Bob Smith

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Terrie Archambault of New Hampshire for being selected by the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce as the ``1998 Business Person of the Year.'' Terrie began working with Citizens Bank in 1990 as a part-time teller and was quickly promoted through the ranks: first to customer service representative, then to assistant manager, and in 1996 she became manager of the Merrimack branch of Citizens Bank. Terrie has shown an unwavering dedication to her community. She oversees a program at her branch called ``Bank at School.'' This program allows elementary school students to open new accounts, make deposits and, most importantly, learn the basics of personal banking. She organizes the collection of food and monetary donations for the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, and frequently helps serve food at the kitchen. In addition, through Operation Santa Claus at the Merrimack Lioness Club, Terrie helps provide Christmas gifts to families in need in her community. Furthermore, Terrie's involvement with the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce has strengthened the Chamber's ties with the community. Currently serving as Secretary on the Executive Board, Terrie has secured sponsorships for several of the Chamber's events. Along with her husband Dan of 28 years, as well as her two childen and four grandchilden, Terrie is a positive influence on her community. As a former small businessman myself, I understand the hard work and dedication required for success in business. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Terrie Archambault for all of her accomplishments, and especially for being named the ``1998 Business Person of the Year.'' It is an honor to represent her 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. Brad Parkhurst. Brad was recently awarded the President's Award from the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. Brad has worked at Public Service of New Hampshire since 1974. During that time, he has held positions in Generation, Distribution and Marketing. He has worked since 1981 in the Marketing Support Department developing innovative ideas to unique consumer situations. Brad has illustrious credentials as a member of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the Board of Directors, is Chairman for the ``Swing into Spring'' Consumer Expo and has solicited sponsors for Consumer Expos. Brad is also very involved in professional organizations. He serves as Associate Member Director and Chairman of the Associates Council of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire. He is a member of the Building and Association Planning Committees and the Manchester Area Home Builders Association. He received the ``Associate of the Year'' award from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association in 1994 and 1996. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders located in Washington, D.C. Along with his professional credentials, Brad is also highly active in the community. He has been the treasurer of four non-profit organizations. He is an active member and Mission Director for the Merrimack Community Christian Church. He is the Director and Treasurer of Love Through Faith Ministries International, an organization that assists the poorest nations in the world. This past spring Brad and his wife Roxanne led a team to Guinea-Bissau to spend two weeks teaching and training the local population. Once again, I would like to congratulate Brad Parkhurst on receiving the President's Award from the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, last year, we enacted a three-year moratorium on new Internet sales taxes. Today, I am introducing a bill that would make this moratorium permanent. Internet commerce has exploded in recent years. For example, U.S. sales on the Internet last year totaled $8 billion. This last Christmas season was about three times as busy as the previous one, with consumers spending about $3 billion on goods purchased over the Internet. A recent survey of American adults by the Pew Research Center suggests that 41% of American adults now uses the Internet. For Americans who live in remote areas, such as residents of New Hampshire's North Country, the Internet offers major advantages. They now can shop by computer instead of driving several hours to the urban shopping malls or Main Street businesses. As noted by economist Larry Kudlow, other potential Internet shoppers include the elderly, busy executives, stay-at-home parents, the disabled and others. Despite all of its benefits for our economy and American consumers, Internet commerce is at risk from state and local politicians seeking ever more tax revenues. Already, a number of states have imposed taxes on Internet sales. But there are several reasons why we should refuse to transform the Internet into a pot of gold for state and local tax collectors. First, not only do all states and localities have other options for raising revenue--such as income taxes, use taxes and property taxes-- but most are running budget surpluses. I asked the Congressional Research Service to analyze what has happened to traditional sales tax revenues over the past five years, when Internet use exploded. CRS reported that the growth in sales tax revenues has outpaced inflation in this period. Second, a tax on Internet shopping is really just another tax on the American consumer. American consumers already pay taxes on their salaries, taxes on their capital gains, property taxes on their homes, taxes on the goods they purchase from instate vendors, and