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 this 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 May 30, 1993, in Concord, CA. A gay man was sprayed with mace and threatened with a golf club by a neighbor who used an anti-gay slur. The assailant, Gilbert Lucero, 37, was arrested on assault charges. 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, 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 this 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 18, 1993 in Auburn, AL. A gay man allegedly was taunted and beaten at a restaurant. The assailant, Wayne Johnson, was convicted of harassment, fined $100 plus court costs and given a 30-day suspended sentence. 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, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this 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 5, 1997 in Hollywood, CA. Two male transvestites were accosted by two men who attacked them and used anti-gay epithets. Joshua Urena, 21, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and David Miller, 20, was sentenced to 220 days in jail. Both were placed on three years of probation. 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, 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 this 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 Jan. 28, 2000, in Boston, MA. A group of high school teenagers sexually assaulted and attacked a 16-year-old Boston High School student on the subway because she was holding hands with another young girl, a common custom from her native African country. Thinking the victim was a lesbian, the group began groping the girl, ripping her clothes, and pointing at their own genitals. Officials said a teenage boy who was with the group allegedly pulled a knife on the girl, held it to her throat and threatened to slash her. The girl later passed out from being beaten. Three high school students were arrested in the attack and charged with civil rights violations, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and indecent assault and battery. 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, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this 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 6, 2001, in Monmouth County, NJ. Seven people were sentenced on multiple counts, including aggravated assault and harassment by bias intimidation under the state law, for assaulting a 23-year-old learning-disabled man with hearing and speech impediments. The victim was lured to a party, bound, and physically and verbally assaulted for three hours. Later, he was taken to a wooded area where the torture continued until he was able to escape. 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, 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 from New York, Senator Clinton, in introducing the Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act of 2001. As most of my colleagues already know, our Nation is facing an unprecedented nursing shortage. A Northwest Health Foundation study released this year found that Oregon alone will have 3,200 nursing vacancies in 2010. It is critical that we act immediately to address this shortage, and we must start by retaining the highly skilled nurses that already constitute the foundation of our health care system. Our Nation's nursing shortage is not merely the result of poor nurse recruitment, this shortage exists in large part because nurses are leaving the profession altogether. Half a million licensed nurses are not currently practicing. These nurses represent some of our Nation's most compassionate and experienced health care professionals, but they feel compelled to look elsewhere for work, and we must do something to change this disturbing trend. The Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act will give hospitals incentives to develop and implement model practices for retaining nurses, such as the methods used by ``magnet hospitals''. Magnet hospitals have been in existence for a number of years, and share certain characteristics designed to make these hospitals attractive workplaces for nurses. These hospitals promote nurse participation in decision-making, collaboration and communication among health care professionals, opportunities for nurses to pursue education and career advancement, and a balanced and accommodating work environment for nurses. Nurses in magnet hospitals stay twice as long on average as those in non-magnet hospitals, and consistently report greater job satisfaction. Patients also express higher satisfaction in magnet hospitals. There is one such hospital in my home state of Oregon, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR, and I am not alone in hoping this legislation will lead to additional magnet facilities. Our legislation will authorize $40 million in demonstration grants for health care facilities to implement the model practices utilized by magnet hospitals, and I believe that this will be an important step toward fixing our Nation's impending nursing shortage. Nurses are the human face of medicine, but the demands on them are increasingly difficult to bear. The Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act paves the way for hospitals to implement practices that will improve the morale of nurses and encourage them to stay in the nursing profession. Now, more than ever, with the current health and safety concerns facing our Nation, we must let nurses know that they are important to us and that we value their expertise and compassion. By passing this bill, we can do just that, and take important steps to ensure an adequate supply of highly qualified nurses for years to come.