[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2067-S2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BALANCED BUDGET DOWNPAYMENT ACT, II

  The Senate continued with the consideration of the bill.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all pending 
amendments be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.


          Amendments Nos. 3521 and 3522 to Amendment No. 3466

  Mr. BOND. Mr. President I send to the desk two amendments for Senator 
McCain.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Missouri [Mr. Bond], for Mr. McCain, 
     proposes amendments numbered 3521 and 3522 en bloc to 
     amendment No. 3466.

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


                           amendment no. 3521

  (Purpose: To require that disaster funds made available to certain 
agencies be allocated in accordance with the established prioritization 
                       processes of the agencies)

       On page 756, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:

     SEC. 1103. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

       Notwithstanding chapters 2, 4, and 6 of this title--
       (1) funds made available under this title for economic 
     development assistance programs of the Economic Development 
     Administration shall be made available to the general fund of 
     the Administration to be allocated in accordance with the 
     established competitive prioritization process of the 
     Administration;
       (2) funds made available under this title for construction 
     by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall be 
     allocated in accordance with the established prioritization 
     process of the Service; and
       (3) funds made available under this title for community 
     development grants by the Department of Housing and Urban 
     Development shall be allocated in accordance with the 
     established prioritization process of the Department.
                                                                    ____



                           amendment no. 3522

  (Purpose: To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a 
 plan for the allocation of health care resources of the Department of 
                           Veterans Affairs)

       SEC.   . PLAN FOR ALLOCATION OF HEALTH CARE RESOURCES BY 
                   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (A) Plan.--(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     develop a plan for the allocation of health care resources 
     (including personnel and funds) of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs among the health care facilities of the Department so 
     as to ensure that veterans having similar economic status, 
     eligibility priority and, or, similar medical conditions who 
     are eligible for medical care in such facilities have similar 
     access to such care in such facilities regardless of the 
     region of the United States in which such veterans reside.
       (2) The Plan shall reflect, to the maximum extent possible, 
     the Veterans Integrated Service Network, as well as the 
     Resource Planning and Management System developed by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to account for forecasts in 
     expected workload and to ensure fairness to facilities that 
     provide cost-efficient health care, and shall include 
     procedures to identify reasons for variations in operating 
     costs among similar facilities and ways to improve the 
     allocation of resources so as to promote efficient use of 
     resources and provision of quality health care.
       (3) The Secretary shall prepare the plan in consultation 
     with the Under Secretary of Health of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (b) Plan Elements.--The plan under subsection (a) shall set 
     forth--
       (1) milestones for achieving the goal referred to in that 
     subsection; and
       (2) a means of evaluating the success of the Secretary in 
     meeting the goals through the plan.
       (c) Submittal to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress the plan developed under subsection (a) not later 
     than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Plan Implementation.--The Secretary shall implement the 
     plan developed under subsection (a) within 60 days of 
     submitting such plan to Congress under subsection (b), unless 
     within such period the Secretary notifies the appropriate 
     Committees of Congress that such plan will not be implemented 
     along with an explanation of why such plan will not be 
     implemented.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask that those amendments be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I 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. BOND. 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. BOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending 
amendments be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                           Amendment No. 3501

  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I would like to move to an amendment that 
has been cleared which I would like to call up on behalf of Senators 
Cohen and Bumpers numbered 3501.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That amendment has already been filed.
  Mr. BOND. That amendment has already been filed. I understand that it 
has been cleared on both sides. It is an amendment to permit recipients 
of Legal Services Corporation grants to use funds derived from non-
Federal sources to testify at legislative hearings, or to respond to 
requests for certain information.
  As I understand it, this amendment is acceptable to both sides. 
Therefore, it will not require a rollcall vote. I assume that we can 
move to a voice vote to adopt this amendment.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise to express my serious concerns with 
the Cohen-Bumpers amendment regarding the ability of Legal Services 
Corporation grantees to testify on legislation or rulemaking before 
Federal, State, or local government bodies. I will not block this 
amendment at this time, but I think this is a topic worthy of greater 
deliberation and one that should be revisited.
  Earlier today, I offered an amendment, which was accepted on both 
sides, that was prompted by the oft-reported tendency of LSC grantees 
to exceed the bounds of the law, of its own rules, and of appropriate 
behavior in pursuing agendas that are often political or ideological, 
and not oriented toward providing legal services.
  The Senate had a significant debate over LSC funding during our 
original consideration of the Commerce-State-Justice appropriation bill 
because of this very issue.
  Even in rejecting the Appropriations Committee's recommendation to 
replace the current LSC system with block grants to the States, the 
Senate still voted, in adopting the Domenici amendment, to try to focus 
the activities of LSC grantees on their mission to provide legal 
representation to the needy in legal proceedings. That is the only LSC-
grantee activity that the Federal Government has any business funding, 
directly or indirectly. Political and policymaking advocacy clearly 
are--and ought to be--considered inappropriate.
  In this area and others, the Senate has come down firmly against 
Federal subsidies for lobbying and advocacy. Three times last year, the 
Senate adopted different Simpson-Craig amendments along these lines 
that related to Federal grants, in general. The one that became law, in 
the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, prevents any Federal grants, 
awards, or loans from going to IRS 501(c)(4) organizations that engage 
in lobbying activities.
  The Senate has been building this record on indirect subsidies of 
lobbying

[[Page S2068]]

and advocacy for two reasons: First, the public should not be forced to 
subsidize political and policymaking advocacy on behalf of special 
interests, and second, dollars are fungible.
  Most LSC grantees take money from multiple sources. It all gets mixed 
in one pot. The more you put in the pot from any source, the more you 
subsidize every item in that grantee's agenda, including those that 
Federal dollars should not support.
  I supported the block grant approach to providing legal aid because 
local control generally leads to better oversight. Even in the Domenici 
amendment, which was a compromise, there were provisions designed to 
address the concern that we lack adequate oversight and accountability 
when it comes to how LSC grantees use their funds.
  I understand the balance that the authors of this amendment believe 
they are striking, and I am not unsympathetic. There are some matters 
on which it would be appropriate for LSC grantees to offer testimony or 
information, in a way that is directly relevant to their mission to 
provide legal representation to the needy.
  However, I think there is a risk here that this amendment may enable 
what is essentially lobbying. I don't believe the Senate wants LSC 
grantees to use Federal dollars to free up non-Federal funds to pay for 
activities we don't want supported by Federal dollars. An indirect 
subsidy is as real as a direct one.
  This is an issue that deserves more lengthy and serious debate, and 
this language deserves closer examination and possibly fine-tuning than 
can be given in the final rush to finish a 780-page omnibus 
appropriations bill. I look forward to that process.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate on the amendment? If 
not, the question is on agreeing to the amendment of the Senator from 
Maine.
  The amendment (No. 3501) was agreed to.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the 
amendment was agreed to.
  Mr. WELLSTONE. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.


                           Amendment No. 3520

  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I will take just a few minutes to 
summarize the amendment that I just submitted which has been laid aside 
for the moment.
  This amendment deals with energy assistance. As I said to the Chair, 
I think there is broad bipartisan support.
  Mr. President, there are really two parts to the amendment. I mean 
part of what we are talking about is really bolstering the Senate's 
position about funding next year for energy assistance as we go into 
conference. This is a commitment that there at least be $1 billion for 
the whole Nation for energy assistance for people in our country.
  The second part of the amendment deals with the emergency assistance 
in the here and now. Mr. President, in my State of Minnesota last year 
there were 110,000 households who received this. This is a lifeline 
program for many elderly people, for many families with children, the 
low- and moderate-income citizens, and quite frankly it has enabled 
people not to be put in the position of ``heat or eat''.
  In my State this year, fewer households have been served. I think 
last year we received about $50 million. This year we received about 
$35 million. What is going to happen if there is no additional 
assistance as these bills accumulate? It is warm right now in 
Washington, but we have had brutally cold weather, and we are going to 
go back to more of that weather this month. The bills will accumulate, 
and the real concern is that people will not be able to afford those 
bills.
  Mr. President, this is an amendment that, as I said, I believe will 
have broad bipartisan support. I think it really is all about values 
and our priorities.
  I think what we are saying in this sense-of-the-Senate amendment is 
that in the United States of America people should not go cold. Surely 
in our country, we can extend a hand and help people who need that 
help. This is a program that has not required very much by way of 
investment in resources. But it makes a huge, very concrete, and 
important difference in the lives of many people. To the cold weather 
States, like my State of Minnesota, this is a program that is hugely 
important.
  So, Mr. President, I propose the sense-of-the-Senate amendment 
because this is an issue that is staring people in the face. It is 
extremely important that people do not go without heat. Therefore, I 
think it is extremely important that this amendment be agreed to.
  I can talk more about the amendment later on. Other colleagues are 
here on the floor. As I said, I hope there will be good bipartisan 
support for this.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. WARNER addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, parliamentary inquiry. My understanding is 
that it is in order now to send to the desk amendments provided that 
you have a prior consultation with the managers of the bill and get 
what is known as a ``slot'' to speak.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator should ask unanimous consent that 
the pending amendment be laid aside. When that is granted, an amendment 
is in order if the Senator's name is on the list.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending 
amendments be laid aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WARNER. Parliamentary inquiry. Is it not correct that the name of 
the Senator from Virginia is on the list?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is authorized to offer a relevant 
amendment.


