Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, traumatic brain injury is a silent epidemic which afflicts one person in the United States every 15 seconds. Nearly 250,000 Americans suffer severe head injuries; and brain injury is the No. 1 killer of young Americans under the age of 40. More than 20 million Americans are affected one way or another by brain injury, with an estimated 60,000 deaths expected this year alone. The Brain Injury Association, Inc., chaired by Martin B. Foil, Jr., of Concord, NC, was instrumental in the passage of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act which was signed into law on July 29, 1996. Mr. Foil, and his wife, ``Puddin,'' have worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to help pass this important legislation. The Foils' son, Philip, was injured in a car accident and suffered serious brain injury. The Foils turned that personal tragedy into a triumph for others. The Traumatic Brain Injury Act has focused a national spotlight on brain injury as a major health problem, and provides research grants for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of brain injury. Mr. President, brain injury in the United States costs an estimated $48.6 billion annually. Most of this expense is paid for by taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid. It is hoped--and that is what the Traumatic Brain Injury Act is all about, providing hope--it is hoped that funds from the Traumatic Brain Injury Act will lead to innovative treatments which will help victims and their families better deal with this devastating injury. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a Charlotte (NC) Observer article regarding the Foil family dated August 4, 1996, be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, September 19, the Federal debt stood at $5,190,460,235,894.57. One year ago, September 19, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,965,955,000,000. Five years ago, September 19, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,625,828,000,000. Ten years ago, September 19, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,108,205,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $3 trillion, $3,010,255,235,894.57, during the 10 years from 1986 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, as I make clear my strong support for S. 39, I also extend my congratulations to the distinguished Senator from Alaska [Mr. Stevens] and to his fine staff for their efforts in crafting S. 39, the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996. This legislation strikes an appropriate balance between the needs of the various sectors of the U.S. fishing community while giving both commercial and recreational fishermen adequate opportunities to fish. S. 39 is exceedingly important to our fishermen in North Carolina. I was very pleased last July when Senator Stevens and I flew together to eastern North Carolina to hold hearings in Morehead City on this legislation. We heard many concerns and opinions from all sectors of the fishing community in my State. I appreciate Ted Stevens making the trip and also his allowing me to participate in those hearings. Mr. President, testimony in that hearing indicated widespread support for adding North Carolina as a voting member on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. My State has long participated in council proceedings as an observer and as nonvoting participant in council technical committees--but never before as a full-fledged voting member. So I am grateful that this legislation allots to North Carolina voting memberships on the Mid-Atlantic Council. There have been so many decisions made by the Mid-Atlantic Council that have affected my fishermen; it is good that they will now be able to vote on decisions that affect our State. Fish and fish products have become a greater staple of the diets of all Americans. Statistics gathered by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 1995, revealed that U.S. consumption of fish and fish products was 15 pounds of edible meat per capita. In 1992 Americans consumed 14.8 pounds of edible meat. Mr. President, I greatly enjoy seafood. I have dined in many seafood restaurants in coastal North Carolina and many fish houses further inland. North Carolinians want to maintain a steady supply of good, high-quality seafood well into the future. We can do that if our fishery resources are well managed in an environmentally responsible manner. At the same time, fishery regulations must not be allowed to hamstring North Carolina's hand-working, tax-paying fishermen in their efforts to earn a honest daily wage. The National Marine Fisheries Service should be put on notice that the Congress will not tolerate unfair and unreasonable regulatory practices that single out one sector of the fishing community for penalties. Mr. President, this is a good bill. We must preserve our fisheries for future generations. If we don't, this country will face great adverse consequences. None of us here wants to see entire areas closed to fishing, as has occurred off the coast of Massachusetts. Senators from that State are painfully aware that three areas near Georges Bank have been permanently closed to fishing, due to overfishing the resource. That situation must not be duplicated off the North Carolina coast--or any other State's coast for that matter. This bill will go a long way in preventing that from happening.