Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

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

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, what is the pending business?

Mr. HELMS. Have the yeas and nays been ordered?

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, May 7, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,643,605,408,260.92, Five trillion, six hundred forty-three billion, six hundred five million, four hundred eight thousand, two hundred sixty dollars and ninety-two cents. Five years ago, May 7, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,093,910,000,000, Five trillion, ninety-three billion, nine hundred ten million. Ten years ago, May 7, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,437,531,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred thirty-seven billion, five hundred thirty-one million. Fifteen years ago, May 7, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,018,050,000,000, Two trillion, eighteen billion, fifty million. Twenty-five years ago, May 7, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $598,331,000,000, Five hundred ninety-eight billion, three hundred thirty-one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,045,274,408,260.92, Five trillion, forty-five billion, two hundred seventy-four million, four hundred eight thousand, two hundred sixty dollars and ninety-two cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, May 4, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,641,702,535,760.39, five trillion, six hundred forty-one billion, seven hundred two million, five hundred thirty-five thousand, seven hundred sixty dollars and thirty-nine cents. One year ago, May 4, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,661,533,000,000, five trillion, six hundred sixty-one billion, five hundred thirty-three million. Twenty-five years ago, May 4, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $595,840,000,000, five hundred ninety-five billion, eight hundred forty million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,045,862,535,760.39, five trillion, forty-five billion, eight hundred sixty-two million, five hundred thirty-five thousand, seven hundred sixty dollars and thirty-nine cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, from time to time historians like to engage in a sort of parlor game in speculating whether circumstances create great leaders or whether leaders serve as the catalyst for great change. In my view, there's no doubt that greatness springs from the character of individuals. President Reagan understood this fundamental truth. He also understood that the American people, particularly the men and women in our armed services, will meet any challenge with proper encouragement to strive for excellence. Ronald Reagan's faith in the American people enabled him to inspire our citizens and to restore our collective confidence at a critical time in America's history. Inheriting a military in decline and a nation said to be in a ``malaise'' by his immediate predecessor, President Reagan chose not to shrink from the enormous challenges facing our Nation. Instead, he stood firm in his resolve. Overcoming the predictable partisan criticism, he successfully rebuilt our national defense and restored United States power and prestige throughout the world. In 1984, in rebuilding our military, President Reagan established the Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. In doing so, he issued an open challenge to the men and women responsible for defending the United States of America": That they do the ``best job with their resources to support our mission,'' and that ``they seek out the most imaginative and innovative solutions to the many complex problems [they] face.'' Mr. President, ever since Ronald Reagan's first presentation in 1985, the Commander-in-Chief's Award has served as the highest commendation for a military installation. It is a tangible recognition of the hard work, dedication, innovation, and professionalism of the service- members and civilians who serve in our armed forces. (In each year since, only five awards have been presented only to the most outstanding installation of the four service branches and the Defense Logistics Agency.) This year, for only the second time in history, three installations in a single state rose to President Reagan's challenge and were presented during the same year with the Commander-in-Chief's Award. In ceremonies at the Pentagon last week, Mr. President, representatives of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Fort Bragg, and Camp Lejeune--all three in North Carolina--were present to receive this well-deserved recognition on behalf of their respective services. Though this is just the second time a state has accomplished this remarkable feat, North Carolina installations have been honored frequently in previous Commander-in-Chief Award ceremonies. In fact, North Carolina installations have won a total of 13 awards, more than any other state. By the way, Mr. President, North Carolina also has the distinction of having been home to the base that has won the award more often than any other in the country. While not selected this year, the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station has won its services' award on six occasions overall, four times in the past six years. In fact, North Carolina's two Marine Corps bases have so dominated the award that they have won it a total of ten times and kept it in our state for the past six years. Mr. President, I submit that it is no accident that North Carolina's military installations fare so well in this annual competition. The communities which embrace our bases--Goldsboro, Fayetteville, Jacksonville and Havelock--are filled with patriots who do everything possible to support the young men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our great nation. These North Carolina communities work closely with our installation commanders to support their efforts to make certain that our servicemen and women have everything they need to safely and successfully accomplish their missions and to improve the quality of their lives. In 1984, President Reagan appealed to the best instincts of the men and women in our military when he established this annual award. In so doing, he has helped highlight a legacy of excellence among the installations in my home state. Mr. President, needless to say, I'm extremely proud of our bases and communities and their achievements.