Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, I appreciate the distinguished Senator from Kentucky and his courtesy in yielding to me. We will not take long. I just could not resist the opportunity to bring this distinguished delegation to the Chamber. We have the parliamentary delegation of the Republic of China on Taiwan, headed by the Honorable Yao Eng-Chi, the official diplomatic representative to the United States. Recess

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reported for the week ending June 5 that the U.S. imported 9,532,000 barrels of oil each day, an increase of 1,103,000 barrels a day over the 8,429,000 imported during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 59.9 percent of their needs last week. There are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States imported about 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Politicians should give consideration to the economic calamity certain to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 9,532,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, June 12, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,499,026,995,472.09 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-nine billion, twenty-six million, nine hundred ninety-five thousand, four hundred seventy-two dollars and nine cents). One year ago, June 12, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,352,849,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-two billion, eight hundred forty-nine million). Twenty-five years ago, June 12, 1973, the federal debt stood at $454,612,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-four billion, six hundred twelve million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,044,414,995,472.09 (Five trillion, forty-four billion, four hundred fourteen million, nine hundred ninety-five thousand, four hundred seventy-two dollars and nine cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, June 11, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,496,698,230,711.55 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-six billion, six hundred ninety-eight million, two hundred thirty thousand, seven hundred eleven dollars and fifty-five cents). One year ago, June 11, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,355,419,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, four hundred nineteen million). Five years ago, June 11, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,300,437,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred billion, four hundred thirty-seven million). Twenty-five years ago, June 11, 1973, the federal debt stood at $454,094,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-four billion, ninety-four million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion -- $5,042,604,230,711.55 (Five trillion, forty-two billion, six hundred four million, two hundred thirty thousand, seven hundred eleven dollars and fifty-five cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, June 10, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,495,636,727,532.95 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-five billion, six hundred thirty-six million, seven hundred twenty-seven thousand, five hundred thirty-two dollars and ninety-five cents). One year ago, June 10, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,351,974,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-one billion, nine hundred seventy-four million). Five years ago, June 10, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,298,707,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred ninety-eight billion, seven hundred seven million). Ten years ago, June 10, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,530,516,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred thirty billion, five hundred sixteen million). Fifteen years ago, June 10, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,309,637,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred nine billion, six hundred thirty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,185,999,727,532.95 (Four trillion, one hundred eighty-five billion, nine hundred ninety-nine million, seven hundred twenty-seven thousand, five hundred thirty-two dollars and ninety-five cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, June 9, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,493,569,839,079.81 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-three billion, five hundred sixty-nine million, eight hundred thirty-nine thousand, seventy-nine dollars and eighty-one cents). One year ago, June 9, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,348,704,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-eight billion, seven hundred four million). Five years ago, June 9, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,300,363,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred billion, three hundred sixty-three million). Ten years ago, June 9, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,534,222,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred thirty-four billion, two hundred twenty-two million). Fifteen years ago, June 9, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,309,407,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred nine billion, four hundred seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,184,162,839,079.81 (Four trillion, one hundred eighty-four billion, one hundred sixty-two million, eight hundred thirty-nine thousand, seventy-nine dollars and eighty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the distinguished Senator from Massachusetts has made my speech for me. The distinguished and honored guest from the Republic of Korea is with us, and I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess for a couple minutes so that Senators and others may greet him. recess

