[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will now 
resume consideration of H.R. 4650, which the clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 4650) making appropriations for the Department 
     of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, and 
     for other purposes.

  The Senate continued with the consideration of the bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The pending question is the committee 
amendment on page 2, line 15.
  Mr. BROWN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.


    Amendment No. 2491 to the Committee Amendment on Page 2, Line 15

  (Purpose: To ensure that the President of the Republic of China on 
        Taiwan can enter the United States on certain occasions)

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise to offer an amendment to the 
committee amendment. I send the amendment to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Colorado [Mr. Brown], for himself, Mr. 
     Simon, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. 
     Inouye proposes an amendment numbered 2491 to the committee 
     amendment on page 2.

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

       At the end of the pending amendment, add the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC  . VISAS FOR OFFICIALS OF TAIWAN.

       Section 4(b)(6) of the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 
     3302(b)(6)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(A)'' immediately after ``(6)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Whenever the president of Taiwan or any other high-
     level official of Taiwan shall apply for a temporary visa to 
     visit the United States for the purposes of:
       (i) Discussions with United States federal or state 
     government officials concerning trade or business with Taiwan 
     or the reduction of the U.S.-Taiwan trade deficit;
       (ii) Discussions with United States federal or state 
     government officials concerning nuclear proliferation; (iii) 
     Discussions with United States federal government officials 
     concerning U.S. national security or the national security of 
     Taiwan; or
       (iv) Discussions with United States federal or state 
     government officials concerning the provision of humanitarian 
     relief and assistance for regional disasters;

     The official shall be admitted to the United States, unless 
     the official is otherwise excludable under the immigration 
     laws of the United States.''.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, this amendment is not new to the Members. 
It is one we have considered on other bills. It is known as the visas-
for-Taiwanese-officials amendment. It is proposed by myself and Senator 
Simon and has been strongly opposed by a few Members of the other body 
and has not been retained in conference. Thus, it is offered here 
again.
  This amendment, passed by the Senate with 94 senators voting in favor 
of it and none voting in opposition, is one which expresses the 
Senate's intent in no uncertain terms. In addition to Senator Simon and 
myself, Senators Lieberman and Murkowski join us, as well as the 
distinguished senior Senator from Hawaii who has been kind enough to 
lend his cosponsorship and support to this particular amendment.
  The amendment attempts to correct a problem that has arisen in our 
relations with Taiwan: Specifically, the failure of this administration 
to allow the leadership of Taiwan to enter our Nation and to conduct 
official business with our government.
  To correct this problem, the amendment outlines some very distinct 
areas in which it is clearly in the United States interest to have a 
dialog with the Taiwanese leadership. It requires that the president of 
Taiwan and other high-level officials be admitted to the United States 
for discussions to reduce the trade deficit between the United States 
and Taiwan; for discussions concerning efforts to reduce nuclear 
proliferation; for discussions involving United States national 
security; for discussions with regard to humanitarian relief and 
assistance with regional disasters.
  These are all areas where I think most Members or all Members would 
feel it is appropriate and vital for us to work with the Taiwanese. 
Thus, we felt it essential to make the Congress' intention clear.
  Generally, decisions concerning entry into the United States for 
high-level visitors belongs with the administration. But Taiwan has 
been completely prohibited by this administration from any entry into 
the United States for its top officials. This administration's policy 
led to the rather humiliating experience of when the Taiwanese 
president visited Hawaii this past May and was denied the right to stay 
overnight in Hawaii while his airplane was being refueled. Humiliations 
of this nature should not be repeated. Our amendment sets forth minimal 
reasons for which Taiwan's leadership would be welcome to enter the 
United States, all of which are very much in our Nation's interest.
  Mr. President, since the Senate has already expressed its opinion by 
voting 94 to 0 in favor of this provision, I see no reason to ask for a 
record vote, unless the distinguished senior Senator from Hawaii feels 
it would be appropriate.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, if my colleague from Colorado will yield.
  Mr. BROWN. I yield to the Senator.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, this measure has been debated at quite 
some length. It has been accepted by the Senate by a vote and, as noted 
by the author, I am one of the cosponsors and I would be very pleased 
to accept it as a manager on the part of the Democrats.
  Mr. STEVENS addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I join in accepting the amendment of the 
Senator from Colorado. I am also a cosponsor, as I recall.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate?
  Mr. INOUYE. I would like to assure the Senator from Colorado that we 
will do our best to see that it stays in the conference.
  Mr. BROWN. I thank the chairman.


