J. Thurmond

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to hold a briefing during the session of the Senate on Monday, September 9, 1996, at 1 p.m.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I yield the floor. Mr. CONRAD addressed the Chair.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I wish to commend the able Senator from Oklahoma for the excellent remarks he just made here on the floor of the Senate on this bill. The Senator from Oklahoma is a member of the Armed Services Committee of the Senate, and a very valuable member. He has made outstanding contributions to our defense on that committee. Again, I commend him.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, since both sides are using this quorum to their advantage, I ask unanimous consent that the time be equally divided to each side when we are in a quorum so no one side will be unduly punished.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

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

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

Mr. THURMOND. I agree with the statement of the Senator from New Hampshire.

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 President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Arnold Punaro, the minority staff director. At the close of this session, Arnold Punaro will be leaving the Senate after almost 24 years of service, both on the Senate Armed Services Committee and on Senator Nunn's personal staff. During his service on the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Punaro served in the following positions: 1983 to 1987, minority staff director; 1987 to 1995, staff director; 1996 to the present, minority staff director. Throughout his tenure on the committee, Mr. Punaro played a key supporting role in virtually all legislation that the Armed Services Committee considered, including the Goldwater-Nichols legislation and creation of the Special Operation Command. In addition to his superb work on the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Punaro serves in the Marine Corps Reserves. He currently holds the rank of brigadier general and is commanding general of the Marine Corps Reserves Support Command. Mr. President, I know I will be joined by all members of the Armed Services Committee in thanking Mr. Punaro, for his dedication and hard work on behalf of our Armed Forces and for the service he has rendered to our Nation. Mr. President, I wish him and his family continued success in the years ahead. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, airborne electronic warfare has been an item of special interest for the Committee on Armed Services for several years now, not only because of its importance in strike warfare but also because of the Department of Defense's checkered record of providing substantial programs and clear direction in this area. In fact, I believe it was when Senator Nunn chaired the committee in 1992, that the committee urged the Defense Department to merge electronic warfare programs to provide a more cost-effective, and indeed, a more effective EW capability.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I yield the floor. Mr. NUNN addressed the Chair.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, finally, I want to express my appreciation to Senator Stevens and Senator Inouye, the chairman and ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, for their willingness to work with us in a spirit of unprecedented cooperation through our process this year. I believe that both of our committee's bills have benefitted from this relationship. With the attacks against Iraq this week, we are reminded again of the vital role our military is fulfilling around the world. Many of the Senators who have expressed concern about the funding levels in this bill have also gone on record in support of the President's recent actions in Iraq as well as his earlier decision to send our troops to Bosnia. These deployments are costly. They require continuing investments in weapons modernization, spare parts support, and training in order to ensure that our men and women in uniform are well led and can perform such operations efficiently and with a minimum of risk. As Senators consider their votes on this vital legislation, they should be mindful of our obligation to support the men and women in our Armed Forces and the need to maintain an adequate level of funding for these forces that we so frequently call upon to go into harm's way. It is my hope that this conference agreement will receive the resounding support of the Senate. The agreement is supported by a bipartisan consensus and represents a responsible and sustainable approach to national security. It sends the strongest signal to our men and women in uniform that we appreciate their daily sacrifices, and that we are committed to supporting their families and their mission into the next century. Mr. President, in closing, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues that President Clinton has already indicated in his radio address on Saturday that he intends to sign this legislation. I believe that this is a strong reflection of the bipartisan spirit which has characterized this bill from the very beginning. With that in mind, I believe all Senators should be able to vote for this bill, and I urge them to do so. Exhibit 1