                Amendment No. 3523 to Amendment No. 3466

(Purpose: To prohibit the District of Columbia from enforcing any rule 
     or ordinance that would terminate taxicab service reciprocity 
          agreements with the States of Virginia and Maryland)

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I offer an amendment which I send to the 
desk at this time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Virginia [Mr. Warner] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 3523 to amendment No. 3466:

       At the end of title I of section 101(b), add the following:
       Sec. 156. None of the funds provided in this Act may be 
     used directly or indirectly to implement or enforce any rule 
     or ordinance of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission 
     that would terminate taxicab service reciprocity agreements 
     with the States of Virginia and Maryland.

  Mr. WARNER. I thank the Chair.
  Mr. President, this is not going to be regarded as an earth-shaking 
amendment, but it is one that is very important in my judgment to every 
one of us in the Senate and, indeed, in the House of Representatives. 
We have every day constituents who come to visit us from our States, 
from many places, and they have to rely upon the indigenous 
transportation. Part of that transportation is taxicabs operated under 
the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, the jurisdiction of the 
sovereign State of Maryland, and the jurisdiction of the sovereign 
State of Virginia. For some 50 years, there has been a general format 
of understanding between these three jurisdictions as to how the taxis 
will allocate the various customers, business and the like.
  Out of the blue, the D.C. Taxi Commission, without any notification, 
to my knowledge, of either the appropriate authorities in Maryland and 
Virginia, said that henceforth they are going to start a certain policy 
which would be at considerable variance with what had been in place for 
some 50 years and what is now operating.
  Speaking for myself, I have lived in the greater metropolitan area 
for many years. I have been concerned about the quality of the taxi 
service, the ability of the drivers to understand even the simple basic 
things--language, locations. I am concerned about the overall public 
safety as that is associated with those cabs, primarily those cabs that 
are licensed in the District of Columbia.
  But, anyway, the purpose of this amendment is to not permit any of 
the funds appropriated for the District of Columbia to be used for the 
purpose of trying to implement such agreements as the D.C. Taxi 
Commission acting unilaterally wishes to put in effect.
  In my judgment, the proper way is to go to the Council of 
Governments, referred to as COG, and COG has many

[[Page S2069]]

times taken into consideration the needs and requirements of the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the great State 
of Maryland, and resolved them. That is what should be done in this 
case. So I think it is a matter, while not of earth-shaking 
proportions, that should be considered by the Congress in terms of 
saying to the District: Wait a minute. You are not to implement any 
agreement which will impact on our constituents coming from many places 
to visit the Nation's Capital. Let the Council of Governments arbitrate 
a fair allocation between the States of Virginia and Maryland and the 
District of Columbia and work out an appropriate agreement.
  So, Mr. President, I will soon consult with the managers. Perhaps 
they can accept this amendment at this time. Otherwise, I will ask that 
it be laid aside.
  Mr. President, to accommodate the managers and the leadership, I will 
ask unanimous consent that my amendment be laid aside temporarily.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LOTT addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.
  Mr. LOTT. After consultation with the Democratic leader and lots of 
other people, I ask unanimous consent that all remaining first-degree 
amendments in order to H.R. 3019 under the previous consent agreement 
must be offered by 8 p.m. this evening, with the exception of the 
managers' package, two amendments by the majority leader, two 
amendments by the Democratic leader, one for the Democratic manager, 
and one for the minority manager, and it be in order for the mover of 
the amendment to withdraw his or her amendment.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, and I 
certainly do not wish to object, I am also here to protect the 
interests of the Armed Services Committee and the desires of the 
chairman of that committee, Senator Thurmond, to put in sequence here 
an amendment on behalf of himself and other members of the committee.
  Could I inquire of the manager if Senator Thurmond could be given an 
appropriate slot, or whatever terminology the distinguished leader 
wishes to use, to put that amendment in?
  Mr. LOTT. If I might respond, Mr. President, certainly that would be 
in order if the amendment is offered by the designated hour. No time 
has been set yet as to the order that they will be brought up. We are 
just trying now to ascertain exactly what amendments we have, and when 
the manager, the distinguished chairman, returns there will be an order 
set up then. I am sure this will be put in the sequence.
  Mr. WARNER. As I understand, the distinguished majority whip assures 
the Senator, speaking on behalf of Senator Thurmond----
  Mr. LOTT. I do give that assurance to the distinguished Senator from 
Virginia.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the unanimous-consent 
request?
  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I wanted 
to ask the Senator, does this mean that it is--in terms of this 
agreement, I gather that the leaders can offer amendments for Senators 
if they were not here before 8 if those amendments had been on the list 
as part of the original agreement?

  Mr. LOTT. That is my understanding, Mr. President.
  Mr. WELLSTONE. Is that the Senator's understanding?
  Mr. LOTT. Yes, it is.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. WARNER. Reserving the right to object further, Mr. President, I 
wonder if the distinguished leader would consider this unanimous 
consent request, and I state it at this time.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment that I will 
soon send to the desk on behalf of Senator Thurmond be filed under 
Senator Thurmond's name in lieu of one of the relevant amendments 
reserved by the Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain. Would there be any 
objection to that?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Is there objection to the unanimous consent request of the Senator 
from Mississippi?
  Mr. MURKOWSKI addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senator from Alaska object?
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. The Senator seeks recognition.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question before the body is the unanimous 
consent request of the Senator from Mississippi.
  Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Mississippi.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, in light of this new agreement, for the 
information of all Senators, there will be no votes between now and 
8:30 p.m., and any votes ordered between now and 8:30 will be stacked 
to occur at 8:30 p.m. this evening on a case-by-case basis. With that, 
I yield the floor.


                Amendment No. 3524 to Amendment No. 3466

(Purpose: To reconcile seafood inspection requirements for agricultural 
   commodity programs with those in use for general public consumers)

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I thank the Chair.
  Mr. President, if it is in order, I will send an amendment to the 
desk and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the pending amendment is 
set aside.
  The clerk will report the amendment of the Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I thank the Chair.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Alaska [Mr. Murkowski], for himself and 
     Mr. Stevens, proposes an amendment numbered 3524 to Amendment 
     No. 3466.

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. 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   , beginning with line   , insert the following:

     SEC.   . SEAFOOD SAFETY.

       (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 
     domestic fish or fish product produced in compliance with the 
     ``Procedures for the Safe and Sanitary Processing and 
     Importing of Fish and Fish Products'' (published by the Food 
     and Drug Administration as a final regulation in the Federal 
     Register of December 18, 1995) or produced in compliance with 
     food safety standards or procedures accepted by the Food and 
     Drug Administration as satisfying the requirements of such 
     regulations, shall be deemed to have met any inspection 
     requirements of the Department of Agriculture or other 
     Federal agency for any Federal commodity purchase program, 
     including the program authorized under section 32 of the Act 
     of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c).

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, this amendment would simply end 
featherbedding in the Department of Agriculture relative to the process 
of seafood inspection as we know it today. I am especially concerned 
about the current regime for the canned salmon industry in the United 
States.
  As the Chair is well aware, a significant portion of that industry is 
based in my State of Alaska, and a good portion of that industry is 
controlled, through the State of Washington. As a consequence of the 
development of the industry over the years, there is an inspection 
program operated by the State of Alaska which meets all the criteria of 
the Federal Food and Drug Administration. This assures the consistent 
quality and wholesomeness of the salmon canned in Alaska. However, the 
USDA and only the USDA requires yet another, completely redundant layer 
of inspection, the cost of which is charged back to the canner.
  That means we have a situation where salmon going into the 
marketplace, going into the Safeway, going into Giant, going on the 
shelves of the grocers throughout the United States--is subject to an 
inspection that has been traditional in the industry involving both 
State and Federal oversight.
  However, for reasons unknown to the Senator from Alaska, the 
Department of Agriculture believes that what is good enough for the 
American salmon consumer is not good enough for the Federal programs 
that purchase this salmon with taxpayer dollars. So, the USDA demand 
that the salmon it purchases, available for our programs for the 
homeless and others, be inspected by an additional USDA inspector who 
must actually stand in the cannery at all times. This procedure is only 
required for salmon that goes into the USDA program.
  This is an additional cost to the Federal Government, and additional 
cost to the canner; additional cost, ultimately, to the consumer. It is 
really

[[Page S2070]]

featherbedding. The USDA wants to keep Federal inspectors employed, 
even though they are not responsible for the safety of the salmon, and 
even though the commercial product sold in every grocery in the Nation 
is not subject to this continuous inspection.
  This particular amendment simply would alleviate this burden and no 
longer make necessary this inspection by the USDA.
  I might add, the inspection process as required by USDA often 
requires far more than just putting one inspector in each cannery. The 
canneries work well beyond an 8 to 5 day. They work when the fish are 
in, which requires in many cases a continuous 24-hour a day operation 
to ensure the quality of the pack.
  USDA's insistence is outdated. It has roots that are unfathomable. 
But the main issue is not its cause but its effect. The programs that 
protect the average consumer are necessary. They are appropriate. I 
support them. But it is not necessary nor is it appropriate for the 
Department of Agriculture to add an additional bureaucratic layer 
beyond the ones in place for you and me.
  As a consequence, Mr. President, I ask my colleagues, at the 
appropriate time, to consider adopting this amendment. I have discussed 
it with some of the floor managers. I do not know whether the Senator 
from Virginia has any interest in the subject or not.
  Mr. President, I will further offer an additional amendment which I 
will send to the desk. I ask the pending amendment be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Jeffords). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.