                visas for high-level taiwanese officials

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my good friend 
from Colorado, Senator Brown, in offering this amendment to ensure that 
high-level officials from the Taiwanese Government will be issued visas 
to visit the United States to discuss issues of mutual interest to our 
two governments.
  I find it shocking that this amendment is even necessary. The Taiwan 
Relations Act was passed ``to promote the foreign policy of the United 
States by authorizing the continuation of commercial, cultural, and 
other relations between the people of the United States and the people 
on Taiwan.'' 22 U.S.C. 3301. This policy has been impeded because of 
the U.S. Government's restrictive policies on high-level visits.
  I remind my colleagues that Taiwan is the world's 13th largest 
trading partner and the United States 5th largest trading partner. With 
$16.2 billion in United States exports to Taiwan in 1993, it was the 
United States second largest export market in the Asia-Pacific region, 
after Japan. It holds the world's largest foreign reserves. Taiwan is 
friendly, democratic, stable and prosperous. Its human rights record 
has steadily improved.
  And how do we treat this democratic country that plays such an 
important part in our economic and security interests in East Asia? I 
believe we wrongly treat them like an international pariah. In May of 
this year, I was embarrassed to learn that the Department of State 
refused the request of the Honorable Lee Ten-hui, the freely elected 
leader of the democratic Republic of China on Taiwan, to overnight in 
Hawaii en route to Costa Rica. I believe this decision was extremely 
ill-advised. Similar snubs have met other high-ranking Taiwanese 
officials. For instance, Taiwanese officials are forced to meet with 
United States Government officials in hotels, rather than Government 
buildings, even though they are discussing issues that are of mutual 
interest to the people of both countries.
  The U.S. Government has the opportunity to make long overdue changes 
to its policy. For well over a year, the United States Government has 
been engaged in an interagency review of its policy toward Taiwan. 
President Clinton could take important steps to show clear United 
States support for Taiwan as part of this policy review. He could begin 
by welcoming President Lee Ten-hui on U.S. soil for a visit. There is 
ample precedent for such a visit by the leader of a country with which 
we don't maintain formal diplomatic ties. Senator Brown and I also 
would like the State Department to allow President Lee to visit our 
home States of Alaska and Colorado as part of our efforts to expand and 
strengthen ties between the people of the United States and the people 
of Taiwan.
  President Clinton could also incorporate high-level exchanges into 
its new policy. I encourage President Clinton to send one of his 
Cabinet officers to Taiwan this fall. Fifty-three of my colleagues 
joined me in letter to the President inviting him to do just that. Such 
visits will promote American interests in Taiwan and ensure the 
continued success of American business projects.
  Even small, but symbolic changes, such as allowing the Coordination 
Council on North American Affairs to change its name to the Taipei 
Representative Office will show that the United States is prepared to 
treat the people of Taiwan with the respect they deserve.
  Mr. President, I know my colleagues have supported many amendments 
over the past year that have had the intent of sending a signal both to 
the United States Government and to the people of Taiwan that the 
United States Senate supports positive changes in United States policy 
toward Taiwan. I am confident that this amendment will be added to that 
list. I hope the administration is listening.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate? If not, the question 
is on agreeing to the amendment.
  The amendment (No. 2491) was agreed to.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the 
amendment was agreed to.
  Mr. BROWN. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  Mr. BROWN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.


    Amendment No. 2492 to the Committee Amendment on Page 2, Line 15

  (Purpose: To make Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia 
 eligible for allied defense cooperation with NATO countries, and for 
                            other purposes)

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise to offer an amendment, which I send 
to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the amendment.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Colorado [Mr. Brown], for himself, Mr. 
     Simon, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Roth, Mr. Dole, Mr. Warner, Mr. 
     Domenici, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Helms, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Kohl, 
     proposes an amendment numbered 2492.

