Mark Hatfield

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I would like to respond to the Senator from North Carolina in terms of the ``provision in this bill,'' the conference report on H.R. 889, that is, the bill on military defense appropriations that we conferenced yesterday, and we are now about to face that conference report, it having passed the House. A number of years ago when, I believe, President Bush was still President and made a trip to the Baltics, he found that even though the Soviet Union had ceased to exist in reality, that the Baltic Governments that had emerged out of that former Iron Curtain power base of the Soviet Union, that those occupation troops, particularly the officers within the occupation of the Baltics, were not going back to Russia, were not returning home. They were remaining in the Baltics. They were wearing their uniforms, and that gave the new Baltic Governments great concern as to the intentions, and what have you. Upon a careful analysis, they found that the Russians were not returning home because they had no housing to return to. The housing market had just been totally demolished over the years, and they found better housing in the Baltics. So in the first initial step, we had what was called a demonstration project, I suppose, a figure of about $6 million--I am recalling now, not precisely--but a single-digit figure was appropriated as a demonstration project to help the Russians produce housing, not just for those officers still in the Baltics but also to start a housing industry in that country that had had no housing policy to speak of. Then following that, there was a commitment made, and that now carries over into the Clinton administration, within the Baltic reaches that after there is that skill that comes out of that demonstration project we had to find an incentive to get these Russian officers out. So a voucher system was provided, $25,000 voucher value for housing in Russia. That has then proceeded to, as we know now, there being no officers left in uniform. Some have decided to make the Baltics their home, have taken off the uniform and are rooting in as citizens, not as officers. There were a lot of questions raised about this whole policy to begin with but, nevertheless, it was felt to be a sound policy to pursue to assist our new government friends in the Baltics. We had, in effect, a drawdown from a $100 million appropriation to what we thought was about $75 million unobligated funds in the pipeline. These figures are difficult, and we are not certain of these figures. We cannot precisely identify the total number, but we think it is around $75 million. The House had rescinded all $75 million in their bill. We, on the Senate side, rescinded none. We kept whatever that figure--75--in the bill.

Mr. HATFIELD. Yes. Now when we went to conference, we engaged in a lot of discussion, a lot of debate, and then the questions were raised as to what is the precise figure in that budget. We have the State Department, we have other sources, that have yet to give what we consider satisfactory figures so that we can say exactly how much. So the House made a proposal to the Senate that we reallocate $15 million out of the $75 million; leave, in a sense, a total of $60 million to be revisited at probably be in the 1996 cycle, assuming this report passes now as a rescission package. Other discussions might be engendered out of the Foreign Relations Committee. We are not wedded on the basis of that program to say that is in place to last into the indefinite future.

Mr. HATFIELD. Because of the question of not only appropriations under the circumstance of today, but the policy issue itself. All I can say, as the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, we are doing the minimal of what we can legitimately do and maintain commitments that are in process or already made, until we can get a more exact total figure of unobligated funds.

Mr. HATFIELD. We have no basis upon which at this time to make a statement to the future of this program, because every program today is under such careful review and scrutiny in terms of our budget deficit, in terms of our priorities. Obviously, these rescissions are only to reflect upon the current fiscal year anyway.

Mr. HATFIELD. Well, I think that the situation is such that when the House rescinded the total figure of unobligated funds, it sent a very, very strong message to the agencies themselves. I suppose it should send a message to the authorizing committee as well, which the Senator from North Carolina chairs. We have a whole foreign aid bill under constant review. Nothing is a commitment very far down the road. We are dealing with the problem right now in this appropriation bill report that is pending as to how to delineate between the Department of Defense pursuing and executing a humanitarian program as a police action program and as it relates to the defense of this Nation. In other words, there are those who say we should not be charging, in offsets, any of these incursions into Haiti, et cetera, et cetera, back to the DOD appropriations budget. So we are engaged in a lot of issues here that are pretty cloudy at this moment. I do not think any part of this can be a statement of future commitment at all.