estate taxes on any property they have managed to save by the time of their death. Imposing yet another layer of taxes in cyberspace is simply unfair, especially because many Internet shoppers already pay shipping or handling costs in addition to the purchase price of the goods they buy. Furthermore, imposing new taxes on Internet-related revenues could stifle the development of Internet commerce in the U.S. As reported in yesterday's Wall Street Journal, a University of Chicago economist who studied the buying decisions of 25,000 Internet shoppers found that applying sales taxes to Internet commerce ``would reduce the number of online buyers by 25% and spending by more than 30%.'' Some politicians would like to make each online business be a sales tax collector for every tax jurisdiction in the United States. Doing so simply would give Internet businesses--especially those whose profit margins are slim--a good incentive to move offshore. Geography is not important on the Internet, and many Internet vendors can relocate without disruption to their customers. Finally, many Internet transactions are really interstate commerce. The Founding Fathers recognized the danger that each state might impose taxes or tariffs on goods produced in other states, so they authorized the Federal government to prevent interstate trade wars. In interpreting the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court has held that commerce which crosses state boundaries should be subject to state sales taxes only when both seller and buyer are in the same state, or when the seller has a presence in the buyer's state. There is little reason to fear, as some have claimed, that Main Street businesses are at risk from Internet vendors. I can think of nothing that would prevent these businesses from offering their own on- line shopping services. Some already have done so with great success. Moreover, the Internet likely will attract entirely new customers whose purchases will only increase total retail sales. The purpose of the bill I am introducing today is to allow Internet commerce to continue to prosper in this country, by making permanent the three-year moratorium that we enacted last year. Under my bill, state and local governments could not impose new Internet sales taxes. Mr. President, I hope that all of my colleagues will support this legislation, which is of great importance to the American consumer and our economy.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I am here today to join my colleagues, Majority Leader Trent Lott and Environment Committee Chairman John Chafee, in expressing support for enacting legislation this year to reform the remediation waste provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). As many of my colleagues know, since I assumed the chairmanship of the Superfund, Waste Control and Risk Assessment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over RCRA, I have worked to bring some rational reforms to this hazardous waste law. It is well known that hazardous waste cleanups in this country take too long, are too costly, and inhibit the redevelopment of industrial brownfield sites. Since I first introduced RCRA remediation legislation in the 104th Congress, I have worked with Senators Lott, Chafee, Breaux, Baucus, and Lautenberg, with the Clinton Administration, state governments and members of the industrial and environmental communities to achieve a bipartisan fix to this confusing and burdensome law. Despite our best efforts, we were not able to come to an agreement before the close of the 105th Congress. However, I am eager to press forward and reach a bipartisan agreement this year. There is simply too much time and money being wasted under the current regulatory process for Congress not to take action on this important issue. In fact, according to a GAO report, as much as $2 billion per year could be saved by making certain common sense legislative fixes to RCRA. In addition to cost savings, cleanups would be accelerated by removing bureaucratic roadblocks. Such reforms mean a win for the economy and a win for the environment. In closing, I want to reiterate my pledge to working with Senators Lott, Chafee, Baucus, and Lautenberg to reach consensus on much needed reforms to the RCRA program this year. It will certainly be one of my subcommittee's top priorities.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Matthew Conor Repeta, of Bedford, New Hampshire, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. This first-rate young man was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on September 9, 1998, by the District Eagle Board. Matthew began scouting at the age of seven in Eagan, Minnesota, as a Tiger Cub. He advanced through the Cub Scout ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos. Matthew joined Bedford Troop 414 in 1991. While in Troop 414, he was an Assistant Patrol Leader and a Patrol Leader. I want to commend Matthew for receiving the highest award that is attainable in Scouting. For his Eagle Project, Matthew built a handicap ramp for a local museum with other scouts from his troop. This example of service demonstrates the ideals for which scouting stands. Matthew exemplifies these qualities for which all Scouts strive: Honor, Loyalty, Courage, Cheerfulness and Service. For all of Matthew's hard work and devotion to these ideals, he has earned this coveted recognition. As the father of two former Scouts, I understand the time and effort that is involved in fulfilling the ideals of being a Scout. I know that Matthew will continue to be a positive role model among his peers, a leader in his community, a friend to those in need and an inspiration to all. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to Matthew. His achievement of Eagle Scout and significant contributions to the Bedford community are truly outstanding. 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 honor Ronald and Beverly Gendron, two remarkable people who have been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate for over ten years in the city of Manchester, New Hampshire. Ronald and Beverly founded the Helping Hands Outreach Center over ten years ago and have been committed to helping New Hampshire's needy ever since. Ronald and Beverly have now retired from the Helping Hands Outreach Center and are continuing their dedication to helping others by organizing a new outreach center in Laconia, New Hampshire. Ronald and Beverly Gendron founded the Helping Hands Outreach Center of Manchester in 1986. The Center is dedicated to assisting in the problems of homelessness, hunger, and drug and alcohol addictions. Ronald and Beverly have retired from Helping Hands of Manchester to embark on a new endeavor. They are organizing a new social service organization in Laconia, New Hampshire. With the Gendrons' help, the Open Arms Outreach Center of Laconia will be a ministry dedicated to providing assistance to troubled families. Ronald and Beverly will work closely with Laconia and State officials to offer housing and shelter in the Greater Laconia area. Mr. President, the Gendrons have devoted their time and their hearts for over ten years to serve the homeless and suffering in the Greater Manchester Area. Ronald and Beverly served southern New Hampshire's needy well. I would like to extend my best wishes to them as they embark on their new endeavor to assist in the lives of the needy in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is people like the Gendrons that help make New Hampshire a special place to live. It is an honor to represent them in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I am introducing a bill to allow qualified members of the clergy of all faiths to participate in the Social Security program. This bill would provide a two-year ``open season'' during which certain ministers who previously had filed for an exemption from Social Security coverage could revoke their exemption. These members of the clergy would become subject to self-employment taxes, and their earnings would be credited for Social Security and Medicare purposes. Before 1968, a minister was exempt from Social Security coverage unless he or she chose to elect coverage. Since 1968, ministers have been covered by Social Security unless they file an irrevocable exemption with the Internal Revenue Service, usually within two years of beginning their ministry. On two other occasions, in 1977 and again in 1986, ministers were given a similar opportunity to revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage. Despite the existence of these brief ``open season'' periods, many exempt ministers did not take advantage of or have not had the opportunity to revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage. Because the exemption from Social Security is irrevocable, there is no way for them to gain access to the program under current law. Only an ``individual who is a duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed minister of a church, or a member of a religious order who has not taken a vow of poverty,'' would be able to revoke his or her exemption from Social Security, under my bill. Of course, this measure would not permit ministers who already have reached retirement age to gain access to the Social Security program. This bill primarily would benefit modestly paid clergy, who are among the most likely to need Social Security benefits upon retirement. Many chose not to participate in the Social Security program early in their careers, before they fully understood the ramifications of filing for an exemption. If enacted, this measure would raise about $45 million over the next five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. CBO has scored the bill as a revenue raiser and, as a result, it will require no budget offset. Over the long-term, the legislation would cost money, but I do not expect its costs to be that significant because CBO has estimated that only about 3,500 members of the clergy would exercise the option that this bill provides. The need for this legislation was brought to my attention by the distinguished bishop in Manchester, New Hampshire, Reverend Bishop O'Neil. He made me aware of the hardships facing individual ministers who may or may not have any retirement income. The bill also has the endorsement of the U.S. Catholic Conference. I want to thank my principal cosponsors, Senators Moynihan and Mack, for their support of this much-needed legislation. Let me also point out that this measure is identical to Title 8 of H.R. 3433, the Ticket- to-Work Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 410 to 1 last June. In closing, this bill gives members of the clergy a limited opportunity to enroll in the Social Security system, similar to those provided by Congress in 1977 and 1986. Mr. President, I hope that all of my colleagues will support this legislation, which is so important to a number of clergy in the United States. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to commend Police Chief Stephen R. Monier on his outstanding career as a law enforcement agent in Goffstown, New Hampshire. I congratulate him on his twenty-eight years of tireless service and his retirement from the police force on December 31, 1998. Chief Monier's record of achievement is worthy of outstanding honor. As an officer, he served as a Patrol Officer, Director of the Juvenile Division, Administrative Services Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and, ultimately, Chief. Chief Monier was a Commissioner with the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., a past president of the New Hampshire Association of Police (NHACP), a member for nine years on the Council at New Hampshire Police Standard and Training and a member of New England Association of Chiefs of Police and International Associations of Chiefs of Police. He also had the honor of being selected as a member of the 1996 Centennial Summer Olympic's Security Team in Atlanta, Georgia, and was selected as a security team leader for the Athens' Olympics. Along with this prestigious law enforcement career, Chief Monier was President and a member of the Rotary International's Goffstown Chapter, founding member and Board of Director's member for Crispin's House, Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to assist at-risk youths and families, and assistant coach for the Goffstown Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball League. His philanthropic record is an outstanding achievement. Police Chief Stephen R. Monier is an asset to his community as well as the State of New Hampshire. His remarkable record of service has made him a well-known and well-respected man. New Hampshire has always been fortunate to have great law enforcement agents, and Mr. Monier exemplifies this ideal. I am proud of his achievements and his long and honorable commitment to law enforcement. I would like to wish Chief Monier, along with his wife Sandra and their two teenage sons, the best of luck as he embarks on this new stage in his life. It is an honor to represent you in the United States Senate.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise to indicate my strong support for this bill. It is my sincere conviction that we are today making right a historic wrong. One hundred years ago, Theodore Roosevelt was denied the Congressional Medal of Honor simply because he attempted to force the War Department to return sick veterans of the Spanish-American War to their homes in the United States. In so doing, he embarrassed a political rival, who it just so happened was also the Secretary of War. As a result, despite the unanimous recommendation of his uniformed superiors, his political superior denied him the nation's highest military honor. On July 1, 1898, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, commander of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment--the famed ``Rough Riders''--was just 39 years of age. He had resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy so that he could help organize the regiment. American forces, battling both the Spanish and the Cuban jungle, prepared to storm San Juan Hill and the heights surrounding the strategic port city of Santiago, Cuba. within the protected walls surrounding the port of Santiago sat the Spanish fleet, which had to be neutralized if the United States was to win the war. The American attack against Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill was pinned down immediately by the merciless fire of the Spanish forces entrenched on the heights above. According to one participant, ``the situation was desperate. Our troops could not retreat as the trail for two miles behind them was wedged with men. They could not remain where they were for they were being shot to pieces. . .'' U.S. forces still hunkered down at the foot of the hill were unable to return fire. After long delay, Roosevelt received orders to advance. With Roosevelt at their lead, the Rough Riders advanced to the front of the American line. Determined to rally the American forces to victory, Roosevelt shouted: ``If you don't want to go forward, let my men pass.'' Roosevelt dared and goaded men in the rear forward until they crowded the ones in front of them. The whole line, tired of waiting and eager to close with the enemy, was straining to go forward. Leading the charge up the hill, Roosevelt waved his hat and went up the hill with a rush. With Roosevelt in the lead, thee American forces reached the summit of Kettle Hill and swept aside the last of the Spanish defenders. Without hesitating, Roosevelt directed his men to fire against the Spanish defenders on nearby San Juan Hill, where another American force was advancing in the face of heavy fire. Rallying his forces, Roosevelt leapt forward advancing into the valley between Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill. In his excitement to charge the Spanish position, Roosevelt soon realized instead of the entire regiment following him, only five other men had joined him in the charge. Roosevelt then proceeded to run back to Kettle Hill, where he angrily yelled at the regiment to follow him. The Rough Riders responded by shouting: ``We didn't see you go! Lead on and we will follow!'' Lead he did. Once again, Roosevelt, this time with the Rough Riders behind, rushed up San Juan Hill for a second time. Once again, Roosevelt led his men into the Spanish line on the top of the height. Roosevelt then succeeded in organizing and leading the defense of the heights throughout the night. Out of four hundred men in the regiment, 86 had been killed or wounded, six were missing and another 40 were struck with heat exhaustion. Military experts, historians, and everyone who had witnessed both the charge up Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill agreed that they had occurred and succeeded because of the man who had led them. For his actions, Colonel Leonard Wood, 