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of 
the amendment be dispensed with.
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:
       At the end of the Pending amendment, insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC.   . ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN 
                   ALLIED DEFENSE COOPERATION.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``NATO 
     Participation Act''.
       (b) Transfer of Excess Defense Articles.--The President may 
     transfer excess defense articles under section 516 of the 
     Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or under the Arms Export 
     Control Act to Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and 
     Slovakia.
       (c) Leases and Loans of Major Defense Equipment and Other 
     Defense Articles.--Section 63(a)(2) of the Arms Export 
     Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2796b) is amended by striking ``or New 
     Zealand'' and inserting ``New Zealand, Poland, Hungary, the 
     Czech Republic, or Slovakia''.
       (d) Loan Materials, Supplies, and Equipment for Research 
     and Development Purposes.--Section 65(d) of the Arms Export 
     Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2796(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or'' after ``United States)'' and 
     inserting a comma; and
       (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, or 
     Slovakia''.
       (e) Coopeative Military Airlift Agreements.--Section 
     2350c(e)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``and the Republic of Korea'' and inserting ``the 
     Republic of Korea, Poland, Hungary, the Czech REpublic, and 
     Slovakia''.
       (f) Procurement of Communications Support and Related 
     Supplies and Services.--Section 2350f(d)(1)(B) is amended by 
     striking ``or the Republic of Korea'' and inserting ``the 
     Republic of Korea, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, or 
     Slovakia''.
       (g) Standardization of Equipment With North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization Members.--Section 2457 of title 10, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(g) It is the sense of the Congress that, in the interest 
     of maintaining stability and promoting democracy in Eastern 
     Europe, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, 
     those countries should, on and after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, be included in all activities under this 
     section related to the increased standardization and enhanced 
     interoperability of equipment and weapons systems, through 
     coordinated training and procurement activities, as well as 
     other means, undertaken by the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization members and other allied countries.''.
       (h) Inclusion of Other European Countries Emerging From 
     Communist Domination.--The President should recommend 
     legislation to the Congress making eligible under the 
     provisions of law amended by this section such other European 
     countries emerging from communist domination as the President 
     may determine if such countries--
       (1) have made significant progress toward establishing 
     democratic institutions, free market economies, civilian 
     control of their armed forces, and the rule of law; and
       (2) are likely, within 5 years of such determination, to be 
     in a position to further the principles of the North Atlantic 
     Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North 
     Atlantic area.
       (i) Certification Required.--Before exercising the 
     authority in subsection (a), or in section 63(a)(2) of the 
     Arms Export Control Act, with respect to Poland, Hungary, the 
     Czech Republic, or Slovakia, the President shall determine 
     and certify to the appropriate congressional committee that 
     no such country is selling or transferring defense articles 
     to a state that has repeatedly provided support for acts of 
     international terrorism, as determined by the Secretary of 
     State under section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 
     1979.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator should know that the pending 
question is the committee amendment. The Senator has drafted the 
amendment that he has sent to the desk as an amendment to the bill.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment 
be considered as an amendment to the pending committee amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, the cosponsors of this amendment include 
Senators Simon, Mikulski, Roth, Dole, Warner, Domenici, Lieberman, 
Helms, Cohen, and Kohl, in addition to myself. The amendment has also 
been considered previously by this body. It relates to Eastern Europe 
and specifically the countries of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, 
and Slovakia, making these countries eligible for allied defense 
cooperation with NATO countries.
  When the Brown-Simon-Mikulski-Roth amendment was considered 
previously, Slovakia was not included. The version before the body 
includes Slovakia as well as Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In 
addition, this version differs from previous amendments in one other 
respect. At the end of the amendment has been added a section involving 
certification. I might simply read it to the body because I think it is 
different from what we have proposed before:

       Before exercising the authority in subsection (a),--

  And here I might insert this is discretionary power for the 
President, it is not mandatory, but discretionary for him to use--

       or in section 63(a)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act with 
     respect to Poland, Hungary the Czech Republic or Slovakia, 
     the President shall determine and certify to the appropriate 
     congressional committees that no such country is selling or 
     transferring defense articles to a state that has repeatedly 
     provided support for acts of international terrorism, as 
     determined by the Secretary of State under section 6(j) of 
     the Export Administration Act of 1979.