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, May 2, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,655,955,997,201.31, Five trillion, six hundred fifty-five billion, nine hundred fifty-five million, nine hundred ninety-seven thousand, two hundred one dollar and thirty-one cents. One year ago, May 2, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,669,551,000,000, Five trillion, six hundred sixty-nine billion, five hundred fifty-one million. Five years ago, May 2, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,100,093,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred billion, ninety-three million. Ten years ago, May 2, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,438,851,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred thirty-eight billion, eight hundred fifty-one million. Fifteen years ago, May 2, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,015,491,000,000, Two trillion, fifteen billion, four hundred ninety- one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $3.5 trillion, $3,640,464,997,201.31, Three trillion, six hundred forty billion, four hundred sixty-four million, nine hundred ninety-seven thousand, two hundred one dollar and thirty-one cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, May 1, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,651,070,445,048.89, Five trillion, six hundred fifty-one billion, seventy million, four hundred forty-five thousand, forty-eight dollars and eighty-nine cents. One year ago, May 1, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,660,726,000,000, Five trillion, six hundred sixty billion, seven hundred twenty-six million. Five years ago, May 1, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,096,321,000,000, Five trillion, ninety-six billion, three hundred twenty-one million. Ten years ago, May 1, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,438,851,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred thirty-eight billion, eight hundred fifty-one million. Fifteen years ago, May 1, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,020,548,000,000, Two trillion, twenty billion, five hundred forty- eight million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $3.5 trillion, $3,630,522,445,048.89, Three trillion, six hundred thirty billion, five hundred twenty-two million, four hundred forty-five thousand, forty-eight dollars and eighty-nine cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, April 30, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,661,347,798,002.65, Five trillion, six hundred sixty-one billion, three hundred forty-seven million, seven hundred ninety-eight thousand, two dollars and sixty- five cents. Five years ago, April 30, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,102,049,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred two billion, forty-nine million. Ten years ago, April 30, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,445,059,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred forty-five billion, fifty-nine million. Fifteen years ago, April 30, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,008,271,000,000, Two trillion, eight billion, two hundred seventy- one million. Twenty-five years ago, April 30, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $601,974,000,000, Six hundred one billion, nine hundred seventy-four million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,059,373,798,002.65, Five trillion, fifty-nine billion, three hundred seventy-three million, seven hundred ninety-eight thousand, two dollars and sixty-five cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, April 27, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,678,255,839,065.80, five trillion, six hundred seventy-eight billion, two hundred fifty-five million, eight hundred thirty-nine thousand, sixty-five dollars and eighty cents. One year ago, April 27, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,680,311,000,000, five trillion, six hundred eighty billion, three hundred eleven million. Twenty-five years ago, April 27, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $600,159,000,000, six hundred billion, one hundred fifty-nine million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,078,096,839,065.80, five trillion, seventy-eight billion, ninety-six million, eight hundred thirty-nine thousand, sixty-five dollars and eighty cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, April 25, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,681,916,012,004.34, Five trillion, six hundred eighty-one billion, nine hundred sixteen million, twelve thousand, four dollars and thirty- four cents. One year ago, April 25, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,714,810,000,000, Five trillion, seven hundred fourteen billion, eight hundred ten million. Five years ago, April 25, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,092,768,000,000, Five trillion, ninety-two billion, seven hundred sixty-eight million. Ten years ago, April 25, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,425,956,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred twenty-five billion, nine hundred fifty-six million. Fifteen years ago, April 25, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,003,491,000,000, Two trillion, three billion, four hundred ninety- one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $3.5 trillion, $3,678,425,012,004.34, Three trillion, six hundred seventy-eight billion, four hundred twenty-five million, twelve thousand, four dollars and thirty-four cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, April 24, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,681,673,830,247.36, Five trillion, six hundred eighty-one billion, six hundred seventy-three million, eight hundred thirty thousand, two hundred forty-seven dollars and thirty-six cents. One year ago, April 24, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,711,906,000,000, Five trillion, seven hundred eleven billion, nine hundred six million. Five years ago, April 24, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,110,704,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred ten billion, seven hundred four million. Ten years ago, April 24, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,438,135,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred thirty-eight billion, one hundred thirty-five million. Fifteen years ago, April 24, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $1,959,555,000,000, One trillion, nine hundred fifty-nine billion, five hundred fifty-five million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $3 trillion, $3,722,118,830,247.36, Three trillion, seven hundred twenty-two billion, one hundred eighteen million, eight hundred thirty thousand, two hundred forty-seven dollars and thirty-six cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, April 23, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,673,969,614,244.57, Five trillion, six hundred seventy-three billion, nine hundred sixty-nine million, six hundred fourteen thousand, two hundred forty-four dollars and fifty-seven cents. Five years ago, April 23, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,106,372,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred six billion, three hundred seventy-two million. Ten years ago, April 23, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,433,997,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred thirty-three billion, nine hundred ninety-seven million. Fifteen years ago, April 23, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $1,959,815,000,000, One trillion, nine hundred fifty-nine billion, eight hundred fifteen million. Twenty-five years ago, April 23, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $600,771,000,000, Six hundred billion, seven hundred seventy-one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,073,198,614,244.57, Five trillion, seventy-three billion, one hundred ninety-eight million, six hundred fourteen thousand, two hundred forty-four dollars and fifty-seven cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess for no more than 12 minutes.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, pursuant to the permission given me by the majority leader, and with the agreement of the minority leader, it is my honor to have invited the Duke University basketball team, the NCAA champions of this year, along with the wives of those who have wives, and the coaches and their wives, to come to the Senate floor.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, April 20, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,713,631,148,647.61, Five trillion, seven hundred thirteen billion, six hundred thirty-one million, one hundred forty-eight thousand, six hundred forty-seven dollars and sixty-one cents. One year ago, April 20, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,707,061,000,000 Five trillion, seven hundred seven billion, sixty- one million. Fifteen years ago, April 20, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $1,962,745,000,000, One trillion, nine hundred sixty-two billion, seven hundred forty-five million. Twenty-five years ago, April 20, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $604,399,000,000, Six hundred four billion, three hundred ninety-nine million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,109,232,148,647.61, Five trillion, one hundred nine billion, two hundred thirty-two million, one hundred forty-eight thousand, six hundred forty-seven dollars and sixty-one cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, April 5, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,772,523,327,634.26, Five trillion, seven hundred seventy-two billion, five hundred twenty-three million, three hundred twenty- seven thousand, six hundred thirty-four dollars and twenty-six cents. One year ago, April 5, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,758,941,000,000, Five trillion, seven hundred fifty-eight billion, nine hundred forty-one million. Five years ago, April 5, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,138,150,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred thirty-eight billion, one hundred fifty million. Ten years ago, April 5, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,468,754,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred sixty-eight billion, seven hundred fifty-four million. Twenty-five years ago, April 5, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $595,781,000,000, Five hundred ninety-five billion, seven hundred eighty-one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,176,742,327,634.26, Five trillion, one hundred seventy-six billion, seven hundred forty-two million, three hundred twenty-seven thousand, six hundred thirty-four dollars and twenty-six cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, April 4, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,777,864,856,329.85, Five trillion, seven hundred seventy-seven billion, eight hundred sixty-four million, eight hundred fifty-six thousand, three hundred twenty-nine dollars and eighty-five cents. One year ago, April 4, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,758,855,000,000, Five trillion, seven hundred fifty-eight billion, eight hundred fifty-five million. Five years ago, April 4, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,137,761,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred thirty-seven billion, seven hundred sixty-one million. Ten years ago, April 4, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,465,170,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred sixty-five billion, one hundred seventy million. Fifteen years ago, April 4, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,021,383,000,000, Two trillion, twenty-one billion, three hundred eighty-three million, which reflects a debt increase of almost $4 trillion, $3,756,481,856,329.85, Three trillion, seven hundred fifty- six billion, four hundred eighty-one million, eight hundred fifty-six thousand, three hundred twenty-nine dollars and eighty-five cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, Monday night, April 2, I was one of the countless North Carolinians--along with students, alumni, and admirers from across the country--watching the Blue Devils of Duke University win the 2001 NCAA Men's College Basketball National Championship. The talented young men who make up Duke's remarkable team have assembled a fine record in winning its third championship in the last eleven years. Mr. President, Duke University's Men's Basketball program has indeed achieved a special place in sports history. North Carolinians have become accustomed to outstanding basketball teams representing our state during the past quarter century. In addition to Duke's three National Championships, the North Carolina Tar Heels brought home the trophy in 1982 and 1993, while the North Carolina State Wolfpack won in 1974 and again in the memorable 1983 tournament when coached by the brave and inspirational Jim Valvano, whom is missed greatly. But on the April 2 night, after a hard-fought battle with the fine Wildcats of Arizona University, the Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious, 82-72. Led by All-Americans Shane Battier and Jason Williams and boosted by a stellar performance by sophomore sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy, this Duke team is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Mr. President, the 2001 Duke team breezed through the season with customary excellence, finishing tied for first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season, winning