Tom Harkin

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. HARKIN. I thank the chairman for yielding and I, too, thank Senator Stevens for his kind and generous remarks regarding the subcommittee and especially applaud him for all the glowing terms he used about our staff on both sides of the aisle. They are just outstanding staff. They work very hard on this bill every year. But they have not worked any harder in any year than this year because, as Chairman Stevens said, this is a very large bill and a very complicated bill. It covers just about everything from soup to nuts in our society. They have done a great job. I, too, compliment our respective staffs and thank them for all their hard work. I want to repay in kind the kind words Senator Specter just said. We have had a back and forth chairmanship/ranking member now going back 13 years. It has been a seamless transfer of the gavel. We worked very closely together all these years to increase funding for NIH, to meet our commitments in education, to meet our commitments in health care. This bill, I have often said, is the bill that really defines America. I have often said that we always have a Defense Appropriations Committee bill. The Defense Appropriations Committee bill is the bill that defends America. This bill that funds the Department of Education that our colleague from Tennessee headed--I remember when he was Secretary of Education--and the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, NIH, libraries--everything, I always said this is the bill that defines America. It defines who we are as a people and how much we are going to invest in our human resources in this country. So I thank Senator Specter for his dynamic leadership of this subcommittee, for his vision, for his hard work in making sure we have a bill that is--not perfect. Obviously, I don't think anyone here has gotten everything they want out of this bill; that is true. But it is a true compromise, and that is what should define what we do here in the Senate, is compromise between the various interests we represent and the various States. I think that is truly what this bill does this year, and I thank Senator Specter for his great leadership getting this bill together. I yield the floor.

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, emergency, like beauty, sometimes is in the eye of the beholder. Quite frankly, to this Senator, every single penny we put into NIH is an emergency. If you do not believe me, go out and talk to a family with a child that just came down with juvenile diabetes and see if you do not think what we spend at NIH is an emergency. Talk to a woman who has just discovered she has breast cancer and is facing an uncertain future. Tell her that funding of NIH is not an emergency. Talk to someone who has suffered an injury who is now quadriplegic. They are looking for help to once again be whole again through some of the great research being done through NIH. Tell them this is not an emergency. Go out and talk to a family who has a loved one who has just come down with Alzheimer's disease not knowing what the future is going to be. A mother, father, grandparents, looking forward to the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Tell them that funding for NIH is not an emergency. Whether or not this is an emergency is in the eye of the beholder. Think of the millions of Americans who have been afflicted with illness, disease, and injury who look to NIH for the treatments and cures; think about whether or not every single penny we spend on NIH is an emergency. I yield the floor.

Mr. HARKIN. We have no objections on this side.

Mr. HARKIN. Does the Senator yield the floor?

