Fritz Hollings

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Cancer rates in South Carolina are some of the highest in the nation, with more than 17,000 new cases diagnosed and more than 8,100 deaths each year. The funding in this bill is critical to our efforts to combat cancer in South Carolina as well as the nation and I thank the Senator. In closing, there may be some slight confusion regarding the funds for the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to make sure everyone understands these funds are to build upon last year's efforts and are to be used to design and construct an expansion of the Medical University of South Carolina's cancer research center to provide space for Positron Emission Tomography treatment. Is that your understanding?

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to thank the distinguished Senator from New Mexico, the Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, for the outstanding work he has done on this bill. This is an extremely tough bill covering a diverse range of issues from our nation's nuclear defenses, to scientific research to water projects impacting each and every state. He has done a superb job in balancing these needs. I wish to especially thank him for recognizing the special needs for Positron Emission Tomography work at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I want to thank the Chairman and Senator Ford for their support on this issue. This is a simple matter of fairness and equity. The unreasonable and anticompetitive conduct of the United Kingdom has gone on far too long and exacted an unacceptable toll on the Carolinas. Mr. President, the Secretary awarded the Charlotte-London (Gatwick) route to US Airways on September 12, 1997. On May 7, 1998, US Airways announced plans to launch nonstop service in competition with British Airways, providing a convenient one-stop service from dozens of cities in North and South Carolina. Unfortunately, US Airways was forced to cancel this service because of the UK refusal to provide commercially viable access to Gatwick. It is now time for the Secretary to assert our rights and enforce the Bermuda II Agreement. Mr. President, before the Secretary enters into negotiations on a new broad bilateral agreement, equity dictates that the Secretary must resolve this issue.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 2279. This is an important bill that we must finish before we adjourn. Without it the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cannot spend any money on airport improvements, and airports in my state of South Carolina and throughout the nation would have to stop needed improvements that will bring better, safer air service to local communities--service which allows those communities to attract and expand businesses. The bill authorizes approximately $10 billion per year for the FAA for fiscal years 1998 and 1999. This will allow the FAA to focus on its most important mission--safety. Last year, more than 500 million passengers boarded planes and arrived at their destinations safely. Out air traffic control system is the safest in the world, but it needs to be upgraded if we are to remain the world's leader. The FAA is about to deploy new controller work stations--first in the Seattle en route center, and later in other en route centers. New controller work stations should also begin to be deployed within the next year under the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) contract. More needs to be done. The National Civil Aviation Review Commission (NCARC) reported that unless something is done, the air traffic system faces gridlock. The FAA has estimated that future passenger growth will be about 3.5% per year through 2009, with enplanements going from 561 million in 1998 to 821 million in 2009. More controllers and more equipment are needed. Not only are we looking at relying on satellites to track aircraft, but each of our airports will need to expand. Concrete, new lighting systems, new terminals, and new security measures are required. Right now, with the passage of last year's tax increase on the air carriers, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund is flush with money. The FAA estimates that the Trust Fund will take in total receipts of $10.622 billion in FY 1999. Only about 60 percent of the FAA's budget comes from the Trust Fund, with the remainder coming from the General Fund. There is more than enough money in the Trust fund to pay for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), and I wish we could invest more funding for the program than is included in the bill. Next year I will fight to make sure that we restore the trust in the aviation trust fund by taking it off budget. The state of South Carolina has an airport in every county. These airports serve small and large communities that benefit from the opportunities that are created by construction on an up-to-date airport. For example, runway improvements at the Greenville/Spartanburg Airport allowed the South Carolina Upstate to attract BMW to build its North American plant there. AIP funding helped the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base become the Myrtle Beach Jetport, bringing hundreds of tourists to vacations on the South Carolina Grand Strand. Whether it is Orangeburg, Marlboro County, or Hilton Head, South Carolina needs strong air transportation infrastructure. I can tell you as I travel around the state how critical aviation is. I have supported these interests for many years. This bill allow us to continue to meet the needs of the state and country. Finally, included in the managers' amendment are provisions of the Visit USA Act, introduced earlier this year as S. 2412 by Senator Burns and myself to further the international standing of the U.S. travel and tourism industry. As co-chairman of the United States Senate Tourism Caucus along with Senator Burns, I know that the tourism industry is a winner for the United States. In my state of South Carolina, tourism generates over $6.5 billion and is responsible for 113,000 jobs. Over 46 million international visitors came to the United States and spent over $90 billion in 1997. These visitors generated more than $5 billion in Federal taxes alone. To compete with other nations for a larger share of international tourism over the next decade, we must support an international tourism marketing effort. Provisions of this legislation would do that by authorizing appropriations for the marketing program of the U.S. National Tourism Organization (NTO). This authorization would allow the NTO to continue operations beyond the October 11 sunset date. This legislation is the product of a lot of hard work by many members of the Commerce Committee. I would like to thank them for their dedication to improving America's airport infrastructure and bolstering the safety of airline travel. I look forward to expeditious consideration and passage of S. 2279.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. The Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works is correct. The amendment before us is identical to S. 1104.

