Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, January 28, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,492,555,021,481.61 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety-two billion, five hundred fifty-five million, twenty-one thousand, four hundred eighty-one dollars and sixty-one cents). One year ago, January 28, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,317,192,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred seventeen billion, one hundred ninety-two million). Five years ago, January 28, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,173,554,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-three billion, five hundred fifty-four million). Ten years ago, January 28, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,448,460,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred forty-eight billion, four hundred sixty million). Fifteen years ago, January 28, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,196,067,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-six billion, sixty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,296,488,021,481.61 (Four trillion, two hundred ninety-six billion, four hundred eighty-eight million, twenty- one thousand, four hundred eighty-one dollars and sixty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, a troubling aspect in assessing all aspects of maintaining a strong U.S. national security is one that receives scant attention--the fact that the United States is more deeply dependent upon foreign countries to supply most of America's energy needs. The situation today is worse than ever before in our history. I began in 1996 my reports to the American people every week in which I stated the precise amount of oil imported by the U.S. from foreign countries. Some of these countries are openly hostile to U.S. interests. I make these reports to emphasize the extent to which the U.S. has become perilously dependent on them. I investigated this issue a decade ago when I presided over several hearings as the then chairman of the Agriculture Committee. In my present capacity as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee we have held hearings; more are scheduled this year. While the Administration acknowledges that U.S. oil imports are a national security concern, nothing has been done by the Administration to resolve U.S. dependency on foreign oil. Now, Mr. President, a few up-to-date statistics: The American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending January 23, the U.S. imported 7,776,000 barrels of oil each day, 64,000 barrels fewer than the 7,840,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. While this is one of the rare weeks when Americans imported slightly less oil than a year ago, Americans still relied on foreign oil for 55 percent of their needs last week, and there is no sign 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. Which raises the inevitable question: is anybody else interested in restoring domestic production of oil--by U.S. producers using American workers? It is argued that America should use up foreign oil reserves before tapping into our the remaining U.S. domestic supply. But I submit, Mr. President, that economic calamity will 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 7,776,000 barrels a day. Mr. President, the Foreign Relations Committee will continue its examination of U.S. dependency on foreign oil in 1998. I shall also continue to report to the Senate--and to the American people--on a regular basis regarding this increasingly dangerous trend.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, January 27, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,490,127,380,051.53 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety billion, one hundred twenty-seven million, three hundred eighty thousand, fifty-one dollars and fifty-three cents). One year ago, January 27, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,312,990,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred twelve billion, nine hundred ninety million). Five years ago, January 27, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,174,096,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-four billion, ninety-six million). Ten years ago, January 27, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,448,164,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred forty-eight billion, one hundred sixty-four million). Fifteen years ago, January 27, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,196,387,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-six billion, three hundred eighty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,293,740,380,051.53 (Four trillion, two hundred ninety-three billion, seven hundred forty million, three hundred eighty thousand, fifty-one dollars and fifty-three cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, Senators may be intrigued to learn that during the 74 days Congress was in recess, the federal debt increased by more than $57 billion. To be exact, the increase (from November 13, 1997 to January 26, 1998) totaled $57,033,087,681.31 (Fifty-seven billion, thirty-three million, eighty-seven thousand, six hundred eighty-one dollars and thirty-one cents). This increase is a blunt reminder that even when Congress takes a break, the federal debt does not. The federal debt will continue to soar unless and until Congress changes the status quo. Presently, each citizen's share of the national debt is $20,424.89. Mr. President, with this in mind, let me begin where we left off: At the close of business yesterday, Monday, January 26, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,487,280,357,810.54 (Five trillion, four hundred eighty-seven billion, two hundred eighty million, three hundred fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred ten dollars and fifty-four cents). Five years ago, January 26, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,171,138,000,000 (four trillion, one hundred seventy-one billion, one hundred thirty-eight million). Ten years ago, January 26, 1998, the federal debt stood at $2,448,079,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred forty-eight billion, seventy-nine million). Fifteen years ago, January 26, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,196,856,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-six billion, eight hundred fifty-six million). Twenty-five years ago, January 26, 1973, the federal debt stood at $449,476,000,000 (Four hundred forty-nine billion, four hundred seventy-six million) which reflects a debt increase of over $5 trillion--$5,037,804,357,810.54 (Five trillion, thirty-seven billion, eight hundred four million, three hundred fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred ten dollars and fifty-four cents) during the past 25 years. Mr. DORGAN addressed the Chair.