buy a piece of land in Gettysburg and the local clerk said to him, ``Well, President Eisenhower, you've done everything, you've lived everywhere, why would you want this little piece of land in Gettysburg?'' He answered saying, ``Sir, all my life I have wanted one time to be able to take a small piece of America and make it better.'' He made America--all of America--better. And today, we dedicate a small piece of American to Dwight David Eisenhower. May all who work here work to make America better, as he did. And may they remember, as he did, what matters in life. His last words were these: ``I've always loved my wife, I've always loved my children. I've always loved my grandchildren. I've always loved my country.'' Now it is my privilege to introduce another leader who loves his country deeply and has devoted his life to making America better, Secretary of State Colin Powell. You do doubt remember, Mr. President--when you announced the appointment of your Secretary of State at a school in Crawford--it was very moving for all of America to see another distinguished soldier, General Colin Powell, come into that office which is so important for the peace of the world. I also remember when Colin said that he didn't ``yet do ranch wear very well'' since he was from the South Bronx. And many of us, especially those of us from back East, secretly agreed with him when he declared, ``I don't care what you say. Those cows look dangerous.'' Only a man of integrity and humility could admit that to America. Those are qualities, along with statesmanship and true leadership, that he has brought to every position that he has held. And today the enjoys the gratitude of all Americans and so many others around the world--and I know your gratitude, Mr. President--for his courageous and tireless efforts, not only to make our country safer, but to make the world more peaceful. I am proud to present to you a man of whom Dwight Eisenhower would be proud today--another soldier, statesman and leader--our Secretary of State, Colin Powell. Remarks by Susan Eisenhower, President, Eisenhower Institute Mr. President and First Lady. Secretary Powell. Secretary Wolfowitz. Honored guests, I was nervous about the weather this morning and when I looked out the window I was reminded of a similar day not long after my grandfather, Dwight Eisenhower, became President. He agreed to speak at Penn State where his brother was President of the University. When Milton called him frantically and asked him if they should move the outdoor proceedings inside, Ike brushed off his concerns, ``It's up to you Milton,'' he said, ``I haven't worried about the weather since June 6, 1944.'' We have our minds on bigger things today and I think it is fitting that today we mark the renaming of the Old Executive Office Building to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Dwight Eisenhower spent more time in this building than any other man who became President, and during his term he saved it from the wrecking ball. But it is also fitting that we mark this occasion today as we celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Dwight Eisenhower and VE Day will be linked forever in our consciousness. Yet our contemporary minds can barely grasp the significance of that day--57 years ago. Had the allies not been successful or if victory had eluded us longer the world would have turned out to be a very different place: one can imagine what the consequences would have been if Nazis had prevailed, but the world might have been radically different even if an allied victory had taken longer to secure. A nuclear bomb might have been used in Europe, for instance, or the liberation of the death camps might have come too late . . . . June 12, 1945, a little more than one month after the end of the hostilities, Dwight Eisenhower stood on the balcony of London's Guildhall and accepted the freedom of the city and the London Sword. The killing had stopped, but the cost of the conflict had only begun to be measured. Europe lay in utter ruins. Cities had been crushed, economies had collapsed and the carnage was beyond our comprehension. In the European theater, including Russia, 11\1/2\ million allied soldiers were killed in action and more than 7 million Allied civilians perished from starvation, bombing or butchery, and that is not counting those who were victims of the Holocaust. Eisenhower had led a great military crusade to defeat Nazism and had decisively prevailed. Standing before the teeming London crowd that day Eisenhower began his acceptance speech solemnly, without a written text: ``The high sense of distinction I feel in receiving this great honor from the city of London is inescapably mingled with feelings of profound sadness,'' he said. ``. . . Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.'' In this speech--which he had written himself and memorized for the occasion--he accepted the tribute, acknowledging that he was but a symbol of great human forces that had ``labored arduously and successfully for a righteous cause . . .'' He continued: ``If all Allied men and women that have served with me in this war can only know that it is they whom this august body is really honoring today, then indeed I will be content.'' In thinking about that occasion, I can imagine that if Dwight Eisenhower were with us today to accept this honor--he would, again deflect our praise of him onto those with whom he had served. He would have eloquent words for the team he'd assembled during the war and for the fighting men and women, and he would gratefully acknowledge the legions of dedicated public servants--on both sides of the aisle--with whom he worked closely during his presidency. He would acknowledge not only his staff but Congress as well, for helping him: shepherd America through the dangerous years of the Cold war; modernize America's infrastructure, that laid the groundwork for technological innovation; explore space through a civilian agency, NASA, that would be the envy of the world; and begin the long and arduous task of making Civil Rights every American's right. If Dwight Eisenhower were here he would be right about the indispensable role played by the millions who answered their nation's call in war and at peace. But Eisenhower is not here today, and so while we acknowledge those who served with him we focus, today, on this modest man and remember him--for his leadership, and for his steady, even, hand. Though he did not believe in the Great Man theory of history he was a leader of leaders; a common man with an unwavering belief in putting the nation's welfare above partisan politics . . . in seeking out the obligations and responsibilities that go with good government . . . It is a privilege for me to speak on behalf of the Eisenhower family in thanking the nation for this honor. We are indebted to Congress--to the late Senator Chafee and his bipartisan cosponsors who initiated the legislation to rename the building--to President Clinton for signing it into law, and to President Bush--for this wonderful rededication and for his presence here today. Mr. President, today, you too, are facing a difficult moment in American history. Though different in nature from World War II, nonetheless, we recognize the enormity of the task that confronts you in finding a just solution to the complex domestic and international circumstances that have emerged in the aftermath of the terrible events of September 11. As you face these challenges, it gives me great pleasure to know that you have Dwight Eisenhower right next door. I hope that his name on this vital nerve center of White House operations will help another generation of public servants re-commit themselves to nothing less than self- sacrifice, devotion to duty and the most profound sense of humility. These are the qualities that are called for in these dangerous and troubling times. And now, it is my great honor to introduce the President of the United States, George W. Bush. remarks by the president of the united states of america, george w. bush Thank you very much. Please be seated. Well, thank you all very much. And thank you, Susan, for those kind words, and welcome. On behalf of all Americans, I am proud to dedicate this historic building to the lasting memory of a great man, Dwight David Eisenhower. I want to thank Secretary Powell and Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz, Administrator Perry, General Hicks, for their kind words. I'm also pleased to have so many special guests who are here. I don't see--I do see Senator Stevens. I'm so honored