John Warner

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank my colleague Let's talk about a large employer. I am simply the manager of a section with maybe seven or eight employees, but they are good friends. They have worked with me for a very long time. One suddenly becomes ill. Were I to drive that person to the hospital and in any other way participate in trying to alleviate the pain and suffering of the moment, would that then subject my overall firm to liability by virtue of my actions, say, as a good Samaritan?

Mr. WARNER. I thank my colleague.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to share with my colleagues an historical event which took place at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA on May 22, 2001. The event memorializes a remarkable chapter in Army history that occurred after Word War II. The event was the dedication of the Survivor's Talmud Exhibit which was done in honor of a truly great man, Leonard Strelitz, by his close friends. The story of the Survivor's Talmud speaks to the strength and resolve of a very determined people of Jewish faith some 54 years ago; and, to the resourcefulness and caring of a handful of U.S. Army soldiers. Today, I place in the Congressional Record excerpts from the ceremony that convey the historical and spiritual splendidness of this extraordinary tale to include: the Invocation, by Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach; Remarks and Benediction by Major General Gaylord T. Gunhus, Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Army; and Remarks by Mr. Marvin Simon and Mr. Walter Segaloff, hosts of the evening's events. Due to Senate business on the day of the ceremony, I was not able to attend so I am also placing in the Record a copy of a letter I wrote to be read during the ceremony. As this magnificent exhibit tours throughout the country, I hope it will instill in younger generations the critical importance of preserving human rights, individual dignity, and freedom. It will remind future generations of the incomprehensible sacrifices of the World War II generation and their need to always remain alert to prevent a reoccurrence in the future. I ask unanimous consent to print the material to which I referred.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Yes, of course.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I think it is important that you undertook this because you do so not only out of loyalty to your State and to your constituents, but, indeed, by your distinguished record in World War II, having served in the Navy, and by your strong support throughout your entire Senate career for all those who participated in military conflict, and their families, and particularly for your support for this memorial. I thank the Senator for the opportunity to engage in a colloquy with him. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may have printed in the Record certain additional material that could be pertinent.

Mr. WARNER. I say to my good friend, so we will all know, our beloved colleague, and former majority leader, Robert Dole, who has an extraordinary record of heroism in World War II, was, indeed, instrumental in the building of this memorial; that is, raising the funds and putting the infrastructure in place financially for this memorial to go through. There are some hundred thousand dollars that have been raised--almost all of it in the private sector. I was pleased, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, to bring to the Senate an amendment of some $6 million of taxpayers funds which was incorporated into last year's authorization bill and appropriated to add to the many hundreds of thousands of gifts contributed towards the building of this memorial so as to raise the final total to the $100 million to allow construction to go forward. So I say to my good friend from North Carolina, again, I feel an obligation, having instituted that funding requirement, and asking colleagues to support--indeed, the Congress as a whole--I feel I have an obligation to put in the Record such facts as I know about this case. And I will include a communication I have just received from Senator Dole which in many ways recites the history of the distinguished firm to which you refer.

Mr. WARNER. Yes.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, it is just by accident that I happened to be on the floor to listen to my distinguished friend and colleague recount the history of this really remarkable construction firm. But I must say I have some concerns about the problem. I have not reached any determination. I don't know if there is anything that this one Senator or other Senators can do to try to clarify what I perceive as a legitimate concern not only held by this Senator but many across the United States for these reasons. My dear friend and colleague from North Carolina has recounted the history of J.A. Jones. I don't question for a minute the distinguished patriotic service this firm has rendered to the United States, as the Senator has recounted very clearly, from World War II to date. It also brought up the Charles Tompkins firm here in Washington, DC. I had some knowledge of that firm, and that firm also had an impeccable record, so far as I know, of patriotic service and built many structures here in Washington. Indeed, if I may indulge, at one time I was a young sort of engineer of types. After my last year of college before going to law school, I worked in the construction business here in the Nation's Capital as the supervisor of heavy concrete and steel construction. And all of us knew about the Charles H. Tompkins Building Firm. But I think it is important for the Record to show that these two firms were then bought out--Tompkins was first bought by the Jones Company, if I understand it, and then the Jones Company, the controlling interest, was bought out by a German firm. Am I correct on that, I ask my distinguished colleague?