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the North Carolina General Assembly embarked in 1997 on a significant course--that of inviting some of our State's best-known and best-qualified citizens to address joint sessions of the legislature's house and senate. Dr. Billy Graham, for example, made a remarkable and unforgettable appearance during the year. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly's Select Committee on Federal Education grants heard a splendid address by a prominent and learned North Carolina lady, Mrs. Alice Wynne Gatsis, of Rocky Mount, whose distinguished husband is a retired general of the U.S. Army, Andrew J. Gatsis. General and Mrs. Gatsis are stouthearted defenders of the U.S. Constitution. They are exceedingly knowledgeable about the perils confronting this Nation as a result of constant tampering with the intent and the meaning of the Constitution. In short, Alice Wynne Gatsis and her husband understand the miracle of America. That, Mr. President, is why the North Carolina General Assembly's Select Committee on Federal Education Grants invited Mrs. Gatsis to address the committee on November 10 of last year. Mr. President, I have in hand the text of Mrs. Gatsis' address and, being enormously impressed with her remarks, I have decided to share them with Senators and others who read the Congressional Record. Therefore, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of Mrs. Gatsis' address be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,429,798,432,997.19 (Five trillion, four hundred twenty-nine billion, seven hundred ninety-eight million, four hundred thirty-two thousand, nine hundred ninety-seven dollars and nineteen cents). One year ago, November 12, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,246,804,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred forty-six billion, eight hundred four million). Five years ago, November 12, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,083,868,000,000 (Four trillion, eighty-three billion, eight hundred sixty-eight million). Ten years ago, November 12, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,394,714,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-four billion, seven hundred fourteen million). Fifteen years ago, November 12, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,141,767,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred forty-one billion, seven hundred sixty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,288,031,432,997.19 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-eight billion, thirty-one million, four hundred thirty-two thousand, nine hundred ninety-seven dollars and nineteen cents) during the past 15 years. _______________________________________________________________________

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Monday, November 10, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,428,066,600,045.67 (Five trillion, four hundred twenty-eight billion, sixty-six million, six hundred thousand, forty-five dollars and sixty-seven cents). Five years ago, November 10, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,081,507,000,000 (Four trillion, eighty-one billion, five hundred seven million). Ten years ago, November 10, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,393,483,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-three billion, four hundred eighty-three million). Fifteen years ago, November 10, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,139,807,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred thirty-nine billion, eight hundred seven million). Twenty-five years ago, November 10, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $436,177,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-six billion, one hundred seventy- seven million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,991,889,600,045.67 (Four trillion, nine hundred ninety-one billion, eight hundred eighty-nine million, six hundred thousand, forty-five dollars and sixty-seven cents) during the past 25 years. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, November 7, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,426,731,931,109.43 (Five trillion, four hundred twenty-six billion, seven hundred thirty-one million, nine hundred thirty-one thousand, one hundred nine dollars and forty-three cents). One year ago, November 7, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,243,332,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred forty-three billion, three hundred thirty-two million). Twenty-five years ago, November 7, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $435,658,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-five billion, six hundred fifty- eight million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,991,073,931,109.43 (Four trillion, nine hundred ninety-one billion, seventy-three million, nine hundred thirty-one thousand, one hundred nine dollars and forty-three cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, this past week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held its final business meeting of the 1st session of the 105th Congress. At that meeting, the committee approved 50 nominations as well as three pieces of legislation. This was the culmination of an ambitious 1997 agenda which included 97 committee meetings--the first on January 8 when the committee convened to consider the nomination of Madeleine Albright to be Secretary of State. With this past week's business meeting, the committee had approved and sent to the Senate, in 1997, 119 nominations, approved 1,004 Foreign Service promotions and reported out 37 pieces of legislation, while approving 15 treaties. Among the nominations were the Secretary of State, numerous Assistant Secretaries