Jesse Helms

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, at the close of business Thursday, July 3, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,356,041,465,566.82. (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-six billion, forty-one million, four hundred sixty- five thousand, five hundred sixty-six dollars and eighty-two cents) One year ago, July 3, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,151,168,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifty-one billion, one hundred sixty-eight million) Five years ago, July 3, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,982,257,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred eighty-two billion, two hundred fifty-seven million) Ten years ago, July 3, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,316,907,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred sixteen billion, nine hundred seven million) Twenty-five years ago, July 3, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $428,504,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-eight billion, five hundred four million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,927,537,465,566.82 (Four trillion, nine hundred twenty-seven billion, five hundred thirty-seven million, four hundred sixty-five thousand, five hundred sixty-six dollars and eighty-two cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, North Carolina lost a very special, very valuable and very distinguished leader this past April. He was known affectionately and respectfully across our State, and far beyond in every direction, simply as Mel Broughton. His full name was J. Melville Broughton, Jr., but you seldom heard all of that name. Mel Broughton, by all measurements, was one of those nature's noblemen who comes along only once in a while. Though his family was one of North Carolina's most distinguished, Mel Broughton was one of the least pretentious men I have ever known. His grandfather was North Carolina's Governor during the World War II years, 1941 to 1944. And in November 1948, former Governor Broughton was elected to the U.S. Senate. But fate was to allow Senator Broughton to serve in the U.S. Senate only a few months, because he had been sworn in as a Senator shortly after his having been elected in November 1948 but he died of a heart attack the following March. Incidentally, Mr. President, misfortune hovered over North Carolina throughout the 10-year period between the late 1940's and the following 10 years. Our State had a succession of 10 U.S. Senators during that decade. Five of them died in office; three were defeated in their reelection bids; and the two surviving Senators of that decade were Sam J. Ervin, Jr. and B. Everett Jordan. Senator Ervin served 20 years; Senator Jordan served 17. But let me return, Mr. President, to Mel Broughton, Jr., who was honored by North Carolina's general assembly on June 26 of this year when both Houses of our State legislature adopted ``A joint resolution honoring the life and memory of J. Melville Broughton, Jr.'' As that resolution states, Mel Broughton was devoted to North Carolina and to the people of our State. And he served in countless ways. Only once did he venture into Federal service, and that was when President Ford nominated him to serve on the board of directors of the U.S. Legal Services Corporation. And during those years, one of his colleagues on the Legal Services Corporation board was a young lady who today is the First Lady of America, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Mr. President, needless to say, Dot Helms and I have long been devoted to the Mel Broughton family. As a matter of fact, Mel's parents, Governor and Mrs. Broughton, were very dear to us and thoughtful to us in so many ways. And last, but certainly not least, I am privileged that Mel Broughton's son--one of them--whom all of us call Jimmy, is administrative assistant and thereby leader of the Helms Senate family. I do not have a staff. The fine, dedicated people in our offices are truly a family. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the text of the June 26, 1997, resolution adopted by the North Carolina General Assembly honoring Mel Broughton be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, June 26, 1997, the Federal debt, stood at $5,338,210,524,473.68. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-eight billion, two hundred ten million, five hundred twenty-four thousand, four hundred seventy-three dollars and sixty-eight cents) One year ago, June 26, 1996, the Federal debt, stood at $5,118,104,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred eighteen billion, one hundred four million) Five years ago, June 26, 1992, the Federal debt, stood at $3,946,126,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred forty-six billion, one hundred twenty-six million) Ten years ago, June 26, 1987, the Federal debt, stood at $2,292,475,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-two billion, four hundred seventy-five million) Twenty-five years ago, June 25, 1972, the Federal debt, stood at $425,367,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-five billion, three hundred sixty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--$4,912,843,524,473.68 (Four trillion, nine hundred twelve billion, eight hundred forty-three million, five hundred twenty-four thousand, four hundred seventy-three dollars and sixty-eight cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, this amendment corrects a serious problem Congress created in 1987 when the definition for ``essential government functions'' was inadvertently changed relating to native American tribes, thereby inhibiting the tribes' use of tax-exempt bonds. Prior to 1987, the Cherokee