[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 19, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. HATFIELD (for himself, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Wellstone):
  S. 2294. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for 
the expansion and coordination of research concerning Parkinson's 
disease and related disorders, and to improve care and assistance for 
its victims and their family caregivers, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Labor and Human Resources.


the morris k. udall parkinson's research, education and assistance act 
                                of 1994

  Mr. HATFIELD. Madam President, today I am privileged to introduce 
legislation that both honors a man worthy of great esteem and strives 
to improve a vital Federal research program. The Morris K. Udall 
Parkinson's Research, Education and Assistance Act of 1994 is the first 
effort to strengthen the Federal Parkinson's disease research program 
and is desperately needed to fight this cruelly debilitating disease.
  Mo Udall served the United States and the people of Arizona as the 
Congressman from the Second District for 30 years. Mo's integrity, his 
intellect, his deep commitment to public service, and his famous wit 
made him one of the most revered public servants of the last few 
decades.
  Mo Udall's brilliant career in Congress was cut short by Parkinson's 
disease. Diagnosed in 1980, Mo struggled with the neurological decay 
and decreased motor skills of the disease for years before he resigned 
from Congress in May 1991.
  I could speak for days about Congressman Udall's legislative legacy. 
He will primarily be remembered for his stewardship of the public 
lands. As chairman of the Interior Committee and as a Congressman from 
the West, Mo helped set aside millions of acres of land as wilderness, 
including about half of the land of the great State of Alaska. He 
worked to reform mining law and to protect the rights of many Indian 
tribes.
  Mo also had a great commitment to political reform. He worked to 
reform the rules of the House and to secure important campaign finance 
reform. He cared deeply about human beings and championed civil rights 
throughout his career. He was a friend and mentor to many and a 
champion to constituencies all across this country.
  If Mo Udall was the only victim of Parkinson's disease, our Nation 
would have sustained a huge loss. But Mo Udall is not the only person 
to suffer with Parkinson's. Over 1 million Americans struggle with this 
degenerative neurological disorder--more than suffer from multiple 
sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig's disease [ALS] combined. 
It is one of the most common of the chronic neurological diseases 
affecting older adults, and yet the cause, as well as the cure, remains 
unknown.
  Parkinson's disease often begins with an occasional tremor in a 
finger or hand which becomes more frequent over time. Men are women are 
nearly equally affected by the disease and while the incidence of the 
disease is highest in those persons over 50, an increasingly high 
number of patients in their thirties and forties have early-onset 
Parkinson's.
  The great tragedy of Parkinson's disease is that we need not suffer 
this enormous loss. There is tremendous potential for major scientific 
breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's. 
Scientists have recently discovered evidence of genetic and neurotoxic 
links to the cases of the disease and new treatments, involving neural 
growth factors, tissue implants, and genetic engineering.
  This potential, however, is stymied by the lack of investment in 
Parkinson's research. The Federal research effort into this devastating 
disease has been grossly underfunded. The Federal Government provides 
only about $30 million annually to Parkinson's research, compared to 
over $300 million of Alzheimers, and much more to diseases like cancer, 
heart disease, and AIDS. I have seen the dramatic benefits of a 
coordinated Federal strategy for Alzheimers research, and I know we can 
achieve great results by increasing our commitment to Parkinson's 
research.
  The Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Education and Assistance 
Act provides for the expansion and coordination of Parkinson's research 
and improves the care and assistance to victims and families. This bill 
creates a national council to coordinate Parkinson's research and 
charges the council and the Secretary of Health and Human Services with 
developing a coordinated research agenda. In addition, the bill would 
create 10 Parkinson's research centers to conduct research and enhance 
community awareness. Moreover, the bill creates new research grants and 
awards, a patient and family registry, and a National Parkinson's 
Disease Education Program.
  Of course, the great challenge we face is to find the dollars in our 
Federal system to support increased Parkinson's research. This bill 
plots the roadmap for a coordinated Federal strategy for Parkinson's, 
but its future fate depends on the passage of proposal like the Harkin-
Hatfield National Fund for Health Research. This proposal, now attached 
to the major vehicles for health care reform which are moving through 
the Senate, is expected to provide an increase of between $4 and 5 
billion for the biomedical research infrastructure at the National 
Institutes of Health.
  The Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Education and Assistance 
Act is both a critical link in strengthening our ability to combat 
Parkinson's disease and a vivid reminder of the remarkable record, 
decency, and remarkable warmth of our friend from Arizona.
  I would only like to close my brief comments and yield to my 
colleague from Minnesota, who is an original cosponsor. I want to say 
to those who ask the obvious and forthright question, ``How are we 
going to fund this?'' that we have a plan. We know now that the funding 
for our commitments of the moment far exceed our ability to maintain 
those commitments, at least when one considers the factor of inflation 
and other such factors. This is especially true with biomedical 
research, where the promising research far exceeds the available 
resources. This is what led Senator Harkin of Iowa and myself to 
introduce what has come to be known as the Harkin-Hatfield National 
Fund for Health Research, a trust fund financed by a set aside from a 
premium surtax on health insurance policies. The income would be 
directed to a medical trust research fund.
  This could produce, when it is fully implemented, $4 to $5 billion 
more for medical research at the National Institutes of Health.
  This proposal has the broad support of the public, more than 70 
percent of the public, agree with the statement: ``I would be willing 
to pay more for my premiums,'' or ``I would be willing to pay more in 
taxes,'' ``if it were earmarked for medical research.''
  So we are very hopeful that the Harkin-Hatfield proposal on the 
research trust fund can be executed in this Congress, as well as this 
Mo Udall Parkinson's bill.
  It is an honor for me to introduce this legislation today with the 
support of my friends, Senator Simpson and Senator Wellstone. Both of 
these colleagues of ours have firsthand experience, Senator Simpson's 
father and Senator Wellstone's mother and father both with Parkinson's. 
The House sponsor is Congressman Henry Waxman joined by Congressman 
Fred Upton. Together, we urge our colleagues in the House and Senate to 
join in this effort to stop the devastation of Parkinson's.
  Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in 
the Record, along with a section-by-section analysis, and support 
letters from members of the Parkinson's advocacy community.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 2294

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Morris K. Udall Parkinson's 
     Research, Education, and Assistance Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Parkinson's disease and related disorders (hereafter 
     referred to in this Act as ``Parkinson's'') is a neurological 
     disorder affecting as many as 1,500,000 Americans.
       (2) Approximately 40 percent of persons with Parkinson's 
     are under the age of 60.
       (3) While science has yet to determine what causes the 
     disease, research has found that cells that produce a 
     neurochemical called dopamine inexplicably degenerate, 
     causing uncontrollable tremors, muscle stiffness, and loss of 
     motor function.
       (4) Eventually, Parkinson's renders its victims incapable 
     of caring for themselves. In addition to causing disability 
     and suffering for its victims, Parkinson's places tremendous 
     and prolonged physical, emotional, and financial strain on 
     family and loved ones.
       (5) It is estimated that the disease costs society nearly 
     $6,000,000,000 annually.
       (6) To date, the federally funded research effort has been 
     grossly underfunded. Only $30,000,000 is allocated 
     specifically for research on Parkinson's, or only about one 
     dollar for every $200 in annual societal costs.
       (7) In order to take full advantage of the tremendous 
     potential for finding a cure or effective treatment, the 
     Federal investment in Parkinson's must be expanded, as well 
     as the coordination strengthened among the National 
     Institutes of Health research institutes.
       (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to provide for 
     the expansion and coordination of research concerning 
     Parkinson's, and to improve care and assistance for its 
     victims and their family caregivers.

     SEC. 3. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE.

       Part E of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 287 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof 
     the following new subpart:

               ``Subpart 4--Parkinson's Disease Research

     ``SEC. 485G. PARKINSON'S DISEASE RESEARCH.

