Wendell Ford

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. As long as it is a matter of record and you understand where I am coming from.

Mr. FORD. Why can't the leader be asked tonight? We can suggest the absence of a quorum and see if we can get an answer tonight.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, on this the 188th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America and one of Kentucky's greatest native sons, I am introducing legislation to expand the boundaries of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site to include Knob Creek Farm, Lincoln's boyhood home from the ages of 2 to nearly 8. Located in Larue County near Hodgenville, KY, Knob Creek Farm is where President Lincoln learned some of his earliest lessons of life; lessons which helped mold the man who would go on to lead our Nation through one of the most important and trying periods in American history. I feel it is appropriate to honor the legacy of this great leader by including Knob Creek Farm in the National Historic Site. Under this legislation, the cost of acquiring Knob Creek Farm would not fall to the American taxpayer, but would instead be borne by the private sector. The National Park Trust, a private land conservancy dedicated to protecting America's natural and historical treasures, has been raising private funds and is currently negotiating to purchase the 228-acre family-owned farm, located approximately 10 miles from the existing Historic Site. After acquiring the farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the trust would donate the land to the Park Service. Thomas Jefferson once wrote, ``A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.'' Well, Mr. President, I think Knob Creek Farm represents just such a morsel, and including it in the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site will allow current and future generations of Americans to share in the rare educational value of this historical property. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, on Saturday, February 8, 1997, the community of West Point, KY held its annual Volunteer Fire Department and EMS Appreciation Banquet. Each year, this banquet honors and celebrates those in the community who have been instrumental in supporting the mission of the volunteer fire department and EMS services. This year, the community honored one man, Ralph W. Wright, who has given 50 years of his life to the safety of the citizens of West Point. Mr. Wright has been a member of the fire department for the last 50 years. He began as a firefighter and worked his way up through the ranks to chief, a position he held for 27 years. After a long and distinguished career in the fire department, Mr. Wright did not let retirement prevent him from fighting fires. In fact, in his retirement, Mr. Wright continues to serve as a firefighter--who still makes the first truck out of the station. In addition, to his service as a firefighter, he was a volunteer EMT on the ambulance service for several years. Because of his tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens of West Point, today's volunteer fire department is what it is today: dedicated to the safety of all its citizens; prepared to battle fires and hazardous material spills; responding to protect the community from floods and other natural disasters. In addition to his work on behalf of the safety of the citizens of West Point, Mr. Wright has been a strong and active supporter of the Crusade for Children. The citizens of West Point have been well served by Ralph Wright. He is an outstanding citizen and a shining example to all. I know that the community of West Point holds Ralph Wright in the highest of esteem. This is an honor that is long overdue and I am delighted to share this event with my colleagues. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ralph Wright and to his family on this special occasion.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. But I want to say why. We are attempting to clear it, and it is not something that I am objecting to lightly. So we are in the process of trying to get it cleared, and as soon as we do, we will lift the objection. So I must object at this time, Mr. President. Mr. BYRD addressed the Chair.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, on advice, I must object to the Senator's request----

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. The only reason I asked, there will be kind of a time crunch, and I wanted others to understand we might get the committees to move their hearings up a day.

Mr. FORD. Secretary of Energy.

Mr. FORD. It appears that some of the nominees may not get out until Wednesday or so of next week without any problems but just because of when the next committee meeting will occur. Is it the majority leader's intention that if they get out, say, unanimously, without any opposition, and have very little opposition, if any, here, we might waive the time and go ahead and try to vote before we leave here next week?

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, will the majority leader yield for a question?