  This modification came as a result of discussions with Members in the 
past conference committee who expressed concern that it would be 
inappropriate to include any country under this authority who has 
exported defense articles to terrorist countries. In addition, Members 
felt that excess U.S. defense articles should be restricted from 
countries that have made other infractions of international discipline 
that we would reasonably expect NATO members and potential members of 
NATO to have complied with. It seemed a reasonable request and 
appropriate to include in this amendment.
  Let me simply emphasize, because we have debated this before, what I 
think is so important. Right now the countries of Eastern Europe are 
making decisions about their future. The history of Poland, as well as 
these other Eastern European republics, is replete with stories of 
domination and subjugation by other countries in the region, whether it 
is as in the case of Poland which was once divided between the Soviet 
Union and Germany in the initial stages of World War II, or whether it 
is the other countries that have struggled under years of foreign 
domination.
  The local politics of these countries are pushing them to deciding 
whether or not they become associated with NATO.
  The democratic governments of these countries want to be associated 
with NATO. They want to be part of NATO. They want to stand side by 
side with the free men and women of this world and stand up for freedom 
and independence and opportunity.
  Actions led by our Government and joined by other NATO members have 
cast a cloud over the hopes for security of these fledgling 
democracies. The question has been raised as to whether or not 
membership is appropriate and whether or not we wish them to be part of 
NATO.
  Mr. President, it is my own feeling that our reluctance to allow them 
to immediately move into NATO is not a manifestation of the opposition 
of the American people.
  Consequently, this amendment carries with it an important message, a 
message that goes far beyond simply qualifying them for a small but 
significant step on the road to NATO membership.
  The message is that the United States is interested in the security 
concerns of these nations; we are interested in establishing thriving 
democracies in Eastern Europe. We are interested in standing side by 
side with the men and women of these countries to promote a free and 
democratic world.
  The amendment merely grants discretionary authorization. It gives the 
President the option to work with these countries in making them 
eligible for aspects of allied defense cooperation. It does not mandate 
any action by the executive.
  Nonetheless, the Brown-Simon-Mikulski-Roth amendment is a sign: a 
symbol that the United States wants to move towards their NATO 
membership and evidence of our interest in their fate.
  I hoped very much that this would have been unanimous. When it was 
voted on earlier, it received a 76 to 22 vote. But I hope in time it 
will be unanimous because these brave people of Eastern Europe want to 
stand with America and with NATO for freedom.
  My own sense is that if we turn our back on them, if we do not 
encourage their movement towards NATO, we will send a signal that it is 
all right for other countries to once again exert their influence over 
the heartland of Europe. It will indicate that we may be willing to 
stand aside if others attempt to dominate these nations.
  Mr. President, I hope that day never comes. I hope we never ever, 
ever again turn our back on Eastern Europe. I hope we never again send 
a message that it is all right for powers to try to control them, and 
dominate them, and subject them to their will.
  What is more, I believe by making our intentions clear, by moving 
ahead with NATO membership, we will take the issue off the table. 
Instead of being an open question where countries can suggest that a 
course of policy for their country would be to once again exert control 
over Eastern Europe, if Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and 
Slovakia become members of NATO or at least move toward membership, 
that eventuality would not even be a subject of debate.
  That, I think, is our purpose here. It is to extend a hand of 
friendship, extend a hand of interest, extend a hand of commitment to 
the people who so eagerly want to be a part of the free world. These 
countries, all four of them, have expressed an interest in joining 
NATO. All four of them have a democratic system of government. All four 
of them have established civilian control over the military. And all 
four of them I believe are on the path toward becoming contributing, 
substantial, and important members of NATO.
  So while this is merely permission, while this is merely authority 
that gives the President the opportunity to include them in allied 
defense cooperation efforts, the symbolism of this measure is terribly 
important. That is why I have asked the chairman to include this 
amendment in the bill.
  The NATO Participation Act has been considered before, but it was not 
held in the conference. This issue is too important to let pass. The 
moment is too critical. I for one will continue to stay the course, 
working to ensure its final enactment into law. I think the bipartisan 
nature of the support for this amendment is one that will result in its 
passage if it receives full consideration by Members of the other body.
  Mr. President, I believe the amendment has been cleared on both 
sides. I ask the chairman if he feels it would be helpful in conference 
to have a record vote, or if the body has already expressed its will on 
this matter.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, under the able leadership of the 
distinguished Senator from Colorado, this measure was fully debated and 
accepted by the Senate by a vote of 76 to 22. The Senate has spoken, 
and accordingly I will be most pleased to accept the amendment. I am 
certain my colleague, the vice chairman of the committee, will be 
pleased to do likewise.
  However, may I suggest to the Senator that the amendment as presented 
will amend a section on military personnel, and it would make it a bit 
more difficult for the managers of this bill to serve as advocates in 
the conference. May I suggest that it be made part of the amendment on 
page 142, between lines 5 and 6?
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment 
be placed to the bill on page 142, between lines 5 and 6.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BROWN. I thank the Senator.
  Mr. INOUYE. With that, I will be most pleased to accept the 
amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate? If not, the question 
is on agreeing to the amendment.
  The amendment (No. 2492) was agreed to.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
  Mr. STEVENS. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.