Mr. HATFIELD. We can certainly do that. We have very excellent staff that can be supportive of your questions and responsive to your questions. Let me just say in summary, we have no precise figures at this moment. We are dependent upon a couple of agencies from the executive branch of government to provide such figures. We do not keep the books in that sense. We are now at a level of commitment in this report that we feel will be sufficient to cover any current commitments, obligations, or pipeline. Until we can get that precise figure we cannot answer that part of your question. I can answer your question in the sense, does this have any kind of a base of commitment for 1996, or 1997, and I could say on that, ``No, it makes no basic commitment for 1996.'' We will review 1996 in a totally different context.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Yes, I do agree with the senior Senator from South Dakota. As he well knows, the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Research Service, and the Congressional Budget Office recently released a comprehensive study of the entire relief process.

Mr. HATFIELD. This rescission should have no real impact on the program. The Appropriations Committee was informed sufficient funding would remain available to continue the EAS program through the end of this fiscal year. In other words, all communities currently provided air service with EAS assistance will continue to be served through this fiscal year.

Mr. HATFIELD. Certainly. I understand the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has always supported EAS. Therefore, I would be pleased to explain the intent of these provisions and answer any questions posed by the Senator from South Dakota.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce my strong support for H.R. 831 which would permanently extend the deduction for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals. This legislation will allow, on a permanent basis, self-employed small business owners, sole proprietorships, and partnerships to deduct a portion of their health insurance costs for tax purposes. This legislation will assist those small businesses which are so vital to the economy of my State of Oregon, as well as the rest of the Nation. I am pleased that the 104th Congress is about to address this issue on a permanent basis.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, it is always a pleasure to recognize excellent students from the State of Oregon. However, I am especially honored to praise five young people who have distinguished themselves in the areas of scholarship and service, thus reflecting a sincere interest and involvement in their schools and communities. Emily Anthony, Tracy Holman, Brandi Kekua, Lelia Lowe, and Rovina Murti are all winners in the Rhododendron Scholarship Program. This program is part of the Florence Rhododendron Festival held annually in Oregon and second in size only to Portland's Rose Festival. By receiving scholarships, these five young women form the 1995 rhododendron royalty court. The Rhododendron Scholarship Program's goal is to raise over $10,000 for academic and vocational scholarships. This royalty court works with local businesses, individuals, colleges, schools, fraternal organizations, and other groups to raise these scholarship funds. I commend these young women for their earnest work, heartfelt generosity, and outstanding success. Furthermore, I applaud the perennial work of the Rhododendron Scholarship Program for the importance it places on higher education and for the intense, local effort it makes to support the education of its students. It is a model program worthy of duplication. Mr. President, I ask that brief descriptions of each 1995 rhododendron princess be printed in the Record. The material follows: Rhododendron Scholarship Program--1995 princess emily anthony Emily Anthony, 17, plans a career in the field of health care. A student at Siuslaw High School, she has also been a student of ballet for ten years. Her training includes Ballet West (University of Utah), North Carolina School of the Arts and Joffery Ballet School (New York). She has toured with the Eugene Ballet Company's ``Nutcracker'' for two years, and now is in her third year of teaching ballet to young children. A member of Siuslaw High School's Jazz and Symphonic bands for four years, Emily also has won numerous academic awards including the Honors Global Studies Award and Biology Awards. She is a three year member of the National Honor Society. A student leader, Emily was Freshman Class President and Student Body Treasurer and serves on numerous school committees. Emily maintains her academic ranking and schedule in addition to her ballot activities while working part-time. princess tracy holman Tracy Holman, 17, plans a career in television broadcasting after completing her education. Tracy's accomplishments and activities include: Oregon Girls State Delegate, National Honor Society (3 years), Key Club Community Service Award and the Rotary Youth Merit Award. She has also received numerous academic awards and has been in Who's Who Among American High School Students for three years. Her community involvement includes being Cadet Girl Scout Assistant as well as activity in the Church Youth Group. She served as Delegate to World Youth Day in 1993. She is also involved with the high school T.V. News show. Tracy's other interests and activities encompass Forensics, Cheerleading, Junior Varsity Golf, Band and Key Club. other activities, Tracy also works as a Loan Processor in a local bank. princess brandi kekua Brandi Kekua, 17, plans to attend Willamette University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Rhetoric and Media Studies. Her career goal is to work as a Political and/ or Communications Consultant. A 1995 Future First Citizen Nominee, Brandi has also received