that Senator Ted Stevens, who actually worked in the Eisenhower administration, is here. And I want to welcome all the others who worked in this--in the Eisenhower administration to this dedication ceremony. Welcome. I also want to welcome General Andrew Goodpaster, Senator Bob Dole, and all the other veterans of World War II. We're please to have you here. It's a pleasure to welcome back former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. I want to thank members of the United States Congress--Senator Inouye, Congressman Amo Houghton, Jerry Moran, Jim Ryun, Congressman Steven Horn. And I, too, want to say how much we appreciate the work of former Senator John Chafee, who introduced the legislation necessary to rename this bill--this building in honor of Dwight Eisenhower. And above all, we welcome the Eisenhower family, and send our good wishes to John Eisenhower, who could not be with us today. As the son of a President, myself, I know how proud John must feel, knowing that our country's respect for his father has only increased with the years. The city of Washington is accustomed to change. But this neighborhood looks much as it did in 1929. If you'd walked down Pennsylvania Avenue 73 years ago, you would have seen the Renwick Building on the corner of 17th Street, looking just as it does now. A few doors down were the Blair and Lee Houses, with gas lamps still out front. In 1929, Lafayette Square was dominated by a great bronze horse, as it is today, proudly carrying Andrew Jackson. And standing outside this building on a spring morning 73 years ago, you might have seen Dwight Eisenhower pull up in a 1927 Buick and walk up the stairs to his office. The '20s and '30s were quiet times for our Army and Navy, quiet times when he worked here. But it was in this building that Dwight Eisenhower's reputation began to grown. His immediate supervisor said of him this--said this of him: ``This is the best officer in the Army. When the next war comes, he should go right to the top.'' These words carried a lot of weight; after all, the man who said them was Douglas MacArthur. He also worked here for many years in Room 252. There was a time when a visitor to this building might pass in the hallway not only Eisenhower and MacArthur, but the first man commissioned General of the Armies of the United States, John J. Pershing. General Pershing occupied Room 274, a space now used by Vice president Dick Cheney. Two doors down is an office that Theodore Roosevelt would still recognize as his own from his time as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. So would Franklin Roosevelt, who, a generation later, occupied the same office and walked these very same halls. And in between, from 1904 to 1908, William Howard Taft reported to work here as the Secretary of the War. In all, as has been mentioned, seven future Presidents have worked in this building; 25 Presidents have known it. Harry S. Truman held press conferences in an ornate room two stories high, called the Indian Treaty Room--although, no Indian treaty has ever been signed there. And it was Truman, himself, who paid a distinctive tribute to this building when a committee suggested it be torn down. He believed we ought to leave it right here. He said, ``It's the greatest monstrosity in America.'' But it was Eisenhower who decided its fate. He said he rather liked it. And over time, a lot of us have come to like it. The architectural grace of this building will remain a matter of opinion, but its place in history and its place on the skyline of Washington is as safe as can be. It seems odd that with all the history it contains, this great building went more than a century without a name befitting its dignity. We've solved that problem today, and we've solved it once and for all. This building now bears the name of Dwight D. Eisenhower, not because it was spared from the wrecking ball in his time; not even because he was the first President born in Texas. (Laughter.) His name fits this building because, as a great soldier, a great President, and a good man, Dwight D. Eisenhower served his country with distinction. People over a certain age will always associate Dwight Eisenhower with a time of strength and a time of stability in America. We think of the '50s, and in the mind's eye we see the President and his fine wife, Mamie. They had lived a military life, moving more than 30 times. And just as GIs in the '50s across America were settling back home, so were the Eisenhowers. As a matter of fact, they would live longer in the White House here than at any other address. We don't need to idolize the era they represented to see all the good things that were there: millions of growing families and industries and new cities, and the beginnings of the life that we know today. Had he never become President, Eisenhower would still be known to all as the leader of the forces that liberated a continent from a terrible evil. The turning point of the war was the decision to invade the coast of France. The decision was made by Roosevelt and Churchill; the day and hour were left to General Eisenhower. And a lot of people felt a lot better knowing that it was his call to make. General Eisenhower understood exactly what risks lay ahead. Had his troops failed to take the beaches, he was going to point a finger straight at himself. Here's what he wrote, in advance: ``If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.'' Fifty-seven years ago this very day, General Eisenhower reported that the mission of the Allied Force was fulfilled, and the war in Europe was over. In victory, he was the first to share credit. It was not within his character to do otherwise. As Vice President, Richard Nixon said this about General Eisenhower, President Eisenhower: ``He always retained a saving humility.'' ``It was the humility,'' Nixon said, ``not of fear, but of confidence. He walked with the greats of the world, and he knew that the greats are human. His was the humility of man before God, and before the truth. His was the humility of a man too proud to be arrogant.'' In his career, Dwight Eisenhower faced two great crises of the 20th century: a World War that came upon America with a sudden attack, requiring a global response, and a Cold War that tested our patience and resolve to wage a struggle of decades. In our time, we face elements of both: an enemy that strikes suddenly, and must be pursued across the years. And in this struggle, we know how victory will be gained, because President Eisenhower--and General Eisenhower--showed us the way. We will be calm, and confident, and relentless. With the best of America's character, we will defeat America's enemies. We are proceeding with patience and resolve to overcome this growing danger to the civilized world. NATO, the grand alliance first commanded by General Eisenhower, is part of a new coalition that is making steady progress on every front. Our mission in Afghanistan continues even after we have liberated that country from a brutal regime. We continue to fight al Qaeda terrorists, and we will prevent them from regrouping elsewhere. We'll deny terrorists the safe havens they need to operate, and choke off their sources of money and supplies. We'll confront dangerous regimes that seek weapons of mass destruction. In this war, we will depend on the alertness of our law enforcement, the diligence of our intelligence operations, and on the skill and valor of the American Armed Forces. Our military has performed with great daring and courage, and more will be asked of them. I have full confidence, complete confidence, in the men and women who wear our uniform. They've responded in the finest tradition of the American military. Their sense of honor, their devotion to duty, their loyal service to America would all be recognized by the five-star general and President we remember today. The skill and determination and optimism of Dwight Eisenhower are alive in the American Armed Forces, and that spirit will bring us to victory. The General was one of six sons raised by Ida and David Eisenhower in the prairie town of Abilene, Kansas. They raised good men, but destiny chose this one. His whole life shows the power of one man's goodness and integrity to shape great events. He brought permanent honor to his family name, and that name now brings honor to this grand building. It's one more mark of this country's respect, and we offer it today with great affection, and lasting gratitude. God bless. Remarks by Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State Well, thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Paul, I