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending September 13, the U.S. imported 7,572,000 barrels of oil each day, 393,000 less than the 7,965,000 imported during the same week a year ago. Nevertheless, Americans relied on foreign oil for 54 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 about 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. 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 7,572,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, September 18, 1996 the Federal debt stood at $5,193,856,710,104.18. One year ago, September 18, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,963,469,000,000. Five years ago, September 18, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,627,589,000,000. Ten years ago, September 18, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,108,613,000,000. Fifteen years ago, September 18, 1981, the Federal debt stood at $976,715,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion ($4,17,141,710,104.18) during the 15 years from 1981 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, September 17, 1996 the Federal debt stood at $5,190,807,990,011.88. Five years ago, September 17, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,625,799,000,000. Ten years ago, September 17, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,106,475,000,000. Fifteen years ago, September 17, 1981, the Federal debt stood at $976,369,000,000. Twenty-five years ago, September 17, 1971, the Federal debt stood at $415,338,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion ($4,775,469,990,011.88) during the 25 years from 1971 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, September 16, the Federal debt stood at $5,217,327,143,659.08. Five years ago, September 16, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,624,324,000,000. Ten years ago, September 16, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,106,332,000,000. Fifteen years ago, September 16, 1981, the Federal debt stood at $981,709,000,000. Twenty-five years ago, September 16, 1971, the Federal debt stood at $415,132,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion ($4,802,195,143,659.08) during the 25 years from 1971 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, September 13, the Federal debt stood at $5,217,304,758,895.91. One year ago, September 13, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,967,411,000,000. Five years ago, September 13, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,623,683,000,000. Twenty-five years ago, September 13, 1971, the Federal debt stood at $416,135,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion during the 25 years from 1971 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, September 12, the Federal debt stood at $5,216,902,015,633.76. One year ago, September 12, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,964,466,000,000. Five years ago, September 12, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,624,056,000,000. Ten years ago, September 12, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,106,281,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $3 trillion ($3,110,621,015,633.76) during the 10 years from 1986 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I am pleased to cosponsor the amendment of the distinguished Senator from Arizona, [Mr. McCain] to provide an additional $32.7 million dollars to fight the deluge of illegal hard drugs into the United States. This additional funding will go to the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program, the purpose of which is to provide increased Federal assistance to the most critical drug trafficking areas in our country. This amendment is fully offset by a reduction in the Senate recommended IRS enforcement funding level to the level passed by the House. Mr. President, the pending amendment is another necessary step toward recommitting our government and the American people to the war on drugs. It supplements an amendment, builds on one I offered last week during consideration of the VA-HUD appropriations bill. The Senate unanimously passed that amendment to provide an additional $20 million to fight drug use in public housing projects. I hope we will see that same level of support for the pending amendment. This amendment is consistent with the testimony of the experts who testified at the recent Foreign Relations Committee hearing on international drug trafficking. At that hearing, over which I presided, two North Carolina law enforcement officers, Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police Dept. Sgt. Terry Sult and Sheriff B.J. Barnes of Guilford County, NC, along with a member of the L.A. gang known as the ``bloods,'' described in graphic detail, the devastating effects of the drug trade at the local level. They also confirmed what national experts, such as John Walters, the deputy drug czar in the Bush administration, who also testified at our hearing, told us about changes in the distribution of drugs at the national level. Mr. President, these experts all spoke of the increasing influx of illegal narcotics, the vast majority of which are produced in South America, into their communities. They also addressed the violence associated with the drug trade and the despicable practice of employing ever younger children in the peddling of this poison. According to the DEA, much of our Nation's violent crime, particularly among juveniles, is linked to drug trafficking and drug use. Recent statistics have shown that over one-third of all violent acts and almost half of all homicides among juveniles are linked to drugs. Recent drug abuse statistics have confirmed what many of us already knew. Namely, that our Nation has been losing