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise in support of the conference agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1997. This agreement continues the work we began last year to keep the Department of Defense on a steady course as it heads into the 21st century. The legislation sends a signal that we remain strongly committed to support our men and women in uniform through funding for modernization and training as well as for quality-of-life programs for our military and their families. This year, the Senate chaired the conference with the House. I am proud to say that we developed a responsible agreement after less than 20 working days. This agreement resulted from the bipartisan cooperation of House Members and Senators, Republicans and Democrats, working together on issues affecting our national security. During my tenure in the Senate and my nearly 40 years as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have fought hard to ensure that the security of our Nation is an issue that unifies rather than divides us. The best national security policy is developed and implemented when we act in a bipartisan spirit. It is my sincere hope that we can make this an even stronger feature of the process we use to craft future national security legislation. The conference report recommends an increase of $11.2 billion above the President's budget request of $254 billion for fiscal year 1997. The funding level authorized for the new budget authority is $265.6 billion, which is the same level approved by the full Senate on July 10. This amount is still $7.4 billion below the inflation-adjusted fiscal year 1996 level of spending. To improve the quality of life of our military personnel and their families, the conference agreement includes a 3-percent pay raise for military members and a 4.6-percent increase in the basic allowance for quarters. The conference report also includes an increase of $850.0 million above the administration's request for military construction funding. Approximately 60 percent of this increase is dedicated to quality of life programs, especially military housing. The conference agreement addresses some of the most serious modernization concerns we have identified, while maintaining a balance between current and future readiness. The agreement provides for an increase of approximately $900 million for ballistic missile defense programs. This increase will support aggressive developments for national missile defense, Navy Upper Tier, and the theater high-altitude area defense system. The conference report does not include any legislative provision concerning theater missile defense demarcation. During conference, the President's National Security Adviser informed the conferees that the administration had already concluded that the tentatively agreed-upon TMD demarcation agreement constitutes a substantive change to the ABM Treaty. Given that the Constitution and existing law require any substantive change to the ABM Treaty to be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent, the conferees agreed that additional legislation on this matter is not required. With regard to the ABM Treaty succession issue, the conference report also does not include any legislative provision. The statement of managers clearly expresses the view that any agreement to multilateralize the ABM Treaty would constitute a substantive change requiring Senate advice and consent. In order to avoid a confrontation over this issue that would lead to a veto of the Defense Authorization Act, the conferees agreed that this matter should be considered separately from the Defense Authorization Act. We addressed modernization shortfalls in this bill by including increases for sealift and airlift programs, and robust funding for the construction of new warships, such as the Seawolf submarine and the Arleigh Burke class destroyers. The conference contains a number of funding increases to bring advanced technologies to the battlefield and to support the increasing variety of missions our military men and women are being ordered to carry out around the world. We have authorized increases for additional JSTARS aircraft, greater numbers of critical night vision equipment, as well as providing funds to accelerate the development of the Army's Comanche helicopter and nonlethal weapons programs. Mr. President, I want again to express my appreciation to my colleagues, especially the subcommittee chairmen and ranking members, for working together to reach this responsible conference agreement so expeditiously. I note with sadness that this is the last authorization conference during which the committee will benefit from the friendship, knowledge, and wisdom of Senator Sam Nunn, Senator Bill Cohen, and Senator Jim Exon. Senator Cohen has been a leader in the cause of reforming the acquisition process and has managed the process of recapitalizing our Navy's fleet in a constrained fiscal environment. During his tenure on the committee, Senator Exon has been a dedicated advocate of a strong, affordable defense. Senator Nunn has worked tirelessly to help us put together legislation that reflects the broadest possible bipartisan consensus. I am personally grateful to him, and the entire Nation owes him a debt of gratitude for the work he has put in on this bill and the many other pieces of national security legislation in which he has played such a vital role over the years, including the landmark Goldwater-Nichols Reorganization Act of 1986. Mr. President, we would not have been able to complete work on this conference agreement had it not been for the ceaseless work of our majority and minority staffs. Our two staff directors, Les Brownlee and Arnold Punaro did an outstanding job directing the process and keeping our staffs focused on responsible outcomes. I ask unanimous consent that a list of the committee staff associated with this bill be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, thank you for providing me the opportunity to clarify this section of the conference report.