thank you for that most kind of generous introduction. And I was down at Crawford, Texas, just week before last. The cows still look bad to me. I'm not ready to do it. (Laughter.) Mr. President, Administrator Perry, Mr. Eisenhower, the members of the Eisenhower family, distinguished guests, it's a great pleasure to be here today and join you in celebrating the naming of this wonderful, marvelous old building after one of America's greatest heroes, Dwight David Eisenhower-- liberator of Europe, first steward of NATO, builder of peace. Rare in history has there been an individual of higher accomplishment and greater humility. President Eisenhower used to say praise is like perfume; it's fine if you don't swallow it. What he did was never for himself. It was for his country. It was always for us. President Eisenhower has always had a special place in my heart. In June of 1958, he signed the document that commissioned me as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the United States Army and started me on my career of service to the nation. Paul made mention of the corridor that exists outside of Secretary Rumsfeld's office which has all these wonderful displays of Eisenhower's life, from the early days through his last days. I'll never forget that last display where he talked about his love of family, love of wife, love of grandchildren and love of country. It always has a special place in my heart because I designed that corridor. I helped build it some 15-odd years ago. But I never go to that corridor and I never walk through this building without having a new sense of service, a renewed inspiration that comes into my heart as a result of my knowledge of Dwight David Eisenhower and his contribution to our nation. More important than all of these things, more important than his signature on my commission or the naming of a building after him, is the example that he gives to us of commitment to duty, of commitment to country. It was his model of devoted service that persuaded me and so many others of my generation in the military to remain in the military after Vietnam, when things were at their darkest. We knew how vitally important it would be for the future security of the nation to rebuild, to transform our armed forces in the early '70s. And Eisenhower labored without fame, without fortune or fanfare, in similar circumstances in an under-supported and under-valued army in the isolationist decades before World War II. He spent a good many of those years working in this very structure, when it was called the State, War and Navy Building. All three departments had been housed here from the 1870's. The State Department thrived in this building between 1875 and 1947, when we moved to our present location. Twenty- five Secretaries of State had their offices here. We have a historical difference between Mr. Perry and I as to whether there is 24 or 25, but we'll make that count accurate in the next hour or so. Hamilton Fish, Ulysses S. Grant's Secretary of State, was the first. Secretary Fish helped create a professional diplomatic corps. And the last Secretary of State here was the legendary George Catlett Marshall, for whom the plan for Europe's recovery is named. During World War II, he also served in this building as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. General Marshall was so impressed by Eisenhower's skills as a strategist and statesman that he selflessly agreed with President Roosevelt that Eisenhower should lead the Allied invasion of Europe. Fighting Nazi Germany was only a part of General Eisenhower's job as Supreme Commander. Eisenhower was a brilliant forger of alliances. He was a master at using the full range of diplomatic, political and economic tools to win the war, and also to win the peace. He once wrote to his devoted and loving wife Mamie that to run the coalition meant that he had to be a bit of a diplomatic, a lawyer, a salesman, a socialite, and incidentally a soldier. His words rang true for me during the Gulf War, and they are true for all of us who are today involved in sustaining, under President Bush's leadership, the global coalition against terrorism. President Eisenhower's name on this building will inspire all who serve under its massive roof now, and all those who will follow. Despite his well known modesty, I think it would please Dwight Eisenhower that this fine old edifice, which has seen so much history, has been named in his honor. Dwight Eisenhower was a great student of history long before he helped make it, and he passed down his love of history and his commitment to public service to new generations of his family. They have given so much to our country as historians, military officers, diplomats and philanthropists. Indeed, to be an Eisenhower is to have a sense of history and a sense of duty to your country and to our world. It is with great pleasure, then, that I introduce our next guest speaker, a person who would make Eisenhower very proud--not just because of who she is as a granddaughter, but also because of what she contributed to our country and the world. Susan Eisenhower not only has her grandfather's winning smile, but his extraordinary gift of insight, that remarkable ability to see what others do not. She understood more quickly than most just how much the world changed with the end of the Soviet Union and the emergence of Russia and the other Newly Independent States. With her characteristic energy and drive, she has repeatedly pulled together the best experts from around the globe to open our eyes to what is happening in that vast region, and to think about it in fresh, exciting, new ways. And Susan has not been content just to describe change. She has been a force for change. Among her many activities, one that means a great deal to me is to help bring new generations of Russian leaders here on visits so they can learn from us and we can learn from them. The understanding and friendships that come out of these exchanges are laying the enduring foundation for a mutually beneficial US-Russian relationship. Susan is helping build a powerful legacy that Dwight Eisenhower would recognize, appreciate and welcome. So laides and gentleman, it is now my honor and privilege to present to you a friend a person of enormous gifts and endless dedication, Susan Eisenhower.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Brown University's 1976 Ivy League Championship Football Team, which recently was inducted into the Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame. In particular, I want to salute Joe Wirth, an assistant coach of that team, who was inducted into the Brown Hall of Fame in his own right in 1995, and who was an important influence on my own collegiate athletic career. Joe coached at Brown from 1973 to 1979, and during his tenure, the Brown University Bears compiled an impressive 42-18-1 record. Joe Wirth was a defensive genius, and it certainly showed out on the field--the Brown defense was nationally ranked in five of those seven seasons. In the 1976 championship year, when the Bears led the way with an 8-1 record, they allowed the second-fewest points in the Ivy League. And that stingy defense translated into victories over the traditional league powers: Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. It was the first time in the school's history that they beat all three in the same season. As if his responsibilities to the football team were not enough, Joe also was the coach of the wrestling team during that time and he helped keep the program alive. He produced a New England Champion in 1976. As one of Joe's co-captains on the 1975-76 wrestling team, I can attest that he had the respect and admiration of all of his wrestlers. We were all so grateful for his leadership and for his encouragement. Despite the time commitments associated with his football and wrestling teams, Joe remained a family man. With his wife, Carol, he raised a wonderful family of six children. To this day, Joe Wirth is a popular figure in Brown athletic circles. His players still recall his admonition to never give up ``until the last white line is crossed.'' In honor of his accomplishments as a Brown coach, I will conclude with a toast first offered to the 1976 Ivy League Champions by my classics professor, John Rowe Workman: To your continued good health To your continued prosperity And to the maintenance of the great tradition

