[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5073-S5075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. AKAKA (for himself and Mr. Inouye):
  S. 660. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for 
transportation by the Department of Defense of certain children 
requiring specialized medical services in the United States; to the 
Committee on Armed Services.


             TRANSPORTATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation 
that would allow the Department of Defense to provide transportation 
for children with disabilities seeking medical treatment in the United 
States. I am pleased that Senator Inouye has joined me in cosponsoring 
this measure.
  The Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Honolulu currently 
provides free medical treatment for disabled children. However, many of 
these children must wait several months before funds are available for 
them to travel from their homes in the Pacific to Hawaii. As of 
February 28, 1995, Shriners Hospital had 177 Pacific rim children with 
disabilities seeking medical treatment.
  The legislation I am introducing authorizes the Department of Defense 
to offer transportation, on a space available basis, to a disabled 
child seeking free medical treatment. The children would come from 
United States territories, such as American Samoa and Guam, and from 
countries with historic ties to the United States, including the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Palau, 
Western Samoa, and the Philippines.
  Providing transportation for disabled children from these Pacific rim 
countries and territories will enhance the United States relationship 
with these entities. The goodwill generated by this initiative will 
contribute to our efforts to be ``good neighbors'' in the Pacific. The 
cost of this measure would be nominal since transportation would be on 
a space-available basis.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
                                 ______

      By Mr. LOTT:
  S. 661. A bill to require the continued availability of $1 Federal 
reserve notes for circulation; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, 
and Urban Affairs.


                         save the greenback act
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the following bill 
designed to preserve the status of the American $1 bill. The dollar 
bill--also known as the American greenback--has been a staple of our 
currency since 1862, and since 1869 has carried the likeness of the 
founder of our Nation: George Washington.
  During that entire period, we have never heard the American people 
express their disagreement, or their displeasure, with the $1 bill. In 
fact, as many of you are well aware, the mere mention of any redesign 
of our currency inevitably triggers an onslaught of calls from 
constituents.
  In past Congresses there have been misguided efforts by special 
interests to replace the $1 bill with a coin. The proponents of this 
coin make three bold claims: that it will be easier to handle, that it 
will be popular with the American people, and that it will save money.
  Let me address each of these claims in turn: Imagine if you will, 
replacing ten $1 bills in your wallet with ten $1 coins in your pocket. 
After several days, one might suspect a conspiracy by clothing 
manufacturers in drafting the dollar coin proposal. I do not know 
anyone who prefers a pocketful of coins to a wallet containing dollar 
bills.
  As to the coin's so-called popularity with the American people; there 
have been three national polls on this issue during the past year. In 
every poll, the American people overwhelmingly rejected any attempt to 
do away with the dollar bill and have expressed their displeasure for 
replacing it with a coin.
  The most recent poll was conducted in January, under the auspices of 
the House Budget Committee. Only 18 percent of those questioned 
preferred a dollar coin. Earlier polls have indicated a very real 
concern by American people that if the coin bill becomes law, the price 
of items purchased from vending machines such as food, laundry, and 
soft drinks will rise. They also expect to see increases in the costs 
of other everyday items such as parking meters and pay telephone calls.
  Mr. President, legislation designed to eliminate the dollar bill will 
be an excuse by special interests to raise prices on everyday items. 
Eliminating the dollar bill and replacing it with a dollar coin will 
likely result in two things: Higher prices to consumers, and more 
weight in our pocket.
  None of us really want to see a repeat of the Susan B. Anthony drama 
in 
 [[Page S5074]] which the dollar coin was overwhelmingly rejected by 
the public. It did not save us a nickel when it was minted, although 
officials said at the time that savings would be realized. At this 
moment, there are over $300 million in Susan B. Anthony coins sitting 
idle in the U.S. Mint. Will we have to make room in a few years time 
for another dollar coin, because we didn't heed the lessons of the 
past?
  It is not enough to blame the failure of the Susan B. Anthony dollar 
on its design alone. The people overwhelmingly rejected it as part of 
the currency system. The people had a choice and they voted against it. 
The bill I am introducing today seeks to protect the consumer from the 
hidden cost increases which would result from a mandated replacement of 
the dollar bill with a dollar coin.
  As I travel around Mississippi, I hear people telling me that we need 
to reform welfare, slam the door on convicted criminals, and eliminate 
waste. I do not hear a lot of complaints that we need a dollar coin to 
replace the face of George Washington in our wallets.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this 
legislation.
                                 ______

      By Mr. STEVENS (for himself and Mr. Murkowski):
  S. 662. A bill to implement the interim agreement for the 
conservation of Yukon River salmon stocks agreed to by the Government 
of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on 
February 3, 1995, and for other purposes; to the committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation.