       ``(a) Expansion of Biomedical Research.--
       ``(1) Coordination council.--The Director of the National 
     Institutes of Health shall establish a council to coordinate 
     Parkinson's research activities. Members of the council shall 
     include the Director of the National Institutes of Health, 
     the Director of the National Institute of Neurological 
     Disorders and Stroke, the Director of the National Institute 
     on Aging, the Director of the National Institute of 
     Environmental Health Sciences, patient advocates, and 
     representatives of other departments and agencies conducting 
     or supporting research on Parkinson's.
       ``(2) National consensus conference.--The council 
     established under paragraph (1) shall convene a National 
     Consensus Conference on Parkinson's Disease and Related 
     Neuro-degenerative Disorders to aid in the development of a 
     broad-based strategy for identifying the cause of and 
     treating such disorders.
       ``(3) Research agenda.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, 
     the Secretary, in consultation with the council established 
     under paragraph (1), shall develop and submit to the Energy 
     and Commerce Committee and the Appropriations Committee of 
     the House of Representatives and the Labor and Human 
     Resources Committee and the Appropriations Committee of the 
     Senate, a coordinated research agenda.
       ``(4) Research centers.--The Secretary shall provide for 
     the establishment of 10 Parkinson's Research Centers. Such 
     centers shall--
       ``(A) conduct research into the cause, prevention, 
     treatment, and management of Parkinson's;
       ``(B) disseminate clinical information concerning 
     Parkinson's and provide patient care services;
       ``(C) provide training for health care personnel concerning 
     Parkinson's;
       ``(D) coordinate research with other such Centers and 
     related public and private research institutions;
       ``(E) develop and maintain, where appropriate, a tissue 
     bank to collect specimens related to the research and 
     treatment of Parkinson's; and
       ``(F) enhance community awareness concerning Parkinson's 
     and promote the involvement of advocate groups.
       ``(b) Morris K. Udall Feasibility Study Grants.--The 
     Secretary may award feasibility study grants under this 
     section to support the development of preliminary data 
     sufficient to provide the basis for the submission of 
     applications for independent research support grants or 
     establishment of a Center under this section.
       ``(c) Morris K. Udall Leadership and Excellence Awards.--
     The Secretary shall establish a grant program to support 
     scientists who have distinguished themselves in the field of 
     Parkinson's research. Grants under this subsection shall be 
     utilized to enable established investigators to devote 
     greater time and resources in laboratories to conduct 
     research on Parkinson's and to encourage the development of a 
     new generation of investigators, with the support and 
     guidance of the most productive and innovative senior 
     researchers.
       ``(d) Patient and Family Registries.--The Secretary shall 
     establish a registry for screening and collecting patient and 
     family data that may be useful in determining incidence and 
     possible risk factors concerning Parkinson's.
       ``(e) Morris K. Udall Health Professions Training Grants.--
     The Secretary may award grants to schools of medicine, 
     nursing, social work, and health services administration, and 
     other appropriate institutions, for the provision of training 
     and continuing education concerning health and long-term care 
     of individuals with Parkinson's. In awarding grants under 
     this subsection the Secretary shall ensure appropriate 
     geographic coverage.
       ``(f) National Parkinson's Disease Education Program.--The 
     Secretary shall establish a national education program that 
     is designed to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the 
     care of those with Parkinson's. Activities under such program 
     shall include--
       ``(1) the bringing together of public and private 
     organizations to develop better ways to provide care to 
     individuals with Parkinson's, and assist the families of such 
     individuals;
       ``(2) the provision of technical assistance to public and 
     private organizations that offer support and aid to families 
     caring for individuals with Parkinson's; and
       ``(3) the establishment of a clearinghouse that will 
     diseminate the most up-to-date research, treatment, and 
     training information to families, health professionals, and 
     the general public concerning Parkinson's.
       ``(g) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant or 
     other assistance under this section, an individual or entity 
     shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
     the Secretary may require.
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--For carrying out the activities 
     described in this section, there are authorized to be 
     appropriated $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, $100,000,000 
     for fiscal year 1997, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, 
     and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal 
     years 1999 and 2000. Of amounts so appropriated, the 
     Secretary shall make available--
       ``(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, $20,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 1997, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such 
     sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 
     and 2000, for establishing centers under subsection (a)(4); 
     and
       ``(B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, $4,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 1997, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such 
     sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 
     and 2000 for carrying out feasibility study grants under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(2) Leadership and excellence awards.--For carrying out 
     activities under subsection (c), there are authorized to be 
     appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, $15,000,000 
     for fiscal year 1997, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and 
     such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 
     1999 and 2000.
       ``(3) Patient and family registries.--For carrying out 
     activities under subsection (d), there are authorized to be 
     appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 
     1998, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 
     fiscal years 1999 and 2000.
       ``(4) Health professions training programs.--For carrying 
     out activities under subsection (e), there are authorized to 
     be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, $5,000,000 
     for fiscal year 1997, $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and 
     such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 
     1999 and 2000.
       ``(5) National parkinson's disease education program.--For 
     carrying out activities under subsection (f), there are 
     authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 
     1996, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1997, $4,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 1998, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 
     fiscal years 1999 and 2000.''.
                                  ____


                       Section-by-Section Summary

       Section 1--Short Title: Morris K. Udall Parkinson's 
     Research, Education, and Assistance Act of 1994.
       Section 2--Findings and Purpose: Parkinson's disease and 
     related disorders affect as many as 1.5 million Americans, 
     with costs to society of nearly $6 billion annually. To date, 
     the federal research effort has been grossly underfunded, 
     providing about $30 million a year for research on 
     Parkinson's. It is the purpose of this Act to provide for the 
     expansion and coordination of research concerning 
     Parkinson's, and to improve care and assistance for its 
     victims and family caregivers.
       Section 3--Biomedical Research on Parkinson's Disease: 
     Amends Title IV, Part E of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 287 et seq.) with a new Subpart 4--Parkinson's Disease 
     Research.
       A. Expansion of Biomedical Research:
       1. Coordination Council--The Director of the National 
     Institutes of Health (NIH) will establish a council to 
     coordinate Parkinson's research, composed of various 
     institute directors, patient advocates, and representatives 
     of other agencies.
       2. National Consensus Conference--The council will convene 
     a conference to develop a research strategy for Parkinson's 
     and related neuro-degenerative disorders.
       3. Research Agenda--Within 6 months of this bill becoming 
     law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will consult 
     the council and submit a coordinated research agenda to 
     appropriate congressional committees.
       4. Research Centers--The Secretary shall provide for 10 
     Parkinson's Research Centers, which will conduct research, 
     disseminate clinical information, provide training for health 
     care personnel, develop and maintain tissue banks, and 
     enhance community awareness concerning Parkinson's. $10 
     million.
       Udall Feasibility Study Grants: The Secretary may award 
     grants to develop data to support applications for 
     independent research support grants or establish of centers. 
     $2 million.
       Udall Leadership and Excellence Awards: The Secretary shall 
     establish grants for scientists who excel in Parkinson's 
     research. $10 million.
       Patient and Family Registries: The Secretary shall 
     establish a registry for collecting patient and family data. 
     $2 million.
       Udall Health Professions Training Grants: The Secretary may 
     award grants to schools of medicine, nursing, social work, 
     etc. to train and educate concerning health and long-term 
     care on Parkinson's patients. $2 million.
       Natl. Parkinson's Disease Education Program: The Secretary 
     shall establish a national education program to provide 
     technical assistance to advocacy groups, establish a 
     clearinghouse to disseminate information, and facilitate 
     public understanding of Parkinson's Disease. $2 million.
       Authorization of Appropriations: The bill establishes a 
     five-year authorization, and authorizes appropriations 
     beginning in fiscal year 1996. Overall funding authorizations 
     are: $91 million for FY96, $125 million for FY97, $234 
     million for FY98, and such sums as necessary for FY99 and 
     FY20. Monies not specified in the areas above will be spent 
     on general research.
                                  ____

                                               Willamette Columbia


                                         Parkinsonian Society,

                                      Portland, OR, July 18, 1994.
     Senator Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: Our organization enthusiastically 
     supports the Udall Parkinsons research bill. For years we 
     have been losing ground in the funds devoted to neurological 
     research and, in the continued hope for improvement, this 
     bill stands out as a true and sought-for step which we feel 
     will produce some positive results. There are many current 
     research indications that support this conclusion.
       We feel the way the bill is constituted will allow for the 
     maximum input to gain understanding and facilitate a cure or 
     improved therapy.
       That the bill carries Morris K. Udall's name is even more 
     uplifting to the spirit of over one million talented 
     Parkinsonians who want to remain productive in our society.
       Thank you for your support of this bill.
           Sincerely yours,
                                                      L.R. Greger,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

                                                  Upper Montgomery


                                     County Parkinson's Group,

                                  Gaithersburg, MD, July 18, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of all Parkinsonians and 
     their families living in the Greater Washington area, I wish 
     to thank and commend you for introducing the Morris K. Udall 
     Parkinson's Research and Education Bill.
       Research in Parkinson's disease is reaching the point where 
     significant breakthroughs toward understanding the nature and 
     treatment of this ailment can be made. With increased 
     research funds being made available on the federal level, it 
     is possible that in our lifetime this crippling illness can 
     be eradicated.
       It is very fitting that the bill is named for Congressman 
     Udall who has fought such a valiant battle against 
     Parkinson's. It is hoped that the admiration and respect many 
     members of Congress have for their esteemed colleague will 
     insure the passage of this bill.
       You can count on receiving our full support for the passage 
     of this vital piece of legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Donna J. Dorros.
                                  ____



