[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 105 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST

  Mr. GLENN. Mr. President, yesterday evening I asked that my formal 
remarks regarding funding for the international space station, be 
included in the Congressional Record as read. However, an oversight 
occurred and it was not included.
  I ask unanimous consent that my formal statement be included as read, 
in today's Congressional Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. GLENN. Mr. President, once again the Senate debates an amendment 
proposed by the Senator from Arkansas [Senator Bumpers] regarding the 
future of the international space station. As I'm sure my colleagues 
are aware, I am a strong supporter of this program. Construction and 
implementation of this project is an investment in our future and in 
the future of our children.


                              introduction

  In such limited financial times as we are experiencing in the United 
States today, one may ask, ``Why finance another research project, and 
why one such as the international space station?'' I find that question 
very easy to answer. There are many reasons why the United States must 
pursue the development of this project. I would like to list briefly 
for my colleagues several reasons why the space station will benefit 
our lives and those of our children. It will:
  First, create a permanent orbiting science laboratory in space 
capable of performing long-duration research in materials and life 
sciences in a nearly gravity-free environment. Microgravity research in 
the life and physical sciences is of the utmost importance for the long 
term economic future of our Nation. The space station also represents 
continuance of our civilian space program. Manned space missions remain 
the core of our space activities. The space station will provide a safe 
environment for humans to live and work for long periods of time. 
Research to be performed on the station simply cannot be performed on 
Earth. The knowledge of how we adapt to weightless environments will 
lay the groundwork for future human exploration. Many feel that if the 
station is cancelled, the future of the entire U.S. space program will 
be in jeopardy.
  Second, the space station will allow us to conduct medical research 
in space. A gravity-free environment will give us new insights into 
human health and disease prevention and treatment, including, but not 
limited too, heart, lung, and kidney function, osteoporosis, 
immune system and hormonal disorders, and brain function. This 
environment will allow scientist to grow protein crystals and study 
their structure. Better knowledge about the structure and function of 
these proteins will enhance the drug treatment of diseases. Crystals 
that have been grown on the shuttle for cancer, diabetes, emphysema, 
and immune system disorders are considerably superior to anything grown 
on Earth.
  Third, the international space station will allow us to develop new 
materials and processes in industry. Experimental research in zero 
gravity produces new insights into industrial processes including an 
increased understanding of fluid physics and combustion. A better 
understanding of combustion can lead to energy conservation here on 
Earth. In fact, a 2-percent increase in burner efficiency for heaters 
could save the United States $8 billion a year.
  Fourth, the station will accelerate breakthroughs in technology and 
engineering that can have practical and immediate applications for life 
on Earth. This will create jobs and economic opportunities for 
Americans now and in the future. Medical equipment, technology, and 
miniaturization techniques developed for the early astronauts are still 
paying off today, more than 30 years later. Some examples of spinoffs 
from NASA technology are: a ``cool'' suit developed for the Apollo 
mission which helps improve the quality of life of multiple sclerosis 
patients; NASA technology helped produce a pacemaker that can be 
programmed from outside the body; instruments developed for astronauts 
which measure bone loss and bone density without penetrating the skin 
are used in hospitals around the country; and, research from the space 
program has aided the development of an insulin delivery system for 
diabetics. This small implantable device, only 3 inches across, 
provides more precise control of blood sugar levels and frees up the 
diabetics from the burden of daily insulin injections.
  Fifth, the station will allow the United States to maintain global 
leadership and competitiveness in space, and be a driving force for new 
technologies. Like the Apollo program before it, the space station will 
be a proving ground for advances in communications, computer, and 
systems integrations. Research on large scale space vehicles will lead 
to improved computer software, and materials for use in the 
communications, utility, and transportation industries.
  Sixth, the station will forge new partnerships with other nations of 
the world. The international space station is the largest scientific 
cooperative program in history bringing together the resources of 13 
international partners--the United States, Canada, Italy, Belgium, 
Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, France, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, 
Japan, and now Russia. The station will demonstrate that former 
adversaries can join together in peaceful pursuits and at a fraction of 
what it cost to maintain the arms buildup in the cold war era.
  Seventh, the space station and knowledge that accompanies it will 
inspire our children, fostering the next generation of scientists, 
engineers, and entrepreneurs. It will satisfy that most basic human 
instinct--the need to explore and achieve. By witnessing these broad 
international efforts, students will learn the value of cooperation. In 
the past, space science has proven to be a catalyst for academic 
achievement. Enrollment trends of U.S. students majoring in science and 
engineering track closely with funding trends of U.S. space activities. 
During the 1960's, when America's space program first began to grow, 
the number of students entering science and engineering doctorate 
programs sky-rocketed. Who can say how important a vibrant space 
program was in inspiring young people into these fields?
  And what, Mr. President, could be more inspirational to our 
children--the true future of our world? Space exploration fascinates 
young minds and draws their attention to science and mathematics at a 
very young age. Recent studies have shown that skills in math, science, 
and engineering of U.S. school children have fallen farther and farther 
behind those of their international counterparts. The space station 
will provide a concrete example to our children of current and exciting 
scientific research and discovery. It may guide some of them to pursue 
science and technology as career fields. As we know, mastery of these 
subjects is necessary if our workforce is going to remain competitive 
in the international marketplace.
  Eighth, the space station is an investment for today and tomorrow--
each dollar spent on space programs returns at least $2 a year in 
direct and indirect benefits.

  The benefits that I have just stated are real and will be ours if we 
choose to pursue them. The first 30 years of spaceflight and 
exploration have provided us with extraordinary advancements, 
achievements, and discoveries. We have learned not only to travel into 
space but to live and work there. What will the next 30 years hold? I 
hope as much opportunity and promise as the last 3 decades, but only we 
can make that happen through continued funding for this very important 
program.
  I would now like to go into greater detail for my colleagues here 
today, discussing the many benefits the international space station 
will bring us and future generations to come.


                             redesign-cost

  Mr. President, the President's Advisory Committee on the Redesign of 
the Space Station was appointed in March 1993, when scientists and 
engineers were once again asked to go back to the drawing board and 
redesign the space station. The challenge for them was to produce a 
station that would achieve research capabilities earlier, simplify 
assembly and program reorganization, consider enhanced Russian 
involvement, and dramatically reduce cost. After many months of 
negotiations, independent external review teams have confirmed that 
station management structure of the program has been greatly improved. 
The new design offers more laboratory space, more electric power and a 
larger crew, all at a cost predicted to be $5 million less than the 
cost projected for space station Freedom.
  Dr. Charles Vest, chair of an independent review committee and 
president of MIT states, ``NASA has performed a remarkable management 
turnaround'' resulting in ``profound change and potential stability to 
this program.'' The international space station incorporates 
approximately 75 percent of the hardware originally developed for space 
station Freedom. The increased Russian participation allows a cost and 
schedule saving while at the same time an increase in the science 
capability.
  Mr. President, the redesigned program is affordable, the space 
station constitutes only one-seventh of 1 percent of the Federal 
budget--and less than 15 percent of the total NASA budget. The 1999 
NASA budget request will be 28 percent less than was planned just 2 
years ago. And, despite these budget cuts, NASA's key initiatives in 
major programs in science and aeronautics remain funded.
  What does all this mean to the American taxpayer? To you and me? NASA 
estimates that the space station will cost the American taxpayer 
approximately $9 a year--about the same as a night out at the movies. 
Compared to the benefits it will provide for many years to come, the 
space station can be built and run for a relatively small cost.