of State, and Ambassadors to the United Nations, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Greece, Korea, Israel, and Egypt. But this, Mr. President, does not begin to tell the full story. Thanks to the able members of the committee staff, hard work of the committee members--the subcommittee chairmen and ranking members--and thanks to the bipartisan spirit which we, all of us, have worked to establish, we have--all of us together--succeeded, in the opinion of, at least, two former Secretaries of State, in returning the Foreign Relations Committee to top-drawer relevancy for the first time in decades. I believe it is fair to say that, thanks to the joint efforts of so many, the committee is today a force to be reckoned with in terms of U.S. foreign policy. Mr. President, the most concrete evidence of this rejuvenation came in May and June, when the committee wrote and approved sweeping bipartisan legislation to reorganize and revitalize the U.S. foreign policy apparatus, and reform the United Nations. This bill passed the Senate by an overwhelming 90 to 5 vote stipulating the abolishment of two antiquated temporary Federal agencies--the U.S. Information Agency and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency--and brings another--the Agency for International Development--under the authority of the Secretary of State. And, just as importantly, it strikes a grand bargain regarding the United Nations, paying $819 million in so-called U.S. arrears in exchange for deep-seated and meaningful U.N. reforms. In addition, since the August recess, the full committee, and its various subcommittees, have convened literally dozens of hearings on a wide range of foreign policy matters. During the fall months, the committee began hearings on what will surely be next year's most important foreign policy debate: The expansion of the NATO alliance. The committee has already held six hearings--beginning with testimony from Secretary of State Albright--hearings which I believe will have a real impact in ensuring not only that NATO expansion is approved by the Senate next spring, but that the plan presented to the Senate for its advice and consent is done the right way, taking into account the legitimate concerns various Senators have presented. It is difficult for me to express in any adequate way my gratitude to the members of this committee for all their efforts this past year. The chairmen and ranking members of the various subcommittees have done splendid work in the consideration of all the nominations, the bilateral tax treaties that are so important to American industry, and to hold oversight hearings on so many important matters. It is because of their work--not Senator Biden's nor mine--that this committee has been restored to the world stage as an important player in American foreign policy. I am proud of them and, it has been a privilege to serve with them on the Foreign Relations Committee.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I am gratified that Congress is today passing legislation to promote the adoption of children in foster care. This legislation is not perfect, but it does clarify that it is in the best interest of every child--regardless of his or her age, race or special need--to be raised by a family who will provide a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. Congress should be unmistakably clear in expressing this judgment: Foster care children should not be returned to unfit, abusive parents; and the barriers that currently prevent the adoption of foster care children must be lifted. Believe me, Mr. President, there is no shortage of prospective parents. The National Council for Adoption estimates that 2 million couples are waiting to adopt a child. Nonetheless, each year 15,000 children reach adulthood and leave the foster care system without ever becoming part of a permanent home. Because the current Federal law requires States to make reasonable efforts to reunite children with their biological parents, children have tragically been returned to their abusive and sometimes murderous parents. Under this adoption-foster care bill, States are not required to make reasonable efforts to reunite children with parents who have murdered another child; committed a felony assault that results in serious bodily injury to a child; or who pose a serious risk to a child's life. Foster care children who can never return safely home should not be left to linger in the foster care system--which, after all, is supposed to be temporary. Instead, these children should be placed up for adoption, and the parental rights of abusive parents should be terminated so adoption can take place. Let me be clear, parents who use reasonable discipline in rearing their children are not the parents who should have their rights terminated. This legislation includes language to ensure that reasonable discipline--such as reasonable spanking--is not misinterpreted as an act of abuse. Therefore, no State agency or court shall disrupt a home where parents use reasonable discipline. What we are talking about, Mr. President, are children who have been taken out of their homes because they've been truly abused and neglected. But because of current Federal law, these children are not being placed up for adoption--but are growing up in foster care. The numbers speak for themselves. There are more than half a million children currently living in foster care--an alarmingly high number which illustrates how the foster care system is in disarray. Is it not the responsibility of our civilized society to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable children by promoting adoption? And shouldn't we provide couples willing to love and care for these children the opportunity to do so? I believe the answer is clearly yes. Crisis Nurseries