                                   Office of Stewart L. Udall,

                                      Santa Fe, NM, July 16, 1994.
     Senator Mark Hatfield,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mark: A research program relating to causes and 
     potential cures for Parkinson's disease is long overdue.
       Mo's children and the whole Udall clan applaud the 
     initiative embodied in the legislation you are introducing 
     next week. Let us know what we can do to further your efforts 
     on this front.
           In friendship,
                                                 Stewart L. Udall.
                                  ____



                                    Axion Research Foundation,

                                        Hamden, CT, July 14, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: The Axion Research Foundation, its 
     supporters, and researchers are most grateful to you and 
     other supporters for the introduction of the Morris K. Udall 
     Parkinson's Research and Education Act.
       Our Foundation has played an important role in carrying out 
     the funding important breakthroughs related to Neural 
     Transplantation as a possible treatment for Parkinson's 
     disease. We have recently helped to develop the first 
     practical diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease, which 
     should dramatically facilitate studies aimed at determining 
     its cause. Other research areas also offer great promise at 
     the present time. But it is clear that the combined efforts 
     of the private sector and the federal government must 
     increase to produce clinical benefits for patients and the 
     reduction of health care costs which would result from a 
     cure.
       The Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act 
     is a great step in the right direction and will be eagerly 
     supported by patients, their families, and neuroscience 
     researchers.
           Sincerely,
                                           D. Eugene Redmond, Jr.,
                                                        President.
                                  ____



                                              Yale University,

                                     New Haven, CT, July 14, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: As Director of the Neural 
     Transplantation Program for Parkinson's Disease at Yale 
     University School of Medicine, I am writing to thank you and 
     your other collaborators and supporters for the Introduction 
     of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education 
     Act.
       There is great need for additional support of Parkinson's 
     research by the Federal government to assure that tremendous 
     scientific advances are able to move to the stage of treating 
     and curing patients. Not only will this relieve suffering and 
     loss of human life and potential, it will reduce the health 
     care delivery costs of this disease.
       I hope that the final legislation will actually add dollars 
     to the funding relevant to this disease, and that any new 
     administrative or coordinating activities not be initiated at 
     the expense of the most important investigator-initiated 
     basic science projects.
           Sincerely,

                                       D. Eugene Redmond, Jr.,

                                           Professor and Director,
                                        Neural Transplant Program.
                                  ____

                                            The American Parkinson


                                    Disease Association, Inc.,

                                 Staten Island; NY, July 18, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: The American Parkinson Disease 
     Association and the more than 1 million people who suffer 
     from Parkinson's Disease commend and support the introduction 
     of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act 
     of 1994.
       As you know, Parkinson's Disease is a long term 
     debilitating neurological disorder which unfortunately, has 
     no cure. Your introduction of this bill; the first 
     legislative initiative to strengthen the federal Parkinson's 
     research program, is a major step in the fight against 
     Parkinson's and will address the need for scientific 
     breakthroughs in treating Parkinson's.
       While there have been recent Parkinson's research 
     developments, limited federal investment in this area has 
     slowed the pace of research activity and discovery. The 
     current science in this area gives us hope that major 
     breakthroughs in the cause and treatment of Parkinson's 
     through expanded federal research support and a coordinated 
     research agenda are possible. We can no longer ignore the 
     tremendous scientific potential.
       The American Parkinson Disease Association is dedicated to 
     developing a greater understanding of Parkinson's Disease by 
     funding research, sponsoring educational programs and medical 
     symposiums, and raising public awareness. Until there is a 
     cure for Parkinson's Disease, our work will continue. We look 
     forward to working with you to achieve the breakthroughs 
     urgently needed by Congressman Udall and the more than one 
     million Americans who fight against this affliction.
       Thank you for your leadership and sponsoring the Morris K. 
     Udall Research and Education Act of 1994 and the Parkinson's 
     Community.
           Sincerely,
                                                Mario J. Esposito,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

         American Parkinson Disease Association, Information and 
           Referral Center,
                                   Great Falls, MT, July 18, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Hon. Mark O. Hatfield: Please accept our thanks from the 
     Montana and Wyoming Parkinson support groups and the 
     Information and Referral Center in Great Falls, Montana, for 
     your support of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and 
     Education Act. It is greatly needed and we commend your 
     efforts.
       There is such a great need for expanded research support 
     from the federal government in the Parkinson's field. Super 
     scientific potential exists in the area and a break-through 
     in treatment of Parkinsons would be truly wonderful.
       Thanks for your support.
           Sincerely,
     Carolyn Stergionis,
     JoAnn Bartley,
       Coordinators, Montana and Wyoming Parkinson Information and 
     Referral Center.
                                  ____



                                Michigan Parkinson Foundation,

                                                    July 15, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of the 35,000 people in 
     Michigan affected by Parkinson's disease and their families, 
     we wholeheartedly endorse your introduction of the Morris K. 
     Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act.
       We share the great hope of the Parkinson's research 
     community that we are close to a major breakthrough in the 
     areas of causes, treatment, and cure for Parkinson's disease.
       Support for your initiative will be the key to helping to 
     eliminate disability for Parkinson's sufferers throughout our 
     nation. We applaud and thank you for bringing this Act before 
     Congress.
       We join hands with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in 
     New York and the Parkinson's Action Network in urging members 
     of Congress to support this urgently needed measure.
           Sincerely,
                                          Frederic L. Marblestone,
                          Chairman, Michigan Parkinson Foundation.
                                  ____



                              Central New Jersey APDA Chapter,

                                 New Brunswick, NJ, July 15, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: As the President of the New Jersey 
     Young Onset Parkinson Support group I want to express my 
     gratitude, as well as those of our group, in being one of the 
     lead members of Congress to introduce the ``Morris K. Udall 
     Parkinson's Research and Education Act''.
       Parkinson's is a devastating disorder where the person 
     loses the ability of voluntary movement, but cognitive 
     abilities are not diminished. The future for the patient is 
     becoming a ``prisoner within one's own body''. Alzheimer's 
     takes away a person's mind, and Parkinson's takes away one's 
     body. However, there has been great strides in medical 
     research within the last decade, but the ``Cure'' is still 
     elusive. The Parkinson community is constantly being told 
     that medical science is on the verge of finding a Cure, but 
     such research costs money. The Alzheimer's Association has 
     expressed the irony quite well . . . ``We (the Alzheimer's 
     community) have the money, but no medical breakthroughs, and 
     you (the Parkinson community) have no money but all the 
     promising medical research.''
       With the introduction of this bill, hopefully medical 
     research will have sufficient funds necessary to find a break 
     through. I attended the Senate Hearings on February 28, 1994, 
     when you introduced the Harkin-Hatfield Research Act, and was 
     impressed when the portable ``Iron Lung' was wheeled in from 
     a museum. This country was able to CURE Polio through 
     adequate funding, and hopefully we can find a CURE for 
     Parkinson's. What a fitting accomplishment this would be in 
     the ``Decade of the Brain''.
           Very truly yours,
                                                  Marvin J. Weiss.
                                  ____



                            Young Parkinson's Support Network,

                                     San Ramon, CA, July 15, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senator.
     Re introduction of Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and 
         Education Act.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: I accept your invitation to join you 
     at the press conference at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 19th to 
     announce the bill's introduction.
       Parkinson's disease and related disorders are said to cost 
     society $6 billion annually. This monetary cost, although 
     staggering, is minuscule when compared to the human suffering 
     these disorders inflict on the patient and family. Research 
     is needed to push ever closer to finding the cause and the 
     cure for these disorders. In the mean time quality of life 
     can be raised through education of patients, care givers and 
     community support services.
       The Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act 
     allows Congress to embark on a major effort to increase the 
     knowledge of the causes, treatments and cures for these 
     disorders. It further sets patient, care giver, support 
     services and community understanding as a priority in raising 
     the quality of life of those affected by these disorders. The 
     1990's form the Decade of the Brain. It is only fitting that 
     Congress move swiftly to enact this important legislative 
     initiative for it symbolizes hope of major breakthroughs for 
     the millions of Americans affected by these disorders.
       I commend you for your leadership in this very important 
     legislative initiative. Your leadership is much appreciated 
     and supported by the Young Parkinson's Support Network of 
     California.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Alan L. Bonander,
                                                        President.
                                  ____