Mr. THURMOND

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

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation, with Senator Warner, that will permanently extend the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs [VA] to guarantee loans with adjustable rate mortgages [ARMS]. The Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992 made significant changes to the VA Home Loan Program. Included in that bill were provisions establishing a demonstration project authorizing VA to guarantee ARMS during fiscal years 1993-95. The Loan Guaranty Program is a benefit of great value to veterans and to the Nation. This program provides housing credit assistance to satisfy the mortgage credit needs of veterans and members of the Armed Forces. It provides private capital on more liberal terms than are generally available to nonveterans, without the assumption of undue risks by the Federal Government. Veterans are assisted primarily through the use of the Government's guaranty on loans instead of the substantial down payment and other investment safeguards applicable to conventional mortgage transactions. Since the program's inception in 1944, the VA has guaranteed nearly 15 million loans totaling more than $500 billion. The ARM program offers veterans another choice in the mortgage market, particularly when interest rates are high. It is particularly useful to first-time home buyers who can obtain loans with interest rates generally lower than fixed rate loans. The VA ARM allows a maximum of 1 percent interest annually with a 5-percent maximum interest rate increase over the life of the loan. These annual and lifetime caps are identical to those contained in the Federal Housing Administration [FHA] ARM program, which is permanently authorized. During the pilot program, the popularity of ARMS was well established. According to VA statistics, during fiscal year 1995, approximately 20 percent of all loans guaranteed were ARMS. This was double the ration of ARMS to all loans guaranteed in fiscal year 1994. During the test period of 1993-95, ARMS totaling $14.9 billion were guaranteed. In South Carolina, nearly 2,000 ARMS were originated, with a value of more than $181 million. Mr. President, this bill will permanently authorize a worthy program. ARMS are a valuable financing tool for American families. They are used extensively nationwide by conventional and FHA home buyers. This bill will permit qualified veterans to take advantage of ARMS, if they so choose. I urge my colleagues to join Senator Warner and me in the permanent reauthorization of the VA Adjustable Rate Mortgage Program.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation, with Senator Warner, that will permanently extend the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs [VA] to guarantee loans with adjustable rate mortgages [ARMS]. The Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992 made significant changes to the VA Home Loan Program. Included in that bill were provisions establishing a demonstration project authorizing VA to guarantee ARMS during fiscal years 1993-95. The Loan Guaranty Program is a benefit of great value to veterans and to the Nation. This program provides housing credit assistance to satisfy the mortgage credit needs of veterans and members of the Armed Forces. It provides private capital on more liberal terms than are generally available to nonveterans, without the assumption of undue risks by the Federal Government. Veterans are assisted primarily through the use of the Government's guaranty on loans instead of the substantial down payment and other investment safeguards applicable to conventional mortgage transactions. Since the program's inception in 1944, the VA has guaranteed nearly 15 million loans totaling more than $500 billion. The ARM program offers veterans another choice in the mortgage market, particularly when interest rates are high. It is particularly useful to first-time home buyers who can obtain loans with interest rates generally lower than fixed rate loans. The VA ARM allows a maximum of 1 percent interest annually with a 5-percent maximum interest rate increase over the life of the loan. These annual and lifetime caps are identical to those contained in the Federal Housing Administration [FHA] ARM program, which is permanently authorized. During the pilot program, the popularity of ARMS was well established. According to VA statistics, during fiscal year 1995, approximately 20 percent of all loans guaranteed were ARMS. This was double the ration of ARMS to all loans guaranteed in fiscal year 1994. During the test period of 1993-95, ARMS totaling $14.9 billion were guaranteed. In South Carolina, nearly 2,000 ARMS were originated, with a value of more than $181 million. Mr. President, this bill will permanently authorize a worthy program. ARMS are a valuable financing tool for American families. They are used extensively nationwide by conventional and FHA home buyers. This bill will permit qualified veterans to take advantage of ARMS, if they so choose. I urge my colleagues to join Senator Warner and me in the permanent reauthorization of the VA Adjustable Rate Mortgage Program.