Mr. HOLLINGS. Certainly, unit M09 has been part of the coastal barrier system since the passage of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act in 1982. In 1987, a portion of Edisto Island was annexed by Colleton County from Charleston County. In 1988, after public notice and comment, the Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that this unit be expanded to include additional areas on Edisto Island. The Fish and Wildlife Service was not advised that a jurisdictional transfer had occurred and provided maps relating to Edisto Island to Charleston County, rather than Colleton. Because Colleton County did not have the appropriate maps, they provided inaccurate maps to landowners at a time when significant economic development were being made.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, today marks a milestone in the history of my state, in the history of the Senate, and in the history of the United States. Today Senator Strom Thurmond, the longest-serving Senator in United States history, cast his 15,000th vote. This is a proud moment for not only Senator Thurmond but for the great state he serves and for the venerable history of this institution. What is perhaps even more remarkable than the number of votes Senator Thurmond has cast is the thought he put into each of those votes and the conviction with which he has voted. I have not always voted with the Senior Senator from South Carolina, but I have never doubted he cast each vote with no consideration other than the good of our state and nation in mind. This is one of many records the senior Senator from South Carolina has achieved. I well recall rising last year to pay tribute to the Senator on the occasion of his setting a new longevity mark in the Senate. In fact, Mr. President, Strom Thurmond's entire life is remarkable for his ability to blaze a trail for others and set new marks. Many of my colleagues today have spoken of Senator Thurmond's gracious manner, his compassion for others, and his profound respect for the traditions and the history of the United States Senate. Indeed, no one possesses these qualities to a greater degree than Strom Thurmond. Senator Joseph Biden said today, ``politics is personal.'' And as he pointed out, Strom Thurmond understands this better than anyone. No one knows better than Senator Thurmond that the Senate's success is directly related to its members' decorum and the warmth of their personal relations. Senator Byrd spoke movingly of Senator Thurmond's presence at a memorial service after the death of his grandson. I have no doubt that many other Senators could tell similar stories. Strom Thurmond is as devoted to his colleagues as anyone I have ever known. For him, friendships transcend party lines. Of course, Senator Thurmond's loyalty and dedication extend beyond the confines of this room. An ardent patriot, he left his life as a father and judge behind to volunteer for combat duty in World War II and participated in numerous campaigns. Senator Thurmond is one of those rare people who we can say with certainty loves America even more than he cherishes his own life. If it is possible for one person to embody the traditions and personality of an institution, Strom Thurmond personifies the United States Senate. He is a man of respect, good will, humor, energy, principle, integrity, and loyalty. It is no exaggeration to say that serving the people of South Carolina and the United States is Senator Thurmond's life. Today we have the great fortune to repay his dedication in a small way by making the sort of personal gestures for which Senator Thurmond is famous. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure to congratulate my colleague and old friend on the occasion of his 15,000th vote.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, there has been quite a bit of discussion in Washington recently about the need to tell the truth. Well, I have always believed people should tell the truth--in private and in public. That is why I have long opposed the biggest lie, the biggest fraud in this town--the so-called federal budget surplus. The truth is there is no surplus. We continue to borrow money from federal trust funds--mainly Social Security--to mask the budget deficit. Meanwhile, the national debt skyrockets. I rise today, Mr. President, to draw the Senate's attention to an editorial which appeared in the Sunday, August 30, 1998 edition of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, published in Spartanburg, SC. This editorial points out the fraudulent nature of the budget surplus and criticizes Congress and the President for failing to tell the American people the truth about the budget. I quote the Herald-Journal: ``The truth can be seen in the national debt. That debt is continuing to grow and will keep growing over the next few years. Your budget is not balanced if you continue