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. I thank the Senator. Mr. President, I echo the sentiments of the Senator from Hawaii and the chairman of this subcommittee. The significance of behavioral health research has never been as important as it is now. The interrelationship between behavioral health research and the health of the people of this Nation is clear. I stand behind with our Chairman, the Senator from Pennsylvania, and the Senator from Hawaii to work with NIH to address the requests of this subcommittee. Exhibit 1 Senate Report--Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations national institute of general medical sciences Fiscal year 1999 (S. Rept. 105-300) Behavioral science research and training.--The Committee encourages NIGMS to support basic research training as part of its mandate to support basic research training in all areas of health-related research. Fiscal year 2000 (S. Rept. 106-166) Behavioral science research and training.--The Committee is concerned that NIGMS does not support behavioral science research or training. As the only national institute specifically mandated to support research not targeted to specific diseases or disorders, there is a range of basic behavioral research and training that NIGMS could be supporting. The Committee urges NIGMS, in consultation with the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences, to behavioral science research community and other national institutes and offices, to identify basic behavioral science research and training priorities and to develop a plan for implementing those priorities. (p. 134-5) Fiscal year 2001 (S. Rept. 106-293) Behavioral science research and training.--The Committee is concerned that NIGMS does not support behavioral science research training. As the only Institute mandated to support research not targeted to specific diseases or disorders, there is a range of basic behavioral research and training that NIGMS could be supporting. The Committee urges NIGMS, in consultation with the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences, to develop a plan for pursuing the most promising research topics in this area. Fiscal year 2002 (S. Rept. 107-84) Behavioral science research and training.--The Committee is concerned that NIGMS does not support behavioral science research training. As the only Institute mandated to support research not targeted to specific diseases or disorders, there is a range of basic behavioral research and training that NIGMS could be supporting. The Committee urges NIGMS, in consultation with the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences, to develop a plan for pursuing the most promising research topics in this area. Fiscal year 2003 (S. Rept. 107-216) Behavioral science research and training.--As the NIH institute most concerned with basic research, the NIGMS has provided leadership in basic research on physiological and biological structures and functions that may play roles in numerous health conditions. The Committee encourages the NIGMS to develop collaborations with other Institutes, such as the NCI and the NIMH, and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research to fund basic research to integrate physiological knowledge of pre-disease pathways with behavioral studies. Exhibit 2 Public Law 87-838--Oct. 17, 1962 AN ACT To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of an Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to extend for three additional years the authorization for grants for the construction of facilities for research in the sciences related to health, and for other purposes Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C., ch. 6A, subch. III) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new part: ``Part E--Institutes of Child Health and Human Development and of General Medical Sciences ``establishment of institute of child health and human Development ``Sec. 441. The Surgeon General is authorized, with the approval of the Secretary, to establish in the Public Health Service an institute for the conduct and support of research and training relating to maternal health, child health, and human development, including research and training in the special health problems and requirements of mothers and children and in the basic sciences relating to the processes of human growth and development, including prenatal development. ``establishment of institute of general medical sciences ``Sec. 442. The Surgeon General is authorized, with the approval of the Secretary, to establish in the Public Health Service an institute for the conduct and support of research and research training in the general or basic medical sciences and related natural or behavioral sciences which have significance for two or more other institutes, or are outside the general area of responsibility of any other institute, established under or by this Act. ``establishment of advisory councils ``Sec. 443. (a) The Surgeon General is authorized, with the approval of the Secretary, to establish an advisory council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Surgeon General on matters relating to the activities of the institute established under section 441. He may also, with such approval, establish such a council with respect to the activities of the institute established under section 442. ``(b) The provisions relating to the composition, terms of office of members, and reappointment of members of advisory councils under section 432(a) shall be applicable to any council established under this section, except that, in lieu of the requirements in such sections that six of the members be outstanding in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease or diseases, six of such members shall be selected from leading medical or scientific authorities who are outstanding in the field of research or training with respect to which the council is being established, and except that the Surgeon General, with the approval of the Secretary, may include on any such council established under this section such additional ex officio members as he deems necessary in the light of the functions of the institute with respect to which it is