                Amendment No. 3525 to amendment No. 3466

 (Purpose: To provide for the approval of an exchange of lands within 
                  Admiralty Island National Monument)

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

       The Senator from Alaska [Mr. Murkowski] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 3525 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. 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:
       Section 1.
       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Greens 
     Creek Land Exchange Act of 1996.''
       (b) Findings.
       The Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 
     established the Admiralty Island National Monument and 
     sections 503 and 504 of that Act provided special provisions 
     under which the Greens Creek Claims would be developed. The 
     provisions supplemented the general mining laws under which 
     these claims were staked.
       (2) The Kennecott Greens Creek Mining Company, Inc., 
     currently holds title to the Greens Creek Claims, and the 
     area surrounding these claims has further mineral potential 
     which is yet unexplored.
       (3) Negotiations between the United States Forest Service 
     and the Kennecott Greens Creek Mining Company, Inc., have 
     resulted in an agreement by which the area surrounding the 
     Greens Creek Claims could be explored and developed under 
     terms and conditions consistent with the protection of the 
     values of the Admiralty Island National Monument.
       (4) The full effectuation of the Agreement, by its terms, 
     requires the approval and ratification by Congress.
       (c) Definitions.
       As used in this section--
       (1) the term ``Agreement'' means the document entitled the 
     ``Greens Creek Land Exchange Agreement'' executed on December 
     14, 1994, by the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural 
     Resources and Environment on behalf of the United States and 
     the Kennecott Greens Creek Mining Company and Kennecott 
     Corporation;
       (2) the term ``ANILCA'' means the Alaska National Interest 
     Lands Conservation Act, Public Law 96-487 (94 Stat. 2371);
       (3) the term ``conservation system unit'' has the same 
     meaning as defined in section 102(4) of ANILCA;
       (4) the term ``Greens Creek Claims'' means those patented 
     mining claims of Kennecott Greens Creek Mining Company within 
     the Monument recognized pursuant to section 504 of ANILCA;
       (5) the term ``KGCMC'' means the Kennecott Greens Creek 
     Mining Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation;
       (6) the term ``Monument'' means the Admiralty Island 
     National Monument in the State of Alaska established by 
     section 503 of ANILCA;
       (7) the term ``Royalty'' means Net Island Receipts Royalty 
     as that latter term is defined in Exhibit C to the Agreement; 
     and
       (8) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
     Agriculture.
       (d) Ratification of the Agreement. The Agreement is hereby 
     ratified and confirmed as to the duties and obligations of 
     the United States and its agencies, and KGCMC and Kennecott 
     Corporation, as a matter of Federal law. The agreement may be 
     modified or amended, without further action by the Congress, 
     upon written agreement of all parties thereto and with 
     notification in writing being made to the appropriate 
     committees of the Congress.
       (e) Implementation of the Agreement.
       (1) Land acquisition.--Without diminishment of any other 
     land acquisition authority of the Secretary in Alaska and in 
     furtherance of the purposes of the Agreement, the Secretary 
     is authorized to acquire lands and interests in land within 
     conservation system units in the Tongass National Forest, and 
     any land or interest in land so acquired shall be 
     administered by the Secretary as part of the National 
     Forest System and any conservation system unit in which it 
     is located. Priority shall be given to acquisition of non-
     Federal lands within the Monument.
       (2) Acquisition funding.--There is hereby established in 
     the Treasury of the United States an account entitled the 
     ``Greens Creek Land Exchange Account'' into which shall be 
     deposited the first $5,000,000 in royalties received by the 
     United States under part 6 of the Agreement after the 
     distribution of the amounts pursuant to paragraph (3) of this 
     subsection. Such moneys in the special account in the 
     Treasury may, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, 
     be used for land acquisition pursuant to paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection.
       (3) Twenty-five percent fund.--All royalties paid to the 
     United States under the Agreement shall be subject to the 25 
     percent distribution provisions of the Act of May 23, 1908, 
     as amended (16 U.S.C. 500) relating to payments for roads and 
     schools.
       (4) Mineral development.--Notwithstanding any provision of 
     ANILCA to the contrary the lands and interests in lands being 
     conveyed to KGCMC pursuant to the Agreement shall be 
     available for mining and related activities subject to and in 
     accordance with the terms of the Agreement and conveyances 
     made thereunder.
       (5) Administration.--The Secretary of Agriculture is 
     authorized to implement and administer the rights and 
     obligations of the Federal Government under the Agreement, 
     including monitoring the Government's interests relating to 
     extralateral rights, collecting royalties, and conducting 
     audits. The Secretary may enter into cooperative arrangements 
     with other Federal agencies for the performance of any 
     Federal rights or obligations under the Agreement or this 
     Act.
       (6) Reversions.--Before reversion to the United States of 
     KGCMC properties located on Admiralty Island, KGCMC shall 
     reclaim the surface disturbed in accordance with an approved 
     plan of operations and applicable laws and regulations. Upon 
     reversion to the United States of KGCMC properties located on 
     Admiralty, those properties located within the Monument shall 
     become part of the Monument and those properties lying 
     outside the Monument shall be managed as part of the Tongass 
     National Forest.
       (7) Savings provisions.--Implementation of the Agreement in 
     accordance with this section shall not be deemed a major 
     Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the 
     human environment, nor shall implementation require further 
     consideration pursuant to the National Historic Preservation 
     Act, title VIII of ANILCA, or any other law.
       (f) Rescission Rights.
       Within 60 days of the enactment of this section, KGCMC and 
     Kennecott Corporation shall have a right to rescind all 
     rights under the Agreement and this section. Rescission shall 
     be effected by a duly authorized resolution of the Board of 
     Directors of either KGCMC or Kennecott Corporation and 
     delivered to the Chief of the Forest Service at the Chief's 
     principal office in Washington, District of Columbia. In the 
     event of a rescission, the status quo ante provisions of the 
     Agreement shall apply.

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I ask the amendment be set aside for 
future consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Virginia is recognized.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, moments ago I received a request to send 
an amendment to the desk on behalf of the chairman of the Armed 
Services Committee, the senior Senator from South Carolina [Mr. 
Thurmond].


                Amendment No. 3526 to Amendment No. 3466

 (Purpose: To delay the exercise of authority to enter into multiyear 
                procurement contracts for C-17 aircraft)

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

       The Senator from Virginia [Mr. Warner], for Mr. Thurmond, 
     for himself, Mr. Nunn, Mr. Warner, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Lott, Mr. 
     Smith, Mr. Coats, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Exon, Mr. 
     Robb, Mr. Bryan, and Mr. Kempthorne, proposes an amendment 
     numbered 3526 to amendment No. 3466.


[[Page S2071]]


  Mr. WARNER. 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 754, line 4, strike out the period at the end and 
     insert in lieu thereof ``: provided further, That the 
     authority under this section may not be used to enter into a 
     multiyear procurement contract until the day after the date 
     of the enactment of an Act (other than an appropriations Act) 
     containing a provision authorizing a multiyear procurement 
     contract for the C-117 aircraft.''.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, this amendment is cosponsored by Senators 
Nunn, myself, Cohen, Lott, Smith, Coats, Santorum, Inhofe, Exon, Robb, 
Bryan, and Kempthorne. We are contacting other Members, all of those 
being members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I am of the 
opinion there will be other members of the committee that will seek to 
become cosponsors. For that purpose, I ask unanimous consent now that 
further Members may add their names.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I would like to briefly address the 
amendment.
  Mr. President, I rise to introduce an amendment which would allow the 
Senate Armed Services Committee an adequate opportunity to review the 
proposed multiyear contract for the C-17 program. I would think that 
all Members who have an interest in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are 
spent wisely on defense programs would support this amendment.
  This morning, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I 
joined with my colleagues in telling the Secretary of the Air Force and 
the Chief of Staff of the Air Force how concerned we are with the 
approach which the administration has adopted concerning the C-17 
program. Quite simply, a supplemental appropriations bill is not an 
appropriate vehicle for granting the authorization to proceed with such 
a large acquisition program. In my view, there is no justification for 
bypassing the authorizing committee in a decision of this magnitude.
  We are talking about a program to purchase 80 additional C-17 
aircraft, over 7 years, at a cost of almost $22 billion. If we proceed 
with the administration's proposal--as contained in the Senate bill--we 
will be giving the Pentagon the authority to sign a contract which 
commits this Nation to a major acquisition program with a $22 billion 
price tag. We will be rubber-stamping a Defense Acquisition Board [DAB] 
recommendation that an additional 80 C-17 aircraft is the proper 
solution for our airlift requirements in the future, and that this 
multiyear contract is the best way to achieve that goal. We must not be 
rushed into such a decision. This program deserves careful and thorough 
scrutiny by the Armed Services Committee.
  By treating this program separately--by dealing with it outside of 
the normal authorization process--we will not have the opportunity to 
weigh this program against the other competing priorities in the 
procurement accounts--across the services. The C-17 program, as 
proposed, will eat up a substantial share of the procurement budget for 
the next 7 years. We must understand the full impact of this decision--
for the entire defense budget--before committing ourselves to such a 
program.
  I remind my colleagues that this is a program which has been plagued 
by problems in the past. The Armed Services Committee has stood by the 
C-17 program in its lean years. It appears that our faith in this 
program has been justified. The C-17 is performing well in Bosnia, and 
it appears that the problems of the past have been corrected.
  Our argument today is not with the aircraft--but with this unusual 
expedited process that would effectively strip the Armed Services 
Committee of its responsibilities to examine a proper authorization for 
the 7-year multiyear contract for the C-17.
  I urge my colleagues to support the pending amendment.