to go deeper and deeper into debt each year.'' The editorial goes on to argue that our priority should be to balance the budget honestly and begin to reduce our national debt, rather than give in to the near-term appeal of further tax cuts--no matter how much merit the individual cuts may have. Mr. President, I have been beating this drum for years now. For the past two years, for example, I have offered budget resolutions to urge we stay the course to balance the budget and begin to reduce the debt. In fact, I support many of the proposed tax cuts. I have consistently supported making health insurance costs for the self-employed 100 percent deductible, and I have voted to eliminate the marriage penalty three times in this year alone. But each time I have also voted to pay for these tax cuts, so that we stay on course to balance the budget. This should be our top priority. Only by reducing the national debt will we be able to whittle away at our whopping $363 billion in annual interest costs. I have been trying for years to get the media to expose this fraud Washington perpetrates on the American people. Yet many in the media-- people entrusted to report the truth--continue to report a surplus. I am glad to see that at least one newspaper in my home state of South Carolina has seen through this smoke screen. Mr. President, I ask that the entire editorial be printed in the Record. The editorial follows: [From the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Aug. 30, 1998] Right Cuts, Wrong Time some lawmakers are proposing a set of worthy tax cuts at the wrong time Some Republicans in the U.S. House have devised a worthy package of $78 billion in tax cuts. But this year is not the time to cut taxes. Despite the rhetoric coming from Washington, there is no budget surplus to spend--not on tax cuts, not on education, not even on Social Security. Leaders of both parties in Congress and at the White House are claiming that they have balanced the budget. But they make their claim by not counting the money they are borrowing from federal trust funds, including Social Security. The truth can be seen in the national debt. That debt is continuing to grow and will keep growing over the next few years. Your budget is not balanced if you continue to go deeper and deeper into debt each year. Reducing that debt should be Congress' top priority. Leaders in Washington have already wasted years of a boom economy in which they could have been paying down the debt. They should not waste any more time. They will not even be able to claim a balanced budget if an economic downturn upsets their budget forecasts. That's why the GOP tax cut plans should be rejected along with President Clinton's spending plans. The tax cuts offered by House Republicans are even-handed worthwhile cuts. The plan would raise the standard deduction for married couples to eliminate the marriage penalty some couples incur when they combine their incomes filing jointly. Under the GOP plan, self-employed taxpayers and employees who have to pay for their own health insurance could deduct 100 percent of that cost. House Republicans also would let senior citizens earn more money before they start losing Social Security benefits. And they would restore tax credits for businesses for research and development. These would be beneficial tax cuts. But they shouldn't be the highest priority in this budget year. Tax cut advocates will point out that citizens pay too much in taxes, that the government takes too big a bite out of its citizens' incomes. And they are correct. The government is too big and it takes too much of our money to support it. But long-term concerns demand paying down the national debt first. If that debt isn't reduced soon, the chance for real and lasting tax cuts will be postponed for decades. It is tempting in an election year to push for tax cuts. But politicians should not push for short-term political gains and taxpayers should not push for short-term financial gains. Our national interest and our future demands that we reduce the national debt before increasing spending or reducing taxes.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, this morning I missed the vote on the Fiscal Year 1999 Military Construction Appropriations Conference Report, which this body approved by a wide margin. I missed the vote due to a long airline delay--a delay especially vexing to me because I had scheduled my departure from South Carolina to arrive here in plenty of time to vote on this legislation. Had I been here, I would have been proud to cast an ``aye'' vote for this bill. As a combat veteran, I'm convinced a strong and vigorous military is vital to our nation's security and interests. The Military Construction Appropriations Conference Report is crucial to strengthening our armed forces, and it is tremendously important to the people of South Carolina. I was proud to work with fellow Appropriations Committee members to secure additional money for projects at the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, McEntire Air National Guard Station, Spartanburg Air National Guard Center, Beaufort Marine Air Corps Station, and Charleston Air Force Base. In addition to strengthening our military, these projects will help the brave men and women in uniform who serve on these bases and their dependents. I was proud to help make the 1999 Military Construction Appropriations Conference Report a reality, and I'm pleased to see it approved today by the Senate.