[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 113 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9061-S9069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate now turn 
to the consideration of the legislative appropriations bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 3754), making appropriations for the 
     Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     1997, and for other purposes.

  The Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida is recognized.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I am pleased to present the fiscal year 1997 
legislative branch appropriations bill to the Senate. The subcommittee 
builds upon the success that the Congress achieved last year in 
reducing the size and the cost of the legislative branch, and again 
demonstrates this Congress' leadership in making strides toward the 
imperative of a balanced budget.
  The subcommittee's recommendation is an appropriation of 
$2,165,081,000. This is a reduction of $22.275 million, or 
approximately 1 percent below the program levels in fiscal year 1996. 
The bill is $174 million below the requested amount, and compared to 
fiscal 1995, the bill reflects a $225 million reduction.

  While the legislative branch bill is the smallest in terms of dollars 
appropriated, with the adoption of this bill, we will have contributed 
nearly one-half billion dollars toward deficit reduction in just 2 
fiscal years.
  The recommended funding for the Senate is $441.208 million, 
approximately $14 million above the 1996 enacted amount. However, the 
amount is $48 million below the request.
  In large part, the increases reflected in the bill are for cost of 
living adjustments for Senate employees and expenses for the Sergeant 
at Arms. I point out that Senate employees did not receive the 1996 
COLA that was granted to other Federal employees.
  Specifically, the Senate's amendment to the bill provides $208 
million for Senators' official personnel and office expense account. 
This amount is a 2 percent increase from last year's level. The 
increase is sufficient to accommodate an expected cost-of-living 
adjustment for Senate employees in the 1997 calendar year. The 
recommended funding for committees is $69.5 million, a $3 million 
increase, again, for cost-of-living adjustments.
  For the official mail cost, the funding is reduced by 9 percent. The 
recommended funding of $10 million is sufficient, however, to cover 
projected costs for fiscal year 1997. Again, Mr. President, I just say 
that while this is a reduction from $11 million last year to $10 
million last year, in analyzing the trends and expenditures for mail, 
we believe we can make this reduction without requiring the Senators to 
make any reduction in their mailing. As you know, last year, we 
eliminated mass mailing. So we are talking about mail now that is 
primarily for the purpose of responding to inquiries from our 
constituents.
  Funding for salaries and expenses of the Secretary of the Senate is 
$14.225 million. That is an increase of $831,000. Funding for salaries 
and expenses of Sergeant at Arms is $99.968 million. That is an 
increase of $8.880 million. I bring my colleagues' attention to the 
fact that combined funding recommendations for the Secretary and the 
Sergeant at Arms fiscal year 1997 are still $8 million below the 1995 
enacted levels.
  The subcommittee appreciates the leadership demonstrated by the 
Secretary of the Senate and the Sergeant at Arms. Each office is 
managing a substantial reduction this is fiscal year along with the 
compounded challenges rendered by the Congressional Accountability Act. 
I remind Members that, last year, we made reductions in the accounts of 
the Sergeant at Arms and Secretary of the Senate of between 12.5 and 14 
percent. While they have been managing these reduced amounts, they have 
also been given an additional responsibility as a result of the 
Congressional Accountability Act.
  During the subcommittee hearings, the Secretary and Sergeant at Arms 
outlined a series of initiatives regarding technology. The subcommittee 
is pleased that under the direction of the Senate Rules Committee, the 
Senate is taking a long-term strategic planning approach in this area. 
The subcommittee looks forward to working with the Rules Committee on 
this issue of common concern.
  In addition, the subcommittee wishes to thank each of the legislative 
branch agencies for their cooperation and contributions in the 
development of this year's bill. On a special note, the subcommittee 
commends the General Accounting Office for its successful management of 
a 2-year, 25-percent reduction in its budget. Managing a funding 
reduction of such magnitude in a relatively short period has been very 
difficult, and the subcommittee wishes to commend the Comptroller 
General and the entire staff at GAO for an outstanding job.
  We had quite a discussion at our hearing with the Comptroller General 
as to the approach that was taken to downsize this Government agency 25 
percent in a 2-year period. That is a substantial reduction. I would 
recommend to my colleagues that we

[[Page S9062]]