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, June 8, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,495,352,165,488.00 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-five billion, three hundred fifty-two million, one hundred sixty-five thousand, four hundred eighty-eight dollars and zero cents). Five years ago, June 8, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,303,726,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred three billion, seven hundred twenty-six million). Ten years ago, June 8, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,540,845,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred forty billion, eight hundred forty-five million). Fifteen years ago, June 8, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,308,822,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eight billion, eight hundred twenty-two million). Twenty-five years ago, June 8, 1973, the federal debt stood at $453,694,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, six hundred ninety- four million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,041,658,165,488.00 (Five trillion, forty-one billion, six hundred fifty-eight million, one hundred sixty-five thousand, four hundred eighty-eight dollars and zero cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, June 4, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,496,567,867,122.10 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-six billion, five hundred sixty- seven million, eight hundred sixty-seven thousand, one hundred twenty- two dollars and ten cents). One year ago, June 4, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,358,712,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-eight billion, seven hundred twelve million). Five years ago, June 4, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,301,348,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred one billion, three hundred forty-eight million). Twenty-five years ago, June 4, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $452,029,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-two billion, twenty-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion -- $5,044,538,867,122.10 (Five trillion, forty-four billion, five hundred thirty-eight million, eight hundred sixty-seven thousand, one hundred twenty-two dollars and ten cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, June 3, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,496,176,063,717.35 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-six billion, one hundred seventy-six million, sixty-three thousand, seven hundred seventeen dollars and thirty-five cents). One year ago, June 3, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,357,051,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-seven billion, fifty-one million). Five years ago, June 3, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,294,168,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred ninety-four billion, one hundred sixty-eight million). Ten years ago, June 3, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,573,962,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred seventy-three billion, nine hundred sixty-two million). Fifteen years ago, June 3, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,313,457,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred thirteen billion, four hundred fifty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,182,719,063,717.35 (Four trillion, one hundred eighty-two billion, seven hundred nineteen million, sixty-three thousand, seven hundred seventeen dollars and thirty-five cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, today the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1415, the tobacco legislation. There are several amendments still pending to the bill, and it is hoped those issues can be disposed of at an early hour so that the Senate can consider additional amendments to the tobacco bill. Rollcall votes, therefore, are expected throughout today's session of the Senate. As a reminder to all Members, there are a number of items that the Senate may also resume, or begin, or both, including the Department of Defense authorization bill, the conference reports as they may become available, and any appropriations bills that are ready for action. As always, other executive or legislative matters may be considered as they are cleared. On behalf of the majority leader, I thank my colleagues for their attention. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that with respect to the tobacco legislation the debate be in order only until 10:30 this morning.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reported for the week ending May 29, that the U.S. imported 8,549,000 barrels of oil each day, an increase of 175,000 barrels a day over the 8,374,000 imported during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 57.2 percent of their needs last week. There are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Politicians had better give consideration to the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 8,549,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, it was about four months ago that I called the Senate's distinguished chaplain and suggested that he might consider inviting Rev. Shirley Caesar of Raleigh, North Carolina, to serve as the U.S. Senate's guest chaplain on some mutually convenient occasion. I recall Dr. Ogilvie's response--a friendly suggestion that I tell him about Pastor Caesar. I replied that I would do better than that-- and I did, by sending Dr. Ogilvie a copy of a lengthy article published by the Washington Post on February 22. In a moment, Mr. President, I shall ask unanimous consent that portions of that article be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks. But before I do that, let me summarize the fascinating Christian witness of Rev. Shirley Caesar, pastor of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in my hometown of Raleigh, N.C. The Washington Post described Pastor Caesar this way: On weekdays, (Pastor) Caesar, with a record number of nine gospel Grammys--hits the road to share her voice with those who come to hear her music and witness her presence as a legendary performer on stages across America. But on Sundays she returns to a plain maple pulpit in a simple whitewashed church--comes home, not far from where she was born, to her husband of 15 years, Bishop Harold Ivory Williams, and preaches, ministers to everyday problems, and hears the refrains. Mr. President, I have selected several paragraphs from the Washington Post story of February 22, 1998, and shortly ask unanimous consent that this information be published in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks. But before I make that formal request, let me extend my personal welcome to the Senate's remarkable guest chaplain for this day. I am proud of her and at the first opportunity, Dot Helms and I intend to worship one Sunday morning with Reverend Caesar. Now, Mr. President, I make the formal unanimous consent request that I mentioned a minute or so ago.