ground in the war against drugs. The most recent annual survey of drug use among our Nation's youth revealed some shocking statistics. Just two examples from the survey will demonstrate the enormity of the problem we now face. For example, the survey found: First, drug use by U.S. teenagers skyrocketed 105 percent between 1992 and 1995; and Second cocaine use among teens increased 166 percent in the 1 year from 1994 to 1995. These statistics reflect a continued breakdown in our social fabric. The damage this poison inflicts is measured not merely in terms of dollars and cents, but more importantly, in lost and squandered lives. Each year, illegal drugs claim the lives of 25,000 Americans and devastate countless thousands of family and friends who are left behind. Mr. President, while there is no single solution to the problem of illegal drug use, it is abundantly clear that we must redouble our efforts if we are to stop the loss of yet another generation to the scourge of illegal drugs. The McCain amendment will focus resources on one of the areas that they are most urgently needed--in those cities and ports of entry that are most heavily impacted by drug-trafficking.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, September 11, the Federal debt stood at $5,219,273,550,936.86. One year ago, September 11, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,962,944,000,000. Five years ago, September 11, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,619,285,000,000. Ten years ago, September 11, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,105,838,000,000. Fifteen years ago, September 11, 1981, the Federal debt stood at $980,009,000.000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion-- $4,239,264,550,936.86--during the 15 years from 1981 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, September 10, the Federal debt stood at $5,217,211,394,956.03. Five years ago, September 10, 1991, the Federal debt stood at $3,617,377,000,000. Ten years ago, September 10, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,103,341,000,000. Fifteen years ago, September 10, 1981, the Federal debt stood at $979,625,000.000. Twenty-five years ago, September 10, 1971, the Federal debt stood at $415,728,000,000. This reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion ($4,801,483,394,956.03) during the 25 years from 1971 to 1996.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on July 17, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging that Taiwan be granted greater recognition in international organizations, and calling for a study of the issues surrounding Taiwan's participation in the United Nations. I find this resolution both impressive and appropriate, Mr. President, and I fully agree that Taiwan deserves a greater role in international organizations. The Republic of China is a full democracy, with a remarkably successful economy. Furthermore, Taiwan plays an important role in world affairs. It is high time that Taiwan be accorded its well-deserved stature in international organizations. Mr. President, I find it gratifying that Taiwan has won this recognition aforementioned from the European Parliament, and I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending September 6, the United States imported 7,400,000 barrels of oil each day, 1,300,000 less than the 8,700,000 imported during the same week a year ago. Nevertheless, Americans relied on foreign oil for 53 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 about 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 7,400,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. That is subject to amendment, is that correct?

Mr. HELMS. On behalf of the distinguished occupant of the chair, Mr. Thompson, I send an amendment to the desk and ask it be stated.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, let me inquire of the Parliamentarian and the Chair, all committee amendments have been approved except one, is that my understanding? Except four.

Mr. HELMS. Very well. Will the clerk just reference them.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the pending amendment that the distinguished Senator from Tennessee [Mr. Thompson] and I have offered forbids any Member of Congress, House or Senate, from receiving a pay raise or cost of living adjustment in the fiscal year 1997 that begins in a few days on October 1. Here we are, both Houses of Congress, asking the American people to make the sacrifices necessary to get the Nation's fiscal house in order, and it seems to me that all of us should be willing to forego even the thought of a pay increase. Each day I make a formal report to the Senate specifying the staggering federal debt as of the close of business the previous day. Most of this enormous burden was run up by Congress in prior years. But, the point is that Congress alone is charged with the constitutional duty of authorizing and appropriating funds for Federal spending, and it's our responsibility to pay the debt down and live within our means. The activities of Congress, the timidity of Congress, the inclination to play politics with the public purse--all of this has brought us to a Federal debt that, as of close of business yesterday, stood at $5,214,144,675,542.25, or $19,625.30 for every man, woman and child in America on a per capita basis. Mr. President, while we are systematically piling on to the arrearage which our children and grandchildren must bear, the notion that Congress deserves a pay raise is absurd. Since I came to the Senate, interest on the money borrowed and spent by the