Tribe and other tribes used tax-exempt bonds to finance ``essential government functions.'' In 1986, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, in western North Carolina, used this provision to purchase the Carolina Mirror Co. to ensure the Cherokee Tribe's long- term economic development. The Cherokees worked hard and built Carolina Mirror into the largest producer of mirrors in the United States. Then, Congress changed the rules in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, and narrowed the definition of ``essential government functions'', and today Carolina Mirror is in default and may be forced to close its Texas operation because of a staggering monthly obligation of $300,000. This amendment would allow these hard-working native Americans to refinance their current bonds at more competitive rates. The Joint Committee on Taxation asserts that this purely technical amendment will have a ``negligible effect on the Federal fiscal year budget receipts.'' amendment no. 587 (Purpose: Relating to repeal of bad debt reserve method for thrift savings associations) At the end of title VII, insert:

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, June 25, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,339,644,139,769.58. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-nine billion, six hundred forty-four million, one hundred thirty-nine thousand, seven hundred sixty-nine dollars and fifty-eight cents) One year ago, June 25, 1996, the federal debt stood at $5,114,149,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fourteen billion, one hundred forty-nine million) Five years ago, June 25, 1992, the federal debt stood at $3,944,282,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred forty-four billion, two hundred eighty-two million) Ten years ago, June 25, 1987, the federal debt stood at $2,292,504,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-two billion, five hundred four million) Fifteen years ago, June 25, 1982, the federal debt stood at $1,070,485,000,000 (One trillion, seventy billion, four hundred eighty- five million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion-- $4,269,159,139,769.58 (Four trillion, two hundred sixty-nine billion, one hundred fifty-nine million, one hundred thirty-nine thousand, seven hundred sixty-nine dollars and fifty-eight cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, we have taken on the air of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera here tonight and all this week. I heard on the radio, I say to my colleague from North Carolina, on the early morning news, several days ago, I heard a Senator say, ``Yes, we are going to give umpteen hundred million dollars to children''--he didn't say children, he said ``chillin,'' and, oh, how benevolent he was-- ``because we are going to raise the cigarette tax,'' we are going to sock the tobacco companies. Well, he is not going to do any such thing. But that is what he wants the folks back home to think. Speaker after speaker has pointed out that you are not taxing the tobacco companies; you are taxing the lower income people of this population of the United States. If you don't believe it, look at the record. Yet, they say, we are socking it to the tobacco companies--the evil tobacco companies--and they have all sorts of statistics that they pulled out of their hip pocket, saying how many lives it is going to save. They are not going to save any lives. The point is, I say to my friend from Kentucky, it is so much hot air. They know it is hot air, but they have nothing else to say. And they want a headline back home that Senator Joe Blow really socked it to the tobacco companies. No, Joe Blow is not socking it to the tobacco companies. He is socking it to the low-income people of this country who do something that maybe Joe Blow doesn't do--enjoy cigarettes. I don't smoke. Nobody in my family does. But I will tell you one thing. When you get down to it, it's a matter of choice and statistics--and you can play all sorts of games with statistics. But Lauch Faircloth has it right and so does the distinguished Senator from Kentucky. Both of them have it right about how many jobs this is going to adversely affect. This is the game we play. Go ahead and play it if you think you can win. I hope you can. But get you a little monkey and one of these organ grinders and sing this debate that you are making about tobacco, then you can be really funny. I thank the Senator. I yield such time as I may have.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending June 20, the U.S. imported 7,630,000 barrels of oil each day, 301,000 barrels fewer than the 7,931,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. While this is one of the very few weeks that Americans imported less oil than the same week a year ago, Americans relied on foreign oil for 54.4 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 U.S.--now 7,630,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, in 1993, Stanly Memorial Hospital in Albermarle, NC, was reclassified as a rural instead of an urban hospital, resulting in a loss of $1.3 million each year in Medicare reimbursement. Stanly County is the only county in North Carolina, and, I believe, in the Nation, that is touched by four different urban counties and two different Metropolitan Statistical Areas. SMH's primary competitors are in the adjacent large urban MSA's which include Davidson, Rowan, Cabarrus, and Union Counties. By a purely bureaucratic decision, Stanley Memorial has been put in a position of having to compete with all of the Charlotte hospitals in recruitment of employees, managed care contracts, and doctors. But since Stanly Memorial is not included in the Charlotte MSA, it receives 20 percent less for the very same Medicare services as delivered by competing hospitals in surrounding areas. This amendment will correct this inequity by deeming Stanly County as part of the large urban area of Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC/SC.