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, June 1, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,495,092,820,910.61 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-five billion, ninety-two million, eight hundred twenty thousand, nine hundred ten dollars and sixty-one cents). Five years ago, June 1, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,304,847,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred four billion, eight hundred forty-seven million). Ten years ago, June 1, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,546,681,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred forty-six billion, six hundred eighty-one million). Fifteen years ago, June 1, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,312,535,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred twelve billion, five hundred thirty-five million). Twenty-five years ago, June 1, 1973, the federal debt stood at $456,386,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-six billion, three hundred eighty- six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,038,706,820,910.61 (Five trillion, thirty-eight billion, seven hundred six million, eight hundred twenty thousand, nine hundred ten dollars and sixty-one cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, May 29, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,506,355,797,435.19 (Five trillion, five hundred six billion, three hundred fifty-five million, seven hundred ninety-seven thousand, four hundred thirty-five dollars and nineteen cents). One year ago, May 29, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,346,270,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-six billion, two hundred seventy million). Twenty-five years ago, May 29, 1973, the federal debt stood at $455,297,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-five billion, two hundred ninety- seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,051,058,797,435.19 (Five trillion, fifty-one billion, fifty-eight million, seven hundred ninety-seven thousand, four hundred thirty-five dollars and nineteen cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, May 21, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,503,780,049,716.42 (Five trillion, five hundred three billion, seven hundred eighty million, forty-nine thousand, seven hundred sixteen dollars and forty- two cents). One year ago, May 21, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,348,058,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-eight billion, fifty-eight million). Five years ago, May 21, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,287,850,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-seven billion, eight hundred fifty million). Twenty-five years ago, May 21, 1973, the federal debt stood at $453,228,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, two hundred twenty- eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,050,552,049,716.42 (Five trillion, fifty billion, five hundred fifty-two million, forty-nine thousand, seven hundred sixteen dollars and forty-two cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, May 20, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,502,138,799,604.60 (Five trillion, five hundred two billion, one hundred thirty-eight million, seven hundred ninety-nine thousand, six hundred four dollars and sixty cents). One year ago, May 20, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,346,368,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-six billion, three hundred sixty-eight million). Five years ago, May 20, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,287,296,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-seven billion, two hundred ninety-six million). Ten years ago, May 20, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,523,014,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, fourteen million). Fifteen years ago, May 20, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,288,467,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred eighty-eight billion, four hundred sixty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,213,671,799,604.60 (Four trillion, two hundred thirteen billion, six hundred seventy-one million, seven hundred ninety-nine thousand, six hundred four dollars and sixty cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute's report for the week ending May 15, that the U.S. imported 8,562,000 barrels of oil each day, an increase of 728,000 barrels over the 7,834,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 57.3 percent of their needs last week. There are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Politicians had better give consideration to the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 8,562,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, May 19, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,501,436,319,981.88 (Five trillion, five hundred one billion, four hundred thirty-six million, three hundred nineteen thousand, nine hundred eighty-one dollars and eighty-eight cents). One year ago, May 19, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,344,451,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-four billion, four hundred fifty-one million). Five years ago, May 19, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,285,943,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-five billion, nine hundred forty-three million). Ten years ago, May 19, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,523,047,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, forty-seven million). Fifteen years ago, May 19, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,265,692,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred sixty-five billion, six hundred ninety-two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,235,744,319,981.88 (Four trillion, two hundred thirty- five billion, seven hundred forty-four million, three hundred nineteen thousand, nine hundred eighty-one dollars and eighty-eight cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, when Jimmy Stewart died last July, less than a year shy of his 90th birthday, which would have been today, millions of Americans of all ages felt they had lost a dear friend. They had grown up with great films such as ``It's a Wonderful Life,'' ``Harvey,'' ``The Philadelphia Story,'' and the one that's probably many Americans' personal favorite, ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.'' I was fortunate to get to work with Mr. Stewart during the 1970s when we were on the campaign trail across North Carolina. Dot and I will never forget travelling with him introducing him to the citizens who felt that they already knew him. Perhaps what I like most about ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'' is the manner in which Jimmy Stewart and director Frank Capra captured the timeless principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence. In describing the them of the picture, Capra said: ``The more uncertain are the people of the world, the more their hard-won freedoms are scattered and lost in the winds of change, the more they need a ringing statement of America's democratic ideals.'' Jimmy Stewart, Mr. President, in a sense was playing a character modeled after Abe Lincoln. According to Capra, Jefferson Smith was ``tailored to the rail-splitter's simplicity, compassion, ideals, humor and unswerving moral courage under