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President. I rise today to discuss the amendment offered by the minority leader to the VA/HUD appropriation bill. This amendment would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive medical care, vocational training benefits, and compensation benefits for certain children of Vietnam veterans who are born with spina bifida. The proponents of the amendment offer an emotional argument. I am very concerned about those who suffer from this condition. I recognize that these children and their families face many challenges and financial burdens. The issue before us, however, is not whether spina bifida is or isn't a horrible condition. No Senator would argue otherwise. I am confident that each of us has compassion for the children and their families. As a veteran myself, I have been an ardent supporter of our Armed Forces and veterans. I have voted in favor of benefits for all veterans, including those exposed to agent orange and Persian Gulf war veterans. What this body must determine, is what legislation is appropriate at this time. I do have concerns about this amendment, as it is offered on this appropriations measure. Historically, benefits for dependents of veterans have been based on the death or disability of the veteran. This amendment would, for the first time, authorize VA to provide benefits to a person not a veteran based on a possible relationship between that individual's disability and a veteran's service. The committee of jurisdiction should carefully consider such an unprecedented extension. However, no such hearings have occurred to fully examine the consequences of extending benefits. Therefore, I consider this amendment to be premature. Under this amendment, children of veterans would be provided comprehensive medical care. The Veterans' Affairs Committee recently approved an extensive overhaul of eligibility rules and priorities for health care. Under that legislation, veterans would be enrolled into the VA health care system, with a cap on total health care expenditures. The extension of medical care to dependents of veterans will result in a decrease of medical care to veterans. Next, the amendment provides for vocational training benefits and for compensation. Under the proposed framework, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would pay a monthly stipend, based on the level of disability. These benefits would not be paid out of discretionary funds, but, as a new entitlement program, are considered mandatory spending. Because it would affect direct spending, a spending offset will be required. Again, the Veterans' Affairs Committee would be required to pay for this new entitlement to dependents of veterans, of unknown costs, by reducing benefits established for veterans. I believe that creating a new entitlement on this appropriation measure is inappropriate. Finally, I have reservations regarding the underlying merits of the study on which the amendment is based. In short, the science is inconclusive. The Institute of Medicine stated the study shows limited/ suggestive evidence of an association between exposure to herbicides and spina bifida. The principal investigator of the primary study on this issue testified earlier this year before a House committee that the study is inadequate to establish a cause and effect relationship. The VA task force that reviewed the Institute of Medicine report noted that scientific questions remain. Because scientific questions remain, it would be prudent to further study and resolve all open issues before embarking on a new entitlement program that would take away from existing veterans' benefits. Mr. President, because this amendment is premature, is inappropriate for an appropriation bill, and is based on inconclusive science, I will not vote to amend the VA-HUD appropriations bill as proposed by the amendment. Again, I emphasize my support for veterans, my concern and care for the children with spina bifida and their families. I am sure the Congress will continue to review this issue and address the open questions in a more appropriate forum.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Will the Senator yield me 3 minutes?