ought to look at how the GAO went about this process of managing over a 
2-year period a reduction of 25 percent in its budget, because they did 
it extremely well. They did it with a great deal of thought. They found 
ways to use technologies of today to make their operations more 
effective and efficient. Again, I think it is a case study in the way 
to manage the downsizing of a Government agency. I encourage everybody 
to look at what they have done and what they have accomplished.
  I will now yield to Senator Murray for any comments she wishes to 
make. I thank her and each member of the subcommittee for their hard 
work and cooperation in crafting this bill. Again, I want to say to 
Senator Murray that I appreciate very much the way we have, during the 
past 2 years, been able to work together in, I think, crafting two 
appropriations bills that the Senate can be proud of, and should again 
be used as an example. Frankly, it was in my mind that we should set an 
example for the rest of Government. If we are going to ask people to 
spend less and do with less, I think, again, our taking the lead in 
doing that is setting a good example.
  I now yield to Senator Murray for her comments.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise in support of H.R. 3754, the 
fiscal year 1997 legislative branch appropriation bill. The bill as 
reported by the full committee is a fair and responsible bill.
  As Members will recall, this committee took a bold step last year in 
recommending a bill that cut spending for the departments and agencies 
funded in the legislative branch appropriations bill by $200 million, 
or 10 percent. This year, again, we have continued the effort to reduce 
the funding levels and streamline the operations of Congress by 
recommending a bill that cuts a net of over $22 million from the 1996 
enacted level. At the proposed funding level contained in this measure, 
the Legislative Branch, in total, will have less funding than in fiscal 
year 1991 or 6 years ago.
  The major reductions recommended by the committee involve the support 
agencies that are so vital to the Congress in order to enable us to 
complete our work in an effective and expeditious manner. The committee 
this year saves $6.1 million below fiscal year 1996 as a result of the 
elimination of the Office of Technology Assessment. I did not 
personally support that elimination but, nevertheless, it has been 
accomplished and we are saving $6.1 million this year because of OTA's 
elimination.
  Another major reduction in this year's bill is the cut to the General 
Accounting Office. Their budget is reduced by $44,381,000 below fiscal 
year 1996. Testimony by the Comptroller General, Mr. Bowsher, made 
clear that the GAO can undertake this reduction as part of their 
overall, 2-year 25 percent commitment made to the Congress last year. 
The amount appropriated for fiscal year 1997 for the GAO is 
$338,425,000 and will provide for a personnel ceiling of no more than 
3,500 positions. This personnel ceiling amounts to a reduction of 1,825 
below the level of GAO's workforce in 1992 when they had a ceiling of 
5,325 positions.
  As Senators can see, the reductions the committee is recommending 
this year are dramatic. However, Mr. President, I believe that the 
committee has accomplished these savings in a way that is as fair and 
even-handed as possible. We have been careful to ensure that the 
organizations and agencies which support Congress and are funded in the 
legislative branch appropriation bill are able to carry out their 
responsibilities under these reduced budgets as effectively as they 
have in the past.
  I would have adamantly opposed these budget cuts if they were 
undertaken only to save dollars, without recognizing any negative 
consequences. It would be fruitless, for example to reduce the budget 
of the Congressional Budget Office with their ever-increasing 
responsibilities simply for the sake of saying we have achieved 
budgetary savings.
  With this in mind, I carefully reviewed the testimony of our 
witnesses for any indication that cuts of the magnitude we have 
recommended would harm the ability of these Congressional-support 
agencies to carry out their very important responsibilities. Testimony 
received by the subcommittee indicated that these recommended savings 
can be achieved while allowing these support agencies to carry out 
these responsibilities with no reductions-in-force.
   Mr. President, Senator Mack provided members with a detailed 
explanation of all of the recommendations contained in the bill, and I 
will not take the time of Members by repeating them. I would, however, 
call to the attention of Members Section 5 of the administrative 
provisions. I included, with the enthusiastic support of Chairman Mack, 
language that will enable the Sergeant at Arms to transfer excess or 
surplus computer equipment to schools.
  In the past, the Senate sold its computers to employees at bargain 
prices. Fortunately, this practice has been terminated, and I commend 
the Sergeant at Arms for doing so. For the past couple of years, our 
computers have simply been transferred to GSA for disposal through the 
normal surplus process.
  I think Senators should be aware that the Senate disposes of over 
1500 computers every year. Over the past 3 years, nearly 5,000 
computers have been let go. For the most part, these are IBM-
compatible, 386, 16-megahertz machines. They are a generation old, but 
they could be very useful to schools, especially in rural areas, that 
may not have a big budget to buy fancy new computers.
  I am fortunate to represent Washington State, which is very 
aggressive in trying to put computers in the classroom. Our companies 
have been generous in donating software and hardware, and people are 
excited about giving kids skills that will help them get an edge in 
life.
  But not every school district is moving aggressively on computers. 
Many do not even know how to go about it, and cannot afford it. I am 
certain that every Senator is aware of how fast technology is evolving 
in our economy. I really believe that, in the future, a child's ability 
to compete in the work force will be measured in part by his or her 
familiarity with computers. In my view, the earlier they start, the 
better.
  The Senate will debate the broad role of government in education 
technology, and I look forward to having that debate. For now there is 
a small, and I think constructive, role for the Senate to play. We can 
use the bully pulpit. We can lead by example. We can help school 
children by transferring our computers to schools that want or need 
them. By doing this, we can help some kids, and we can show the country 
we think bringing technology to the classroom is a high priority.
  Here is how it will work: the Sergeant at Arms will make sure that 
any excess or surplus computers are in good working order. Then he will 
make them available to interested schools at the lowest possible cost 
to both the Senate and the schools. Most likely, he will transfer these 
computers to the General Services Administration. GSA, in turn, will 
provide information to schools through its regional offices about 
available inventory. The equipment eligible for transfer will include 
computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, modems, and other peripheral 
hardware as described in the bill.
  I envision schools being able to obtain this equipment on a first-
come, first-served basis, for the cost of shipping and handling from 
GSA regional offices. The language provides the Sergeant at Arms with 
flexibility to determine the best way to complete the transfers.
  I think this is a useful change in policy. Again, I appreciate the 
help of Chairman Mack on this, and I look forward to working with him 
and the Sergeant at Arms to make this work.
  Finally, Mr. President, I would point out that there is a provision 
included in the House-passed bill--Section 312--that was stricken 
pursuant to a motion by Senator Hatfield during full committee markup. 
That section deals with so-called ``dynamic'' scoring of certain 
measures. Although this provision would apply to House measures only 
and, therefore, would normally not be stricken by the Senate in view of 
the comity between the Houses that is traditionally recognized, in this 
instance there is a Budget Act point of order under Section 306 which 
would lie against Section 312 and that was the basis upon which the 
committee chairman moved to strike the provision.

[[Page S9063]]

  I strongly oppose Section 312 on its merits. I do not believe that 
either branch of Congress should be dictating selective macroeconomic 
scorekeeping procedures upon either the Congressional Budget Office or 
the Joint Committee on Taxation. I will have more to say on this later 
during debate on this bill should any attempt be made to revive Section 
312 or anything similar to it.
  On balance, Mr. President, I believe this is a good bill that 
deserves the support of Members. I would hasten to add, however, that I 
share the concerns expressed by Senator Reid, a former chairman of this 
subcommittee, during the committee's markup of the legislative branch 
appropriation bill. Senator Reid stated that we have reached the bottom 
of the barrel in cutting the legislative branch appropriation bill. 
Once the savings we have undertaken are accomplished in the 
Congressional-support agencies over a multi-year period, we cannot look 
to these agencies for further budget cuts. These agencies have been 
very forthcoming and have understood our need to reduce spending for 
the Legislative Branch, and I am deeply appreciative of their 
willingness to do so. But, Mr. President, we have indeed reached the 
bottom of the barrel.
   Mr. President, let me close by commending our subcommittee chairman, 
Senator Mack. He has proven himself to be a real leader on legislative 
branch issues and has worked with me on a bipartisan basis. I 
appreciate it very much. I also wish to express my thanks to the 
subcommittee staff--Keith Kennedy, Jim English, and Mary Dewald for 
their fine work, and also to recognize the excellent support we had 
from Ric Ilgenfritz of my staff and Larry Harris for Senator Mack.
   Mr. President, I urge the support of all Members for this bill.
  Mr. MACK addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida [Mr. Mack], is 
recognized.


