Bob Smith

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I will only characterize the letter in the following way: It is petty, it is vindictive, and it is insulting. It is beneath the dignity of the chairman of any political party. It is an affront to the millions of voters who choose not to carry a Republican membership card but have given the party its margin of victory in election after election. Remember that little girl I talked to you about a little while ago, Mary Frances? I do not know what she is going to grow up to be. She might be a Democrat. She might be a Republican. Maybe she will be an Independent. Maybe she won't vote. I don't know. But I'll tell you what, in the old baseball tradition, I wouldn't trade her for 1,000 Jim Nicholsons, not in a minute. There was talk on the shows this weekend that I might be removed as chairman of the Ethics Committee. I must say, I was disappointed at the intensity of the attacks on me by unidentified sources, I might add, in the Republican Party. Interestingly, one of those reports was that the party is considering suing me for the money it spent during my reelection. I want to make it very clear, because press reports were inaccurate on one point. Senator McConnell called me personally yesterday to clarify that this particular report of a lawsuit is not true, and I accept his answer as absolute fact with no question. But some faceless party bureaucrat had a really good time writing that and then leaking it to the press. That is what is wrong with politics. He ought to be fired, but you will never find out who it is. Another interesting report was that a different party operative presumed to suggest that ``Smith should be booted out of the conference altogether if he is not a Republican; he shouldn't be in the Republican caucus.'' I wonder how much he is being paid to sit up there using up the party faithful's contributions to write that kind of garbage. The chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, where for 15 years I have been a member, went on ``Crossfire'' the other night to debate Bob Smith, but Bob Smith wasn't there to answer for himself. He took the anti-Bob position. He attacked me viciously, saying it was a selfish move and that it meant the end of my political career. There is something a little strange in that. If it is selfish and I am throwing away my political career, maybe somebody can explain what he means. Not a mention of 15 years of service to the State and to the party. Even Bill Press said: Can't you find something nice to say about Bob? That is what is wrong with politics. It is the ugly. It is the bad. It is the worst. It is the worst. In 1866 Abraham Lincoln said this--it is a very famous quote: If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I am going to keep right on doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right will make no difference. Lincoln really knew how to say it. In a way, perhaps Chairman Duprey is right about my being selfish. I am putting my selfish desire to save my country ahead of the interests of the Republican Party, and some nameless, faceless bureaucrat in the party machinery decides to take off on me. I wish he would surface. I would like to meet him. If that is selfish, then Duprey is right. If putting your country ahead of your party, if standing up for the principles you believe in is wrong, maybe it is time to get out of politics. Over the past 15 years I have traveled all over America helping Republican candidates. I don't very often ask for help. I don't remember ever asking for help from the Republican Party to do it. I spent hours and hours on the phone raising money. And the party has helped me; I will be the first to admit it. Some have made a big deal out of that. They should help me. I think that is what the party is there for. I went to California, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, and North Carolina during the last year on behalf of Republican candidates. It had nothing to do with my Presidential campaign; it was entirely on behalf of other candidates. When the chairman of the senatorial committee asked Members to pony up money, he gave me a bill. He said: You have X in your account, and you owe me $25,000. I wrote him a check the next day. Everybody didn't do it though, did they, Mr. Chairman? I have a bureaucrat out there somewhere in the party saying throw me out of the caucus. Frankly, I gave without hesitation because I believed things were changing. I don't take a back seat in my willingness as a Republican to help candidates in need. But oh, no, I have committed the unforgivable sin here in Washington; I have exposed the fraud. It is a fraud, and everybody in here knows it. It is true in both parties that the party platform is not worth the paper it is written on. That is why I am an Independent. That is why I am going to stay an Independent, whatever happens in the future. I am still the same formula. I am still Classic Coke. I am not a new Coke. I am the same ingredients. I have merely redesigned the label. It is the same Bob Smith. My colleagues over there looking for help, you are not going to get it. You know where my votes come from, so don't get excited. In my travels, I have attended hundreds of Republican Party events, but the most consistent message I hear from the voters is one of frustration, deep frustration that the party is not standing on principle. Last year CQ published a list of leading scorers on party unity. This is a list they do every year, ranking the most loyal Republican votes. It is interesting because I don't look at them as loyalty votes. I just make the votes. Well, guess what. Let's see--Larry Craig was here. He is not here right now. Larry Craig and I were No. 1--very interesting, when you look down the list. So I am No. 1 in