Mr. WARNER. Fine. Mr. President, I thank our distinguished colleague, and I appreciate the forbearance of our distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania, who has been patiently waiting. Exhibit No. 1 Washington, DC, June 13, 2001. Hon. John W. Warner, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear John: Enclosed are press statements relating to the companies who were awarded the contract to construct the National World War II Memorial. The General Services Administration acting as the agent for the American Battle Monuments Commission awarded the contract and the selection was under the GSA Construction Excellence program. Best wishes. Bob Dole. Enclosure. [Press Release From the U.S. Agency for International Development, Aug. 18, 2000] Washington, D.C.--Philipp Holzmann AG, a German construction company, has pled guilty to participating in a criminal conspiracy to rig bids on a USAID-funded construction contract in the Arab Republic of Egypt, Everett L. Mosley, Acting Inspector General, U.S. Agency for International Development, announced today. As part of its plea agreement with the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Holzmann agreed to pay a criminal fine in the amount of $30 million. The one-count felony judgment was entered in the U.S. District Court in Birmingham, Alabama. It charged Holzmann and other unnamed co-conspirators with participating in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contract in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Today's action is the first charge to arise out of an on- going grand jury investigation in the Northern District of Alabama conducted by the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, Atlanta Field Office, working in concert with the USAID Office of the Inspector General. ``This plea agreement is the first step in the unraveling of a wide-ranging conspiracy involving several multi-national corporations, which had targeted the USAID program for exploitation,'' Mosley said. ``This investigation is part of our continuing law enforcement effort to combat fraud in the foreign assistance programs. Program integrity is essential to maintain public support for the foreign assistance program of the United States.'' Holzmann participated in rigging the bids so that its American subsidiary, J.A. Jones Construction Co., which had submitted a bid as part of a joint venture, would be awarded the lucrative USAID contract for construction of a waste- water treatment project at a highly inflated price. The investigation is continuing until each co-conspirator is identified and prosecuted. This investigation was conducted by USAID's Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, Atlanta Field Office.

Mr. WARNER. I will place that in today's Record. But I think it is important. I feel a duty to put in the Record also that this parent firm in Germany has just recently concluded a resolution of what appears to be a longstanding dispute about its record during World War II as it related to certain persons in the European area and the use of them as forced labor during the war, which, unfortunately, was prevalent with a lot of German firms that have survived to this day. Then just several hours ago I got a report that some evidence is coming to the forefront--I will have to try to put this in the Record; I am sorry I don't have my papers, but I think it is important--that the firm just paid a penalty to the U.S. Government for some settlement, again, of a claim between the U.S. Government and this firm. But I say to my distinguished friend--and I have no better friend in the Senate. Both of us served in World War II in the U.S. Navy. My service was very modest, but I do remember that period of time very well as a young 17-year-old sailor. I think it is important that at least the Record state the facts. Then the people of the United States, particularly those who served in World War II, and their families-- because this memorial is as much a tribute to the families as it is to those who served, particularly the families who lost their loved ones in that conflict. As the Senator knows, there were over several hundred thousand who lost their lives. There were many, many more hundred thousands who suffered wounds. Then, of course, the Senator remembers the tremendous unity here at home during that entire period between all citizens who served their Nation in many ways. But I just point this out. I think this Record should be complete. I feel an obligation to do it. I do it out of respect for my colleague. But I will put into the Record today additional facts relating to your statement, Senator, because I think the Record should be complete, and then the citizens simply have to make up their own mind on this. I do not know that there is any action that can be taken or should be taken, but the Record, in my judgment, should be complete.

Mr. WARNER. Yes. But what year, to refresh my recollection? I have read it, but I simply don't have my papers here. But how many years ago was it when the German firm bought this----

Mr. WARNER. Yes.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Reserving the right to object, do I understand there is time available on our side?

