Trent Lott

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I would like to use leader time at this point to speak with regard to the Wellstone amendment, which I understand he will be offering momentarily. I rise to speak against the Wellstone amendment that I understand will be offered. What this amendment would do would be to knock out the funds that are included in the foreign operations appropriations bill for Colombian aid. Is that correct about the intent of the amendment by the Senator from Minnesota?

Mr. LOTT. You would move a significant portion of the funds in excess of $900 million into another category to be used for exactly what? Will the Senator describe that to me?

Mr. LOTT. I thank the Senator for his explanation. At this time, rather than just speaking against his amendment, I will speak for what is in the foreign operations appropriations bill for the Colombia aid package. As a matter of fact, the Senate version has over $900 million in this area. The House bill actually included around $1.7 billion because the House included not only funds for the drug war in Colombia--I believe they also provided more than what had been asked for by the administration--they also provided some aid for other countries in the area that are also having some difficulty in fighting the drug situation in that part of the world. Let me emphasize that we have been very much involved, obviously, in being supportive of bringing about a peaceful solution in Kosovo. It has been, of course, debated what should be done there, if we should do what we have done there, and how much should be spent there. The administration has pursued the policy there and the Congress has gone along with it, for better or for worse, at a cost of billions of dollars. I point out on this map the area we are talking about. Kosovo is in this area of the world. It is very important to Europe and to our allies in Europe. I have suggested to our allies--NATO, Germany, Britain and other countries--they should assume more of the responsibility there, not less. I have been very concerned they have not met their responsibilities. Until just very recently, they seemed to be doing a better job of providing the money and the people they committed. My point is while this is important, it is not nearly as close and as directly involved in the U.S. national security as the situation in Colombia. This map depicts Colombia. This whole region is experiencing some transition now. Since we have turned over the Panama Canal and closed our bases there, we see evidence that already there has been an increase of drug trafficking through Panama. We are concerned about the narcotraffickers in Colombia; we are concerned about what is happening in Venezuela, and this whole region of the world. It is in our neighborhood. For years, to our own detriment, in my opinion, we have not been as involved with Central America and South America as we should have been. Now we see democracy and economic opportunity beginning to make progress in Central America, in the Caribbean, and democracy at least blossoming in parts of South America, but we see a threat, and it is being driven by drugs. In addition to being in our hemisphere and in close proximity, we are talking about activities by people who are undermining the Colombian Government, who are killing people, and who are killing our children. The drugs that come out of Colombia are coming right into the United States--cocaine and heroin. They are poisoning our children. I take this not very well. I am very concerned about it. I think we ignore it to our own peril. Should we do more in our country to deal with the demand problem, education, and treatment? Sure. We ought to find ways to do that. But we shouldn't do it by taking away from the efforts that are underway in Colombia. That is why I call this a close national security interest for our own country. There are those who are worried if we do this, we are slipping toward being involved. Where better to be involved than to try to take action and provide support for people who are trying to move toward greater democracy and greater economic development and to control and stop the drug trafficking and the drug pushers in that part of the world? I think we should do this. I think we should have been doing more a year ago or 2 years ago. I worked in the Senate with Senators Coverdell, DeWine, and others in communication with our own drug czar in America that we were not doing enough in Colombia. Finally, the administration has said, well, we need to do something more; we need to be involved. I commend them for that. We need to get it done. That is why we pulled this foreign operations appropriations bill up as early as possible. We think we should get this foreign operations bill done and we should get the Colombian aid package included. This is very important for us. President Pastrana of Colombia has asked for our help--not to solve the problem for him. We are not advocating U.S. troops go in or that we have direct involvement in their efforts there but to help him without American troops. Give them the aid they need; give them the equipment they need to fight these massive narcotic drug cartels in Colombia and that part of the world. President Clinton's plan is multifaceted: Economic, political, social, and military means to gain the upper hand in dealing with the narcoterrorists who control vast amounts of Colombian territory. That is an area where I have some concern. I think too much territory has been conceded to these narcoterrorists. Make no mistake, the FARC and the ELN guerrillas are ruthless. They don't know anything or care anything about human rights. They only want power to turn Colombia into the first nation controlled by narcoterrorists. Think about that. That is a real possibility unless we act to get assistance there as soon as possible. Will this aid package alone solve the problem overnight? No. I emphasize again we should have been doing more last year and the year before and over a period of years. But it will make a significant contribution by giving to the Colombian Government the wherewithal to challenge these narcoterrorists. We know one thing for certain: Without this package, these narcoterrorists will be emboldened and they will have no incentive to come to the peace table. The freely elected pro U.S. government of President Pastrana will be dealt a very serious blow. We cannot leave them unassisted when they have asked for our help. This is a question of standing up for our children, of standing up and fighting these narcoterrorists in our part of the world, in our neighborhood, in our region. Colombia has a chance. They are tired of the bloodshed. They are tired of kidnappings. They are tired of human rights abuses on all sides. I don't for a minute mean to push aside the complaints about some of the human rights violations on the other side, but that shouldn't be a reason not to act. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, support the foreign operations bill as it is, with the Colombian aid. As a matter of fact, I think it is possible the aid may actually be increased somewhat in conference. We should not let this be pecked apart. We should step up to our responsibility and fulfill our commitment to Colombia, to President Pastrana for his efforts, but particularly for the children of our country. Do not support amendments that will take away funds in this package and move them over into other areas. It is the minimum that we should do. I thank Senator Wellstone for allowing me to go forward at this time. I yield the floor.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess for 2 minutes to have the delegation from the European Parliament be greeted by Senators.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Mr. LOTT. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. amendment no. 3569