established. ``(c) Upon appointment of any such council, it shall assume all or such part as the Surgeon General may, with the approval of the Secretary, specify of the duties, functions, and powers of the National Advisory Health Council relating to the research or training projects with which such council established under this part is concerned and such portion as the Surgeon General may specify (with such approval) of the duties, functions, and powers of any other advisory council established under this Act relating to such projects. ``functions ``Sec. 444. The Surgeon General shall, through an institute established under this part, carry out the purposes of section 301 with respect to the conduct and support of research which is a function of such institute, except that the Surgeon General shall, with the approval of the Secretary, determine the areas in which and the extent to which he will carry out such purposes of section 301 through such institute or an institute established by or under other provisions of this Act, or both of them, when both such institutes have functions with respect to the same subject matter. The Surgeon General is also authorized to provide training and instruction and establish and maintain traineeships and fellowships, in the institute established under section 441 and elsewhere in matters relating to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a disease or diseases or in other aspects of maternal health, child health, and human development, with such stipends and allowances (including travel and subsistence expenses) for trainees and fellows as he deems necessary, and, in addition, provide for such training, instruction, and traineeships and for such fellowships through grants to public or other nonprofit institutions. ``PRESERVATION OF EXISTING AUTHORITY ``Sec. 445. Nothing in this part shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary under section 2 of the Act of April 9, 1912 (42 U.S.C. 192), or title V of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C., ch. 7, subch. V), or as affecting the authority of the Surgeon General to utilize institutes established under other provisions of this Act for research or training activities relating to maternal health, child health, and human development or to the general medical sciences and related sciences.'' Sec. 2. Section 301(d) of the Public Health Service Act is amended by striking out the words ``research projects'' wherever they appear therein and inserting in lieu thereof ``research or research training projects''. Sec. 3. Title II of the Public Health Service Act is amended by adding after section 221 the following new section: ``Advisory Committees ``Sec. 222. (a) The Surgeon General may, without regard to the civil service laws, and subject to the Secretary's approval in such cases as the Secretary may prescribe, from time to time appoint such advisory committees (in addition to those authorized to be established under other provisions of law), for such periods of time, as he deems desirable for the purpose of advising him in connection with any of his functions. ``(b) Members of any advisory committee appointed under this section who are not regular full-time employees of the United States shall, while attending meetings or conferences of such committee or otherwise engaged in business of such committee receive compensation and allowances as provided in section 208(c) for members of national advisory councils established under this Act. ``(c) Upon appointment of any such committee, the Surgeon General, with the approval of the Secretary, may transfer such of the functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to grants-in-aid for research or training projects in the areas or fields with which such committee is concerned as he determines to be appropriate.'' Sec. 4. (a) Section 704 of the Public Health Service Act is amended by striking out ``six'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``nine''. (b) Section 705(a) of such Act is amended by striking out ``1962'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``1965''. Approved October 17, 1962. Public Law 87-839--Oct. 18, 1962 AN ACT To amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to develop American flag carriers and promote the foreign commerce of the United States through the use of mobile trade fairs. Be it enacted by the Senate and House or Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That title II of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), is amended by adding immediately after section 212(A) thereof (46 U.S.C. 1122a) the following new section: ``Sec. 212. (B) (a) The Secretary of Commerce shall encourage and promote the development and use of mobile trade fairs which are designed to show and sell the products of United States business and agriculture at foreign ports and at other commercial centers throughout the world where the operator or operators of the mobile trade fairs exclusively use United States flag vessels and aircraft in the transportation of their exhibits. ``(b) The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to provide to the operator or operators of such mobile trade fairs technical assistance and support as well as financial assistance for the purpose of defray certain expenses incurred abroad, when the Secretary determines that such operations provide an economical and effective means of promoting export sales. ``(c) There is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $500,000 per fiscal year for each of the three fiscal years during the period beginning July 1, 1962, and ending June 30, 1965. In addition to such appropriated sums, the President shall make maximum use of foreign currencies owned by or owed to the United States to carry out the purposes of this section. ``(d) The Secretary of Commerce shall submit annually to the Congress a report on his activities under this Act.'' Sec. 2. Section 104(m) of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended, is amended by inserting immediately before ``, and (B)'' the following: ``or section 212(B) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936''. Approved October 18, 1962. funding for unaccompanied alien children

