Ted Stevens

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, because of the circumstances, I really don't have a prepared statement. I wish to outline for the Senate how we intend to proceed. We have been working for some time trying to obtain a process by which we could proceed to act on the 11 appropriations bills for the fiscal year 2003 which were not completed by the end of the last Congress. I commend my good friend from West Virginia and his staff for assistance in working with us to work out this procedure. These bills that will soon be included in an omnibus amendment to this continuing resolution are familiar to the Senate. We worked on them throughout the last year. And I wish to say that to the best of my knowledge the components of this bill, except for one portion, were worked on on a bipartisan basis by the staffs of the 11 subcommittees that handled these 11 bills. I can't say that there has been total agreement on the part of anybody as to what we have done, but we have proceeded to reduce the 11 bills that were involved to the amount of the President's request, which was $750.5 billion, plus an amount that is represented by a budget request for the fire items that are included in the bill of $825 million. In doing so, we come down considerably in many of these bills. But I point out to the Senate that the Government has been operating under the CRs that have been passed since October 1. All of the agencies affected by these bills have been operating on the basis of the 2002 appropriations level--the enacted level of funds for those agencies. If we do not finish these bills now, they will continue to act under the 2002 level until obviously we do something to take us down to the end of this fiscal year. I have taken the position that the sooner we can enact these 11 bills the better off all the agencies are, and the better off the Congress is because our job is to turn to the requirements of the law to deal with the fiscal year 2004 bills through the budget process and through the consideration of the 13 bills that we have in the Appropriations Committee through the individual subcommittees and get them done this year--God willing--according to the normal schedule and before September 30. We cannot do that if we labor over these bills intensively for a period of time. I am pleased to say that everyone concerned has been very cooperative, and, above all, the members of the Appropriations Committee on both sides of the aisle have worked hard to get us where we are today. The amendment that I will soon present contains not only that portion that I mentioned in terms of a series of bills but it contains the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2003. It provides budget authority for Agriculture, rural development, and the nutritional programs. There is in this bill $670.4 million--more than the President's request--and more than $1.1 billion more than 2002. I have a whole series of highlights on this bill. I don't want to take the time of the Senate to outline the individual ones. We will do that as we proceed on the bill. There are definitely needs for the programs for each of these items. The second bill we have is the Commerce, State, Justice and related agencies appropriations bill. Again, this is the recommendation of the subcommittee as adjusted by the process I just outlined. It is approximately $2.5 billion above the 2002 enacted funding level. These, of course, are a series of highlights. I may later ask to put them all in the Record as part of my opening statement. I want to review these outlines later. I do not make that request now. We also have the District of Columbia appropriations bill. It makes appropriations for the District of Columbia. It is an item that is substantially higher than the President's request. It is a total of $512 million in discretionary budget authority for the District of Columbia. We have the energy and water appropriations bill. It recommends $26.164 billion for 2003. It exceeds the President's request by $649 million, and it exceeds the 2002 level by $900 million. We have the foreign operations bill among the 11 included in this amendment. This bill is $221 million below the President's request. It is also below the fiscal year 2002 level by $73.5 million. The Department of the Interior bill provides $19.18 billion in total discretionary budget authority--an increase of $641 million over the enacted level of 2002. It is $36 million over the President's budget request for 2003. The Labor-Health and Human Services bill deals with the President's request, which was $131.9 billion. This bill as recommended by my amendment will be $131.3 billion. The details will be in the items that I will put in the Record. On the Department of Transportation and related agencies, we recommend $64.6 billion for 2003. This is $9.4 billion more than the President's request of $55.2 billion. I do not have a figure above the 2002 level. I will put it in the Record later. We have the Treasury and general government appropriations bill. This provision is in the bill at $34.5 billion. The President's request was $34.2 billion, and the 2002 level was $32.8 billion. This is another area where it is above the President's request. The last section is the section that deals with items that have been added to the 13 bills. One is to fund the election reform bill that was enacted in the last Congress. The maximum authorized level for that program for 12 months for fiscal 2003 was $2.35 billion. For the remainder of the bill, this amendment that I offer will fund election reform at $1.5 billion. For drought relief, we have set a target of $3.1 billion. The provisions of the bill as presented by the Agriculture Committee and others will adjust the mandatory programs in order to provide relief for the drought that has occurred. We also have a provision dealing with Medicare adjustments, dealing with physicians' payments and payments for rural hospitals. The total amount would be $1.6 billion. These items would be offset by a 1.6- percent across-the-board cut on the other 11 bills. We have done our best to present to the Senate--I have, working with the members of the committee and their staffs--a bill to meet the requirements of the administration, to meet the requirements of the agencies, and to present a bill that can be taken to conference and worked out with the House in conference. Madam President, I point out, the House has not passed any bills. The House has passed this continuing resolution, to give us a House-passed bill, to return this bill to the House for their consideration. We are hopeful that the House will enact its own version and send it to conference. As has been outlined already by the unanimous consent agreement that is in place, we will seek a conference with the House at the earliest possible time. I urge Senators to consider the problem we face, and that is the problem of catching up with the bills we should have enacted last year. I point no fingers as to reasons we did not. The Senate Appropriations Committee, under the chairmanship of Senator Byrd, did report out all the bills. We were prepared to act, but circumstances at that time made it impossible for us to pass those bills. Under the circumstances now, we cannot afford the process of passing separate bills, facing vetoes or veto threats, and having bills go back and forth between the Houses. If we are going to catch up and start the process of dealing with the 2004 appropriations, as is our duty in this new Congress, we must put these requests of the past, for the remainder of this fiscal year, in place. We must pass this amendment or something similar to it as soon as is possible, as soon as the Congress can agree and the President will concur with our actions. I will say, I have discussed this at length with the Office of Management and Budget. I cannot say they approve of what we are doing, but I can say they approve of the fact that we are doing something. So that is what I am asking the Senate to do tonight, to start the process of doing something on these accumulated items that must be faced by this Congress as quickly as possible. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record summaries from which I read partially.