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, why don't we amend the request to say that we come in at 9:30, and after the opening and the prayer, we go to Senator Akaka for 30 minutes, and we will begin Labor-HHS bill at 10 o'clock. We are all certainly very proud of Senator Inouye and how he and the men of his unit served this country. For it to be appropriately memorialized in this Chamber by his colleague from Hawaii is more than appropriate. I am pleased to make that addition.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I certainly know of no reason the Senate wouldn't agree to the Senator's amendment being withdrawn if the Senator desires to do so.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I include in the unanimous consent request that if Senator Feingold wishes to withdraw his amendment, that would be in order.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, in light of this agreement, there will be no further votes tonight, and the next series of votes will occur at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I thank Senator Schumer. I thank all of my colleagues and the managers for the work they are doing. I yield the floor.

Mr. LOTT. The Senator was right.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I know Senators are anxious to get a feel for what the proceedings will be for the remainder of the evening and in the morning. I commend the managers for the work they have been doing and commend Members for the help we have been receiving from them on both sides in terms of disposing of amendments one way or another. I believe we are very close to getting an agreement that would get the remaining amendments done tonight. Then, in the morning, we could turn to the Labor-HHS appropriations bill and have stacked votes at 2 o'clock, both on any amendments and final passage of the foreign operations appropriations bill and any amendments that might be ready to be voted on and put in that staked sequence at 2 o'clock tomorrow. We do not quite have that agreement yet. But for all Senators who are still working on it, I hope they will work with us to get it completed momentarily. If that cannot be done, I will be calling up the Kyl amendment No. 3558, and getting a second so we can have a rollcall vote on that, and other amendments, tonight. I think we can get this bill done without having to have that recorded vote. But if we can't get an agreement as to how we are going to complete our work, then we will be having more votes tonight. So for the Senators who are waiting to get final information, just give us a few more minutes. I think we are about to the point where we can enter this agreement, and then we would have a feel for the remainder of the night.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, we may need a moment more to have a chance to review the unanimous consent proposal. I believe we have one worked out that is fair and acceptable to Senators on both sides of the aisle. If we can get this agreement entered into, then there would be no further votes tonight, nor in the morning. Then we would begin the final debate at 1:30, with the votes that are necessary stacked at 2 p.m., and final passage at that time. In the morning, though, we would go to Labor-HHS Appropriations at 9:30. Any votes relative to that bill would also be put in a stacked sequence beginning at 2 p.m., if any are ready. We certainly hope good progress can be made on that bill tomorrow. We look forward to working with the managers of that legislation. I see Senator Reid is looking over the consent request. If he has any questions, I will be glad to respond. unanimous consent agreement