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, in our efforts to ensure that the United States remains an economic and military superpower in the 21st century, we must strive to improve the quality of math and science education in this country. Unfortunately, our schools today need more support in preparing students--in sufficient numbers--to meet the needs of our country. The statistics are alarming, as reported by the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, The Glenn Commission, and by the National Assessment of Education Progress, NAEP. Less than one-third of all U.S. students in grades 4, 8, and 12 perform at or above the ``proficient'' achievement level in mathematics and science on national tests. More than one-third of such students score below the basic level in these subjects. And, among 20 nations assessed in advanced mathematics and physics, none scored significantly lower than U.S. students in advanced math, and only one scored lower in physics. Our students can and must do better. In an effort to improve math and science education, I have joined with Senators Roberts, Frist, Collins, and others in supporting much needed legislation to help improve math and science education in elementary and secondary schools. This legislation is now part of S. 1, the Better Education for Students and Teachers Act, the BEST Act. Not only will the math and science provisions in the BEST Act help improve math and science curriculum in our elementary and secondary schools, they will help our schools recruit even better math and science educators, and make available additional professional development to these educators. While I wholeheartedly support these provisions, I believe we must go one step further. Not only should we improve math and science education at the K-12 level, we must do something to encourage more individuals to enter vocational schools and colleges and universities in pursuit of programs of study in math, science, and engineering. It is estimated that the technology driven economy of the 21st century will add approximately 2 million science and engineering jobs to the American economy between today and 2008. For example, in one sector of America today, in Northern Virginia, there are over 20,000 high-tech jobs going unfilled month to month. The Senate Judiciary Committee has issued a report that clearly demonstrates America's crisis in meeting the demand in our economy for persons trained in the high-tech field. The report quotes Cato Institute economist Daniel Griswold stating that, ``Americans are not earning specialized degrees fast enough to fill the 1.3 million high- tech jobs the Labor Department estimates will be created during the next decade.'' In addition, the Judiciary Committee report refers to a Hudson Institute estimate that states that the unaddressed shortage of skilled workers throughout the U.S. economy could result in a 5 percent drop in the growth of the GDP. That translates into approximately $200 billion in lost output, nearly $1,000 for every American. In both the 105th Congress and the 106th Congress, we addressed the high-tech labor shortage by passing legislation to increase the ceiling on the number of H-1B visas--a visa for highly trained foreign workers coming to the United States to work in a high-tech position. America was forced to do this because our educational institutions are simply not producing the number of personnel needed in the high- tech sector. In an effort to provide incentives for Americans to pursue a high- tech education, the H-1B visa legislation contained very important provisions that impose a $500 fee per H-1B visa petition that will be used to fund scholarships for Americans who choose to pursue education in these important fields. It is estimated that this fee will raise roughly $450 million over 3 years to create 40,000 scholarships for U.S. workers and U.S. students. Once again, I whole heartedly support the H-1B scholarship fund. Nevertheless, I believe that we in Congress must do more. For the past several weeks, we have been discussing education reform in the Senate. However, during this debate we have failed to address the question of whether our educational system is meeting our Nation's vital economic and national security needs. Our national security is becoming more and more dependent on minds trained in math, science, computer science, and engineering to survive. To ensure our country's prominent role in the future, we must look within our borders to meet these needs. Unfortunately, today, a look inside our borders shows