                       international involvement

  I would now like to touch on the international partners key role in 
the space program. Mr. President, America's role in a post-cold-war 
society will depend on our ability to develop and maintain peaceful 
international partnerships. At this time, the station is being jointly 
pursued and funded by 10 European nations, Japan, Canada, Russia, and 
the United States. These nations, working under signed agreements, have 
already invested heavily to develop laboratories and equipment which 
will be part of the U.S.-launched station. These partners expect the 
United States to fulfill its leadership role, and have expressed 
serious concern at the possibility of cancellation. Fulfilling our 
promise to lead in the development of the space station is an important 
step that will illustrate to our international partners the United 
States is committed to international involvement and cooperation.
  Mr. President, in 1993 the space station went through its most 
extensive redesign to date emerging with a new look and emerging as a 
new symbol of the end of the cold war, by including Russia as a major 
participant. From the beginning of the disintegration of the Soviet 
Union and the end of the cold war the United States has stated that we 
need to transform our two nations from countries in conflict to 
countries in cooperation. I cannot see, Mr. President, a better 
opportunity for our two nation's to work toward this transformation 
that the joint pursuit of the international space station.
  Many in Congress have expressed concern over the recent inclusion of 
the Russians in our station design. After competing with the Soviets 
for over three decades, it is hard for some to imagine a new era of 
cooperation and participation. However, for others, myself included, 
this participation represents the ``new world order.'' The Russians 
have been in space, operated a space station, and studied space 
technology for many years and we can and should learn from their 
experiences. The Russians have considerable space station experience 
and the United States has the reusable space shuttle. We need to 
combine these technologies in harmony to develop even greater goals.
  The station project allows the Russians to be responsible partners 
focusing on cooperation and commerce. Doesn't it make more sense, Mr. 
President, to provide incentives for Russia to adopt Western practices, 
develop industry-to-industry ties that can help open up formerly closed 
Russian markets, and jointly develop high-technology to help lead the 
world into the next century that to continue wasteful competition which 
does not benefit the monetary or technology policy of either nation?
  Concerns have been raised about Russia standing by its commitments in 
the station project. What would happen if they pull out? Where will 
that leave the United States? For reasons tied to national security and 
national pride, Russia will continue to subsidize its space sector. The 
Russian Government has consistently stated that it would continue this 
domestic space program whether they participate in the international 
space station or not. At this time, the United States is finalizing 
contingency plans in the event of a Russian pull-out. The United States 
and international partners can build a space station alone, at a 
greater cost. However, with the use of more limited resources we can 
develop it with the Russians.
  I have also been confronted with concerns about monetary payments to 
Russia, some stating that we are simply subsidizing the Russian 
economy. This, Mr. President, is simply not correct. The Russian Space 
Agency fulfills two rolls with NASA: it assumes the obligations and 
responsibilities as a full station partner; and, in the first phases of 
cooperation, will provide NASA hardware and services for the station. 
The Russian Space Agency will subcontract with other entities and 
function much like private subcontractors in the United States. Russian 
contributions to the station will include automated rendezvous and 
docking capabilities, guidance systems, and reboost and attitude 
control. Integration of Russian hardware into the station will result 
in increased power for payloads and additional pressurized volume. NASA 
has consistently stated that no decisions will be made out of the 
Russian launch facility without being approved through Houston first. 
The United States will remain in control of the project through all 
stages.

  The impact on the Russian economy from space station participation 
will encourage privatization and participation in the legitimate 
development of trade and high technology. It will help Russia keep 
those scientists who wish to remain and practice their profession at 
home rather than forcing them to look elsewhere for work, in 
``hotspots'' around the world, nations willing to pay a high price for 
Russian scientific know-how in high technology research and 
development.
  Mr. President, the international space station is the largest 
international research and development project ever undertaken. This 
project will demonstrate the ability of multiple nations to work 
jointly toward a common, peaceful goal. The inclusion of Russia in the 
project enhances and solidifies the already impressive roll of nations 
already participating. Successful implementation of the international 
space station will serve as model for future international joint 
ventures. It is imperative that the United States stand by its 
responsibilities in this agreement and move ahead with development and 
construction.


                   science to be performed on station

  Mr. President, much of the science and technology development to be 
performed on the international space station will focus on 
understanding the most basic workings of life and matter in a unique 
microgravity environment.
  The goal of microgravity research on the space station is to evolve 
processes that exploit the unique characteristics of the microgravity 
environment of space to accomplish results that cannot be obtained on 
Earth.
  In the field of biotechnology, NASA will test a new, cell growth 
system, known as the rotating wall bioreactor, to see if tissue can be 
grown better during long duration space flight than on Earth. This will 
allow scientists to see for the first time how tumors grow without the 
flaws produced by the Earth's gravitational effects.
  It will also be possible to grow semiconductor crystals aboard the 
station which are purer than those found on Earth. Research in this 
area will provide data that will enhance semiconductor technology and 
expand its applications. Semiconductor crystals play a vital role in 
the manufacture of electronic devices, such as the tiny chips in 
televisions, microwave ovens, remote controls, and other modern 
conveniences.
  Space station provides for the first time, adequate resources to 
support on-orbit material science experiments requiring high 
temperature, high power, and long duration. Studying the behavior of 
materials and fluids in the microgravity environment will provide a 
better understanding of the effects and limitations imposed on 
processes carried out on Earth.
  The science to be performed on station and the technology gleaned 
from these experiments will benefit people in many aspects of their 
lives, from development of better, stronger, safer materials, food 
products, shelter, communications, transportation, and environmental 
conditions. I would like to run through a few of the important science 
experiments planned for station and their practical applications to 
humans here on Earth.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Subtopic                                           Applications on Earth                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         1. BIOTECHNOLOGY--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES                                                                
                                                                                                                
Tissue Culture Studies..................................  Knowledge of normal and cancerous mammalian tissue    
                                                           development can provide a key to finding better      
                                                           treatment and cures.                                 
Protein Crystal Growth..................................  Larger more ``perfect'' crystals can be grown in a    
                                                           microgravity environment. This can lead scientists to
                                                           design pharmaceuticals which block or modify the     
                                                           functioning of proteins--possible target: HIV virus. 
Separation Sciences.....................................  Separation and purification of biological cells and   
                                                           proteins will be performed on station for disease    
                                                           treatment and research in the medical field.         
Cell Fusion.............................................  Applications of cell fusion include production of cell-
                                                           based pharmaceuticals that could lead to genetic     
                                                           engineering in agriculture to someday improve crop   
                                                           yield, nutrition, and disease resistance of food     
                                                           plants.                                              
Collagen Processing.....................................  New methods for generating tissues can be used to     
                                                           reconstruct human connective tissues.                
                                                                                                                
           2. COMBUSTION--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE                                                                  
                                                                                                                
Droplet/Pool Burning....................................  An improved understanding of droplet and pool burning 
                                                           can have applications for fire safety, greater       
                                                           combustion efficiency in furnaces and engines.       
Combustion Phenomena....................................  Studying a more purer form of combustion in the       
                                                           microgravity environment can maximize the efficiency 
                                                           of energy utilization, including minimizing          
                                                           pollutants and waste heat and help us to             
                                                           understanding the global environmental heating       
                                                           process.                                             
                                                                                                                
         3. FLUID PHYSICS--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES                                                                
                                                                                                                
Multiple Flow and Heat Transfer.........................  Can help provide solutions to environmental and energy
                                                           related problems such as better design and operations
                                                           of power plants.                                     
Interface Dynamics......................................  Applications include improved industrial films and    
                                                           coatings, oil spill recovery techniques, tracking of 
                                                           ground water contaminates and processing of          
                                                           semiconductor crystals.                              
                                                                                                                
     4. GLASSES AND CERAMICS--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES                                                             
                                                                                                                
Glass Fiber Production..................................  Improved high-strength materials for gas turbine      
                                                           engines and specialized cutting tools.               
Fiber Reinforced Components.............................  Fiber Reinforced Components can provide better        
                                                           pyroelectric devices for disaster and crime          
                                                           prevention, environmental control and life saving.   
                                                                                                                
       5. METALS AND ALLOYS--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES                                                              
                                                                                                                
Casting Processes.......................................  Applications of improved casting processes include an 
                                                           increased ability to produce defect-free castings for
                                                           industries which rely on high-performance parts such 
                                                           as aerospace, infrastructure construction--bridges,  
                                                           buildings, nuclear plants, and electronics.          
                                                                                                                