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all remaining first-degree amendments in order to the pending bill be offered and debated tonight, along with any relevant second-degree amendments, and the votes occur in relation to those amendments beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, with 4 minutes prior to each vote for explanation. I further ask consent that at 1:20 p.m. on Thursday, the Senate resume consideration of the pending bill, and Senator Feingold be recognized to offer his filed amendment regarding Mozambique, and that amendment be voted on in the voting sequence under the same terms as outlined above. I further ask consent that following the introduction of the Feingold amendment, it be laid aside and Senator Boxer be recognized to call up her two filed amendments, Nos. 3541 and 3542, and there be 40 minutes total for debate on both amendments, with the votes occurring in the voting sequence as outlined above. I ask unanimous consent that following the disposition of the amendments, the bill be advanced to third reading and the Senate proceed to vote on that motion. I further ask consent that following that vote, the bill then be placed back on the calendar awaiting the House companion bill. I further ask consent that at 9:30 a.m., the Senate begin consideration of the House Labor-HHS and Education appropriations bill and any votes ordered relative to that bill, following the concurrence of the two leaders, occur at the end of the voting sequence scheduled at 2 p.m. on Thursday, with the same 4 minutes allocated for explanation prior to those votes.

Mr. LOTT. Certainly. That is always the case. If the Senator gets it worked out, or something changes his mind, he obviously would have that opportunity. The managers, I am sure, would be glad to work with him this evening to work out some satisfactory way. I don't know the substance of the amendment, other than it is on Mozambique. Certainly, that would be contemplated.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to welcome a delegation from the European Parliament to the U.S. Senate. The parliamentarians are in the United States for an important interparliamentary meeting. Europe continues to move forward with economic integration and the European Parliament's role is increasingly important. As the European Union, like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization expands, the role of the European Parliament will become even more important. The United States and the European Union have the world's largest commercial relationship, with trade and investment approaching $1 trillion. I believe increased interaction between our legislature and the European Parliament will serve the interests of both sides. I urge my colleagues to greet this delegation, led by Ms. Imelda Mary Read of the United Kingdom. I take note that the delegation has more women than men and one of the youngest Members attending the interparliamentary meeting is from the European Parliament. Obviously, great progress is being made in this parliamentary body. I ask unanimous consent the list of all the delegation be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I have the pleasure to announce that Senator Mike Enzi, of Wyoming, has earned his second Golden Gavel award. Since the 1960's, the Senate has recognized those dedicated Members who preside over the Senate for 100 hours with the Golden Gavel. This award continues to represent our appreciation for the time these dedicated Senators contribute to presiding over the U.S. Senate--a privileged and important duty. Senator Enzi is not only the first in his class to earn the Golden Gavel award, but has time and time again offered his services to preside during late night sessions, on short notice, or when a great understanding of parliamentary procedure is needed. On behalf of the Senate, I extend our sincere appreciation to Senator Enzi for his efforts and commitment to presiding during the 106th Congress.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 3473