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Surface Transportation Board (Board) for its recent actions approving the application of CSX and Norfolk Southern to acquire Conrail. As the Board's 424-page written decision of July 23, 1998, explains in great detail, this merger transaction as approved will bring railroad competition into the East like no merger has ever done before, and it will provide the opportunity for economic growth and more jobs both on and off the rail system throughout the Northeast and the South, including my state of South Carolina. I appreciate the way in which the Board acted in this proceeding in the public interest, promoting more competition while preserving the strength of the transaction as proposed. The Board is the independent economic regulatory agency that oversees the nation's rail transportation industry. Under the leadership of Linda Morgan, the Board's Chairman, who was with us on the Commerce Committee for many years, the Board, with its staff of 135, puts out more work than much larger agencies, issuing well-reasoned, thoughtful, and balanced decisions in tough, contentious cases. In particular I would like to commend the efforts of Linda Morgan, the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. Prior to assuming the Chairmanship, Linda worked for the Senate Commerce Committee. Her tireless efforts were integral in completing difficult work in a relatively small time frame. When we eliminated the Interstate Commerce Commission, I think that we underestimated the degree of work and the complexity of issues that continue to be brought before the Board, and in hindsight I believe that we cut personnel too deeply. The Board has recently issued decisions dealing with the rail service emergency in the West; several difficult rail rate cases; matters involving Amtrak; and proceedings initiated at the request of Senator McCain and Senator Hutchison to review the status of access and competition in the railroad industry. In each of these matters, it has taken on hard issues and has resolved them fairly and competently. The CSX/Norfolk Southern/Conrail proceeding is the most recent example of the Board's ability to address difficult issues with broad ramifications and reach a result under the law that promotes the public interest by best addressing the needs of all concerned. In that case, the Board was presented with a merger proposal that was inherently procompetitive. The railroads themselves brought to the Board a transaction that overall would create two strong, balanced competitors in the East with the ability to provide improved and more competitive rail service opportunities throughout the Northeast and the South. The transaction contemplates substantial investment in railroad infrastructure, which we desperately need to accommodate the Nation's expanding economy, and it is expected that, over time, the merger should produce over $1 billion annually in quantifiable public benefits and numerous other benefits. Although the overall competitive and other benefits of the merger proposal, which were reflected in several negotiated settlements, were well recognized, various interests wanted the Board to impose conditions to address environmental and safety issues or to modify the competitive balance reflected in the original proposal. It was in addressing these requests that the Board represented the public the best. The Board encouraged CSX and Norfolk Southern to work further with the various rail users and other interested parties and see if they could resolve the remaining issues themselves. As a result of this process, many settlements were reached, which undoubtedly produced resolutions better than the Government could have directed from Washington, D.C. Where settlements could not be reached, however, the Board acted responsibly and fairly. After two long days of oral argument, it issued a decision that smartly balanced the competing interests and imposed various conditions to mitigate environmental impacts; to preserve and improve the competitive posture of affected shippers and regions without upsetting the integrity of the procompetitive merger transaction that the railroads originally presented; to promote balanced regional economic development by assuring that smaller