     Amendments Nos. 5112, 5113, 5114, 5115, 5116, and 5117 En Bloc

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I send a series of amendments to the desk 
and ask for their consideration en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Florida [Mr. Mack] proposes amendments 
     numbered 5112, 5113, 5114, 5115, 5116, and 5117 en bloc.

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


                           amendment no. 5112

       On page 34 line 20, strike all after the word ``Act'' 
     through line 21 and insert: ``such sums as may be necessary 
     for each of the fiscal years 1997 and 1998.''

  Mr. HATFIELD: Mr. President, this amendment would provide for the 
reauthorization of the American Folklife Center at the Library of 
Congress for fiscal years 1997 and 1998. It is a substitute for the 
permanent reauthorization reported by the committee. I am offering this 
amendment after conversations with Representative Thomas, the chairman 
of the Committee on Oversight in the other body. I understand Chairman 
Thomas' concerns about the proper role of the authorization committees 
and am willing to respond to his concerns at this time. I hope, 
however, that the next Congress will enact a permanent authorization 
for the center.
  The American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress was created 
20 years ago by passage of the American Folklife Preservation Act of 
1976. I was pleased to be a cosponsor of the legislation, which enjoyed 
broad bicameral and bipartisan support. The legislation was endorsed by 
Senators Strom Thurmond and Hubert Humphrey, and by Representative 
David Obey and then-Representative Trent Lott. The support was so broad 
because the legislation had such obvious merit.
  The Library was chosen as the site of the Center for several reasons, 
but principal among them was the strength of the Library's folklife 
collections. It is not too great a stretch to say that those 
collections began at the beginning, when Thomas Jefferson's library was 
purchased for the Library of Congress. Jefferson's library included 
significant material about Native Americans, and, of course, the 
information collected during the expedition of Merriwether Lewis and 
William Clark.
  Now as then, one has to collect folklife. No one stands with pad and 
pencil, recording the lives of workaday Americans. What tends to be 
automatically recorded is what we at first think very important: the 
coming and going of the elite or infamous, the domestic affairs of the 
King or President, the fads that engross the rich and famous, the 
history of battles as told by generals. But sometimes the foot soldier 
has a better story than the general. The diary kept by Samuel Pepys in 
the 1660s is important today because Mr. Pepys went about London and 
recorded what he saw. He told about the great fire and the coming of 
the Black Death and seeing the first Punch and Judy show. His record of 
London is far more interesting than the ones kept by historians 
engrossed in the intrigues and peccadilloes that swirled around Charles 
the Second.
  I believe all of us understand, Mr. President, that the strength of 
our Nation proceeds from its smaller places; from small towns in 
Missouri and Oregon, from short streets in Brooklyn and Omaha. We know 
that it is in the forms of learning transmitted in families, small 
communities, the workplace, and in ethnic groups that we develop the 
strength of our families, our communities, and our culture. And we know 
that the makers of our culture in the smaller places do not bring their 
primary documents to the Library of Congress. They are not invited to 
elegant dinners in the great hall of the Jefferson building, or courted 
in fundraising drives. Theirs is at least as great a contribution as 
the millions raised for other efforts, but it cannot be measured in 
dollars. It is the Center's great achievement, and ongoing strength, 
that it recognizes the value of the everyday, and gives it a home where 
it can be cherished as it deserves to be.
  It is very important, Mr. President, that the present structure of 
the Center be maintained. It is important to have a Board of Trustees 
selected from all over the Nation and appointed by the Joint leadership 
of Congress. They bring to the Center a diversity of outlook and 
purpose that cannot be replicated by the best-intentioned professionals 
of the Library's career staff. It is important to have this be a Center 
for folklife, and not just another division within the many divisions 
of the Library. We could have taken that route in writing the original 
enabling legislation, but we were trying to raise up the center out of 
the other collections of the Library to be a beacon to the folklife 
community across the country. That beacon must be maintained. If it 
cannot be maintained at the Library of Congress, then it should be 
moved and sustained elsewhere. I believe the Library is the best home 
for the Center, but it must get the support expected in a good home.
  Mr. President, I hope that ups and downs of the center's 
authorization in this Congress will serve as a wake-up call from the 
center's board and the center's supporters. I hope the board will be 
more attentive to the concerns of the Congressional committees which 
oversee the Library's operations. I hope the board will work hard to 
supplement federal funding with private fundraising efforts. I hope the 
national folklife community will work with the proper authorizing 
committees to achieve a permanent reauthorization for the center. And I 
hope that the Library of Congress budget for, and the Congress will 
provide, funding sufficient to the center's task.
  Mr. President, I thank Senator Mack for his cooperation and support 
in this matter, and I yield the floor.


                           amendment no. 5113

       On page 8, after line 17 insert:
       Sec. 7. (a) Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, 
     United States Code, the Secretary of the Senate may reimburse 
     any individual employed by the Senate day care center for the 
     cost of training classes and conferences in connection with 
     the provision of child care services and for travel, 
     transportation, and subsistence expenses incurred in 
     connection with the training classes and conferences.
       (b) The Senate day care center shall certify and provide 
     appropriate documentation to the Secretary of the Senate with 
     respect to any reimbursement under this section. 
     Reimbursements under this section shall be

[[Page S9064]]

     made from the appropriations account ``MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS'' 
     within the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved 
     by the Secretary of the Senate.
       (c) Reimbursements under this section shall be subject to 
     the regulations and limitations prescribed by the Committee 
     on Rules and Administration of the Senate for travel and 
     related expenses for which payment is authorized to be made 
     from the contingent fund of the Senate.
       (d) This section shall be effective on and after October 1, 
     1996.
                                                                    ____



                           amendment no. 5114

       On page 8, after line 17 insert:
       Sec. 6. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 
     funds received during fiscal year 1996 by the Sergeant at 
     Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate in settlement of a contract 
     claim or dispute, but not to exceed $1,450,000, shall be 
     deposited into the appropriation account for fiscal year 1997 
     for the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate within 
     the contingent fund of the Senate and shall be available in a 
     like manner and for the same purposes as are the other funds 
     in that account.
                                                                    ____



