Robert Dole

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, there will be a third cloture vote at 2 o'clock on the Cuban sanctions bill. If cloture is invoked, the Senate will stay on that bill until disposed of. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate may be asked to return to any of the following items: NASA authorization; Amtrak authorization; Labor-HHS appropriations--we are trying to work out some agreement on that; State Department reorganization; and it is my hope--I know that the Senator from North Carolina, Senator Helms, has prepared for several days to proceed on that matter--that the Senator from Massachusetts, Senator Kerry, will submit some offer to Senator Helms so we can work out that matter, as we agreed to earlier; plus any available appropriations conference reports.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. If there is no other Senator seeking recognition, and no further business to come before the Senate, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. I wish to object on behalf of the distinguished Democratic leader, Senator Daschle.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I understand that S. 1328, introduced earlier today by Senator Hatch, is at the desk.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I further ask unanimous consent that the cloture vote on the substitute amendment occur at 2 p.m., with the mandatory live quorum waived; further, that under the provisions of rule XXII, Members have until 1 o'clock to file second-degree amendments.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until the hour of 12 noon on Wednesday, October 18; that, following the prayer, the Journal of proceedings be deemed approved to date, no resolutions come over under the rule, the call of the calendar be dispensed with, the morning hour be deemed to have expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and then there be a period for morning business until the hour of 2 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 5 minutes each with the following exceptions: Senator Thomas or designee, for 60 minutes, and Senator Daschle or designee, for 60 minutes.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Mr. Dole pertaining to the introduction of S. 1329 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask that there now be a period for the transaction of morning business not to extend beyond the hour of 7 p.m. with Members entitled to speak therein for up to 5 minutes each.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, there will be no more votes this evening. Mr. DOLE addressed the Chair.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, if I can take 1 minute or 2 minutes of leader time.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I do not have any objection to the vote. I am going to vote against tabling the resolution. But as I indicated when we were [[Page S 15218]] requested by nearly every group who is supporting term limits, in addition to the Christian Coalition, I thought nearly every Member, every Member of the freshman class and others, we did accommodate them by saying we would have the vote later. Some suggest next April, which would give them time to do whatever they do in that time to encourage more people to vote for term limits. So I do not have any problems with the efforts of Senator Ashcroft. I was prepared to bring it up 3 weeks ago, but I must say the same thing happened with the flag amendment. We asked about it, and then all the people who support the flag amendment said, ``Oh, we have to have more time.'' All right, we will give you more time. I am not certain when that amendment will be brought up, or if they would like to do it later this year. I am not certain we will have time. We had time last week and the week before. We had time for term limits. I assume by next April we will have some additional time. I cannot set an exact date. All this resolution says is that we should vote sometime on term limits. I do not have any problem with that. So I hope the amendment will not be tabled. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that letters from the supporters of term limits requesting that I reschedule the term limits vote for next year be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, today I am proud to introduce the Service Persons Readjustment Act of 1995. This legislation will provide our brave service men and women with education benefits comparable to the benefits previously earned by generations of veterans. This measure is long overdue. Fifty years ago, Congress and the American Legion worked diligently to pass the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, Better known as the GI bill of rights. That measure has been recognized as one of the greatest pieces of legislation ever enacted. As a result of educating its veterans, the United States experienced the greatest economic boom in our Nation's history. The Nation transformed from an industrial giant to a technological world leader. For the majority of veterans, including minorities and women, the dream of receiving a college education became a reality. When the original GI bill was introduced in Congress, many Members feared that the cost of this program would bankrupt the country. Colleges and universities nationwide argued that such a program would lower educational standards. President Roosevelt initially opposed the idea because of the projected cost. Now, as history demonstrates, the dollars invested in veterans' education have returned to the Government 10 times. I ask my colleagues to demonstrate the same courage and resolve as the Members of Congress did in 1944, by making a financial investment in our Nation's future. Unfortunately, the GI bill which once covered 100 percent of a veteran's education presently offsets educational costs by only 37 percent. Today, America's veterans are willing to work and invest more money than ever before for their educational benefits. Congress should provide them with that