1st U.S. volunteer Cavalry, recommended Roosevelt for the Congressional Medal of Honor. The recommendation received endorsement throughout the chain of command. After the cessation of hostilities, the American forces remaining on Cuba, including the rough riders, were ravaged by malaria and fever. The commanders on Cuba, including Roosevelt and Leonard Wood, pleaded with the War Department, to bring the men home. But Secretary of War Alger, who believed the troops were infected with yellow fever, wished to delay their return until the disease had run its course. Fearing that the continued stay of the troops on the island would result in the death of thousands, Roosevelt, with the support of the other commanders on the island, drafted a letter demanding that the troops be brought back home lest thousands die in Cuba. The letter was published in the press, and was a great embarrassment to President McKinley and Secretary of War Alger. Although subsequently Roosevelt received credit for bringing the troops home, Alger rejected the recommendation of Roosevelt's superiors that he be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Roosevelt's wife would later write that Alger's rejection of Roosevelt's recommendation for the Medal of Honor ``was one of the bitterest disappointments of his life.'' I will admit that I approached the prospect of legislating the nation's highest military award for valor with some concern. However, my review of the facts of this case have convinced me that Teddy Roosevelt earned the Medal of Honor on the battlefield, only to see it denied for political reasons. I am pleased, one hundred years later, to be a part of correcting this injustice today.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I voted against the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999. One of the principal reasons why I voted against the bill is that it does not include two critically important provisions of the Smith amendment to the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill that passed the Senate on July 21, 1998, by a vote of 69-31. The Smith amendment provided major protections of the rights of law-abiding gun owners under the second amendment to the Constitution of the United States. As passed by the Senate last July, the Smith amendment included three major provisions. First, the Smith amendment prohibited the Federal Bureau of Investigation from charging a user fee or ``gun tax'' for the so-called Brady handgun National Instant Check System (NICS) that will go into effect later this year. Second, the Smith amendment required the ``immediate destruction'' of all records related to gun purchasers who are determined by the system to be legally entitled to buy a gun. Third, the Smith amendment created a private cause of action on the part of any individual gun purchaser who is the victim of a violation of either or both of the first two provisions of the amendment. Unfortunately, Mr. President, only the first provision of the Smith amendment remains intact in the final version of the omnibus appropriations bill. Although I am pleased that the FBI's gun tax scheme is now dead, I am deeply disappointed that those who negotiated this bill with the administration have ignored the legislatively expressed will of 69 United States Senators by rendering all but meaningless the second, and eliminating altogether the third, provisions of the Smith amendment. The omnibus appropriations bill replaces the Smith amendment's requirement for the ``immediate destruction'' of records on law-abiding gun owners with one that only requires ``destruction'' of such records. Thus, the bill leaves open to question just how long the FBI may lawfully retain such records. Although the omnibus appropriations bill does not include the Smith amendment's language explicitly creating a private cause of action, I believe that the bill retains an implied cause of action. Assuming that the courts will interpret the new law in a manner that gives full effect to legislative intent, judges will recognize such an implied cause of action on the part of gun owners to sue in Federal court in order to protect their rights under the Smith amendment. Mr. President, early in the 106th Congress next year, I will be introducing legislation encompassing all of the protections of the Smith amendment for which 69 Senators voted last July.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Mr. Jeff Merrifield to the position of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner. Mr. Merrifield was born in Westerly, Rhode Island and spent most of his childhood in Antrim, New Hampshire. In 1985, Jeff graduated Magna Cum Laude with his B.A. from Tufts University. In 1986, he joined Senator Gordon Humphrey's staff and handled energy and environmental issues. I first came to the Senate in 1990 and I was fortunate that Jeff was one of several staffers who carried over from Senator Humphrey's staff to mine. While working for Senator Humphrey and me, Jeff put himself through Georgetown Law School. He graduated in 1992 after which he began work for the Washington D.C. based law firm of McKenna and Cuneo. There, he practiced environmental and government contracts law until 1995. I was very pleased to have Jeff returned to my staff in 1995 to be my counsel for the Senate Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Control and Risk Assessment. He was the lead staffer in developing my Superfund reauthorization legislation. During his time with the Senate, Jeff has been involved with all aspects of solid and hazardous waste disposal and cleanup regulation. He took part in a number of bills including