    6. POLYMERS AND CHEMISTRY--MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES                                                            
                                                                                                                
Diffusive Mixing of Organics............................  Scientists can obtain a greater understanding of many 
                                                           aspects of organic chemistry without the masking of  
                                                           buoyancy-driven convection caused by the effects of  
                                                           gravity.                                             
Zeolite Growth..........................................  Larger, more efficient zeolite crystals may be grown  
                                                           in a microgravity environment which have hundreds of 
                                                           uses including absorption of pollutants, separation  
                                                           of wastes from air and water, oil and gasoline       
                                                           catalents, and many more.                            
Synthetic Chemistry.....................................  In space we can investigate the underlying chemical   
                                                           forces which on Earth are masked by dominant         
                                                           gravitational forces.                                
                                                                                                                
             7. LIFE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES                                                                    
                                                                                                                
Gravitational Biology...................................  Research in the micro-gravity environment of the      
                                                           station can help us understanding the role of gravity
                                                           in all life on Earth from simple bacteria, through   
                                                           plants, animals and humans.                          
Space Physiology........................................  Knowledge of otolith and vestibular functions can lead
                                                           to diagnostic devices for orthostatic impairment and 
                                                           osteoporosis, and insight into human immune system   
                                                           and imbalance disorders.                             
Controlled Ecological Life Support......................  The controlled life support system on the station will
                                                           help us to better understand waste management and    
                                                           disposal, including recycling of gaseous and liquid  
                                                           consumables, food plant experiments to increase crop 
                                                           yields and shorted growth period without the use of  
                                                           pesticides.                                          
Environmental Health....................................  This closed environment can also help us to develop   
                                                           improved air and water quality sensors, analyzers,   
                                                           and filtering devices. An automated microbilogy      
                                                           system enhances identification of bacteria and       
                                                           population.                                          
Operational Medicine....................................  Vital knowledge of cardiovascular performance, neuro- 
                                                           vestibular and neuromuscular disorders, osteoporosis,
                                                           and environmental effects for disease prevention and 
                                                           treatment.                                           
Human Factors, Behavior, and Performance................  Station research will lead to procedures to help sleep
                                                           dysfunction, treatment of acquired brain damage,     
                                                           remote medical care technology, modeling of human    
                                                           performance and team building and training.          
Crew Health Care........................................  Biomedical monitoring and telemedicine systems for    
                                                           emergency and critical care can lead to compact      
                                                           integrated healthy care systems for use in remote    
                                                           locations.                                           
                                                                                                                
   8. ENGINEERING AND RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT                                                           
                                                                                                                
Human Support (Extra-Vehicular Activity)................  Enhanced designs for firefighting suits, toxic waste  
                                                           cleanup suits, deep sea divers equipment. Cooling    
                                                           systems for physically impaired persons. Compact     
                                                           power tools.                                         
Communications..........................................  The International Space Station will support          
                                                           commercial sector needs for new technology to        
                                                           maintain the lead in space-based communications.     
Information Systems--Radiation Exposure.................  Information on radiation hardening and shielding of   
                                                           electronics for commercial spacecraft, airliners, and
                                                           defense platforms.                                   
Operations..............................................  Greater fire safety in confined environments.         
                                                           Efficient, safe management of pressurized liquids.   
                                                           Better controls and displays.                        
                                                                                                                
                9. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT                                                                       
                                                                                                                
Space Power.............................................  Technology used for the station will require lighter  
                                                           electrical power systems for commercial spacecraft   
                                                           thus allowing use of smaller, more economical        
                                                           launchers and maintenance of U.S. lead in spacecraft 
                                                           production.                                          
Robotics................................................  Use of artificial intelligence and expert systems for 
                                                           inspection, maintenance and manufacturing takes in   
                                                           hostile natural and manmade environments such as     
                                                           foundries, nuclear power plants, the Arctic,         
                                                           volcanoes.                                           
Space Propulsion........................................  Smaller, more efficient propulsion systems for        
                                                           commercial spacecraft making them more cost-effective
                                                           and productive by extending on-orbit lifetimes.      
Remote Sensing..........................................  Agricultural crop monitoring, forest mensuration,     
                                                           environmental assessment, land use planning, storm   
                                                           surge level forecasting, erosion effects prediction, 
                                                           ocean currents tracking, oil field locations, digital
                                                           mapping, etc.                                        
                                                                                                                
10. OBSERVATIONAL SCIENCE--EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE                                                        
                                                                                                                
Natural Resources Research..............................  Investigation of river basin, urban/wilderness        
                                                           interaction, ecological disasters, snow cover, crop  
                                                           and natural vegetation, soils, surface mapping.      
Oceanic Research........................................  Monitoring of sea surface temperatures, wind speed and
                                                           sea roughness, ocean currents, sea life, ice         
                                                           coverage, etc.                                       
Atmospheric Research....................................  Storm monitoring. Analysis of vertical distribution of
                                                           atmospheric gasses and aerosols. Lidar measurement of
                                                           clouds, ozone, and trace gasses.                     
Near-Earth Environment..................................  Measurement of global radiation exposure such as gamma-
                                                           ray bursts and solar particles.                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note.--Science description come from NASA Orbital Research Program publication, ``Research Strategies and       
  Associated Space Station Facilities'' and from a Teledyne Brown Engineering requirements study done for NASA  
  of Space Station Microgravity and Materials Processing Facility.                                              

  As my colleagues can see from the list I have just presented, the 
international space station will provide an invaluable research and 
learning environmental benefiting our lives here on Earth many times 
over.


               applications of space research--spinoff's

  Mr. President, the abundance of technology that flows from the 
exploration of space is a valuable national resource and a valuable 
investment in our future. New products and processes arising from the 
cutting edge technology used daily in our space program have 
significant, immediate, and lifesaving affects on our lives here on 
Earth.
  In February of last year, President Clinton, in a technology policy 
statement said, ``Technology is the engine of economic growth.'' I 
believe that technological innovation is a key element in reinventing 
and reinvigorating America's global competitiveness. The technology 
developed in NASA's air and space programs is transferable, it can be 
used again and again in both a research and everyday environment. This 
technology, when it is applied in the development of new processes, 
benefits the entire globe.
  Research and technologies gleaned from the space program have 
produced thousands of lifesaving and necessary items, used everyday by 
you and I. I would like to list now for my colleagues just some of the 
hundreds of spinoff's that have been developed from technology derived 
for our space program.