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, I have a bill, S. 1397, at the desk. Now, Senators DeWine, Faircloth, Glenn, and I are introducing this legislation, and we are naming it the Centennial of Flight Commemorative Act. As I indicated, the bill number is S. 1397. This significant legislation will establish a commission to assist the numerous events that will lead up to and include the celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight, a feat in all the history books, accomplished in my State of North Carolina by the geniuses, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Ohio brothers who were born and raised in Dayton where they operated a bicycle shop. I don't know whether you have been to Kitty Hawk, particularly in the middle of December, but it is not a comfortable place to be. Wilbur and Orville came to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to conduct their experiments. The first powered flight occurred at Kitty Hawk, NC, on December 17, 1903. In fact, the Wright brothers engaged in four flights that day, and with their effort they changed the concept of travel forever. About noon on that cold and windy December day, at Kitty Hawk, NC, the aviation age, the air age, began. So, Madam President, the Wright brothers were indisputably the first pioneers of powered flight, and they became national heroes, justifiably etched in history. As for our bill, S. 1397, the able Senator from Ohio, Mr. DeWine, and the able Senator from Ohio, Mr. Glenn, did excellent work in drafting this legislation. Senator Glenn, I am obliged to mention, and I am glad to do so, is a man of history himself in terms of powered flight. He was the first American, as all of us know, to orbit the Earth. When he walks up and down the corridors, I see mamas and daddies pointing to him saying, ``That's Senator Glenn.'' Senator Glenn and six other pioneers, the Mercury astronauts, got America's space program off the ground. Madam President, S. 1397--let me say the title again so it will register--the Centennial of Flight Commemorative Act--proposes the establishment of a commission of 21 individuals to plan for and assist in events leading up to and including the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flights at Kitty Hawk. The commission will be composed of the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the National Air and Space Museum, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the NASA Administrator, and each of these officials can name a designee. Then there will be two representatives each from the States of North Carolina and Ohio and 12 other private citizens. Of these 12 private citizens, the President of the United States will appoint two from a list recommended by the Senate majority leader in consultation with the Senate minority leader, and two from a list recommended by the Speaker of the House in consultation with the House minority leader. The remaining eight will be chosen based on qualifications and/or experience in the fields of history, aerospace, science, industry, or other professions that will enhance the work of the commission. The commission will represent the United States and take a leadership role with other nations in recognizing the achievement of the Wright brothers and the importance of aviation history. The commission's activities will be closely coordinated with the First Flight Centennial Commission and the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina and the 2003 Committee of the State of Ohio. The commission is allowed to retain an executive director and staff that may be required in order to carry out its functions. S. 1397 authorizes appropriations of $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 1998 to 2004 to fund the work of the commission. Additionally, the commission may accept monetary contributions and other in kind contributions, volunteer services and the like. In order to further defray the expenses of the commission, the legislation gives it exclusive right to names, logos, emblems, seals, and marks, which may be licensed on which proceeds from royalties will be used to offset the operating costs of the commission. S. 1397 requires that annual audits of the commission be conducted by the Inspector General of the General Services Administration to ensure its financial integrity. The commission shall be terminated no later than 60 days after the submission of the final audit report. Senators may ask why establish a Federal commission to commemorate this event? The Wright brothers' triumph at Kitty Hawk on that bone- chilling day of December 17, 1903 has to rank as one of mankind's greatest achievement. The world has not been the same since. As the development of the airplane progressed so did its uses in warfare and civilian aviation. Its development spawned generations of aviation trailblazers. Names like Eddie Rickenbacker, Billy Mitchell, Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, and the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and space shuttle astronauts became household words. What is even more astonishing is that 66 years later, Neil Armstrong of Ohio became the first man to set foot on the moon. That would not have been possible without the Wright brothers. Because of the Wright brothers you can get on a jet aircraft at Dulles Airport and be in London in six or seven hours, far less if you are flying the Concorde. You can fly from New York to Tokyo in 14 hours. On the Concorde, you can travel from New York to London in 3 hours and 50 minutes. We are seeing daily developments in aviation, faster planes, new space technologies, all because of the genius of Wilbur and Orville Wright. I hope the Senate will swiftly approve this legislation.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, I have a bill, S. 1397, at the desk. Now, Senators DeWine, Faircloth, Glenn, and I are introducing this legislation, and we are naming it the Centennial of Flight Commemorative Act. As I indicated, the bill number is S. 1397. This significant legislation will establish a commission to assist the numerous events that will lead up to and include the celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight, a feat in all the history books, accomplished in my State of North Carolina by the geniuses, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Ohio brothers who were born and raised in Dayton where they operated a bicycle shop. I don't know whether you have been to Kitty Hawk, particularly in the middle of December, but it is not a comfortable place to be. Wilbur and Orville came to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to conduct their experiments. The first powered flight occurred at Kitty Hawk, NC, on December 17, 1903. In fact, the Wright brothers engaged in four flights that day, and with their effort they