railroads that provide essential services will be viable and will continue to be able to compete; to recognize the legitimate interests of rail employees; and to promote a safe and smooth transition to a more competitive and efficient rail system in the East. The Board's action on this merger application will preserve and promote competition throughout the Nation; will ensure an improved transportation network that will connect the North and the South in historic ways; and will provide that, overall, shippers will be better off after the merger than they were before, and that none will have fewer service options than they had before. I congratulate the Board on its action in this matter, and on its other significant work since its creation in 1996. On Wednesday, July 29, the Commerce Committee overwhelmingly approved a one-year reauthorization of the Board, which I joined Chairman McCain in sponsoring. I want to reemphasize here today my commitment to seeing that the Board will be in business for a long time and will be given the resources that it needs to continue its vital work. At this point, I ask unanimous consent that the full text of the commenting opinion by Chairman Morgan, included in the Board's decision in the Conrail matter, be printed in the Record.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, today Senator Burns and I are introducing a bill, the Visit USA Act, which will further the international standing of the U.S. travel and tourism industry. As co- chairman of the United States Senate Tourism Caucus along with Senator Burns, I know that the tourism industry is a winner for the United States. The Visit USA Act would improve U.S. international marketing and services to travelers in the United States by: creating a toll-free number for international travelers to call for assistance in their native language; improving signs in transportation facilities; and authorizing appropriations for the marketing program of the U.S. National Tourism Organization (NTO). Tourism is more than cameras and Bermuda shorts. Travel and tourism is a big business. Last year it produced a record $26 billion trade surplus, and the industry continues to grow. In my state of South Carolina, tourism generates over $6.5 billion and is responsible for 113,000 jobs. Over 46 million international visitors came to the United States and spent over $90 billion in 1997. These visitors generated more than $5 billion in Federal taxes alone. To compete with other nations for a larger share of international tourism over the next decade, we must support an international tourism marketing effort. The Visit USA Act would do just that by providing for international promotion of the United States while making travel to this country simpler and more understandable for our foreign guests.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Thank you Mr. President. I rise to update the distinguished Chairman of the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on the status of the CH-47 engine upgrade program, which the committee reduced by $27.3 million in its reported bill. The basis for the reduction was program delays. The committee's action has called Army leadership attention to the delays in getting the FY 1997 and 1998 funds on contract. This delay was due in part to disruptions from relocating the contracting office from St. Louis to Huntsville and in part to unsuccessful, protracted efforts to use commercial pricing practices on the contract. I understand that the strong support from the CINC's combined with the Committee's recommendations made completion of these contracts a high priority. I am pleased to report that the FY97 kit production contract was signed July 1 and that the FY97 engine conversion contract and the FY 1998 kit production contract was signed as of July 29. Further, the full rate production contracts are scheduled to be signed early in fiscal year 1999. Fortunately, production of the engine conversion kits has been underway on a letter contract since December 1997 with actual engine upgrades now underway and on schedule at the Greer, South Carolina plant to meet the initial delivery of upgraded engines in October 1998.

Mr. HOLLINGS. I thank the chairman for that assurance. I hasten to add my support for the upgrade program, which is done in part at two separate facilities in Greer, South Carolina. While I voted for the bill in subcommittee and full committee, I strongly urge the chairman to give careful consideration to restoring full program funding in conference based on this new information. The upgrade program is just phasing out of its low rate initial production phase with the FY 1999 funds. Maintaining the production schedule is critical to controlling costs and achieving efficiencies. The FY 1999 funding in question starts full rate production for which all the necessary Army approvals have been given.