                                            University of Colorado


                                       Health Sciences Center,

                                  Denver, Colorado, July 14, 1994.
     Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senate, 711 Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: I want to congratulate you on your 
     bill, the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education 
     Act, which you will introduce to a press conference on 
     Tuesday, July 19th. As a physician and scientist who has 
     devoted my career to improving the treatment of Parkinson's 
     disease, I am delighted to see the disease receive the 
     attention it needs. Parkinsonism affects the lives of one-
     half million Americans. It robs people of the ability to 
     move. Patients suffering from the disease gradually lose the 
     ability to walk, to speak, to eat, and to interact with other 
     people. The increasing isolation forces people out of their 
     jobs and makes them invalids despite the fact that their 
     thinking is usually clear.
       The spiral of deterioration does not have to take place. We 
     are on the threshold of curing Parkinson's disease with 
     neural transplanation. Even with the current low level of 
     Federal research spending, Parkinson's disease stands as the 
     neurologic disorder most likely to be cured in the next 
     decade if adequate resources are applied to the problem. 
     Neural transplantation with fetal tissue has already been 
     shown to produce substantial clinical benefit in some 
     patients. Genetically engineered alternatives to fetal cells 
     offer promise to supply a limitless amount of tissue for 
     brain repair. While fundamental breakthroughs will certainly 
     occur in the next decade, the surgical cure for Parkinson's 
     disease is already in sight.
       Your bill recognizes this unusual opportunity. If we can 
     cure Parkinson's disease, the lessons that we learn will 
     apply to many other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, 
     Huntington's chorea, and epilepsy. Reseaech in other areas 
     such as diabetes will also be benefited.
       By focussing on the neurological disease most likely to be 
     solved in the near future, your bill will accelerate research 
     with an exciting outcome.
           Yours sincerely,

                                          Curt R. Freed, M.D.,

                                   Professor and Head, Division of
                             Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology.
                                  ____



                               Parkinson's Disease Foundation,

                                New York, New York, July 14, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senator,
     711 Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Re Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of my fellow directors of 
     the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, I am writing to thank you 
     and to support your introduction of this bill.
       The authorization of funds to launch a Parkinson's research 
     initiative, coordinating between the several institutes now 
     conducting research in Parkinson's disease, would give added 
     impetus to the efforts of scientists to improve their 
     understanding of this debilitating illness. We still do not 
     know what causes people to develop the illness, so we cannot 
     develop a cure.
       As our population ages, there is no doubt that the 
     prevalence of Parkinson's disease will increase. It is, 
     therefore, imperative to work together towards a breakthrough 
     in Parkinson's disease. Only the federal government can 
     provide sufficient financial support and leadership to 
     sustain a coordinated approach to the search for the cause 
     and cure.
       Your efforts, and those of your Congressional supporters, 
     are deeply appreciated by all of us who seek to improve the 
     quality of life of those afflicted with Parkinson's and 
     related disorders.
           Most sincerely,
                                                Page Morton Black,
                                            Chairman of the Board.
                                  ____



                          National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.,

                                    Miami, Florida, July 15, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     711 Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of the Board of Directors 
     of the National Parkinson Foundation, I would like to thank 
     you for introducing the Morris K. Udal Parkinson's Research 
     and Education Act.
       It is efforts such as yours that will accelerate the day 
     when Parkinson's disease will be only a memory.
       This research support from the federal government is 
     imperative to continue the fight against this terrible 
     ailment.
           Sincerely,
                                            Emilio Alonso-Mendoza,
                                                National Director.
                                  ____



                          National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.,

                                    Miami, Florida, July 15, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     711 Senate Hart Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of the Board of Directors 
     of the National Parkinson Foundation, I would like to express 
     my sincere gratitude to you for introducing the Morris K. 
     Udal Parkinson's Research and Education Act.
       The great need for expanded research support from the 
     federal government is crucial and will be an effective tool 
     for researchers to attain scientific breakthroughs in the 
     treatment and cure of Parkinson's disease.
       I would also like to commend the other Congressional 
     supporters and to let you know that the Parkinson community 
     and researchers are looking to you for the sustenance to help 
     realize this tremendous scientific potential.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Nathan Slewett,
                                                         Chairman.
                                  ____



                                    The Parkinson's Institute,

                                     Sunnyvale, CA, July 13, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: Having have had the opportunity to 
     review a draft of the ``Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research 
     and Education Act'', it is with great pleasure that I accept 
     your invitation to attend a press conference to introduce the 
     Bill at 10:00 a.m. on July 19, 1994, in Washington, D.C. In 
     my opinion, this Bill is the best thing to happen to 
     Parkinson's disease research in a long time. It will 
     undoubtedly be a tremendous shot in the arm for both research 
     and patient care. At last, those of us who have been working 
     desperately to try to find the cause and cure for this 
     disease have reason to hope that we will be able to continue 
     our work in the future. On behalf of myself, the Parkinson's 
     Institute, and every patient in the United States, I would 
     like to thank you for your concern and this remarkable step 
     forward.
       I look forward to meeting you next Tuesday.
           Sincerely,
                                        J. William Langston, M.D.,
                                                        President.
                                  ____



                               Parkinson's Disease Foundation,

                                      New York, NY, July 18, 1994.
     Hon. Mark O. Hatfield,
     U.S. Senator, Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Re Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act.
       Dear Senator Hatfield: On behalf of the hundreds of 
     thousands of Americans who have Parkinson's disease, and 
     their families, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation thanks you 
     for your advocacy of the cause.
       The Parkinson's Disease Foundation will be represented at 
     your press conference by Mrs. Margot Zobel.
       The Parkinson's Disease Foundation joins with Parkinson's 
     Action Network, United Parkinson Foundation, National 
     Parkinson Foundation, American Parkinson's Disease 
     Association, Michigan Parkinson Foundation and others in 
     supporting this initiative.
       Please let us know how we may assist further as the bill 
     progresses.
           Most sincerely,
                                              Dinah Tottenham Orr,
                                               Executive Director.
                                  ____

         The Parkinson's Institute, Clinical Center for 
           Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders,
                                     Sunnyvale, CA, July 15, 1994.
       To whom it may concern: As a neurologist who treats a large 
     number of patients with Parkinson's disease, I strongly 
     support the ``Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and 
     Education Act''. In my view, lack of funding has stalled a 
     number of promising research projects dealing with 
     Parkinson's disease. Enactment of this legislation would 
     provide a much needed ``shot in the arm'' for this disabling 
     disease that currently afflicts about 1.5 million people in 
     the U.S., a number that is increasing year by year. There is 
     now a remarkable animal model that should allow researchers 
     to probe the underlying degenerative processes in Parkinson's 
     and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases, but such 
     research has been hampered by lack of funding. I do hope that 
     congress will recognize the compelling arguments for this 
     legislation. I commend the efforts of Senator Hatfield, Ms. 
     Samuelson and all who have supported this bill.
           Sincerely,
                                             James W. Tetrud, M.D.