party loyalty. How many major committee chairmen in the conference are on the list? Take a look at the list. I am not going to embarrass colleagues. I am the most reliable Republican vote in the Senate, but I am attacked--not by colleagues, not by colleagues. It is obvious from these kinds of attacks that it is not about me. What it shows is a complete and final divorce between the party machinery and the principles for which it professes to stand. I say, with all due respect to my colleagues in the Senate, whether you are running a campaign for President or whether you are in the House or something else, we have to stop it. We have to get a handle on it. I think it is true in the other party as well. We have to get a handle on it. They don't represent us well. It is an injustice to the candidates who run for and the people who serve in the Republican Party, and it has to stop. It is a cancer, and it is eating away at the two great political parties that rose to power; in this case, the Republican Party that rose to power on the moral opposition to slavery; and it killed the Whig Party, because it wouldn't stand up against slavery. It will kill the Republican Party if it doesn't stand up for what it believes in, especially against abortion. I told you I watched the movie ``Mr. Smith Goes To Washington'' again over the weekend. I remember talking to Mike Mansfield, who was here a few weeks ago for one of the seminars that the leader puts on. He said that after he left the Senate was the first time he really went around and looked at the monuments; he read the writings; he took the time to smell the roses. He said: These just aren't hollow words or statues anymore; they have meaning to me. This morning--I am not trying to be melodramatic--but I did it. I left early, about 5:45. I took Jimmy Stewart's example from the movie ``Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.'' I went to the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, and the Arlington Cemetery where my parents are buried. I tried to smell the roses. Do you know what? These aren't memorials to people who fought for political parties. Lincoln helped to destroy his own political party. On that visit to Arlington this morning, I stopped at my parents' grave site. My father didn't fight for a political party. He didn't die for a political party. He fought for his country, as millions of others have done, and the ideals for which it was founded. I looked out at those stones all across Arlington Cemetery, and I didn't see any R's or D's next to their names. Then I went to the Vietnam Wall, and I didn't see any R's or D's next to anybody's name there. How about that? Like Jimmy Stewart's character in the movie, I stand right here at the desk of Daniel Webster, one of the greatest lawyers of all time, one of the greatest Senators of all time, whose picture is on statues everywhere. Most people probably could not even tell you what party he belonged to, unless you are a history buff. Who cares what party he belonged to? You will remember that he stood up against slavery, and his quote, ``Nothing is so powerful but the truth.'' And the opposite was John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, the great orators of their time. You remember them for what they were and what they said, not for their party. Webster was an abolitionist and Calhoun the defender of slavery. Calhoun said: The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party. We have lost sight of it. Man, there is so much history in this place. My wife conducts tours for people from New Hampshire and at times people she finds on the streets. If we would just take a few moments away from the bickering and the arguing and look around and enjoy it, do you know what. It would inspire us. It inspired me today. Maybe I should be doing it every day. Every year, a Senator is chosen to read Washington's Farewell Address. I have been here 9 years and was never asked. I never understood how that person gets picked, but they do. How many of us have actually taken the time to sit and listen to that Farewell Address? Well, Washington, in that Farewell Address, warns us that: The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. He spends a large part of his speech expounding on this point, and I encourage my colleagues to read it. I ask unanimous consent that the relevant sections of Washington's Farewell Address be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. In the spirit of what Washington is saying, I think we need to rid ourselves of the nastiness and the partisanship that has destroyed the comity of this great body and has become a barrier to a full and spirited discussion of the issues in America generally. You may say: That is pretty good coming from Smith; he is as partisan as they come. There is a time and place for partisanship. Harry Reid knows when I put the partisanship at the door. He knows, as cochair of the Ethics Committee with me. Americans deserve an honest debate, an honest exchange of ideas. They want us to put these partisan interests aside. It is not partisan if somebody is against abortion or is for abortion; it is issue generated. Americans want people who will lead, not follow polls. The American people are losing the faith in their ability to effect change, and rightfully so. Since I came to Washington, I have seen Senators and Congressmen come and go. Do you know what. I will tell you what doesn't go. I refer to the entrenched political industry that is here to stay. Oh, it changes a little bit at the top when somebody else becomes the chairman. But the entrenchment is still there. The pollsters, the spin doctors, and the campaign consultants are all there. They all have their hands in your pockets, and they are doing pretty well. They run the show, for the most