Gordon Smith

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation that will restore to the members of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians a small portion of their ancestral homelands. The story of these Tribes' experience is well worth hearing. For many of my colleagues, parts of it will sound familiar, as it reflects the history of the early west. In 1850, gold was discovered at a place known as Eight Dollar Bar, near what we now call Cave Junction, OR. Within months thousands of miners with gold fever moved into the area. Indians struggled to protect their land while miners aggressively pursued their vision of the American dream. In 1855, Joel Palmer, an Indian Agent for the Oregon Territory was sent in by the Federal Government to negotiate treaties with Oregon tribes. Treaties with the tribes of the Rogue River, Umpqua/Cow Creek, and Calapooyas were established, but not the tribes of the central and southern Oregon coast. Much of this land is now in the Siuslaw National Forest. The Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians were not a warring people. They were prepared to share their ancestral homelands, which approximated about 1.6 million acres in the coast mountain range, living on a small portion of the land and receiving compensation for the balance. In 1855 and in good faith the tribes signed the Empire Treaty with the Federal Government. But, somewhere between Empire, Oregon and the floor of the U.S. Senate the treaty was lost. No land was allotted for their reservation and no compensation given. In 1856 the Rogue River War began and the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians were marched north and held prisoner in what was called the Coast Reservation. They were held against their will until the mid- 1870s. It was during this dark period in their history that over half their population died. With their release, tribal members returned to their homelands, only to find they had neither land nor resources left. At this point, the three tribes formed a Confederation. In 1954, by Presidential order the Confederation's tribal status was terminated. These decades were difficult ones for members of this Tribe. Lack of education and economic opportunities in the area, and racism by some of their white neighbors took a heavy toll. In 1984, the Oregon congressional delegation sought and achieved federal recognition for the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. At the same time, no reservation lands were granted to the tribe and no compensation offered. The Tribe received a donation of approximately 6 acres in Empire, Oregon. This is now the site of their tribal hall where services are provided to their members and tribal council meetings and tribal events are held. Small, additional tracts have been purchased over time. The Indian Self-Determination Act encourages tribes to develop plans to achieve the goals of cultural restoration, economic self-sufficiency and attain the standard of living enjoyed by other citizens of the United States. The Confederated Tribes have been working diligently since 1954 to attain those goals. An essential component in this effort is the Reservation Plan and Forest Land Restoration Proposal. It will provide a long-term source of revenue and lessen dependence on federal funding to operate Tribal government programs and to provide economic benefits to local communities. The Plan will revitalize Tribal culture by reconnecting Tribal people to their ancestral homelands and it will provide a net benefit to the environment by improving the health of ancestral watersheds. My staff and I began meeting with Tribal members soon after I was first elected to the Senate. Years of work with local citizens, communities and governments to gain understanding and support for the land restoration proposal have been successful. Hundreds of individual meetings, workshops and open forums have been held by the Tribes. Development of the Reservation Plan and Forest Land Restoration Proposal has led to a clear understanding of what activities can occur on these lands which is reflected in the legislation that I have introduced today. I am proud to introduce legislation today that will return approximately 63,000 acres of their ancestral homeland to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. These U.S. Forest Service lands encompass a portion of the Siuslaw National Forest. Under the legislation, management of the restored lands would be transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs with title held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the Confederated Tribes. These lands contain significant cultural sites: encampments, spiritual and burial sites. My proposal will allow these people to meet their cultural goals, and provide economic and environmental benefits to all of the citizens of the region. The legislation ensures continued public access to these lands for hunting and fishing, recreation and transportation. Applicable State and Federal laws will be followed. Payments to county governments will not be impacted under this proposal. Timber harvested from this land will be processed domestically by local mills. Twenty percent of the revenues from the land will be reinvested in watershed management activities to restore habitat. These lands contain some significant environmental sites. They will be preserved. These lands are not suitable for nor will the laws allow gaming to occur on them. Revenue gained from activities on these lands will help meet the self-sufficiency goals of the Confederated Tribes. It will be used to assist seniors through elder housing programs, youth through scholarships, low income housing for those in need and provide health care benefits for all of the Tribal members. The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw are the only federally recognized tribe in Oregon that has never received any land or compensation for the loss of their homeland from the United States Government. This legislation works to right that wrong, to restore a Tribe, to restore a forest, and to restore a very special relationship between the two.

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Economic Stimulus Act of 2003, legislation that will allow a 50 percent bonus depreciation over a 5 year period. Last year I was proud to introduce and pass a 30 percent bonus depreciation incentive as part of legislation signed into law in March 2002. We had great bipartisan support on this issue and I hope that similar action will take place during consideration of this year's tax bill. I introduce the Economic Stimulus Act of 2003 in order to build on last year's effort by both increasing that bonus to 50 percent and extending it through 2008. Our economy clearly needs a boost, and this provision will complement many of the provisions in President Bush's economic growth package. Recently, U.S. Department of Commerce data revealed that private investment in high tech equipment ended it's decline as this provision went into effect last year and has begun to increase modestly in the past year. A significant increase in that bonus along with an extension of its effective date can only boost business investment even further. By extending the effective date past next year, businesses will be able to better plan for sustained increases in technology investment. This legislation will provide an immediate and broad stimulus to the U.S. economy by encouraging business investment. In my own state of Oregon I can look to both heavy industry and the hi tech sector and see the real return this legislation will have on our economy. Heavy industry in my state will have an ability to save family-wage jobs and put additional employees to work in Oregon. For example, the rail supply industry has been hard hit, and though there is a need for investment, there has been a reluctance to invest significant sums that are necessary to sustain this industry. Bonus depreciation provisions is an additional incentive that will lead institutional investors, leasing companies, shippers and railroads to invest in new rail equipment. In Oregon's high-tech sector the strong increase in the first year depreciation amount will have a real and positive impact on the investment environment for high-tech equipment, such as computer hardware, software and broadband network infrastructure. This legislation will definitely stimulate the demand for the software and the whole high-tech sector. In Oregon, the hi-tech sector has been a major component of economic growth and I am intent that this engine of growth continue to provide stimulus to the economy. I note that there are a myriad of bonus depreciation proposals out there. Most don't provide enough lead time however to make real and substantive business decisions. The current downturn is caused in part by a decline in business investment. So what kind of investment can be stimulated by a year-long depreciation incentive? It probably gives business people time to buy a chair and some new wastebaskets. But a year is not enough time to start a major project that could employ thousands of people. It doesn't allow time to build heavy equipment, modernize a lumber mill, revamp a corporate computer system, repair a railbed, or construct an airplane. It doesn't allow enough time to obtain building permits, perform environmental reviews, or complete architectural or engineering studies. We need to create a booming economy not just for today, but for the next several years. So I must emphasize that short depreciation proposals lack economic weight. Bonus depreciation is probably the best idea of any stimulus proposal. I ask that all my colleagues consider and support the Economic Stimulus Act of 2003. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 19, 2001, in Pittsburgh, PA. A 43-year-old man attacked a 22-year-old Pakistani-born university student. The student was walking home from classes when he was alarmed to see a stranger charging after him, his arms already swinging. As he punched and kicked the student, the attacker yelled, ``Are you from Afghanistan?'' and ``I'm going to kill you!'' A nearby construction worker managed to stop the attacker, who then fled. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation that will restore to the members of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians a small portion of their ancestral homelands. The story of these Tribes' experience is well worth hearing. For many of my colleagues, parts of it will sound familiar, as it reflects the history of the early west. In 1850, gold was discovered at a place known as Eight Dollar Bar, near what we now call Cave Junction, OR. Within months thousands of miners with gold fever moved into the area. Indians struggled to protect their land while miners aggressively pursued their vision of the American dream. In 1855, Joel Palmer, an Indian Agent for the Oregon Territory was sent in by the Federal Government to negotiate treaties with Oregon tribes. Treaties with the tribes of the Rogue River, Umpqua/Cow Creek, and Calapooyas were established, but not the tribes of the central and southern Oregon coast. Much of this land is now in the Siuslaw National Forest. The Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians were not a warring people. They were prepared to share their ancestral homelands, which approximated about 1.6 million acres in the coast mountain range, living on a small portion of the land and receiving compensation for the balance. In 1855 and in good faith the tribes signed the Empire Treaty with the Federal Government. But, somewhere between Empire, Oregon and the floor of the U.S. Senate the treaty was lost. No land was allotted for their reservation and no compensation given. In 1856 the Rogue River War began and the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians were marched north and held prisoner in what was