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this 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 17, 1999 in Novato, CA. A 17-year-old gay male student, Adam Colton, was ambushed and severely beaten. The letters F-A-G had been scratched into his stomach and arms. Colton had been beaten the previous September in an anti-gay 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, 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 from New York, Senator Clinton, in introducing the Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act of 2001. As most of my colleagues already know, our Nation is facing an unprecedented nursing shortage. A Northwest Health Foundation study released this year found that Oregon alone will have 3,200 nursing vacancies in 2010. It is critical that we act immediately to address this shortage, and we must start by retaining the highly skilled nurses that already constitute the foundation of our health care system. Our Nation's nursing shortage is not merely the result of poor nurse recruitment, this shortage exists in large part because nurses are leaving the profession altogether. Half a million licensed nurses are not currently practicing. These nurses represent some of our Nation's most compassionate and experienced health care professionals, but they feel compelled to look elsewhere for work, and we must do something to change this disturbing trend. The Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act will give hospitals incentives to develop and implement model practices for retaining nurses, such as the methods used by ``magnet hospitals''. Magnet hospitals have been in existence for a number of years, and share certain characteristics designed to make these hospitals attractive workplaces for nurses. These hospitals promote nurse participation in decision-making, collaboration and communication among health care professionals, opportunities for nurses to pursue education and career advancement, and a balanced and accommodating work environment for nurses. Nurses in magnet hospitals stay twice as long on average as those in non-magnet hospitals, and consistently report greater job satisfaction. Patients also express higher satisfaction in magnet hospitals. There is one such hospital in my home state of Oregon, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR, and I am not alone in hoping this legislation will lead to additional magnet facilities. Our legislation will authorize $40 million in demonstration grants for health care facilities to implement the model practices utilized by magnet hospitals, and I believe that this will be an important step toward fixing our Nation's impending nursing shortage. Nurses are the human face of medicine, but the demands on them are increasingly difficult to bear. The Nurse Retention and Quality of Care Act paves the way for hospitals to implement practices that will improve the morale of nurses and encourage them to stay in the nursing profession. Now, more than ever, with the current health and safety concerns facing our Nation, we must let nurses know that they are important to us and that we value their expertise and compassion. By passing this bill, we can do just that, and take important steps to ensure an adequate supply of highly qualified nurses for years to come.

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 this 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 15, 2000 in Denver, CO. First-degree murder charges were filed against Samuel Grauman, 21, who was accused of killing, Daniel O'Brien, 36, because O'Brien was gay. Grauman and another man were believed to have befriended gay men they thought would be easy robbery targets. 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, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. I am asking for consideration of our amendment.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I ask for adoption of the amendment.

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

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I ask for the amendment's immediate consideration.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today, again, to raise my voice on behalf of the farmers of Klamath Falls, OR, and the Klamath Falls Basin that includes northern California in equal numbers. I first thank my colleagues of the Senate and of the entire Congress for the $20 million that was allocated on an emergency basis to help these farmers to stave off foreclosure. My colleague, Senator Wyden, and I pointed out at the time that it was probably a tenth of what was actually needed, and that is proving to be the case, because the wolves of foreclosure are at the doors of many farms right now. The reason is simply that they were denied a season of farming. You can imagine what it would mean if the Federal Government took away the means by which any of us makes a living for a year and how we might survive. The truth is, we cannot. No one saves that money. The way farms operate, they do not have those kinds of margins. So what I am doing today is seeking an additional appropriation to help them; it comes in two requests: One, it is to provide these 1,400 farm families with an additional $38 million in direct assistance; in addition to that, $9 million for activities to improve water storage and water quality in the Upper Klamath River Basin. I have searched for offsets. I found one. I am willing to work with the Congress on making these dots connect, but I am identifying it as an offset: the sale of Pershing Hall in Paris, France. It is along the Champs Elysees. It is owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is empty. We are paying taxes on it. It is exceedingly valuable real estate. It is run down. It is vacant. I am asking that we sell this building and that we use this money to help these farmers. It will generate at least this amount of money, and more. I am simply saying that, in very real terms, this money is needed now while it is being wasted in Paris. The people of Oregon generally have the highest rates of unemployment in America, but certainly the pain is felt more acutely in Klamath Falls than any place of which I can think. So I ask for consideration of my amendment. I look forward to working with the chairman and the ranking member, both of whom have expressed support for my cause on this issue. And I thank them for that. I also thank my colleague, Senator Wyden, for his equal partnership in the effort to try to salvage 1,400 great family farms. I yield the floor, Mr. President, and thank you for the time.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I would like to work with the chairman and the ranking member to find the offset that works and that would win the support of the chairman and ranking member. I thank them both.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I say to my friend from Michigan, I am very supportive of his amendment, but I was going to speak to another one and would love to be added as a cosponsor to this amendment.