Barbara Mikulski

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I would only add two points. First, that the project is one of considerable importance to the Port of Baltimore and to the efficient passage of ships up and down the east coast. Second, that the correct figures are those developed by the Corps of Engineers and represent the current estimates for the project in accordance with the cost-sharing provisions of the Water Resource Development Act of 1986. I would also request the chairman's assistance in resolving this matter.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am voting to raise the minimum wage. This increase in the minimum wage is long overdue. While opponents have tried to kill this increase, inflation has killed the value of the current wage. The bill before us today has two major components. First of all, it raises the minimum wage from $4.25 an hour to $5.15 an hour. This is a major step in improving paycheck security for America's workers. Second, the bill contains a number of tax provisions. Many of these provisions are designed to benefit small business, and to address concerns that small business might be hurt by the wage increase the bill provides. One tax provision of special importance to me is the language that expands the availability of spousal IRAs. Along with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, I am the author of the Homemaker IRA Bill. Sixty of our colleagues have joined in cosponsoring our bill to allow homemakers to get a full IRA deduction. So we are delighted that our bill, which is so important in providing retirement security for American families, has been included in this legislation. If this Congress fails to raise the minimum wage, we will be letting down millions of hard working men and women. We will be letting down the 130,000 Maryland workers who will benefit from an increase. The last time we acted to raise the minimum wage was 1989. When we add in what inflation has done to that increase in the last 7 years, the minimum wage is at its lowest level since 1955--40 years. How many in this Chamber would be satisfied with 1955 wages? When I say I am for a minimum wage increase I want to make clear that I will not vote for the Republican amendment. The Republican amendment is an attempt to have it both ways. Tell the voters you voted for an increase, but don't tell them that the millions of working men and women who need the increase will never get it. Under the Republican amendment, two thirds of all workplaces--and 10.5 million employees-- would be denied the minimum wage increase. The Republican amendment delays the increase for another half year. It effectively cuts out all waiters and waitresses, and others who depend on tips. This is a particular concern to women. Women represent some 80 percent of tipped employees. The Republican amendment denies an increase to every worker, regardless of age, for the first 6 months on any new job. The Republican amendment will not result in an increase in the minimum wage but it will result in an increase in the public cynicisms about Washington. The Democratic amendment is straightforward, and it will raise the minimum wage. Under our proposal the minimum wage will increase from $4.25 an hour to $5.15 an hour by the second year. This is a modest proposal that will not kill jobs, but will help America's families. Mr. President, some will argue that the minimum wage doesn't really help families or adult workers, but that is not what the facts tell us. The facts are that over 60 percent of workers receiving the minimum wage are adults. And over one-third of minimum wage earners are the only wage earners in their families. Too many workers are losing ground. Too many people are working longer and working harder, but their checks are getting smaller. These people don't work on Wall Street and they don't work in this Chamber, but they do work in every corner of the United States and every place in between. They live their lives trying to meet their day to day needs. In a country where voters wonder if Washington is interested in improving their lives, raising the minimum wage is one small signal we can send that says we do care. Mr. President, I also want to mention my support for the small business tax package that will become a part of this legislation if it is passed. I am pleased that we have a bipartisan agreement on a tax package that will provide some needed tax changes. Some have denounced a minimum wage increase as being antibusiness. These same people fail to mention the nearly $11 billion in tax cuts that are a part of this legislation. Extension of the research, education, and targeted tax credits are all important tax deductions that I have long supported. I believe the continuation of these credits will help businesses as well as help the country. I am also very pleased that this tax package includes an expansion of the IRA for spouses. I want to take this opportunity to commend Senator Hutchison, with whom I introduced the bill early last year to provide homemaker IRA's. Senator Hutchison has been such an able and staunch advocate for our legislation, and I am pleased that it is included in the bill before us. By passing this we are finally recognizing the value of the labor of all the spouses who work at home. Mr. President lets pass a minimum wage increase. One that is real and one that is needed.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise in strong support of the Murray amendment. This amendment will repeal the bill's ban on privately funded abortions at military medical facilities overseas. Let's be very clear what we're talking about here today. It is a very simple question. Are women who are defending our Nation women who sacrifice every day in military service to our country going to be treated as second class citizens when it comes to the health care they receive? The bill before us answers ``yes'' to that question. Mr. President, that is simply unacceptable. Our military women are not second-class citizens and we cannot treat them as if they were. Mr. President, safe and legal access to abortion is the law of the land. It is a matter of simple fairness that our servicewomen, as well as the spouses and dependents of servicemen, be able to exercise that right when they are stationed overseas. When people enlist in the Armed Services, they do not choose where they are to be stationed. They go where our military decides they are needed. They are often sent to remote locations where the only access to quality, safe medical care is in a military facility. While they are sent all over the world to defend our freedoms, isn't the very least we owe them the right to exercise the same freedoms they would enjoy if they remained here at home? By adopting this amendment we will enable military women to exercise their right to reproductive freedom. The amendment does not involve the use of any taxpayer funding. What this amendment will ensure is the right of women to obtain a safe and legal abortion paid for with their own funds. And, of course, under this amendment the conscience clause for military personnel who do not wish to perform abortions would be retained. So no military personnel would be compelled to perform abortions. Adoption of this amendment will ensure that women in the Armed Services have access to safe medical care. Let's do the right thing. Let's not treat our servicewomen like second-class citizens. They give so much in service to our country. They deserve no less than to be treated fairly by us. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important amendment.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to voice my strong condemnation of the rash of church burnings that have swept through the South. This is a national crisis. These acts of terrorism, which are aimed solely at predominately black churches, strike at the very heart of what is sacred in our country--the right to freedom of religion and fundamental civil rights. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues are sanctuaries where Americans enjoy the freedom to worship. That is why these acts are truly repugnant, and I am outraged that the arsons continue. Yesterday the Senate passed unanimously a resolution expressing our horror at these repugnant acts, and calling for rigorous investigation and prosecution of these crimes. I was proud to be a cosponsor of that resolution. But we can and must do more. That is why I am cosponsoring the bill introduced by my colleagues, Senators Kennedy and Faircloth, that will make it easier for the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute crimes involving the intentional destruction of churches. Our Nation has made tremendous progress since the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Church burnings turn the clock back on the strides we have made since the 1960's and bring shame to our great Nation. Our Nation cannot tolerate the increasing number of black church arsons. The burnings have reached epidemic proportions. It is a painful reminder of a time when hate and ignorance prevailed in many parts of the country. The perpetrators of these crimes must be caught and punished. They must know that our Nation will not tolerate or encourage these cowardly acts. Citizens around the country are outraged that places of worship--mostly in small Southern towns--are being burned to the ground. Many of the churches are historic landmarks. Some were erected over 100 years ago. Black churches are the lifeblood in small Southern communities--by burning these churches the arsonists strike at the very heart of the black community. But, all of us who worship and believe in God are hurt by these church burnings; they strike everyone. Faith built our country. We must begin building bridges to destroy the plague of racism. It is the basis of our Constitution that everyone has the freedom to worship wherever they please. These fundamental freedoms must be protected from those who would like to bully and intimidate peaceful, worshiping citizens. Nearly 40 churches have burned since the beginning of the year. This is the worst kind of terrorism. It is reminiscent of a time when the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups felt free to burn crosses, lynch innocent blacks, and burn churches. The current wave of church burnings has targeted remote, isolated places of worship in Southern black communities. These arsonists sneak into the night to torch churches falsely believing they will not be caught. We must not let these arsonists continue to commit their acts without being punished. Our country will not tolerate this kind of moral outrage and shame. Federal prosecutors should be able to investigate and prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent allowed by law. Federal prosecution of those who are responsible for these fires at churches should be the highest national priority. We need to have the resources to go after these criminals; a civilized society cannot continue to have churches being burned to the ground every other day. It is encouraging that my Senate colleagues in a bipartisan fashion have come together to condemn the church burnings. This is an issue that crosses all racial and party lines. We need to begin rebuilding-- the churches across the South and the moral fabric of our country. We must do all that we can to bring these criminals to justice. We are all the victims of the rash of church burnings in our country. I urge my colleagues to support the Kennedy-Faircloth bill. The legislation will give law enforcement officials the tools they need to stop this terrible epidemic. We must come together to begin healing the racial wounds caused by the church fires. Racism and hatred have no place in our country.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to voice my strong condemnation of the rash of church burnings that have swept through the South. This is a national crisis. These acts of terrorism, which are aimed solely at predominately black churches, strike at the very heart of what is sacred in our country--the right to freedom of religion and fundamental civil rights. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues are sanctuaries where Americans enjoy the freedom to worship. That is why these acts are truly repugnant, and I am outraged that the arsons continue. Yesterday the Senate passed unanimously a resolution expressing our horror at these repugnant acts, and calling for rigorous investigation and prosecution of these crimes. I was proud to be a cosponsor of that resolution. But we can and must do more. That is why I am cosponsoring the bill introduced by my colleagues, Senators Kennedy and Faircloth, that will make it easier for the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute crimes involving the intentional destruction of churches. Our Nation has made tremendous progress since the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Church burnings turn the clock back on the strides we have made since the 1960's and bring shame to our great Nation. Our Nation cannot tolerate the increasing number of black church arsons. The burnings have reached epidemic proportions. It is a painful reminder of a time when hate and ignorance prevailed in many parts of the country. The perpetrators of these crimes must be caught and punished. They must know that our Nation will not tolerate or encourage these cowardly acts. Citizens around the country are outraged that places of worship--mostly in small Southern towns--are being burned to the ground. Many of the churches are historic landmarks. Some were erected over 100 years ago. Black churches are the lifeblood in small Southern communities--by burning these churches the arsonists strike at the very heart of the black community. But, all of us who worship and believe in God are hurt by these church burnings; they strike everyone. Faith