                           amendment no. 5115

(Purpose: To authorize a legislative information system for the Senate)

       On page 8, between lines 17 and 18, insert the following:
       Sec.   . (a) The Secretary of the Senate, with the 
     oversight and approval of the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration of the Senate, shall oversee the development 
     and implementation of a comprehensive Senate legislative 
     information system.
       (b) In carrying out this section, the Secretary of the 
     Senate shall consult and work with officers and employees of 
     the House of Representatives. Legislative branch agencies and 
     departments and agencies of the executive branch shall 
     provide cooperation, consultation, and assistance as 
     requested by the Secretary of the Senate to carry out this 
     section.
       (c) Any funds that were appropriated under the heading 
     ``Secretary of the Senate'' for expanses of the Office of the 
     Secretary of the Senate by the Legislative Branch 
     Appropriations Act, 1995, to remain available until September 
     30, 1998, and the Secretary determines are not needed for 
     development of a financial management system for the Senate 
     may, with the approval of the Committee on Appropriations of 
     the Senate be used to carry out the provisions of this 
     section, and such funds shall be available through September 
     30, 2000.
       (d) The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate 
     may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry 
     out the provisions of this section.
       (e) This section shall be effective for fiscal years 
     beginning on or after October 1, 1996.

  Mr. MACK. I am proposing an amendment on an important matter to the 
Senate. I am speaking of the quality and the cost of its legislative 
information systems. Two years ago, this committee requested from the 
Library of Congress an analysis of the duplication among the 
legislative systems supported by the Congress. That study documented 
that there is extensive overlap in these systems and that there are 
opportunities for reducing that duplication. We then directed the 
Library to prepare a plan for creating a single integrated information 
system that would serve the entire Congress.
  The committee received that report in February of this year. The plan 
gives us a useful framework for building a new, coordinated legislative 
information system that will better assist the Members of Congress to 
carry out their legislative duties. The plan recognizes that there are 
various independent responsibilities for legislative information within 
the Congress and proposes a technical scheme that takes advantage of 
this fact. The new system will therefore require the active support of 
all of the offices and agencies within the legislative branch that 
assist the Senate and the House in this critical area.
  In our commitment to the American people to reduce the size of the 
Government, this committee has been reluctant to recommend significant 
additional resources for any of the Congress' offices and agencies. We 
are not providing any additional funds for this legislative system, 
although we will allow the Secretary of the Senate, at his request, to 
reprogram some funds to support the Senate's need to modernize the 
collection and preparation of its legislative information. We do expect 
all legislative branch offices and agencies to support fully this very 
important initiative with their existing appropriated funds, which we 
believe are sufficient.
  This is a challenging task, and will require appropriate policies, 
guidelines, and oversight. We hope that the House of Representatives 
will join us in this task. If they do not, however, we shall proceed in 
the Senate nonetheless. Even without the participation of the House, 
the Senate can and must improve its own system and begin to reduce the 
duplication that currently exists.
  This amendment was prepared in consultation with the Committee on 
Rules and Administration. With this amendment, we are taking the next 
steps in creating a new legislative information system for the Senate 
by designating some of those responsibilities for this system now, 
specifically for the Secretary of the Senate, the Congressional 
Research Service, and the Library of Congress. The Committee on Rules 
and Administration has jurisdiction for this system and will be making 
other designations of responsibility as the system progresses.
  I am pleased that the distinguished chairman of our Committee on 
Rules and Administration shares our views on the importance of these 
matters, and that his committee is prepared to oversee the development 
of the Senate's new legislative system.


                           amendment no. 5116

       On page 8, after line 17 insert:

     SEC. 8. PAYMENT FOR UNACCRUED LEAVE.

       (a) In General.--The Financial Clerk of the Senate is 
     authorized to accept from an individual whose pay is 
     disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate a payment 
     representing pay for any period of unaccrued annual leave 
     used by that individual, as certified by the head of the 
     employing office of the individual making the payment.
       (b) Withholding.--The Financial Clerk of the Senate is 
     authorized to withhold the amount referred to in subsection 
     (a) from any amount which is disbursed by the Secretary of 
     the Senate and which is due to or on behalf of the individual 
     described in subsection (a).
       (c) Deposit.--Any payment accepted under this section shall 
     be deposited in the general fund of Treasury as miscellaneous 
     receipts.
       (d) Definition.--As used in this section, the term ``head 
     of the employing office'' means any person with the final 
     authority to appoint, hire, discharge, and set the terms, 
     conditions, or privileges of the employment of an individual 
     whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.
       (e) Applicability.--The section shall apply to fiscal year 
     1996 and each fiscal year thereafter.
                                                                    ____



                           Amendment No. 5117

 (Purpose: To direct the Congressional Research Service to develop an 
electronic congressional legislative information and document retrieval 
                                system)

       At the appropriate place in the bill, insert the following:
       Sec.   . (a) The Congressional Research Service, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of the Senate and the heads 
     of the appropriate offices and agencies of the legislative 
     branch and with the approval of the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration of the Senate, shall coordinate the 
     development of an electronic congressional legislative 
     information and document retrieval system to provide for the 
     legislative information needs of the Senate through the 
     exchange and retrieval of information and documents among 
     legislative branch offices and agencies. The Secretary of the 
     Senate, with the oversight and approval of the Committee on 
     Rules and Administration of the Senate, shall have 
     responsibility for the implementation of this system in the 
     Senate. All of the appropriate offices and agencies of the 
     legislative branch shall participate in the implementation of 
     the system.
       (b) As used in this section--
       (1) the term ``legislative information'' refers to that 
     information and those documents produced for the use of the 
     Congress by the offices and agencies of the legislative 
     branch as defined in this section, and such other information 
     and documents as approved by the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration of the Senate;
       (2) the term ``offices and agencies of the legislative 
     branch'' means the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, the 
     Office of Legislative Counsel of the Senate, the Office of 
     the Architect of the Capitol, the General Accounting Office, 
     the Government Printing Office, the Library of Congress, the 
     Congressional Budget Office, and the Sergeant at Arms of the 
     Senate; and
       (3) the term ``retrieval system'' means the indexing of 
     documents and data, as well as integrating, searching, 
     linking, and displaying documents and data.
       (c) The Library of Congress shall--
       (1) assist the Congressional Research Service in supporting 
     the Senate in carrying out this section; and
       (2) provide such technical staff and resources as may be 
     necessary to carry out this section.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, let me first commend the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch for his foresight in initiating this 
effort to improve our legislative information systems. When I became 
chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration I began a review 
of our entire program for information technology. This is a rapidly 
changing, and