                           medical spinoff's

  Breast cancer detection: A solar cell sensor can be positioned 
directly beneath x-ray film, and can determine exactly when film has 
received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. 
At that point, associated electronic equipment sends a signal to cut 
off the x-ray source. The result is a reduction of mammography x-ray 
exposure which reduces the radiation hazard to patients and doubles the 
number of patient exams per machine.
  Automated blood pressure measurement: The automated blood pressure 
measurement unit is a semiautomatic device that permits highly accurate 
blood pressure measurement. The system requires positioning and 
inflation of arm cuff; however, after that it operates automatically 
with blood pressure readings appearing automatically on a digital 
display.
  Programmable pacemaker: The implantable pacemaker together with a 
physician's console containing a programmer and data printer allow the 
physician to communicate with the patient's pacemaker by means of 
wireless telemetry signals transmitted through the communicating 
apparatus held over the patient's chest.
  New help for MS patients: Cooling systems developed for the Apollo 
program, enable multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida 
patients and others to lower their body temperatures which produces a 
dramatic improvement in their symptoms. These systems can also be used 
by people who work with hazardous materials, armored vehicle crews, 
firefighters and crop dusters.
  Hearing aid tester: Hearing aids often develop malfunctions that are 
undetectable to the wearer. A miniaturized, battery-powered system 
monitors hearing aid operation. Twice every hour the system performs a 
check of the hearing aid's battery, amplifier and receiver cord.
  Respiratory distress: Each year in the United States over 20,000 
babies succumb to respiratory distress, a syndrome where the child's 
lungs lose their ability to oxygenated blood. Positive and negative 
pressure techniques have been developed--first to fill the infant's 
lungs with air and then to keep the lung's expanded. If the infant can 
be kept alive for 4 days or more the missing substance in the lungs 
usually forms in sufficient quantity to permit normal breathing.
  Laser angioplasty: Laser angiogplasty using a ``cool'' type of laser, 
the excimer laser, does not damage blood vessel walls and offers a 
nonsurgical yet highly precise cleaning of clogged arteries. The 
success rate of opening coronary arteries with this method is 85 
percent and has fewer complications than the tradition balloon 
angioplasty.
  Vision screening: Image processing technology can be used to detect 
eye problems in very young children because it requires no response 
from the patient. An electronic flash from a 35 millimeter camera sends 
light into a child's eye which is then reflected back into the camera 
lens to ultimately analyze the retinal reflexes generated and producing 
an image of the child's eye.
  Voice controlled wheelchair: A voice-controlled wheelchair and its 
manipulator can pick up packages, open a door, turn a TV knob and 
perform a variety of other functions. The chair is controlled by the 
user with one-word voice commands such as go, stop, down, right, etc. 
Such technology can give those patients requiring wheelchairs greater 
freedom and flexibility.
  Rehabilitation tool: Biotran is a force sensing system that helps 
doctors and physical therapists treat patients with movement 
deficiencies. Based on a NASA sensor technology, it has applications in 
sports training and evaluation assisting athletes in improving strength 
and balance.
  Infant radiant warmer: A canopy placed atop an infants bassinet 
composed of laminated layer of transparent plastics and encasing a thin 
film of gold called Intrex emits low energy radiant heat over the 
infant's entire body. A skin sensor allows temperature control to be 
adjusted precisely to each baby's individual needs. This cradle warmer 
is widely used for routine post-operative care and recovery.
  Mr. President, other important medical spinoff's include: Magnetic 
resonance imaging; programmable implants that dispense medication, 
alleviate pain and control blood pressure; insulin infusion pump for 
insulin-dependent diabetics; and reading machines for the blind and 
speech perceptions aids for the deaf.
  In the field of consumer goods for home use and recreation, the space 
program has assisted with the development of hundreds of products and 
processes.
  Athletic shoes: Material derived from the moon boot and then 
encapsulated in running shoe midsoles improves shock absorption and 
provides superior stability and motion control.

  Chameleon glass: Coated glass used to protect spacecraft and 
instruments from cosmic radiation and to protect human vision from 
unfiltered sunlight in space allows some wavelengths of light and color 
to reflect and others to pass through thus producing a chameleon 
effect. This same process has been developed on earth to produce 
stained glass windows, mobiles and jewelry.
  Cardio-muscular conditioner: Cardiovascular conditioner technology 
used on an orbiting laboratory has been used to develop a physical 
therapy and athletic development conditioner used by football teams, 
sports clinics and medical rehabilitation centers.
  Other common everyday spinoffs include: Smoke detectors; air 
conditioners/dehumidifiers; heart rate monitors used during aerobic 
exercises; water conditioners and filters; bulb misers; sunglass 
lenses; solar water heaters; heat pipe systems; and even Mr. President, 
miniature cordless vacuum cleaners.
  In the area of environmental and resource management, recent spinoff 
technologies include: Atmospheric visibility/studies; airborne imaging; 
pollution control devices; solid rock analyzers; natural air purifiers; 
heat pipes for the Alaskan pipeline; radiation insulation; water 
quality monitors; pollution measuring systems; earthquake prediction 
systems; sewage treatment methods; and fire resistant material and 
many, many more.
  I could spend the next several hours going over the many more 
exciting and important advances that the space program has helped 
provide our lives. In fact, Mr. President, these two thick publications 
that I'm holding, list the medical and consumer spinoffs from 1976 to 
the present, over 350 new products.
  The applications I listed here today are just some of the valuable 
advances that have been acquired from the first 30 years space 
exploration. Who can predict what the next 30 years will bring us? We 
must allow research and development to move forward. Funding a project 
such as the station is a serious commitment to doing so.


                 inspirational value of space research

  Mr. President, another important aspect of continuing to fund space 
research, especially the International space station, is the 
inspiration that it provides our children. Space science is a impetus 
for achievement and has proven to be a catalyst for academic 
achievement. Enrollment trends of U.S. students majoring in science and 
engineering track closely with funding trends of U.S. space activities. 
During the 1960's, when America's space program first began to grow, 
the number of students entering science and engineering doctorate 
programs skyrocketed. Who can say how important a vibrant space program 
was in inspiring young people into these fields?
  Mr. President, each week my office receives many unsolicited drawings 
and pictures done by children, illustrating their concepts of the space 
station and other space related activities. Astronauts have always been 
and will continue to be role models for our children. What could be 
more inspirational to our children--the true future of our world, than 
a working laboratory orbiting high above?
  Space exploration fascinates young minds and draws their attention to 
science and mathematics at a very young age. Recent studies have shown 
that skills in math, science, and engineering of U.S. schoolchildren 
have fallen farther and farther behind those of their international 
counterparts. The space station will provide a concrete example to our 
children of current and exciting scientific research and discovery and 
may guide some of them to pursue science and technology as career 
fields. Mastery of these subjects is necessary if our workforce is 
going to remain competitive in the international marketplace.


                            closing remarks

  I have listed for my colleagues today many reasons why the United 
States must continue to support development of the international space 
station. The space station furthers our scientific knowledge, helps 
promote jobs here at home, stimulates an eagerness for our 
schoolchildren to continue study in the science and technology fields, 
fosters a feeling of cooperation with our international neighbors, and 
keeps our spirit of adventure, advancement, and achievement alive.
  The exploration and study of space has unlimited possibilities, ones 
that we are only beginning to understand. Mr. President, how can we 
possibly close the door on this exciting and new frontier? Only by our 
pursuit can we discover the wonders and mysteries that the universe is 
waiting to reveal to us.
  For these reasons, I ask that my colleagues continue to keep this 
vision alive and vote against the Bumpers amendment.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, what we are doing here now is trying to 
clear some of our amendments so we can make further progress on the 
bill. We now have one housing amendment that requires consultation with 
the authorizers, Senator Riegle and Senator D'Amato. We are waiting to 
hear from them. But, while we are waiting, I would like to bring to the 
attention of the Senate many of the things that we have done in this 
legislation.
  In the course of debating on the Senate floor, what is often 
overlooked is what is good in the bill, because what is pending on the 
floor is amendments, amendments either to improve the bill or, in other 
instances, people taking advantage of the lack of a germaneness 
requirement in the Senate to parachute any number of other items on the 
bill.
  But that is democracy, and that is the U.S. Senate. What I would like 
to do is talk about some of the significant things we were able to 
achieve in the bill with the cooperation of all of the members.
  The tradition of the VA/HUD bill has always been that of a bipartisan 
nature. When I first became the chairman of this subcommittee, the 
ranking Republican was Senator Jake Garn, and we worked very 
assiduously together. Frankly, I learned a lot from Senator Garn. You 
might recall Senator Garn was also an astronaut Senator, and I learned 
a lot about space. He had very strong suggestions on the National 
Science Foundation.
  Now I have as my ranking Republican, Senator Phil Gramm, with whom I 
served in the House, who gives strong support for veterans' health 
care, for making housing and urban development relevant and fiscally 
responsible, support for the National Science Foundation. And we have 
continued in that bipartisan tradition.
  One of the things we have done in this bill that I think is really 
important to bring to everyone's attention is the issue of backlog of 
veterans' claims. I think America would be shocked to hear about the 
backlog of claims at the VA. We are talking about American citizens who 
have fought in the wars of their Nation, who have incurred, they 
believe, service-connected disabilities, and have applied for their 
benefits. They are standing in line.
  You know, when they were inducted in the service, they did not have 
to stand in line. When they went to Kuwait, they did not have to stand 
in line. When they fought in other circumstances to defend the United 
States of America, they did not stand in line. And we do not want them 
to stand in line in order to get their claims adjudicated to ascertain 
if, in fact, they are eligible.
  Therefore, in our legislation we have added a substantial amount of 
funds to reduce the mounting backlog of veterans' benefit claims and to 
recommend management reforms at the VA to be able to expedite that 
process. Some veterans wait as long as 3 years now for their claims to 
be processed.
  I want to give to everyone the exact facts on this issue. We, the 
members of the committee, presented a report to the Senate and to the 
American people. And here is what we said in it, because it deals with 
this issue.