built our country. We must begin building bridges to destroy the plague of racism. It is the basis of our Constitution that everyone has the freedom to worship wherever they please. These fundamental freedoms must be protected from those who would like to bully and intimidate peaceful, worshiping citizens. Nearly 40 churches have burned since the beginning of the year. This is the worst kind of terrorism. It is reminiscent of a time when the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups felt free to burn crosses, lynch innocent blacks, and burn churches. The current wave of church burnings has targeted remote, isolated places of worship in Southern black communities. These arsonists sneak into the night to torch churches falsely believing they will not be caught. We must not let these arsonists continue to commit their acts without being punished. Our country will not tolerate this kind of moral outrage and shame. Federal prosecutors should be able to investigate and prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent allowed by law. Federal prosecution of those who are responsible for these fires at churches should be the highest national priority. We need to have the resources to go after these criminals; a civilized society cannot continue to have churches being burned to the ground every other day. It is encouraging that my Senate colleagues in a bipartisan fashion have come together to condemn the church burnings. This is an issue that crosses all racial and party lines. We need to begin rebuilding-- the churches across the South and the moral fabric of our country. We must do all that we can to bring these criminals to justice. We are all the victims of the rash of church burnings in our country. I urge my colleagues to support the Kennedy-Faircloth bill. The legislation will give law enforcement officials the tools they need to stop this terrible epidemic. We must come together to begin healing the racial wounds caused by the church fires. Racism and hatred have no place in our country.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the budget resolution conference report. I oppose this conference agreement because it fails to meet the day-to-day needs of the American people. I oppose it because it threatens the economic and retirement security of our most vulnerable citizens. And, I oppose the conference report because it fails to make the investments in education and training that are needed to prepare our work force to meet the challenges of the global marketplace. Mr. President. Let me be absolutely clear. I believe we need a balanced budget. I voted for just such a plan when the Senate considered the budget resolution. I joined with 44 of my colleagues in voting for the President's budget plan, which would achieve balance by the year 2002. The President's plan cut spending by $528 billion over 6 years. But it made these cuts without jeopardizing the Medicare Program, without jeopardizing Medicaid, without harming the environment, and without excessive cuts in education and training. Unfortunately, the conference report before us is the same old wolf in new sheep's clothing. Let me mention one area of particular concern to me. Under this conference report, once again, Medicare and Medicaid are under assault. This plan would cut Medicare spending by $168 billion. These massive cuts, coupled with the structural changes proposed by the Republicans, will turn the Medicare Program into a second-class system for the sickest and poorest of our seniors. The Medicaid Program would be cut by $72 billion, and under Republican Medicaid proposals some 36 million people will lose the guarantee of access to health care, while others may be forced to accept a reduced level of benefits. Together these Medicaid and Medicare cuts make the promise of health security impossible to achieve. What is particularly distressing is that these massive cuts, cuts which will be felt most seriously by our most vulnerable citizens, are being made to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy. While the budget plan I supported eliminated special interest tax breaks, providing $40 billion in additional revenues, the Republican plan contains absolutely no savings from this category. Instead it contains tax breaks in the order of $180 billion. I think that is an outrage. And I believe it does not reflect the needs and priorities of the American people. Mr. President, I was elected by the people of Maryland to save lives, to save jobs, and to save communities. I work every day to meet people's day-to-day needs, and I want a budget that reflects those priorities. This budget plan sets us on the course for the same painful and divisive budget battles that we fought all last year. It is a prescription for gridlock. Yes, we must balance the budget. But the way to do that is to follow a steady, responsible course toward deficit reduction. We have made much progress under the Clinton administration in moving toward a balanced budget. In fact, the budget deficit has declined to $130 billion, less than half of the $290.4 billion deficit President Clinton inherited from the previous administration. We have tightened belts and made many tough decisions to achieve this success. And we will continue to do more. But we have done that while protecting people and priorities. That is what the citizens of Maryland sent me here to do. That's why I believe we need to reject the extremism of this conference report, and reach for the sensible center in our budget negotiations. And that is why I will vote against this conference report.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I want to echo my colleagues' gratitude to a remarkable Senator and majority leader, Bob Dole. Few Members of Congress can boast similar years of commitment to our country. In fact, Senator Dole's entire life has been dedicated to public service; from his brave service in World War II, to his service in the Kansas State Legislature, the U.S. House, and for the past 27 years our U.S. Senate. He has devoted his life to serving the people of Kansas and our country. I truly admire his agility in handling the people's business in this body, the U.S. Senate. It will be difficult to imagine the Senate floor without Bob Dole. We have always had a cordial and collegial working relationship. I have admired his wily way of moving legislation. He often commented on my way with a quip. I think it's fair to say that members of both parties have learned from Bob Dole. His mastery of Senate procedure, and his skill at moving legislation, are matched by few in this Chamber. I thank Senator Dole for his service in the Senate. In an age when over half of married couples can't stay dedicated to each other for 10 years, it's remarkable for someone to stay dedicated to an institution as tempestuous as the U.S. Senate for 27 years. With deep admiration and respect for a trusted colleague, I wish Senator Dole all the best.