  Mr. WELLSTONE. Madam President, let me, first of all, thank Senator 
Hatfield for offering this bill and just simply state for the Record 
that I am very proud to be an original cosponsor.
  I would also say that Senator Hatfield's concluding remarks are 
extremely important because I think the initiative that he and Senator 
Harkin have undertaken to make sure there is a set-aside with a focus 
of funding for NIH for the research to cure for diseases is extremely 
important because the last thing we want to do is have one group of 
people struggling with an illness played off against another group. It 
is not a question of more of a commitment to Parkinson's and less of a 
commitment to Alzheimer's, less of a commitment to breast cancer or 
less of a commitment to diabetes.
  And I do believe the initiative that Senator Hatfield spoke of that 
he and Senator Harkin have undertaken is extremely important.
  Madam President, when I first came to the Senate, I drove over with 
Senator McCain to visit Mo Udall, who had been a hero of mine. I did 
not have the opportunity to know him, but I knew all about him, and it 
was real difficult for me to visit with him at the nursing home and VA 
Center just to see his personal struggle and to know not only his 
struggle but the struggle for his family.
  Madam President, in some ways all of politics is personal, and I do, 
as Senator Hatfield said, speak from experience.
  Both my mother and father had Parkinson's disease and my father, in 
particular, which I think is rare for both parents. But my father was a 
writer, and at the very end of his life I remember seeing him in the 
study trying to type with his hand just shaking like this. He could no 
longer type. He could no longer walk. And at the very end of his life, 
Madam President, he could no longer speak, at which point he whispered 
to me in a barely audible way ``I intensely want to die.''
  It reached the point where from his point of view there was no reason 
to continue to live. It had become so debilitating. There are 1.5 
million families who struggle with this, which I believe was the figure 
Senator Hatfield used.
  So it is not just a question of Representative Udall or my father or 
my mother. But I can tell you this: This initiative is extremely 
important, and I want to kind of summarize the hours and hours that I 
could take to speak on this just with one story. I have a friend, I say 
to Senator Hatfield. His name is Michel Minot, who was a college 
teacher at Carlton College where I taught, who found out--at least in 
the case of my father, at about 60 the onset of Parkinson's--when he 
was about 35. Then when he was about 40 he could no longer teach. He 
had undertaken these walks across the country to raise funding for 
Parkinson's research. His decline is very self-evident, and it really 
had become a difficult, difficult struggle.
  Toward the end of my dad's life, Sheila and I and our children took 
my mother and father to McDonald's in Northfield. He liked McDonald's 
because of all the small children in McDonald's, where it was always 
colorful and there were lots of people to look at.
  And this was a particularly bad day for my father, which is to say 
the shake was very pronounced and he could barely walk and he had kind 
of a blank look on his face which comes with Parkinson's. I saw Michel 
Minot, my friend, at the front of the restaurant. And after my mom and 
dad finished eating, we always went out the front door. My father never 
knew this. But I took him out the back door because I did not want 
Michel Minot, age 38, to see my father because I felt that Michel would 
see his future.
  My point, Madam President, is this: yesterday, I spoke with Joan 
Samuelson, a very courageous person who is struggling with Parkinson's, 
and men and women struggling with Parkinson's in the Parkinson's Action 
Network. Many of them are young people or middle-age people. I do not 
want them to believe that their future would be what my parents went 
through, because it does not have to be that way.
  For just a reasonable investment of resources, we could find a cure 
for this disease. Sometimes it is more than worth it to spend the money 
to find cures for these diseases. Yes, it saves our society money in 
the long run or even in the short run, but most important of all is, 
how do you put a value on a human life?
  So, Madam President, I think this piece of legislation is extremely 
important. I hope it will put a focus on Parkinson's disease, because 
there really has not been a focus on Parkinson's in the way it should 
be by the NIH. There really has not been an investment in resources. We 
have all sorts of promising results that tell us we could find a cure.
  So I thank my colleague from Oregon. I think this is extremely 
important. I think it honors Mo Udall and his family, but most 
important of all it is an extremely important health initiative that we 
must take.
  I, Madam President, would like to have my remarks for the Record be 
for my mother and father.
  Mr. HATFIELD. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent for 1 
additional minute.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. HATFIELD. Madam President, I thank the Senator from Minnesota 
[Mr. Wellstone]. I am always moved by the fact that Senator Wellstone 
combines great intellect and great passion for causes and for issues 
that he represents. I am grateful that he has joined in this effort on 
behalf of Mo Udall and Parkinson's disease.
  I also want to share, too, that I think each one of us could cite a 
relationship or a friend who is giving us a special dimension of 
understanding of this debilitating disease.
  I think of Travis Cross, a young man at the time I first became 
acquainted with him in Salem, OR, and who later became a very close 
friend and my press secretary for 8 years when I was Governor and 2 
years when I was secretary of state of Oregon who now has Parkinson's 
disease. Seeing his problems as they increased, seeing the 
deterioration, really illustrated the very, very dramatic change in a 
person's life that this disease causes, bringing great concern and 
great sorrow for his friends and family. But as master of the 
circumstance, Travis seemed to have an even greater spirit of 
determination, as I am sure with your parents, Senator Wellstone. And 
having known Senator Simpson's father for many years, I saw it in 
Senator Simpson's father as well.
  So this effort will allow us to expedite the day when we can acclaim 
the cure and all have the joy of knowing there is help on the way.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. President, during this interim--and I anticipate the 
managers of the bill just indicating to me when they are ready to 
proceed at any appropriate time--but I wanted to make a few remarks 
about a bill that was introduced this morning by my good colleague, 
Senator Mark Hatfield. Senator Wellstone also spoke. These two fine 
colleagues and I have joined together with regard to sponsorship of the 
introduction of the Morris Udall Parkinson's Research, Education and 
Assistance Act on this day.
  I want to join my colleague from Oregon, my fine friend, long-time 
friend, who knew my father who suffered from Parkinson's and lived with 
it, as many of them do, for so many years; and with Senator Wellstone. 
I understand both his mother and his father have been victims of 
Parkinson's. There can be no more extraordinary knowledge of the 
disease, unless of course one is afflicted with it, I am certain, than 
to have a loved one who has suffered from it. It is a difficult and 
robbing disease. Everyone I have ever heard speak of it describes it as 
a disease that robs you. That would be true.
  But the purpose of the bill is to establish a grant program to 
support scientists who have distinguished themselves in the field of 
Parkinson's. It establishes research centers. I believe my colleagues, 
Senator Hatfield and Senator Wellstone have well described the bill. I 
will not duplicate that. But, obviously, Federal funding for research 
on Parkinson's has been historically very low in comparison to other 
devastating and debilitating diseases. This disparity exists because 
Parkinson's, in the community, is often largely invisible. It is not 
invisible within the community, it is in the Washington community. Now 
we remember that many of these unfortunate people afflicted with this 
disease are too disabled to function publicly.
  I know my dear father used to say, ``The toughest part of this 
disease is that my mind is just as sharp as it was when I was 50. But 
my body and my face and the mask-like expression and the tremor leave 
you to feel almost trapped.'' And the worst part of it, of course, is 
that your friends who have known you for 20 or 30 or 40 years--for a 
lifetime--suddenly feel embarrassed. They suddenly steer around because 
they see a person they did not know before, with one of the most 
grotesque parts of the ailment, and that is the mask-like expression 
and the tremor. People are working with support groups. I commend those 
to all people suffering from Parkinson's. It is so important.
  We had a very remarkable press conference this morning: Senator 
Wellstone, Senator Hatfield, Congressman Henry Waxman, and Congressman 
Fred Upton. The five of us are going to work hard on this one and we 
are going to get the job done.
  I can say with regard to my own father, he had to retire from the 
U.S. Senate at the age of 69 because of his long, exhausting struggle 
with Parkinson's. He went on to live some very productive years, even 
with Parkinson's claiming him, until his death last year at 95.
  So we have much time to make up. The legislation has been introduced 
in honor of my old dear friend, former Congressman Morris ``MO'' Udall 
who had courageously battled Parkinson's for many years, since 1980. As 
many of my colleagues are aware, Mo's career came to a sharp halt in 
early 1991 after a combination of Parkinson's disease and injuries 
prevented him from completing his term in office.
  Since then, the Udall family--and they are a wonderful lot; Norma, 
his wife; Ann, brothers, uncles, it is a marvelous family--they joined 
with the patient and research community in vigorously advocating for 
more Federal support to meet the growing research in Parkinson's.
  So it has been a tribute to Mo Udall, and Mo's family hopes and prays 
their efforts will remind all of us of the terrible cost of Parkinson's 
when it insidiously steals an individual's ability to continue to make 
contributions to society.
  The family also wants to remind all of us in Congress, and beyond 
this beltway, of his remarkable record on environmental and social 
causes, for Mo Udall was a success as a legislator because of 
unparalleled ability to use grace, rich humor and wonderful laughter to 
get his point across to others.
  He often used humor to disarm an opponent and lighten up some very 
tense situations. I know, because we served on conference committees. 
Many times we were together and shared so much, times too numerous to 
mention here. But a little humor sometimes goes right to the target, 
and that is why Mo was such a wonderful part of our lives and our 
legislative endeavors with that bright, thoughtful, inquisitive mind 
and always that great leveling agent of humor.
  He often said, ``The best political humor, however sharp or pointed, 
has a little love behind it. It is the spirit of the humor that counts. 
Over the years, it has served me when nothing else could.''
  I remember one great phrase, indeed, of Mo Udall's when he ran for 
the Presidency, and it was a close call. Look at your history books and 
you will find if there had been another 200,000 votes in the right 
spot, Mo Udall would have been the candidate for President, instead of 
Jimmy Carter, for the Democratic Party.
  But somebody asked him later, ``Well, do you think you will run again 
for President?'' He said, ``Well, the only way to get it out your 
system is with embalming fluid.'' And that was Mo, and then he would 
laugh.
  I will just share with you my own father. He kept his sense of humor 
throughout this devastating disease. He had a great one, because when 
he ran for the U.S. Senate, he was afflicted with it but he tried to 
hide it, and he did pretty well. But the left hand he called his 
phantom hand. When he would speak, he would put it in his pocket. Of 
course, you could see it flapping in there, too. He would get up to the 
podium, and it would begin to move, as if with its own engine. He would 
say, ``Now, wait, I see some of you looking at my left hand and that 
tremor there, shaking.'' He said, ``Now, don't feel sorry for me. I 
feel sorry enough for myself. That's my drinking hand, I'm spilling 
more than I drink.''