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I want to thank both of my distinguished colleagues, and I want to add my concern over the growing problem that obesity poses on the health of our Nation. Specifically the emphasis that it has had in the lives of our youth. Together we need to seek and work toward a solution. Nonprofit organizations play a significant role in this battle to keep our Nation healthy. I look forward to working with my good friend and chairman of this subcommittee, Senator Specter, and my chairman on the authorizing committee on which I serve, Senator Gregg. vaccine stockpile

Mr. HARKIN. During the crisis, the HELP Committee met on multiple occasions to study this important issue. I want to thank my friend from Pennsylvania and join him in affirming that it was our intent to use funding in this bill to stockpile a 6-month supply of childhood vaccines. Despite the efforts of the committee and the collaborative effort by many others on this important public health issue, I understand that my home State of Iowa, like the rest of the Nation, only has a one-to-two month stockpile for some of the routinely recommended childhood vaccines. Senator Reed, is it accurate to state that these shortages, temporarily alleviated, could return at any time?

Mr. HARKIN. I thank my good friend and colleague from Louisiana for bringing up this important issue. I know my partner in this process, Senator Specter, worked hard to fund many priorities within a tight allocation. I look forward to working with him on this and other important programs in conference. pediatric graduate medical education

Mr. HARKIN. I agree with the Senator from Washington that there is a great need for additional funds for dislocated workers, I will work with my colleagues to retain this increase of $25 million for dislocated worker formula funds in the conference committee bill. ymca and the healthy steps initiative

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I have no objection to this amendment. In fact, I am supportive of it. I want to make it clear for the record that the offset on this amendment is not an across-the-board cut. It comes only from the administrative account of the--is it all the Departments, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education--or is it just from the Department of Health and Human Services? I am a little unclear as to from what administrative account it is taken. I want it clear for the record. I just want to get an answer to my question as to which administrative account the offset is taken.

Mr. HARKIN. I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. HARKIN. I understand it is not an across-the-board cut. Is it from the administrative account of all three Departments or only Health and Human Services?

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask the indulgence of the Senate for a brief statement I am going to make. As we all know, Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, and his daughter Marcia, three staff members, and two pilots perished in a tragic plane accident nearly a year ago near Eveleth, MN. The Senate lost an honest, passionate public servant, and we all lost a friend. Senator Wellstone's life was a testament to his compassion and commitment to serve the less advantaged. He was a tireless advocate for people in need. That was never more true than when he began working with children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families. In 2001, Senator Wellstone introduced the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2001 to intensify Federal investment in Duchenne and other forms of muscular dystrophy. The MD CARE Act asked the Director of the National Institutes of Health to create centers of excellence to conduct basic and clinical research into Duchenne and other muscular dystrophies. That bill was signed into law in December of 2001. About a year later, Senator Wellstone was tragically killed. While we cannot replace the colleague and friend who served with us in this Chamber, we can commemorate his work on behalf of Jacob Gunvalson and others who inspired the late Senator to see this law enacted. In September of this year, the National Institutes of Health will announce the first grantees of its newly created Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers Program. In addition, three NIH institutes--the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development--also set aside $1 million in the MDCRC program as the ``Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers.'' I have an amendment that would rename the NIH Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center program in honor of the late Senator Paul D. Wellstone of Minnesota. I will not read all of it. In part, it says that the designation of the NIH Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers program shall be known and designated as the ``Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers'' in honor of Paul D. Wellstone, who was deceased on October 25, 2002. There is no cost involved. I send the amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HARKIN. Pardon?

Mr. HARKIN. So it comes from all three accounts. Again, I just wanted to make that clear for the record, that it is not from one account; it is all three, and it is not an across-the-board cut. With that, there is certainly no objection to this amendment.

Mr. HARKIN. I want to echo the comments of my good friend from Pennsylvania and thank Senator Murray for bringing up this important issue. I, too, am very concerned by the President's elimination of this successful program. I look forward to working with Chairman Specter to restore funding in conference.

Mr. HARKIN

Mr. HARKIN. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. HARKIN. I ask unanimous consent to add the following as cosponsors of the amendment just voted on: Senators Landrieu, Rockefeller, Levin, Bingaman, Cantwell, and Biden.

Mr. HARKIN. Without losing my right to the floor.

Mr. HARKIN. I inquire of the Chair.

Mr. HARKIN. But there is no time set for dividing the time.

Mr. HARKIN. That sounds fair.

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, first, I thank the leadership on the other side. I thank my colleague and the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee, Senator Specter, for working out this arrangement. It is one that reasonable minds and reasonable cool heads have agreed now we are going to proceed ahead on a series of votes this morning. I know there are some other amendments today. I see no reason why we can't wrap up this bill this evening sometime, hopefully at a decent hour anyway. I know there are a lot of other important amendments. I wish to take a little bit of time to speak about the first amendment that we will be voting on at 9:45.

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I understand we are going to start the vote at 9:45 a.m.