Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HELMS. I will if the Senator will ask for the yeas and nays on the second-degree amendment.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the following, and I believe it has been agreed to on the other side. One, that the yeas and nays be deemed to have been ordered on the second-degree amendment, the perfecting amendment; two, that the yeas and nays will be deemed to have been ordered on the underlying amendment; and then, at the appropriate time, that the vote to proceed, first on the second-degree perfecting amendment, and, if that fails, then there be an up-or-down vote on the underlying amendment--meaning that there will be rollcall votes, up or down, on both amendments. Amendment No. 969, As Modified First of all, I send to the desk a modification, before this is acted on.

Mr. HELMS. I have no objection to that.

Mr. HELMS. Yes, the perfecting amendment, as modified.

Mr. HELMS. I object.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote. Mr. HARKIN addressed the Chair.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, July 22, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,366,067,378,744.76. (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-six billion, sixty-seven million, three hundred seventy-eight thousand, seven hundred forty-four dollars and seventy-six cents) One year ago, July 22, 1996, the federal debt stood at $5,169,929,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred sixty-nine billion, nine hundred twenty-nine million) Five years ago, July 22, 1992, the federal debt stood at $3,984,029,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred eighty-four billion, twenty-nine million) Ten years ago, July 22, 1987, the federal debt stood at $2,314,592,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred fourteen billion, five hundred ninety-two million) Fifteen years ago, July 22, 1982, the federal debt stood at $1,085,930,000,000 (One trillion, eighty-five billion, nine hundred thirty million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,280,137,378,744.76 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty billion, one hundred thirty-seven million, three hundred seventy-eight thousand, seven hundred forty-four dollars and seventy-six cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending July 18, the United States imported 8,145,000 barrels of oil each day, 360,000 barrels more than the 7,785,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 56.3 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 8,145,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, July 21, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,363,682,543,589.87. (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-three billion, six hundred eighty-two million, five hundred forty-three thousand, five hundred eighty-nine dollars and eighty-seven cents) Five years ago, July 21, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,982,450,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred eighty-two billion, four hundred fifty million) Ten years ago, July 21, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,314,700,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred fourteen billion, seven hundred million) Fifteen years ago, July 21, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,084,261,000,000. (One trillion, eighty-four billion, two hundred sixty-one million) Twenty-five years ago, July 21, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $434,462,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-four billion, four hundred sixty- two million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,929,220,543,589.87 (Four trillion, nine hundred twenty-nine billion, two hundred twenty million, five hundred forty-three thousand, five hundred eighty-nine dollars and eighty-seven cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, July 18, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,363,155,572,034.79. (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-three billion, one hundred fifty-five million, five hundred seventy-two thousand, thirty-four dollars and seventy-nine cents) One year ago, July 18, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,168,794,000,000 (Five trillion, one hundred sixty-eight billion, seven hundred ninety-four million). Twenty-five years ago, July 18, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $432,236,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-two billion, two hundred thirty- six million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,930,919,572,034.79 (Four trillion, nine hundred thirty billion, nine hundred nineteen million, five hundred seventy-two thousand, thirty- four dollars and seventy-nine cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, July 16, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,357,953,848,082.50. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-seven billion, nine hundred fifty-three million, eight hundred forty-eight thousand, eighty-two dollars and fifty cents) One year ago, July 16, 1996, the federal debt stood at $5,158,430,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifty-eight billion, four hundred thirty million) Five years ago, July 16, 1992, the federal debt stood at $3,980,221,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred eighty billion, two hundred twenty-one million) Ten years ago, July 16, 1987, the federal debt stood at $2,318,155,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred eighteen billion, one hundred fifty-five million) Fifteen years ago, July 16, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,083,558,000,000 (One trillion, eighty-three billion, five hundred fifty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,274,395,848,082.50 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy- four billion, three hundred ninety-five million, eight hundred forty- eight thousand, eighty-two dollars and fifty cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending July 11, the U.S. imported 7,678,000 barrels of oil each day, 409,000 barrels more than the 7,269,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 54.9 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 7,678,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations, I also report favorably two nomination lists in the Foreign Service which were printed in full in the Congressional Records of February 13 and April 25, 1997, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar, that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, July 15, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,357,142,567,691.66. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-seven billion, one hundred forty-two million, five hundred sixty-seven thousand, six hundred ninety-one dollars and sixty-six cents) One year ago, July 15, 1996, the federal debt stood at $5,156,314,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifty-six billion, three hundred fourteen million) Five years ago, July 15, 1992, the federal debt stood at $3,976,930,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred seventy-six billion, nine hundred thirty million) Ten years ago, July 15, 1987, the federal debt stood at $2,318,428,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred eighteen billion, four hundred twenty-eight million) Fifteen years ago, July 15, 1982, the federal debt stood at $1,083,163,000,000 (One trillion, eighty-three billion, one hundred sixty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,273,979,567,691.66 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy- three billion, nine hundred seventy-nine million, five hundred sixty- seven thousand, six hundred ninety-one dollars and sixty-six cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, July 14, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,355,393,906,769.08. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, three hundred ninety-three million, nine hundred and six thousand, seven hundred and sixty-nine dollars and eight cents.) Twenty-five years ago, July 14, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $430,417,000,000 (Four hundred thirty billion, four hundred and seventeen million dollars). Fifteen years ago, July 14, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,079,571,000,000 (One trillion, seventy-nine billion, and five hundred and seventy-one million dollars). Ten years ago, July 14, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,317,949,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred and seventeen billion and nine hundred and forty-nine million dollars). Five years ago, July 14, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,972,195,000,000 (Three trillion, nine hundred and seventy-two billion and one hundred and ninety-five million dollars) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--$4,924,976,906,769 (Four trillion, nine hundred twenty-four billion, nine hundred seventy-six million, nine hundred and six thousand, seven hundred and sixty-nine dollars) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, July 11, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,355,085,035,915.18. Five trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, eighty-five million, thirty-five thousand, nine hundred fifteen dollars and eighteen cents. Twenty-five years ago, July 11, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $429,654,000,000--four hundred twenty-nine billion, six hundred fifty- four million--which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion; $4,925,431,035,915.18--four trillion, nine hundred twenty-five billion, four hundred thirty-one million, thirty-five thousand, nine hundred fifteen dollars and eighteen cents--during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. The map shows that neither of these small parcels of land is contiguous to the primary training areas at Fort Bragg--known as the Northern Training Area and Overhills property; they are also noncontiguous to each other. These properties are open farmland, surrounded by private property, without the foliage and terrain that Army units stationed at Fort Bragg require for operational training. Mr. President, local leaders and Army officials had planned for the Army to provide a long-term lease for the construction of three schools--an elementary school, a junior high school, and a high school on land lying along N.C. 87 which crosses the recently acquired Overhills property. Over the last several months, they mutually agreed to forego that arrangement because of concerns that placement of schools in that area would impose restrictions on training and negatively impact the habitat of the red-cockaded woodpecker. Together, they agreed that the ideal location for these new schools was on the open tracts the Army had previously identified as being available for conveyance to the county. Last year, North Carolina voters approved a bond referendum for the construction of new schools. I am told that to use those funds, the county must own the land. Therefore, a long-term lease by the Army on these parcels would not be useful to the county or the Army. It is critical that parcel No. 404-2 be transferred now since Harnett County plans to break ground on construction later this year in an attempt to finally catch-up with the increasing demand for education imposed by the children of military personnel. This amendment further authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell parcel No. 404-1 at fair market value. Mr. President, North Carolinians are proud of the several great military installations within our borders. For more than 50 years, North Carolinians have been especially proud of Fort Bragg, home of the U.S. Army's elite XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82d Airborne Division, and our Special Operations Forces. These units and other units stationed at Fort Bragg are on the front line of our Nation's defense; standing ready to deploy anywhere, any time, to preserve freedom in the world. Just 2 days ago, we were reminded once again about the price of liberty. Eight soldiers at Fort Bragg were tragically lost when their Blackhawk helicopter crashed. The victims have been identified and their families notified but the cause of the crash is still being investigated. Those who have served in the military understand the sense of family and community that exists among those, particularly those who have volunteered to put themselves in harm's way, for the benefit of their fellow-citizens. These courageous and selfless Americans use the instruments of war to secure our peace and prosperity. Each of these brave Americans experiences a feeling of loss when one of their own is lost. The North Carolinians who live around Fort Bragg share that sense of loss. Those citizens and the Fort Bragg family have embraced the families of the lost soldiers and are doing all they can to comfort them at this tragic time. I spent four