part. They don't directly choose candidates in the sense of a smoke-filled backroom, but they do influence it because they are the ones who tried to talk me out of running in 1980--the same ones. Some of the pollsters in the party have been around since I first came to town. Every time there is a Republican retreat--and I assume it is the same for the other party--and often at Republican conferences here in the Senate, we hear from the professional consultants and pollsters. They tell us what the message should be. They tell us how to make ourselves look good and how to make the other guys look bad. We need to get out the fumigation equipment. We need to clean out the pollsters, the consultants, the spin doctors, and the bloated staffs who tell us what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and how long to say it. The American people elected us. Isn't it time we start thinking for ourselves and leading? This well-paid political industry, let me tell you, colleagues, is not interested in whether or not you believe in the issues of your party. Don't kid yourselves. This is about power, access, and jobs. I can have tea and crumpets with the President of the United States if I help him win it. As long as you look like a winner, it doesn't matter what you believe. Don't kid yourselves. They seek out the candidates who have the package they want--name ID, money, slickness. But, most importantly, they want candidates who won't make waves, or say anything controversial about an issue that might cost us a seat. They package you, wrap you up, put a little bow on it, tell you what to say, and then they sell you to the American voters. The political professionals tell us all the time, ``Don't be controversial; it can cause you to lose your election.'' Why are we afraid of controversy? Was Lincoln afraid of it? Was FDR? Was Calhoun? Was Washington? With controversy comes change--positive change sometimes. Imagine Patrick Henry, striding up to the podium in 1773 before the Virginia Assembly, prepared to give his great speech: ``Give me liberty or give me . . .'' and then he turns to his pollster and says: I wonder whether they want liberty or death. I better take a poll and find out. Let's not declare our independence; that is pretty controversial. They could have said that in 1776. Let's not abolish slavery; that is controversial. In the 1850s, the great Whig Party said: Let's not talk about slavery, it's too controversial. Let's put the issue aside and focus on electing more Whigs. But a loyal Whig Congressman named Abraham Lincoln thought otherwise. The pollsters come into the hallowed Halls in meetings of Senators to tell us how we can talk to people, to all the men who are 35 and over, what to say to them; and women 25 and under, what to say to them; to Social Security people; to black people; and what we should say to Hispanics; or white people; what do we say to pro-choice or to pro- life. Pollsters, pollsters, pollsters. We are looking at polls to decide whether or not to go to Kosovo. We take a poll to decide whether or not we should send our kids to die in a foreign country. Did Roosevelt do a poll on whether or not to retaliate against the Japanese? Partisanship is poisoning this town. The pollsters are poisoning this town. Help members of your own party and destroy the other guy. My proudest moment in the Senate in the 9 years I have been here-- other than some of the meetings Harry Reid and I have had together where we have to discuss the futures of some of you quietly--was when we went into the Old Senate Chamber and talked during the impeachment trial. You know it, all of you; it was the best moment we have had since we have been here. We took the hats off and we sat down and talked about things, and we did it the right way. I wanted to have every caucus that we had on the impeachment trial bipartisan; I didn't want any separation. But we didn't get that. Boy, what a delight it would have been had we done that. I am not saying it would have made the difference; maybe it would not have. But that is not the purpose of bringing it up. It is my belief that if we had come together and looked at the evidence--you never know. I am proudest of my service on the Senate Ethics Committee where six Senators, including my good friend, Senator Reid, and I, discuss issues without one iota of partisanship. When we investigated Bob Packwood, a fellow Republican came up to me after that vote in which we voted to expel a colleague, and he was angry. He was a powerful Republican, and this was not an easy conversation. He scolded me, saying, ``I can't believe that you would vote to expel a fellow Republican. It's outrageous. How can you do that?'' I said, ``You will have the opportunity to sustain or overrule that vote on the floor of the Senate very shortly.'' He came back later and said: Thank you for saving me a difficult vote. We on the committee ignored the partisan mud balls. We did what was right. I am not ashamed of being a member of a political party. The question is, Does party take precedence over principle? I want the 21st century to be remembered for debating important and controversial issues in public: Abortion, taxes, size of government, restoring our sovereignty, gun control, moral decadence, freedom. Don't avoid these issues simply to help our own political fortunes or to destroy our opponents. Lt. William Hobby, Jr., wrote a poem called ``The Navigator'' during the Second World War. I think it captures the vision and spirit of what I believe America should be. The Morning Watch is mustered, and the middle watch withdrawn Now Ghostlike glides the vessel in the hush before the dawn. Friendly gleams polaris on the gently rolling sea, He set the course for sailors and tonight he shines for me. We have the opportunity to take America