Mr. HOLLINGS. I thank my good friend, the distinguished Senator from Alaska. Mr. President, I yield the floor. first program

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I seek recognition for the purpose of engaging the manager of the bill in a colloquy.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, today, I, along with Senator Thurmond, introduce duty suspension legislation designed to continue the importation of certain rolled glass into the United States duty free. This product is not manufactured in the United States. Upon importation, the rolled glass will be further manufactured in a facility at Fountain Inn, South Carolina. I believe that this duty suspension will assist with employment in South Carolina. This facility manufactures glass-ceramic cooktops for the North American appliance industry. Continuation of this duty suspension will allow for the most efficient manufacture of this high end product in South Carolina.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the opening of the 1998 tobacco marketing season in my home state of South Carolina. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States is one of the world's leading producers of tobacco. It is second only to China in total tobacco production. Tobacco is the seventh largest U.S. crop, with over 130,000 tobacco farms in the United States. In South Carolina, tobacco is the top cash crop, worth about $200 million annually. It also generates over $1 billion in economic activity for my state. Tobacco production is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs on over 2,000 farms and continues to account for about one- fourth of all crops and around 13 percent of total crop and livestock agriculture in South Carolina. It has been a hard year for tobacco farmers in my state. In June 1997, farmers found out about a settlement between the State Attorneys General and five tobacco companies. This settlement created insecurity in these farmers' lives, as well as in their communities, as they tried to prepare for the upcoming tobacco season. After learning of their exclusion from any type of compensation in this settlement, their quotas were cut by 16 percent from the previous year. This means the farmers' income will decrease by 16 percent in the next marketing year. While the Senate debated comprehensive tobacco legislation, the tobacco companies acknowledged to tobacco farmers that they had made a mistake in not including them in their original settlement negotiations. These companies promised farmers they would be included in any future negotiations. Now we hear the State Attorneys General and the companies are again negotiating a settlement, and once again the farmers have been excluded. In recent years, we have seen a rise in tobacco imports, as domestic purchases by companies have declined. This has had a direct effect on the economy of my state. Many of the rural towns in South Carolina have grown up around producing tobacco, and decreased demand for domestic tobacco has affected them greatly. I hope these companies see the need to purchase more domestic tobacco and decrease the amount of tobacco they import. It is imperative for these rural communities' economic stability that domestic tobacco purchases rise. I also want to take this time to recognize a man who will begin his 50th season of auctioning tobacco. Kelly Ritter started auctioning tobacco in 1948, when times were a lot different. Back then tobacco was not seen as it is now, but rather as a way of life in the developing communities of South Carolina. Technology may have advanced in tobacco production over the last fifty years, and markets may have gone up and down, but it is a relief that there is still a constant in the production of tobacco--Kelly Ritter. Mr. President, in conclusion I want to wish the tobacco farmers and warehousemen in South Carolina the best of luck this year. I wish that I could be down in South Carolina for this festive occasion of opening day, but duty calls. Although I can't be there physically, they all know that I'm there in spirit. And as hard as I have worked in the past for them, they can expect me to work even harder to ensure farmers and their communities remain economically sound.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, today, I, along with Senator Thurmond, introduce duty suspension legislation designed to continue the importation of certain rolled glass into the United States duty free. This product is not manufactured in the United States. Upon importation, the rolled glass will be further manufactured in a facility at Fountain Inn, South Carolina. I believe that this duty suspension will assist with employment in South Carolina. This facility manufactures glass-ceramic cooktops for the North American appliance industry. Continuation of this duty suspension will allow for the most efficient manufacture of this high end product in South Carolina.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, as with everyone in Congress and the nation, my thoughts today are with the victims of Friday's shooting and their families. And like many of my colleagues, I wish to pay tribute to the heroism of Capitol Police officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson and to mourn their passing. This is a terrible time for the Congress and the nation. It reminds me, Mr. President, of having to write the families of dead comrades in World War II. How does one summarize the achievements and meaning of two lifetimes in a short letter or brief remarks? How does one do justice to men who gave the last full measure of devotion that others might live? Consoling the families of the dead and doing justice to the ultimate sacrifices and nobility of heroes is never easy. It is particularly hard in time of peace, when we take our safety and security for granted. But even in peace time, Mr. President, unfathomable evil exists and threatens to shatter our security at any moment. Officers Chestnut