Ms. MIKULSKI

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

Ms. MIKULSKI. I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Ms. Mikulski pertaining to the introduction of S. 1832 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today, I rise to talk about an issue that is very important to me, very important to the constituents of Maryland and very important to the people of the United States of America. I wish to declare that I am introducing a bipartisan bill, with Senator Olympia Snowe, to end an unfair policy of the Social Security System. Senator Snowe and I want to introduce this bill because it deals with Social Security, retirement security, and income security. We want the middle class in the United States of America to know that we are going to give help to those who practice self-help. What is it I am talking about? We have found that Social Security does not pay for the last month of life. If someone dies May 18 or May 28, when the Social Security check arrived on June 3, the surviving spouse or family members had to send back the Social Security check. I think that is an outrage. That individual worked for Social Security, earned Social Security, put money in the Social Security trust fund. We feel that it is up to the Social Security system to allow the surviving spouse or the estate of the family to have that Social Security check for the last month of your life. This legislation has an urgency. People have called my office in tears. Very often it is a son or a daughter. They are at the desk clearing off the paperwork for their mom, and there is the Social Security check. And they say, ``Senator, the check says for the month of May. Mom died on May 28. Why do we have to send the Social Security check back? We have bills to pay. We have utility coverage that we need to wrap up, our rent, a mortgage, health bills. Why is Social Security telling me, `Send the check back or we're going to come and get you'?'' My gosh, with all the problems in the United States of America, we ought to be going after drug dealers and tax dodgers, not those people who have paid into Social Security and their surviving spouse or their family who has been left with the bills for the last month of their life. I say they are absolutely right--absolutely right--because we believe that Social Security should be there for you, for the family, and for the surviving spouse. I listened to my constituents. And what they say is this: ``Senator Mikulski, we don't want anything free. But our family does want what our dad worked for. We do want what we feel we deserve and what has been paid for in the trust fund in our loved one's name. Please make sure that our family gets the Social Security check for the last month of our life.'' That is what we are going to do. That is why Senator Snowe and I are introducing the Family Social Security Protection Act. While we talk about retirement security, the most important item in that is income security. And the safety net for every American is Social Security. We know that as Senators we have to make sure that Social Security is solvent. And we want to work to do that. We also know that we have an obligation to those who continue to get Social Security that they get their COLA so when the cost of living goes up, that Social Security is adjusted. But this reform of providing a Social Security check for the last month of life is absolutely crucial. How do we propose to do that? We have a very simple, straightforward way of dealing with this. Our legislation says this: that if you die before the 15th of a month, you will get a check for those 15 days. If you die after the 15th of the month, and between then and the 31st, your surviving spouse or the family estate would get that last Social Security check. We think it is fundamentally fair. Senator Snowe and I are old- fashioned in our belief in many values. We believe you honor your father and your mother. We believe that it is not only a good religious principle, but it is good public policy. The way to do that is to have a strong Social Security System and to make sure that Social Security System is fair in every way. That is why we support making sure that the surviving spouse or family has the Social Security check for the last month of life. Mr. President, we hope to have the support of our colleagues. That is the essence of my statement.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am honored to join my good friends Senators Snowe, Boxer, Feinstein, Murray, and Mosely-Braun in introducing the Women's Health Equity Act. This years' bill, composed of 37 separate bills, will improve the status of women's health in the areas of research, services and prevention. The package builds on past successes. It brings resources and expertise to bear on the unmet health needs of America's women. This bill sets an agenda. It's where women's health care needs to go as we enter the 21st century. There has been a pattern of neglect and a history of indifference to women's health needs. It's astonishing that between 1979 and 1986 the death rate from breast cancer was up 24 percent. No one knew why. Yet there was no research being done--the research community was ignoring this very significant problem. I worked with colleagues to change that by making sure that breast cancer research got its fair share of research dollars. I was frustrated when I found out that America's flagship medical research center, the National Institutes of Health [NIH], was supporting research that systematically excluded women. Less than a decade ago, only 14 percent of every research dollar was going to study the health problems of 51 percent of the American population. I wanted to change that. And I did. With the help of my colleagues, I was successful in setting up the Office of Women's Health Research at NIH. This office is turning these statistics around. Women are now routinely included in clinical trials. Despite all our progress, we have a long way to go. We have to change outdated attitudes. It's not easy to reverse gender biases. We take a few steps forward and then a few steps back. I want to make sure that women's health care needs are met comprehensively and equitably. The NIH must allocate sufficient resources to women's diseases. It should continue to include women in clinical trials. It must continue to expand access to health services for women. We must aggressively pursue prevention in women's diseases. I pledge to fight for new attitudes and find new ways to end the needless pain and death that too many American women face. I am proud to introduce this bill with a great group of Senators that care equally about women's health. This bill confirms our intent to move forward in women's health equity. It is an outline, a framework, an agenda. No doubt, it will take time, but I'm sure we will succeed.