into the 21st century of freedom, morality, support for the Constitution, respect for life, respect for the sacrifices made for us by our founders and the millions of veterans who have given so much of their precious blood. Politics should be about each one of us joining together to rediscover our moral compass, to reignite the torch of freedom, to return to our navigational chart: The Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bible. In conclusion, in the movie ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,'' Jimmy Stewart portrayed a U.S. Senator who believed that America was good, that politics was good, and that the American people deserve good, honest leaders. I agree. Chaplain Ogilvie said to me a few weeks ago: Our time in History is God's gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to him. Let's not squander it with petty partisan politics. Exhibit 1 Excerpts from Washington's Farewell Address To the people of the United States Friends and Fellow Citizens: The period for a new election of a Citizen, to administer the Executive Government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person, who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those, out of whom a choice is to be made. I beg you, at the same time to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful citizen to his country--and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire.--I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn.--The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign Nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.-- * * * * * I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on Geographical discriminations.--Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party, generally. This Spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind.--It exists under different shapes in all Governments, more or less stifled, controuled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.-- The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.--But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.--The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise People to discourage and restrain it.-- It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public administration.--It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally by riot and insurrection.--It opens the doors to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the Government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country, are subjected to the policy and will of another. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the Administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the Spirit of Liberty.--This within certain limits is probably true--and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favour, upon the spirit of party.--But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.--From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose,--and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it.--A fire not to be quenched; it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.-- It is important likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another.--The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.--A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.--The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes.--To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If in the opinion of the People, the distribution or modification of the Constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates.--But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.--The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield.-- Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports.--In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.--The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.--A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity.--Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.--Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.-- 'T is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.--The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government.--Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?-- Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.--In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that the public opinion should be enlightened.-- * * * * * Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it?--It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence.--Who can doubt that in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature.-- Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices? In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachment, for others should be excluded; and that in place of them just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.-- The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.--Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur.--Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed and bloody contests.--The Nation prompted by ill-will and resentment sometimes impels to War the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy.--The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject;--at other times, it makes the animosity of the Nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives.--The peace often, sometimes perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the victim.-- So likewise a passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils.--Sympathy for the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, without adequate inducement or justification: It leads also to concessions to the favourite Nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure the Nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealously, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld; and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens, (who devote themselves to the favourite Nation) facility to betray, or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity:--gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent Patriot.