pressure.'' A year ago, on the occasion of Jimmy Stewart's eighty-ninth birthday, John Meroney of Advance, N.C., wrote a Wall Street Journal essay, ``A Hero Larger Than Those He Portrayed,'' celebrating Jimmy Stewart's life and career. I learned about John Meroney when he was a student at Wake Forest University. I am persuaded the reason Jimmy Stewart appeals to John and other young people isn't simply because Mr. Stewart made some of the greatest pictures of all-time. I believe, Mr. President, that it's the contrast between Jimmy Stewart and so many of those who live and work in Hollywood today. It's hard to imagine anyone out there capturing America's heart the way Jimmy Stewart did, and via his countless films, still does. It's as John Meroney put it, it isn't because Jimmy played great characters. It's because of the way Jimmy Stewart lived his life. So, Mr. President, in commemoration of the birthday of an American original, James Maitland Stewart, I ask unanimous consent that the text of Mr. Meroney's column be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, May 18, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,497,225,027,113.83 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-seven billion, two hundred twenty-five million, twenty-seven thousand, one hundred thirteen dollars and eighty-three cents). Five years ago, May 18, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,284,320,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-four billion, three hundred twenty million). Ten years ago, May 18, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,523,270,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, two hundred seventy million). Fifteen years ago, May 18, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,268,788,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred sixty-eight billion, seven hundred eighty-eight million). Twenty-five years ago, May 18, 1973, the federal debt stood at $453,126,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, one hundred twenty- six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,044,099,027,113.83 (Five trillion, forty-four billion, ninety-nine million, twenty-seven thousand, one hundred thirteen dollars and eighty-three cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, May 14, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,492,886,169,970.40 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-two billion, eight hundred eighty- six million, one hundred sixty-nine thousand, nine hundred seventy dollars and forty cents). One year ago, May 14, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,339,781,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-nine billion, seven hundred eighty-one million). Five years ago, May 14, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,247,909,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred forty-seven billion, nine hundred nine million). Twenty-five years ago, May 14, 1973, the federal debt stood at $453,698,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, six hundred ninety- eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,039,188,169,970.40 (Five trillion, thirty-nine billion, one hundred eighty-eight million, one hundred sixty-nine thousand, nine hundred seventy dollars and forty cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute's report for the week ending May 8, disclosed that the U.S. imported 8,772,000 barrels of oil each day, an increase of 1,206,000 barrels over the 7,566,000 imported every day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 57.9 percent of their needs last week. There are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Politicians had better give consideration to the the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 8,772,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, immediately upon his return from Cuba, Pope John Paul II gave an audience at the Vatican where he discussed his historic Cuban pilgrimage. While Fidel Castro and others were working hard to distort the purpose of his visit, the Pope was unambiguous about the aims and purposes of his visit in Cuba. His Holiness said: ``I wish for our brothers and sisters on that beautiful island that the fruits of this pilgrimage will be similar to the fruits of that pilgrimage in Poland,'' referring to his June 1979 visit to his native Poland--a visit which is widely credited with inspiring the Polish people to throw off the shackles of their oppression, and embrace their God-given spiritual and political freedom. That visit marked the beginning of the end for Poland's communist dictatorship--just as, I believe, the Pope's historic visit to Cuba has marked the beginning of the end of Fidel Castro's despotic rule. With his Cuban pilgrimage, John Paul II has sown the seeds of spiritual and political liberation in the Cuban mind. The United States must now help the Cuban people to cultivate those seeds of liberation which His Holiness had planted in Cuba--just as the United States worked with him in helping the Polish people in their struggle against communist oppression nearly two decades ago. That is why today--along with more than 20 of my Senate colleagues--I am introducing legislation that will bring new energy and focus to the U.S. Cuba policy--``The Cuban Solidarity Act of 1998'' or ``SOLIDARIDAD'' Act. The buttons we are all wearing may look familiar to many watching today. Our buttons bear the logo of the Polish Solidarity movement--but with a Cuban twist. You see, we are calling this legislation the ``Cuban Solidarity Act'' for a reason. Our goal is to do today for the people of Cuba, what the United States did for the Solidarity movement in Poland during the 1980s: Give the Cuban people the resources they need to build a free, functioning civil society within the empty shell of Castro's bankrupt communist ``revolution.'' The Cuban Solidarity Act proposes to authorize $100 million over four years in U.S. government humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people-- donations of food and medicine, to be delivered through the Catholic Church and truly independent relief organizations in Cuba like Caritas. The legislation we are introducing today will authorize direct humanitarian flights to deliver both private and U.S. government donations to Cuba. And it will mandate a proactive U.S. policy to support the internal opposition in Cuba, just as the U.S. supported the Solidarity movement in Poland during the 1980s. This legislation is not about the Cuban embargo. It does not tighten the embargo; it does not loosen the embargo. What it does is add a new dimension to the U.S. policy regarding Cuba: With the enactment of this legislation, U.S. policy will no longer be simply to isolate the Castro regime, but to actively support