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Admiral Mike Boorda. He was one of our Nation's finest military officers. He was also a friend, whose counsel and advice I often sought--and always respected. I send my deepest sympathy to his wife Bettie and their children. They are in my prayers. One of my strongest memories of Admiral Boorda is from my visit to Bosnia. The admiral was called away from dinner because of the terrible bombing of the market place in Sarajevo. I went with him to the operations center where he monitored intelligence reports and oversaw the American response. I was so impressed with his courage and professionalism. I saw first hand that our Navy was in good hands. Admiral Boorda was the first sailor to rise through the ranks from enlisted sailor to four star admiral. Going from seaman to Chief of Naval Operations was an extraordinary accomplishment that served as an inspiration for young sailors in the fleet. He learned a lot along the way. He cared about the welfare of every man and woman in our Armed Forces and he cared deeply about the United States Navy. We have all heard stories about how he cut through redtape to help improve the lives of individual sailors. I remember one story in particular. A young sailor said he needed to be reassigned so that his child could receive proper medical care. Admiral Boorda saw that it was done immediately. He also cared deeply about the honor and integrity of the United States Navy. Perhaps more than anyone else, he helped the Navy to change--to provide real opportunity and dignity for women and minorities. I worked closely with him after the Tailhook scandal shook the Navy. He made sure that there wasn't a whitewash or a witch hunt. He displayed the kind of honor that is a model for all of us. Admiral Boorda's death is a tragedy. But his life was a triumph. His contributions to our Nation will live on forever.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise to express my strong support for the Rockefeller amendment on Medicare. The amendment restores $50 billion to the Medicare Program. It keeps Medicare solvent. It honors our national commitment to seniors. Haven't we been this way before? It's the same old story--big cuts in Medicare to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Yes, we must balance the budget and keep Medicare solvent. But we can do that with the President's budget. I will fight to protect health care for all seniors. Medicare pays for medical care for almost 38 million seniors. Over 500,000 of these seniors live in my State of Maryland. In my travels to senior centers throughout the State, I hear the same thing over and over. Seniors tell me they're afraid of losing their Medicare coverage. They fear they won't be able to keep their own doctors. They are worried they will be forced into managed care plans. Our seniors count on Medicare for their health care. I want to keep the CARE in Medicare. This amendment will do that. It protects seniors from excessive premium increases and out-of-pocket costs. It lets seniors keep their own doctors. It attacks fraud and abuse. Doctors and hospitals won't be able to charge patients above the cost of Medicare. And seniors will have access to care because it prevents the closing of rural and urban hospitals. There has been a lot in the news lately about Medicare going bankrupt. I am concerned about the solvency of the Medicare trust fund. We owe it to what I like to call the GI Joe generation and future generations to keep Medicare solvent. The GI Joe generation is the generation that fought for freedom and democracy for the world during World War II. They didn't hesitate to serve. When the war was over, they came home, raised their families, and contributed to the greatest prosperity this Nation has ever known. We would not be a nation much less a world power today if it weren't for the GI Joe generation. They have worked hard all their lives and played by the rules. Now they need Medicare to be there for them. Promises made must be promises kept. We can balance the budget with far fewer Medicare cuts. At the same time, we can keep Medicare solvent and protect seniors from new costs. The President's budget accomplishes these goals. Under his plan, the solvency of the trust fund is extended for 10 years. Medicare is one of the best health care systems in the world. Before Medicare was enacted 30 years ago, less than 50 percent of seniors had health insurance. Now 99 percent do. Let's not dismantle this successful program. I oppose increasing seniors' out-of-pocket costs. That's why I oppose balance billing. This lets doctors and hospitals charge patients above the cost of Medicare. It increases seniors out-of-pocket costs. Ninety- seven percent of Medicare funds are spent on recipients with incomes less than $50,000. Seniors already spend 21 percent of their income on health care. They can't afford to spend more. Let's not hurt middle-income Americans. We need to renew our commitment to help those who help themselves. The budget cuts Medicare part A by $98 billion. This part pays for hospitals and providers. We can't overlook the effect these drastic cuts will have on hospitals. What will happen to institutions like Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical School under these cuts? Cuts this large will put some hospitals out of business. It will cut down on the training of new doctors. And in the end, our seniors will be the ones hurt the most. I say to my fellow Senators, do the right thing today. Don't balance the budget on the backs of our seniors. Preserve the Medicare Program. Let's keep our commitment to senior citizens.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Are there additional votes tonight?

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, each year an elite group of young women rise above the ranks of their peers and confront the challenge of attaining the Girl Scouts of the United States of America's highest rank in Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award. It is with great pleasure that I recognize and applaud young women from the State of Maryland who are this year's recipients of this most prestigious and time honored award. These outstanding young women are to be commended on their extraordinary commitment and dedication to their families, their friends, their communities, and to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. The qualities of character, perseverance, and leadership which enabled them to reach this goal will also help them to meet the challenges of the future. They are our inspiration for today and our promise for tomorrow. I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of this award from the State of Maryland. They are the best and the brightest and serve as an example of character and moral strength for us all to imitate and follow. Finally, I wish to salute the families, Scout leaders, and the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland who have provided these young women with continued support and encouragement. It is with great pride that I submit a list of this year's Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from the State of Maryland, and I ask unanimous consent that the list be printed in the Record. The list follows: Gold Award Recipients Laura Lee Albright, Jessica Bolyard, Andrea Bedingfield, Ashley Berger, Melissa Boyle, Kelly Brooks, Lauretta Burgoon, Angela Comberiate, Teresa Crocker, Virginia Dentler, Jennifer Hafner, Shawn Hagy, Angie Henderson, Susan Hoffman, Karyn Kahler, Rachel King, Melissa Lauber, Tiffany Lee, Christina Mauzy, Amanda Morgan, Rebecca Morgenroth, Erin Morrow, Meriel Newsome, Kerry Nudelman, Lori Odom, Rebecca Otte, Elizabeth Palmer, Karen Phillips, Ilisa Pyatt, Allison Rachford, Shannon Smoot, Tecoya Shannon, Heather Simons, Faith Stewart, Kathleen Thorn, and Heather Wilson.