                Amendment No. 3527 To Amendment No. 3466

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

       The Senator from Virginia [Mr. Warner] for Mr. Hatfield, 
     for himself and Mr. Dole, Mr. McConnell, and Mr. Leahy, 
     proposes an amendment numbered 3527 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. WARNER. 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:
       To the substitute on page 750, between lines 18 and 19, add 
     the following:

                          Unanticipated Needs


      unanticipated needs for defense of israel against terrorism

       For emergency expenses necessary to meet unanticipated 
     needs for the acquisition and provision of goods, services, 
     and/or grants for Israel necessary to support the eradication 
     of terrorism in and around Israel, $50,000,000: Provided, 
     That none of the funds appropriated in this paragraph shall 
     be available for obligation except through the regular 
     notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: 
     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:

  Mr. WARNER. I ask unanimous consent that be laid aside.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I wonder if I could ask the Senator from 
Virginia to just yield for a moment? I have an amendment I would like 
to offer on behalf of Senator Dole. I need to beat the clock. May I 
take 30 seconds to do that?
  Mr. BURNS. If the Senator will yield, this Senator has three to offer 
before 8 o'clock.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to accommodate my colleagues.
  Let me just say in one further sentence, the purpose of the amendment 
by Mr. Thurmond and myself is to go to the jurisdiction of our 
committee over a very important contract, relating to C-17's.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.
  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the pending 
amendment be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                Amendment No. 3528 To Amendment No. 3466

(Purpose: To allow the refurbishment and continued operation of a small 
 hydroelectric facility in central Montana by adjusting the amount of 
  charges to be paid to the United States under the Federal Power Act)

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

       The Senator from Montana [Mr. Burns] proposes an amendment 
     numbered 3528 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. BURNS. 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 insert the following:

     SEC.  CONTINUED OPERATION OF AN EXISTING HYDROELECTRIC 
                   FACILITY IN MONTANA.

       (a) Notwithstanding section 10(e)(1) of the Federal Power 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 803(e)(1) or any other law requiring payment 
     to the United States of an annual or other charge for the 
     use, occupancy, and enjoyment of land by the holder of a 
     license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
     under part I of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 792 et seq.) 
     for project numbered 1473, provided that the current licensee 
     receives no payment or consideration for the transfer of the 
     license a political subdivision of the State of Montana that 
     accepts the license--
       (1) shall not be required to pay such charges during the 5-
     year period following the date of acceptance; and
       (2) after that 5-year period, and for so long as the 
     political subdivision holds the license, shall not be 
     required to pay such charges that exceed 100 percentum of the 
     net revenues derived from the sale of electric power from the 
     project.
       (b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not be effective 
     if:
       (1) a competing license application if filed within 90 days 
     of the date of enactment of this act, or
       (2) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues and 
     order within 90 days of the date of enactment of this act 
     which makes a determination that in the absence of the 
     reduction in charges provided by subsection (a) the license 
     transfer will occur.

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent the present 
amendment be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

[[Page S2072]]

                Amendment No. 3529 To Amendment No. 3466

    (Purpose: To provide for Impact Aid school construction funding)

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

       The Senator from Montana [Mr. Burns] proposes an amendment 
     numbered 3529 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. BURNS. 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 591, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following:
       Sec. 305. (a)(1) From any unobligated funds that are 
     available to the Secretary of Education to carry out section 
     5 or 14 of the Act of September 23, 1950 (Public Law 815, 
     81st Congress) (as such Act was in effect on September 30, 
     1994) not less than $11,500,000 shall be available to the 
     Secretary of Education to carry out subsection (b).
       (2) Any unobligated funds described in paragraph (1) that 
     remain unobligated after the Secretary of Education carries 
     out such paragraph shall be available to the Secretary of 
     Education to carry out section 8007 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7707).
       (b)(1) The Secretary of Education shall award the funds 
     described in subsection (a)(1) to local educational agencies, 
     under such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Education 
     determines appropriate, for the construction of public 
     elementary or secondary schools on Indian reservations or in 
     school districts that--
       (A) the Secretary of Education determines are in dire need 
     of construction funding;
       (B) contain a public elementary or secondary school that 
     serves a student population which is 90 percent Indian 
     students; and
       (C) serve students who are taught in inadequate or unsafe 
     structures, or in a public elementary or secondary school 
     that has been condemned.
       (2) A local educational agency that receives construction 
     funding under this subsection for fiscal year 1996 shall not 
     be eligible to receive any funds under section 8007 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7707) for school construction for fiscal years 1996 and 1997.
       (3) As used in this subsection, the term ``construction'' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 8013(3) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7713(3)).
       (4) No request for construction funding under this 
     subsection shall be approved unless the request is received 
     by the Secretary of Education not later than 30 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the present 
amendment be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                Amendment No. 3530 To Amendment No. 3466

 (Purpose: To establish a commission on restructuring the circuits of 
                  the United States Courts of Appeals)

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

       The Senator from Montana [Mr. Burns] proposes an amendment 
     numbered 3530 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. BURNS. 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 end of the amendment add the following:

  Subtitle B--Commission on Restructuring the Circuits of the United 
                        States Courts of Appeals

     SEC. 921. ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established a Commission on 
     restructuring for the circuits of the United States Courts of 
     Appeals which shall be known as the ``Heflin Commission'' 
     (hereinafter referred to as the ``Commission'').
       (b) Functions.--The function of the Commission shall be 
     to--
       (1) study the restructuring of the circuits of the United 
     States Courts of Appeals; and
       (2) report to the President and the Congress on its 
     findings.

     SEC. 922. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 
     twelve members appointed as follows:
       (1) Three members appointed by the President of the United 
     States.
       (2) Three members appointed by the President pro tempore of 
     the Senate.
       (3) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (4) Three members appointed by the Chief Justice of the 
     United States.
       (b) Chair.--The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice 
     Chair from among its members.
       (c) Quorum.--Seven members of the Commission shall 
     constitute a quorum, but three may conduct hearings.
       (d) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be 
     appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the 
     Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment.
       (e) Initial Meeting.--No later than 30 days after the date 
     on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, 
     the Commission shall hold its first meeting.
       (f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chairman.

     SEC. 923. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.

       (a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit 
     and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable 
     to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.
       (b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may 
     secure directly from any Federal department or agency such 
     information as the Commission considers necessary to carry 
     out the provisions of this subtitle. Upon request of the 
     Chairman of the Commission, the head of such department or 
     agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
       (c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United 
     States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions 
     as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
       (d) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of 
     gifts or donations of services or property.

     SEC. 924. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

       (a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission 
     who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government 
     shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent 
     of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of 
     the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
     States Code, for each day (including travel time) during 
     which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties 
     of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are 
     officers or employees of the United States shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to that received for their 
     services as officers or employees of the United States.
       (b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall 
     be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from their homes or regular places of 
     business in the performance of services for the Commission.
       (c) Staff.--
       (1) In general.--The Chairman of the Commission may, 
     without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, 
     appoint and terminate an executive director and such other 
     additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the 
     Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an 
     executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the 
     Commission.
       (2) Compensation.--The Chairman of the Commission may fix 
     the compensation of the executive director and other 
     personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, 
     relating to classification of positions and General Schedule 
     pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive 
     director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable 
     for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
     such title.
       (d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government 
     employee may be detailed to the Commission without 
     reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption 
     or loss of civil service status or privilege.
       (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     The Chairman of the Commission may procure temporary and 
     intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not 
     exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
     prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5316 of such title.

     SEC. 925. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.

       The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on 
     which the Commission submits its final report.

     SEC. 926. REPORT.