awards for outstanding achievement in Forensics and is the recipient of an Outstanding Actress Award. She served as World Affairs Leadership Seminal Ambassador and as Model U.N. Ambassador to Austria and has numerous academic awards. Additionally, Brandi is a Peer Counselor and Peer Tutor; is on Student Council, the Key Club and is involved with the high school T.V. News show. She is also active in high school drama projects and community theatre and arts groups. Brandi has been recognized by Who's Who in American High School Students for four years. Her other community activities include Bible Camp Counselor and Easter Seals Camp Counselor. She enjoys aerobics and golf in her spare time. princess lelia lowe Lelia Lowe, 17, plans to attend Willamette University where she will major in Rhetoric and Media Studies and Child Psychology with a PhD in Rhetoric. Her career goal is to be an administor or teacher at the college level. Lelia's achievements include receipt of numerous Forensic Awards over the past three years, as well as numerous academic awards at local, District and State levels. Her extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society and Odyssey of the Mind Knowledge Bowl. She also has taught Vacation Bible School Classes and has been an active volunteer at Siuslaw Public Library. Sports-minded, Lelia enjoys rollerblading and running to balance her interests in drama and theatre. She also enjoys creative writing. princess rovina murti Rovina Murti, 17, plans to study Child Psychology as a prelude to attending Medical School and becoming a Pediatrician. Rovina has been recognized for her achievements in Forensics, having received the Forensics Scholastics Award, Second place at District level competition and as a competitor at the State level. She has been involved in school activities, including the Yearbook Staff and the Junior/Senior Prom Fashion Show. Rovina has taught Sunday School for four years as well as having worked with varied Senior Citizen projects through Senior Services. Other interests and activities include the writing of short stories and traveling. She maintains her academic standing and other activities while working part-time.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Yes.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, for the information of all Senators, the Senate will again debate the supplemental appropriations bill, and a number of amendments still remain. Therefore, votes can be expected to occur throughout Friday's session of the Senate. Also, Senators are to be reminded that the official Senate picture of the Senate in session will be taken on Tuesday, April 4, at 2:15 p.m. If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I now ask that the Senate stand in recess under the previous order, following the remarks of the Senator from Illinois, Senator Moseley-Braun.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I further ask that at 10 a.m. the D'Amato amendment be laid aside in order to consider an amendment by the Democratic leader.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today it stand in recess until the hour of 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 1995; that, following the prayer, the Journal of proceedings be deemed approved to date; that the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; and, there then be a period for the transaction of routine morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 5 minutes each not to extend beyond the hour of 10 a.m.. Mr. President, at 10 a.m. the Senate will then resume consideration of supplemental appropriations bill, H.R. 1158.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 30, S. 464, and Calendar No. 31, S. 532, en bloc; that the bills be deemed read a third time and passed; and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, en bloc; and, that any statements relating to any of the bills be placed at the appropriate place in the Record. This has been cleared on both sides.

Mr. HATFIELD

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure be granted permission to conduct a hearing Thursday, March 30, at 9:30 a.m. on legislation to approve the National Highway System and other related transportation requirements.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation be authorized to meet on March 30, 1995, at 10 a.m. on oversight of the National Science Foundation and Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Readiness of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 1995, in open session, to receive testimony on current and future Army readiness in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 1996 and the future years defense program.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 1995, in open session, to receive testimony regarding the Department of Defense reserve component programs related to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1996 and the future years defense program.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be granted permission to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 30, 1995, for purposes of conducting a subcommittee hearing which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony on S. 506, the Mining Law Reform Act of 1995, and S. 504, the Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1995.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources be authorized to meet for a hearing on oversight of direct lending, during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 30, 1995 at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Acquisition and Technology of the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet on Thursday, March 30, 1995, at 2 p.m. in closed session to receive testimony on the Counterproliferation support program in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 1996 and the future years defense program.