those working to bring about change inside Cuba. As Secretary of State Madeline Albright recently put it, there are two embargoes in Cuba today: The U.S. embargo on the Castro regime, and Castro's embargo on his own people. We must, Secretary Albright said, maintain the first, while breaking the second. This legislation is designed to break Fidel Castro's brutal embargo on the Cuban people. The Cuban Solidarity Act has four central objectives: First, this bill will provide free food and medicine to Cubans most in need--those who cannot possibly afford to buy the necessities of life because they have no access to U.S. dollars. Second, it will strengthen those institutions delivering this aid by giving them the resources they need to expand their space in Cuba and nurture a nascent civil society on the island. Third, this bill will undermine the Castro regime's ability to stifle dissent through the denial of work and basic necessities. In Cuba today, anyone who dares to speak out against Castro's despotic rule can lose his or her job (or be thrown in jail) and thus lose their ability to feed their families. This bill will help undermine Castro's ability to maintain social control through deprivation, by helping build alternative sources of food and medicine in Cuba. And finally, this bill will take away Fidel Castro's excuses, by neutralizing Castro's propaganda which falsely blames the U.S. embargo for the hardships suffered by the Cuban people. This legislation puts Castro in a no-win situation. There is no way for him to be on the right side of denying the Cuban people access to free food and medicine from the United States. If Castro allows this food and medicine into Cuba, it will bring relief to millions of Cubans who cannot afford to buy basic necessities; it will remove his ability to use deprivation as a tool of oppression; and it will help independent institutions create space for themselves in Cuba society. But if he does not allow the food and medicine in, them 11 million Cubans will know exactly who is responsible for their daily suffering. They will know that the American people wanted to send them $100 million in food and medicine, but that Castro said ``No''. In addition to this humanitarian relief, the Cuban Solidarity Act also instructs the President to take a series of steps intended to hasten the liberation of the Cuban people. Among other provisions: The bill instructs the President to increase all forms of U.S. government support for ``democratic opposition groups in Cuba,'' who risk life and limb each day to challenge the regime. The bill also urges the President to seek a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Fidel Castro to ``immediately respect all human rights, free all political prisoners, legalize independent political parties, allow independent trade unions, and conduct freely contested elections.'' The Cuban Solidarity Act also calls for creative measures to overcome Castro's blockade on information coming into Cuba instructing the President to commence ``freedom broadcasting'' through Radio and TV Marti from the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, and other suitable sites around Cuba. The bill also requires the Administration to produce a series of reports on the plight of average Cubans, including conditions of human rights, workers' rights, and the apparent policy of coercing abortions among poor, less-educated Cuban women. And the bill will authorize increased personnel in the Treasury and Commerce Departments to facilitate licenses for American medical sales to Cuba--which have been fully legal since 1992--taking away Castro's excuses for his failure to provide American medicine and medical equipment for his people. The Cuban Solidarity Act is a bill that could and should be supported by all U.S. Senators, those for the Cuban embargo, and those opposed. All of us should unite behind a policy of providing free food and medicine to those trapped in Castro's Orwellian economy. I cannot imagine that anyone would disagree with the notion that the United States should bring the same intense commitment to its Cuba policy that made the difference in Poland's struggle with communist tyranny. Now some have suggested that we should not give the Cuban people free food and medicine--rather, we should sell it to them. My question is this: What exactly will they use to buy this American food and medicine? Soviet rubles? The Cuban people can't afford to buy American food and medicine! Today, in Cuba, food and medicine is available everywhere. In Havana, there are bakeries overflowing with fresh bread, pharmacies stocked with Western medicines, grocery stores brimming with foods. But these products are completely out of reach to most Cubans. Why? Castro allows them to be sold only for dollars, which the vast majority of Cubans don't have. Castro pays them in worthless Cuban pesos. The only Cubans who can afford to shop in these exclusive stores are cronies of the Castro regime, and those few lucky Cubans who get dollars from abroad--or those poor Cuban women and girls who are forced to prostitute themselves to foreign tourists from Canada and Europe in order to survive. Instead of trading with the Castro regime (and thus subsidizing the brutal state security apparatus which keeps him in power), our call today is: Let us unite to circumvent this monstrous system Castro has built; Let's give food and medicine directly to the Cuban people. The Cuban Solidarity Act will also encourage and facilitate increased private donations to Cuba. There are many in the private sector who have been enormously generous in their humanitarian efforts for the Cuban people, and we will be encouraging them to redouble their efforts. But we will also be issuing a challenge to all of our big-hearted friends in the corporate community who have been lobbying to lift the Cuban embargo. Since they claim to have so much concern for the Cuban people, we will be asking them: What are you willing to donate to help suffering Cubans who cannot afford to buy food and medicine for themselves? We'll see if the floodgates of generosity open up, showing corporate America's concern for Cuba's suffering people. Fidel Castro will never change his stripes. The Cuban Solidarity Act is based on the belief that we must do more than wait for Fidel Castro to die or ``get religion.'' We must do what was done for Lech Walesa and his courageous Polish brothers; that is, we must undertake a proactive policy under which the United States will lend decisive support to the cause of freedom in Cuba. The Pope's visit planted the seeds of liberation in Cuba. The Cuban Solidarity Act is the American people's way of cultivating those seeds for the benefit of Cubans and freedom-loving people everywhere. Let's get about it.