[[Page S9065]]

very expensive area for the Senate. Yet it is vital to all the 
operations of the Senate, from the way we pay our bills to the way we 
prepare, debate, and pass--or reject--legisation. It is critical, 
therefore, that we have sound planning for, and careful implementation 
of information technologies that will adequately support our 
fundamental work of legislation and oversight. Because of the potential 
high cost of technology, and also its ability to support our work, I 
can think of very few areas that require such close scrutiny, well-
thought out policies, and effective management Achieving these 
objectives has been one of my highest priorities since being appointed 
Chair.
  We have in the Senate now an historic opportunity to reduce 
duplication and to ensure that our use of technology to support our 
legislative process is both responsive to the needs of Senators and 
also cost effective. The Committee on Rules has taken a number of 
important steps to accomplish this, and we are planning to take more in 
the near future. I have already noted our strategic review process, 
which will continue under my chairmanship. In addition, we have 
directed the Secretary of the Senate, in coordination with the Clerk of 
the House, to establish standards for the exchange of legislative 
information between the two Chambers. The Secretary has done this, and, 
I am pleased to report, is well launched on a plan for implementing 
these standards. In addition, the committee and the Secretary are about 
to let a contract that will provide the Senate with options for the 
design of a system that will enable us to collect and prepare our 
legislative information on a much more efficient basis. You will recall 
that many of our systems were developed over 20 years ago, and while 
they have served us well, few would disagree that we can do much better 
with the technology that is available to us today. The result will be 
that Members and staff of the Senate will have legislative information 
that is more accurate, more timely, and more comprehensive, every day, 
directly at their desktops. While this program will take several years 
to complete fully, we will be able to benefit immediately as each new 
component becomes available.
  This program will require a long and sustained effort by many people 
and many legislative branch organziations, without additional 
resources. It will require the establishment of priorities and good 
management to ensure these priorities are met. Through this amendment 
we are designating the Secretary of the Senate, who has the primary 
responsibility for the Senate's legislative information, to provide 
overall management of this system. We are also directing the 
Congressional Research Service, which understands the legislative 
research needs of the Congress, to coordinate with the Committee and 
the Secretary the development of the retrieval portion of the system. 
Additionally, we have directed the Library of Congress, with its 
expertise in the development of information systems, to provide 
sufficient staff and technical support to assist CRS in building this 
retrieval component. We will need and expect the cooperation and 
support of the other legislative branch agencies, including the GPO, 
and the GAO and CBO, both of whose reports we will want to include in 
the system. And, of course, we will continue to rely upon our own 
excellent staff in the Senate Computer Center and the 
Telecommunications Office in the creation of this system.
  Mr. President, when this initiative is complete, we in the Senate 
will have a new, more efficient, and far more useful legislative 
information system that will serve the needs of Members and committees. 
It will be based on standards that allow us to update it regularly and 
as needed. And it will last us well into the next century. It will be 
of a quality that is commensurate with our constitutional 
responsibilities, and it will aid us greatly as we strive to serve the 
citizens of this great country.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, the first of the amendments is offered on 
behalf of Senator Hatfield.
  It amends language reported by the committee to provide for a 2-year 
reauthorization for the American Folklife Center in the Library of 
Congress.
  The second amendment extends certain provisions of Federal law to 
employees of the Senate for the Employees Child Care Center.
  The third amendment provides for the deposit of a contract 
termination payment to credit the expenses of the Sergeant at Arms.
  The fourth amendment authorizes and directs the Secretary of the 
Senate to oversee the development and implementation of a legislative 
information system for the Senate.
  Funds for that initiative may be derived from funds previously 
appropriated for a new financial management system for the Senate with 
the approval of the Committee on Appropriations.
  The fifth amendment brought to us today by the Disbursing Office 
authorizes the Financial Clerk of the Senate to receive payments for 
unaccrued annual leave for individuals whose pay is disbursed by the 
Senate and deposit those payments in the General Fund of the Treasury 
as a miscellaneous receipt.
  And, finally, the sixth amendment recommended to us by the Committee 
on Rules and Administration addresses the creation of a legislative 
branch-wide legislative information system.
  Mr. President, all of these amendments have been discussed with 
Senator Murray. I believe she has no objection. Therefore, I would ask 
that these six amendments be agreed to en bloc.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, we have had time to review all of these 
amendments. There is no objection.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the amendments are agreed 
to.
  The amendments (Nos. 5112, 5113, 5114, 5115, 5116, and 5117) were 
agreed to.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which 
the amendments were agreed to.
  Mr. MACK. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.


                           Amendment No. 5118

           (Purpose: To clarify the uses of Member weblinks)

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, at this time I would like to send an 
amendment to the desk on behalf of Senator Leahy.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray), for Mr. Leahy, 
     proposes an amendment numbered 5118.

  Mrs. MURRAY. 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. ____. For the purposes of the United States Senate 
     Internet Services Usage Rules and Policies, Members of the 
     Senate may post a link on Senate Internet Services to a 
     private, public, or nonprofit company, organization, or 
     municipality located or based in the Member's State if a 
     disclaimer is included on the same page as the link 
     specifying that the Member is not endorsing the private, 
     public, or nonprofit company, organization, or municipality.

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mrs. MURRAY. I ask unanimous consent that the amendment just sent to 
the desk be laid aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. CHAFEE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.


                           Amendment No. 5119

   (Purpose: To amend chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, to 
provide for a limitation on the exclusive copyrights of literary works 
  produced or distributed in specialized formats for use by blind or 
               disabled persons, and for other purposes)

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, on behalf of myself, and Senators Frahm, 
Stevens, Leahy, McConnell, and Bingaman, I send a printed amendment to 
the desk. At the proper time I will ask that it be set aside.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.