that this country is facing a dire shortage of math, science, and engineering students. According to the National Science Foundation, NSF, the engineering, mathematics, and science fields show declining numbers of degrees in the late 1980s and the 1990s: From 1985 to 1998 there has been a 20 percent decrease in the number of people receiving bachelor's degrees in engineering, from 77,572 to 60,914. In the last 10 years, the number of students graduating with bachelor's in physics has dropped by nearly 20 percent, from 4,347 in 1989 to 3,455 in 1998. From 1986 to 1998 the number of students receiving bachelor's degrees in mathematics has decreased greater than 25 percent, 16,531 to 12,094. From 1986 to 1998 the number of students receiving Bachelors in Computer Science dropped more than 30 percent, from 42,195 to 27,674. While the U.S. produces fewer and fewer mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, the rest of the world is making up the difference. America is importing them. In several large countries--Japan, Russia, China, and Brazil--more than 60 percent of students earn their first university degrees in the science and engineering fields. In contrast, in the U.S., students earn about one-third of their bachelor-level degrees in science and engineering fields, and this includes social sciences. Engineering represents 46 percent of the earned bachelor's degrees in China, about 30 percent in Sweden and Russia, and about 20 percent in Japan and South Korea. In contrast, engineering students in the United States earn about 5 percent of all bachelor-level degrees earned in this country. The demand for science and engineering degrees will only increase. According to the National Science Foundation, during the 1998-2008 period, employment in science and engineering occupations is expected to increase at almost four times the rate for all occupations. Though the economy as a whole is anticipated to provide approximately 14 percent more jobs over this decade, employment opportunities for science and engineering jobs are expected to increase by about 51 percent, or about 2 million jobs. America must now take steps to encourage, at all levels of our educational process, young people to undertake the training necessary to meet our Nation's demands. We in the Congress must help in every way to redirect these students from other pursuits into curricula which will train them. This is an absolute necessity if America is to remain secure economically in this one world market and militarily with our national security commitments. Accordingly, I offered an amendment to this education bill to encourage individuals to pursue programs of study in math, science, and engineering. This amendment is cosponsored by Senators Gordon Smith, Allard, and Allen. The Pell Grant program is one of the most successful and respected educational initiatives taken by the Congress. The concept behind the Pell Grant properly recognizes the needs of young people coming from economic backgrounds which make it difficult for them to acquire higher education. I have in the past, and always will be in the future, a strong supporter of the Pell Grant program. Nevertheless, we in the Congress have an obligation when expending taxpayer money, to do so in a manner that meets our Nation's needs. Our Nation desperately needs more trained students in math, science, and engineering. That is an indisputable objective. The Pell Grant program, in my judgment, offers Congress the opportunity to provide incentives for student recipients to pursue curricula in math, science, and engineering. My amendment provides a 50 percent greater award to Pell Grant recipients who pursue a program of study in math, science, and engineering. The amendment is as simple as that. My Pell Grant amendment is one idea, but I am certain it is not the only idea. As a member of the Senate's Education Committee, I hope that my chairman, Chairman Kennedy, will schedule hearings to look into our system of higher education and whether this country is on track to produce graduates who meet the current and projected needs of this country. At this time, I withdraw my amendment in order to give the Education Committee a sufficient opportunity to address this issue. At some time in this Congress, I fully intend to reintroduce an amendment along these lines after the committee has reviewed the issues, after I get the views of the administration, and after the wide range of people who on a daily basis review the Pell Grant program have an opportunity to share their views as well. amendment no. 443