and Gibson knew that the price of our safety here in the Capitol was their unceasing vigilance; and they showed us that even in peace time, the heroism of brave and selfless individuals like them often is all that enables us to live in freedom and work in safety. It is easy to forget this; but we must not forget, and Friday's events ensure that we will not forget. Officer Chestnut, a South Carolina native who served with distinction in the Air Force for many years, would not want us to forget. He knew the price of freedom, and he was willing to give his life for his fellow citizens. Who knows how many lives officer Gibson saved by confronting the gunman, Russell Weston, outside the office of Representative Tom DeLay? Who knows how many tourists and staffers would have died were it not for the bravery and heroism not only of officers Gibson and Chestnut but of all the Capitol Police? Friday's shootings were a reminder that all of us who live and work on Capitol Hill owe an unpayable debt to the Capitol Police. The brave men and women of that force put their lives on the line for us every time they put on a uniform. It is their job to stand between us and harm's way, and they perform it with unceasing devotion and consummate professionalism. We should all give thanks to God that we are protected by these officers. And we should realize that it is thanks to their zealous devotion to duty that we live in freedom from constant fear and danger. For those of us who see the Capitol Police every day, it is easy to forget they are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. Officers Chestnut and Gibson were not only exemplary guardians of the public safety--they also were dedicated and loving family men. Each leaves behind a wife and three children. These shattered homes are the legacy of one lunatic's senseless violence. Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson's heroic deaths are all the more painful for the loss their families will forever feel. We whom they died to protect can only hope that the nobility of their sacrifice and the priceless ideal for which they gave their lives--not us, but freedom and democratic government--will be of some small comfort to their families. I join with all Americans today in offering my deepest thanks to these men, my condolences to their families, and my promise that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today in support of H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act. I have always supported federal credit unions because of their vital role in providing access to credit, particularly for consumers of moderate means. This bill would allow credit unions to continue to offer this outstanding level of service. The Supreme Court's recent decision in the AT&T case cast a shadow of uncertainty over credit union membership. The decision threatens to disrupt the financial affairs of millions of hard-working families by forcing credit unions to limit future memberships and placing current memberships in jeopardy. This legislation responds to the Court's decision by clarifying the credit union field of membership. It protects existing credit union members and membership groups, while allowing approporiate expansion. In addition, it further protects consumers by ensuring the safety and soundness of credit unions through improved regulatory safeguards. H.R. 1151, as reported by the Senate Banking Committee, is critical to consumers across the nation. Credit unions serve many families who have trouble obtaining credit elsewhere. In particular, credit unions are absolutely essential in the area of small consumer loans. For those in need of a loan to purchase a new car, put down a rent deposit, or buy a new washer and dryer, the local credit union is a valuable resource. In today's world of mega-mergers, credit unions continue to be there to provide affordable and personal financial services. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate Banking Committee approved H.R. 1151 by overwhelming margins. These votes are evidence of the strong support behind this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1151 in a similar fashion. Amendment No. 3336

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, as the Senate conducts its business today, South Carolina mourns the passing of one of its greatest citizens. Buck Mickel, a man who stands as a giant in the history of the Carolina Upstate, passed away Thursday morning, July 23. One of the greatest pleasures of my life has been my long friendship with Buck. I count it a privilege to have known him and to have learned from his example. Every moment of Buck's 72 years was spent in dynamic enterprise and productive activity. He was a tireless dynamo, a man whose vigor and energy was rivaled only by his bold ideas, humanitarian impulses, and sincere humility. No simple description of Buck does justice to the scope of his activities or the importance of his full life to the lives of everyone who lives in the Upstate. Buck was a savvy businessman. When he took the reins of Daniel Construction Company in the early 1960s, he steered it from its position as a successful, regional business to a thriving, global company. By the time he retired from active management of the company in 1987, he had expanded Daniel Construction's business, taken it public in 1969, and merged it with Fluor Corporation in 1977 to create today's construction and engineering giant, Fluor Daniel Corporation. In the meantime, he created thousands of jobs for South Carolinians and other Americans and helped lead the way in the creation of overseas operations for U.S. companies. In fact, after Buck ``retired'' (any use of this word in connection with Buck Mickel must be taken with more than a grain of salt) in 1987, he continued to travel the world to help groom young Fluor managers for eventual leadership within the company. Leadership was the theme of Buck Mickel's extraordinary life. His sense of duty and