called the Coast Reservation. They were held against their will until the mid- 1870s. It was during this dark period in their history that over half their population died. With their release, tribal members returned to their homelands, only to find they had neither land nor resources left. At this point, the three tribes formed a Confederation. In 1954, by Presidential order the Confederation's tribal status was terminated. These decades were difficult ones for members of this Tribe. Lack of education and economic opportunities in the area, and racism by some of their white neighbors took a heavy toll. In 1984, the Oregon congressional delegation sought and achieved federal recognition for the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. At the same time, no reservation lands were granted to the tribe and no compensation offered. The Tribe received a donation of approximately 6 acres in Empire, Oregon. This is now the site of their tribal hall where services are provided to their members and tribal council meetings and tribal events are held. Small, additional tracts have been purchased over time. The Indian Self-Determination Act encourages tribes to develop plans to achieve the goals of cultural restoration, economic self-sufficiency and attain the standard of living enjoyed by other citizens of the United States. The Confederated Tribes have been working diligently since 1954 to attain those goals. An essential component in this effort is the Reservation Plan and Forest Land Restoration Proposal. It will provide a long-term source of revenue and lessen dependence on federal funding to operate Tribal government programs and to provide economic benefits to local communities. The Plan will revitalize Tribal culture by reconnecting Tribal people to their ancestral homelands and it will provide a net benefit to the environment by improving the health of ancestral watersheds. My staff and I began meeting with Tribal members soon after I was first elected to the Senate. Years of work with local citizens, communities and governments to gain understanding and support for the land restoration proposal have been successful. Hundreds of individual meetings, workshops and open forums have been held by the Tribes. Development of the Reservation Plan and Forest Land Restoration Proposal has led to a clear understanding of what activities can occur on these lands which is reflected in the legislation that I have introduced today. I am proud to introduce legislation today that will return approximately 63,000 acres of their ancestral homeland to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. These U.S. Forest Service lands encompass a portion of the Siuslaw National Forest. Under the legislation, management of the restored lands would be transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs with title held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the Confederated Tribes. These lands contain significant cultural sites: encampments, spiritual and burial sites. My proposal will allow these people to meet their cultural goals, and provide economic and environmental benefits to all of the citizens of the region. The legislation ensures continued public access to these lands for hunting and fishing, recreation and transportation. Applicable State and Federal laws will be followed. Payments to county governments will not be impacted under this proposal. Timber harvested from this land will be processed domestically by local mills. Twenty percent of the revenues from the land will be reinvested in watershed management activities to restore habitat. These lands contain some significant environmental sites. They will be preserved. These lands are not suitable for nor will the laws allow gaming to occur on them. Revenue gained from activities on these lands will help meet the self-sufficiency goals of the Confederated Tribes. It will be used to assist seniors through elder housing programs, youth through scholarships, low income housing for those in need and provide health care benefits for all of the Tribal members. The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw are the only federally recognized tribe in Oregon that has never received any land or compensation for the loss of their homeland from the United States Government. This legislation works to right that wrong, to restore a Tribe, to restore a forest, and to restore a very special relationship between the two.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Early Treatment for HIV Act, ETHA, of 2003. Senator Clinton joins me in introducing this bill, and I want to thank her for her steadfast support for people living with HIV. HIV knows no party affiliation, and I am pleased to say that ETHA cosponsors sit on both sides of the aisle. Simply stated, ETHA gives States the opportunity to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive individuals before they develop full-blown AIDS. Today, the unfortunate reality is that AIDS must disable most patients before they can qualify for Medicaid coverage. We can do better, and we should do everything possible to ensure that all people living with HIV can get early, effective medical care. Current HIV treatments are very successful in delaying the progression from HIV infection to AIDS, and help improve the health and quality of life for millions of people living with the disease. That is why it was so devastating for people in Oregon when, just a few weeks ago, the state announced that its Medically Needy program ran out of money, and that many patients, including those living with HIV, would have to go elsewhere for their treatments. The fact of the matter is that safety net programs all over the country are running out of money, and are generally unable to cover all of the