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, on rollcall vote No. 78 I voted ``nay.'' It was my intention to vote ``yea.'' I ask unanimous consent to change my vote. This will not affect the outcome of the vote.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise today to explain my opposition to the Murkowski and Stevens amendments to S. 517, the Energy Reform bill. Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is not the only solution to our dependence on foreign oil. I am opposed to drilling in the Arctic Refuge because I believe there should be a comprehensive national energy policy. During the Senate's ongoing consideration of S. 517, I have voted in favor of strengthening Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for SUVs and light trucks. By increasing oil savings, stronger CAFE standards would make us less dependent on foreign fuel and demonstrate a real commitment to conservation. The CAFE amendment failed. I voted in support of increasing the amount of renewable fuels in our energy portfolio. This provision failed. I have also supported tax credits for domestic marginal well production and providing incentives to consumers for purchasing alternative technology vehicles and improving the efficiency of their homes and offices. I am optimistic that these efforts will be successful. I am prepared to support a national energy policy that balances our energy needs with strong environmental protection. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is a national priority, but should not come solely at the expense of our nation's precious natural resources. First established by President Eisenhower in 1960, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was created and later expanded to preserve the area's unique wilderness and wildlife values by protecting fish and wildlife populations in their natural diversity. The 1.5 million acres of the Refuge's coastal plain proposed for oil exploration and drilling, known as the ``1002'' area, is the most biologically productive part of the Refuge. The coastal plain is home to a diverse collection of wildlife including polar and grizzly bear populations, musk oxen, 180 bird species, and one of the largest caribou herds in North America. Each year, the Porcupine Caribou herd--over 129,000 members strong-- migrates 400 miles from wintering grounds in the north central Canadian Yukon to the Arctic Refuge coastal plain where they give birth to their young. In a typical year, the herd can birth up to 40-50,000 calves. The importance of the Porcupine Caribou herd can best be illustrated by a 1987 Conservation Agreement between the Governments of Canada and the United States. The Agreement recognizes the value of the Porcupine herd and the importance of protecting their birthing grounds to ensure the future sustainability of the population as a vital part of the Refuge's ecological system. In Canada, land north of the Porcupine River was withdrawn from development in 1978. Oil exploration and drilling in the Porcupine Caribou herd's prime calving grounds remains an item of contention between the United States and Canada and threatens the future of the Conservation Agreement. I am prepared to support a national energy policy that balances our energy needs with strong environmental protection. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is a national priority, but should not come at the expense of our nation's precious natural resources. Allowing oil and gas development in the coastal plain promises only short-term benefits that may irreparably damage the wildlife values and unique vitality of the Arctic Refuge. Opening the Arctic Refuge to oil exploration and drilling should not be the primary component of the effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. There are other steps we should take that would provide more benefits in the long term.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill to reauthorize funding for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. I am pleased to be joined by three of my colleagues, Senators Reed, Kerry and Kennedy, as original cosponsors of this legislation. Representative Patrick Kennedy is joining this effort by introducing companion legislation in the House today. Since the Corridor's inception on November 10, 1986, the Blackstone River Valley has undergone a profound rebirth. The Blackstone River, once polluted and neglected, has been transformed into an object of tremendous community pride and national importance. Historians recognize the Valley of the Blackstone River, gracefully winding through 24 communities in the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Slater Mill, founded by the textile maker Samuel Slater in the 1790's, was the first to adapt English machine technology to cotton-yard manufacturing powered by water wheels. The success of the Slater Mill heralded in America's first factory-based industry of mass production, with accompanying communities dedicated to the production of manufactured goods. Gradually, this new ``Rhode Island System of Manufacturing'' led to profound changes economically, socially and culturally across the new nation. This nationally significant story was all but forgotten when Senator John H. Chafee authored Federal legislation to establish the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor with the purpose of preserving and interpreting for present and future generations the uniqueness and significant historical value of the Blackstone Valley. A Corridor Commission, consisting of federally-appointed local and State representatives from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was established to work in partnership with the National Park Service to carry out the mission of the Blackstone Corridor. For over 15 years, the Corridor Commission and its Heritage Partners have worked to instill a vision of community revitalization, historic preservation, and environmental protection in the Blackstone Corridor. The Corridor is a truly unique national park area, for the Federal Government does not own or manage any of the land or resources within the system. Yet, the Blackstone Corridor includes cities, towns, villages and almost 1 million people, and has become a model for other heritage corridors across the country. Working in partnership with two State governments, dozens of local municipalities, businesses, nonprofit historical and environmental organizations, educational institutions, and many private citizens, the Corridor Commission has instilled a sense of community and identity to the residents of the Blackstone Corridor. These partnerships have resulted in the reversal of a long-standing lack of investment in the Valley's historic, cultural and natural resources. A Valley-wide identity program has placed over 200 educational signs across the Corridor to guide visitors into the Blackstone and its heritage sites. Key historic districts and sites have been preserved through the assistance of the Commission and its partners working to identify critical historic preservation funding and assistance. The water quality of the Blackstone River has seen dramatic improvements through cooperative, community-driven projects that have worked to ensure more consistent water flows; the protection of open space along the valley; the initiation of local river cleanups; and the remediation of toxic sites along the river's banks. Since 1986, Congress has established three accounts for the management of the Corridor: the Operation Account providing funding for National Park Service staff support; the Technical Assistance Account to provide assistance to communities and Corridor partners; and the Development Fund to provide construction funding for the implementation of interpretive programming, river restoration, historic preservation, tourism and economic development and educational activities within the Corridor. A 10-year plan, completed by the Commission in 1998, outlines a strategy for the implementation of development funds by focusing on the ``resource protection needs and projects critical to maintaining or interpreting the distinctive nature of the Corridor.'' The legislation I am introducing today, along with Senators Reed, Kerry, and Kennedy, will reauthorize the Development Fund account to provide $10 million in Federal funding from fiscal years 2003 through 2006. This authorization is consistent with the Blackstone Corridor's 10-year Plan guiding the Corridor's future development needs. Development funding will be used to move forward with projects that include a bi-State 45 mile long Blackstone bikeway; construction of river access points for recreational and tourism opportunities; renovation and