nonheroic years in the Navy during World War II. I have always had great affection and respect for the soldiers and defense support personnel who devote their lives to the defense of our country. I will do anything in my power to ensure that they are provided everything they need to do their jobs. This includes not merely providing an adequate training area, equipment and hardware; but also the quality of life and peace of mind to enable each soldier to focus on his mission, accomplish it, and return home safely. Unmistakably essential to that quality of life is the proper education of their children. Listen again to the words of General Shelton, ``[e]ducation is a key component of quality of life. For this reason, we should make every effort to ensure that all of our military family members receive a quality education regardless of where they live.'' Mr. President, a vote against this amendment is a vote against the Army's senior civilian and military leaders charged with responsibility for the readiness and well-being of these fine men and women at Fort Bragg. A vote against this amendment is a vote against their children who depend upon us to help educate them so that they too can serve their country when they grow to adulthood. Mr. President, I do hope Senators will support this amendment which takes a small step toward addressing the educational needs of the children of our Nation's finest soldiers. It's the right thing to do and I am confident that Senators will agree.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, this amendment will help address the critical educational needs of the children of the fine soldiers and airmen serving at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. Across America, many communities surrounding major military installations are at a great disadvantage by having large numbers of military-connected schoolchildren, yet they receive nowhere near adequate impact aid. Harnett County in North Carolina is one of them. Harnett County is a relatively rural, agricultural county; that has experienced tremendous growth in its military-connected student population during the last decade. Many soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, and airmen assigned to Pope Air Force Base, have found a home in Harnett County because of its peaceful quality of life, its proximity to the bases and many other desirable aspects. According to one housing developer, 98 percent of the families buying in his community are military families. Harnett County has welcomed these newcomers but, in so doing, has struggled for the past several years to provide the basic services required to accommodate this burgeoning population. Mr. President, Harnett County's schools have been especially impacted by this influx of military dependents. Recent years have seen thousands of students added to the rolls of Harnett County's school system. This growth has resulted in severe overcrowding in Harnett County schools. Many children have been forced to attend classes in temporary facilities, such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, auditorium stages, libraries, and trailers. In some schools, students must wait in line up to an hour even to use the bathroom. Mr. President, projections indicate that Harnett County taxpayers will have to spend $87,000,000 for new schools within the next decade merely to keep up with this growth. As a rural county, Harnett has little industry or commercial development that can be used to generate significant tax dollars for school construction. The county simply does not have nearly enough resources to build more schools to serve these military dependents without substantial assistance. The Federal Government has an obvious obligation to provide for the education of military dependents. Because of the nature of military service which requires frequent moves and reassignments, military families seldom have an opportunity to establish strong roots in a community or to become active in local schools. The Federal Government has a duty to ensure that these parents, who are prepared to risk their lives and go to war in 18 hours to serve our country, need not worry about the quality of education afforded their children. For almost 50 years, Federal law has addressed the costs incurred by local communities in the education of military dependents through the payment of impact aid. These payments are designed to alleviate local government's inability to raise revenue for schools in the customary manner of raising property taxes since they are constitutionally prohibited from taxing installation property. These payments are not intended to benefit the local governments, but are intended to insure that service-members' children are not treated as second-class citizens and thereby disadvantaged by their parents' devotion to their country. Nevertheless, the responsibility for making these payments has been removed from the Department of Defense and placed upon the Department of Education over the years. In so doing, the Federal Government has steadily reduced its payments to local educational agencies that serve these children. Despite rhetoric in support of education to the contrary, the President's own budget punishes these children by proposing a reduction of $72 million or 10 percent below the fiscal year 1997 level. I have always believed that the Federal Government has a limited role in education, but clearly, it has a role when its actions place a direct negative economic impact upon a community, such as Harnett County. Some may argue that we owe no obligation to communities surrounding military bases. They may say that because communities now compete to retain military bases that our duties are mitigated. Our duty is owed to the service member, not the community. Besides, every community surrounding a military installation does not share equally in the economic benefit of having the installation closeby. For example, Harnett is the only county in the Fort Bragg impact area that suffers an economic loss due to its being adjacent to Fort Bragg. According to the latest statistics, Harnett County loses at least $122,000 per year because of Fort Bragg. Adding to the education funding crisis, Fort Bragg purchased an additional 7,000 acres in the county last year. That purchase nearly doubled the amount of land the Federal Government owns in Harnett. This purchase caused Harnett County to permanently lose an additional $24,000 in annual tax revenues. The projected fiscal