--How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. * * * * * Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations;--I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good Laws under a free Government,--the ever favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours and dangers.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask I be recognized for a period of time, approximately 45 minutes.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to CLD Consulting Engineering, a recipient of the ``Business of the Year Award'' from Business NH Magazine. They have shown incredible success, ingenuity, and community service, virtues that are indeed worthy of recognition. CLD, a civil engineering firm, has specialized in public projects which benefit many New Hampshire residents. These projects include the transformation of Manchester's Elm Street into a more pedestrian- friendly environment, improving the traffic pattern at the Mall of New Hampshire, and a new project to design Manchester's new two-mile long Riverwalk. In addition to engineering designs, CLD has had an extremely positive impact in the community. The firm has sponsored a Boy Scout Explorer Post, engineering competitions, high school internships, and mentoring programs at local schools. I applaud not only their business success, but also their dedication to serving their community. As a former small business owner myself, I understand the hard work and dedication required for success in business. Once again, I wish to congratulate CLD Consulting Engineers for being selected as a 1999 Business of the Year by the Business NH Magazine. It is an honor to represent them in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Sy Mahfuz, of Nashua, New Hampshire, for being selected a 1999 Business Leader of the Year by Business NH Magazine. Sy, the owner of Persian Rug Galleries, has lived in Nashua for 46 years. His business is a fixture on Main Street and draws customers from all over the Northeast and New York. Persian Rug Galleries is known for both the quality of its products and the expertise of its employees. Sy dedicates his time both to his business and to the community. In 1994, he fought to pass a bill which protests consumers from ``going out of business'' sales. He also is a major organizer of many downtown events. His leadership role in planning Twist the Night Away brought an estimated 100,000 people to Nashua's Main Street in 1998. Sy's sense of responsibility for both his colleagues and neighbors has brought him success in the past. With his determination to succeed rooted in this responsibility he will surely continue to be a positive role model for his community. Mr. President, I would like to wish Sy my sincere congratulations and best wishes. While running a successful family business, Sy had dedicated much of his time to having a positive impact on his community. His accomplishments are truly remarkable. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge and commend Mr. Larry Stolte as he retires from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Larry's career in New England began as a fisheries biologist in 1969 with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, working on the introduction of Coho salmon in the Great Bay area. In 1975, he joined the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and became the Atlantic Salmon Planner for New England. Larry took the lead in developing an Atlantic salmon strategic plan for southern New England, and chaired the state committee that developed the Atlantic salmon plan for Maine's rivers. While working to restore Atlantic salmon to New England's waterways, Larry began researching the ``king of gamefish'' in the Merrimack River. He documented his research in a book titled ``The Forgotten Salmon of the Merrimack,'' which was published in 1981 and is recognized by many as the most accurate record of the history of the Atlantic salmon in the Merrimack River. For the past 15 years, Larry has been the Fish and Wildlife Service's coordinator for anadromous fish restoration in the Merrimack River. He has also chaired the U.S. Atlantic Salmon Assessment Committee and has been a working member of the International Commission on the Exploration of the Seas' North Atlantic Salmon Working Group. Larry has devoted his entire career to restoring anadromous fish to New England rivers. His dedication and perseverance has been an inspiration to those who have worked toward this effort. Upon his retirement from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Larry and his wife Tracy will reside in Montana. I would like to thank Larry for his hard work and dedication to the restoration efforts of New England Rivers. It is an honor to represent Larry in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Aurelie V. Burnham on her 91st birthday. Aurelie was born on July 5, 1908 in East Weare, New Hampshire to Fred and May Bellefeuille. Aurelie's mother, May, died in 1915 leaving Aurelie to care for her older brother, four younger brothers and her father Fred. In 1920, the Bellefeuille farm burned down, thus forcing Fred to move his family to the mill town of Manchester, New Hampshire. Fred later remarried a widow with four daughters and one son; together, they had a son--bringing the total number of children in the Bellefeuille family to eleven. At the age of sixteen, Aurelie began working at the Amoskeag Mills. On December 9, 1938, she married Arthur H. Burnham. Arthur, a native of Peterborough, New Hampshire lived in the Nashua-Hudson