Congress of the United States cost the American taxpayers over $3.5 trillion. Three trillion and 500 billion dollars, just to pay interest on excessive spending authorized and approved by the Congress. Just last year Congress spent over $235 billion on interest alone. It is true, Mr. President, that the 104th Congress has garnered an impressive list of accomplishments. For the first time since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, this Congress has enacted a balanced budget--which was vetoed to the glee of the national media. It has reformed the dilapidated welfare system; the President signed the bill, but immediately gutted part of it by issuing a host of waivers. Congress reined in the out-of-control trial lawyers and passed the Partial Birth Abortion ban, but both pieces of legislation were vetoed.) And Congress eliminated 270 wasteful Federal programs and agencies and succeeded in cutting year-to-year discretionary spending by $53 billion. This Congress has done a lot, Mr. President, but we can't rest on our laurels. We're asking the American people to tighten their belts. And we should demonstrate our solidarity with them by rejecting the built- in congressional pay raises which, as Senator Thompson said last year, ``stick in the craw of the American people.'' It's the least we can do. It is crucial that while the American people are making sacrifices and taking steps toward independence from the Federal Government, the Congress of the United States share in these sacrifices. Americans need lower taxes, higher wages and better jobs. Only a growing economy can provide the society we want. Only a balanced budget--and proper tax policies--can provide an atmosphere in which the economy can approach the rate of growth of which it's capable. Until this is realized, Mr. President, Congress deserves no pay raise. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I ask the managers of the bill, in order to save a little time: Senator Inhofe has an amendment that will take no time at all. It will not require a vote or anything like that. I wonder if it would be in order, in the judgment of the managers of the bill, for me to set aside the pending amendment for the purpose only of Senator Inhofe's being recognized for his brief amendment. Would that be satisfactory?

Mr. HELMS. I make that as a unanimous consent request.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, in February 1992, it occurred to me one day after reading some mail from people in North Carolina that the Senate wasn't paying very much attention to the steadily rising Federal debt, and I decided on that February afternoon in 1992 that I would begin a daily report to the Senate specifying the exact Federal debt as of close of business the day before down to the penny. Of course, on Monday it would have to be close of business the previous Friday. We have not missed a day in making that report. There have been a few times when I was absent when fellow Senators made the report for me. In any case, Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, September 9, the Federal debt of the United States stood at $5,214,144,675,542.25. Five years ago, on September 9, 1991, the record shows that the Federal debt stood at $3,618,482,000,000 rounded off. And 10 years ago, September 9, 1986, the Federal debt stood at $2,106,631,000,000. Just for the interest in it, we checked the Federal debt of 15 years ago--that was September 9, 1981--at which time the Federal debt stood at $977,439,000,000. So those figures alone will show you the escalation of the spending practices of the Congress of the United States, and all the irresponsibility of that lies like a dead cat on the doorstep of the Congress of the United States, where I work and where Members of the House of Representatives work. Twenty-five years ago, if you want to go back that far, on September 9, 1971, the Federal debt stood at $415,807,000,000. This report reflects an increase of more than $4 trillion in Federal debt during the 25 years from 1971 to 1996. If you want the precise figure, the Federal debt has increased during the past 25 years by $4,798,337,675,542.25. Mr. President, this is a perfect outrage imposed upon the next generation and the next generation after that and the next generation after that, because they are the ones who are going to have to pay this debt. They are going to have to pay the interest on it, which is enormous. We have all of these promising politicians running around the countryside these days promising everything under the Sun for the taxpayers to pay for, which means that it will be bought on credit and not a thing will be done about this Federal debt. That is precisely why in February 1992 I began to make these reports. I might add as a matter of interest, Mr. President, that one day when I came to make this report, I stopped in the cloakroom and Senators were waiting for a rollcall vote that had been scheduled by unanimous consent about 10 minutes hence. Just to see what the answers would be, I asked Senators how many million there were in a trillion. They scratched their heads, and I got two or three different answers. Only one of them was correct. Of course, as every schoolboy knows, or is supposed to know, there are a million million in a trillion, and the coming generations are going to have to deal with $5 million million- plus in debt run up by the Congress of the United States. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELMS

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

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair.