Gordon Smith

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 23, 2001 in Thibodaux, LA. A black woman was shot in the face with a paintball gun outside her home. Two teens were arrested and charged for aggravated battery in what police called a hate crime. The assailants were heard to have made comments about ``wanting to shoot black people.'' 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I thank Senator Kennedy for yielding this time to me. I am pleased to join him in this amendment he has offered in the spirit of no child being left behind. It is obvious to anyone that the effect of the recession in many of the States, my own included, is that education is suffering devastating cuts and these are manifest particularly as to programs such as summer school. Specifically, in my State, Portland, has eliminated summer school entirely for elementary school. It has cut its middle and high school programs in half, leaving more than 1,000 students unserved. Similar cuts are being made in Eugene, Beaverton, Salem, and in other schools across my State. These cuts are being made in States across the country as well, and preliminary reports indicate that as many as 300,000 students nationwide will not benefit from summer school this year. I emphasize that this amendment is for any school that has unmet summer school needs. In Oregon, it means reversing summer school cuts, but in other States it may mean expanding their limited programs to reach more low-income and underserved students. If we do not step in and help our schools now, thousands of students across Oregon and across the country will not get the extra attention they need this summer. Those are thousands of students who will suffer next year if we do not act to help them today. Let's give our school districts the resources they need to help students who need it most. I urge my colleagues to support this effort. It is my experience as a father, that summer school is a very valuable tool in the home to motivate better academic performance by the children. Just the threat to one's children that if they do not buckle down now, they will be going to summer school, I have observed does create some degree of terror and dread and better performance. I hate to see this eliminated because my children have shared with me later that it was a good experience and highly motivational to go to summer school. As a Senator, I can, with great enthusiasm, support what Senator Kennedy has offered because we have, with the very best of intentions, tried to get our economy moving with the stimulus package, with which we tried to backfill the impact of State budgets. That was taken out in a conference committee, against my objections, but it was done, and we passed it. This has created shortfalls in States. This is being manifest not only in health care programs and other cutbacks, but in education programs. It seems to me we have a role because we helped create a short-term deficit so we would have a long-term surplus, that we can, with this package today, help in a critical area by restoring summer school funding. I have seen it work as a dad. I think we need it to work as Senators, and I urge my colleagues to join Senator Kennedy and myself in passing this very needed amendment. I yield the floor.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 7, 1993 in Azusa, CA. A gay man was beaten to death. The attackers, Joshua Swindell, 21, and Steven Matus, 17, were charged with murder and committing a hate crime in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 7, 1991 in New York, NY. A gay man was attacked and beaten with a bottle. The assailant shouted anti-gay epithets toward the victim and his companion. Lahosha Duggins, 19, was arrested in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, in the 106th Congress, we were the sponsors of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000, a landmark piece of legislation to enhance the protection of the Steens Mountain area in southern Oregon, while preserving the historic ranching and recreational opportunities in the area. It took us over 1 year to negotiate out the provisions of this bill between Members of Congress, the Secretary of the Interior, the Governor of Oregon, the local ranching community, local outfitters, and environmental organizations. It was clear at the time that we were trying to create a new, innovative approach to cooperative management of the area between the federal government and the local landowners. We believed that Oregonians, as leaders in environmental stewardship, could craft a new, locally supported approach that did not attempt to impose on this management area an existing land management classification. That is why the area is called the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area. We also created a Steens Mountain Advisory Council, a diverse group of stakeholders who are to provide ongoing input concerning the management of the area to the Bureau of Land Management. I am becoming increasingly concerned, however, about efforts to harm the operations of the Steens Mountain Running Camp, an excellent facility that has trained thousands of runners and has operated on the mountain for the past quarter century. I am concerned that the operations of the camp are trying to be harmed by those who have a more restrictive reading of the implementation of the Steens Mt. Protection Act than we intended. It was clearly congressional intent that historic uses of the mountain be allowed to continue under this Act. In fact, one of the objectives of the Area, as identified in the statute, is ``to promote grazing, recreation, historic and other uses that are sustainable.'' Isn't that your understanding?

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. I am committed to a resolution of this situation that enables the Steens Mountain running camp to continue its historic operations on the mountain.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution regarding the Senate's commitment to improving the health of mothers and children around the world. I am proud to be joined by Senators Feinstein, Murray, Landrieu, Corzine, and Durbin in introducing this important legislation and we hope, by introducing this resolution, we will illustrate an increased commitment to improving the health of the world's mothers and children and show that this commitment will have a long-term impact on the political, economic, and social stability of developing countries. Earlier this month, representatives from over 179 countries met at the United Nations Special Session on Children. During this meeting, they reviewed the progress made since the 1990 World Summit for Children and renewed their pledge to improve the lives of the world's children over the next decade. The Bush Administration knows that investing in better health increased a country's ability to prosper. President Bush proposed increased funding for global HIV/AIDS programs at USAID. And I applaud these efforts and am pleased to support them in the Senate. But I am hoping that this resolution will also break ground for an increase for maternal and child health programs. Difficult choices must be made, understandably, but funds should not be shifted from one essential health program to another. We must find new funding overall for health programs, especially maternal health. Every year, over 500,000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth. These lives can be saved by low-tech, low-cost interventions. The health of a child and her mother are closely intertwined, and good maternal health is essential for the survival of both mother and child. In developing countries, a mother's death in childbirth due to malnutrition, or inadequate prenatal and delivery care, means almost certain death for her newly born child. I also know that we must invest in programs that improve the health of young children. Every year, nearly 11 million die needlessly before their fifth birthday, almost all from diseases easily prevented or readily treated. Pennies worth of antibiotics could save three million children who will die this year of pneumonia alone. This resolution calls for increased funding for basic child survival and maternal health programs of at least $500 million dollars. This figure is just a small investment when the dividends would be political stability, international security, and a renewed hope for the future of mothers and children around the world. I call on all my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, today I salute some education heroes in my home state of Oregon. I want to recognize the efforts of both the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team and a group of Millicoma Middle School 8th graders from Coos Bay, Oregon. For 3 years, the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, SCINT, has visited local middle schools to run their ``Pathfinders'' drug abuse prevention program. As part of the Pathfinders program, experts in drug abuse prevention visit 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes for 2 weeks every year to teach our young adults about the dangers of drugs. Not only does the SCINT team teach students about the physical harm drugs do to our bodies, but, perhaps most importantly, they teach students about the effect drugs have on our minds, and about how young adults can make the right choices when it comes to avoiding drug abuse. What makes the Pathfinders program stand out is that just over 1 month ago we saw the results of that program in action. On April 18, while on a field trip to our state capitol in Salem, 19 students from the Millicoma Middle School were approached by a drug dealer. Luckily, those 8th grade students were the first in Coos Bay to complete all 3 years of the Pathfinders program, and knew exactly how to respond. The students just said ``no'', went on to their hotel, and alerted their chaperones, which is precisely what they were taught to do. I am extremely proud of these students, and I know their community is proud as well. Not only were they recognized by their middle school peers, but they will soon be recognized by their new high school as well. Next fall, Marshfield High School will welcome those special 8th graders as freshmen, and will dedicate a new American flag to fly above the high school in their honor. The flag will serve as a reminder to all students that strong character coupled with good choices have always served our nation well. The education that takes place in our schools has real world consequences, and it is essential that we take time to salute the people who help our nation's young adults make proper choices in their lives. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members like the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team are to be commended for their work, because without their efforts 19 more middle school students might be experimenting with drugs. Nineteen more middle school students could very well be dropping out of school or even going to jail. I want to thank the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team and the Millicoma Middle School for reminding us once again that our communities are producing just the kinds of citizens we want leading America into the 21st century.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred June 19, 2001 in Medford, OR. A Hispanic man was assaulted by a man who yelled ``white power''. The assailant, Keith A. Hollensbe, 20, was charged with third-degree assault and first-degree intimidation in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred February 13, 1992 in Davenport, IA. Two gay men and two of their friends were beaten with baseball bats and metal pipes. The assailants, a group of six men and two women, yelled anti-gay slurs during the attack. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred July 14, 1991 in Eugene, OR. A gay man was attacked outside a bar by two people using offensive language about his sexual orientation. Pamela Joanne Richardson, 28, and Michael James Hughes, 21, were arrested in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I am proud to rise today to pay tribute to a true American Patriot from my home state of Oregon. This week, I want to recognize the service and compassion of Sho Dozono, of Portland, OR. Mr. Dozono, President and CEO of Azumano Carlson Wagonlit Travel and the Azumano Group, is a respected member of the Portland business community. He continually tries to improve his community and has served on a number of boards and commissions including the Portland Metro YMCA, Portland Multnomah Progress Board, and was recently elected to serve as the chair of the Portland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce board of directors. But like so many employers, after September 11, 2001, Mr. Dozono was forced to lay off employees and watch as the effects of the terrorist attacks spread across the country to his west coast home. Mr. Dozono and his wife Loen decided that they would not allow their own financial difficulties to keep them from showing their love and support to the victims in New York City. What started as an idea of a bus convoy across the United States grew into an inspirational display of patriotism and compassion, aptly named the ``Flight for Freedom''. Mr. Dozono brought together over 1,000 Oregonians to answer the call of Mayor Rudy Giuliani for tourists. Not only did the group lend a healing hand to the broken economy of New York City, but the ``Flight for Freedom'' was instrumental in convincing Americans everywhere to travel again. The week-long trip, which included marching in the Columbus Day Parade, attracted worldwide publicity and earned recognition from New York and national officials. At a crucial time, Dozono persevered to share his belief in the American dream with those whose light had been tragically dimmed. I rise to salute Sho Dozono, not only for his inspirational efforts after 9/11, but because his desire to improve his community is a life- long commitment. In 1997, Dozono traveled to Philadelphia to represent the City of Portland at the Presidential Summit on Volunteerism in America, chaired by then-retired General Colin Powell. He is a former chair of the Portland Public Schools Foundation and co-chaired a march that raised over $11 million to save teaching positions that would have otherwise been cut because of reduced funding. This month as we honor and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I find it very appropriate to rise and recognize the efforts of Sho Dozono. I believe Mr. Dozono is to be commended for his ongoing efforts to serve his community and country, and I salute him as a true hero for Oregon.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred January 1, 1995 in Bedford, MA. A gay man and his companion were assaulted by men who used anti-gay slurs. The assailants, Brian Zawatski, 21, and Tim Donovan, were charged with assault and battery and civil rights violations in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce The Social Security Benefit Enhancements for Women Act of 2002. I am proud to be joined by my colleague from California, Senator Feinstein. This legislation makes fiscal improvements in benefits for women under the current Social Security system. These improvements will increase the benefits for disabled widows, divorced retirees, and widows whose husbands died quickly after an early retirement. While these benefit changes are small in scope, they represent a bipartisan effort to provide more economic security for women who work hard, sacrifice much and yet still live near poverty. Women comprise the majority of Social Security beneficiaries, representing almost 60 percent of all Social Security recipients at age 65 and 71 percent of all recipients by age 85. Those impacted by this legislation, the disabled, divorced and elderly widows are more likely to live near the poverty line. Clearly we would like to do more for these beneficiaries. Yet there is a limit in the number and scope of improvements we are able to make as we face broader Social Security reform issues. This small benefit package passed the House on May 14, 2002, by a stunning vote of 418 to 0. We feel that a similar vote can send these changes to the President and we can show that bipartisanship is a route that will work when it comes to future Social Security reform. I ask unanimous consent to have the bill printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce The Social Security Benefit Enhancements for Women Act of 2002. I am proud to be joined by my colleague from California, Senator Feinstein. This legislation makes fiscal improvements in benefits for women under the current Social Security system. These improvements will increase the benefits for disabled widows, divorced retirees, and widows whose husbands died quickly after an early retirement. While these benefit changes are small in scope, they represent a bipartisan effort to provide more economic security for women who work hard, sacrifice much and yet still live near poverty. Women comprise the majority of Social Security beneficiaries, representing almost 60 percent of all Social Security recipients at age 65 and 71 percent of all recipients by age 85. Those impacted by this legislation, the disabled, divorced and elderly widows are more likely to live near the poverty line. Clearly we would like to do more for these beneficiaries. Yet there is a limit in the number and scope of improvements we are able to make as we face broader Social Security reform issues. This small benefit package passed the House on May 14, 2002, by a stunning vote of 418 to 0. We feel that a similar vote can send these changes to the President and we can show that bipartisanship is a route that will work when it comes to future Social Security reform. I ask unanimous consent to have the bill printed in the Record.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred September 5, 1994 in Seattle, WA. A gay couple was physically assaulted by a group of people shouting anti-gay slurs. Two of the attackers, Candice Underwood and Steven Lee, were charged with malicious harassment in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, today we are considering the Gerald B.H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act. This bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives is identical to S. 1572 and has over 30 cosponsors here in the Senate was reported out unanimously by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in December of last year. The Gerald B.H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act reaffirms the Senate's support for continued enlargement of NATO, without naming any names of who should receive an invitation to join. It also demonstrates that extending security and stability in Europe through the enlargement of the most successful military alliance in modern history is not a partisan issue. The bill endorses the vision of further enlargement of NATO articulated by President Bush on June 15, 2001, when he stated that, ``all of Europe's new democracies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea and all that lie between, should have the same chance for security and freedom.'' It also endorses the statement of former President Clinton, who in 1996, said, ``NATO's doors will not close behind its first new members . . . [but] NATO should remain open to all of Europe's emerging democracies who are ready to shoulder the responsibilities of membership.'' While President Bush said we should see how much and not how little we can do, inviting new members into the alliance is a serious exercise requiring careful consideration of applicant countries' capabilities and their commitment to democratic values. When the time comes to select which countries should receive an invitation to join NATO, we should ensure that the inclusion of a particular candidate will make the alliance stronger. In other words, does its military, geographic, political and public commitment strengthen the Atlantic alliance and its ability to preserve a stable and secure Europe? NATO membership is not based solely on military capability. If NATO were only about aligning the worlds greatest militaries then its membership roster would include Israel and Russia or China and North Korea rather than Iceland and Norway. I think we can all agree that values matter. Democratic values, the rule of law, religious freedoms, protection of minorities. When the time comes to look at which countries should be invited to join the alliance from those participating in the MAP, Membership Action Plan, process, we certainly should examine what capabilities they bring to European security, the trans-Atlantic relationship and the global war on terror. However, perhaps what is more important than what contribution they have made to KFOR, SFOR or Operation Enduring Freedom, or more important than their geography or the overflight rights they have granted, is what they are doing within their own country. Are they advancing a democratic society, working to eliminate government corruption, preventing their country from being used as a transit for the trafficking of women and children, protecting the rights of minorities and settling regional divisions? Is bigger better? It can be. The countries actively being considered for NATO membership that are in the MAP process all see the value of revitalizing the Atlantic alliance. They have demonstrated that they are ready to be an ally through contributions in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Every Slovak, Latvian, or Romanian that is back filling NATO in KFOR or SFOR or engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom means one less American that is in harms way. The time has come for NATO to address how decisions are made as not to repeat what came to be known in Kosovo as ``war by committee'' when target selection had to be cleared through the NATO capitals rather than the NATO military commander. Supporters and opponents to NATO Enlargement agree that the growing capabilities gap between the United States and our European allies must be addressed and will be addressed at the NATO summit in Prague. We in the United States must be able to turn to our NATO allies as they do us for capabilities to face the threats of today. The world that we face has in fact changed and we, as well as our NATO allies, must do the real work of building the capabilities to address what Secretary Rumsfeld called asymmetrical threats even prior to September 11. It seems to me that top on the list of threats that both we and Europe face is the growing threat of weapons of mass destruction. At the Prague Summit in November, NATO must properly address what we can do together to address the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction in the hands of our new common enemy, global terrorism. What NATO's mission will be in the future is an important question. Thirty-six years ago, in ``The Troubled Partnership,'' Henry Kissinger wrote of the difficulties in the Atlantic Alliance, and queried whether we and Europe had the same vision for the future of NATO. Differences still exist, however, we should not jeopardize all that NATO is by focusing on what it is not; rather we should see how NATO can better address the threats that we see so clearly since September 11.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in January 1998 in Springfield, IL. A gay man was abducted, tortured, and robbed. The attacker, Thomas Goacher, 27, was charged with a hate crime, aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated battery in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred April 3, 1991 in Boston, MA. A Northeastern University student was arrested for making anti-Semitic and anti-homosexual death threats. The student, Garrett McAdams, was accused of threatening to kill a Jewish Realtor and bomb the offices of a gay student organization. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in June 2000 in Rapid City, SD. Police were ``baffled'' by the lastest in a series of eight inexplicable drowning deaths among mostly Native Americans along Rapid Creek. Press reports indicate that local Native Americans believe an ``Indian-hater'' is waiting for the victims to become drunk and then dragging, rolling, or pushing them into the water. Those incidents came on the heels of a March 2000 report from the U.S. Civil Rights Commission showing that racial tensions in the state are high. 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce this week, with Senator Mary Landrieu, the Nuclear and Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002 NTTRA. The NTTRA addresses one of the most serious security challenges facing the United States today: the possibility that a portion of the Russian nuclear weapons arsenal and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will fall into the hands of terrorists or terrorist states. Over a decade after the end of the cold war, Russian still possesses about 95 percent of the world's nuclear weapons and materials outside of the United States. These weapons and materials are stored in over 400 locations across Russia and many are not fully secure. To understand the need to help the Russians on this front, one fact bears noting: Each year, the Russians spend approximately 2 percent of the amount that we spend to operate and secure our nuclear weapons arsenal. The members of this body know that addressing this challenge is not a partisan issue. It is an issue of deep concern to all Americans. Early last year, a bipartisan task force led by former Sentate majority leader and current U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard Baker, and former White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler reached three primary conclusions: First, the most urgent unmet national security threat to the United States today is the danger that weapons of mass destruction or weapons- usable material in Russia can be stolen and sold to terrorists or hostile nation States and used against American troops abroad or citizens at home; second, current nonproliferation programs in the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and related agencies have achieved impressive results thus far, but their limited mandate and funding fall short of what is required to address adequately the threat; and third, the President and the leaders of the 107th Congress face the urgent national security challenge of devising an enhanced response proportionate to the threat. It bears repeating that these conclusions were reached months in advance of the September 11 attacks. This legislation will address each of the Baker-Cutler Task Force conclusions. The Bush administration has devoted considerable time and effort to increase cooperation between the United States and Russia on these matters, as exemplified by U.S.-Russia cooperation in the war against terrorism, the Bush-Putin summit in November 2001, and the May 2002 U.S.-Russia summit in Russia. Also, late last year, the administration completed a thorough review of U.S. efforts to help Russia secure its nuclear and other WMD arsenal. The review concluded that, ``most U.S. programs to assist Russia in threat reduction and nonproliferation work well, are focused on priority tasks, and are well managed.'' At the time, the White House also noted: ``The President has made clear repeatedly that his administration is committed to strong, effective cooperation with Russia and the other states of the Former Soviet Union to reduce weapons of mass destruction and prevent their proliferation.'' The President wisely realizes that only through greater cooperation with Russia can we deal effectively with this problem. The NTTRA supports the President's desire to strengthen U.S.- Russia cooperative efforts. Senator Landrieu and I are carrying on the tradition of Senators like Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar, who along with other of our colleagues were responsible for the U.S. effort to help the Russians secure, account for, and, where possible, dispose of their nuclear weapons and other WMD. The United States must make every effort to defeat global terrorism. One of the most important actions we can take is to deny terrorists the means to kill tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people. The NTTRA will address this serious national security challenge in the following ways: First, the NTTRA states that it is the policy of the United States to work cooperatively with the Russian Federation in order to prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction and material, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, as well as scientific and technical expertise necessary to design and build weapons of mass destruction. As I noted earlier, the administration's recent review of U.S.-Russia programs concluded: ``most U.S. programs to assist Russia in threat reduction and nonproliferation work well, are focused on priority tasks, and are well managed.'' The NTTRA proposals complement the increases and proposed organizational changes that the Bush administration has proposed for these programs. The NTTRA also calls for the President to deliver to Congress, no later than 6 months after the enactment of the NTTRA, a series of recommendations on how to enhance the implementation of U.S.-Russia non-proliferation and threat reduction programs, including suggestions on how to improve and streamline the contracting and procurement practices of these programs and a list of impediments to the efficient and effective implementation of these programs. Second, this bill addresses the shortcomings in the Russian system in accounting for nuclear warheads and weapons-grade material: The NTTRA states that it is the policy of the United States to establish with Russia comprehensive inventories and data exchanges of Russian and U.S. weapons-grade material and assembled warheads with particular attention to tactical, or ``non-strategic,'' warheads--one of the most likely weapons a terrorist organization or state would attempt to acquire--and weapons which have been removed from deployment. Only through such an accounting system will we be able to reliably say that Russian warheads and materials are sufficiently secure. Third, the NTTRA calls for the establishment of a joint U.S.