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise once again today in support of the over 3,000,000 teachers in this country. In the early days of the debate on this education bill, I, along with Senator Collins, offered a Sense of the Senate amendment on May 8, 2001. This amendment, which passed by a vote of 95-3, stated: the Senate should pass legislation providing elementary and secondary level educators with additional tax relief in recognition of the many out of pocket, unreimbursed expenses educators incur to improve the education of our Nation's students. Later, on May 23, 2001, on the tax reconciliation bill of 2001, the Senate passed a Collins-Warner amendment to provide teachers with such tax relief. The amendment passed the Senate by a vote of 98-2. I worked with Senator Collins on this amendment because I recognize that individuals do not pursue a career in the teaching profession for the salary. People go into the teaching profession for different personal commitments--to educate the next generation, to strengthen America. While many people spend their lives building careers, our teachers spend their careers building lives. Simply put, to teach is to touch a life forever. How true that is. I venture to say that every one of us can remember at least one teacher and the special influence he or she had on our lives. Even though we are all well aware of the important role our teachers play, it goes without saying that our teachers are underpaid, overworked, and all too often, underappreciated. In addition to these factors, our teachers also expend significant money out of their own pocket to better the education of our children. Most typically, our teachers are spending money out of their own pocket on: one, education expenses brought into the classroom--such as books, supplies, pens, paper, and computer equipment; and, two, professional development expenses--such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies associated with courses that help our teachers become even better instructors. These out-of-pocket costs place lasting financial burdens on our teachers. This is one reason our teachers are leaving the profession. Little wonder that our country is in the midst of a teacher shortage. Estimates are that 2.4 million new teachers will be needed by 2009 because of teacher attrition, teacher retirement and increased student enrollment. While the primary responsibility rests with the states, I believe the Federal Government can and should play a role in helping to alleviate the nation's teaching shortage. Here is an example of such help. On a Federal level, we can encourage individuals to enter the teaching profession and remain in the teaching profession by reimbursing them for the costs that teachers voluntarily incur as part of the profession. This incentive will help financially strapped urban and rural school systems as they recruit new teachers and struggle to keep those teachers that are currently in the system. With these premises in mind, Senator Collins and I offered the Collins-Warner amendment to the Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001. This amendment which, again, passed the Senate in a vote of 98-2, had two components. First, the legislation would have provided a $250 tax credit to teachers for classroom supplies. This credit recognizes that our teachers dip into their own pocket in significant amounts to bring supplies into the classroom to better the education of our children. Second, this legislation would have provided a $500 above the line deduction for professional development costs that teachers incur. This deduction would particularly help low-income school districts that typically do not have the finances to pay for professional development costs for their teachers. Unfortunately, this important Collins-Warner amendment was not included in the tax legislation that emerged from conference. Thus, the tax relief measure signed into law by President Bush did not contain the Collins-Warner amendment. The education legislation that will pass the Senate today, the Better Education for Students and Teachers Act, the BEST Act, is based on a principle put forth by President Bush entitled, ``No Child Left Behind.'' As we move towards final passage of legislation that will implement reforms to achieve the goal of ``Leaving No Child Behind,'' we must keep in mind the other component in our education system--the teachers. If we fail to accord equal recognition to our teachers, our children will be left behind. Therefore, let me be clear: Senator Collins and I will not forget our teachers. Senator Collins and I will continue to work hard to ensure that our teachers receive recognition in the tax code for the many personal and financial sacrifices they make to better the education of America's youth.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of S. 1, the Better Education for Students and Teachers Act (the ``BEST'' Act), which will reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (``ESEA''). President Bush has appropriately indicated that education reform is his number one priority. The BEST bill, which is based on the President's blueprint, is premised on the President's goal: ``No Child Left Behind.'' I share the President's goal. Our educational system must leave no child behind. Education is the key to a better quality of life for all Americans. From early childhood through adult life, educational resources must be provided and supported through partnerships with individuals, parents, communities, and local government. The federal government has a limited, but important role in assisting states and local authorities with the ever-increasing burdens of education. Originally passed in 1965, the ESEA provides authority for most federal programs for elementary and secondary education. ESEA programs currently receive about $18 billion in federal