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

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. No. We have agreed to have an up-or-down vote on the amendment.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, we previously entered into a unanimous consent request concerning H.J. Res. 2. I have been asked and do offer an amendment to that. I ask unanimous consent the consent agreement for H.J. Res. 2 be modified to provide for a motion to instruct the conferees to be made by Senator Stabenow or her designee, and there be a 20-minute time limitation for debate, equally divided in the usual form, with no amendments in order to the motion.

Mr. STEVENS. It is my understanding this has been cleared by both sides. But it provides that the Senator may offer a motion to instruct the conferees, which she had a right to do. But that request, unfortunately, was not presented by those who were working up the consent agreement. I appreciate the Chair allowing me to modify it at the request of Senator Stabenow. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. I object to proceeding on either measure.

Mr. STEVENS. Parliamentary inquiry: Is the process concluded?

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, if that resolution is agreed to today, I would like to have a meeting of the Appropriations Committee tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on January 9, 2003, at 2:30 pm on phaseout of single hull tankers in SR-253.

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to meet on January 9, 2003, at 9:30 am on the future of the airline industry in SR-253.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the time for morning business be extended by 10 minutes and that I be permitted to speak.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I come with a sad heart today because on January 3, the City of Fairbanks, where I started my life in Alaska, and the State of Alaska lost a great citizen with the passing of Captain Jim Binkley at the age of 82. Jim was born in our State in Wrangell, on May 16, 1920. His parents were gold rush pioneers, and his father was a riverboat pilot on the Stikine River in southeast Alaska. In World War II, he was a veteran who served on riverboats in Alaska and after the war he attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. In 1950, Jim and his wife Mary bought their first boat, the Godspeed, and began what would become Alaska Riverways, Incorporated. They ran a historic riverboat for tourists who came to Alaska. Jim and Mary built and rebuilt many of their company's sternwheelers in the backyard of their family's home which was on Noyes Slough, which is a river that runs through Fairbanks, AK. It was a great experience to go with him on that boat. I have taken many people on Captain Jim's boat. Alaska Riverways is Fairbanks' number one tourist attraction. Each summer, Alaska Riverways' three sternwheelers, the Discovery (I), the Discovery (II), and the Discovery (III), ferry thousands of tourists down the Chena and Tanana Rivers, following trails to the gold rush people and really letting people see what rural Alaska is like. Along with being a successful riverboat captain, Jim served in the Alaska State House of Representatives for two terms from 1961 to 1964. In addition to that service in the Alaska legislature, Captain Jim served on numerous community boards and organizations. He received many statewide awards, including being named ``Alaskan of Year'' and the business leader of the year. Jim was a proud father of three sons and daughter Marilee. I know all three sons: Johne, Jim Jr., and Skip. They are all riverboat captains and they have continued the great tradition of their father, as have several of his grandchildren. Captain Jim was clearly a leader in the development of Alaska tourism and of our State in general. His vision and hard work forever changed Alaska's visitor industry, and for that we are very grateful. I am pleased to say I have asked that a flag be flown over the Capitol today so we may send it to his family, along with a copy of this statement. (At the request of Mr. Stevens, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.)

Mr. STEVENS

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

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. I temporarily object, Mr. President.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Reserving the right to object.