-Russia Commission on the Transition from Mutually Assured Destruction to Mutually Assured Security. The U.S. side of the Commission would be composed of private citizens who are experts in the field of U.S.- Russia strategic stability. The NTTRA also calls upon the President to make every effort to encourage the Russian Government to establish a complementary Commission that would jointly meet and discuss how to preserve strategic stability during this time of rapid and positive change in the U.S.-Russia relationship. The United States and Russia have made great strides to reshape our countries' relationship since the end of the cold war. I am encouraged by the work of President Bush and President Putin regarding the reduction of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals and I have been pleased to see Russia's understanding and support of our war on terrorism. I hope that this bill will support our countries' working relationship by encouraging further movement towards arms reductions and helping build trust and expand dialogue and cooperation between our nations. This relationship is critical to protecting both Russia and the United States from nuclear terrorism. I call upon the members of this body to join Senator Landrieu and me as we work against nuclear terrorism by supporting the Nuclear and Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in May 1996 in Lake Charles, LA. A gay man was robbed and beaten to death after being abducted from a rest stop. The attackers, four men, said that they had gone to the rest area to ``roll a queer.'' 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 of 2001 is now 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 of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague, Senator Torricelli, in introducing the Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002, a bill that will bring better care to thousands of Oregon seniors. Nursing homes across America are in trouble, and it's not just Wall Street analysts who will tell you that. The people who rely on nursing home services the most can share with you their concerns about the future of skilled nursing care. Impending cuts to Medicare benefits for skilled nursing facilities will jeopardize the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities, and we cannot in good conscience allow these cuts to occur. The Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002 will prevent cuts to Medicare funding for nursing homes and will ensure that Medicare pays for the full cost of care rather than short-changing nursing facilities. This bill will be particularly important for Oregon. My State of Oregon is home to an ever growing population of senior citizens, and we are predicted to be the 4th oldest State in the union by the year 2020. As our citizens age, and I am among that aging group, it will be essential that we have the capacity to care for our most needy seniors. Unfortunately, instead of increasing capacity we are seeing skilled nursing facilities close all over the country. This could have disastrous consequences for an already over-taxed health care system. Without the Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act, Oregon's nursing homes will lose $37.58 per patient per day, and it is difficult to offer high quality services under those circumstances. We must work together to pass this important legislation to protect our seniors, and to ensure that skilled nursing facilities will still be there when the rest of us need them in only a few short years.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague, Senator Torricelli, in introducing the Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002, a bill that will bring better care to thousands of Oregon seniors. Nursing homes across America are in trouble, and it's not just Wall Street analysts who will tell you that. The people who rely on nursing home services the most can share with you their concerns about the future of skilled nursing care. Impending cuts to Medicare benefits for skilled nursing facilities will jeopardize the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities, and we cannot in good conscience allow these cuts to occur. The Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act of 2002 will prevent cuts to Medicare funding for nursing homes and will ensure that Medicare pays for the full cost of care rather than short-changing nursing facilities. This bill will be particularly important for Oregon. My State of Oregon is home to an ever growing population of senior citizens, and we are predicted to be the 4th oldest State in the union by the year 2020. As our citizens age, and I am among that aging group, it will be essential that we have the capacity to care for our most needy seniors. Unfortunately, instead of increasing capacity we are seeing skilled nursing facilities close all over the country. This could have disastrous consequences for an already over-taxed health care system. Without the Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act, Oregon's nursing homes will lose $37.58 per patient per day, and it is difficult to offer high quality services under those circumstances. We must work together to pass this important legislation to protect our seniors, and to ensure that skilled nursing facilities will still be there when the rest of us need them in only a few short years.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of last year. The Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred November 1, 1991 in Brattleboro, VT. Two gay men were beaten by two juveniles who were heard to make anti-gay remarks. The assailants were charged with a hate crime in connection with the incident. 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 of 2001 is now 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.