     Amendment No. 2493 to Committee Amendment on page 141, line 22

(Purpose: To express the sense of the Congress concerning the progress 
                         of reform in Bulgaria)

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise to offer an amendment to the 
committee amendment and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The pending question is the first committee 
amendment, the Chair reminds the Senator from Colorado.
  The clerk will report the amendment.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Colorado [Mr. Brown] proposes an amendment 
     numbered 2493 to the committee amendment beginning on page 
     141.

  Mr. BROWN. 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:
       At the appropriate place in the committee amendment, add 
     the following new section--

     SEC.   . SENSE OF THE CONGRESS CONCERNING THE REPUBLIC OF 
                   BULGARIA.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that:
       (1) In the spring of 1990, Bulgaria held its first round-
     table discussions and held its first free, democratic 
     elections in June, 1990;
       (2) In August 1990, the Bulgarian Grand National Assembly 
     elected Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev as President of the Republic;
       (3) On July 12, 1991 the Parliament of Bulgaria adopted the 
     new Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, which proclaims 
     that Bulgaria is governed by the rule of law;
       (4) In addition, the Bulgarian Constitution establishes the 
     principles of a market economy in Bulgaria, including Article 
     17 which guarantees and protects the right to property and 
     inheritance and proclaims the inviolability of private 
     property, and Article 19 which states that the economy of 
     Bulgaria is based on free economic enterprise;
       (5) In October 1991, Bulgaria held its second parliamentary 
     elections;
       (6) Since 1990, the Bulgarian parliament has passed more 
     than 200 laws establishing legal protections for a free 
     market economy including the Law and Land Ownership, the Law 
     on the Protection of Competition, the Law on Commerce, the 
     Law on Privatization, the Law on Accounting and the Law on 
     Banking;
       (7) The Bulgarian private sector has grown from 5% of GNP 
     in 1990 to 22% of GNP in 1993, and by the end of 1993, 47% of 
     Bulgarian farm land had been returned to its owners prior to 
     1948;
       (8) In June 1990, Bulgaria established diplomatic relations 
     with NATO and on February 14, 1994, joined the Partnership 
     for Peace;
       (9) Since October 1991, the Bulgarian minister of defense 
     has been a civilian and this practice is scheduled to be 
     institutionalized when the Bulgarian Law on Armed Forces is 
     adopted in September 1994.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--Therefore, it is the sense of the 
     Congress that:
       (1) The Republic of Bulgaria is making swift and important 
     progress to join the West and should be strongly commended 
     for its efforts;
       (2) The Republic of Bulgaria is making significant progress 
     toward establishing democratic institutions, a free market 
     economy, civilian control of the armed forces and the rule of 
     law;
       (3) As the President evaluates increased defense 
     cooperation with central and eastern Europe, Bulgaria's 
     extensive reform efforts should be given every possible 
     consideration.