[[Page S9066]]

  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. Chafee), for himself, 
     Mrs. Frahm, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McConnell, and Mr. 
     Bingaman, proposes an amendment numbered 5119.

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

       At the appropriate place in the bill insert the following 
     new section:

     SEC.   . LIMITATION ON EXCLUSIVE COPYRIGHTS FOR LITERARY 
                   WORKS IN SPECIALIZED FORMAT FOR THE BLIND AND 
                   DISABLED.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding after section 120 the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for 
       blind or other people with disabilities

       ``(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 
     710, it is not an infringement of copyright for an authorized 
     entity to reproduce or to distribute copies or phonorecords 
     of a previously published, nondramatic literary work if such 
     copies or phonorecords are reproduced or distributed in 
     specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other 
     persons with disabilities.
       ``(b)(1) Copies or phonorecords to which this section 
     applies shall--
       ``(A) not be reproduced or distributed in a format other 
     than a specialized format exclusively for use by blind or 
     other persons with disabilities;
       ``(B) bear a notice that any further reproduction or 
     distribution in a format other than a specialized format is 
     an infringement; and
       ``(C) include a copyright notice identifying the copyright 
     owner and the date of the original publication.
       ``(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to 
     standardized, secure, or norm-referenced tests and related 
     testing material, or to computer programs, except the 
     portions thereof that are in conventional human language 
     (including descriptions of pictorial works) and displayed to 
     users in the ordinary course of using the computer programs.
       ``(c) For purposes of this section, the term--
       ``(1) `authorized entity' means a nonprofit organization or 
     a governmental agency that has a primary mission to provide 
     specialized services relating to training, education, or 
     adaptive reading or information access needs of blind or 
     other persons with disabilities;
       ``(2) `blind or other persons with disabilities' means 
     individuals who are eligible or who may qualify in accordance 
     with the Act entitled ``An Act to provide books for the adult 
     blind'', approved March 3, 1931 (2 U.S.C. 135a; 46 Stat. 
     1487) to receive books and other publications produced in 
     specialized formats; and
       ``(3) `specialized formats' means braille, audio, or 
     digital text which is exclusively for use by blind or other 
     persons with disabilities.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     sections for chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding after the item relating to section 120 the 
     following:

``121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for blind or other 
              people with disabilities.''.

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, this is an amendment that I am offering on 
behalf of myself and those Senators that I just listed.
  This amendment is supported by the Association of American 
Publishers, the National Federation of the Blind, the American 
Foundation for the Blind, the American Printing House for the Blind, 
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, and the U.S. Copyright Office.
  It also has the support of the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, 
and we are waiting for approval by the ranking member of the Judiciary 
Committee before proceeding.
  Mr. President, the amendment I am proposing along with those Senators 
I mentioned is an amendment to the legislative branch appropriations 
bill regarding books for the blind.
  In 1931, the Library of Congress National Library Service for the 
Blind and Physically Handicapped was established by an act of Congress. 
Since then, funding for this immensely valuable program has been 
included in the legislative branch bill, which, of course, funds the 
Library of Congress. The National Library Service and a handful of 
nonprofit organizations reproduce in specialized formats published 
material that is readily available to sighted individuals in libraries, 
bookstores, newsstands and countless other locations.
  Specialized formats refers to braille, sound recordings--either on 
cassette or phonorecord--and new digital formats that can be used for 
special software. To make certain that recorded books and magazines are 
only used by those for whom they are intended, they are recorded at a 
speed that simply does not work on standard tape players.
  The National Library Service provides special tape players and record 
players to eligible individuals. This equipment is not generally 
available to the public. To be eligible to receive this special 
equipment, an applicant must be certified by a qualified professional 
such as a doctor, nurse or social worker that he or she is unable to 
use standard print.
  The National Library Service selects the books to reproduce in these 
specialized formats.
  Frequently, the National Library Service issues request after request 
only to wait months for a response from the publisher. These delays are 
not because the publishers have a desire to withhold permission; it is 
simply a low priority. They just set it aside.
  There are still 17 books from the 1995 best seller list for which 
permission is still pending.
  For our Nation's more than 54,000 blind elementary and secondary 
school students, this is a great problem.
  The American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, KY, is the 
primary producer of braille textbooks. It is a challenge to reproduce 
today's highly visible textbooks in braille format. Maps, charts, 
graphs, and illustrations that take up one page in a standard textbook 
may require multiple pages of braille or tactile graphics to convey the 
same information. All in all, it can take a full year to produce a 
braille textbook. Added time consumed by trying to get permission from 
publishers makes it certain that the blind student is not in sync with 
his classmates.
  The amendment Senator Frahm and others and I are introducing seeks to 
end the unintended censorship of blind students' access to current 
information. The amendment, as I say, is endorsed by the Association of 
American Publishers, the National Federation of the Blind, the American 
Foundation for the Blind, the American Printing House for the Blind, 
and the U.S. Copyright Office.
  This is a very simple amendment. This says groups that produce 
specialized formats for the blind no longer are required to gain 
permission from the copyright holder before beginning production. It is 
based on an agreement that was reached last January between the 
Association of American Publishers and the National Federation of the 
Blind. It includes a very narrow definition of those who are eligible 
to undertake such production and applies the definition for eligibility 
used by the National Library Service to those who receive 
reproductions.

  So, Mr. President, as has been said by a member of the National 
Federation of the Blind, It should be obvious that the delays here 
present a significant barrier which must be overcome if blind people 
are to be informed and literate. It is not too much to say that living 
successfully in our modern society often depends upon being able to 
communicate ideas and facts both orally and in writing.
  I conclude by a statement from Marybeth Peters, who is the Register 
of Copyrights at the Library of Congress. In testifying before the 
Senate Judiciary Committee she said,

       Blind and physically handicapped readers have a legitimate 
     need for prompt and timely access as soon as possible after 
     works become available to the general reading public. 
     Textbook materials in particular are commonly out of date 
     within 1 to 2 years, superseded by new editions.