reuse of historic structures and surrounding landscapes; and educational programs to raise the awareness of the Corridor's significance in the region. With over 15 years of success and a number of challenges lying ahead, we urge Congress' continued support for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Blackstone Corridor tells the story of the beginnings of America's movement into the industrial era. We must allow the telling of this story to continue. I ask by unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill to reauthorize funding for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. I am pleased to be joined by three of my colleagues, Senators Reed, Kerry and Kennedy, as original cosponsors of this legislation. Representative Patrick Kennedy is joining this effort by introducing companion legislation in the House today. Since the Corridor's inception on November 10, 1986, the Blackstone River Valley has undergone a profound rebirth. The Blackstone River, once polluted and neglected, has been transformed into an object of tremendous community pride and national importance. Historians recognize the Valley of the Blackstone River, gracefully winding through 24 communities in the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Slater Mill, founded by the textile maker Samuel Slater in the 1790's, was the first to adapt English machine technology to cotton-yard manufacturing powered by water wheels. The success of the Slater Mill heralded in America's first factory-based industry of mass production, with accompanying communities dedicated to the production of manufactured goods. Gradually, this new ``Rhode Island System of Manufacturing'' led to profound changes economically, socially and culturally across the new nation. This nationally significant story was all but forgotten when Senator John H. Chafee authored Federal legislation to establish the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor with the purpose of preserving and interpreting for present and future generations the uniqueness and significant historical value of the Blackstone Valley. A Corridor Commission, consisting of federally-appointed local and State representatives from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was established to work in partnership with the National Park Service to carry out the mission of the Blackstone Corridor. For over 15 years, the Corridor Commission and its Heritage Partners have worked to instill a vision of community revitalization, historic preservation, and environmental protection in the Blackstone Corridor. The Corridor is a truly unique national park area, for the Federal Government does not own or manage any of the land or resources within the system. Yet, the Blackstone Corridor includes cities, towns, villages and almost 1 million people, and has become a model for other heritage corridors across the country. Working in partnership with two State governments, dozens of local municipalities, businesses, nonprofit historical and environmental organizations, educational institutions, and many private citizens, the Corridor Commission has instilled a sense of community and identity to the residents of the Blackstone Corridor. These partnerships have resulted in the reversal of a long-standing lack of investment in the Valley's historic, cultural and natural resources. A Valley-wide identity program has placed over 200 educational signs across the Corridor to guide visitors into the Blackstone and its heritage sites. Key historic districts and sites have been preserved through the assistance of the Commission and its partners working to identify critical historic preservation funding and assistance. The water quality of the Blackstone River has seen dramatic improvements through cooperative, community-driven projects that have worked to ensure more consistent water flows; the protection of open space along the valley; the initiation of local river cleanups; and the remediation of toxic sites along the river's banks. Since 1986, Congress has established three accounts for the management of the Corridor: the Operation Account providing funding for National Park Service staff support; the Technical Assistance Account to provide assistance to communities and Corridor partners; and the Development Fund to provide construction funding for the implementation of interpretive programming, river restoration, historic preservation, tourism and economic development and educational activities within the Corridor. A 10-year plan, completed by the Commission in 1998, outlines a strategy for the implementation of development funds by focusing on the ``resource protection needs and projects critical to maintaining or interpreting the distinctive nature of the Corridor.'' The legislation I am introducing today, along with Senators Reed, Kerry, and Kennedy, will reauthorize the Development Fund account to provide $10 million in Federal funding from fiscal years 2003 through 2006. This authorization is consistent with the Blackstone Corridor's 10-year Plan guiding the Corridor's future development needs. Development funding will be used to move forward with projects that include a bi-State 45 mile long Blackstone bikeway; construction of river access points for recreational and tourism opportunities; renovation and reuse of historic structures and surrounding landscapes; and educational programs to raise the awareness of the Corridor's significance in the region. With over 15 years of success and a number of challenges lying ahead, we urge Congress' continued support for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Blackstone Corridor tells the story of the beginnings of America's movement into the industrial era. We must allow the telling of this story to continue. I ask by unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I introduce the Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2001. This legislation will bring all underground storage tanks, USTs, into compliance with Federal law and finish the work begun seventeen years ago with enactment of the UST provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. The legislation will emphasize leak prevention and compliance with existing statutes. In addition, this bipartisan bill will assist communities in coping with the contamination of groundwater and oil by methl tertiary butyl ether, MTBE. In 1984, Congress enacted as Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act a comprehensive program to address the problem of leaking underground storage tanks. With the goal of protecting the Nation's groundwater from leaking tanks, the 1984 law imposed minimum Federal requirements for leak detection and prevention standards for USTs. In 1988, owners and operators of existing underground storage tank systems were given a ten-year window to upgrade, replace, or close tanks that didn't meet minimum federal requirements for spill, overfill, and corrosion protection. As the deadline passed on December 22, 1988, many underground storage tanks failed to meet the federal standards. To assess the situation, Senator Smith of New Hampshire and I commissioned the U.S. General Accounting Office, GAO, to examine compliance of USTs with Federal requirements. GAO concluded in May 2001 that only 89 percent of tanks were meeting Federal equipment standards. In addition, it also discovered that only 71 percent were being operated and maintained properly. GAO cited infrequent tank inspections and limited funding among the contributing factors. Communities across the Nation have borne the brunt of our failure to prevent tank releases. Gasoline and fuel additives, such as MTBE, have contaminated groundwater and rendered it undrinkable. The Village of Pascoag, RI is just one community that has suffered from MTBE contamination that can be traced to leaking underground storage tanks. For months, residents of Pascoag have been unable to use the water supply for drinking, bathing, or cooking. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent to dilute the water with a neighboring communities' supply, to install water filtration systems, and to bring new wells on-line. Additional money will be spent to remediate the contamination and to take enforcement action against the owners of the leaking tanks. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. A similar story can be told in countless communities from New Hampshire, to New York, to California. To address these issues, the legislation that I introduce today, together with Senators Carper, Smith of New Hampshire, Jeffords, and Inhofe, requires the inspection of all tanks every two years and increases Federal emphasis on the training tank operators. It simply does not make sense to install modern, protective equipment if the people who operate them do so improperly. Enforcement of existing requirements, rather than creating new requirements, is an important element of our bill. In addition, the legislation emphasizes compliance of tanks owned by Federal, State, and local governments, and provides $200 million for cleanup of sites contaminated by MTBE. Finally, the legislation provides increased funding to carry out the program, which the GAO has identified as critical to the success of the UST program. Since its inception in 1984, the UST program has been largely successful. More than one million outdated tanks have successfully been closed or removed, and countless cleanups have been undertaken. We have come a long way, but we must go further. Our legislation will build upon the successes of yesterday, so that we may enjoy the successes of tomorrow. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to move this important bipartisan legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I introduce the Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2001. This legislation will bring all underground storage tanks, USTs, into compliance with Federal law and finish the work begun seventeen years ago with enactment of the UST provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. The legislation will emphasize leak prevention and compliance with existing statutes. In addition, this bipartisan bill will assist communities in coping with the contamination of groundwater and oil by methl tertiary butyl ether, MTBE. In 1984, Congress enacted as Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act a comprehensive program to address the problem of leaking underground storage tanks. With the goal of protecting the Nation's groundwater from leaking tanks, the 1984 law imposed minimum Federal requirements for leak detection and prevention standards for USTs. In 1988, owners and operators of existing underground storage tank systems were given a ten-year window to upgrade, replace, or close tanks that didn't meet minimum federal requirements for spill, overfill, and corrosion protection. As the deadline passed on December 22, 1988, many underground storage tanks failed to meet the federal standards. To assess the situation, Senator Smith of New Hampshire and I commissioned the U.S. General Accounting Office, GAO, to examine compliance of USTs with Federal requirements. GAO concluded in May 2001 that only 89 percent of tanks were meeting Federal equipment standards. In addition, it also discovered that only 71 percent were being operated and maintained properly. GAO cited infrequent tank inspections and limited funding among the contributing factors. Communities across the Nation have borne the brunt of our failure to prevent tank releases. Gasoline and fuel additives, such as MTBE, have contaminated groundwater and rendered it undrinkable. The Village of Pascoag, RI is just one community that has suffered from MTBE contamination that can be traced to leaking underground storage tanks. For months, residents of Pascoag have been unable to use the water supply for drinking, bathing, or cooking. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent to dilute the water with a neighboring communities' supply, to install water filtration systems, and to bring new wells on-line. Additional money will be spent to remediate the contamination and to take enforcement action against the owners of the leaking tanks. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. A similar story can be told in countless communities from New Hampshire, to New York, to California. To address these issues, the legislation that I introduce today, together with Senators Carper, Smith of New Hampshire, Jeffords, and Inhofe, requires the inspection of all tanks every two years and increases Federal emphasis on the training tank operators. It simply does not make sense to install modern, protective equipment if the people who operate them do so improperly. Enforcement of existing requirements, rather than creating new requirements, is an important element of our bill. In addition, the legislation emphasizes compliance of tanks owned by Federal, State, and local governments, and provides $200 million for cleanup of sites contaminated by MTBE. Finally, the legislation provides increased funding to carry out the program, which the GAO has identified as critical to the success of the UST program. Since its inception in 1984, the UST program has been largely successful. More than one million outdated tanks have successfully been closed or removed, and countless cleanups have been undertaken. We have come a long way, but we must go further. Our legislation will build upon the successes of yesterday, so that we may enjoy the successes of tomorrow. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to move this important bipartisan legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, recently the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its annual National Preservation Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. In tribute of my father, the late Senator John H. Chafee, the theme of the conference was ``Preserving the Spirit of Place'' which honored one of the last speeches he gave before his death. Particularly during this time of national turmoil, we recognize the importance of our sense of place as we move about our daily lives. Liberty and freedom unite all Americans, form our common heritage, and permit us to cherish our sense of place in the world. The preservation of our Nation's historic buildings and districts is a way for us to acknowledge the events of America's rich past and immortal legacy. The restoration of a downtown square in Spokane, WA; the revitalization of an old fort in Salt Lake City, UT; and the renovation of historic homes in Providence, RI; these projects represent how American ingenuity and perseverance form the building blocks of our architectural and cultural heritage. I would like to recognize the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its dedication to revitalizing historic buildings across the Nation in order to preserve our spirit of place. I ask that President Richard Moe's speech at the 2001 Conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, I would like to remind the Senate that October is not only Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but also the first anniversary of the enactment of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act. As we take time this month to remember all those who've lost their lives to this tragic disease, we must also celebrate the great strides we've made in diagnosing and treating breast cancer in women from all walks of life. As many of us remember, the Centers for Disease Control has long operated a program to provide low-income uninsured women with coverage for cancer screening. Since its creation in 1990, the CDC's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has proved a great success, providing over one million mammograms to women 40 years or older through March 1999. Of these, over 77,000 were found to be abnormal and 5,830 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. Additionally, through March 1997, 300 cases of invasive cervical cancer were discovered in over 700,000 pap tests. Despite this high rate of success, the Early Detection Program contained a fatal flaw. The CDC program provided no treatment options for low-income, uninsured women who tested positive for breast or cervical cancer. Instead of receiving the help they needed, the women diagnosed with cancer under this program were left to find treatment for themselves. Unfortunately, early detection is pointless unless it is followed by immediate and vigorous treatment. To address this shortcoming, I joined with Senators Barbara Mikulski, Olympia Snowe, and others to sponsor legislation to allow individual states the option of providing treatment through their state Medicaid programs. As enacted, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act provides enhanced federal matching funds to states that choose to operate a treatment plan for women diagnosed under the CDC program. Instead of imposing a new federal mandate, the bill offered positive incentives and tangible funding options to those states whose populations are most in need. Today, on the 1-year anniversary of the enactment of this momentous legislation, I'm proud to tell you that the Act has been a great success. Over the course of the past year, thirty-three states have already begun using the enhanced federal matching funds to provide treatment to women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the CDC screening program. Women across America are already benefiting from treatment program in these thirty-three states. I am especially proud to note that Rhode Island was one of the first to join. In fact, Governor Lincoln Almond, his wife Marilyn, and the Director of Rhode Island's Human Services Department, Christine Ferguson, were strong and tireless proponents of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act. By leading the charge for this bill at the state level, the Governor and his Human Services Director highlighted once again why Rhode Island has one of the best health-care systems in the country.