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment 
be considered as an amendment to the pending committee amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Colorado.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, this is a sense-of-the-Senate amendment, 
and is designed to express the sense of Congress concerning the 
progress of reform in Bulgaria.
  Mr. President, this amendment's purpose is similar to that of the 
previous amendment concerning the countries of Poland, the Czech 
Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
  Bulgaria has made progress of a dramatic sort in developing 
democracy, a market economy, and civilian control of its military. 
Although not included in the previous amendment, nevertheless we felt a 
sense of the Congress amendment was appropriate and important to send a 
signal to the Bulgarians that we have noted their progress toward 
democracy, that we have noted their commitment to civilian control of 
the military, and that we have noted, most importantly, their strong 
and sincere interest in becoming part of NATO.
  As a sense of Congress, it does not commit us to legislative action, 
but it does make it clear that we applaud their progress, that we 
recognize their interest in becoming part of NATO, and we express our 
support for continued progress.
  Mr. President, I personally feel it is most important that the 
Bulgarians understand how much we appreciate their commitment and their 
interest in promoting democracy. I also believe it is important that 
Bulgaria not take our failure as a nation to move rapidly with regard 
to NATO membership as any sign that we lack an interest or concern in 
their future or their commitment to democracy.
  Thus, this sense of Congress is a first step in conveying that 
message. I am certain it will not be the last as Bulgaria moves toward 
full NATO membership.
  Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent that the pending 
amendment be considered as an amendment to the committee amendment on 
page 142, between lines 5 and 6.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is 
so ordered.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, as manager of the bill, I would be very 
pleased to accept this amendment, and we will do our best to see that 
it hangs on in conference.
  Mr. BROWN. I thank the Senator.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate on the amendment? If 
not, the question is on agreeing to the amendment.
  The amendment (No. 2493) was agreed to.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
  Mr. STEVENS. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.


                           Amendment No. 2494

 (Purpose: To require a study by the JCS and the Secretary of Defense 
             for a master plan for basing of Reserve 130's)

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to lay aside the 
pending committee amendment. I rise to offer an amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the pending amendment will 
be laid aside.
  The clerk will report the amendment.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Colorado [Mr. Brown], for himself and Mr. 
     Campbell, proposes an amendment numbered 2494.

  Mr. BROWN. 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:

       At the appropriate place in the bill, add the following new 
     section:

     SEC.   . STUDY OF C-130S.

       (a) Report.--Within six months of enactment of this Act, 
     the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) shall 
     recommend to the Secretary of Defense a master stationing 
     plan for C-130 aircraft for the active and reserve components 
     based on the National Military Strategy and current 
     contingency plans of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The report 
     shall include:
       (i) a review of existing Air Reserve Component C-130s; and
       (ii) a master plan for basing future Air Reserve Component 
     C-130s over the next twenty years.
       (b) Interim Reductions.--No reductions of primary 
     authorized C-130 aircraft (PAA) shall be permitted until 
     after completion of the report.
       (c) Approval.--Within 2 months of receipt of the report 
     from the Chairman of the JCS, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     approve the final master stationing plan for C-130 aircraft 
     and shall provide it to the congressional defense committees. 
     The Secretary shall also provide the final report to the Air 
     Force and to the National Guard Bureau for implementation.

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, in recent years, it has become a practice 
by Members of the other body and others to deal with the location of C-
130 transportation aircraft through specific legislation; that is, to 
have Members stand up and seek to gain, for bases within their State or 
region, additional aircraft.
  We can all understand and appreciate this interest and this vigilance 
in promoting one's district or one's State. On the other hand, it 
strikes this Member that the decision as to where to deploy aircraft 
should be made by our military leaders after sufficient study and 
objective review, not from legislation added without either.
  There is a need, of course, for military flexibility. There is also a 
need, I think, for objective analysis. It would be a tragedy if the 
location of these aircraft becomes a question of simply amending the 
appropriations bill when it is brought before the body.
  Thus, we have proposed an appropriate study and report as to where 
these aircraft as they are purchased should be located. We have asked 
that within 6 months of the enactment of this amendment that the 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall recommend to the Secretary 
of Defense a master stationing plan for C-130 aircraft for the active 
and reserve components based on our national military strategy and on 
current contingency plans for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  Mr. President, Colorado would love to have additional C-130 aircraft. 
But that is not the purpose of this amendment. The purpose of the 
amendment is to ensure that aircraft are located where they are most 
needed. Colorado, just as every other State, must take its chances. We 
must be willing to compete for these aircraft and to ensure that they 
are located where they are most needed, where they will be most 
effective.
  The purpose of this amendment is simply that; to ensure that there is 
an objective analysis and review that the aircraft are located where 
they will do the most to defend our Nation, not simply to satisfy one 
Member's or the other's desire to increase the aircraft located within 
his or her district. It will be helpful in maximizing the cost-
effectiveness of U.S. defense capabilities.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate on the amendment?
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, the managers will be most pleased to 
accept this amendment with one modification for clarification purposes. 
In section B, Reductions, ``No reductions of primary authorized 
aircraft'', if the author of the measure would modify this to place 
between the words ``of'' and ``primary'' the term ``C-130'', otherwise, 
someone could interpret this to mean that it would cover all sorts of 
aircraft.
  Mr. BROWN. I thank the distinguished chairman for his suggestion.
  I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be so amended.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Would the Senator please send the altered language to the desk?
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I have just been advised that the modified 
version of the amendment is at the desk at the moment.
  With that understanding, the managers are pleased to accept the 
amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senator from Colorado wish to vitiate 
his request to modify?
  Mr. BROWN. Thank you, Mr. President.
  I ask unanimous consent to vitiate.
  I thank the chairman.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Is there further debate on the amendment? If not, the question is on 
agreeing to the amendment of the Senator from Colorado.
  The amendment (No. 2494) was agreed to.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the 
amendment was agreed to.
  Mr. BROWN. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to lay aside the 
pending committee amendment in order to offer an amendment to the bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                           Amendment No. 2495