  And that was Pop.
  That is what you find in many Parkinson's victims: A marvelous sense 
of humor, a marvelous sense of self.
  So I hope that this legislation will be considered. It is in the best 
traditions of the Senate, and we name it in honor of our friend. We 
miss our friend. We miss our friend Mo Udall in these Halls of 
Congress. He brought a great amount of wisdom and levity to this place.
  I believe that this legislation is a most wonderful way to honor him 
and his life and his family and his valuable contributions to Congress 
and to society as a whole.
  I hope that my colleagues will assist us in the course of this 
legislation.
                                 ______

      By Mr. FORD:
  S. 2295. A bill to authorize extensions of time limitations in a 
FERC-issued license; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


                    cannelton hydropower project act

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I am today introducing a bill to extend the 
time limitation on an already issued FERC license for a hydroelectric 
project in Kentucky.
  Upon completion of environmental, engineering, and other project 
review, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] issued a 
license to W.V. Hydro, Inc. for the Cannelton Hydropower project, FERC 
project No. 10228--Cannelton project. The Cannelton project will be 
located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [Corps] Lock and Dam on the 
Ohio River in Hancock County, KY. The 80 megawatt Cannelton project 
would generate an estimated 358 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year 
using the untapped energy potential of the existing corps dam.
  Construction and operation of the Cannelton project would create new 
jobs for local residents and the licensee would pay substantial 
property taxes. During construction, W.V. Hydro, Inc. also plans to 
spend a substantial amount in wages and salaries, providing further 
employment and business income to local communities.
  Section 13 of the Federal Power Act [FPA], (16 U.S.C. Sec. 806 
(1988)), prescribes the time limits for commencement of construction of 
a hydropower project once FERC has issued a license. The licensee must 
begin construction not more than 2 years from the date the license is 
issued, unless FERC extends the initial 2-year deadline. Section 13, 
however, permits FERC only one extension for no ``longer than 2 
additional years * * * when not incompatible with the public 
interests.'' Accordingly, FERC is without authority to extend the 
commencement of construction deadline beyond a maximum of 4 years from 
the date it issues the license. A licensee that fails to begin 
construction within the prescribed time period faces termination of its 
license.
  FERC has extended the Cannelton projects' construction commencement 
deadline under the FPA for the one permissible 2-year period, setting 
the current deadline of June 20, 1995. If enacted, the proposed 
legislation would grant FERC authority to extend the commencement of 
construction deadline for up to 6 additional years.
  Congress has authorized legislative extensions for licensees in 
similar situations. For example, Congress passed Public Law 101-155 (S. 
750) granting FERC authority to extend the commencement of construction 
deadline for the White River projects in the State of Arkansas, and 
Public Law 102-486 (S. 776) granting FERC authority to extend the 
commencement of construction deadlines for the Starved Rock Lock and 
Dam project in the State of Illinois, the Black Creek project located 
in the State of Washington, the Smithland Local and Dam Hydropower 
project also located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the Arrowrock 
Dam project located in the State of Idaho.
  As the June 20, 1995 deadline approaches, W.V. Hydro, Inc. is 
actively pursuing several avenues for reaching agreements with 
potential power purchasers. W.V. Hydro, Inc. has initiated power 
purchase negotiations with several electric utilities and industrial 
power users. In addition, W.V. Hydro, Inc. has contracted with a 
construction consortium to assess the feasibility of reducing project 
costs through engineering design modifications. To maintain the 
development opportunity of this beneficial project, W.V. Hydro, Inc. 
seeks legislation that would grant FERC the authority to extend the 
commencement of construction deadline for up to three additional 2-year 
periods.
  If Congress enacts the legislation, W.V. Hydro, Inc. will petition 
FERC for an extension of commencement of construction deadline, 
submitting all appropriate information to enable FERC to determine 
whether granting the extension would be consistent with the public 
interest. If Congress fails to enact the legislation, the hydroelectric 
potential of the Corps Lock and Dam will remain undeveloped.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2295

       Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives of the United States of America in Congress 
     assembled, That notwithstanding the time limitations of 
     section 13 of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy 
     Regulatory Commission, upon the request of the licensee for 
     FERC project numbered 10228 (and after reasonable notice), is 
     authorized, in accordance with the good faith, due diligence 
     and public interest requirements of such section 13 and the 
     Commission's procedures under such section, to extend the 
     time required for commencement of construction for the 
     project for up to a maximum of three consecutive two-year 
     periods. This section shall take effect for the project upon 
     the expiration of the extension (issued by the Commission 
     under such section 13) of the period required for 
     commencement of construction of such project.
                                 ______

      By Mr. METZENBAUM (for himself, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. 
        Biden, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Simon, Mr. Simpson, and Mr. Grassley):
  S. 2297. A bill to facilitate obtaining foreign-located antitrust 
evidence by authorizing the Attorney General of the United States and 
the Federal Trade Commission to provide, in accordance with antitrust 
mutual assistance agreements, antitrust evidence to foreign antitrust 
authorities on a reciprocal basis; and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.


           international antitrust enforcement assistance act

  Mr. METZENBAUM. Mr. President, in today's global economy, American 
consumers and businesses are in much greater danger of becoming the 
victims of foreign conspiracies, collusion and cartels. The United 
States has a strong tradition of tough antitrust enforcement. However, 
policing anticompetitive conduct in the United States is no longer 
enough to protect our consumers from foreign conspiracies.
  The International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act of 1994, which 
I am introducing today with my colleague Strom Thurmond, will give the 
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission [FTC] greater 
power to protect American consumers. It does so by empowering DOJ and 
FTC to enter into cooperative agreements with their foreign 
counterparts to obtain evidence of antitrust violations that can only 
be found abroad. I am particularly gratified that so many of my 
distinguished colleagues are cosponsoring this bill, including Senators 
Joseph Biden, Edward Kennedy, Patrick Leahy, Paul Simon, Alan Simpson, 
and Charles Grassley.
  The fact is foreign monopolies and cartels can undermine American 
free markets and raise prices for our consumers. Within the past 2 
months, DOJ has, with the assistance and cooperation of the Canadian 
Government, prosecuted two such international cartels. One of those 
cartels fixed the prices of plastic utensils and cups and the other, 
which DOJ announced last week, fixed the price of paper used in fax 
machines. DOJ collected more than $6 million in fines from the fax 
cartel, which included several Japanese Companies. Both these 
prosecutions are splendid examples of how American consumers can 
benefit from closer international cooperation among antitrust 
authorities.
  To combat the growing international threat to U.S. consumers, our 
antitrust authorities must have the cooperation of more of their 
foreign counterparts to investigate and prosecute anticompetitive 
schemes with a global reach. The International Antitrust Enforcement 
Assistance Act would authorize this kind of cooperation. I commend 
Attorney General Janet Reno, and the Chief of the Antitrust Division, 
Anne Bingaman, for developing this important initiative to strengthen 
international antitrust enforcement.
  The bill will give the Attorney General and the FTC the authority to 
negotiate mutual legal assistance agreements with foreign antitrust 
agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission, which has similar 
authority, has negotiated agreements with 18 of its foreign 
counterparts. It is essential that we give our antitrust agencies the 
same authority.