Mr. THURMOND. I wish to thank the able Senator. I rise today in support of H.R. 3666, the fiscal year 1997 appropriations bill for the Department of the Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and independent agencies. This is a broad measure which provides appropriations for a variety of programs. It funds veterans, public and assisted housing, environmental protection, NASA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other programs. I commend the managers of this bill for their balanced approach in funding the many Government functions contained in this bill. Mr. President, let me note a few of the highlights of this bill. This bill reflects the intent of Congress of keeping Government costs under control. The total appropriation, $84.7 billion, is only a slight increase over last year's funding. However, it is $2.8 billion less than the President requested. Reductions to the President's request are primarily in administrative costs. In most program areas, for actual benefits, funding in this bill is above the President's request. I particularly support the committee's funding proposal for veterans programs. This bill provides $39 billion for veterans, which is an increase over last year's funding and above the President's request. These funds will adequately provide for veterans' compensation and pensions, medical care, and construction projects related to outpatient care, medical research, and veterans' cemeteries. As a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, my commitment to the veterans of our armed services remains strong. I have stated many times that the highest obligation of American citizenship is to defend this country in time of need. In return, this grateful Nation must care for those who are in any way disabled because of their patriotic duty in our Armed Forces. I believe the funding levels in this bill will provide the resources for the Government to meet its obligations to our Nation's veterans. Again, I congratulate the managers of this bill for the support of our veterans. I yield the floor. I thank the Senator.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, pursuant to section 304(b) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. sec. 1384(b)), a Notice of Adoption of Regulations and Submission for Approval was submitted by the Office of Compliance, U.S. Congress. The notice contains final regulations related to Federal Service Labor-Management Relations (Regulations under section 220(e) of the Congressional Accountability Act.) Section 304(b) requires this notice to be printed in the Congressional Record, therefore I ask unanimous consent that the notice be printed in the Record.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, in my many years of public service to the people of South Carolina, one of the finest and most dedicated public servants I have known in C.H. ``Icky'' Albright, a leading businessman, civic booster, and the former mayor of Rock Hill. Today, I rise to pay tribute to my friend, and to wish him a happy 90th birthday, which he celebrated on August 30. Without question, Icky has had a full life, and one marked by many impressive accomplishments. A graduate of Clemson College, Icky's initial calling in life was as an architect, and he practiced his profession first at the South Carolina Highway Commission, and later in his beloved Rock Hill. To this day, many of the buildings he designed remain standing, including several on what has become the campus of Winthrop University. Despite his success as an architect, Icky, as so many enterprising Americans do, wanted to try his hand at running a business, and he eventually gave up architecture in order to manage the Marshall Hardware Co. where he demonstrated his skills as an administrator and entrepreneur. In communities throughout the Nation, being a business leader is a natural springboard into public service, and it was not long before Icky's reputation for hard work, integrity, and desire to help others led my friend into politics. In the years following World War II, during which Icky had volunteered for the Navy and earned the rank of lieutenant, we was elected as a city councilman, mayor, and State senator. In each instance, he held himself to the highest standards of his office and he worked diligently to represent his constituents capably, effectively, and fully. During my term as governor, Icky was serving as Mayor of Rock Hill, and I remember being impressed by his dedication to improving his city and the many projects which he successfully undertook during his tenure. Icky's reputation around Rock Hill was that of a man of action. He was always eager to become involved in any endeavor that would benefit his hometown and make it an even better place. Many of his initiatives are still part of life in Rock Hill, including the Come-See-Me celebration, an annual event designed to celebrate the beauty and hospitality of that city. Without question, Icky has left a commendable legacy through his many years of public service. My friend's commitment to helping others was not limited to the public sector. Through his involvement with numerous broads, commissions, and committees, Icky worked to help build South Carolina and its business community into a vibrant and successful place. He established Albright Realty Company; served as president of both the South Carolina Hardware Association and the South Carolina Association of Realtors; and ended his professional career as the District Director of the Small Business Administration in South Carolina. Additionally, Icky served on the board of visitors of Presbyterian College; the building committee for the Medical University of South Carolina; as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1948; and, as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Icky's commitment to service has earned him many awards and recognitions, including being inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, the highest recognition a non-Rotarian may be awarded. Mr. President, Icky Albright is a man whose friendship I value greatly. He is the godfather of my daughter, Nancy Moore Thurmond, and a man who has been one of my strongest supporters through the years. I am always pleased whenever I have the opportunity to visit with Icky, his loverly wife Sophie, or their sons. Without question, Icky Albright is a man who has served his city, State, and Nation admirably, and it is my hope that others will follow the lead he has set for public spiritedness and willingness to help others. We are proud of his many accomplishments and contributions, and that we are able to claim him as a citizen of South Carolina.

Mr. THURMOND

Mr. THURMOND. Please do not put defense in the group of these other things. This is nonpartisan. This is for the good of the whole Nation. Everybody feels defense is nonpartisan. Why not bring it up now? We could pass it in 1 hour.