area. After their marriage, they resided in Manchester where they raised their three children: Dorothy, Joanne and Arthur, Jr. Dorothy, a senior caseworker in my Manchester office, has been a valued member of my staff for the past fifteen years. Joanne is employed with the Internal Revenue Service and Arthur, Jr. is a computer programmer for the Associates National Bank in Dallas, Texas. Aurelie and Arthur have six grandchildren. Mr. Burnham passed away in September 1979. Aurelie is known for her kindness and caring. She was a stay-at-home mother who was always there for her children and their friends. Aurlie has been a volunteer on several federal campaigns. Though her physical health is not what she would prefer, she is still an avid reader, crossword puzzle expert, and manages to go shopping at the malls whenever possible. During the summer months, she enjoys a trip to the seacoast where she says she can breathe in the ocean air and feel more comfortable. Once again, I would like to congratulate Aurelie on reaching her 91st birthday. It is an honor to represent her in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I thank the majority leader for his courtesy. This is a historic day. Ironically, today, the House of Representatives is scheduled to pass a constitutional amendment protecting our flag from desecration and on this same day we are, for the first time in the history of the Senate, as far as I know, saluting the flag as we begin its proceedings. I thank both leaders, Senator Lott and Senator Daschle, for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor quickly, and also to thank Senators McConnell, Helms, Dorgan, Mikulski, Warner, Brownback, Feinstein, Robb, Conrad, Thurmond, Murkowski, and Senator Gordon Smith for their cosponsorship and to thank all of my colleagues as we had a 100-to-0 agreement to do this. I am proud to be the sponsor of this historic resolution. I stand here at a very historic desk, the desk of Daniel Webster, who was here a few years before me. This is history being made. I want to give credit to the person who helped make this history happen. Oftentimes, we get letters and phone calls from constituents, sometimes with good ideas, sometimes they are not so good. But in this particular case a young woman, who is in the gallery today, by the name of Rebecca Stewart, of Enfield, NH, made a simple phone call to my office. She said: Why don't we salute the flag before the proceedings begin in the Senate? I said: That's a good idea. Why didn't I think of that? But I had not. Thanks to Rebecca, who gave us the idea--and I looked into it with the Rules Committee and everything moved quickly, thanks to both leaders--here we are. Today, Rebecca brought with her the flag that was draped over the coffin of her husband's grandfather, who was a World War II vet. I think it is very fitting this morning that a young woman from New Hampshire, which has the Nation's first primary, was first to see that the flag of the United States will from now on be saluted prior to the proceedings in the Senate. I say thank you to Rebecca and to my colleagues for their courtesies in making a good idea come to pass. I thank the Chair, and I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Orion Computer Sourcing Group for being named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's ``Hot 100'' fastest growing businesses in the country. Orion was the highest ranking of the three New Hampshire business included on this prestigious list and one of only seven New England businesses recognized by the magazine. This Portsmouth based company, which purchases excess computer hardware from manufacturers and sells it to clients like Hewlett- Packard, Compaq, and Packard Bell, is definitely on the move. Orion's president, Grant Guilbeault, started the company in his basement in October of 1997 with just $30,000. It has grown to a work force of 14, and continues to expand as business increases. Orion has more than doubled last year's revenue, and similar growth is expected for next year. Orion Computer Sourcing is not content with resting on its laurels. Grant Guilbeault and the entire Orion team have set their goals for the future and are currently in the process of making plans to grow the company into a $100-million dollar business in the next few years. If their efforts of the past 18 months are any indication, I have no doubt they will reach their goals. Part of Orion's tremendous success has been their ability to come together as a team and have a good time. One of the centerpieces of the office is a pool table where all the employees can gather to enjoy themselves, escape the pressures of building a business, and get to know each other. It has obviously been a very successful formula for everyone at Orion. Once again, I wish to congratulate the employees of Orion on their achievement. I am proud to serve you in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be agreed to.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution, as amended, be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to S. Res. 113 be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, several weeks ago a young woman named Rebecca Stewart of Enfield, NH, notified me by telephone there was no flag salute before the opening ceremonies when we opened the Senate in the morning. Due to the cooperation of both the minority and the majority side, I think we have a 100-to-0 agreement that we do that. So at this point, I ask unanimous consent that S. Res. 113, which is the resolution to salute the flag at the beginning of the opening of the Senate each morning, be discharged from the Rules Committee, and further, the Senate now proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, there is an amendment at the desk. I ask for its consideration.