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I congratulate our leaders for this understanding. We are standing by ready to commence work on the 11 bills that are the fiscal year 2003 appropriations bills. We have had great bipartisan work on our committee with the staff and the Members. I believe the Democratic leader is absolutely correct; we are prepared to work with anyone in the Senate to try to work out any details that might have to be considered. We look forward to working with Senator Daschle in every way possible so we can move these bills as quickly as possible. I speak as one who has just come back from my home in Alaska. We have the highest unemployment I have seen. Many of these bills contain money that would bring construction items and jobs to my State during this year. If we delay any further, we miss the construction season. These bills are vital to restart our economic engine. I am pleased to have this report that we are able to move forward on this continuing resolution. I can pledge the four leaders of the Appropriations Committees--of the House and Senate--on a bipartisan basis have agreed to work together to get these bills finished as rapidly as possible with the help of the leaders. I thank the leaders.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. I share my colleague's understandings on these matters.

Mr. STEVENS. I strongly agree with this imperative and with my colleague's interpretation of Section 888. Indeed, Section 888 mandates this protection.

Mr. STEVENS. I firmly agree with my colleague from Washington about both the Coast Guard's role in securing our nation and the importance of its non-homeland security missions and capabilities.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, since 1994, Senator Thompson has represented the people of Tennessee in this body. During that time, I have been fortunate to call him both a colleague and a friend. In the last 8 years, Senator Thompson has fought hard for issues that are vital to Tennessee. He has made sure that his State has the infrastructure it needs and the resources it deserves. He has protected Tennessee's farmers and its workers. Three years ago Senator Thompson founded the Smoky Mountains National Park Congressional Caucus. My own State of Alaska has many national parks so I understand the challenges that Senator Thompson faced. His commitment to eliminating the National Parks Service backlog has been admirable. Senator Thompson has also served the best interests of our Nation. Our work on the governmental affairs committee reflects his dedication. As chairman of that committee he has worked to make the government smaller, more efficient, and more accountable. It has been a pleasure to work with him as we worked to create the department of homeland security. The Senate and the people of Tennessee will miss Senator Thompson's commitment and dedication. I am grateful for his service and wish him future success. phil gramm Mr. President, for 24 years the people of Texas have had an impassioned advocate and dedicated public servant in Phil Gramm. Over the course of his career, Senator Gramm has established an impressive legislative legacy. He played a role in the fight to cut federal taxes, institute international free-trade incentives, reform the welfare system, set mandatory federal prison sentences for drug crimes, and support our armed forces. The Gramm-Leach Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act and the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act were ground-breaking legislative achievements. Through these and other efforts, Senator Gramm has helped lay the foundation for a new era of national prosperity. Senator Gramm has been called a man of ``frank opinions and unwavering convictions.'' Since he came to the Senate in 1984 I have been honored to call him my friend and colleague. We will miss his leadership and his voice in the Senate. I am grateful for his years of service and I wish him success in his future endeavors. Tim Hutchinson Mr. President, Senator Hutchinson has been a committed advocate for the people of Arkansas and an important voice in the Senate. His strong leadership led me to personnally support his candidacy and I will greatly miss his presence here in Washington. I believe Senator Hutchinson leaves behind an important legacy. As a veteran of World War II, I am particularly grateful for Senator Hutchinson's work on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on hospitals and Health Care, Senator Hutchinson really watched over the VA's 173 medical centers. Our Nations's Veterans gave so much to ensure our liberty and freedom. I thank Senator Hutchinson for making sure that we fulfill our promises to them and reward their service. It has been said that: ``The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in other people the convictions and the will to carry on.'' We are thankful for Senator Hutchinson's service and convictions. I wish him much success.

Mr. STEVENS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I thank you. I thank the distinguished chairman of our committee. The pendulum of politics is swinging. When we return in January, I will become, once again, the chairman of our committee, and I look forward to working with my great friend from West Virginia in the manner I have tried to work with him as he has been chairman. During the recent days, I have had the privilege of meeting with the President of the United States and the Office of Management and Budget Director, and with Congressman Bill Young. We discussed the process by which we might try to finish with the appropriations for fiscal year 2003 so that we might be ready to handle the 2004 requests when they come following the State of the Union message that the President will deliver to us on January 20. I look forward to working with Senator Byrd in that regard. This continuing resolution is absolutely necessary to give us the opportunity to move forward, and sometime in the first week that we are back in January we can decide how quickly we want to finish this appropriations process. For myself, I am sure Senator Byrd and I will do our best to work in the Senate's best interest and to see to it that we finish these bills so that we can turn to the new task of dealing with the new budget requests which this time will include a new Department of Homeland Security. It will be a most interesting transition. And it is going to be a difficult problem for us in reorganizing the appropriations process to handle this new Department--whether or not we will create a new subcommittee or divide the work of the existing subcommittees to handle the new Homeland Security Department, that will have to be determined in the future. I will certainly consult with Senator Byrd on all of those details. For now, I urge Members to approve this continuing resolution and to understand the process. This is something the Senate is compelled to do in order to take us into a new Congress so that we can finish the work on the fiscal year appropriations for 2003. I hope everyone will understand the process and will give us their understanding even further when they return in January. If the Senator is willing to yield back his time, I will be glad to yield back. We have no request for time on this side.