  International antitrust enforcement assistance agreements will give 
U.S. consumers greater protection against companies that boycott their 
American rivals, fix the prices of consumer and commercial goods or 
otherwise abuse their monopoly power and then hide the evidence of 
their illegal activities behind foreign laws and loopholes. Under these 
new international agreements, our own antitrust authorities will have 
greater access to the hard evidence they need to investigate and 
prosecute foreign anticompetitive schemes. Likewise, foreign 
governments that agree to cooperate with the United States will be able 
to call upon our antitrust agencies to assist them with their 
investigations.
  Greater cooperation among the world's antitrust enforcement 
authorities will also protect American businesses from foreign 
predators. When these agreements are in effect, foreign companies won't 
be able to use time-consuming legal maneuvers to shield themselves from 
our fair competition laws. You can bet that foreign cartels and 
monopolies facing a credible threat of prosecution from U.S. antitrust 
authorities will think twice before exploiting America's free markets 
and attacking our domestic companies.
  The bill also includes necessary and proper safeguards to protect the 
confidentiality of the information that we share with foreign antitrust 
authorities. Both the Department of Justice and FTC will have to 
determine, with a high degree of confidence, that sensitive and 
proprietary information from U.S. companies won't fall into the wrong 
hands. I am confident that both agencies will meet their obligations in 
this regard.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this bold initiative to extend 
the reach of our fair competition laws and to protect American 
consumers and businesses from unfair international competition.
  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today as an original cosponsor of 
the International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act, which I have 
joined with Senator Metzenbaum and others. This bill authorizes closer 
cooperation and sharing of information between United States and 
foreign antitrust authorities in order to more effectively enforce 
antitrust laws for the benefit of American consumers and businesses. 
This is a worthy objective which deserves broad bipartisan support.
  It is indisputable that as business dealings have become more 
international in scope, antitrust violations more often involve 
transactions and evidence which are located in more than one country. 
Therefore, it is appropriate and necessary for antitrust authorities to 
be given better tools for obtaining evidence abroad. This bill achieves 
that goal by authorizing investigations to be conducted and information 
shared with foreign authorities in appropriate circumstances. However, 
this legislation does not change the jurisdictional reach or substance 
of either the U.S. antitrust laws or any foreign law.
  Last month, Attorney General Janet Reno and Assistant Attorney 
General Anne Bingaman held a press conference to announce the 
preparation of this legislation. I stated at that time that the concept 
was laudable, but that care must be taken to protect against any misuse 
of information shared with foreign governments or other unintended 
consequences which could be detrimental to American interests.
  In particular, I expressed concern that American companies must be 
protected from any possibility that this legislation could allow 
foreign competitors to gain competitive information or instigate unjust 
harassment, that there be sufficient reciprocity in the investigations 
conducted and information shared so that the benefits and 
responsibilities are evenly shared, and that our national defense must 
in no way be threatened through the sharing of information.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to state that these concerns have been 
addressed in the legislation we are introducing today. First, a number 
of provisions have been added to the original proposal to enhance the 
confidentiality of any information disclosed, including a determination 
in each case that the foreign laws are sufficient to protect 
confidentiality and will be applied. Second, the bill ensures that 
there will be true reciprocity between the United States and foreign 
antitrust authorities so that the results are not one-sided. Finally, 
express provisions have been included to ensure that classified 
information relating to national defense and foreign policy will not be 
disclosed to foreign agencies.
  I look forward to prompt hearings and action on this legislation.
                                 ______

      By Mr. LEAHY (for himself and Mr. Lugar):
  S. 2298. A bill to amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to enhance the 
ability of the banks for cooperatives to finance agriculture exports, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry.


     farm credit system agricultural export and risk management act

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join today with the 
distinguished ranking member on the Agriculture Committee, Senator 
Lugar, to introduce the Farm Credit System Agricultural Export and Risk 
Management Act.
  The act does three things that I believe the American public can 
support strongly. First, it expands the capacity of our Nation's 
financial system to provide credit for the export of U.S. agricultural 
products--a economic growth area of paramount importance for Rural 
America that we must stimulate in every reasonable, affordable way we 
possibly can.
  This is accomplished in the bill through modest expansion of the 
export lending authority of the National Bank for Cooperatives 
[CoBank], which has played a key role in financing the export of 
American agricultural products since 1980.
  Second, the bill authorizes member institutions of the Farm Credit 
System--a Government Sponsored Enterprise [GSE]--and the Nation's 
private banks to participate together in multi-lender transactions for 
the purpose of improving loan management capability and reducing the 
concentration of risk.
  Third, this bill moves in these two important directions without a 
subsidy from the Federal Treasury. Its provisons--in both the export 
financing and risk management areas--are modest and conservative. It 
will enhance credit opportunities for important rural ventures by 
carefully expanding the already-existing authority of the CoBank and by 
providing incentives for the Farm Credit System and private banks to 
cooperate and share risks.
  The CoBank's present authority allows it to finance only exports 
produced by American agricultural cooperatives. This limits its ability 
to serve all of American agriculture. A key provision of the 
legislation we are introducing today will broaden CoBank's ability to 
finance the export of any U.S. agricultural product, regardless of the 
source.
  CoBank, which has an excellent track record of providing significant, 
consistent financing for U.S. agricultural exports, actively markets 
our products and works with commodity and governmental organizations to 
develop new export opportunities.
  In this rapidly changing era of NAFTA and GATT, it makes good sense 
to enhance this authority. CoBank--and experienced, technically 
proficient export lender that concentrates exclusively on agricultural 
products--can help our farm sector increase its exports dramatically 
without having to turn to the small group of foreign-owned banks that 
now dominate this relatively low profit, high risk business.
  Further, the bill does something that I believe both the Farm Credit 
System and the private banking industry have been seeking for some time 
and can mutually benefit from. That is, it creates the opportunity for 
Farm Credit institutions and private banks to manage and reduce their 
concentration of loan loss risk in terms of geography, industry and 
account exposure by expanding the System's ability to purchase and sell 
loan participations from commercial banks and other non-System lenders.
  This modest bill is good for both America's banks and for our Farm 
Credit System, which has been so diligent in repaying the Federal 
obligations it incurred under the 1987 Agricultural Credit Act and in 
streamlining and improving its operations.
  The bill is also good for the farms, ranches and agriculture-related 
businesses of Rural America, which will benefit from enhanced credit 
opportunities.
  Most important of all, the bill is good for American taxpayers and 
consumers, who will appreciate and support its reliance on non-Federal 
resources--and who have a very real stake in the health of American 
agriculture.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2298

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Farm Credit System 
     Agricultural Export and Risk Management Act''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO FARM CREDIT ACT OF 1971.

       Whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in 
     terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other 
     provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a 
     section or other provision of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2001 et seq.), except to the extent otherwise 
     specifically provided.

     SEC. 3. PARTICIPATION DEFINED.

       Section 3.1(11)(B) (12 U.S.C. 2122(11)(B)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(iv) As used in this subparagraph, the term `participate' 
     or `participation' refers to multilender transactions, 
     including syndications, assignments, loan participations, 
     subparticipations, or other forms of the purchase, sale, or 
     transfer of interests in loans, other extensions of credit, 
     or other technical and financial assistance.''.

     SEC. 4. AGRICULTURAL EXPORT FINANCING.

       Section 3.7(b) (12 U.S.C. 2128(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``assistance to (A)'' and inserting 
     ``assistance to'';
       (B) by striking ``the export or'' and inserting ``the''; 
     and
       (C) by striking ``and (B)'' and all that follows through 
     ``subparagraph (A): Provided, That a'' and inserting ``if 
     the''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(2)(A) A bank for cooperatives is authorized to make or 
     participate in loans and commitments to, and to extend other 
     technical and financial assistance to--
       ``(i) any domestic or foreign party for the export, 
     including (where applicable) the cost of freight, of 
     agricultural commodities or products thereof, farm supplies, 
     or aquatic products from the United States under policies and 
     procedures established by the bank for cooperatives to ensure 
     that the commodities, products, or supplies are originally 
     sourced, where reasonably available, from 1 or more eligible 
     cooperative associations described in section 3.8(a) on a 
     priority basis; and
       ``(ii) except as provided in subparagraph (B), any domestic 
     or foreign party in which an eligible cooperative association 
     described in section 3.8(a) (including, for the purpose of 
     facilitating its domestic business operations only, a 
     cooperative or other entity described in section 
     3.8(b)(1)(A)) has an ownership interest, for the purpose of 
     facilitating the domestic or foreign business operations of 
     the association, except that if the ownership interest by an 
     eligible cooperative association, or associations, is less 
     than 50 percent, the financing shall be limited to the 
     percentage held in the party by the association or 
     associations.
       ``(B) A bank for cooperatives shall not use the authority 
     provided in subparagraph (A)(ii) to provide financial 
     assistance to a party for the purpose of financing the 
     relocation of a plant or facility from the United States to 
     another country.''.

     SEC. 5. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

       Section 3.8(b)(1) (12 U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraph (B);
       (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as 
     subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively; and
       (3) by aligning the margin of subparagraph (D) (as so 
     redesignated) so as to align with the margin of subparagraph 
     (C) (as so redesignated).