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I would like to call to the attention of my colleagues the upcoming birthday of Mrs. Sarah Emily Moore Jones, a native Marylander. On Saturday, May 11, 1996, Mrs. Jones will become 92 years young. I know my colleagues join me in extending heartfelt birthday wishes to Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones was born in Wetipquin, MD, the fourth of seven children. She attended Wetipquin Elementary School and Salisbury High School and received a degree in education from Bowie Normal, which is now Bowie State University. Mrs. Jones taught in the Wicomico County public school system in elementary and adult education. She is a faithful member of St. James Free Methodist Church, in Head of Creek, MD, where she served as the musician for over 40 years. On June 27, 1925, Sarah Emily Moore married Matthew Jones of Head of Creek, MD. To that union, four children were born: Thelma Martin and Matthew Jones of Washington, DC, Linfred Jones of Quantico, MD, and Mary Hilda Elsey of Nanticoke, MD. Mrs. Jones has one stepson, Samuel Boslee of New Jersey. She is also a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a great great grandmother. After her husband of 60 years passed away on September 6, 1985, Mrs. Jones continued to live independently until December 6, 1995, when she incurred a hip injury. As a result of her injury, and the surgery and rehabilitation that followed, she began living with her daughter, Thelma. The ever soft-spoken, perpetually happy Sarah can be found smiling and composed through any circumstance. She is revered and loved by all whose lives she touches. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sarah Jones a very happy 92d birthday.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am proud to rise as a cosponsor of this resolution to commemorate the 205th anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish Constitution. Democracy is not a new idea in Poland. The heart and soul of Poland have always been democratic. In 1791, the Polish people enacted the first liberal constitution in Europe since antiquity. It was the second constitution in the world, after the American Constitution. The Polish Constitution was similar to ours. It included the principles of individual liberty and a separation of powers. It stated that all power would be derived from the will of the people--a truly revolutionary idea in 18th century Europe. The friendship between the United States and Poland goes back to the Revolutionary War, when the great Polish patriot Tadeusz Kosciuszko fought in our war of independence. In fact, he helped to defend Philadelphia as our constitution was being drafted. When he returned to Poland, Kosciuszko helped to defend his country from the invading Russians who feared their neighbor's growing commitment to democracy. The Polish Constitution was in effect for less than 2 years. But its principles endured. Even while Poland was held captive behind the iron curtain, the Polish people remembered and longed for liberty. Theirs was the first country in Eastern Europe to free itself from communism and Russian domination. Today, Poland is a free and independent nation--ready to take its rightful place as a member of NATO and the European Union. Mr. President, I am so proud to be the first Polish American woman to be a Member of the U.S. Senate. I am proud of my heritage, and what it taught me about patriotism, loyalty and duty. And I am proud to join my colleagues in paying tribute to the Polish people for their contribution to democracy.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, the State of Maryland is very fortunate to have many churches and religious institutions which serve families and individuals with special needs. I am pleased that the world headquarters for the Seventh-day Adventist Church is located in Maryland. On March 10, more than 500 community service directors and volunteers of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened in Hyattsville, MD, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Booker. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Clarence E. Hodges, vice-president of the North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He spoke eloquently on the role of religion in American society. I want to share with my colleagues some of his thoughts. Dr. Hodges began his remarks by speaking of the freedom of religion which the United States enjoys. When freedom of religion is combined with other economic and social freedoms, society flourishes and the quality of life is enhanced for all citizens. The United States has the model which must be protected. Religious institutions stay out of government and governmental institutions stay out of religion while both employ their special approaches to advance the interests of society and the individual. In his remarks, Dr. Hodges highlighted the vital role religion plays in our country, not only in meeting spiritual needs, but also in meeting the day to day needs in our communities. As he points out: Where would we be without their immense contributions? What would it cost for government to replace all church operated charitable organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, welfare centers, soup kitchens, and other services provided to individuals? And as he pointed out in his concluding comments, the contributions that people of faith and religious-based organizations are making to communities are needed now more than ever, in these times of declining spending at all levels of government. The family, the basic unit of society, is coming apart. Divorces are at record high levels. First time marriages are being delayed. Babies are born to babies. Children are being raised in single parent families. Only nine percent of the children who live with both parents are poor while forty-six percent of the children who live with only one parent are poor. Since 1970, out of wedlock births have tripled. Child abuse and neglect contribute to the death of twelve children each day. Three hundred fifty thousand children between eight and eighteen years of age are put out of their homes each year. Homeless and runaway children are exploited by perverted adults for money and sick pleasures. The foster care system which is designed to provide protection and hope for neglected children actually feeds thousands into the corrections system as felons each year. Mothers are battered in front of and with their children and many see no other option but to suffer through this kind of domestic violence year after year. But your services are making a difference. We will never know the full value or impact of your services. Our governmental agencies at all levels and all tax payers appreciate what you are doing in response to human needs, family problems, and natural disasters. Since you serve anyone in need, without strings attached, and since your clients include all races, cultures and religious groups, I am pleased to congratulate you for doing the work of your Lord in an outstanding manner. You are ready for welfare reform, changes in Medicaid, nutrition programs, and the various block grant proposals. Thanks be to our founding fathers for their vision of religious freedom. We live in a world where there is no suffering-free zone. We can relocate to beautiful communities but there is no comfort zone. We can run but we cannot hide. We can have creature comforts and luxuries far beyond our needs but we will have no comfort zone until we have reached out to all in need. What is the value of a good neighbor? What is the value of the Good Samaritan? What is the value of religion? What is the value of religious freedom? The value of mankind, that's the answer. May we and America forever place a high value on all our freedoms and on all mankind. I believe all of my colleagues will find food for thought in Dr. Hodges' comments.