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, June 24, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,336,557,573,448.51. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-six billion, five hundred fifty-seven million, five hundred seventy-three thousand, four hundred forty-eight dollars and fifty-one cents) One year ago, June 24, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,110,927,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred ten billion, nine hundred twenty-seven million) Five years ago, June 24, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,941,032,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred forty-one billion, thirty-two million) Ten years ago, June 24, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,293,521,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-three billion, five hundred twenty-one million) Fifteen years ago, June 24, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,070,688,000,000 (One trillion, seventy billion, six hundred eighty- eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,265,869,573,448.51 (Four trillion, two hundred sixty-five billion, eight hundred sixty-nine million, five hundred seventy-three thousand, four hundred forty-eight dollars and fifty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, today the House in effect approved President Clinton's renewal of most-favored-nation status for the People's Republic of China. The House failed to adopt a resolution disapproving of Mr. Clinton's renewal of MFN for China. The House thus squandered its opportunity to send a strong signal to the Clinton administration that its policy of engagement with China has not worked. The administration, and others supporting MFN, insisted that they were willing to pressure China on human rights, on trade, on proliferation, and on Hong Kong. They just didn't believe, they insisted repeatedly, that MFN is the way to do it. Fair enough, Mr. President. Taking supporters of MFN at their word, I hope Senators will make clear that if MFN isn't the proper tool to use in trying to influence China on such matters, what is the proper tool? By renewing MFN, President Clinton and supporters of MFN for China, have taken on a new burden--to show they are serious about finding a way to persuade China to stop abusing its citizens rights, stop unfair trade practices, stop sending weapons of mass destruction to rogue regimes, and live up to its commitments on Hong Kong. The debate over China policy is far from over. During the coming weeks and months, I will be considering new measures on China. For example, Mr. President, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold hearings on legislation to deal with serious problems in the United States-China relationship, and on the commercial activities of the People's Liberation Army in the United States. I do hope that Senators who have asserted that there is a better way to influence China than revoking MFN will work with the Foreign Relations Committee in finding that better way.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, June 23, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,332,782,057,516.70. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-two billion, seven hundred eighty-two million, fifty-seven thousand, five hundred sixteen dollars and seventy cents) Five years ago, June 23, 1992, the federal debt stood at $3,937,817,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred thirty-seven billion, eight hundred seventeen million) Ten years ago, June 23, 1987, the federal debt stood at $2,292,959,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-two billion, nine hundred fifty-nine million) Fifteen years ago, June 23, 1982, the federal debt stood at $1,070,166,000,000. (One trillion, seventy billion, one hundred sixty- six million) Twenty-five years ago, June 23, 1972, the federal debt stood at $425,755,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-five billion, seven hundred fifty-five million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--$4,907,027,057,516.70 (Four trillion, nine hundred seven billion, twenty-seven million, fifty-seven thousand, five hundred sixteen dollars and seventy cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, June 20, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,331,587,514,810.20. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-one billion, five hundred eighty-seven million, five hundred fourteen thousand, eight hundred ten dollars and twenty cents) One year ago, June 20, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,108,536,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred eight billion, five hundred thirty-six million) Twenty-five years ago, June 20, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $426,219,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-six billion, two hundred nineteen million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,905,368,514,810.20 (Four trillion, nine hundred five billion, three hundred sixty-eight million, five hundred fourteen thousand, eight hundred ten dollars and twenty cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, June 19, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,330,018,602,378.07. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty billion, eighteen million, six hundred two thousand, three hundred seventy-eight dollars and seven cents) One year ago, June 19, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,120,985,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred twenty billion, nine hundred eighty-five million) Five years ago, June 19, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,933,120,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred thirty-three billion, one hundred twenty million) Ten years ago, June 19, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,293,351,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-three billion, three hundred fifty-one million) Twenty-five years ago, June 19, 1972, the Federal debt stood at $426,191,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-six billion, one hundred ninety- one million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion-- $4,903,827,602,378.07 (Four trillion, nine hundred three billion, eight hundred twenty-seven million, six hundred two thousand, three hundred seventy-eight dollars and seven cents) during the past 25 years. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on July 31, 1995, Senator Dole and I introduced S. 1098, the Battle of Midway Memorial Act. Today I am proud to offer an updated version of S. 1098 on behalf of the majority leader, Mr. Lott, the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Akaka, the Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain, and the Senator from Alaska, Mr. Murkowski. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and advisability of establishing Midway Atoll as a national memorial to the Battle of Midway. It goes without saying that the sponsors of this bill strongly believe that this should be done without delay. I am confident that the Interior Secretary will agree. Mr. President, it was on June 4, 1942, that courageous American sailors, soldiers, and airmen stationed on Midway Atoll, and aboard 29 warships, clashed with 350 warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy in what became known as the Battle of Midway. When the smoke cleared, the small American force, under the overall command of Admiral Nimitz, had soundly defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy in one of the most spectacular and historically significant naval battles of all time, and a turning point in the Pacific theater in World War II. There is no reason to delay further the establishment of Midway Atoll as a national memorial to honor the American heros who fought and died there in defense of our liberties. Approval of this bill will be the first step in recognizing what those gallant Americans did in 1942--and that recognition is in fact long overdue. Mr. President, on April 25, 1996, the Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation held an extensive hearing on S. 1098, the predecessor to the bill we introduce today. Chairman Nighthorse Campbell received testimony from my treasured friend, Adm. Tom Moorer, who in my judgment, was the greatest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ever to serve in that post--and a veteran of the Pacific theater of World War II, and Dr. James D'Angelo, president of the International Midway Memorial Foundation. If the committee chooses to have another hearing on this issue, I hope Chairman Murkowski and Chairman Nighthorse Campbell will ask whether any historic structures on Midway Atoll have been destroyed, and if so, why. If this has occurred, I will support modifying the bill to prohibit explicitly any further destruction of any historic structure on Midway Atoll. Mr. President, Adm. James W. (Bud) Nance, chief of staff of the Foreign Relations Committee, Esther Kia'aina of Sen. Akaka's staff, and Jim O'Toole with the Energy and Natural Resources Committee deserve special thanks. When Midway Atoll becomes a national memorial, it will in large part be due to their tireless efforts. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the full text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on July 31, 1995, Senator Dole and I introduced S. 1098, the Battle of Midway Memorial Act. Today I am proud to offer an updated version of S. 1098 on behalf of the majority leader, Mr. Lott, the Senator from Hawaii, Mr. Akaka, the Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain, and the Senator from Alaska, Mr. Murkowski. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and advisability of establishing Midway Atoll as a national memorial to the Battle of Midway. It goes without saying that the sponsors of this bill strongly believe that this should be done without delay. I am confident that the Interior Secretary will agree. Mr. President, it was on June 4, 1942, that courageous American sailors, soldiers, and airmen stationed on Midway Atoll, and aboard 29 warships, clashed with 350 warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy in what became known as the Battle of Midway. When the smoke cleared, the small American force, under the overall command of Admiral Nimitz, had soundly defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy in one of the most spectacular and historically significant naval battles of all time, and a turning point in the Pacific theater in World War II. There is no reason to delay further the establishment of Midway Atoll as a national memorial to honor the American heros who fought and died there in defense of our liberties. Approval of this bill will be the first step in recognizing what those gallant Americans did in 1942--and that recognition is in fact long overdue. Mr. President, on April 25, 1996, the Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation held an extensive hearing on S. 1098, the predecessor to the bill we introduce today. Chairman Nighthorse Campbell received testimony from my treasured friend, Adm. Tom Moorer, who in my judgment, was the greatest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ever to serve in that post--and a veteran of the Pacific theater of World War II, and Dr. James D'Angelo, president of the International Midway Memorial Foundation. If the committee chooses to have another hearing on this issue, I hope Chairman Murkowski and Chairman Nighthorse Campbell will ask whether any historic structures on Midway Atoll have been destroyed, and if so, why. If this has occurred, I will support modifying the bill to prohibit explicitly any further destruction of any historic structure on Midway Atoll. Mr. President, Adm. James W. (Bud) Nance, chief of staff of the Foreign Relations Committee, Esther Kia'aina of Sen. Akaka's staff, and Jim O'Toole with the Energy and Natural Resources Committee deserve special thanks. When Midway Atoll becomes a national memorial, it will in large part be due to their tireless efforts. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the full text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, June 18, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,332,271,639,188.30. (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-two billion, two hundred seventy-one million, six hundred thirty-nine thousand, one hundred eighty-eight dollars and thirty cents) One year ago, June 18, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,118,201,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred eighteen billion, two hundred one million) Five years ago, June 18, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,932,881,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred thirty-two billion, eight hundred eighty-one million) Ten years ago, June 18, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,293,249,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-three billion, four hundred forty-nine million) Fifteen years ago, June 18, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,069,337,000,000 (One trillion, sixty-nine billion, three hundred thirty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion-- $4,262,934,639,188.30 (Four trillion, two hundred sixty-two billion, nine hundred thirty-four million, six hundred thirty-nine thousand, one hundred eighty-eight dollars and thirty cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, June 17, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,329,352,124,923.40. (Five trillion, three hundred twenty-nine billion, three hundred fifty-two million, one hundred twenty-four thousand, nine hundred twenty-three dollars and forty cents). One year ago, June 17, 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,137,826,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred thirty-seven billion, eight hundred twenty-six million). Five years ago, June 17, 1992, the Federal debt stood at $3,946,500,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred forty-six billion, five hundred million). Ten years ago, June 17, 1987, the Federal debt stood at $2,293,495,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-three billion, four hundred ninety-five million). Fifteen years ago, June 17, 1982, the Federal debt stood at $1,069,969,000,000 (One trillion, sixty-nine billion, nine hundred sixty-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,259,383,124,923.40 (Four trillion, two hundred fifty-nine billion, three hundred eighty-three million, one hundred twenty-four thousand, nine hundred twenty-three dollars and forty cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending June 13, the U.S. imported 9,391,000 barrels of oil each day, 989,000 barrels more than the 8,402,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 59.6 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 9,391,000 barrels a day. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, Senator Lugar has repeatedly said it is the right thing to do, to vote for his amendment. It is the right thing to do, almost implying that those of us who do not agree with him have, indeed, a character defect. Let me tell you about the Lugar amendment. The effect of the Lugar amendment would be that the United Nations would have absolutely no incentive to reform--none--no incentive to cut the burden on the American taxpayers by reducing our regular budget assessment to 20 percent; no reduction in our peacekeeping assessment; no inspector general in the big three specialized agencies to root out waste, fraud, and corruption; no U.S. seat on the U.N. budgetary committee; no budgetary reductions in the specialized agencies; no sunset provisions for obsolete programs; no GAO access to U.N. financial data; no budgetary reform, and so on and on. It may be the right thing to do in Senator Lugar's opinion, but I expect that it is going to be the wrong thing to do, to vote for the Lugar amendment, when the tally is made in just a few minutes. Have the yeas and nays been ordered on the amendments? I believe we did that last night. I yield the remainder of my time. Vote On Amendment No. 383

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the amendment was agreed to.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. If the Senator will yield, I think he has done a good day's work. I commend him. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to discharge H.R. 1757 from the committee, and all after the enacting clause be stricken and that the language of S. 903, as amended, be inserted, and the bill be read the third time.

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

Mr. HELMS. Is there not a pending amendment?

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, pursuant to the unanimous consent previously, the Murkowski amendment was the last that qualified under the conditions that were set forth at that time. So no further amendments will be accepted. Mr. BIDEN addressed the Chair.