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, I would like to take this time to recognize the week of October 21-28 as ``World Population Awareness Week.'' Rapid population growth and urbanization have become catalysts for many serious environmental problems. They are applying substantial pressures on infrastructure, manifested especially in pollution, transportation, health, sanitation, and public safety problems. These all make urbanization an issue we cannot afford to ignore. Cities and urban areas today occupy only two percent of the earth's land, but contain half of the world's population and consume 75 percent of its resources. Therefore, it is important for us to recognize the problems associated with rapid population growth and urbanization. Governor Lincoln Almond has proclaimed the week of October 21-28 as ``World Population Awareness Week'' in Rhode Island. I ask that Governor Almond's proclamation be printed in the Record. The material follows: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations--Gubernatorial Proclamation Whereas, world population stands today at more than 6.1 billion and increases by some one billion every 13 years; and, Whereas, the most significant feature of the 20th century phenomenon of unprecedented world population growth was rapid urbanization; and, Whereas, cities and urban areas today occupy only 2% of the earth's land, but contain 50% of its population and consume 75% of its resources; and, Whereas, the most rapid urban growth over the next two decades is expected in cities with populations ranging from 250,000 to one million; and, Whereas, along with advantages and amenities, the rapid growth of cities leads to substantial pressure on their infrastructure, manifested in sanitary, health and crime problems, as well as deterring the provision of basic social services; and, Whereas, World Population Awareness Week was proclaimed last year by Governors of 32 states, as well as Mayors of more than 315 United State cities, and co-sponsored by 231 organizations in 63 countries; and, Whereas, the theme of World Population Awareness Week in 2001 is ``Population and the Urban Future''; now, Therefore, I, Lincoln Almond, Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby proclaim, October 21-28, 2001, as World Population Awareness Week.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senators Jeffords, Lincoln, Snowe, and Bayh today in introducing the COBRA Plus Act of 2001. The COBRA Plus Act of 2001 will provide a tax credit to help offset the costs of COBRA health insurance for unemployed workers. This is particularly important due to the challenges that our economy faces and the number of individuals who have lost or will lose their jobs as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11. Specifically, this bill will help unemployed individuals keep their health insurance coverage by subsidizing their COBRA premiums through an individual tax credit. According to the Congressional Research Service, it is estimated that 4.7 million Americans are enrolled in COBRA health plans at any given moment. With average annual COBRA insurance costing over $6,000, many individuals opt not to participate and therefore join the ranks of the 39 million uninsured in this country. A recent survey indicated that less than 20 percent of those eligible for COBRA insurance actually took advantage of the insurance. Without a premium subsidy such as the one offered in this bill, COBRA insurance is cost-prohibitive. The goal of this legislation is to decrease the number of uninsured individuals by providing an incentive to use COBRA insurance. This legislation will hopefully increase the number of COBRA users to at least six million. While I am deeply saddened by the events that led to the introduction of this bill, I am heartened that we are able to provide a way for individuals to retain their health insurance. I commend Senator Jeffords for his leadership on this issue, and am hopeful that it will get signed into law in the near future to assist our nation's displaced workers.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senators Jeffords, Lincoln, Snowe, and Bayh today in introducing the COBRA Plus Act of 2001. The COBRA Plus Act of 2001 will provide a tax credit to help offset the costs of COBRA health insurance for unemployed workers. This is particularly important due to the challenges that our economy faces and the number of individuals who have lost or will lose their jobs as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11. Specifically, this bill will help unemployed individuals keep their health insurance coverage by subsidizing their COBRA premiums through an individual tax credit. According to the Congressional Research Service, it is estimated that 4.7 million Americans are enrolled in COBRA health plans at any given moment. With average annual COBRA insurance costing over $6,000, many individuals opt not to participate and therefore join the ranks of the 39 million uninsured in this country. A recent survey indicated that less than 20 percent of those eligible for COBRA insurance actually took advantage of the insurance. Without a premium subsidy such as the one offered in this bill, COBRA insurance is cost-prohibitive. The goal of this legislation is to decrease the number of uninsured individuals by providing an incentive to use COBRA insurance. This legislation will hopefully increase the number of COBRA users to at least six million. While I am deeply saddened by the events that led to the introduction of this bill, I am heartened that we are able to provide a way for individuals to retain their health insurance. I commend Senator Jeffords for his leadership on this issue, and am hopeful that it will get signed into law in the near future to assist our nation's displaced workers.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, I stand before my fellow Senators in full support of the resolution on which we voted yesterday. A stunned world and Nation is struggling to come to grips with the horrifying violence of September 11, 2001. I support the President's efforts to marshal the resources of our intelligence, law enforcement, diplomatic, and military apparatus to bring about justice and to do so as swiftly as possible. I call on any nation known to be harboring terrorists to fully cooperate with the United States and stem the rising tide of conflict. I believe people around the world are in equal measure demanding justice for these horrendous crimes and anxious for the world to settle its disputes in a rational and civilized manner. We must cling to the hope that this is possible, even while we recognize that on this Earth there exists people capable of unbelievable barbarism. This is a time of overwhelming sadness, and I join my colleagues in support of S.J. Res. 22. Madam President, I yield the floor.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I would like to engage the managers of he fiscal year 2002 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill on the issue of funding for the Estuary Restoration Act. Along with Senators Warner, Lieberman, and Smith of New Hampshire, I have offered an amendment that would provide $2 million in funding for the implementation of the Estuary Act. Enacted last year, this bipartisan law establishes the Estuary Habitat Restoration Program with the goal of restoring one million acres of estuary habitat. We understand the budgetary constraints that the Appropriations Committee is operating under as this bill is being considered by the Senate. It is my hope that the managers can identify funding for the implementation of the Estuary Restoration Act during the conference with the House.