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to extend morning business for 15 minutes under the previous conditions.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I yield the floor.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, yesterday on vote No. 180, which was the State Department authorization bill, in that legislation was $819 million in U.N. back payments that the United States would pay to the U.N. In addition, there was $107 million the U.N. owed to the United States that was forgiven. I was unaware that those provisions were in the legislation, and I voted yea. Had I been aware of this, I would have voted nay. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote. This will in no way change the outcome of the vote.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Celebrate New Hampshire Culture, a nonprofit organization formed by the New Hampshire Commission on the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that works in partnership with the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the Department of Cultural Resources. I commend the many dedicated volunteers and participants from my State for their hard work in planning, organizing, and demonstrating our New Hampshire culture through the exhibits for this year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Since being elected to Congress 15 years ago, I have had the pleasure of sharing with my fellow Members of Congress why I believe New Hampshire is such a special place in which to live. I am extremely proud that they, and countless others, will now have the opportunity to experience firsthand all the wonderful things New Hampshire has to offer. In 1994, Mervin Stevens of Walpole began working towards New Hampshire's participation after attending the festival over the years. Curators Lynn Martin and Betty Beland have made Mervin's dream a reality. These two women, along with many volunteers, have worked tirelessly for months to make sure that the more than 1 million visitors to the Folklife Festival on the Mall this week will have a meaningful and memorable experience. New Hampshire's diversity, vibrancy, and entrepreneurship will be portrayed through several themes: Music of New Hampshire; Town and Community; Ingenuity and Enterprise; Seasons of Work and Recreation; and Farm, Forests, Mountains, and Sea. The themes and displays will be enhanced through several hands-on examples of living traditions. These exhibits include a 35-foot-long by 15-foot-high covered bridge, a timber-framed barn, a wrought-iron archway, and granite walls. There will also be two music stages set up. One will be a replica of a town hall and the other of a New England front porch with rocking chairs and benches. These fascinating displays of New Hampshire culture will be celebrated in three ways: First, at this summer's Smithsonian festival. Next, a reenactment will take place next summer during Festival New Hampshire at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds in Contoocook. Finally, an educational program for schools and communities will be based on the extensive research of culture needed to launch the festival. Mr. President, I wish to offer my most sincere congratulations to Celebrate New Hampshire Culture and the countless volunteers. Their hard work and dedication will now help show the world what makes New Hampshire the greatest State in America. It is an honor to represent Celebrate New Hampshire Culture and all the people of New Hampshire in the Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Phil Gravink the senior statesman of New Hampshire's ski industry. Phil Gravink is one of the industry's most respected and experienced leaders. He is currently director of Attitash/Bear Peak Resort in Bartlett. This resort is New Hampshire's largest and is a vital part of the state's economy, attracting skiers from all over New England and bringing in millions of dollars in revenues. Phil is a resident of Jackson, and has devoted 36 years to operating ski resorts, 22 of which have been in New Hampshire. Phil Gravink has had a truly successful and distinguished career. He has served as chairman of the National Ski Association and the American Ski Federation. In 1963 he founded Peak 'n Peek ski area in Western New York. He then served as superintendent of Gore Mountain Ski Area in New York until he came to New Hampshire in 1977 as General Manager of Loon Mountain. In 1980 he became president of Loon and lead it through its most successful growth years. In 1991 he moved on to a Littleton based ``sno.engineering'' company as a senior associate, and then helped operate the two state-owned resorts: Cannon and Mount Sunapee ski areas. In 1992, he took the job as head of Attitash/Bear Peak and oversaw an extensive expansion that nearly doubled the size of the resort. Phil Gravink has been an integral part of New Hampshire's Ski industry. On June 4, Phil announced his retirement, but plans to stay with Attitash/Bear Peak as an advisor. Phil and his wife are scheduled to spend the year 2000 on a bicycling trip around the world, raising money for the New England Ski Museum and the Northeast Passage, a disabled sports program that his daughter Jill has worked to develop. The Northeast Passage began as a way for post-trauma patients to become re-involved in skiing and has since expanded to involve other sports. I commend Phil for his critical role and unwavering dedication to the success and progression of the New Hampshire ski industry. I wish him and his wife the best of luck in the Odyssey 2000 cycling trip. Phil Gravink is a great business man and a model citizen. His retirement leaves behind a great legacy. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Joel Yeaton of Exeter, NH for his outstanding volunteer service. Joel received the ``Prudential Spirit of Community Inspiration'' Award, given to those who are significant contributors to their community in the face of enormous personal challenges. As a volunteer, Joel created the ``Help Them Heal'' fund to support spinal chord research and facility improvement at the Children's Hospital in Boston. He has raised over $10,000, a figure which was more than double his original goal. The reasons Joel's accomplishments are so extraordinary is he too suffers from Curvature of the spine. Instead of focusing on his own problems, Joel is consumed with making spinal surgery and extended stays at the Boston Children's Hospital easier for others, especially the younger patients. His concern for people suffering from spinal problems similar to his has led him to establish the ``Help Them Heal'' fund. The money Joel's fund has raised will be used for research on improved spinal surgical techniques. The funds will also be used to purchase a computer, games, and educational materials for the patients at the hospital. I commend Joel for his commitment and dedication. He is an inspirational young man. I am proud to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Joyce Tugel for her outstanding work as a teacher at Marshwood High School. Joyce is one of 208 teachers nationwide to receive the ``Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.'' This award, which is administered by the National Science Foundation, is the highest honor a secondary teacher of mathematics and science can receive. Joyce, who teaches chemistry and freshman science, applied for the award in February 1998. The process was very intense with minimum requirements of: a 20-page report showing evidence of talent, an assessment of student learning, a listing of background and experience and even photographs of learning activities. Joyce received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of New Hampshire. She was a biogeochemistry research scientist at UNH's Institute for Study of Earth, Ocean and Space in Morse Hall. She has now been with Marshwood High School for 9 years, and is one of their most valued faculty members. As a former high school teacher, I am extremely pleased to see educators from New Hampshire being nationally recognized for their tireless efforts and dedication to education. I commend Joyce for her excellent track record. I am proud to represent her in the U.S. Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Jonathan Edward Stephens on his graduation summa cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I commend his outstanding academic achievements. Jonathan was the 1995 Dover High School Valedictorian and went on to a superb academic career at Rensselaer. Ranking first in his class with a 4.0 average, Jonathan was also awarded the Erwin R. Gaerttner award, given to a nuclear engineer or engineering physics major. The award recognizes excellence in scholarship, personal character, and promise of outstanding performance in research related to nuclear engineering and physics. Jonathan was also awarded the Senior Design Project Award for his project, titled the ``International Neutron Spherical Torus Explosives Detector.'' His research will be used to detect land mines. Mr. President, as a veteran, I recognize our need to find land mines. Jonathan also has exciting opportunities ahead of him. He has been offered a full fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a doctorate in the field of nuclear physics. He has also received the national full fellowship from the Oak Ridge Labs in Tennessee to pursue a doctorate at any University in the United States. Jonathan has chosen to accept a position as a nuclear engineer with the Knoll Atomic Power Lab, a division of Lockheed Martin, where he will design nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers. He plans to complete his Master's at Rensselaer. As a former teacher and school board chairman, I recognize the challenges students face to succeed. I applaud Jonathan for his exemplary academic career. I wish him luck as he continues his education and work in the engineering field. I am pleased to recognize such an outstanding young mind, and it is with great pleasure that I represent him in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the Concord High School girls' lacrosse team, the Crimson Tide, on their fantastic 1999 season. Remarkably, Concord High School's lacrosse team, which was just established last year, had one of the best records in the state this year. Under the direction of Coach Terry Anderson, this young team compiled an impressive record of 17 wins and only three losses--making it to the state finals. The Crimson Tide, consisting predominantly of freshmen and sophomores, made great strides this season. Led by team captains Molly Aldrich, Kate Provencal, and Katie Anderson, they had one of the most impressive records in the state. With many of the players returning to play next season, they are sure to remain a strong force in New Hampshire lacrosse. Although they were not successful in winning the state championship, the team showed true sportsmanship and team spirit in the wake of such an amazing season. Perhaps most importantly, after the hard-fought championship game, the two teams showed outstanding sportsmanship in the sincere way they congratulated and publicly complimented each other on their game. The overall performance of Concord High School's lacrosse team confirmed that this program is one of New Hampshire's finest. Mr. President, I congratulate every member of the Concord High School Crimson Tide girls' lacrosse team, as well as their coach, Terry Anderson. I wish them luck in the future and in all their following lacrosse seasons. It is an honor to represent these hardworking and talented young people in the United States Senate.