year 1997 impact aid payment to Harnett County is only $37,712. Compare that to the $278,177 that the county would receive if impact aid basic support payments were fully funded. During the past few years, I have worked closely with concerned Harnett County leaders, including the school board and county commissioners, Army officials at Fort Bragg and here at the Pentagon, literally spending hundreds of hours working to try to address these critical Army needs. If I may quote from a March 9, 1995, letter by then Fort Bragg commanding general, Lt. Gen. Henry Shelton to Secretary of the Army Togo West: I sympathize with counties that have to educate our children, especially those, like Harnett County, that have recently experienced a substantial increase in the number of students from military families. I am concerned that the U.S. Department of Education is providing less impact aid for some military family members than for others, and that this disparity in impact aid might adversely affect the quality of education that some of our military family members are receiving. We should be providing the same high level of assistance for every child. Education is a key component of quality of life. For this reason, we should make every effort to ensure that all of our military family members receive a quality education regardless of where they live. General Shelton, of whom I am extremely proud, is now a four-star general in charge of the military's special operations command, went on to say to Secretary West ``[my staff] offered to assist Harnett County * * * [and] discussed the possibility of conveying to Harnett County parcels of land for the construction of schools.'' General Shelton's commitment to the well-being of his troops has been continued by his successor as commanding general, Lt. Gen. John Keane, who is and has been working closely with civilian leaders such as Mike Walker, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Logistics and Environment. They have determined that two outparcels that the Army owns are not required for future Army use. Mr. President, as a result of this decision, both General Keane and Secretary Walker sent letters to me a day or so ago, supporting the conveyance of two small parcels of land to Harnett county for educational and economic development purposes. I ask unanimous consent that these two letters dated July 9, 1997, be printed in the Record at this point, following which I shall continue my remarks.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, July 9, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,359,038,067,462.61. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-nine billion, thirty-eight million, sixty-seven thousand, four hundred sixty-two dollars and sixty-one cents) One year ago, July 9, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,151,107,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifty-one billion, one hundred seven million) Five years ago, July 9, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,972,301,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred seventy-two billion, three hundred one million) Ten years ago, July 9, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,320,130,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred twenty billion, one hundred thirty million) Fifteen years ago, July 9, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,077,779,000,000 (One trillion, seventy-seven billion, seven hundred seventy-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,281,259,067,462.61 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-one billion, two hundred fifty-nine million, sixty-seven thousand, four hundred sixty-two dollars and sixty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending July 4, the United States imported 8,960,000 barrels of oil each day, 918,000 barrels more than the 8,042,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 58.4 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 8,960,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,354,619,850,034.63. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, six hundred nineteen million, eight hundred fifty thousand, thirty-four dollars and sixty- three cents) One year ago, July 8, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,154,104,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifty-four billion, one hundred four million) Five years ago, July 8, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,971,809,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred seventy-one billion, eight hundred nine million) Ten year ago, July 8, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,326,070,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred twenty-six billion, seventy million) Fifteen years ago, July 8, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,076,916,000,000 (One trillion, seventy-six billion, nine hundred sixteen million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,277,703,850,034.63 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy- seven billion, seven hundred three million, eight hundred fifty thousand, thirty-four dollars and sixty-three cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, July 7, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,355,915,100,573.58. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, nine hundred fifteen million, one hundred thousand, five hundred seventy-three dollars and fifty-eight cents) Five years ago, July 7, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,970,574,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred seventy billion, five hundred seventy-four million) Ten years ago, July 7, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,326,212,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred twenty-six billion, two hundred twelve million) Fifteen years ago, July 7, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,071,078,000,000. (One trillion, seventy-one billion, seventy-eight million) Twenty-five years ago, July 7, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $429,537,000,000. (Four hundred twenty-nine billion, five hundred thirty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--$4,926,378,100,573.58 (Four trillion, nine hundred twenty-six billion, three hundred seventy-eight million, one hundred thousand, five hundred seventy-three dollars and fifty-eight cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

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