people who need paying for their medical care. As other programs are failing, ETHA gives States another way to reach out to low-income, HIV-positive individuals. Importantly, ETHA also offers states an enhanced Federal Medicaid match, which means more money for States that invest in treatments for HIV. This provision models the successful Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Act of 2000, which allows states to provide early Medicaid intervention to women with breast and cervical cancer. Even in these difficult times, forty-five states are now offering early Medicaid coverage to women with breast and cervical cancer. We can build upon this success by passing ETHA and extending similar early intervention treatments to people with HIV. HIV/AIDS touches the lives of millions of people living in every State in the Union. Some get the proper medications, and too many do not. This is literally a life and death issue, and ETHA can help many more Americans enjoy long, healthy lives. I want to thank Senators Collins, Bingaman, Cantwell, Corzine, Feinstein, Landrieu, Murray, and Wyden for joining us as cosponsors of ETHA. I also wish to thank all of the organizations around the country that have expressed support for this bill. I have received a stack of support letters from those organizations, and I ask unanimous consent that those letters be printed in the Congressional Record. In particular, I want to thank the ADAP Working Group and the Treatment Access Expansion Project, led by Robert Greenwald, for helping bring so much attention to ETHA. I hope all of my colleagues will join us in supporting this critical, life-saving legislation.

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today with my Finance Committee colleague, Senator Lincoln, to introduce the The Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation will extend the mortgage interest tax deduction to mortgage insurance payment premiums, both government and private. It will make mortgage insurance payments tax-deductible and will boost homeownership in Oregon and across the Nation, for those lower-income, minority and veteran borrowers that typically need mortgage insurance to purchase a home. It is widely recognized that homeownership helps create stable and safe communities. Thus, the Federal Government has long sought to increase homeownership. The Bush Administration has announced a target of 5.5 million new homeowners by the year 2010. To achieve that goal, groups that have typically had difficulty purchasing homes--young people, low-income families, members of minority groups--must be able to participate in the housing market. Government and private mortgage insurance programs help first-time, low-income and veteran borrowers afford to purchase a home. The Veterans Affairs, VA, Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Regional Housing Authority, RHA, and Private Mortgage Insurance, PMI, programs allow buyers to make a down payment of 3 percent or less of the appraised value. Mortgage insurance is a critical factor in allowing middle-income families and minorities to become homeowners. In Oregon, more than 137,000 families held mortgages with either FHA or private mortgage insurance at the end of 2002 and insured mortgages covered 25 percent of home purchase loans originating in 2001. Sixty- two percent of the insured home purchases in Oregon in 2001 were low- income borrowers. The Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act will bring tax relief to those who need it the most. In 2001, nationwide, mortgage insurance covered 57 percent percent of mortgage purchase loans made to African American and Hispanic borrowers and 54 percent percent of the loans to borrowers with incomes below the median income. The people who use mortgage insurance are regular working families who live in every community throughout the country. Currently, twelve million American families use mortgage insurance. Presidently, these borrowers cannot deduct the cost of their mortgage insurance payments for Federal tax purposes. If mortgage insurance payments were made deductible, the cost of homeownership would be further reduced for these borrowers, enabling new buyers to get into a home that they might not have been able to afford. It is estimated that the Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act would increase the number of homeowners by 300,000 per year. Extending the tax deduction for home mortgage interest payments to mortgage insurance payments will significantly contribute to making the American dream of owning a home come true for many more of our citizens. I urge my colleagues to support this important bi-partisan legislation and join us in working towards its enactment at the earliest opportunity this year. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 28, 2001 in New York, NY. A Yemeni man was badly beaten in the Bronx while working at his newsstand. Three local men allegedly yelled, ``You Arabs get out of my neighborhood--we hate Arabs! This is war!'' before dragging him outside and hitting him in the head with a bottle. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that immediately following the vote on adoption of S. Con. Res. 31, the Senate proceed to executive session and an immediate vote on the confirmation of Calendar No. 106, Dee Drell, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana; provided further, that following that vote, the Senate proceed to a vote on Calendar No. 107, Richard Bennett, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland; finally, I ask consent that following those votes, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. Also, I ask unanimous consent that all time be yielded back on S. Con. Res. 31 and that the vote occur immediately.