       The committee remains troubled with the backlog of claims 
     in the Veterans Benefit Administration. The current backlog--

  Now, hold onto your glass of water on this, Mr. President.

       The current backlog exceeds 500,000 cases, and more than 
     one-quarter of these have been pending for more than 6 
     months.
       The Department's own standard of timeliness is 160 days. 
     The committee believes that the backlog and average 
     processing time is absolutely unacceptable and that the 
     Department must take bold steps to correct the problem. The 
     committee is aware of an initiative undertaken by the VA New 
     York regional office to improve claims processing in which a 
     case manager has been adopted in lieu of the traditional 
     assembly-line approach to adjudication.

  And you ought to see the forms they have to fill out. They have a 
whole shelf of just rules and regulations that the caseworker must go 
through to see about eligibility.

       We believe they need to streamline their processes. The 
     committee is disappointed, however, that the Department is 
     seemingly reluctant to embrace new methodology, new 
     technology and new attitudes.

  They are as sluggish in changing the way they do business as they are 
in adjudicating their claims. We think glaciers are fine in Alaska, but 
we do not think the glacial-like attitudes are fine in the Veterans 
Administration when it comes to moving VA claims. So this subcommittee 
has taken a firm, and I must say, stern approach to really ensuring 
that the veterans' claim process is improved.
  So in our legislation:

       The committee directs the Veterans' Benefit Administration 
     to complete its analysis of the New York regional office 
     initiative and to provide to the committee by January 2, 
     1995, a report detailing the process that they intend to do 
     to improve benefit claims.

  We are not just only going to order them around to be more timely and 
move in a quick-step basis, we are actually providing them with funds 
to be able to do this.
  We have acted on this because we have heard from two significant 
groups of people. We have heard from the veterans themselves and their 
advocate organizations--the American Legion, the VFW, the Paralyzed 
Veterans, and the ladies auxiliaries--all of those service 
organizations and the veterans themselves.
  But we have also heard from VA employees who want to do a better, 
quicker job in being able to process them. So we say to the top echelon 
at the Veterans' Benefit Administration, ``We are now going to give you 
the resources through what we have done with the analysis in the New 
York office and with other benefit claims you are going through,'' like 
at Social Security. We can now adopt new technologies to deal with 
this.
  I strongly recommend that they look to the private sector that moves 
insurance claims and adjudications; that we adopt the best business 
practices that are being used.
  I am old-fashioned, Mr. President. I believe promises made are 
promises kept. And when our veterans step forward to meet the call of 
this Nation to defend this Nation and, in the course of doing their 
duty, they have incurred a service-related disability, I want to be 
sure that the claims process is as fit for duty and as quick to respond 
as the veterans themselves.
  So, Mr. President, that is why one of the key elements in our 
veterans legislation is in that area.
  Another area that we are moving on within the area of the Veterans 
Administration is we provided a significant amount of funds for 
veterans' medical care. In addition to veterans' medical care, we 
provided significant funds for veterans' medical research. We would 
have liked to have done more in this area.
  We on the subcommittee are strong believers in VA medical research. 
These are often different types of research than what is being done at 
NIH, but complementary to. Over in VA, they focus first of all on 
battle-related injuries. They focus also on orthopedic and spinal cord 
injuries and, at the same time, serving our veterans population. They 
focus on research with immediate clinical applicability.
  We think this is excellent because it is there that we are developing 
new surgical techniques. I am proud to say that one of the things that 
the VA developed that is now benefiting civilian medicine and private 
sector medical care is a technique for a gall bladder operation 
developed by Dr. Zucker and Dr. Bailey at the University of Maryland 
Medical Center under a VA program.
  The Presiding Officer might be aware, gall bladder surgery is very 
difficult because it is deep surgery, deep into the muscles. For those 
who undergo it, it is painful, it is extensive recovery, and if you are 
older and are at high risk, complications related to diabetes and 
others, it is often high-risk surgery to do this.
  Dr. Zucker and Dr. Bailey, under a VA research grant at the 
University of Maryland, a flagship research center, and the VA Medical 
Center in Maryland, developed a laparoscopic technique to remove the 
gall bladder. It was first developed in France. We tested it out in VA 
among older veterans who were at risk, and we found that through this 
surgery, we could do quick intervention with people in a way that did 
not endanger their lives for placing them further at risk because of 
age and complication with anesthesia or other healing problems. We not 
only saved them from ruptured gall bladders, but they got better faster 
because of the nature of the technique.
  Now that is being done not only at the University of Maryland, it is 
being done all over the United States of America, and it is done not 
only in centers of excellence at VA medical centers, but it is being 
done in private sector hospitals. That means now, whether you are 
really old or you are really sick with other complications, you can 
have a safe gall bladder operation. If you are younger, it also means 
you are going to return to the labor market faster because of this type 
of surgical technique because it shortens the recovery time. It is 
important for the family; it is important for American productivity in 
the private sector. This is, once more, one of those public investments 
in VA medical research that immediately moves into the medical 
community.
  This is why we have funded VA medical research at last year's 
appropriated level. We would have liked to have done more. Next year, I 
pledge that if we get a more robust allocation from the Budget 
Committee, one of my highest priorities will be in VA medical research.
  We have done other areas of research in this committee and one is 
now, of course, with the National Science Foundation. People might 
recall that the National Science Foundation was born because of 
Sputnik. When Sputnik erupted during the cold war, America's 
complacency and its place in the technological world was shattered 
because it looked like the Russians were superior to us.
  We wanted to make wise use of taxpayers dollars, so the National 
Science Foundation, under the recommendations of Dr. Vanderveer, using 
a foundation model, not a Government model, not a socialist model, 
created a foundation in which we could put Government funds to fund 
basic research.
  Great things have come from that research area, and we are proud to 
say that in this year's budget, there are $3 billion that will go to 
important scientific research, physics, engineering, practical 
research, like in Antarctica. People say what is practical about that?
  Just a few minutes ago we heard from the Senator from Alaska why we 
need to look at climate there and how it relates to fishing, forestry, 
and America's productivity.
  This subcommittee I chair plays a significant role in the investment 
of research, development, and technology advancements, whether it is in 
space, whether it is in VA, whether it is in EPA or the National 
Science Foundation. That is why I have liked chairing this committee, 
because we have been able to keep promises to America's veterans and, 
yet, I know it makes our veterans proud to think we are moving into the 
future.
  So there are many other aspects to this bill, but I thought the 
Presiding Officer, and others, would find this interesting.
  Mr. President, for now I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, it is my intention that the Senate 
complete action on the pending VA-HUD appropriations bill tomorrow. We 
have been operating through this week on an informal agreement, a part 
of which is that a good-faith effort would be made to complete this 
bill this week. I have been assured by the Republican leader that we 
will be able to do so tomorrow.
  Therefore, I wanted to make clear for all of the Members of the 
Senate that we will complete action on this bill tomorrow.
  I thank my colleagues for their cooperation, especially the 
distinguished manager of the bill, the Senator from Maryland, who has 
been so diligent and aggressive in leading the Senate on this bill. We 
will complete it tomorrow.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. I thank the leader for his efforts in expediting the 
bill and also the Republican leader, who has cooperated.
  I would really encourage Senators to limit their amendments to that 
which is either germane or relevant to this bill, and with that I could 
assure the majority leader we would be done early in the afternoon.
  If all Senators who are contemplating amendments would confine 
themselves to that which is either germane or relevant to the bill, 
there are 25 agencies. We do not need to find other topics to keep us 
moving.
  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, I wish to take just a moment. We have been 
working carefully with the Senator from Maryland and her counterpart on 
the Republican side of the aisle on two very important amendments 
relating to the flood damage in the State of Georgia, the most 
important concerning the Community Development Block Grant programs. 
These amendments will be subject to the emergency provision, meaning 
they would not be activated without the President asking for the money 
under the emergency procedure.
  I wish to thank the Senator from Maryland for working with us on 
these amendments. I also wish to thank the Senator from West Virginia, 
Senator Byrd, who was wise enough to put this emergency provision in 
the Budget Act which basically allows this to take place, if it is a 
true emergency requested by the President.
  I wanted to thank the Senator for working with us and working out 
these amendments. These amendments are basically sponsored by myself 
and my colleague, Senator Coverdell.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. We hope to be able to completely work out a way to be 
able to respond to the needs of the people of Georgia. We watched the 
floods, myself and other members of the subcommittee watched the 
torrential rains, the flooding, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of 
homes, and it was indeed both drenching and wrenching, I might say to 
the Senator from Georgia. We look forward to trying to both cooperate 
and expedite the resolution of this issue.
  Mr. NUNN. I thank the Senator from Maryland.
  I would say also these amendments include the States of Alabama and 
Florida, which also suffered--not as much as Georgia, but they did 
suffer--substantial damage.
  I would say to the Senator from Maryland that it looks as if the 
damage per capita in Georgia may be more than any one State suffered in 
the Midwest floods, and it also appears, although these numbers are not 
firm now and so this is just an estimate at this point, that the damage 
to public housing, which is one of the most critical needs addressed 
here, is more in Georgia than in any of the Midwest floods suffered 
last year. That is the low-income housing. Unfortunately, some of the 
areas that have been stricken in this flood are among the lowest in 
income in our State, and so it is particularly working a hardship on 
these people.
  These amendments, assuming the President asks for the emergency help 
under the provision of law, will be enormously helpful.
  I thank the Senator from Maryland.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Georgia suggests the absence 
of a quorum. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it now be 
in order to consider the excepted committee amendment beginning on page 
47, line 19.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