       No later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this subtitle, the Commission shall submit a report to the 
     President and the Congress which shall contain a detailed 
     statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, 
     together with its recommendations for such legislation and 
     administrative actions as it considers appropriate.

     SEC. 927. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       On page 79, line 10 add the following:
       ``Of which not to exceed $3,000,000 shall remain available 
     until expended for the Twelfth Circuit Court of Appeals.

  Mr. COATS addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Indiana.


                Amendment No. 3531 To Amendment No. 3466

  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Dole, myself, and Mr. 
Lieberman, I send an amendment to the desk and ask for its immediate 
consideration.

[[Page S2073]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Indiana [Mr. COATS], for Mr. Dole, for 
     himself, Mr. Coats, and Mr. Lieberman, proposes an amendment 
     numbered 3531 to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. COATS. 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 404, between lines 17 and 18, insert the following:
                  Subtitle N--Low-Income Scholarships

      SEC. 2921. DEFINITIONS.

       As used in this subtitle--
       (1) the term ``Board'' means the Board of Directors of the 
     Corporation established under section 2922(b)(1);
       (2) the term ``Corporation'' means the District of Columbia 
     Scholarship Corporation established under section 2922(a);
       (3) the term ``eligible institution''--
       (A) in the case of an eligible institution serving a 
     student who receives a tuition scholarship under section 
     2923(d)(1), means a private or independent elementary or 
     secondary school; and
       (B) in the case of an eligible institution serving a 
     student who receives an enhanced achievement scholarship 
     under section 2923(d)(2), means an elementary or secondary 
     school, or an entity that provides services to a student 
     enrolled in an elementary or secondary school to enhance such 
     student's achievement through activities described in section 
     2923(d)(2); and
       (4) the term ``poverty line'' means the income official 
     poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and 
     Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 
     673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
     9902(2)) applicable to a family of the size involved.

      SEC. 2922. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION.

       (a) General Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--There is authorized to be established a 
     private, nonprofit corporation, to be known as the ``District 
     of Columbia Scholarship Corporation'', which is neither an 
     agency nor establishment of the United States Government or 
     the District of Columbia Government.
       (2) Duties.--The Corporation shall have the responsibility 
     and authority to administer, publicize, and evaluate the 
     scholarship program in accordance with this subtitle, and to 
     determine student and school eligibility for participation in 
     such program.
       (3) Consultation.--The Corporation shall exercise its 
     authority--
       (A) in a manner consistent with maximizing educational 
     opportunities for the maximum number of interested families; 
     and
       (B) in consultation with the Board of Education, the 
     Superintendent, the Consensus Commission, and other school 
     scholarship programs in the District of Columbia.
       (4) Application of provisions.--The Corporation shall be 
     subject to the provisions of this subtitle, and, to the 
     extent consistent with this subtitle, to the District of 
     Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act (D.C. Code, sec. 29-501 et 
     seq.).
       (5) Residence.--The Corporation shall have its place of 
     business in the District of Columbia and shall be considered, 
     for purposes of venue in civil actions, to be a resident of 
     the District of Columbia.
       (6) Fund.--There is hereby established in the District of 
     Columbia general fund a fund that shall be known as the 
     ``District of Columbia Scholarship Fund''.
       (7) Disbursement.--The Mayor shall disburse to the 
     Corporation, before October 15 of each fiscal year or not 
     later than 15 days after the date of enactment of an Act 
     making appropriations for the District of Columbia for such 
     year, whichever occurs later, such funds as have been 
     appropriated to the District of Columbia Scholarship Fund for 
     the fiscal year for which such disbursement is made.
       (8) Availability.--Funds authorized to be appropriated 
     under this subtitle shall remain available until expended.
       (9) Uses.--Funds authorized to be appropriated under this 
     subtitle shall be used by the Corporation in a prudent and 
     financially responsible manner, solely for scholarships, 
     contracts, and administrative costs.
       (10) Authorization.--
       (A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the District of Columbia Scholarship Fund--
       (i) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1996;
       (ii) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and
       (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 
     2000.
       (B) Limitation.--Not more than $250,000 of the amount 
     appropriated to carry out this subtitle for any fiscal year 
     may be used by the Corporation for any purpose other than 
     assistance to students.
       (b) Organization and Management; Board of Directors.--
       (1) Board of directors; membership.--
       (A) In general.--The Corporation shall have a Board of 
     Directors comprised of 7 members, with 6 members of the Board 
     appointed by the President not later than 30 days after 
     receipt of nominations from the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of 
     Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the 
     Minority Leader of the Senate.
       (B) House nominations.--The President shall appoint 2 
     members of the Board from a list of at least 6 individuals 
     nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and 
     1 member of the Board from a list of at least 3 individuals 
     nominated by the Minority Leader of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (C) Senate nominations.--The President shall appoint 2 
     members of the Board from a list of at least 6 individuals 
     nominated by the Majority Leader of the Senate, and 1 member 
     of the Board from a list of at least 3 individuals nominated 
     by the Minority Leader of the Senate.
       (D) Deadline.--The Speaker and Minority Leader of the House 
     of Representatives and Majority Leader and Minority Leader of 
     the Senate shall submit their nominations to the President 
     not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (E) Appointee of mayor.--The Mayor shall appoint 1 member 
     of the Board not later than 60 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (F) Possible interim members.--If the President does not 
     appoint the 6 members of the Board in the 30-day period 
     described in subparagraph (A), then the Speaker of the House 
     of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate 
     shall each appoint 2 members of the Board, and the Minority 
     Leader of the House of Representatives and the Minority 
     Leader of the Senate shall each appoint 1 of the Board, from 
     among the individuals nominated pursuant to subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B), as the case may be. The appointees under the 
     preceding sentence together with the appointee of the Mayor, 
     shall serve as an interim Board with all the powers and other 
     duties of the Board described in this subtitle, until the 
     President makes the appointments as described in this 
     subsection.
       (2) Powers.--All powers of the Corporation shall vest in 
     and be exercised under the authority of the Board.
       (3) Elections.--Members of the Board annually shall elect 1 
     of the members of the Board to be chairperson of the Board.
       (4) Residency.--All members appointed to the Board shall be 
     residents of the District of Columbia at the time of 
     appointment and while serving on the Board.
       (5) Nonemployee.--No member of the Board may be an employee 
     of the United States Government or the District of Columbia 
     Government when appointed to or during tenure on the Board, 
     unless the individual is on a leave of absence from such a 
     position while serving on the Board.
       (6) Incorporation.--The members of the initial Board shall 
     serve as incorporators and shall take whatever steps are 
     necessary to establish the Corporation under the District of 
     Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act (D.C. Code, sec. 29-501 et 
     seq.).
       (7) General term.--The term of office of each member of the 
     Board shall be 5 years, except that any member appointed to 
     fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term 
     for which the predecessor was appointed shall be appointed 
     for the remainder of such term.
       (8) Consecutive term.--No member of the Board shall be 
     eligible to serve in excess of 2 consecutive terms of 5 years 
     each. A partial term shall be considered as 1 full term. Any 
     vacancy on the Board shall not affect the Board's power, but 
     shall be filled in a manner consistent with this subtitle.
       (9) No benefit.--No part of the income or assets of the 
     Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any Director, 
     officer, or employee of the Corporation, except as salary or 
     reasonable compensation for services.
       (10) Political activity.--The Corporation may not 
     contribute to or otherwise support any political party or 
     candidate for elective public office.
       (11) No officers or employees.--The members of the Board 
     shall not, by reason of such membership, be considered to be 
     officers or employees of the United States Government or of 
     the District of Columbia Government.
       (12) Stipends.--The members of the Board, while attending 
     meetings of the Board or while engaged in duties related to 
     such meetings or other activities of the Board pursuant to 
     this subtitle, shall be provided a stipend. Such stipend 
     shall be at the rate of $150 per day for which the member of 
     the Board is officially recorded as having worked, except 
     that no member may be paid a total stipend amount in any 
     calendar year in excess of $5,000.
       (13) Congressional intent.--Subject to the results of the 
     program appraisal under section 2933, it is the intention of 
     the Congress to turn over to District of Columbia officials 
     the control of the Board at the end of the 5-year period 
     beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, under terms 
     and conditions to be determined at that time.
       (c) Officers and Staff.--
       (1) Executive director.--The Corporation shall have an 
     Executive Director, and such other staff, as may be appointed 
     by the Board for terms and at rates of compensation, not to 
     exceed level EG-16 of the Educational Service of the District 
     of Columbia, to be fixed by the Board .
       (2) Staff.--With the approval of the Board, the Executive 
     Director may appoint and fix the salary of such additional 
     personnel as the Executive Director considers appropriate.
       (3) Annual rate.--No staff of the Corporation may be 
     compensated by the Corporation at an annual rate of pay 
     greater than the annual rate of pay of the Executive 
     Director.
       (4) Service.--All officers and employees of the Corporation 
     shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
       (5) Qualification.--No political test or qualification may 
     be used in selecting, appointing, promoting, or taking other 
     personnel actions with respect to officers, agents, or 
     employees of the Corporation.
       (d) Powers of the Corporation.--
       (1) Generally.--The Corporation is authorized to obtain 
     grants from, and make contracts with, individuals and with 
     private, State, and Federal agencies, organizations, and 
     institutions.