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

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

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today with my Finance Committee colleague, Senator Lincoln, to introduce the The Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act. This legislation will extend the mortgage interest tax deduction to mortgage insurance payment premiums, both government and private. It will make mortgage insurance payments tax-deductible and will boost homeownership in Oregon and across the Nation, for those lower-income, minority and veteran borrowers that typically need mortgage insurance to purchase a home. It is widely recognized that homeownership helps create stable and safe communities. Thus, the Federal Government has long sought to increase homeownership. The Bush Administration has announced a target of 5.5 million new homeowners by the year 2010. To achieve that goal, groups that have typically had difficulty purchasing homes--young people, low-income families, members of minority groups--must be able to participate in the housing market. Government and private mortgage insurance programs help first-time, low-income and veteran borrowers afford to purchase a home. The Veterans Affairs, VA, Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Regional Housing Authority, RHA, and Private Mortgage Insurance, PMI, programs allow buyers to make a down payment of 3 percent or less of the appraised value. Mortgage insurance is a critical factor in allowing middle-income families and minorities to become homeowners. In Oregon, more than 137,000 families held mortgages with either FHA or private mortgage insurance at the end of 2002 and insured mortgages covered 25 percent of home purchase loans originating in 2001. Sixty- two percent of the insured home purchases in Oregon in 2001 were low- income borrowers. The Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act will bring tax relief to those who need it the most. In 2001, nationwide, mortgage insurance covered 57 percent percent of mortgage purchase loans made to African American and Hispanic borrowers and 54 percent percent of the loans to borrowers with incomes below the median income. The people who use mortgage insurance are regular working families who live in every community throughout the country. Currently, twelve million American families use mortgage insurance. Presidently, these borrowers cannot deduct the cost of their mortgage insurance payments for Federal tax purposes. If mortgage insurance payments were made deductible, the cost of homeownership would be further reduced for these borrowers, enabling new buyers to get into a home that they might not have been able to afford. It is estimated that the Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act would increase the number of homeowners by 300,000 per year. Extending the tax deduction for home mortgage interest payments to mortgage insurance payments will significantly contribute to making the American dream of owning a home come true for many more of our citizens. I urge my colleagues to support this important bi-partisan legislation and join us in working towards its enactment at the earliest opportunity this year. I ask unanimous consent that the text of this legislation be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Early Treatment for HIV Act, ETHA, of 2003. Senator Clinton joins me in introducing this bill, and I want to thank her for her steadfast support for people living with HIV. HIV knows no party affiliation, and I am pleased to say that ETHA cosponsors sit on both sides of the aisle. Simply stated, ETHA gives States the opportunity to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive individuals before they develop full-blown AIDS. Today, the unfortunate reality is that AIDS must disable most patients before they can qualify for Medicaid coverage. We can do better, and we should do everything possible to ensure that all people living with HIV can get early, effective medical care. Current HIV treatments are very successful in delaying the progression from HIV infection to AIDS, and help improve the health and quality of life for millions of people living with the disease. That is why it was so devastating for people in Oregon when, just a few weeks ago, the state announced that its Medically Needy program ran out of money, and that many patients, including those living with HIV, would have to go elsewhere for their treatments. The fact of the matter is that safety net programs all over the country are running out of money, and are generally unable to cover all of the people who need paying for their medical care. As other programs are failing, ETHA gives States another way to reach out to low-income, HIV-positive individuals. Importantly, ETHA also offers states an enhanced Federal Medicaid match, which means more money for States that invest in treatments for HIV. This provision models the successful Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Act of 2000, which allows states to provide early Medicaid intervention to women with breast and cervical cancer. Even in these difficult times, forty-five states are now offering early Medicaid coverage to women with breast and cervical cancer. We can build upon this success by passing ETHA and extending similar early intervention treatments to people with HIV. HIV/AIDS touches the lives of millions of people living in every State in the Union. Some get the proper medications, and too many do not. This is literally a life and death issue, and ETHA can help many more Americans enjoy long, healthy lives. I want to thank Senators Collins, Bingaman, Cantwell, Corzine, Feinstein, Landrieu, Murray, and Wyden for joining us as cosponsors of ETHA. I also wish to thank all of the organizations around the country that have expressed support for this bill. I have received a stack of support letters from those organizations, and I ask unanimous consent that those letters be printed in the Congressional Record. In particular, I want to thank the ADAP Working Group and the Treatment Access Expansion Project, led by Robert Greenwald, for helping bring so much attention to ETHA. I hope all of my colleagues will join us in supporting this critical, life-saving legislation.