   (Purpose: To express the sense of the Senate concerning Lowry AFB)

  Mr. BROWN. 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 Colorado [Mr. Brown], for himself and Mr. 
     Campbell, proposes an amendment numbered 2495.

  Mr. BROWN. 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:
       At the appropriate place in the bill, add the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC.  . SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING LOWRY AFB.

       It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (a) in issuing any lease, permit or deed of conveyance for 
     use to assist the homeless under the Stewart B. McKinney 
     Assistance Act concerning Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services, representatives of 
     the City of Denver, Colorado, representatives of the City of 
     Aurora, Colorado and representatives of homeless providers 
     whose applications have been approved by the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services should jointly determine that such 
     use is reasonable under the redevelopment plan for Lowry Air 
     Force Base, Colorado; and
       (b) the Department of Defense and the Department of Health 
     and Human Services, in coordination with the appropriate 
     committees of Congress and appropriate state and local 
     authorities, should develop a reform proposal to address the 
     many difficulties created for local communities by existing 
     laws relating to the loan, lease or conveyance for use of 
     government property during the base closure process.

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, this is a sense of the Senate and it 
concerns Lowry Air Force Base. The amendment attempts to address the 
question of the administration of the McKinney Act as it applies to 
Lowry Air Force Base. Included in the bill is a provision that allows 
exemptions from the provisions of the McKinney Act for a base other 
than Lowry. This amendment does not attempt to duplicate that 
exemption, but it expresses the sense of the Senate that there be 
consultation and cooperation between the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services and representatives of the cities of Denver, Aurora, and 
representatives of the homeless providers.
  Mr. President, the land transfer that is underway with Lowry Air 
Force Base is one of the largest transfers of Federal military property 
to the local communities in the history of Colorado. It has enormous 
impact. I think, as all Members will appreciate, the process of losing 
a base is difficult and troublesome at best.
  What we have found as Denver and Aurora have undergone the difficult 
process of base closure at Lowry is enormous consternation and people 
who feel their hands are tied as they attempt to find the best and most 
effective use for the base. The McKinney Act obviously has significant 
impact in terms of the future use of this base as well. Provisions of 
the McKinney Act may require significant changes from current land use 
patterns in that part of the community.
  Lowry Air Force Base was originally located on the outskirts of 
Denver, some distance away from housing. Over the years, it has been 
encompassed, engulfed and surrounded by an attractive neighborhood as 
well as a variety of other uses that differ significantly from its 
original surroundings. Our amendment simply makes it clear that the 
Senate wishes for full communication and coordination to occur between 
Denver and Aurora, the homeless providers and the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services. All determinations concerning the future use of 
Lowry AFB should be made jointly. We believe that by working together, 
they can improve the transition and make the adjustments to Lowry 
ultimately a benefit for the community. In addition, their coordination 
will provide a great opportunity not only for housing the homeless, but 
ensure uses for the base compliment the existing land use patterns of 
the community.
  I believe this amendment has been cleared on both sides.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate?
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BROWN. 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. BROWN. I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending 
amendment.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, may I ask my friend from Colorado to 
temporarily withhold his request. I have a very important request to 
make.

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