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a person who has been honored by President Clinton to serve as the Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater. Last week, Mr. Slater testified before the Commerce Committee. He talked about his commitment to public service, his background, and his desire to make sure that the United States remains the leader in aviation. He talked about the challenges facing the Transportation Department, but more importantly, the challenges facing all of us and our constituents. Mr. Slater showed himself to be forthright and straightforward. In response to some tough questions, he did not flinch. He looked each of us in the eye and committed to work through difficult problems, to rebuild our Nation's roads and bridges, and to make our transportation system as safe as possible. He also said something else in response to a tough, but fair comment from our chairman, Senator McCain. He said he wanted to give people a reason to vote for someone, rather than against someone. Mr. Slater did that in his testimony. Mr. Slater also brings something else to DOT--he has served for 4 years as the head of the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Slater's support before our committee was bipartisan, both Senators and Congressmen. Senator Warner talked of his first-hand experience with Mr. Slater in working with flood victims in Virginia. Mr. Slater has similarly responded to problems in Kentucky and other States. Mr. Slater is one of the first nominees for the Secretary's position to have worked for one of the modal administrations. That experience alone will benefit our communities. Mr. Slater understands, for example, that opening up foreign aviation markets to our carriers will benefit our communities. Mr. Slater understands the importance of developing a new ISTEA bill. Mr. Slater recognizes the need to appoint members to the National Civil Aviation Review Commission, so that we can move forward with improving the Federal Aviation Administration. Funding for the FAA, improving aviation safety, and continuing to make strides in aviation security are matters that the new Secretary will confront on day one. Let's make tomorrow day one. Mr. Slater has many challenges ahead of him. We should let him get to it as quickly as possible and I urge my colleagues to support this nomination.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today, I wish to extend my congratulations to the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Great Lakes Composite Consortium, the U.S. Forest Service, and other composites manufacturers on the completion of the Clear Creek Composite Bridge in Bath County, KY, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This pedestrian bridge is the first of its kind in the world, and the successful creation of this bridge stems from a creative design, and a great deal of research. The Clear Creek Bridge is a 60-foot composite bridge, which is lightweight, maintenance free, and most importantly, unobtrusive in its environment. Dr. Issam E. Harik, a professor of civil engineering, along with graduate students Pete Szak and Brad Robson of the University of Kentucky, were the research team that designed and constructed this visually appealing and structurally sound bridge. The research and development of the technology which allowed the construction of this pedestrian bridge are essential for a competitive and strong economy, particularly with respect to the use of composite materials. The lightweight, maintenance-free bridges of the future are a welcomed change to current engineering practices, which will save taxpayers money. Construction material and maintenance costs surrounding today's infrastructure needs are significant, and increasing rapidly. Particularly in this year, as Congress begins discussion of the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, it is important to identify new processes which will allow the Nation to maintain our roadways and bridges at a more affordable rate than is currently possible. It is my understanding that a major reason for the creation of this pedestrian bridge was to validate the concept of construction of composite vehicular bridges. I encourage the dedicated engineers who worked on this project to remain committed to their research and it is my hope that the people of Kentucky and throughout the country, will be driving over composite bridges sometime in the very near future. These will truly be the bridges of and to, the 21st century. Other special recognition goes to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL; the Morison Molded Fiber Glass Co. of Bristol, VA; Owens Corning of Toledo, OH; Ashland Chemical in Columbus, OH, and Zoltek Corp. of St. Louis, MO. This is an example of the private sector, universities, and Federal Government working together to form a strong and successful partnership. I commend and thank the University of Kentucky team and U.S. Forest Service for their determination and hard work in building this historic bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts from communities all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky will now be better connected to the wilderness.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Washington [Mrs. Murray] is absent because of attending a funeral.