changed the concept of travel forever. About noon on that cold and windy December day, at Kitty Hawk, NC, the aviation age, the air age, began. So, Madam President, the Wright brothers were indisputably the first pioneers of powered flight, and they became national heroes, justifiably etched in history. As for our bill, S. 1397, the able Senator from Ohio, Mr. DeWine, and the able Senator from Ohio, Mr. Glenn, did excellent work in drafting this legislation. Senator Glenn, I am obliged to mention, and I am glad to do so, is a man of history himself in terms of powered flight. He was the first American, as all of us know, to orbit the Earth. When he walks up and down the corridors, I see mamas and daddies pointing to him saying, ``That's Senator Glenn.'' Senator Glenn and six other pioneers, the Mercury astronauts, got America's space program off the ground. Madam President, S. 1397--let me say the title again so it will register--the Centennial of Flight Commemorative Act--proposes the establishment of a commission of 21 individuals to plan for and assist in events leading up to and including the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flights at Kitty Hawk. The commission will be composed of the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the National Air and Space Museum, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the NASA Administrator, and each of these officials can name a designee. Then there will be two representatives each from the States of North Carolina and Ohio and 12 other private citizens. Of these 12 private citizens, the President of the United States will appoint two from a list recommended by the Senate majority leader in consultation with the Senate minority leader, and two from a list recommended by the Speaker of the House in consultation with the House minority leader. The remaining eight will be chosen based on qualifications and/or experience in the fields of history, aerospace, science, industry, or other professions that will enhance the work of the commission. The commission will represent the United States and take a leadership role with other nations in recognizing the achievement of the Wright brothers and the importance of aviation history. The commission's activities will be closely coordinated with the First Flight Centennial Commission and the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina and the 2003 Committee of the State of Ohio. The commission is allowed to retain an executive director and staff that may be required in order to carry out its functions. S. 1397 authorizes appropriations of $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 1998 to 2004 to fund the work of the commission. Additionally, the commission may accept monetary contributions and other in kind contributions, volunteer services and the like. In order to further defray the expenses of the commission, the legislation gives it exclusive right to names, logos, emblems, seals, and marks, which may be licensed on which proceeds from royalties will be used to offset the operating costs of the commission. S. 1397 requires that annual audits of the commission be conducted by the Inspector General of the General Services Administration to ensure its financial integrity. The commission shall be terminated no later than 60 days after the submission of the final audit report. Senators may ask why establish a Federal commission to commemorate this event? The Wright brothers' triumph at Kitty Hawk on that bone- chilling day of December 17, 1903 has to rank as one of mankind's greatest achievement. The world has not been the same since. As the development of the airplane progressed so did its uses in warfare and civilian aviation. Its development spawned generations of aviation trailblazers. Names like Eddie Rickenbacker, Billy Mitchell, Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, and the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and space shuttle astronauts became household words. What is even more astonishing is that 66 years later, Neil Armstrong of Ohio became the first man to set foot on the moon. That would not have been possible without the Wright brothers. Because of the Wright brothers you can get on a jet aircraft at Dulles Airport and be in London in six or seven hours, far less if you are flying the Concorde. You can fly from New York to Tokyo in 14 hours. On the Concorde, you can travel from New York to London in 3 hours and 50 minutes. We are seeing daily developments in aviation, faster planes, new space technologies, all because of the genius of Wilbur and Orville Wright. I hope the Senate will swiftly approve this legislation.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, November 6, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,431,079,031,652.94 (Five trillion, four hundred thirty-one billion, seventy-nine million, thirty-one thousand, six hundred fifty-two dollars and ninety-four cents). One year ago, November 6, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,245,748,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred forty-five billion, seven hundred forty-eight million). Five years ago, November 6, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,087,224,000,000 (Four trillion, eighty-seven billion, two hundred twenty-four million). Ten years ago, November 6, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,396,279,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-six billion, two hundred seventy-nine million). Twenty-five years ago, November 6, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $435,570,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-five billion, five hundred seventy million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,995,509,031,652.94 (Four trillion, nine hundred ninety-five billion, five hundred nine million, thirty-one thousand, six hundred fifty-two dollars and ninety-four cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair.

Mr. HELMS. I ask unanimous consent that the 30 minutes set aside for four Senators be postponed until the Senator from West Virginia completes his remarks.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Mr. Helms, Mr. DeWine, and Mr. Glenn pertaining to the introduction of S. 1397 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'') Mr. SPECTER addressed the Chair.