opportunity. The current Montgomery GI bill does not provide the flexibility to meet veterans needs. If a veteran wishes to attend a 1 year vocational school or a 4 year university, the program remains the same. The veteran who chooses a 1 year school will receive a disproportionately smaller benefit package. Under my proposed legislation, benefits can be shaped to meet the educational or training goals of veterans by allowing them to choose the length of their benefit package. An improved GI bill will create economic equality among many Americans. Because individuals from the lower and middle classes comprise the majority of the military, the bill will allow the less fortunate to earn their educations rather than depending on social handouts. With the percentage of women and minorities in the military growing steadily, improved benefits will also help level the playing field. Presently, the GI bill is both a recruiting incentive and an educational opportunity. Current program values are simply inadequate to meet a veterans educational needs. Plenty of veterans sign up for the program. Few actually ever receive benefits. Sadly, once ready to start school, veterans quickly realize that their benefits pale in comparison to their financial obligations. America's veterans, thoroughly understand responsibility and sacrifice. However, veterans should not be forced to bear these burdens when other Government educational programs provide greater benefits to nonveterans with considerably less commitment. The American Legion has repeatedly asked Congress to increase education benefits for our brave men and women who have served honorably. The legislation I am introducing will allow service members to invest more money. It will teach young men and women the value of working hard and saving money to reach one's goals and dreams. Educational assistance for veterans consistently proves to be a winning concept. Trained and educated individuals make more money, spend more money, and pay more taxes. Many of my colleagues are present today because of the GI bill. Their benefits were far more generous than today's educational package. I hope those Senators will support this measure. This new program, like the original GI bill, is a wise investment in America's future. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, today I am proud to introduce the Service Persons Readjustment Act of 1995. This legislation will provide our brave service men and women with education benefits comparable to the benefits previously earned by generations of veterans. This measure is long overdue. Fifty years ago, Congress and the American Legion worked diligently to pass the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, Better known as the GI bill of rights. That measure has been recognized as one of the greatest pieces of legislation ever enacted. As a result of educating its veterans, the United States experienced the greatest economic boom in our Nation's history. The Nation transformed from an industrial giant to a technological world leader. For the majority of veterans, including minorities and women, the dream of receiving a college education became a reality. When the original GI bill was introduced in Congress, many Members feared that the cost of this program would bankrupt the country. Colleges and universities nationwide argued that such a program would lower educational standards. President Roosevelt initially opposed the idea because of the projected cost. Now, as history demonstrates, the dollars invested in veterans' education have returned to the Government 10 times. I ask my colleagues to demonstrate the same courage and resolve as the Members of Congress did in 1944, by making a financial investment in our Nation's future. Unfortunately, the GI bill which once covered 100 percent of a veteran's education presently offsets educational costs by only 37 percent. Today, America's veterans are willing to work and invest more money than ever before for their educational benefits. Congress should provide them with that opportunity. The current Montgomery GI bill does not provide the flexibility to meet veterans needs. If a veteran wishes to attend a 1 year vocational school or a 4 year university, the program remains the same. The veteran who chooses a 1 year school will receive a disproportionately smaller benefit package. Under my proposed legislation, benefits can be shaped to meet the educational or training goals of veterans by allowing them to choose the length of their benefit package. An improved GI bill will create economic equality among many Americans. Because individuals from the lower and middle classes comprise the majority of the military, the bill will allow the less fortunate to earn their educations rather than depending on social handouts. With the percentage of women and minorities in the military growing steadily, improved benefits will also help level the playing field. Presently, the GI bill is both a recruiting incentive and an educational opportunity. Current program values are simply inadequate to meet a veterans educational needs. Plenty of veterans sign up for the program. Few actually ever receive benefits. Sadly, once ready to start school, veterans quickly realize that their benefits pale in comparison to their financial obligations. America's veterans, thoroughly understand responsibility and sacrifice. However, veterans should not be forced to bear these burdens when other Government educational programs provide greater benefits to nonveterans with considerably less commitment. The American Legion has repeatedly asked Congress to increase education benefits for our brave men and women who have served honorably. The legislation I am introducing will allow service members to invest more money. It will teach young men and women the value of working hard and saving money to reach one's goals and dreams. Educational assistance for veterans consistently proves to be a winning concept. Trained and educated individuals make more money, spend more money, and pay more taxes. Many of my colleagues are present today because of the GI bill. Their benefits were far more generous than today's educational package. I hope those Senators will support this measure. This new program, like the original GI bill, is a wise investment in America's future. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in recess until 9:45, Tuesday, October 17, 1995; that following the prayer, the Journal of the proceedings be deemed approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and that there then be a period for morning business until the hour of 12:30 p.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for 5 minutes each, with the exception of the following: Mr. Lott, 30 minutes; Mr. Thomas, 60 minutes; Mr. Harkin and Mr. Simon, 45 minutes; Mr. Burns, 10 minutes; Mr. Frist, 15 minutes. I further ask unanimous consent that at the hour of 12:30 p.m., the Senate stand in recess until the hour of 2:15 p.m. for the weekly policy luncheons to meet.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment to H.R. 927, the Cuban sanctions bill, occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader after consultation with the minority leader; I further ask unanimous consent that in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII, Senators have until the hour of 12:30 on Tuesday to file any second- degree amendments to the substitute amendment to H.R. 927.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I move that the Senate disagree to the House amendments and request a conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses, and that the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 193, S. 1267.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be deemed read a third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be placed at the appropriate place in the Record.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, if cloture is invoked on Tuesday, the Senate can be expected to be in session into the evening in order to complete action on the Cuban sanctions bill. A third cloture motion was filed today. Therefore, if cloture is not invoked on Tuesday, a third vote will occur during Wednesday's session. Also during next week's session, the Senate can be expected to consider any of the following items: Labor HHS appropriations bill, if a consent agreement can be reached after brief consideration; NASA authorization; Amtrak authorization; available appropriations conference reports. I am also going to announce that the first cloture vote will not be before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. To clarify, there will not be any votes until 5 p.m. Let me also announce that under the able leadership of Senator Roth of the Senate Finance Committee, the Republicans have completed action on the tax part of the reconciliation package--$245 billion in tax cuts; as far as family tax credits, $500. It is permanent. There are a lot of good features in this bill: capital gains rate reduction, estate tax, family, health, businesses, a number of provisions that I think the American people will certainly find to their liking. I want to compliment the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee. This is his first tax bill. [[Page S 15180]] Last week, we were working on our goal to reach the reconciliation package on the budget resolution. I congratulate Senator Roth from Delaware. He has done an outstanding job in a very short time. It is my understanding that hopefully some time next week the full Senate Finance Committee will meet for markup on the tax provisions of the bill, and we will be able to take up the reconciliation package on the Senate floor, hopefully on Tuesday, October 24, under a 20-hour time agreement. So we should finish it without much difficulty that week. I will say that everybody wants us to complete action on welfare reform. It is my hope on Tuesday we will be in a position to appoint conferees. I am advised by the Democratic leader that that may be possible on Tuesday. I hope that is the case. We need to work very quickly on trying to reach some accommodation with the House and hopefully have the same strong bipartisan support we had on the vote in the Senate when the vote was 87 to 12, with one absentee. I hope we can come back to the Senate with a bill that can be supported by every one of the 87, plus maybe some of the others.

Mr. DOLE

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

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I now ask the Senate resume the pending business, H.R. 927.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. I send a cloture motion to the desk.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, we will not be in session on Monday. There may be committee meetings. Some of us will be working on the tax portion of the reconciliation package. I have conferred last evening with the Democratic leader, and it is our view that it is going to be very difficult for people to be able to get to the Capitol on Monday, particularly staff. So there may be committee meetings, but we will not be in session. I thank my colleague.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be granted permission to meet during the session of the Senate on Friday, October 13, 1995, for purposes of conducting a subcommittee hearing which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the role of the Council on Environmental Quality in the decisionmaking and management processes of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction--Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Mr. DOLE

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of Senate Resolution 180, a resolution designating October 15-21, 1995 as the ``Week Without Violence''; that the Senate then proceed to its immediate consideration; that the resolution and preamble be agreed to, en bloc; that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; and that any statements relating thereto appear in the Record at the appropriate place.