                         yukon river salmon act

 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce 
legislation today that would implement the new interim agreement for 
the conservation of Yukon River salmon stocks reached between the 
United States and Canada on February 3, 1995--the Yukon Agreement.
  The title of my bill is the ``Yukon River Salmon Act of 1995.''
  A total of 1,875 miles long, the Yukon River is the fourth largest 
river in North America, and runs from head waters deep in Canada, 
through the heart of Alaska, and into the Bering Sea.
  Commercial and subsistence fishermen from Canada to the Alaskan 
shores of the Bering Sea rely on the salmon resources of this massive 
river.
  The Yukon Agreement will assure both Alaskans and Canadians living 
along the Yukon River that these vital salmon resources will be 
carefully managed, restored, and enhanced in the years ahead.
  I would like to commend the State Department, State of Alaska, and 
the many Alaskans who were instrumental in bringing about this 
agreement.
  It is great to see the positive results that can occur when we work 
together with our Canadian neighbors.
  The bill I am introducing today would provide for U.S. representation 
on a new Yukon River Panel created under the Yukon Agreement.
  The Yukon River Panel will include representatives from both the 
United States and Canada, and will make management, restoration and 
enhancement suggestions to the entities responsible for conserving and 
managing Yukon River salmon on both sides of the United States-Canada 
border.
  Under the bill, the United States would have six Yukon River Panel 
members: one appointed by the Secretary of State; one representing the 
State of Alaska; and four representatives knowledgeable and experienced 
with Yukon River salmon fisheries who would be appointed by the 
Governor of Alaska.
  At least one of the four panel members appointed by the Governor must 
represent the Upper Yukon; at least one must represent the Lower Yukon; 
and at least one must be an Alaska Native.
  Panel members will serve 4-year terms, and will be eligible for 
reappointment.
  The Secretary of State and Governor of Alaska would be authorized to 
designate an alternate panel member, meeting the same qualifications, 
for each of the panel members they have authority to appoint under the 
bill.
  The Yukon River Panel would be exempt from the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, similar to the treatment of the Pacific Salmon 
Commission and Pacific Salmon Treaty panels under the Pacific Salmon 
Treaty enabling legislation--Public Law 99-5.
  Panel members would be paid at the GS-16 rate while on duty, which is 
consistent with the pay received by panels under the Pacific Salmon 
Treaty enabling legislation.
  Decisions by the U.S. section of the Yukon River Panel would occur by 
the consensus of five of the panel members: the State of Alaska's 
representative, and the four at-large panel members. The Federal member 
would not vote. This is similar to the voting structure of the Pacific 
Salmon Commission.
  As with the Pacific Salmon Commission, the Federal representative 
would serve as a neutral and objective party if disagreements arise 
among members of the U.S. section of the panel.
  The bill also authorizes an advisory committee, with members to be 
appointed by the Governor of Alaska.
  This advisory committee would include between 8 and 12 members 
knowledgeable and experienced with regard to salmon fisheries on the 
Yukon River.
  Advisory committee members would receive no compensation for their 
service, but could be reimbursed for travel expenses.
  Advisory committee members would serve 2-year terms and would be 
eligible for reappointment.
  The Yukon Agreement requires each country to designate a responsible 
management entity for the harvest of salmon originating in the Yukon, 
which will receive recommendations of the Yukon River Panel.
  My legislation would designate the State of Alaska's Department of 
Fish and Game as the responsible management entity for the United 
States.
  The Alaska Department of Fish and Game does most of the salmon 
research and assessment on the Yukon, and is the primary manager of 
commercial harvests on the Yukon.
  The designation of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is for the 
purposes of the Yukon Agreement, and is not meant to expand, diminish 
or change Federal or State authority with respect to salmon management.
  The Yukon River Panel would be authorized under the bill to make 
recommendations to the Department of Interior, Department of Commerce, 
Department of State, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and 
to other Federal or State entities as it feels appropriate.
  Recommendations by the Yukon River Panel under both the agreement and 
the legislation I am introducing today are advisory in nature.
  The Yukon Agreement states that if the Pacific Salmon Treaty should 
terminate before the termination of the Yukon Agreement, the Yukon 
Panel would become the Yukon River Salmon Commission and continue under 
existing provisions of the treaty that apply to the Yukon.
  The bill I am introducing allows for the shift from the Yukon River 
Panel to the Yukon River Salmon Commission should the Pacific Salmon 
Treaty terminate.
  If the Pacific Salmon Treaty fails, the provisions in the bill which 
apply to the Yukon River Panel would thereafter apply to the Yukon 
River Salmon Commission, and all provisions of the bill, such as the 
voting structure, would remain in effect.
  The legislation would authorize $400,000 in each of fiscal years 
1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 to the Secretary of Commerce to make the 
payment necessary under the Yukon Agreement to the Yukon River 
Restoration and Enhancement Fund.
  This money will be used primarily for restoration and enhancement in 
Canada, which helps all fishermen along the Yukon. In accordance with 
the Yukon Agreement, the Yukon River Panel will decide how this money 
is spent.
  The bill would also authorize appropriations to pay panel members, 
and to reimburse panel members, alternate panel members, advisory 
committee members, and U.S. members of a joint technical committee for 
their travel expenses.
  The Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries has received testimony on 
the Yukon Agreement and relating to this implementing legislation 
during our recent hearings on the Magnuson Act reauthorization.
  [[Page S5075]] It is my hope to include the Yukon River Salmon Act--
which I believe to be noncontroversial--on S. 267, the Fisheries Act of 
1995, when S. 267 goes to the Senate floor.
  I am joined by Senator Murkowski in introducing the Yukon River 
Salmon Act of 1995.
  I request that the bill be printed in full in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:
                                 S. 662