responsibility, with the recognition that he was a natural-born leader if ever there was one, informed every aspect of Buck's life. Buck's prodigious achievements as a businessman and his famed savvy qualify him as a great success on their own. Les McCraw, who succeeded Buck as head of Fluor, summed up Buck's position in his field. ``To say that he was a giant in the construction industry is a gross understatement,'' Mr. McCraw said. ``He clearly was one of the all-time leaders in that industry and had been for 40 years.'' But Buck's friends know his greatest passion was not commerce. He was consumed by a desire to enrich and expand the economic and cultural life of South Carolina, and he devoted every waking minute to those twin tasks. Robert Royall, South Carolina's Secretary of Commerce, said Buck ``loved South Carolina as much as anyone I have ever known and contributed more to developing the state than anyone in my lifetime. . . . He was constantly thinking about ways to help the state.'' Buck stayed in regular contact with almost everyone in public life in South Carolina. I spoke to him just last week, and as always, he was spinning ideas about how to help the state. In fact, Mr. President, the universal reaction among public figures in South Carolina since Buck's death has been disbelief. It's just hard to believe that a man so vital, so full of ideas and concern for others, could pass from among us. It may take awhile for us to realize the full import of his death, but when we do, I believe Buck's death will hit us as hard as any in our state's history. Highest on the list of Buck's achievements is the revitalization of downtown Greenville, SC, and the tremendous development of the region's economy. As the Greenville News wrote, Buck ``put his imprint on virtually every civic project in Greenville for almost half a century.'' Buck was instrumental to Greenville's building its Peace Center for the Performing Arts, which has won national acclaim as a venue for the live arts; restoring numerous dilapidated buildings in Greenville proper; luring important businesses back to the downtown area; and raising funds for a new sports arena. These developments have transformed Greenville in a way impossible to imagine if you haven't lived there, Mr. President. Of course, Buck's beneficence and energy were by no means limited to Greenville. He helped attract Michelin, BMW, and other international businesses to the state. Buck supported secondary education--his support helped make the Governor's School for the Arts possible--and higher education. He and his wife, Minor, were active with Furman, Clemson, and Wofford Universities, as well as with the University of South Carolina. Buck rose from humble origins and relied on a scholarship to Georgia Tech University, so he knew the importance not only of education but of financial support for those in need of aid. He and his wife gave generously of their time and money to South Carolina colleges and endowed many scholarships. Buck Mickel's life has touched almost every life in my state. Because Buck was so humble and modest, most of those he helped do not even realize the debt they owe him. With Buck Mickel's passing, South Carolina has lost one of its greatest civic and business leaders. Quite honestly, Mr. President, I don't know how we will replace him.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. The Senators from Louisiana have highlighted an important issue. I agree with the distinguished Chairman that the completion of the communications system for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is a project that deserves consideration and I will give this matter my attention in conference.

Mr. HOLLINGS. Yes, I support the efforts of the Senator from South Dakota, and I appreciate your bringing the situation in South Dakota to the Senate's attention. I will work to locate funding for this important initiative.

Mr. HOLLINGS. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Mr. GREGG addressed the Chair.

Mr. HOLLINGS

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise to briefly discuss a provision in this legislation which I was pleased to sponsor. The interstate network of railroads faces several problems. As you are aware, several areas in the United States currently experience serious rail freight congestion. We frequently hear of delays on the delivery of goods for two to three weeks because of rail congestion. With more train traffic, there has also been an increase in rail related accidents. There is no comprehensive system which manages the interface between trains and cars at the huge number of highway crossings in the United States. In South Carolina alone, there are 32,000 crossings. This situation is compounded in many parts of the country. Congestion is worsened and safety is jeopardized because passenger trains, high-speed trains, and freight trains all use the same track. Unlike the national tracking of air traffic that assures millions of safe passenger air miles each year, comprehensive automated management and control of movement and location in the rail industry does not exist. The Transportation Safety Research Alliance, a non-profit public/private partnership which includes industry and research institutions, is seeking to develop an advanced, integrated technology system that would provide direction, movement, and highway crossing control for the rail freight industry. Without such a system, we are going to experience more accidents endangering the public safety and more delays to shippers and consumers that harm the Nation's commerce. This bill includes language directing the Federal Railroad Administration to provide $500,000 towards the development of this project. I want to thank the Subcommittee Chairman, Senator Shelby, and the Ranking Member, Senator Lautenberg, for including this language. I appreciate your leadership in the Conference to ensure that this provision is included in the Conference Report.