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act. I am a full-fledged supporter of a 2-year budget cycle--an issue I have been championing since 1981. I believe in its potential as strongly now as I did then. It's an idea whose time has come. There are several advantages to a 2-year budget cycle. Foremost, there will be a savings of time and money. Congress currently debates spending priorities and funding decisions not only every year, but several times within 1 year. By limiting budget action to only one session of each Congress, we eliminate repetitive votes on budget priorities and spending allocations. We also allow the executive branch and recipients of Federal aid, such as State and local governments, to better manage Federal dollars to get more cents out of the dollar. Biennial budgeting allows for greater planning and more deliberate spending decisions. Too often, Congress has padded the budget resolution with spending for anticipated reforms and new initiatives only to find that action is not completed on the authorization before the new fiscal year begins. Unfortunately, those funds provided in the budget cannot be deleted or reserved for the next fiscal year, but must be spent on other programs. A 2-year budget, with one session reserved specifically for oversight and authorizations, will give Congress the time to enact responsible spending proposals before the adoption of a budget resolution and appropriations bill. A 2-year budget cycle will give the executive branch and State and local governments, 2 years to plan for the most efficient use of Federal dollars. This legislation will give Congress the opportunity to review spending decisions, and allow the executive branch to conduct compliance review. Too often we hear that once a Federal program is created, it will be funded into eternity. Congress simply needs more time to review existing spending programs to determine whether they should be modified, expanded, or replaced. The Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act provides greater funding certainty for State and local governments. Our elected counterparts in the States must plan their budgets in large part around Federal spending decisions. As we know from last year's debate on the budget, Congress all too often misses deadlines and does not complete action before the beginning of the fiscal year. State and local governments simply cannot put their budget deliberations on automatic pilot while Congress completes its work and they cannot be expected to efficiently carry out Federal spending programs if they lack the certainty that funds will be provided on time. While a 2-year budget won't replace the tough decisionmaking necessary for deficit reduction, it will make our work on the deficit and the Federal budget more efficient and more effective. When I was Governor of Kentucky, 2-year budgeting helped us to lay out a master plan for the entire State. And that master plan enabled agencies, local governments, and constituency groups to do long-term planning--planning that led to greater efficiency, overall cost savings, and equally important, peace of mind about future funding. We need this sort of planning on the Federal level. Ask any constituent what some of their top concerns are, and most, if not all, will talk about wasteful Government spending. If we truly want to address their concerns, I say the 2-year budget is the way to go and I am pleased to join Senator Domenici and others in pushing it forward with renewed vigor this year.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today I join my colleagues in cosponsoring a bill to reinstate the aviation ticket tax through September 29, 1997. This tax goes directly into the aviation trust fund. The tax has already expired and we cannot allow the trust fund to go broke. If that occurs, then it will be very difficult for us to continue to maintain the safety and security initiatives that are needed in order to secure and ensure the safety of our aviation system. I do not need to remind my colleagues of the importance of aviation safety. Over the past year, we have seen too many headlines which have underscored the need for a safe and secure aviation system. I urge my colleagues to act expeditiously on this very important matter.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be added as a cosponsor of Senator D'Amato's legislation.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, how much time am I allotted?

Mr. FORD. I will not take that long. (The remarks of Mr. Ford pertaining to the introduction of S. 250 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today I join my colleagues in cosponsoring a bill to reinstate the aviation ticket tax through September 29, 1997. This tax goes directly into the aviation trust fund. The tax has already expired and we cannot allow the trust fund to go broke. If that occurs, then it will be very difficult for us to continue to maintain the safety and security initiatives that are needed in order to secure and ensure the safety of our aviation system. I do not need to remind my colleagues of the importance of aviation safety. Over the past year, we have seen too many headlines which have underscored the need for a safe and secure aviation system. I urge my colleagues to act expeditiously on this very important matter.