          Amendment No. 2448 to Committee Amendment on Page 47

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I now send a perfecting amendment to the 
desk on behalf of the Senator from Michigan, Mr. Riegle, and I ask for 
its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Maryland [Ms. Mikulski], for Mr. Riegle, 
     proposes an amendment numbered 2448 to the committee 
     amendment on page 47.

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of 
the amendment be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

       On page 47, strike out the matter beginning on line 22 
     through ``Provided'' on page 48, line 3, and insert in lieu 
     thereof the following:
       ``For grants, loans, and technical assistance to qualifying 
     community development lenders, and administrative expenses of 
     the Fund, $125,000,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 1996, of which $100,000,000 shall become available on 
     September 23, 1995: Provided, That of the funds made 
     available under this heading, up to $10,000,000 may be used 
     for the cost of direct loans, and up to $1,000,000 may be 
     used for administrative expenses to carry out the direct loan 
     program: Provided further.''

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I urge adoption of the Riegle amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there debate? If not, the question is on 
agreeing to the amendment of the Senator from Michigan.
  The amendment (No. 2448) was agreed to.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which 
the amendment was agreed to.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the motion to lay on the 
table is agreed to.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to temporarily 
set aside the pending committee amendments.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                           Amendment No. 2449

    (Purpose: Managers' amendment to make technical and conforming 
 corrections in the bill and to adopt other non-controversial changes)

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk and ask 
for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Maryland [Ms. Mikulski] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 2449.

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of 
the amendment be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

       On page 3, strike out the matter beginning with the colon 
     on line 11, through ``$9,813,256,000'' on line 16.
       On page 8, line 18, before the period, insert the following 
     new proviso: ``:Provided further, That of the $15,622,452,000 
     made available under this heading for fiscal year 1994 in 
     Public Law 103-124, the $9,863,265,000 restricted by section 
     509 of Public Law 103-124 for personnel compensation and 
     benefits expenditures is reduced to $9,813,265,000''.
       On page 8, line 24, before the period, add the following 
     proviso: ``:Provided,  That the Secretary may obligate not 
     more than $500,000 of the funds made available under this 
     heading for an epidemiological study of veterans who 
     underwent radium nasopharyngeal irradiation''.
       On page 14, line 13, strike out ``$1,400,000'' and insert 
     in lieu thereof: ``$16,300,000''.
       On page 20, line 25, strike out ``$765,000,000'' and insert 
     in lieu thereof: ``$735,000,000''.
       On page 22, line 3, strike out ``$156,000,000'' and insert 
     in lieu thereof: ``$186,000,000''.
       On page 24, line 7, strike out ``$3,062,000,000'' and 
     insert in lieu thereof: ``$2,992,000,000''.
       On page 29, line 14, strike out the matter beginning with 
     the colon, through the word ``funds'' on line 22.
       On page 30, line 24, strike out the matter beginning with 
     the colon, through the word ``activities'' on page 31, line 
     7.
       On page 38, line 22, strike out ``$953,973,000'' and insert 
     in lieu thereof ``$947,398,000''.
       On page 45, strike out lines 7 through 12.
       On page 45, after line 22, insert the following:
       ``Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
     U.S.C. 1437f) is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       `` ``(aa) Refinancing Incentive.--
       ``(1) In General.--The Secretary may pay all or a part of 
     the up front costs of refinancing for each project that--
       ``(A) is constructed, substantially rehabilitated, or 
     moderately rehabilitated under this section;
       ``(B) is subject to an assistance contract under this 
     section; and
       ``(C) was subject to a mortgage that has been refinanced 
     under section 223(a)(7) or section 223(f) of the National 
     Housing Act to lower the periodic debt service payments of 
     the owner.
       ``(2) Share From Reduced Assistance Payments.--The 
     Secretary may pay the up front cost of refinancing only--
       ``(A) to the extent that funds accrue to the Secretary from 
     the reduced assistance payments that results from the 
     refinancing; and
       ``(B) after the application of amounts in accordance with 
     section 1012 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance 
     Amendments Act of 1988.''.''
       ``Section 223(a)(7) of the National Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1751(a)(7)) is amended in subparagraph (B), by striking 
     ``and'' at the end; and by inserting, before ``: Provided 
     further'' in said paragraph, the following: ``; and (D) any 
     multifamily mortgage that is refinanced under this 
     paragraph shall be documented through amendments to the 
     existing insurance contract and shall not be structured 
     through the provisions of a new insurance contract''.''
       ``The amendments of the two immediately preceding 
     paragraphs shall be effective only during fiscal year 
     1995.''.
       On page 45, after line 22, insert the following:
       ``Section 601 of title VI of S. 2281 (103d Cong., 2d Sess), 
     as reported to the Senate on July 13 (legislative day, July 
     11), 1994 (S. Rep. 103-307), is hereby incorporated into this 
     Act, and such section 601 is deemed enacted into law upon 
     enactment of this Act: Provided, That the provisions of such 
     section 601 shall be effective only during fiscal year 
     1995.''.
       On page 45, after line 22, insert the following:
       ``Title VIII of S. 2281 (103d Cong., 2d Sess), as reported 
     to the Senate on July 13 (legislative day, July 11), 1994 (S. 
     Rep. 103-307), is hereby incorporated into this Act, and such 
     title VIII is deemed enacted law upon enactment of this 
     Act.''.
       On page 45, after line 22, insert the following:
       ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the New York 
     City Housing Authority is authorized to use not more than 
     $12,420,000, from development reservation number NY36P005324 
     for 100 public housing units previous awarded from funds 
     appropriated under Public Law 101-507 (Nov. 5, 1990), for the 
     purpose of completing a homeownership program involving not 
     more than 463 dwelling units located in Bronx County, in the 
     City of New York, in accordance with a certain submission 
     dated November 16, 1993 made in response to a Notice of 
     Funding Availability issued at 58 Fed. Reg. 41127. The 
     Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall thereafter 
     add a similar number of existing non-federal public housing 
     units, designated by the Authority, to the agency's inventory 
     of federally-assisted public housing developments and said 
     units shall, for all purposes other than the repayment of any 
     debt associated with their development or rehabilitation, be 
     considered as if initially developed under title I of the 
     Housing Act of 1937.''.
       On page 47, restore the matter stricken on lines 14 and 15, 
     and insert at the end thereof the following new paragraph:
       ``For necessary expenses in carrying out activities 
     pursuant to section 112(r)(6) of the Clean Air Act, including 
     hire of passenger vehicles, and for services authorized by 5 
     U.S.C. 3109, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the 
     per diem equivalent to the maximum rate payable for senior 
     level positions under 5 U.S.C. 5376. $4,250,000.''.
       On page 57, line 3, before the period, insert the 
     following: ``: Provided further, That nothing in this 
     paragraph shall prohibit the Administrator from conforming 
     the program standards and criteria set forth herein, with 
     subsequent authorization legislation that may be enacted into 
     law''.
       On page 62, line 6, after the word ``promulgation'' insert 
     the word ``of''.
       On page 72, line 2, before the period, insert the 
     following: ``, to remain available until September 30, 
     1996''.
       On page 73, after line 16, insert the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``Notwithstanding the limitation on the availability of 
     funds appropriated for ``Mission support'', amounts made 
     available by this Act for personnel and related costs and 
     travel expenses of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration shall remain available until September 30, 
     1995 and may be used to enter into contracts for training, 
     investigations, cost associated with personnel relocation, 
     and for other services, to be provided during the next 
     fiscal year.''.
       On page 91, after line 9, insert the following new section:
       ``Sec.   . The budgetary resources made available to the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration in this Act for 
     fiscal year 1995 for procurement and procurement-related 
     expenses are hereby reduced by an additional $19,703,000.''.
       On page 91, after line 9, insert the following new section:
       ``Sec.   . None of the funds made available by this or any 
     other Act shall be used to publish, implement, or enforce any 
     regulations promulgated to carry out section 919 of the 
     Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 before July 1, 
     1995.''.
       On page 91, after line 9, insert the following new title:

                               ``Title VI


                 emergency supplemental appropriations

              Department of Housing and Urban Development

                   Community Planning and Development

                      Community Development Grants

       For an additional amount for ``Community development 
     grants'', as authorized under title I of the Housing and 
     Community Development Act of 1974, for emergency expenses 
     resulting from the January 1994 earthquake in Southern 
     California, $225,000,000, to remain available until September 
     30, 1996, of which $50,000,000 shall be derived by transfer 
     from funds provided under the head ``Department of Education, 
     Impact aid'' in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act 
     of 1994 (Public Law 103-211): Provided, That of the foregoing 
     amount, $200,000,000 and $25,000,000 shall be for the 
     available until September 30, 1995 and may be used to enter 
     into contracts for training, investigations, cost associated 
     with personnel relocation, and for other services, to be 
     provided during the next fiscal year.''.
       On page 74, after line 7, insert the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``Hereafter, the Administrator may enter into contracts for 
     the Space Station program that are for periods in excess of 
     the period for which funds are otherwise available for 
     obligation and provide for the payment of contingent 
     liability which may accrue in excess of appropriations 
     available for such contracts in the event the Government, for 
     its convenience terminates such contracts, if any such 
     contract limits the amount of the payments that the 
     Government is allowed to make under such contract to amounts 
     not in excess of unobligated funds, including prior year 
     balances, available for activities herein appropriated under 
     the heading ``Human space flight'': Provided, That hereafter, 
     if funds are not available to continue any such contract, the 
     contract shall be terminated for the convenience of the 
     Government, and the cost of such contract shall be paid from 
     appropriations originally available for performance of the 
     contract, or from other unobligated funds, including prior 
     year balances, available for activities herein appropriated 
     under the heading ``Human space flight''.''.
       On page 91, after line 9, insert the following new 
     section: cities of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, 
     California, respectively: Provided further, That in 
     administering these funds, the Secretary may waive, or 
     specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any 
     statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in 
     connection with the obligation by the Secretary or any use 
     by the recipient of these funds, except for statutory 
     requirements relating to fair housing and 
     nondiscrimination, the environment, and labor standards, 
     upon finding that such waiver is required to facilitate 
     the obligation and use of such funds, and would not be 
     inconsistent with the overall purpose of the statute or 
     regulation: Provided further, That the entire amount is 
     designated by Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended.
       For an additional amount for ``Community development 
     grants'', for grants to States and units of general local 
     government and for related expenses, not otherwise provided 
     for, necessary for carrying out a community development 
     program as authorized by title I of the Housing and Community 
     Development Act of 1974, to be used to assist States, local 
     communities, and businesses in recovering from the flooding 
     and damage caused by Tropical Storm Alberto and other 
     disasters, $180,000,000, to remain available until expended: 
     Provided, That the entire amount is designated by the 
     Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
     251(b)(2)(D)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985: Provided further, That the entire amount 
     shall be available only to the extent of an official budget 
     request, for a specific dollar amount, that includes 
     designation of the entire amount of the request as an 
     emergency requirement, as defined in the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, is transmitted to the 
     Congress: Provided further, That the Secretary of Housing and 
     Urban Development may waive any provision of law (except for 
     provisions relating to fair housing, the environment, or 
     labor standards) if the Secretary determines such waiver is 
     necessary to facilitate the obligation of the entire amount: 
     Provided further, That the Secretary of Housing and Urban 
     Development may transfer up to $50,000,000 to the HOME 
     investment partnerships program, as authorized under title II 
     of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, to 
     be used for purposes related to flooding and damage caused by 
     Tropical Storm Alberto and other disasters.

                  Federal Emergency Management Agency

       For an additional amount for ``Disaster assistance * * * 
     for the cost of direct loans, $12,500,000, as authorized by 
     section 417 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act to be used to assist local 
     governments in recovering from flooding and damage caused by 
     Tropical Storm Alberto and other disasters: Provided, That 
     such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall 
     be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act 
     of 1974: Provided further, That these funds are available to 
     subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of 
     direct loans not to exceed $50,000,000 under section 417 of 
     the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act: Provided further, That any unused portion of 
     the direct loan limitation and subsidy shall be available 
     until expended: Provided further. That the entire amount is 
     designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement 
     pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D)(i) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, 
     That the entire amount shall be available only to the extent 
     of an official budget request, for a specific dollar amount, 
     that includes designation of the entire amount of the request 
     as an emergency requirement, as defined in the Balanced 
     Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, is 
     transmitted to the Congress.

                      Department of Transportation


                     Federal Highway Administration

                          Federal-Aid Highways

                        Emergency Relief Program

                          (Highway Trust Fund)

       The matter under the heading in the Emergency Supplemental 
     Appropriations Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-211) is amended by 
     deleting ``$950,000,000'' and inserting in lieu thereof 
     ``$775,000,000.''.