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Yukon River Salmon Act of 
     1995.''

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       It is the purpose of this Act--
       (1) to implement the interim agreement for the conservation 
     of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada 
     agreed to through an exchange of notes between the Government 
     of the United States and the Government of Canada on February 
     3, 1995;
       (2) to provide for representation by the United States on 
     the Yukon River Panel established under such agreement; and
       (3) to authorize to be appropriated sums necessary to carry 
     out the responsibilities of the United States under such 
     agreement.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       As used in this Act--
       (1) The term ``Agreement'' means the interim agreement for 
     the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon 
     River in Canada agreed to through an exchange of notes 
     between the Government of the United States and the 
     Government of Canada on February 3, 1995.
       (2) The term ``Panel'' means the Yukon River Panel 
     established by the Agreement.
       (3) The term ``Yukon River Joint Technical Committee'' 
     means the technical committee established by paragraph C.2 of 
     the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Pacific Salmon 
     Treaty between the Government of the United States and the 
     Government of Canada recorded January 28, 1985.

     SEC. 4. PANEL.

       (a) Representation.--The United States shall be represented 
     on the Panel by six individuals, of whom--
       (1) one (1) shall be an official of the United States 
     Government with expertise in salmon conservation and 
     management;
       (2) one (1) shall be an official of the State of Alaska 
     with expertise in salmon conservation and management; and
       (3) four (4) shall be knowledgeable and experienced with 
     regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River.
       (b) Appointments.--Panel members shall be appointed as 
     follows:
       (1) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(1) shall 
     be appointed by the Secretary of State.
       (2) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(2) shall 
     be appointed by the Governor of Alaska.
       (3) The Panel members described in subsection (a)(3) shall 
     be appointed by the Governor of Alaska, who shall consider 
     nominations provided by organizations with expertise in Yukon 
     River salmon fisheries. The Governor of Alaska shall appoint 
     at least one member under subsection (a)(3) who is qualified 
     to represent the interests of Lower Yukon River fishing 
     districts, and at least one member who is qualified to 
     represent the interests of Upper Yukon River fishing 
     districts. At least one of the Panel members under subsection 
     (a)(3) shall be an Alaska Native.
       (c) Alternates.--The Secretary of State and Governor of 
     Alaska may designate an alternate Panel member for each Panel 
     member they appoint under subsection (b), who meets the same 
     qualifications, to serve in the absence of the Panel member.
       (d) Term Length.--Panel members and alternate Panel members 
     shall serve four-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill 
     a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall 
     be appointed for the remainder of that term.
       (e) Reappointment.--Panel members and alternate Panel 
     members shall be eligible for reappointment.
       (f) Decisions.--Decisions by the United States section of 
     the Panel shall be made by the consensus of the Panel members 
     appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a).
       (g) Consultation.--In carrying out their functions under 
     the Agreement, Panel members may consult with such other 
     interested parties as they consider appropriate.