funding, which amounts to an estimated 7 cents out of every dollar that is spent on education. Nearly half of ESEA funds are used on behalf of children from low- income families, under Title I. Since 1965, the federal government has spent more than $120 billion on Title I. Despite the conscientious efforts of federal, state, and local entities over many years, our education system continues to lag behind other comparable nations. Nearly 70% of inner city fourth graders are unable to read at a basic level on national reading tests. Fourth grade math students in high poverty schools remain two grade levels behind their peers in other schools. Our high school seniors score lower than students in most industrialized nations on international math tests. And, approximately one-third of college freshman must take a remedial course before they are able to even begin college level courses. The underlying issue is--do we just pour more taxpayer dollars to perpetuate these mediocre results or do we take some bold new initiatives? Increased federal education funding, increased state and local flexibility in their use of federal funds, and increased accountability are all components of this bill that are steps in the right direction. First, in regard to funding, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents will continue to support increased education funding. Last year, nearly $44.5 billion was appropriated to the Department of Education. This was a $6.6 billion increase from Fiscal Year 2000 levels. Without a doubt, education will receive another significant increase this year when Congress passes the appropriations bill that funds the Department of Education. Next, in regard to flexibility, the BEST bill significantly increases state and local flexibility in the use of their federal education dollars. In the current fiscal year, the ESEA funds over 60 programs. Most of these programs have a specified purpose and a target population. Our schools do not need a targeted one size fits all Washington, D.C. approach to education. While schools in Boston, Massachusetts may need to use federal education dollars to hire additional teachers to reduce classroom size, schools in other parts of the country may wish to use federal dollars for a more pressing need, like new text books. Federally targeted programs for a specified purpose do not recognize that different states and localities have different needs. Who is in a better position to recognize these local needs, Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C. or Governors, localities, and parents? Those Virginians serving in state and local government and serving on local school boards throughout the Commonwealth are certainly in a better position than members of Congress from other states to determine how best to spend education dollars in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The BEST Act increases flexibility and local control. The Straight A's provisions of this bill and the Teacher Empowerment provisions serve as two good examples. The Straight A's provisions of this bill creates a 7 state and 25 district demonstration program. Under the program, 7 states and 25 districts that choose to participate gain the flexibility to consolidate a number of federal formula grant programs and integrate these federal dollars with state and local monies that serve children. In addition, S. 1, in its Teacher Empowerment provisions, consolidates the targeted and inflexible class size reduction programs and the targeted Eisenhower Professional development program. The money in these programs is consolidated so states and localities can use these funds for a variety of options, including hiring additional teachers, retaining high quality teachers, developing professional development programs, or to hire mentors, to name a few of the numerous options. Straight A's and the Teacher Empowerment provisions are key components of the increased flexibility provided in the BEST bill. Finally, accountability, in certain areas, is needed. Our education policy is locking out many students and not providing them the key to a better life. It's time to move forward in education to ensure that all of our children are given the opportunity to receive a higher quality of education. Let's seize this challenge. President Bush's proposal to test students annually in grades 3-8 in reading and math, which is part of the BEST bill, is a strong proposal that promotes accountability. These tests will result in parents and teachers receiving the information they need to know to determine how well their children and students are doing in school and how well the school is educating. Testing also provides educators the information they need to help them better learn what works, improve their skills, and increase teacher effectiveness. While some have expressed concern that President Bush's proposal calls for too much testing, I have a different view. A yearly standard test in reading and math will allow our educators to catch any problems in reading and math at the earliest possible moment. Tests are becoming a vital part of life, no matter how onerous. If America is to survive in the rapidly emerging global economy, tests are a key part. I note that Virginia has already recognized the importance of testing, having installed an accountability system called the Standards of Learning (SOLs). In Virginia, we already test our students in math and science in grades 3, 5, and 8. The accountability provisions in the BEST bill will augment the Commonwealth of Virginia's Standards of Learning. Mr. President, in summary, the evidence demonstrates that the $120 billion spent on elementary and secondary education since 1965 has produced mediocre results, at best. This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to President Bush ultimately signing education reform legislation into law.