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Senator. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina is recognized.

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, I can assure the able Senator from West Virginia--I have always described him as a Senator's Senator--it is always a pleasure to cooperate with him any time, and I enjoy listening to him because I learn something every time.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, November 5, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,433,411,941,085.78 (Five trillion, four hundred thirty-three billion, four hundred eleven million, nine hundred forty-one thousand, eighty-five dollars and seventy-eight cents). One year ago, November 5, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,247,476,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred forty-seven billion, four hundred seventy-six million). Five years ago, November 5, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,071,603,000,000 (Four trillion, seventy-one billion, six hundred three million). Ten years ago, November 5, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,394,640,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-four billion, six hundred forty million). Fifteen years ago, November 5, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,137,627,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred thirty-seven billion, six hundred twenty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,295,784,941,085.78 (Four trillion, two hundred ninety-five billion, seven hundred eighty-four million, nine hundred forty-one thousand, eighty-five dollars and seventy-eight cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, November 4, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,432,371,961,282.81 (Five trillion, four hundred thirty-two billion, three hundred seventy-one million, nine hundred sixty-one thousand, two hundred eighty-two dollars and eighty-one cents). One year ago, November 4, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,248,378,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred forty-eight billion, three hundred seventy-eight million). Five years ago, November 4, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,070,185,000,000 (Four trillion, seventy billion, one hundred eighty-five million). Ten years ago, November 4, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,392,996,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-two billion, nine hundred ninety-six million). Fifteen years ago, November 4, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,145,846,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred forty-five billion, eight hundred forty-six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,286,525,961,282.81 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty- six billion, five hundred twenty-five million, nine hundred sixty-one thousand, two hundred eighty-two dollars and eighty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending October 31, the United States imported 7,986,000 barrels of oil each day, 948,000 barrels more than the 7,038,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 55.6 percent of their needs last week, and 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 1970's, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Anybody else interested in restoring domestic production of oil? By U.S. producers using American workers? Politicians had better ponder 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 United States--now 7,986,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations, I also report favorably three nomination lists in the Foreign Service which were printed in full in the Congressional Records of September 3, October 8 and 9, 1997, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar, that this nomination lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, November 3, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,427,078,768,247.28 (Five trillion, four hundred twenty-seven billion, seventy-eight million, seven hundred sixty-eight thousand, two hundred forty-seven dollars and twenty-eight cents). Five years ago, November 3, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $4,068,937,000,000 (Four trillion, sixty-eight billion, nine hundred thirty-seven million). Ten years ago, November 3, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,392,685,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred ninety-two billion, six hundred eighty-five million). Fifteen years ago, November 3, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,142,065,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred forty-two billion, sixty- five million). Twenty-five years ago, November 3, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $435,625,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-five billion, six hundred twenty- five million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,991,453,768,247.28 (Four trillion, nine hundred ninety-one billion, four hundred fifty-three million, seven hundred sixty-eight thousand, two hundred forty-seven dollars and twenty-eight cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am pleased that the committee has reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 48, expressing the sense of the Congress regarding proliferation of missile technology from Russia to Iran. The committee held a hearing on alleged Russian ballistic missile proliferation activities with Iran on October 8, but the committee did not hold a specific hearing on Senate Concurrent Resolution 48. The resolution was placed on the agenda of the committee's business meeting for October 9, 1997. During the business meeting several members of the committee raised questions about the intent, scope, and implication of the resolution. Desirous of maintaining consensus, I postponed consideration of the resolution until the questions were answered. Specifically, questions arose regarding paragraph (2) of section (1) of the resolution. After consultation, the sponsors and co-sponsors of Senate Concurrent Resolution 48 agreed with the committee that the resolution does not raise, suggest, or recommend reassessment of those programs which are in the national security interests of the United States. Accordingly, in the committee's view this interpretation removes from consideration, under this resolution, any ongoing programs and projects currently being conducted by the United States which seek to reduce the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their materials and know-how, as well as associated means of delivery. The resolution is also not intended to affect cooperative space programs between the United States and Russia. Nor is the resolution intended to affect humanitarian assistance or the programs of the National Endowment for Democracy, which promote democracy and market economic principles. Finally, the committee intends that the responsibility for making the determination regarding the adequacy of the Russian response under paragraph (2) lies with the President.