the Price Anderson reauthorization, the Oil Pollution Control Act, the Clean Air Act reauthorization, efforts to reauthorize both Superfund and RCRA, and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA I). In addition to his duties on the Committee, Jeff has also been extensively involved in assisting me on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which I chair. He has provided me with valuable oversight of hazardous and radiological waste programs at DOD and DOE facilities. Jeff's philosophy as Commissioner will be that the NRC cannot take a solitary role in maintaining full public confidence in the safety of nuclear power. He has said that the nuclear industry must also assume equal responsibility for taking the steps necessary to maintain the trust of the American public. Mr. President, Jeff has done a great job for me over the years. Although I'm sorry to lose him from my staff, I'm confident that he will provide the NRC with the talents necessary to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety, the common defense and security, and the environment in the use of nuclear materials in the United States. Jeff is a bright, dedicated and articulate individual who will serve the nation with distinction. I strongly recommend him for the position of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner and urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, in order that the Senate might conduct the people's business, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the conference report be dispensed with.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I again ask unanimous consent that reading of the conference report be dispensed with until we conduct the people's business.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I make a point of order that the reading is dilatory and irresponsible and again make a request----

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I make a unanimous consent request that further reading of the conference report be suspended.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. On behalf of the customs and drug enforcement employees in our U.S. Government, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the conference report be dispensed with.

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

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

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

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, on behalf of those who favor the Jacksonville, FL, and Orlando, FL, courthouse construction, I ask that further reading--I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the conference report be dispensed with.

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

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

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, in order to conduct the people's business, I again ask unanimous consent that reading of the conference report be dispensed with.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Regular order, Mr. President.

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, Friday, September, 18, 1998 has been designated this year by our Federal and State Governments as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. As we have done for nearly 20 years, we reaffirm today our national commitment to obtaining the fullest possible accounting for America's POWs and MIAs. This is also a day to remember and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifices that have been made by America's finest and bravest service personnel--our unaccounted for prisoners of war and missing in action personnel who never returned from wartime enemy territory. It has been an honor and privilege for me, since my election to the Congress in 1984, to assist the POW/MIA families, our veterans, and their friends and supporters, with the many efforts that have been undertaken to try to achieve a proper accounting for so many of our nation's heroes whose fate remains unknown. It has been a difficult and emotional task, complicated by on and off-again cooperation by foreign governments As many of my colleagues know, I served as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs in 1992, and I currently serve as the U.S. Chairman of the Vietnam War Working Group of the Joint U.S./Russian Commission on POWs and MIAs. I have traveled to North Korea, Vietnam, Russia, Laos, Cambodia, Poland, and the Czech Republic trying to assist our Government's efforts to open archives and interview people knowledgeable about the fate of our unaccounted for captured and missing personnel. I have also made efforts over the last year to prod our own U.S. Intelligence Community to provide the analysis and support necessary to help shape our policy toward nations that hold the answers we seek. Finally, I continue to work to ensure that U.S. Government records on this issue are declassified and made available to the public. Mr. President, today, as I have every year in this Chamber, I urge the Administration to take the opportunity National POW/MIA Recognition Day provides to rededicate itself to the fullest possible accounting mission. I also urge all Americans to continue expressing their concerns on this national issue because public awareness is critical to the accounting effort. In closing, I again want to assure my constituents in New Hampshire, my fellow veterans, the POW/MIA families, and the countless Americans who have contacted me through the years, that I remain absolutely committed to doing everything I can to learn the truth about our POWs and MIAs to whom we pay tribute on this special day.