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to offer legislation to designate the United States Courthouse in Paducah, KY as the Edward Huggins Johnstone United States Courthouse. There is much that I want to say about Edward Johnstone, a man known as ``Big Ed'' to his friends, and why this outstanding Kentuckian so richly deserves this accolade. Edward Johnstone is a man who has spent his entire life in service to his country and the people of western Kentucky. Edward Johnstone is a veteran who fought for his country at the Battle of the Bulge, but finds nothing remarkable in his decorations of honor--to him they are reminders of his duty to country and fellow countrymen who never returned home. Edward Johnstone is a distinguished legal scholar who earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky and put his skills to work as a country lawyer in his hometown of Princeton, KY. Edward Johnstone is a judge who has served 21 years on the bench doling out words of wisdom and sentences of justice to those who come before him. Edward Johnstone is a tough, fair, hard-working Federal judge who puts in a full day's work even though he is a senior judge. Edward Johnstone is a man who gives me faith in the judicial process and those chosen to uphold our laws. I am very proud to introduce legislation on behalf of myself and all of the western Kentuckians whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary individual. Let me end my remarks, Mr. President, by remembering something that George Washington once said, ``The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.'' As an administrator of justice, Edward Johnstone is our own marble column in the Western Kentucky community. Mr. President, I send to the desk a bill designating the courthouse in Paducah, KY, as the Edward Huggins Johnstone United States Courthouse, and I ask that it be appropriately referred.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today marks the last day for one of the Senate's most competent and skilled legislative aides. Proctor Jones, staff director of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development has spent the last 36 years helping to assure the legislative process moves forward. I know I am just one of many who are grateful for his guidance on a wide array of energy issues. During his tenure in the Senate he has gained a reputation for doing his homework, having a deep understanding for the appropriations process, and perhaps most important, fairness. He was invaluable in securing major projects for my home State of Kentucky, and I feel certain his handprint can be found on important projects all across the country. Jones leaves the Senate with an incredible body of knowledge, expertise and institutional knowledge. He also leaves after literally being the right hand of such powerful chairmen as Senators Russell, Ellender, McClellan, Magnuson, Stennis, Byrd and Hatfield. It will be a huge loss to the Senate and to States like mine that have benefitted from his knowledge and expertise. But there's no doubt that Jones will continue to serve the greater community working with former Senator Johnston. Let me close by wishing him and his family the best of luck and by once again thanking him for his commitment not only to the U.S. Senate, but to the American people. His service will not be forgotten and will continue to impact generations to come.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to offer legislation to designate the United States Courthouse in Paducah, KY as the Edward Huggins Johnstone United States Courthouse. There is much that I want to say about Edward Johnstone, a man known as ``Big Ed'' to his friends, and why this outstanding Kentuckian so richly deserves this accolade. Edward Johnstone is a man who has spent his entire life in service to his country and the people of western Kentucky. Edward Johnstone is a veteran who fought for his country at the Battle of the Bulge, but finds nothing remarkable in his decorations of honor--to him they are reminders of his duty to country and fellow countrymen who never returned home. Edward Johnstone is a distinguished legal scholar who earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky and put his skills to work as a country lawyer in his hometown of Princeton, KY. Edward Johnstone is a judge who has served 21 years on the bench doling out words of wisdom and sentences of justice to those who come before him. Edward Johnstone is a tough, fair, hard-working Federal judge who puts in a full day's work even though he is a senior judge. Edward Johnstone is a man who gives me faith in the judicial process and those chosen to uphold our laws. I am very proud to introduce legislation on behalf of myself and all of the western Kentuckians whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary individual. Let me end my remarks, Mr. President, by remembering something that George Washington once said, ``The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.'' As an administrator of justice, Edward Johnstone is our own marble column in the Western Kentucky community. Mr. President, I send to the desk a bill designating the courthouse in Paducah, KY, as the Edward Huggins Johnstone United States Courthouse, and I ask that it be appropriately referred.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, time magazine once referred to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as The Harvard of the Sky, a designation truly honoring both institutions. I say this because unsurpassed standards, values and public contributions constantly are reflected in achievements by those representing both schools. On this occasion, however, my remarks are about Embry-Riddle, for it absolutely is one of our Nation's most intriguing centers of higher learning. Recently, the New York Times featured the selection of Embry-Riddle for English and operational proficiency training of China's air traffic controllers. ValuJet's crash in the Florida Everglades last May prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to name ERU alumnus, Greg Feith, as investigator-in-charge. The university's aviation safety role, through an extensive curriculum, real-situation training laboratories, research and issue guidance is unparalleled. Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady's amazing survival in Bosnia had as a postscript: ERU graduate. So it is with White House Fellow, David A. Moore. Although ERU graduates hold key positions throughout business and commerce, we find this especially prevalent among airlines and the aerospace and aircraft industry. Some are astronauts. NASA's Lt. Comdr. Susan Leigh Still, USN, who received her bachelor of science degree, is scheduled for a mission in space this spring. The school is a major contributor of pilots to military and civilian aviation for two reasons. One is the level of academics in engineering, aerospace science, aviation and related disciplines. The other is due to ERU's own air fleet, its own flight instruction, its own meteorology training, and its own aircraft and engine student maintenance programs. Under the critical eyes of certified instructors, undergraduates perform all engine and airframe maintenance. I understand there never has been a safety incident attributable to their work. By invitation of the U.S. Army in Europe, Embry-Riddle now offers college classes to our servicemen deployed north of Croatia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. This newest service adds to the university's extensive network of more than 100 education centers throughout the United States and Europe. A late December item from the Kiplinger Washington Letter refers to global companies relying on associates who work in team settings or situations. Embry-Riddle student assignments routinely involve team involvement. They take it a step further--through distance learning. For a particular assignment we might find one student in Daytona Beach serving with another located at the university's Prescott, AZ, campus, while a third comes from an extended campus overseas. A sophisticated networking system allows students to connect electronically with other institutions and class members around the world. In addition, identical courses are taught concurrently by a single instructor from either the Daytona or Prescott campuses as students from both locations interact. ERU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs in our Nation. It has the largest engineering-physics program in America. Undergraduates last year won the national design competition for general aviation, an intensely challenging venture sponsored by NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration. Quite often we hear the term, ``student-athlete.'' At Embry-Riddle that designation has a real, rather than shallow, meaning. No better example is found than with this season's basketball team. Under the guidance of athletic director and coach Steve Ridder, a Kentucky native, not only does the team consistently win on the court, it also wins in the classroom. For example, 11 of the squad's 17 members have a 3-point or better GPA. Of the five seniors this year, one has a 3.6 and another a 3.4 in aerospace engineering, one a 3.4 in engineering physics, one a 3.2 in aviation business, while the school's all-time leading scorer also carries a 3.2 in aviation business. ERU President Steve Sliwa didn't arrive at the Daytona Beach, FL, campus via a traditional academic path. He brought an eclectic background to the university: aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, NASA division level manager, founder of a software firm and astute business administrator. Those of us in Government should be particularly impressed with his most recent capital construction program, a $100 million, eight-project endeavor, on schedule and under budget. Consider Dr. Sliwa's interests and experiences in computer and software technology, which have propelled Embry-Riddle onto the very apex of this science. Almost every facet of our life now depends on software. Yet, software is immature compared to other engineering disciplines. Official mandates for technological reliability and consumer protection simply do not exist. Think about the countless applications of software: worldwide financial transfers; systems to fly airplanes, to operate medical equipment, to help vehicles function, and for a myriad of other daily tasks. What happens when such technology fails? The question is receiving increased attention at two universities. A consortium between Embry-Riddle and Carnegie Mellon has been established to address the issue of standards and methodologies to prevent future disasters due to unreliable or flawed software. The Department of Defense is keenly interested in their efforts. ERU began in 1925 when a naive eastern Kentuckian, John Paul Riddle of Pikeville, and entrepreneur T. Higbee Embry of Cincinnati, OH, opened a school of aviation at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, OH. Now moving into its eighth decade, the school gives new meaning to ``cutting-edge'' education. From hands-on investigation of aircraft accidents--thanks to a unique outdoor laboratory featuring crashed planes--to design of computer systems and from leadership in national issues to redesign of roof flaps for NASCAR racing vehicles, ERU is indeed out in front. Achievements as I have described don't happen without reasons. A most distinguished and forward-thinking faculty, visionary leadership and rare discipline combined with resourcefulness have propelled Embry- Riddle into what I believe is ``tomorrow's institution of higher education today.'' How fortunate for ERU students. How fortunate for America.