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today the Senate has taken a momentous step in promoting and facilitating the growth of electronic commerce with the passage of the conference report to S. 761--the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. It was a long and difficult road to get to this point, following the bill's introduction in the Senate last March by my colleague and champion of E-signatures, Senator Abraham. Many roadblocks had to be overcome along the way. In the end, many compromises were agreed to. This bill could have been done months ago; however, some wanted to make this a partisan issue. I am personally very pleased though that the sustained efforts of Congress resulted in a conference report supported by a meaningful majority of conferees, and by a majority of the business world. S. 761 will establish legal certainty and validity for electronic signatures and electronic records. When engaging in business online, consumers and companies should feel secure and confident that their contracts and agreements will be honored. This bill recognizes and addresses those real needs now, rather than waiting for all 50 States to adopt uniform laws. S. 761 will provide the basic foundation, or the rules of the road, for the future of electronic commerce in America. It will foster the continued expansion of electronic commerce. More importantly, it will empower consumers to take part in a vibrant segment of our economy. It will afford consumers from all across America the real opportunity, if they so choose, to take advantage of electronic commerce. This, to me, is the crux of this legislation. The ability of our citizens in all 50 States to improve the quality of their lives. S. 761 provides that ability. Some have expressed concern that this measure places a higher standard and unnecessary burdens on the on-line world than those in effect for the off-line world. I hope it does not. I believe a good- faith effort was made to provide the flexibility necessary for those with that great entrepreneurial spirit and imaginative ability to advance the Internet and electronic commerce. If, over time, bureaucracy does indeed impede the bill's intent, I expect that Congress will again assume responsibility and take corrective action. The participation of several Members of Congress was integral to this bill's enactment. They include the chairmen of both the House and Senate Commerce Committees, Chairman Bliley and Chairman McCain, Chairman Gramm of the Senate Banking Committee, and Chairman Hatch of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I extend my thanks to them and to all of the members of the conference for their attentiveness and commitment to this important issue. I also want to take a few moments to express my special appreciation to my colleague and good friend, Senator Abraham. Senator Abraham recognized early on the extreme importance of electronic signatures. It was his initiative that led to the 105th Congress' enactment of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, a significant first step toward the eventual broad use and acceptance of electronic signatures. Senator Abraham's continued stewardship, vision, and tireless efforts have led to the next logical step of now affording secure and accessible opportunities in electronic commerce for the private sector and millions of consumers. I believe no other Senator worked as hard on, or knows as much about, this issue as Senator Abraham. Without his hard work, keen judgment, and persistence, I do not believe we would be voting on this conference report today. Senator Abraham is to be commended for his leadership in this area, and I look forward to working with him on other important technology issues facing Congress. It goes without saying that Congress could not operate without the dedicated efforts of staff. I want to identify those Senate staffers who worked hard to prepare this legislation for consideration: Renee Bennett, Moses Boyd, Jeanne Bumpus, Cesar Conda, Robert Cresanti, Makan Delrahim, Geoff Gray, Martin Gruenberg, Carole Grunberg, Dave Hoppe, Jack Howard, Jim Hippe, Kevin Kolevar, Chase Hutto, Jim Hyland, Julie Katzman, Maureen McLaughlin, Paul Margie, Mike Rawson, Dena Ellis Rochkind, Lisa Rosenberg and Jim Sartucci, as well as my former Congressional Fellow, Steven Apicella. I thank them all. Electronic signatures is an innovative technology whose time has come. S. 761 will remove barriers to their use in a timely and useful manner. S. 761 will make it easier for millions of Americans to use electronic commerce. S. 761 will help stimulate our nation's economy. And S. 761 will preserve America's leadership in the global marketplace. I am proud that the 106th Congress has taken this action.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senator from Virginia be recognized to offer a series of cleared amendments to the pending DOD authorization bill, and following the disposition of the 41-plus cleared amendments, the DOD authorization bill be laid aside and that the Senate then turn to the House Transportation appropriations bill and the Senate bill be immediately offered as an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, we are discussing an agreement as to how to proceed. We need to actually get it typed up where everybody can review it. I say to Senator Daschle, I will make some remarks commending the gentleman's movement to South Carolina. I thought he might want to join me in that. I will take some leader time to do that while we get the final look at the agreement. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. LOTT

Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, let me make a very important correction. The gentleman I am going to speak about briefly is going to be moving to South Dakota, not South Carolina. He obviously likes cooler weather and not hot weather. He deserves to be able to go wherever he chooses after the great service he has provided to the Congress. I want to take a moment to say goodbye on behalf of the Senate to a man we know quite well. I know Senator Daschle is going to join me in this and make some comments, either in a few minutes or later. I am talking about Jim Talbert, who is Superintendent of the Senate's Periodical Press Gallery and is retiring this week after 32 years of service. Jim and I came to the House of Representatives in the same year, 1968. He was hired in the House Daily Press Gallery, and I was hired as an aide to then-Congressman Bill Colmer, chairman of the Rules Committee. Twenty-three years and five Speakers later, Jim crossed the DMZ in the Capitol to the Senate to be Superintendent of the Periodical Press Gallery. Early on, Jim figured out what it took to get things done around here: know the rules. He knew them. That is why he became such a valuable resource. His expertise on congressional procedure is widely recognized and consulted by rookie reporters, veteran correspondents, and, yes, even by an occasional Senator or House Member who knows that he spent those many years in the House. His generosity in sharing his knowledge and time has brought him a great many friends on the second and third floors of this Capitol. I have a letter from the Executive Committee of Correspondents that describes in the reporters' words all Jim has accomplished on their behalf in the Senate. I ask unanimous consent that that letter be printed in the Record.

Mr. LOTT. While Jim no longer will be toiling with us every day, he is keeping his favorite jobs: husband, father, and grandfather. I am a little envious, to tell the truth. He and his wife, Judy, whom he met while working in the Capitol, are moving to her native South Dakota. It is typical of Jim that he didn't want a big bang, a big fuss over his departure. But we couldn't let him go without first wishing him well and saying, ``Thanks, Jim. You have earned it.''