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr President, 81 years ago today one of the most horrific events of our century began. On this day in 1915, hundreds of Armenian political and religious leaders were arrested, taken to the Turkish interior, and executed. This began a terrible chapter of history--the Armenian genocide. In the 8 years that followed, over a million Armenians were killed at the hands of the Ottoman authorities. Men, women, and children were brutally taken from their homes to be abused and killed in mass slayings. Others were rounded-up and marched for weeks through the Syrian desert where many more perished. Symbols of culture--churches, libraries, and towns--were razed. On this, the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide, we must remember and we must speak out. Many call this tragedy ``the forgotten genocide''. In our world of terror and continued upheaval it is essential that we never forget. We must remember our history and the lesson of the Armenian genocide. As Americans blessed with security and freedom, we must never let oppression and persecution pass without loud condemnation. By remembering the Armenian genocide, we renew our ongoing commitment to fight for human dignity and freedom throughout the world. We must also honor the Armenians throughout the world who left their homes in tragedy. They have maintained their proud culture and traditions throughout the world. Their strength and perseverance is a triumph of the human spirit. We should specifically recognize those Armenians who fled from their homes and into our communities. Today we thank them for their invaluable contributions to our society. Even today, the Armenian people are living under a unfair and unjust blockade preventing needed humanitarian aid. Last year, the Congress enacted the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act that would prohibit U.S. aid to countries that prevent our humanitarian aid from reaching places in need. I was proud to support this act and see it signed into law. Despite a long history of pain, persecution, and tragedy, the Armenian people have shown remarkable strength, pride, and resilience. We as Americans are proud of their contributions to our society. We will always remember their tragedy and we salute their achievements.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I want to, in the most heartfelt way, thank Senator Sarbanes for the very kind words he said about my mother and for his gracious generosity in putting that statement in the Record. My mother thought the world of Senator Sarbanes, but she also thought the world of the U.S. Senate and was very honored that I was in it. I thank the Senate for its courtesy at this moment. I yield the floor.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to voice my very strong support for this health insurance reform. This is a tremendous opportunity today to provide greater access to health care for millions of Americans and their families. The Kassebaum-Kennedy health insurance bill, of which I am a cosponsor, is an excellent step in that direction. This bill will be a great relief for most working Americans. They will not have to worry about losing their insurance if they change jobs. Insurance companies will not be able to deny coverage or make it prohibitively expensive for a preexisting condition. What this means, Mr. President, is that this bill is a safety net for working Americans and their families. This legislation will make health insurance portable and affordable, and it will give a benefit package that is both reliable and renewable. I was disappointed that we were not able to enact comprehensive health insurance reform. After that debate came to a close, I pledged to continue the fight to reform health care. This is an important step in that direction, and Senator Kassebaum and Senator Kennedy should be thanked for their great effort in bringing us this far. Many Americans have medical histories of preexisting conditions that make it difficult for them to get insurance coverage. They stay locked in their jobs and unable to move to improve their standard of living because they fear they will not be able to get insurance coverage. This legislation will end job lock. This legislation will end the penalty for having a preexisting condition, like diabetes. People who work in small business, especially many women, will now be able to get health insurance. The bill before us today goes a long way toward eliminating the barriers to coverage. For 81 million Americans who have preexisting medical conditions, insurance companies can no longer exclude them from coverage. Millions of Americans will be able to be secure in the knowledge that if they change or lose their jobs, they will not lose their health insurance. And for those entrepreneurs who start and work in small business, this legislation will provide increasing purchasing power for them and their families. I am pleased that the bill has the potential to help millions of women and their families. This legislation will help women who start a new job with an employer who provides health insurance. A woman will not be denied insurance for herself and/or family if there is a preexisting condition. Like when she is pregnant, she will be able to get immediate coverage for the pregnancy, even if she is already pregnant. Her newborn or adopted child will receive health insurance coverage as well. This bill will stop the terrible practice of denying women insurance if they are victims of domestic violence. I think that is crucial. This bill will stop that horrible practice of denying women health insurance if they are victims of domestic violence. There is much more that I would like to be able to do to make insurance coverage affordable, accessible, portable and undeniable. I would like to see coverage for long-term care, and I would like to see a comprehensive benefit package for women and children, but this is a very important step. We have a tremendous opportunity to improve the lives of many Americans, and I am pleased to support this bill. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I submit a concurrent resolution to recognize and encourage the convening of a national silver-haired congress. This concurrent resolution passed the Senate and the House of Representatives in 1994. Unfortunately, since each concurrent resolution was not voted on by the other Chamber, neither was technically adopted. That is why I am resubmitting this legislation--I think it is important, and I want both Houses to formally endorse this plan. As ranking member of the Aging Subcommittee, I am joined by Senators Cohen and Pryor, chair and ranking member of the Special Subcommittee on Aging, and many more of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sponsoring this important piece of legislation. What is a national silver-haired congress? Well, it is the vision of a truly inspirational group of seniors. Beginning back in 1973, a group of Missouri seniors got together and decided to get involved. They formed a silver-haired legislature. They modeled their legislature after the State's and took up pieces of legislation that affected seniors. That was 1973. Today, almost half the States have silver-haired legislatures. These mock legislatures take bills through the entire legislative process and present their bills that they pass to their State legislators. These recommendations are taken very seriously. The silver-haired legislatures have helped in the passage of many programs: from consumer protections and crime prevention to health care, housing, and long-term care. I am submitting today a