[[Page S2074]]

       (2) Hiring authority.--The Corporation may hire, or accept 
     the voluntary services of, consultants, experts, advisory 
     boards, and panels to aid the Corporation in carrying out 
     this subtitle.
       (e) Financial Management and Records.--
       (1) Audits.--The financial statements of the Corporation 
     shall be--
       (A) maintained in accordance with generally accepted 
     accounting principles for nonprofit corporations; and
       (B) audited annually by independent certified public 
     accountants.
       (2) Report.--The report for each such audit shall be 
     included in the annual report to Congress required by section 
     2933(c).

      SEC. 2923. SCHOLARSHIPS AUTHORIZED.

       (a) Eligible Students.--The Corporation is authorized to 
     award tuition scholarships under subsection (d)(1) and 
     enhanced achievement scholarships under subsection (d)(2) to 
     students in kindergarten through grade 12--
       (1) who are residents of the District of Columbia; and
       (2) whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the 
     poverty line.
       (b) Scholarship Priority.--
       (1) First.--The Corporation shall first award scholarships 
     to students described in subsection (a) who--
       (A) are enrolled in a District of Columbia public school or 
     preparing to enter a District of Columbia kindergarten, 
     except that this subparagraph shall apply only for academic 
     years 1996, 1997, and 1998; or
       (B) have received a scholarship from the Corporation in the 
     year preceding the year for which the scholarship is awarded.
       (2) Second.--If funds remain for a fiscal year for awarding 
     scholarships after awarding scholarships under paragraph (1), 
     the Corporation shall award scholarships to students 
     described in subsection (a) who are not described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (c) Special Rule.--The Corporation shall attempt to ensure 
     an equitable distribution of scholarship funds to students at 
     diverse academic achievement levels.
       (d) Use of Scholarship.--
       (1) Tuition scholarships.--A tuition scholarship may be 
     used only for the payment of the cost of the tuition and 
     mandatory fees for, and transportation to attend, an eligible 
     institution located within the geographic boundaries of the 
     District of Columbia.
       (2) Enhanced achievement scholarship.--An enhanced 
     achievement scholarship may be used only for the payment of--
       (A) the costs of tuition and mandatory fees for, and 
     transportation to attend, a program of nonsectarian 
     instruction provided by an eligible institution which 
     enhances student achievement of the core curriculum and is 
     operated outside of regular school hours to supplement the 
     regular school program;
       (B) the costs of tuition and mandatory fees for, and 
     transportation to attend, after-school activities that do not 
     have an academic focus, such as athletics or music lessons; 
     or
       (C) the costs of tuition and mandatory fees for, and 
     transportation to attend, vocational, vocational-technical, 
     and technical training programs.
       (e) Not School Aid.--A scholarship under this subtitle 
     shall be considered assistance to the student and shall not 
     be considered assistance to an eligible institution.

      SEC. 2924. SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS AND AMOUNTS.

       (a) Awards.--From the funds made available under this 
     subtitle, the Corporation shall award a scholarship to a 
     student and make payments in accordance with section 2930 on 
     behalf of such student to a participating eligible 
     institution chosen by the parent of the student.
       (b) Notification.--Each eligible institution that desires 
     to receive payment under subsection (a) shall notify the 
     Corporation not later than 10 days after--
       (1) the date that a student receiving a scholarship under 
     this subtitle is enrolled, of the name, address, and grade 
     level of such student;
       (2) the date of the withdrawal or expulsion of any student 
     receiving a scholarship under this subtitle, of the 
     withdrawal or expulsion; and
       (3) the date that a student receiving a scholarship under 
     this subtitle is refused admission, of the reasons for such a 
     refusal.
       (c) Tuition Scholarship.--
       (1) Equal to or below poverty line.--For a student whose 
     family income is equal to or below the poverty line, a 
     tuition scholarship may not exceed the lesser of--
       (A) the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for, and 
     transportation to attend, an eligible institution; or
       (B) $3,000 for fiscal year 1996, with such amount adjusted 
     in proportion to changes in the Consumer Price Index for all 
     urban consumers published by the Department of Labor for each 
     of fiscal years 1997 through 2000.
       (2) Above poverty line.--For a student whose family income 
     is greater than the poverty line, but not more than 185 
     percent of the poverty line, a tuition scholarship may not 
     exceed the lesser of--
       (A) 50 percent of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees 
     for, and transportation to attend, an eligible institution; 
     or
       (B) $1,500 for fiscal year 1996, with such amount adjusted 
     in proportion to changes in the Consumer Price Index for all 
     urban consumers published by the Department of Labor for each 
     of fiscal years 1997 through 2000.
       (d) Enhanced Achievement Scholarship.--
       (1) Equal to or below poverty line.--For a student whose 
     family income is equal to or below the poverty line, an 
     enhanced achievement scholarship may not exceed the lesser 
     of--
       (A) the costs of tuition and mandatory fees for, and 
     transportation to attend, a program of nonsectarian 
     instruction at an eligible institution; or
       (B) $1,500 for 1996, with such amount adjusted in 
     proportion to changes in the Consumer Price Index for all 
     urban consumers published by the Department of Labor for each 
     of fiscal years 1997 through 2000.
       (2) Above poverty line.--For a student whose family income 
     is greater than the poverty line, but not more than 185 
     percent of the poverty line, an enhanced achievement 
     scholarship may not exceed the lesser of--
       (A) 50 percent of the costs of tuition and mandatory fees 
     for, and transportation to attend, a program of nonsectarian 
     instruction at an eligible institution; or
       (B) $750 for fiscal year 1996 with such amount adjusted in 
     proportion to changes in the Consumer Price Index for all 
     urban consumers published by the Department of Labor for each 
     of fiscal years 1997 through 2000.
       (e) Allocation of Funds.--
       (1) Federal funds.--
       (A) Plan.--The Corporation shall submit to the District of 
     Columbia Council a proposed allocation plan for the 
     allocation of Federal funds between the tuition scholarships 
     under section 2923(d)(1) and enhanced achievement 
     scholarships under section 2923(d)(2).
       (B) Consideration.--Not later than 30 days after receipt of 
     each such plan, the District of Columbia Council shall 
     consider such proposed allocation plan and notify the 
     Corporation in writing of its decision to approve or 
     disapprove such allocation plan.
       (C) Objections.--In the case of a vote of disapproval of 
     such allocation plan, the District of Columbia Council shall 
     provide in writing the District of Columbia Council's 
     objections to such allocation plan.
       (D) Resubmission.--The Corporation may submit a revised 
     allocation plan for consideration to the District of Columbia 
     Council.
       (E) Prohibition.--No Federal funds provided under this 
     subtitle may be used for any scholarship until the District 
     of Columbia Council has approved the allocation plan for the 
     Corporation.
       (2) Private funds.--The Corporation shall annually allocate 
     unrestricted private funds equitably, as determined by the 
     Board, for scholarships under paragraph (1) and (2) of 
     section 2923(d), after consultation with the public, the 
     Mayor, the District of Columbia Council, the Board of 
     Education, the Superintendent, and the Consensus Commission.

      SEC. 2925. CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Application.--An eligible institution that desires to 
     receive a payment on behalf of a student who receives a 
     scholarship under this subtitle shall file an application 
     with the Corporation for certification for participation in 
     the scholarship program under this subtitle. Each such 
     application shall--
       (1) demonstrate that the eligible institution has operated 
     with not less than 25 students during the 3 years preceding 
     the year for which the determination is made unless the 
     eligible institution is applying for certification as a new 
     eligible institution under subsection (c);
       (2) contain an assurance that the eligible institution will 
     comply with all applicable requirements of this subtitle;
       (3) provide the most recent audit of the financial 
     statements of the eligible institution by an independent 
     certified public accountant using generally accepted auditing 
     standards, completed not earlier than 3 years before the date 
     such application is filed;
       (4) describe the eligible institution's proposed program, 
     including personnel qualifications and fees;
       (5) contain an assurance that a student receiving a 
     scholarship under this subtitle shall not be required to 
     attend or participate in a religion class or religious 
     ceremony without the written consent of such student's 
     parent;
       (6) contain an assurance that funds received under this 
     subtitle will not be used to pay the costs related to a 
     religion class or a religious ceremony, except that such 
     funds may be used to pay the salary of a teacher who teaches 
     such class or participates in such ceremony if such teacher 
     also teaches an academic class at such eligible institution;
       (7) contain an assurance that the eligible institution will 
     abide by all regulations of the District of Columbia 
     Government applicable to such eligible institution; and
       (8) contain an assurance that the eligible institution will 
     implement due process requirements for expulsion and 
     suspension of students, including at a minimum, a process for 
     appealing the expulsion or suspension decision.
       (b) Certification.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), not 
     later than 60 days after receipt of an application in 
     accordance with subsection (a), the Corporation shall certify 
     an eligible institution to participate in the scholarship 
     program under this subtitle.
       (2) Continuation.--An eligible institution's certification 
     to participate in the scholarship program shall continue 
     unless such eligible institution's certification is revoked 
     in accordance with subsection (d).
       (3) Exception for 1996.--For fiscal year 1996 only, and 
     after receipt of an application in accordance with subsection 
     (a), the Corporation shall certify the eligibility of an 
     eligible institution to participate in the scholarship 
     program under this subtitle at the earliest practicable date.
       (c) New Eligible Institution.--
       (1) In general.--An eligible institution that did not 
     operate with at least 25 students in the 3 years preceding 
     the year for which the determination is made may apply for a 
     1-year provisional certification to participate in the 
     scholarship program under this subtitle for a single year by 
     providing to the Corporation not later than July 1 of the 
     year preceding the year for which the determination is made--