or sharing this honor for an unprecedented fifth time in five years. Duke then proceeded to win the ACC championship for the third year in a row. Coach Mike Krzyzewski has built a much admired program during his 21 seasons at Duke. He recruits talented and committed student-athletes and molds them into a tightly-knit basketball ``family''. His dedication to the team members has been rewarded with long-lasting relationships between coach and player. ``Coach K's'' guidance is often cited by his former players as crucial to each of them realizing his potential both on and off the court. This program has earned Coach Krzyzewski and his teams not only three national championships, but seven appearances in National Championship games during the past 16 years. The Duke program is a meaningful example for Americans, especially younger Americans, of determination, perseverance, and success in North Carolina. Day in and day out, whether in the classroom or on the court, the members of this team have shown the country what it takes to be national champions.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, April 3, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,776,367,926,942.46, Five trillion, seven hundred seventy-six billion, three hundred sixty-seven million, nine hundred twenty-six thousand, nine hundred forty-two dollars and forty-six cents. One year ago, April 3, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,750,620,000,000, Five trillion, seven hundred fifty billion, six hundred twenty million. Five years ago, April 3, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,135,691,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred thirty-five billion, six hundred ninety-one million. Ten years ago, April 3, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,470,646,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred seventy billion, six hundred forty-six million. Fifteen years ago, April 3, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,021,705,000,000, Two trillion, twenty-one billion, seven hundred five million, which reflects a debt increase of almost $4 trillion, $3,754,662,926,942.46, Three trillion, seven hundred fifty-four billion, six hundred sixty-two million, nine hundred twenty-six thousand, nine hundred forty-two dollars and forty-six cents during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, today I sending to the desk S. 692, a bill that would grant a waiver of the so-called Jones Act to the Scour Barge Eagle, a ship owned by the State of North Carolina. Enactment of this essential legislation will enable the Eagle to clear silt buildup on the river bottom along the dock and wharf facilities of the North Carolina State Ports Authority. The Scour Barge Eagle is an old U.S. Army barge outfitted with a pump and pipe system, commonly known as a ``scour jet.'' The ship directs pressured water at silt build-up points along areas adjacent to the docking facilities of the North Carolina State Ports Authority in Wilmington. Proper drafts at berths along the docking facilities must be maintained in order for ships to on-load and off-load cargo, especially bulk cargos. While it is clearly documented that the Scour Barge Eagle was built by Peden Steel Company in Raleigh, around 1943, this legislation is nevertheless essential because the State of North Carolina is unable to establish a continuous title chain. In the past Congress has passed similar legislation to grant Jones Act waivers so that similar vessels could operate in the coastwise trades. Mr. President, a bill identical to the one I'm offering today was incorporated into S. 1089, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2000, which the Senate approved by unanimous consent last year. The House failed to pass the Senate bill, making it necessary to re-introduce this bill as I am doing today. I do hope that the Senate will swiftly adopt this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, today I sending to the desk S. 692, a bill that would grant a waiver of the so-called Jones Act to the Scour Barge Eagle, a ship owned by the State of North Carolina. Enactment of this essential legislation will enable the Eagle to clear silt buildup on the river bottom along the dock and wharf facilities of the North Carolina State Ports Authority. The Scour Barge Eagle is an old U.S. Army barge outfitted with a pump and pipe system, commonly known as a ``scour jet.'' The ship directs pressured water at silt build-up points along areas adjacent to the docking facilities of the North Carolina State Ports Authority in Wilmington. Proper drafts at berths along the docking facilities must be maintained in order for ships to on-load and off-load cargo, especially bulk cargos. While it is clearly documented that the Scour Barge Eagle was built by Peden Steel Company in Raleigh, around 1943, this legislation is nevertheless essential because the State of North Carolina is unable to establish a continuous title chain. In the past Congress has passed similar legislation to grant Jones Act waivers so that similar vessels could operate in the coastwise trades. Mr. President, a bill identical to the one I'm offering today was incorporated into S. 1089, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2000, which the Senate approved by unanimous consent last year. The House failed to pass the Senate bill, making it necessary to re-introduce this bill as I am doing today. I do hope that the Senate will swiftly adopt this legislation. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, April 2, 2001, the Federal debt stood at $5,745,399,258,826.83, Five trillion, seven hundred forty-five billion, three hundred ninety-nine million, two hundred fifty-eight thousand, eight hundred twenty-six dollars and eighty-three cents. Five years ago, April 2, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,120,563,000,000, Five trillion, one hundred twenty billion, five hundred sixty-three million. Ten years ago, April 2, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,464,021,000,000, Three trillion, four hundred sixty-four billion, twenty-one million. Fifteen years ago, April 2, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,005,753,000,000, Two trillion, five billion, seven hundred fifty- three million. Twenty-five years ago, April 2, 1976, the Federal debt stood at $599,291,000,000, Five hundred ninety-nine billion, two hundred ninety- one million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion, $5,146,108,258,826.83, Five trillion, one hundred forty-six billion, one hundred eight million, two hundred fifty-eight thousand, eight hundred twenty-six dollars and eighty-three cents during the past 25 years.