Mr. CHAFEE. I thank the Senators and look forward to working with the committee to provide funding for the restoration of our Nation's important estuary environments. Small Wind Projects

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Community Character Act of 2001, together with Senators Bennett, Specter, Jeffords, Cleland, Levin, Bingaman, and Lieberman. This legislation provides Federal assistance to States and Indian tribes to create or update statewide or tribal land use planning legislation. Up-to-date planning legislation empowers States and local governments to spur economic development, protect the environment, coordinate transportation and infrastructure needs, and preserve our communities. America has grown from East to West, as well as from an urban setting to suburban one. The Nation's sweeping growth can be attributed to many things, including a strong economy and transportation and technology advancements that allow people to live greater distances from work. Due in part to inadequate planning, strip malls and retail development catering to the automobile have become the trademark of the American landscape. In the wake of the post-World War II building boom, my hometown of Warwick, RI had experienced the type of development that too often offends the eye and saps our economic strength. Due to a lack of planning, incremental and haphazard development occurred through a mixture of incompatible zoning decisions. Industrial and commercial facilities and residential homes were frequently and inappropriately sited next to each other. The local newspaper described the city as a ``suburban nightmare''. However, we learned that proper approaches to planning would help every state meet its challenges, whether it is preserving limited open space in the East or protecting precious drinking water supplies in the West. The Community Character Act will benefit each community and neighborhood by providing $25 million per year to States and tribes for the purpose of land use planning. The bill recognizes that land use planning is appropriately vested at the state and local levels, and accords States and tribes flexibility in using their money. Importantly, the legislation also recognizes that the Federal Government should play a role in financing these activities. Through enactment of transportation, housing, environmental, energy, and economic development laws and requirements, Congress has created a demand for state and local planning. In fact, the Community Character Act should be viewed as providing the federal payment for an unfunded mandate whose account is overdue. The Senators who have sponsored this bill represent geographically diverse states, from Rhode Island to New Mexico and from Georgia to Utah. This bipartisan bill represents a small investment in our communities, but one that will yield large dividends to communities in each corner of the nation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill, a summary of the bill, and letters of support for the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Community Character Act of 2001, together with Senators Bennett, Specter, Jeffords, Cleland, Levin, Bingaman, and Lieberman. This legislation provides Federal assistance to States and Indian tribes to create or update statewide or tribal land use planning legislation. Up-to-date planning legislation empowers States and local governments to spur economic development, protect the environment, coordinate transportation and infrastructure needs, and preserve our communities. America has grown from East to West, as well as from an urban setting to suburban one. The Nation's sweeping growth can be attributed to many things, including a strong economy and transportation and technology advancements that allow people to live greater distances from work. Due in part to inadequate planning, strip malls and retail development catering to the automobile have become the trademark of the American landscape. In the wake of the post-World War II building boom, my hometown of Warwick, RI had experienced the type of development that too often offends the eye and saps our economic strength. Due to a lack of planning, incremental and haphazard development occurred through a mixture of incompatible zoning decisions. Industrial and commercial facilities and residential homes were frequently and inappropriately sited next to each other. The local newspaper described the city as a ``suburban nightmare''. However, we learned that proper approaches to planning would help every state meet its challenges, whether it is preserving limited open space in the East or protecting precious drinking water supplies in the West. The Community Character Act will benefit each community and neighborhood by providing $25 million per year to States and tribes for the purpose of land use planning. The bill recognizes that land use planning is appropriately vested at the state and local levels, and accords States and tribes flexibility in using their money. Importantly, the legislation also recognizes that the Federal Government should play a role in financing these activities. Through enactment of transportation, housing, environmental, energy, and economic development laws and requirements, Congress has created a demand for state and local planning. In fact, the Community Character Act should be viewed as providing the federal payment for an unfunded mandate whose account is overdue. The Senators who have sponsored this bill represent geographically diverse states, from Rhode Island to New Mexico and from Georgia to Utah. This bipartisan bill represents a small investment in our communities, but one that will yield large dividends to communities in each corner of the nation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill, a summary of the bill, and letters of support for the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, the central tenet of this bill is reducing the tax cut down to $1.2 trillion. We would devote the other $150 billion towards educational initiatives. How many of us have heard from our constituents about the high cost of the property taxes? The main contribution to these high property taxes is the cost of special education, and that is a Federal mandate. Let us right now reduce the tax cut and put it towards IDEA and property tax relief. I urge adoption of the Carper-Chafee property tax relief amendment.

Mr. CHAFEE

Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I commend Senator Grassley and Senator Baucus for their hard work on this tax package. I know they have worked hard to forge a bipartisan tax package and worked hard to make that happen. However, I will join Senator Carper in offering an amendment which will reduce the size of the tax cut to $1.2 trillion. The reason I join Senator Carper is I believe there is a whole population forgotten in this tax debate, and that is the property-tax payer. Of course, one of the Federal mandates that is the hardest and most onerous on the property-tax payers is the special education costs. The Supreme Court ruled in the early seventies that all students have to be educated in the public school system. Congress acted by passing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which said we will get the funding up to 40 percent. Of course, we have never gotten above 12, 13, 14 percent, and there is a very onerous cost to the communities in property taxes. We are proposing to reduce this to $1.2 trillion which, of course, leaves about $150 billion available for the property tax relief. That should be done on IDEA. Property taxes are the most difficult on communities and on individuals because with an income tax, if one's fortunes decline, one pays less income tax. On a sales tax, if one does do not want to purchase goods, one pays less in sales tax. With a property tax, it is most onerous because it is always there. Whether your fortunes decline, lose a job, lose a spouse, the income part of your property-tax-paying abilities, and also if you become elderly and want to keep your house, of course, that property tax is always there. We are not talking about taxes. We need help for the property-tax payers by leaving money available to give relief in IDEA, something we promised in the early seventies, passed in 1975, and we have not done it. If we are not doing it with the surpluses we have, we will never do it. A vote for the Carper-Chafee amendment is a vote for property tax relief.

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.