[[Page S2075]]

       (A) a list of the eligible institution's board of 
     directors;
       (B) letters of support from not less than 10 members of the 
     community served by such eligible institution;
       (C) a business plan;
       (D) an intended course of study;
       (E) assurances that the eligible institution will begin 
     operations with not less than 25 students;
       (F) assurances that the eligible institution will comply 
     with all applicable requirements of this subtitle; and
       (G) a statement that satisfies the requirements of 
     paragraph (2), and paragraphs (4) through (8), of subsection 
     (a).
       (2) Certification.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of receipt of an application described in paragraph (1), the 
     Corporation shall certify in writing the eligible 
     institution's provisional certification to participate in the 
     scholarship program under this subtitle unless the 
     Corporation determines that good cause exists to deny 
     certification.
       (3) Renewal of provisional certification.--After receipt of 
     an application under paragraph (1) from an eligible 
     institution that includes an audit of the financial 
     statements of the eligible institution by an independent 
     certified public accountant using generally accepted auditing 
     standards completed not earlier than 12 months before the 
     date such application is filed, the Corporation shall renew 
     an eligible institution's provisional certification for the 
     second and third years of the school's participation in the 
     scholarship program under this subtitle unless the 
     Corporation finds--
       (A) good cause to deny the renewal, including a finding of 
     a pattern of violation of requirements described in section 
     2926(a); or
       (B) consistent failure of 25 percent or more of the 
     students receiving scholarships under this subtitle and 
     attending such school to make appropriate progress (as 
     determined by the Corporation) in academic achievement.
       (4) Denial of certification.--If provisional certification 
     or renewal of provisional certification under this subsection 
     is denied, then the Corporation shall provide a written 
     explanation to the eligible institution of the reasons for 
     such denial.
       (d) Revocation of Eligibility.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation, after notice and hearing, 
     may revoke an eligible institution's certification to 
     participate in the scholarship program under this subtitle 
     for a year succeeding the year for which the determination is 
     made for--
       (A) good cause, including a finding of a pattern of 
     violation of program requirements described in section 
     2926(a); or
       (B) consistent failure of 25 percent or more of the 
     students receiving scholarships under this subtitle and 
     attending such school to make appropriate progress (as 
     determined by the Corporation) in academic achievement.
       (2) Explanation.--If the certification of an eligible 
     institution is revoked, the Corporation shall provide a 
     written explanation of its decision to such eligible 
     institution and require a pro rata refund of the payments 
     received under this subtitle.

      SEC. 2926. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE 
                   INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Requirements.--Each eligible institution participating 
     in the scholarship program under this subtitle shall--
       (1) provide to the Corporation not later than June 30 of 
     each year the most recent audit of the financial statements 
     of the eligible institution by an independent certified 
     public accountant using generally accepted auditing standards 
     completed not earlier than 3 years before the date the 
     application is filed; and
       (2) charge a student that receives a scholarship under this 
     subtitle the same amounts for the cost of tuition and 
     mandatory fees for, and transportation to attend, such 
     eligible institution as other students who are residents of 
     the District of Columbia and enrolled in such eligible 
     institution.
       (b) Compliance.--The Corporation may require documentation 
     of compliance with the requirements of subsection (a), but 
     neither the Corporation nor any governmental entity may 
     impose additional requirements upon an eligible institution 
     as a condition of participation in the scholarship program 
     under this subtitle.

     SEC. 2927. CIVIL RIGHTS.

       (a) In General.--An eligible institution participating in 
     the scholarship program under this subtitle shall be deemed 
     to be a recipient of Federal financial assistance for the 
     purposes of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 
     6101 et seq.), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 
     U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), title IX of the Education Amendments 
     of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), and section 504 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).
       (b) Revocation.--Notwithstanding section 2926(b), if the 
     Secretary of Education determines that an eligible 
     institution participating in the scholarship program under 
     this subtitle is in violation of any of the laws listed in 
     subsection (a), then the Corporation shall revoke such 
     eligible institution's certification to participate in the 
     program.

      SEC. 2928. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.

       (a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle shall affect the 
     rights of students or the obligations of the District of 
     Columbia public schools under the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
       (b) Private or Independent School Scholarships.--
       (1) Determination of Eligiblity for Services.--If requested 
     by either a parent of a child with a disability who attends a 
     private or independent school receiving funding under this 
     subtitle or by the private or independent school receiving 
     funding under this subtitle, the Board of Education shall 
     determine the eligibility of such child for services under 
     the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1400 et seq.).
       (2) Requirements.--If a child is determined eligible for 
     services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education 
     Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
     Board of Education shall--
       (A) develop an individualized education program, as defined 
     in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education 
     Act (20 U.S.C. 1401), for such child; and
       (B) negotiate with the private or independent school to 
     deliver to such child the services described in the 
     individualized education program.
       (3) Appeal.--If the Board of Education determines that a 
     child is not eligible for services under the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) pursuant 
     to paragraph (1), such child shall retain the right to appeal 
     such determination under such Act as if such child were 
     attending a District of Columbia public school.

      SEC. 2929. CONSTRUCTION PROHIBITION.

       No funds under this subtitle may be used for construction 
     of facilities.

      SEC. 2930. SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Proportional payment.--The Corporation shall make 
     scholarship payments to participating eligible institutions 
     on a schedule established by the Corporation.
       (2) Pro rata amounts for student withdrawal.--
       (A) Before payment.--If a student receiving a scholarship 
     withdraws or is expelled from an eligible institution before 
     a scholarship payment is made, the eligible institution shall 
     receive a pro rata payment based on the amount of the 
     scholarship and the number of days the student was enrolled 
     in the eligible institution.
       (B) After payment.--If a student receiving a scholarship 
     withdraws or is expelled after a scholarship payment is made, 
     the eligible institution shall refund to the Corporation on a 
     pro rata basis the proportion of any scholarship payment 
     received for the remaining days of the school year. Such 
     refund shall occur not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the withdrawal or expulsion of the student.
       (b) Fund Transfers.--The Corporation shall make scholarship 
     payments to participating eligible institutions by electronic 
     funds transfer. If such an arrangement is not available, then 
     the eligible institution shall submit an alternative payment 
     proposal to the Corporation for approval.

     SEC. 2931. APPLICATION SCHEDULE AND PROCEDURES.

       The Corporation shall implement a schedule and procedures 
     for processing applications for awarding student scholarships 
     under this subtitle that includes a list of certified 
     eligible institutions, distribution of information to parents 
     and the general public (including through a newspaper of 
     general circulation), and deadlines for steps in the 
     scholarship application and award process.

     SEC. 2932. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--An eligible institution participating in 
     the scholarship program under this subtitle shall report not 
     later than July 30 of each year in a manner prescribed by the 
     Corporation, the following data:
       (1) Student achievement in the eligible institution's 
     programs.
       (2) Grade advancement for scholarship students.
       (3) Disciplinary actions taken with respect to scholarship 
     students.
       (4) Graduation, college admission test scores, and college 
     admission rates, if applicable for scholarship students.
       (5) Types and amounts of parental involvement required for 
     all families of scholarship students.
       (6) Student attendance for scholarship and nonscholarship 
     students.
       (7) General information on curriculum, programs, 
     facilities, credentials of personnel, and disciplinary rules 
     at the eligible institution.
       (8) Number of scholarship students enrolled.
       (9) Such other information as may be required by the 
     Corporation for program appraisal.
       (b) Confidentiality.--No personal identifiers may be used 
     in such report, except that the Corporation may request such 
     personal identifiers solely for the purpose of verification.

      SEC. 2933. PROGRAM APPRAISAL.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Department of Education shall 
     provide for an independent evaluation of the scholarship 
     program under this subtitle, including--
       (1) a comparison of test scores between scholarship 
     students and District of Columbia public school students of 
     similar backgrounds, taking into account the students' 
     academic achievement at the time of the award of their 
     scholarships and the students' family income level;
       (2) a comparison of graduation rates between scholarship 
     students and District of Columbia public school students of 
     similar backgrounds, taking into account the students' 
     academic achievement at the time of the award of their 
     scholarships and the students' family income level; and
       (3) the satisfaction of parents of scholarship students 
     with the scholarship program.
       (b) Public Review of Data.--All data gathered in the course 
     of the study described in subsection (a) shall be made 
     available to the public upon request except that no personal 
     identifiers shall be made public.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than September 1 of each 
     year, the Corporation shall submit a progress report on the 
     scholarship program to the appropriate congressional 
     committees. Such report shall include a review of how 
     scholarship funds were expended, including the initial 
     academic achievement levels of students

[[Page S2076]]

     who have participated in the scholarship program.
       (d) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     for the study described in subsection (a), $250,000, which 
     shall remain available until expended.