  Passage of this amendment will permit the speedy access to 
information that blind people need.
  It is my understanding the managers of the bill are prepared to 
accept the amendment, but we are waiting for the approval of the 
ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.
  So, Mr. President, I thank the managers of the bill and hope that 
when we receive the approval, as I expect we will, of the ranking 
member of the Judiciary Committee, if I am not here, the manager of the 
bill might be able to call up this amendment and have it considered in 
my absence.
  I ask the manager and the ranking member of the committee, if we 
receive the approval--the only thing we are waiting for is the approval 
of the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. If I could pass that 
on, when it is

[[Page S9067]]

received, to the managers, if they could then call up the amendment if 
I am not here.
  Mr. MACK. I say to the Senator, we will be in a position to do that.
  Mr. CHAFEE. I thank the Senator very much. I do not know what the 
time schedule is. We may have to move forward rather quickly. So we 
will get that information regarding the ranking member as soon as we 
can.
  Mr. MACK. I am under the impression, since the Senator has offered 
the amendment, that his rights have been protected. We will be moving 
forward the remainder of this evening and then tomorrow taking whatever 
amendments have been agreed to in the unanimous consent request last 
week dealing with those amendments.
  I have forgotten the time that we were slotted for votes.
  It has not been set yet, but, again, the Senator's rights have been 
protected since he has offered the amendment.
  Mr. CHAFEE. I thank the Senator.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, let me say that I support the amendment 
the Senator has offered. We are simply on this side waiting for the 
authorizing committee to review it, and hopefully that will come fairly 
soon.
  Mr. FEINGOLD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Did the Senator from Wisconsin seek 
recognition?
  Mr. FEINGOLD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wisconsin [Mr. Feingold], is 
recognized.

  Mr. FEINGOLD. I ask the managers if this would be an appropriate time 
to offer an amendment? Have they had an opportunity to make their 
opening statements?
  Mr. MACK. I say to the Senator, this is an appropriate time to offer 
an amendment that has been listed in the unanimous-consent request.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. I intend to offer the amendment on behalf of the 
Senator from Arizona [Mr. McCain] and myself. I believe that is one of 
the listed items.
  Mr. MACK. I believe I would be in a position to object to that. As I 
understand it, the unanimous-consent request indicates that there is a 
slot for Senator McCain to offer an amendment. I have the right to 
object to a request for someone to offer an amendment on someone else's 
behalf.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida is correct. The 
Senator from Wisconsin would have to ask unanimous consent to offer the 
amendment.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. I ask unanimous consent that I may offer an amendment 
on behalf of the Senator from Arizona, who is unable to be here at this 
time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. MACK. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. MACK. 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. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Chafee). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.


                           Amendment No. 5120

 (Purpose: To further restrict legislative post-employment lobbying by 
                      Members and senior staffers)

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise to offer an amendment on behalf 
of the senior Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain. I send the amendment to 
the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is 
so ordered. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Wisconsin [Mr. Feingold], for Mr. McCain, 
     for himself and Mr. Feingold, proposes amendment numbered 
     5120.

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

       At the appropriate place in the bill, add the following:
       Sec.   . (a) Section 207(e)(1)(A) of title 18, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``1 year'' and inserting 
     ``2 years''.
       (b) Paragraphs (2)(A), (3), and (4)(A) of section 207(e) of 
     title 18, United States Code, are amended by striking 
     ``within 1 year after'' and inserting ``within 5 years 
     after''.

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I have offered the amendment on behalf 
of Senator McCain of Arizona, which is an outgrowth of a bipartisan 
effort that relates to the issue of post-employment restrictions on 
elected officials and what is more commonly known as the practice of 
the revolving-door lobby.
  This amendment follows in a long line of congressional reforms that 
have been proposed on a bipartisan basis by myself and the Senator from 
Arizona and others. Several of us who have been trying to address the 
issue of special interest influence have proposed and pursued several 
avenues of reform. Whether it is requiring greater disclosure from the 
lobbying community or passing new gift restrictions that clamps down on 
free vacation trips and fancy dinners, or finally addressing the 
woefully inadequate system of campaign finance we are currently saddled 
with, it is clear that reforming the Congress has become one of the 
preeminent issues among an electorate that has grown to not only view 
this institution with cynicism and disdain, but has also developed, 
unfortunately, a fundamental distrust of their elected representatives.
  Mr. President, restoring the faith of the American people in their 
Government is without a doubt one of the most important tasks that 
faces us today.
  Those of us who have been proposing lobbying reform and gift 
prohibitions and campaign finance reform have sometimes been accused by 
defenders of the status quo of seeking to limit citizen access to their 
elected representatives. But this is not the case.
  What we are trying to do is limit special access to elected 
representatives, the kind of access that ordinary Americans living in 
States like Wisconsin and Arizona do not have. Many of us believe that 
it is simply wrong to suggest that just because you have the financial 
resources to write out enormous campaign contributions or treat 
legislators to expensive meals, that you should therefore have special 
access to those Government officials. That is nothing more than 
auctioning off democracy to the highest bidder.
  A very large part of the culture of special interest influence that 
pervades Washington is the revolving door between public service and 
private employment. By putting a lock on this revolving door for a 
meaningful period of time, we can send a message that those entering 
Government employment should view public service as an honor and a 
privilege, not as just another rung on the ladder to personal gain and 
profit.
  Mr. President, the facts show there is a public perception that there 
is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is not misguided.
  There are countless instances of former Members of Congress who once 
chaired or served on committees with jurisdiction over particular 
industries or special interests who are now lobbying their former 
colleagues on behalf of those very industries or special interests. 
Former committee staff directors use their contacts and knowledge of 
their former committees to secure lucrative positions in lobbying firms 
and associations with interests related to those committees.
  Just how fast is the revolving door spinning, Mr. President? Just 
look at the countless announcements, after the 1994 elections, of 
Government officials leaving the public sector to work for lobbying 
firms.
  One article announced that an aide leaving her position on the House 
Subcommittee on Energy and Power will be working for the lobbying arm 
of the American Public Power Association.
  Mr. President, another announcement tells us a recently retired 
official member of the House Ways and Means subcommittee on select 
revenue measures, is joining a Washington lobbying firm as a specialist 
on tax policy. Mr. President, we have the former chief of staff to the 
chairman of the House Transportation Committee now lobbying the 
committee on behalf of a number of transportation interests.
  Mr. President, I could go on and on. The problem of the revolving 
door lobbying is quite clear, and in my view, and I strongly believe in 
the view of