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 16, in New York, NY. An Arab-American man was attacked in the bathroom of a supermarket by one of the store's employees. The teenage attacker called the man an ``Arab terrorist'' before slamming his head into the steel door of the men's room. The victim was knocked unconscious for a brief time and, when he left the lavatory, his assailant and several other employees laughed at him and refused him any aid. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 14, 2001 in San Francisco, CA. An Australian software engineer was stabbed in the chest by someone who thought his friend, a man of Indian and Hispanic heritage, was an Arab. The victims say the stabbing took place when they were passed by a group while crossing the street. A scuffle ensued when the engineer was punched or bumped by one of the men. The assailant used racial slurs to describe the victims and said, ``We don't like Arabs'' before stabbing the engineer. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and my friend and colleague Senator Bayh of Indian, I rise today to introduce legislation that will repeal a ten year old tax increase on our senior citizens. We are joined by Sens. Chambliss, Miller, and Warner. This tax increase was passed in 1993 and has been an onerous and unjust tax on the Social Security benefits of America's seniors. I am pleased to have the support of the following organizations for this important legislation: United Seniors Association, National Taxpayers Union, The Seniors Coalition, Americans for Tax Reform, The 60 Plus Association. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that their letters be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and my friend and colleague Senator Bayh of Indian, I rise today to introduce legislation that will repeal a ten year old tax increase on our senior citizens. We are joined by Sens. Chambliss, Miller, and Warner. This tax increase was passed in 1993 and has been an onerous and unjust tax on the Social Security benefits of America's seniors. I am pleased to have the support of the following organizations for this important legislation: United Seniors Association, National Taxpayers Union, The Seniors Coalition, Americans for Tax Reform, The 60 Plus Association. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that their letters be printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in September 2000, at Fort Jackson, SC. Ronald Chapman was physically assaulted by other soldiers after a drill sergeant called Chapman a ``faggot.'' He was sleeping in his bed when soldiers entered the room and beat him up with blankets filled with bars of soap. Chapman feared for his safety after the beating, and felt compelled to tell his superior officers that he was gay. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to salute Chance and Dr. Lisa Steffey as Oregon Health Care Heroes for their willingness to save a deeply needed community health clinic in Oregon's beautiful, rural community of La Pine. A hero is someone who sets aside personal interest to act for another person's welfare. That is exactly what Dr. Steffey and her husband did when they purchased the La Pine Community Clinic in Oregon. Because of their courage and willingness to take a risk, an Oregon community with extremely limited health care resources will continue to have a local place to access health services. Despite warnings that purchasing the community health clinic was a significant financial risk, the couple forged ahead. Without their intervention, the clinic would have closed, leaving many residents without access to local care. Many of the clinic's clients are Medicaid and Medicare patients who would have been forced to travel significant distances to find care had the Steffeys not seen an opportunity. La Pine has been named a Health Professional Shortage Area where many residents do not have access to care. Low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements make it difficult for doctors to serve the area, which is home to many who rely on these programs for health coverage. But with the Steffeys' dedication, and the temporary help of Central Oregon Independent Health Services, the clinic is now financially stable and serving the families of La Pine. Many rural Oregon residents face incredible hurdles accessing health services. The shortage of providers willing to serve in rural areas, combined with the particularly low federal reimbursement levels offered to rural providers, has caused an exodus of health services from the country. Add this to the large number of uninsured families who live in these communities, and the crisis facing rural health care delivery is clear. Despite numerous efforts to increase reimbursement rates for rural health services and our ongoing quest to cover the millions of uninsured across America, rural people are still hurting. It takes people like the Steffeys, who are willing to make a sacrifice to meet the needs of rural communities today, while we continue to work towards solutions for tomorrow. On March 1, 2003, Dr. and Mr. Steffey took ownership of the La Pine Community Clinic. I hope that their vision is rewarded with great success. I join the many grateful residents of La Pine in naming them as Oregon Health Care Heroes and thank them for bringing hope and healing to La Pine.