      SEC. 2934. JUDICIAL REVIEW.

       The United States District Court for the District of 
     Columbia shall have jurisdiction over any constitutional 
     challenges to the scholarship program under this subtitle and 
     shall provide expedited review.

     SEC. 2936. OFFSET.

       In addition to the reduction in appropriations and 
     expenditures for personal services required under the heading 
     ``Pay Renegotiation or Reduction in Compensation'' in the 
     District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996, the Mayor of 
     the District of Columbia shall reduce such appropriations and 
     expenditures in accordance with the provisions of such 
     heading by an additional $5,000,000.

     SEC. 2937. OFFSETS.

       Notwithstanding any other provision in this Act or in the 
     District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996, the payment to 
     the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending September 
     30, 1996, shall be $655,000,000, as authorized by section 
     502(a) of the District of Columbia Self-Government and 
     Governmental Reorganization Act, Public Law, 93-198, as 
     amended (D.C. Code, sec. 47-3406.1).

     SEC. 2938. FEDERAL APPROPRIATION.

       Notwithstanding any other provision in this Act or in the 
     District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996, the Federal 
     contribution to Education Reform shall be $19,930,000, of 
     which $5,000,000 shall be available for scholarships for low 
     income students in dangerous or failed public schools as 
     provided for in Subtitle N and shall not be disbursed by the 
     Authority until the Authority receives a certification from 
     the District of Columbia Emergency Scholarship Corporation 
     that the proposed allocation between the tuition scholarships 
     and enhanced achievement scholarships has been approved by 
     the Council of the District of Columbia consistent with the 
     Scholarship Corporation's most recent proposal concerning the 
     implementation of the emergency scholarship program. These 
     funds shall lapse and be returned by the Authority to the 
     U.S. Treasury on September 30, 1996, if the required 
     certification from the Scholarship Corporation is not 
     received by July 1, 1996.

     SEC. 2939. EDUCATION REFORM.

       In addition to the amounts appropriated for the District of 
     Columbia under the heading ``Education Reform'', $5,000,000 
     shall be paid to the District of Columbia Emergency 
     Scholarship Corporation authorized in Subtitle N.''

  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, given the time, I yield the floor.


                Amendment No. 3532 To Amendment No. 3466

  Mr. COVERDELL. 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 Georgia [Mr. Coverdell] for himself, Mr. 
     Stevens, and Mr. Inouye, proposes an amendment numbered 3532 
     to amendment No. 3466.

  Mr. COVERDELL. 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:

       In the pending amendment, on page 540, line 11 after 
     ``Act'' insert: ``and $5,000,000 shall be available for 
     obligation for the period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996 
     for employment-related activities of the 1996 Paralympic 
     Games.''
       In the pending amendment, on page 597, line 21 after 
     ``expended'' insert: ``, of which $1,500,000 shall be for a 
     demonstration program to foster economic independence among 
     people with disabilities through disability sport, in 
     connection with the Tenth Paralympic Games.''

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, may I ask our colleague to just 
withhold for 1 minute while I fashion a unanimous consent request here? 
There are amendments still ready to go.
  When the Senator from Georgia finishes, it will be past the 
bewitching hour of 8 o'clock.
  I ask unanimous consent if we can keep the amendment filing period 
open for another 30 minutes--another 15 minutes?
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I object.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Will the Senator from Alaska accept a 5-minute delay?
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. The Senator will accept 5 minutes.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. I submit the unanimous consent request for 5 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
amendment be temporarily set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Wyoming is recognized.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I simply rise to express some 
disappointment in the fact that we have had an amendment with respect 
to China and Taiwan that we intended to offer. It has been approved by 
the administration and the ranking minority member of Foreign Relations 
supports it. Yet, the other side of the aisle has objected to its 
submission.
  I am very sorry about that. It would seem to me that this body would 
want to speak out on the China effort. However, through their staff and 
through their workings, they have kept us from doing that. We will have 
to bring it up in another fashion.
  This was submitted by Mr. Helms, Mr. Dole, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Pell, 
Mr. Simon, Mr. Mack, Mr. Grams, Mr. Pressler, Mr. Brown, Mr. Lugar, Mr. 
D'Amato, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Roth, and Mr. Ford. I simply want to say we 
will have to find another way, but I should think this body would want 
to speak out on the current situation in China or Taiwan.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I wonder if I can ask my good friend from Wyoming if 
he recalls sometime ago this body voted 97 to 1 on a resolution 
welcoming President Li as he visited his alma mater in New York and the 
issue of our responsibility to Taiwan at that time was discussed at 
great length in this body. I think it is fair to say my friend from 
Wyoming participated in that debate. This body did vote overwhelmingly 
to support the resolution welcoming President Li to visit his alma 
mater.
  I believe, as the Senator from Wyoming has indicated, the amendment 
has broad bipartisan support and, in view of the recent action by the 
P.R.C. to intervene in the first free election process in Taiwan, that 
my friend from Wyoming could give me any indication as to why anyone 
would object in this body to allowing a substitution so that this 
amendment could be presented tonight?
  It is my understanding the amendment was not filed. As a consequence 
when an effort was made to get a ruling from the Parliamentarian, the 
Parliamentarian indicated that substitution would be appropriate if it 
was perhaps unanimous--I am paraphrasing it--and there was an 
objection.
  What would be the basis for someone to object to the consequence of 
the bullying tactics of the P.R.C.?
  Mr. THOMAS. I have to say to the Senator that I am not certain. This 
was designed with the assistance and involvement of the administration 
to support some of the things they are doing, certainly to rededicate 
ourselves to the commitments that we have made through the Taiwan 
agreements.
  In any event, I am sure we will make another effort. I am very 
disappointed we were not able to bring that forward.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. If I may follow up with another question. Is the 
understanding of the Senator from Alaska correct that the objection was 
from the other side of the aisle?
  Mr. THOMAS. Yes, that is correct, it was from the other side of the 
aisle.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I hope we have an opportunity tonight to get an 
explanation as to why there is an objection in this body for bringing 
up a topic that is, obviously, before the entire world as we look at 
what China has initiated relative to the launching of missiles to an 
area adjacent to the island of Taiwan, initiated a naval activity of 
significant magnitude, when clearly the elections are about to take 
place on the 23d of March. And it seems, indeed, unfortunate that we 
cannot get an explanation as a consequence of the commitments that were 
made under the Taiwan Relations Act to ensure that Taiwan was 
adequately provided with enough defensive capability to meet their 
needs subject to a declining amount over the years, as well as a 
requirement that the President of the United States evaluate the threat 
to the security of Taiwan, relative to any threat that might exist, and 
report back to the Congress relative to that threat.
  I say to my friend from Wyoming, we have obviously had a significant 
threat, as evidenced by the missiles, as evidenced by the naval 
activity. I ask my friend from Wyoming if he would not agree that an 
expression of support to reaffirm the Taiwan Relations Act would not 
seem to be appropriate, timely, and in order at this time?

[[Page S2077]]

  Mr. THOMAS. I certainly agree with that analysis and suggest to the 
Senator that we did involve ourselves very deeply in this and had 
bipartisan support, administration support. I think it still would be 
the desire of this body to have a statement, and we intend to bring it 
up in another way.
  I thank my friend very much.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. If I might ask my colleague one more question, since I 
joined with him and cosponsored the resolution to reaffirm the Taiwan 
Relations Act by the U.S. Senate, and that is if it is his intention to 
pursue this matter and bring it up on the next vehicle that, obviously, 
is moving? Is that the intent of the Senator from Wyoming?
  Mr. THOMAS. Yes. Let me say that is our intention, and I do believe 
really that the Members of this body do want to make a statement. I 
think this statement generally reflects what we are for, and we will 
make every effort to bring it up at the earliest possible time.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I thank my colleague. I appreciate the reassurance. I 
think as we look at the tensions in the world today and recognize the 
obligation the United States has under the Taiwan Relations Act that, 
indeed, a voice of support is indicated by the amendment to reaffirm 
the terms and conditions of the Taiwan Relations Act. The fact that the 
administration further supports that action, we find ourselves in a 
rather perplexing situation where no one who is objecting seems to care 
to come to the floor and explain the basis for the objection. I commend 
my friend from Wyoming for his diligence and commitment to persevere on 
something that I think is, indeed, appropriate and timely.

  I thank my good friend for joining me in a colloquy.
  If there are no further Senators wishing recognition at this time, I 
ask unanimous consent to speak for 5 minutes as in morning business 
until such time as another Senator seeks recognition.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. I thank the Chair.

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