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, more than 6 months after the Los 
Angeles earthquake, the damage is still considerable. In June, I joined 
FEMA Director James Lee Witt and local officials to tour 2 of the 10 
``ghost towns'' that have emerged within the city. Rows and rows of 
abandoned buildings have turned streets in the city of Los Angeles into 
literal ghost towns where crime abounds. The potential impact on the 
city of Los Angeles is considerable and must be addressed.
  I am pleased to speak today in strong support of the manager's 
amendment to the VA-HUD appropriations bill which includes $225 million 
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to address this 
problem. No new funds are allocated, but this amendment simply shifts 
funds already approved in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act 
of 1994 to address the problem of ghost towns.
  I want to personally thank President Clinton, HUD Secretary Henry 
Cisneros, and acting Office of Management and Budget Director Alice 
Rivlin for working in such a diligent way with Los Angeles Mayor 
Richard Riordan and Santa Monica Mayor Judy Abdo to address this 
problem. And I also want to thank my chairwoman, Senator Barbara 
Mikulski, for being so willing to facilitate this transfer when I 
talked with her earlier this week.
  Overall, thanks to the administration's rapid response, and the swift 
action of this body, the Federal Government, in conjunction with a 
remarkable State and local effort, was able to provide needed relief to 
the victims in Los Angeles--a process that still continues.
  The city of Los Angeles estimates that 50,000 homes were unsafe and 
residents could not return to their homes because of structural damage 
as result of the earthquake.
  The most extensive earthquake damage as it effects families was to 
apartment and single-family homes. The Small Business Administration 
and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have been able to 
finance the repair or reconstruction of approximately 35,000 of these 
homes--allowing families to return and begin to put their lives back on 
track.
  However, there remain 15,000 homes for which SBA and HUD are unable 
to provide assistance for various reasons--in many cases because the 
owners were unable to accept more debt or did not have sufficient 
credit. These owners in many instances have simply abandoned their 
residences leaving virtual ghost towns. This amendment is to address 
this very serious problem.
  In June, when FEMA Director Witt and I personally toured two ghost 
towns in the San Fernando Valley, one in Sylmar and one in Sherman 
Oaks, the conditions we witnessed were terrible. Once thriving areas 
have been reduced to deserted, crime-ridden areas, literal ghost towns, 
where drug use and prostitution are widespread.
  The city must move quickly in order to stem the spread of criminal 
activity and restore these areas to their prequake conditions. These 
funds will make a huge difference to those efforts.
  This transfer of funds will provide HUD $225 million in CDBG funds 
for the city of Los Angeles to provide no-interest loans to assist 
owners in beginning the repair of these 15,000 homes.
  The city plans to provide up to $35,000 per housing unit--although 
most estimates for repair are between $15,000 and $25,000--in no 
interest loans. Loans will be made to buildings that lost their 
profitability due to the earthquake and will be repayed over a 25-year 
period.
  Specifically, this amendment shifts $50 million from the Department 
of Education's ``Impact Aid'' Program--funds which are no longer 
required--and $175 from the Department of Education--funds left over 
from the miraculously speedy repair of freeways damaged during the 
earthquake. Due to unexpected cost-effective reconstruction methods, 
the funds to be transferred are no longer needed for their original 
purposes, but remain in their original accounts.
  The administration and the city of Los Angeles have requested that 
these funds be given to HUD to end the ghost town situation in the San 
Fernando Valley and other places. The Departments of Transportation, 
Education, and Housing and Urban Development have all given their 
sanction to this transfer. The Office of Budget and Management, in 
response to President Clinton's request, has approved the reallocation. 
And the cities of Los Angeles and Santa Monica are ready to receive and 
disperse these funds in a manner that will provide help almost 
immediately.
  All that remains is for the Congress to approve the plan. I urge the 
swift approval of the manager's amendment to the VA-HUD appropriations 
bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment.
  The amendment (No. 2449) was agreed to.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. I move to reconsider the vote and to lay that on the 
table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. These amendments were cleared on both sides of the 
aisle and will not affect the bill's remaining within its 602(b) 
allocation. That means we stay within the 602(b) allocation.
  I, therefore, ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a 
more detailed description of these provisions.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

              Items in the Managers Amendment to H.R. 4624

       1. VA Medical Care FY'94 Floor for Personnel Costs. Makes 
     technical changes to language originally included in the 
     Committee-reported bill lowering the floor for VA personnel 
     costs for fiscal year 1994 so that the Department can use 
     these funds prior to the end of fiscal year 1994.
       2. VA Study on Nasopharyngeal Irradiation. (On behalf of 
     Senator Lieberman.) Gives VA discretion to spend up to 
     $500,000 for a study of veterans who underwent radium 
     nasopharyngeal irradiation between the 1940's and 1950's.
       3. Parking Revolving Fund. Makes a technical correction to 
     the bill making clear that the appropriation provided by the 
     Senate is $16.3 million.
       4. Section 8 amendments. Reduces section 8 amendments 
     funding by $30 million as an offset in budget authority for 
     an increase in AIDS housing.
       5. AIDS Housing. (On behalf of Senators Feinstein and 
     D'Amato). Increases the funding for AIDS housing by $30 
     million, raising the total from $156 million to $186 million.
       6. Section 8 Contract Renewals. Reduces section 8 contract 
     renewal funding by $70 million as an offset for increasing 
     funding for community development financial institutions.
       7. COMPAC program. (On behalf of Senator Sarbanes). Deletes 
     language proposed in the Committee amendment to permit the 
     transfer of funds, subject to certain conditions, from the 
     drug elimination grant program to a new community 
     partnerships against crime program if authorized.
       8. Youthbuild. (On behalf of Senator Sarbanes). Deletes 
     language fencing youthbuild funding until HUD consolidates 
     all youth-related programs. This matter will be addressed 
     separately in the housing authorization bill.
       9. HUD Salaries & Expenses. Reduces HUD salary and expense 
     costs by $6.575 million as a partial offset in outlays for 
     deleting the provision in the Committee-reported bill related 
     to fair market rents.
       10. HUD Fair Market Rents. (On behalf of Senator Sarbanes.) 
     Eliminates language on fair market rent rates.
       11. Section 8 refinancing. (On behalf of Senator Sarbanes.) 
     Adds language proposed in the Administration's budget, to 
     encourage the refinancing of certain section 8 contracts. The 
     language is included as a partial offset in outlays for 
     deleting the provision in the Committee-reported bill related 
     to fair market rents.
       12. Preservation reforms. Incorporates certain reforms in 
     the preservation program as a partial offset in outlays for 
     deleting the provision in the Committee-reported bill related 
     to fair market rents.
       13. Non-judicial foreclosure. (On behalf of Senator 
     Sarbanes.) Adds language comparable to that proposed in S. 
     2281 that provides HUD with the authority for single family 
     non-judicial foreclosures. The language is included as a 
     partial offset in outlays for deleting the provision in the 
     Committee-reported bill related to fair market rents.
       14. New York Housing Authority. (On behalf of Senator 
     D'Amato). Permits the New York City Housing Authority to 
     utilize certain public housing development funds already 
     awarded to it for homeownership activities under the HOPE 
     program.
       15. Superfund. Inserts bill language that permits the 
     Administrator to conform the existing program with subsequent 
     changes that might be authorized.
       16. Radon in Drinking Water. Makes a technical change to 
     the language in the Committee-reported amendment.
       17. Mission support funding. Makes funding under this NASA 
     account available for a two-year period, except for personnel 
     and related costs and travel, which would remain unavailable 
     for just one year.
       18. NASA Procurement Reform. Makes a reduction to NASA's 
     budget of $19,703 million to be achieved through procurement 
     reform activities as a partial offset in outlays for deleting 
     the provision in the Committee-reported bill related to fair 
     market rents.
       19. Elderly service facilities. (On behalf of Senators 
     Gorton, Reid, and Bryan.) Delays the publication, 
     implementation or enforcement of elderly service facility 
     regulations until July 1, 1995. The Administration opposes 
     this amendment and hopes that some compromise might be 
     reached in conference with the House.
       20. Ghost Town supplemental. (Oh behalf of Senator 
     Feinstein.) Provides $225 million for CDBG as an emergency 
     supplemental for rental housing in so-called ``ghost towns'' 
     created by the Northridge earthquake as requested by the 
     Administration. Funding is offset by a transfer of $50 
     million for impact aid in the Northridge supplemental and by 
     a reduction in the highway funds set aside in the Northridge 
     supplemental.
       21. Chemical Safety Board. Provides $4.25 million for 
     Chemical Safety Board, as requested by the President.
       22. Georgia disaster supplemental (On behalf of Senators 
     Nunn and Coverdell).
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I thank the Chair. For tonight, that 
concludes the business we will be conducting on the VA-HUD 
appropriation. In behalf of the leadership, I will now do the wrapup.

                          ____________________