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment that is now pending.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, as a freshman Senator in 1997, I offered an amendment to the foreign operations bill that predicated foreign aid to the Russian Federation on the implementation of a new law restricting religious freedom in Russia. That law, passed by the Russian Duma on July 4, 1997, had the potential of severely restricting freedom of religion in Russia. The bill was ironically titled ``on freedom of conscience and on religious associations.'' That bill was eventually signed into law--a law that required religious groups to register with the State and submit their religious doctrines and practices to scrutiny by a commission of experts with the power to deny religious status. Without this status, these groups would lose the rights to rent or own property, employ religious workers or conduct charitable and educational activities. Clearly that law in Russia and its implementation would have a grave impact on religious freedom in that country. I am happy to report that my 1997 amendment passed the Senate 95 to 4. I would also note that both the bill managers, Senators Leahy and McConnell, voted in favor of this amendment and I thank them for their support. In following years this amendment was included as part of the foreign operations bill. This year it was not. I rise today to offer this same amendment again and understand that it will be accepted by the managers of this bill sometime today during its consideration. In my years in the Senate I have remained vigilant on the issue of religious freedom. The Foreign Relations Committee has held yearly hearings on religious freedom abroad--especially what is going on in the Russian Federation. I also host, with the Department of State, a series of yearly roundtable discussions on religious freedom. These roundtable discussions are attended by members of each religious community impacted by this new law in Russia and by various State Department and NSC officials that are responsible for religious freedom abroad. As the years went by and the registration period closed regarding religions, it was felt by all those interested in religious freedom in that country that this amendment was a positive influence on how the new Russian law was implemented. It let the Russian Government know that Americans cared about freedom of religion in Russia--that the eyes of the world were upon the Russian Government as it implemented the law on religions. Although the amendment has never been implemented--and each year aid has gone out to the Russian Federation--the amendment's influence and impact has been positive and undeniable according to those religions ``on the ground'' in Russia. In general many of the problems initially have worked themselves out under this new law. Many of the problems with denials of registration or persecution have occurred in the far reaches of the Russian Federation. The conventional wisdom regarding implementation of that law is that persecution occurs abroad--the farther away from Moscow and the centralized government, the greater the risk is for religious intolerance. But even in Moscow there is a requirement of vigilance. And I am happy to report that this body has been vigilant on this issue-- especially regarding the old problem of anti-Semitism in Russia. Some might say that we shouldn't single out Russia regarding this issue. I would agree--we should fight anti-Semitism in every nation including our own. Because I believe that how a nation treats the sons and daughters of Israel is a bellweather for tolerance. I would like to submit for the Record letters from years past that almost all of my colleagues signed regarding their concerns over the rise in anti-Semitism in Russia. Each of these letters contain 98 to 99 signatures--virtually all of the Senate was united on this issue. I firmly believe that this language is needed again this year. I would also like to submit for the Record a letter from NCSJ--advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia. NCSJ is the leading advocate for the plight and well-being of the Jewish community in Russia. NCSJ's executive director, Mark Levin, writes: We wish to underline NCSJ's support for your amendment to condition certain assistance to the Russian Federation on verification by President Bush that the Russian Government has no way acted to restrict freedom of religion as guaranteed by international commitments and treaties. . . . the 1997 law on religion, under which ``non- traditional'' groups must register with government authorities, has continued to generate misunderstandings, difficulties and intimidation. The Russian law, among other things, limits the activities of foreign missionaries and grants unregistered ``religious groups'' fewer rights than accredited Russian religious organizations such as the Russian Orthodox Church, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. This law if poorly implemented, could also sharply restrict the activities of foreign missionaries in Russia. The Russian Government should permit foreign missionaries to enter and reside in Russia--within the framework of Russian law--and work with fellow believers. Furthermore, foreign missionaries should be allowed to enjoy the religious freedom guaranteed Russian citizens and legal residents by the Russian constitution, OSCE commitments, and other international agreements to which Russia is signatory. One of my own constituents, Pastor Dan Pollard, is a missionary with a church in the Russian far east--in a town called Vanino. Pastor Pollard has been continually harassed by local officials, many who cite the 1997 law as an official reason for barring Pollard from ministering. I thank the managers again for accepting this amendment as part of the foreign operations bill and hope that this legislation sends a strong signal to President Putin that human rights and religious freedom are core American values and we seek to share them with all our friends and allies. However it must be understood that American dollars will not find their way to support a country that treats freedom of religion in such a manner. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the letters to which I previously referred.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Reserving the right to object.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I say to the majority leader, I will not object, but I want to be included in the colloquy and be entirely supportive of my colleague, Senator Wyden. I want to state publicly for the record, Senator Wyden and I began working on this issue together in great earnest this last weekend because it was apparent that the good bill we had passed to the House was coming back as something less than that bill. Because of the unique circumstances described by Senator Wyden, every American should know that the bill we are about to pass tomorrow puts a stake in Oregon that says Oregon is open for business to terrorism. That is a stake we want to pull out because right now no undercover work is going on in Oregon for a whole variety of unusual reasons. That is where it is, and that must be fixed, or every American should know that the bill we will pass tomorrow is an illusion until it includes all 50 States. In my State, whether it is environmental terrorism, child pornography, drug runners, methamphetamine producers, or al-Qaida terrorist groups, they are finding aid and comfort from the absence of law enforcement when it comes to undercover activities. That must end or we are kidding the American people. I thank the majority leader for his commitment. I thank Senator Lott and the managers of this bill for their commitment, and I say for the record, I have the assurances of Carl Rove with the White House, John Ashcroft in Justice, and I am awaiting a call from the Speaker of the House to work in earnest to get this resolved quickly so that we can in good faith face the American people and say: We have passed a terrorism bill that includes all Americans. But right now, it does not include Oregonians. I yield to my colleagues.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I rise today to speak about hate crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy in March of this 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 20, 2000 in Stafford, VA. Thomas Rivers, 18, allegedly attacked a 15-year- old gay teenager by bashing him in the back of the head with a metal pole, almost killing him. The previous year, after Rivers learned that the younger boy was attracted to him, Rivers lashed out by shouldering him in hallways at school, shouting slurs and spitting on him. The attack came eight months later when Rivers saw the boy walking in an area park. 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, we can change hearts and minds as well.

Mr. SMITH of Oregon

Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Oregon native, Michael Lee Selves, an American hero and patriot whose distinguished service to our Nation spanned 32 years. Michael's life was tragically cut short on September 11, 2001, when American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Michael Selves served this great Nation as both an officer and civilian with the United States Army. Mr. Selves entered the Army in 1969, and during his illustrious career selflessly defended freedom at duty stations in Europe, Korea, and across the United States. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before leaving military service, he was admired and respected by superiors and subordinates alike as a gifted and caring leader of soldiers. His numerous decorations include the Legion of Merit and three Meritorious Service Medals. As a Department of the Army civilian, Mr. Selves brought his leadership skills to the office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. His vast skills were quickly recognized as he was appointed Director of the Army's Information Management Support Center. Under his leadership, a cohesive team of information technology professionals was formed that produced the highest score for customer satisfaction within the Pentagon. The actions of his subordinates in the hours immediately following the attack on the Pentagon attests to his leadership. Despite Mr. Selves' absence, and extensive damage to the automation infrastructure, they were able to restore services within 70 hours. On behalf of his family and many friends, let the record show that the Congress of the United States of America honors the memory of Michael Lee Selves and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our grateful Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family members, especially his wife and parents, Jack and Florence Selves, and will remain with them in the months to come.

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 this 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 19, 2000 in Columbus, OH. Scott Roberts, a gay man, told the Columbus Dispatch that he believes he and his partner of six years, Bill Camelin, were attacked because they are gay. After being lured to a remote location, Camelin was shot to death and Roberts was wounded in the knee. 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, 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 this 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 15, 2000 in Elmwood Park, NJ. After days of anti-gay taunts and threats, a classmate beat a 16-year-old gay student at Memorial High School in Elmwood Park. The teen's face was bruised and cut from being tackled and repeatedly punched in the face and body. 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, 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 this 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 21, 2001 in Cortez, CO. The body of an openly gay, half-Navajo teen, Fred Martinez Jr., 16, was found south of Cortez 5 days after he left home to go to a carnival. Police have arrested another teen, Shaun Murphy, in the murder and are investigating whether the homicide was a hate crime based on sexual orientation or race. The perpetrator allegedly bragged that he ``beat up a fag.'' Martinez often curled his hair, plucked his eyebrows, wore make-up and toted a purse to school. His mother told the press that she firmly believes her son's slaying was a hate crime based on his gender identity or because he was transgender. 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, we can change hearts and minds as well.