     SEC. 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) Appointments.--The Governor of Alaska may appoint an 
     Advisory Committee of not less than eight (8), but not more 
     than twelve (12), individuals who are knowledgeable and 
     experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon 
     River. Members of the Advisory Committee may attend all 
     meetings of the United States section of the Panel, and shall 
     be given the opportunity to examine and be heard on any 
     matter under consideration by the United States section of 
     the Panel.
       (b) Compensation.--The members of such advisory committee 
     shall receive no compensation for their services.
       (c) Term Length.--Any individual appointed to fill a 
     vacancy
      occurring before the expiration of any term shall be 
     appointed for the remainder of that term.
       (b) Reappointment.--Advisory Committee members shall be 
     eligible for reappointment.

     SEC. 6. EXEMPTION.

       The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 1 et 
     seq.) shall not apply to the Panel, the Yukon River Joint 
     Technical Committee, or the Advisory Committee created under 
     section 5 of this Act.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.

       (a) Responsible Management Entity.--The State of Alaska 
     Department of Fish and Game shall be the responsible 
     management entity for the United States for the purposes of 
     the Agreement.
       (b) Effect of Designation.--The designation under 
     subsection (a) shall not be considered to expand, diminish or 
     change the management authority of the State of Alaska or the 
     Federal government with respect to fishery resources.
       (c) Recommendations of Panel.--In addition to 
     recommendations made by the Panel to the responsible 
     management entities in accordance with the Agreement, the 
     Panel may make recommendations concerning the conservation 
     and management of salmon originating in the Yukon River to 
     the Department of Interior, Department of Commerce, 
     Department of State, North Pacific Fishery Management 
     Council, and other Federal or State entities as appropriate. 
     Recommendations by the Panel shall be advisory in nature.

     SEC. 8. CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT.

       In the event that the Treaty between Canada and the United 
     States of America concerning Pacific Salmon, signed at 
     Ottawa, January 28, 1985, terminates prior to the termination 
     of the Agreement, and the functions of the Panel are assumed 
     by the ``Yukon River Salmon Commission'' referenced in the 
     Agreement, the provisions of this Act which apply to the 
     Panel shall thereafter apply to the Yukon River Salmon 
     Commission, and the other provisions of this Act shall remain 
     in effect.

     SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.

       (a) Panel members and alternate Panel members who are not 
     State or Federal employees shall receive compensation at the 
     daily rate of GS-16 of the General Schedule when engaged in 
     the actual performance of duties.
       (b) Travel and other necessary expenses shall be paid for 
     all Panel members, alternate Panel members, United States 
     members of the Joint Technical Committee, and members of the 
     Advisory Committee when engaged in the actual performance of 
     duties.
       (c) Except for officials of the United States Government, 
     individuals described in subsection (b) shall not be 
     considered to be Federal employees while engaged in the 
     actual performance of duties, except for the purposes of 
     injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in 
     chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and chapter 71 of 
     title 28, United States Code.

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated from time to time 
     such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes 
     and provisions of the Agreement and this Act including--
       (a) necessary travel expenses of Panel members, alternate 
     Panel members, United States members of the Joint Technical 
     Committee, and members of the Advisory Committee in 
     accordance with Federal Travel Regulations and sections 4701, 
     5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of title 5, United States 
     Code;
       (b) the United States share of the joint expenses of the 
     Panel and the Joint Technical Committee, provided that Panel 
     members and alternate Panel members shall not, with respect 
     to commitments concerning the United States share of the 
     joint expenses, be subject to section 262(b) of title 22, 
     United States Code, insofar as it limits the authority of 
     United States representatives to international organizations 
     with respect to such commitments; and
       (c) by the Secretary of Commerce, $400,000 in each of 
     fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 to be contributed to 
     the Yukon River Restoration and Enhancement Fund and used in 
     accordance with the Agreement.
     

                          ____________________