     SEC. 6. LOAN PARTICIPATION AUTHORITY FOR FARM CREDIT BANKS 
                   AND DIRECT LENDER ASSOCIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Title IV (12 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is 
     amended by inserting after section 4.18 (12 U.S.C. 2206) the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 4.18A. AUTHORITY OF FARM CREDIT BANKS AND DIRECT 
                   LENDER ASSOCIATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN LOANS TO 
                   SIMILAR ENTITIES FOR RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES.

       ``(a) Definitions.--As used in this section:
       ``(1) Participate and participation.--The terms 
     `participate' and `participation' have the meaning provided 
     in section 3.1(11)(B)(iv).
       ``(2) Similar entity.--The term `similar entity' means a 
     person that--
       ``(A) is not eligible for a loan from the Farm Credit Bank 
     or association; and
       ``(B) has operations that are functionally similar to a 
     person that is eligible for a loan from the Farm Credit Bank 
     or association in that the person derives majority of the 
     income of the person from, or has a majority of the assets of 
     the person invested in, the conduct of activities that are 
     functionally similar to the activities that are conducted by 
     an eligible person.
       ``(b) Loan Participation Authority.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of this Act, and Farm Credit Bank or direct 
     lender association chartered under this Act is authorized to 
     participate in any loan of a type otherwise authorized under 
     title I or II made to a similar entity by any person in the 
     business of extending credit, except that a Farm Credit Bank 
     or direct lender association may not participate in a loan 
     under this section if--
       ``(1) the participation would cause the total amount of all 
     participations by the Farm Credit Bank or association under 
     this section involving a single credit risk to exceed 10 
     percent (or the applicable higher lending limit authorized 
     under regulations issued by the Farm Credit Administration if 
     the stockholders of the respective Farm Credit Bank or 
     association so approve) of the total capital of the Farm 
     Credit Bank or association;
       ``(2) the participation by the Farm Credit Bank or 
     association would equal or exceed 50 percent of the principal 
     of the loan or, when taken together with participations in 
     the loan by other Farm Credit System institutions, would 
     cause the cumulative amount of the participations by all Farm 
     Credit System institutions in the loan to equal or exceed 50 
     percent of the principal of the loan;
       ``(3) the participation would cause the cumulative amount 
     of participations that the Farm Credit Bank or association 
     has outstanding under this section to exceed 15 percent of 
     the total assets of the Farm Credit Bank or association; or
       ``(4) the loan is of the type authorized under section 
     1.11(b) or 2.4(a)(2).
       ``(c) Prior Approval Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--With respect to a similar entity that is 
     eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives under the 
     title III, the authority of a Farm Credit Bank or association 
     to participate in a loan to the entity under this section 
     shall be subject to the prior approval of the bank for 
     cooperatives having, at the time the loan is made, the 
     greatest loan volume in the State in which the headquarters 
     office of the similar entity is located.
       ``(2) Terms and conditions.--Approval under paragraph (1) 
     may be granted on an annual basis and under such terms and 
     conditions as may be agreed on between the Farm Credit Bank 
     or association, as the case may be, and the bank for 
     cooperatives granting the approval.
       ``(3) Approval by supervising farm credit bank.--An 
     association may not participate in a loan to a similar entity 
     under this section without the approval of the supervising 
     Farm Credit Bank of the association.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3.1(11)(B)(i)(I)(bb) 
     (12 U.S.C. 2122(11)(B)(i)(I)(bb)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``the other banks for cooperatives under 
     this subparagraph'' and inserting ``other Farm Credit System 
     institutions''; and
       (2) by striking ``all banks for cooperatives'' and 
     inserting ``all Farm Credit System institutions.''

  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today Senator Leahy and I are introducing 
the Farm Credit System Agricultural Export and Risk Management Act. 
This legislation will encourage U.S. agricultural exports, remove 
burdensome regulatory requirements from the banks for cooperatives, and 
clarify legal authorities for Farm Credit System institutions to manage 
risk through loan participations and similar transactions that will 
benefit not only the System but also commercial lenders.
  The Farm Credit System's borrower-owned institutions have made a 
phenomenal recovery from their near-collapse in the mid-1980's. It is 
appropriate that Congress continue to encourage the System to manage 
its risks prudently, structure its operations in a manner consistent 
with the changing nature of the U.S. financial system, and facilitate 
its borrowers' participation in the international marketplace. I 
believe this legislation will help accomplish all these goals.
  The key provision of this bill affects the ability of the banks for 
cooperatives to finance agricultural export transactions. These banks--
primarily the National Bank for Cooperatives, or CoBank--have had 
export financing authority since 1980. CoBank finances about $2 billion 
of U.S. farm exports per year, nearly all of which is backed by the 
Agriculture Department's GSM-102 credit guarantee program.
  CoBank is, in fact, the dominant player among lending institutions 
participating in the GSM-102 program. Relatively few U.S. commercial 
banks have financed GSM-102 transactions.
  The law presently requires that, in order to finance an export sale, 
CoBank must ensure that the exported commodities originated with a 
cooperative. This does not mean that a co-op must actually be the 
exporter; more typically, a commercial grain company would export grain 
that was sourced from co-op elevators.
  Since CoBank is owned by its cooperative borrowers, the institution 
has an obvious desire to source the exports it finances from co-ops 
whenever possible. In some cases, however, it is difficult or 
impossible for the exporter to certify co-op origin to CoBank. In such 
circumstances, CoBank simply loses business, often to foreign banks.
  Two years ago, Congress absolved CoBank of the co-op sourcing 
requirement with respect to exports to the former Soviet Union, 
reflecting the high priority of maintaining trade ties to those 
republics unencumbered by unnecessary redtape. The legislation I 
introduced today will, in essence, extend this authority to all export 
destinations, while requiring that priority be given to commodities 
originating with cooperatives.
  As I have already indicated, I believe that by allowing some 
flexibility to CoBank, we will achieve a number of desirable goals. We 
will reduce a regulatory burden that sometimes results in export 
financing business being forfeited to offshore institutions. By virtue 
of CoBank's dominant role in GSM-102, we will enhance that program's 
efficiency and its ability to facilitate U.S. export sales. We will 
encourage an expansion of U.S. agricultural export sales at a time when 
exports of many commodities are in decline. And by reducing the 
administrative cost of some transactions, we will enhance efficient 
operations in a major Farm Credit System institution, further shoring 
up the safety and soundness of the entire System.

  The bill has several other provisions, all of which enhance the Farm 
Credit System's ability to keep up with changing practices in the U.S. 
financial system. Specifically, the bill will:
  Authorize the banks for cooperatives to finance international joint 
ventures and partnerships in which U.S. co-ops hold an ownership 
interest, while prohibiting any such financing that would lead to any 
U.S. facilities being moved overseas;
  Authorize all Farm Credit System institutions to use risk management 
authorities presently available to the banks for cooperatives, by 
participating in loans to entities similar to those eligible to borrow 
from the System, but not holding more than a 50 percent interest in 
such loans;
  Clarify the System's current authority to participate in loans 
originated by other financial institutions by ensuring that this 
authority will keep pace with evolving banking industry practice, 
permitting the System to take part in syndications and similar 
transactions.
  In each case, these changes will enhance the System's ability to 
reduce its concentration of risk in terms of geography, industry and 
account exposure. System institutions both purchase and sell 
participations from and to other lenders, a practice that is important 
particularly in the case of larger loans. For example, CoBank recently 
administered a $650 million syndication for Farmland Industries Inc., a 
major farmer-owned marketing and supply cooperative. Seven commercial 
banks joined CoBank to provide funding for the syndication, 
illustrating the growing number of cases where banks and System 
institutions are working together harmoniously to meet the credit needs 
of rural America.
  It is important to note that the legislation will not give System 
institutions an unfair advantage over the commercial banking industry. 
For example, in the case of loans to agricultural entities that are 
similar to System borrowers, the System would be prohibited from 
providing 50 percent or more of the funds for such loans, ensuring that 
the System's use of loan participations will be limited to those cases 
where commercial lenders desire to involve the System, and that the 
System still would not be able to originate loans of this type.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator Leahy in introducing this 
important bill. Very similar legislation has been introduced in the 
House of Representatives as H.R. 4379 by Representatives de la Garza, 
Roberts, and others. I invite my colleagues to review the bill and look 
forward to working with them and with financial and agricultural 
industries to ensure that the legislation can be of broad benefit to 
all interested parties, and that it will enjoy widespread and 
enthusiastic support.

                          ____________________