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I certainly will be delighted to do that so long as I, hopefully, can have some assurance for not more than 10 minutes during the course of the day. I thank the Chair.

Mr. WARNER. I will be delighted to do it after, if the Senator will be kind enough and indicate in the unanimous consent request for me to do that.

Mr. WARNER. I have an amendment pending at the desk that I want to withdraw and need about 12 minutes to address the reason for which I am withdrawing it.

Mr. WARNER. A gentleman's and gentlewoman's understanding.

Mr. WARNER. Is it restricted to this amendment?

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce a bill which will expand the borders of the Booker T. National Washington Monument in Virginia. This extraordinary 224 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and agricultural fields preserves and protects the birth site and childhood home of Booker T. Washington. It interprets both his life experiences and significance in American history. On April 2, 1956 the Monument was authorized by Congress to create a ``public national memorial to Booker T. Washington, noted Negro educator and apostle of good will . . .''. Mr. Washington was widely considered the most powerful African American of his time. This park provides a focal point for the continuing discussions on the context of race in American society, a resource for public education, and the continuation of his legacy today. The agricultural landscape surrounding the Monument plays a critical role in the park's interpretation of Washington's life as an enslaved child during the Civil War era. Many of his most significant experiences center on this small tobacco farm located near the rapidly developing recreational area of Smith Mountain Lake. It is remarkable that the area immediately surrounding the national monument remains relatively unchanged since the time of Booker T. Washington's birth. As part of the park's strategic plan, a viewshed study was conducted in 1998. It's purpose was to survey the surrounding lands in the most highly visited areas of the park and determine what visual effects urban development would have on the preservation of this historic site. The study identified a 15-acre parcel of land to be the most critical addition for this park because of its proximity to Booker T. Washington's birth site. Several private landowners now wish to sell some of the surrounding farmland, including the 15-acre tract identified in the viewshed study. I believe that in order to maintain this unique historic setting, the Park Service should acquire this property so that visitors will be able to experience the same pastoral setting that was so crucial to Booker T. Washington's life. I urge my colleagues to join me in preserving this important landmark in our nation's history for all future generations. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce a bill which will expand the borders of the Booker T. National Washington Monument in Virginia. This extraordinary 224 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, and agricultural fields preserves and protects the birth site and childhood home of Booker T. Washington. It interprets both his life experiences and significance in American history. On April 2, 1956 the Monument was authorized by Congress to create a ``public national memorial to Booker T. Washington, noted Negro educator and apostle of good will . . .''. Mr. Washington was widely considered the most powerful African American of his time. This park provides a focal point for the continuing discussions on the context of race in American society, a resource for public education, and the continuation of his legacy today. The agricultural landscape surrounding the Monument plays a critical role in the park's interpretation of Washington's life as an enslaved child during the Civil War era. Many of his most significant experiences center on this small tobacco farm located near the rapidly developing recreational area of Smith Mountain Lake. It is remarkable that the area immediately surrounding the national monument remains relatively unchanged since the time of Booker T. Washington's birth. As part of the park's strategic plan, a viewshed study was conducted in 1998. It's purpose was to survey the surrounding lands in the most highly visited areas of the park and determine what visual effects urban development would have on the preservation of this historic site. The study identified a 15-acre parcel of land to be the most critical addition for this park because of its proximity to Booker T. Washington's birth site. Several private landowners now wish to sell some of the surrounding farmland, including the 15-acre tract identified in the viewshed study. I believe that in order to maintain this unique historic setting, the Park Service should acquire this property so that visitors will be able to experience the same pastoral setting that was so crucial to Booker T. Washington's life. I urge my colleagues to join me in preserving this important landmark in our nation's history for all future generations. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I am pleased to join my colleague in the House of Representatives, Congressman Tom Davis, in introducing legislation that will enable Federal and military retirees to take advantage of premium conversion. Premium conversion allows individuals to pay their health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars. This tax benefit was extended last year under a Presidential directive to current Federal employees who participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, saving an average of over $400 per year on their Federal income taxes. It is a benefit already available to many private sector employees, and State and local government employees. Although extending this benefit to Federal annuitants has broad support, it requires a legislative change in the tax laws. The legislation I am introducing today will do just that. The Federal Employees Health Insurance Premium Conversion Act will provide that the same health insurance premium conversion arrangement afforded to employees in the Executive and Judicial branches of the Federal government, be made available to Federal annuitants. This year, retirees under the Civil Service Retirement System received a 3.5 percent cost of living adjustment, and those who receive an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System received a 2.5 percent adjustment. This increase in benefits is nearly offset by severe increases in FEHB premiums. In 2000, health premiums increased by an average of 9.3 percent. The Office of Personnel Management reports that a similar increase is expected again this year. I am deeply concerned about increases in Federal Employee Health Benefit premiums in recent years. Health care coverage is provided to over 9 million Federal employees, retirees and their families under FEHBP. Ensuring affordable health care coverage for all Federal employees and their dependents must remain a priority for Congress. In addition, I am pleased that this bill will also allow uniformed services retiree beneficiaries, their family members and survivors to pay their TRICARE Prime enrollment fees and TRICARE Standard supplemental insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars. TRICARE Standard supplemental insurance premiums paid by active duty personnel are also covered by the legislation which allows for an above the line deduction to benefit active duty personnel and their families. This is a critical issue to many retirees, especially those living on a fixed income. Extending premium conversion will provide much needed relief from the increasing cost of health care insurance. It will help to ensure that more Federal retirees are able to afford continued coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. I encourage my colleagues to support this critical legislation and show their support of these Federal civilian and military retirees for their dedicated service. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. WARNER

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center, in Bristol, VA, for being named one of the Top 100 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in the United States. This award is based on a study conducted by Solucient Leadership Institute, the Nation's largest healthcare clearinghouse. In deciding which hospitals received this outstanding award, Solucient compared intensive care units throughout the country on four measures: death rates; complications; how long patients stayed in units; and cost of care. By being named one of the Nation's Top 100 ICUs, Bristol Regional Medical Center has proven that it can be considered among the best in its field in providing top quality care in its ICU, with shorter stays, lower costs, and fewer deaths and complications. We can truly realize how fortunate we are in this region to have such a wonderful hospital providing top-notch care for Virginians in the Commonwealth. To the doctors, nurses, administrators, and all the other employees at the Medical Center, I want to extend the highest commendation and congratulations for receiving this award, and I salute you on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I commend you all for your efforts and for providing the highest quality of care.