concurrent resolution to create the first national silver-haired congress. Based on the experience of the silver- haired legislatures in the States, this silver-haired congress would provide a national forum for aging issues--a forum patterned after the U.S. Congress. It will be completely staffed by older Americans, and serve to address the broad range of seniors issues. Like us, this silver-haired congress would be comprised of 100 senators and 435 representatives. But unlike us, all the members will serve without pay. The population of older Americans is growing at a faster rate than any other age group. As this elderly population grows, it is more important than ever to encourage the input of seniors in our political process. At no cost whatsoever to the American public, a national silver-haired congress will provide a national forum for issues of concern to older Americans. The input and counsel that a forum like this will provide to the U.S. Congress is invaluable. It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I submit this concurrent resolution and ask my colleagues to support this wonderful proposal for a national silver-haired congress.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I will vote against the farm bill conference report. I believe that the farm bill, in its present form, goes against the true purpose of a farm bill--to help America's farmers. While I support the reauthorization of the Conservation Reserve Program and other conservation and nutrition programs, I do not believe this bill is in Maryland's interests. I realize that spring planting is fast approaching, but that is no reason to be forced into accepting a bill that will hurt Maryland farmers and the Maryland industries that depend on our farmers. This bill does just that. I believe that the Freedom to Farm Act, included in this bill, will have harmful long-term effects on the family farmer in Maryland. This bill puts the family farm up for sale. The bill does not provide a strong enough safety net for farmers. Setting a flat subsidy rate, then removing it in 7 years, without allowing flexibility during extreme economic conditions or natural disasters, is dangerous for farmers in Maryland and across the country. Under this conference agreement, producers will be paid even when prices are high, but will not receive necessary protection when prices are low. I am particularly concerned that this bill continues and expands the Sugar Price Support Program to the detriment of cane refiners such as Domino in my hometown of Baltimore. This sugar program jeopardizes the future of the cane refining industry. It provides additional protection to domestic growers that would increase the price of raw cane sugar and put Domino and its 600 employees out of business. This is totally unacceptable. Sugar cane refining is one of the few manufacturing industries still left in our inner cities. The farm bill conference report threatens Domino's future. I see no reason why a farm bill must threaten an entire industry. Also of deep concern to me is the fact that this bill reauthorizes the Food Stamp Program for only 2 years. What happens to Maryland's poor after that? To add insult to injury, while it provides a helping hand to the most impoverished in our communities for only 2 years, this bill guarantees corporate welfare to huge agribusiness for 7 years. During this Congress, we have debated the issue of a balanced budget. We need a balanced budget, and I regret that we have not succeeded this year in finding consensus and the sensible center on a plan to eliminate the deficit. This bill will make this task even more difficult. Originally designed to save billions of dollars, this conference report will end up costing the American people an extra $1.3 billion. It is for these reasons that I must vote against the farm bill. I acknowledge that this bill will likely pass and be signed into law by the President. But I also believe that the flaws in this conference report are so severe that Congress will need to revisit these issues next year. I hope at that time we will be able to produce a workable farm bill, one that addresses the best interests of farmers, business, and families.

Ms. MIKULSKI

Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Edmund S. Muskie. He was a great American, a true statesman, and I'm proud to say, a good friend. Mr. President, I am the first woman of Polish heritage ever elected to the Senate. Ed Muskie took great pride in my election, since we shared a common heritage and a common set of values. He was gracious in helping me to learn the ways of the Senate. He was a strong mentor, and I have always been appreciative of the sound advice and concrete suggestions he offered to me. He offered all of us a model of what a Senator should be. He stuck to principles, never afraid to take on the powers that be. He fought hard for what he believed in, but he bore no grudges. Edmund Muskie believed, as I do, that programs must deliver what they promise. He made change his ally, and was never wedded to the past. If what we had been doing wasn't working, he fought to fix it. And he sought always to build consensus, to serve as a voice of moderation and practicality--in keeping with his New England roots. I was proud to be a national co-chair of his campaign for the Presidency in 1972. It still strikes me as a great injustice that this good and decent man never had the opportunity to hold the highest office in the land. What a wonderful President he would have been. Although he never realized his dream of becoming President, his contributions to our Nation were immense. Edmund Muskie deserves the thanks of all Americans for his decades of public service. All of us who cherish our wilderness areas owe him a debt of gratitude for his steadfast defense of our environment as a distinguished Senator for 21 years. He was the father of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The air we breathe is cleaner and the water we drink more pure because of Senator Muskie's dedication to environmental protection. Those of us who care about fiscal responsibility--about making sure that America's hardworking taxpayers get a dollar's worth of services for a dollar's worth of taxes--owe him thanks for his stewardship of the Senate Budget Committee. As Chairman of the Committee, Senator Muskie fought to curb excessive Federal spending, while also ensuring that the Government did not turn its back on those seeking a helping hand. We owe him thanks for his service as Secretary of State under President Carter. He undertook that important responsibility at a difficult and sensitive time--while the President was working to free American hostages being held in Iran. And he fulfilled his duties with honor and wisdom. Those of us who are Democrats also owe him a special debt. Virtually single-handedly he revitalized a dormant Democratic party in his beloved state of Maine. He became Maine's first Democratic Governor in 20 years. Without him, the Senate might never had been honored by the service of our former Majority Leader, George Mitchell, and the United Nations might never had benefitted from the enormous contributions of Madeline Albright. He mentored them both, providing them with some of their first experiences in government. Mr. President, America is a better place because of the dedicated public service over many decades of Edmund S. Muskie. I thank him and honor him for his service to our country. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Jane, his children and the entire Muskie family.