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 19, 2001, in Fairhaven, MA. An Arab-American family was harassed and assaulted by its neighbors. After being followed and harassed with racial slurs, the Arab-American father was attacked with a baseball bat. He was treated at a local emergency room. The tires on his son's car were slashed, as well. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 28, 2001 in New York, NY. A Yemeni man was badly beaten in the Bronx while working at his newsstand. Before dragging him outside and hitting him in the head with a bottle, the assailants, three local men, yelled, ``You Arabs get out of my neighborhood! We hate Arabs! This is war!'' I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 16, 2001, in Eagan, MN. An Indian-American woman left a grocery store followed by three teenage boys. One of them pushed her against her car. When she turned, another punched her in the stomach and then elbowed her in the back. As they left, the assailants said, ``This is what you people deserve.'' I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two Oregon-based humanitarian organizations that are preparing to offer aid to the Iraqi citizens who may be displaced or who are facing hardships as a consequence of Saddam Hussein's intransigence and military events in Iraq. Mercy Corps, an international relief and development organization, exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than $640 million in assistance to 75 nations. Mercy Corps primarily works in countries in transition from war or natural disaster or in the midst of extreme economic or social transition. This group offers humanitarian assistance not only to meet basic needs, but helps lay the foundation for peace by building local capacity and a just, inclusive civil society. Mercy Corps is already mobilizing an expanded relief effort that will deliver $20 million in aid to Iraq. Relief supplies for as many as 700,000 displaced people will include crucial water, food, sanitation supplies, shelter, medical care and basic items like blankets and cooking supplies. Mercy Corps is already delivering critical medical care, shelter and reconstruction services to thousands of displaced people in northern Iraq. In addition, Mercy Corps is working with a consortium of other international partners, including the UN, to coordinate efforts to alleviate any humanitarian crisis that might arise in Iraq. Representatives of northwest Medical Teams International (NWMTI), also headquartered in Portland, are meeting this week with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to focus on the delivery and distribution of medical care, food, clean water and shelter for displaced Iraqis. Northwest Medical Teams International seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in crisis by sending volunteer medical and response teams, distributing humanitarian aid, and providing community development programs and children's ministries. In particular, the organization provides assistance to vulnerable people suffering from the consequences of war, famine, epidemics, poverty, physical illness, deformities and natural disasters. Since 1979, NWMTI has sent teams or supplies to more than 40 countries. Northwest Medical Teams has a staff physician in Iraq, and three local medical volunteers will be joining him to provide life-saving aid. The agency also has $40,000 in medicines to send with the team and will send $20,000 to procure supplies locally in Iraq. The volunteers will serve thousands of displaced people at three camps as soon as the areas are secure. Northwest Medical Teams is also preparing to provide medicines, blankets and tents to large groups of Iraqis who might become displaced due to the ongoing armed engagement. Both of these organizations have had volunteers and staff working in northern Iraq since the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred December 8, 2001, in Valencia, CA. A Sikh liquor store shopkeeper was severely beaten by two men. The men first entered the store and asked the victim, ``Are you Osama bin Laden?'' He tried to explain that he was a Sikh and had no association with Bin Laden. The men struck him repeatedly with metal poles, causing serious head injuries. The shopkeeper managed to escape his attackers after pushing a shelf over on top of them, knocking them down. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 13, 2001 in Clarkston, GA. Four men cornered and assaulted a 22-year-old Sudanese man who was walking home late at night. The group of attackers stepped out in front of him and accused him of being involved in the terrorist attacks in New York. The men threatened, ``You killed our people in New York. We want to kill you tonight.'' They shoved him against a wall and tried to stab him, slicing a hole in his shirt. Finally, when another Sudanese man rushed over to his friend's rescue, the four attackers fled. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred on September 14, 2001 in Tulsa, OK. A food store employee of Middle-Eastern descent was attacked while leaving his apartment. Three people jumped on him, knocked him down, covered his eyes, and beat him. After addressing him with an expletive, the men threatened, ``We are going to cut you like you cut our people.'' Before his eyes were covered, he saw that one of the attackers had a knife-like object. The victim was hospitalized and treated for multiple lacerations. I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.