[[Page S9068]]

the author of this amendment, the senior Senator from Arizona, so is 
the solution. The solution is clear, too.
  The amendment offered by the senior Senator from Arizona today will 
strengthen the postemployment restrictions that are already in place. 
Keep in mind, Mr. President, postemployment restrictions are not 
something new. There is currently a 1-year ban on former Members of 
Congress lobbying the entire Congress, as well as a 1-year ban on 
senior congressional staff lobbying their former employing entity. 
Members and senior staff are also prohibited from lobbying on behalf of 
a foreign entity for 1 year.
  The McCain amendment will prohibit Members of Congress from lobbying 
the entire Congress, not just for 1 year but for 2 years. It doubles 
the time. We double the current restriction.
  In the most egregious abuses, when a former high-ranking committee 
staffer is hired by a special interest to lobby that committee, we 
extend the lobbying ban to 5 years. This amendment then bars former 
senior staffers, defined as any senior staffer or any staffer earning 
in excess of 75 percent of a Member's salary, from lobbying their 
former employing entities for a period of 5 years.
  For example, the former chief counsel of the Ways and Means Committee 
would be prohibited from lobbying any member of that committee or any 
committee staffer for a period of 5 years.
  Mr. President, some might argue that we are inhibiting these talented 
individuals from pursuing careers in policy matters in which they have 
become extremely proficient. It may be asked why a former high-level 
staffer on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications cannot accept 
employment with a telecommunications company. After all, this person 
has accumulated years of knowledge of our communication laws and 
technology. Why should this individual be prevented from accepting 
private sector employment in the communications field?
  Of course, Mr. President, our legislation does not do that. Our 
legislation does not bar anyone from seeking private sector employment. 
That staffer can take the job with the telecommunications company, but 
what they cannot do is lobby their former subcommittee for 5 years. 
They can consult, they can advise, they can recommended, but they 
cannot lobby their former employer. That is it. That is what the McCain 
amendment does.
  We are only limiting an individual's employment opportunity if they 
are seeking to use their past employment with the Federal Government to 
gain special access or influence with the Government in return for 
personal gain.
  Mr. President, we are not here to outlaw the profession of lobbying. 
Not only would that be unconstitutional, but I do not think it would 
really be addressing the true flaws of our political system. Lobbying, 
when done right, is merely an attempt to present the views and concerns 
of a particular group. There is nothing inherently wrong with it. In 
fact, lobbyists, whether they are representing public interest groups 
or Wall Street, can present information to public representatives that 
they may not otherwise have or obtain. So it can be helpful.

  Mr. President, I strongly believe that there is no more noble 
endeavor than to serve in Government, but we need to take immediate 
action to restore the public's confidence in their Government and to 
rebuild the lost trust between Members of Congress and the electorate. 
This amendment is a small, but I think strong step, in that direction. 
I urge the Members to give it their support.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished Senator for 
working out the situation here a few moments ago. I am glad we were 
able to have the amendment offered, and I appreciate the Senator's 
understanding with respect to voting this on a voice vote.
  I am prepared to accept the amendment and take it to conference.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. The manager has correctly stated our understanding. I 
appreciate the courtesy.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment.
  The amendment (No. 5120) was agreed to.
  Mrs. MURRAY. I move to reconsider the vote.
  Mr. MACK. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MACK. 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. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise in support of H.R. 3754, in 
legislative branch appropriations bill for fiscal year 1997.
  The bill, as reported, provides $2.2 billion in new budget authority 
and $1.9 billion in outlays for the Congress and other legislative 
branch agencies, including the Library of Congress, the General 
Accounting Office, and the Government Printing Office, among others.
  When outlays from prior year appropriations and other adjustments are 
taken into account, the bill totals $2.3 billion in budget authority 
and $2.2 billion in outlays. The bill is under the subcommittee's 
602(b) allocation by $23 million in budget authority and $49 million in 
outlays.
  I want to commend the distinguished chairman and ranking member of 
the legislative branch subcommittee for producing a bill that is 
substantially within their 602(b) allocation. I am pleased that this 
bill continues to hold the line on congressional spending.
  I urge the Senate to adopt this bill and to avoid offering amendments 
which would cause the committee to exceed its 602(b) allocation.


                   appointment of a deputy librarian

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I would like to bring the attention of the 
Senate to committee report language concerning the Library of Congress 
and the appointment and responsibilities of a deputy librarian.
  I also note the presence of the chairman of the Joint Committee on 
the Library, Senator Hatfield, and the chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Rules and Administration. I wonder if they would care to engage in a 
brief colloquy regarding this issue.
  But let me first read the report language in question.

       The committee has reviewed the findings and recommendations 
     of the recent audits of the Library, and believes that the 
     single most important action to be taken would be the 
     appointment of a deputy librarian fully empowered to be the 
     chief executive officer of the Library. The management tasks 
     identified in the audit reports are daunting, and must be 
     given full-time attention. The extraordinary demands already 
     placed upon the Librarian in any number of external arenas 
     and in developing a vision for the Library's transition into 
     a digital future make it impossible for him to deal with the 
     day-to-day administration of the Library's operations. Those 
     responsibilities must be delegated to the Deputy Librarian 
     and the committee looks forward to that being done as soon as 
     the deputy position is filled.

  Mr. President, the committee's phrasing in its instruction to the 
Library to empower the Deputy Librarian as the chief executive officer 
was done so advisedly. The committee is aware that the specific 
recommendation in the GAO management audit suggested that the deputy 
act as the chief operating officer. And, indeed the library is in the 
process of selecting a deputy librarian to fill the position as a chief 
operating officer.

  However, the committee wishes to make it crystal clear that, in our 
considered judgment, and for the reasons outlined in the report which I 
have just read, the Deputy Librarian should be charged with the 
responsibilities of a chief executive officer.
  The title and terminology are not as important as the idea that this 
committee will be looking to the deputy as the accountable authority in 
the day-to-day management of the institution.
  I yield to our most distinguished chairman of the Appropriations 
Committee who also serves as the chairman of the Joint Committee on the 
Library.
  Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, the chairman of the subcommittee was 
good enough to consult with me in the development of the report 
language he has just read, and I concur wholeheartedly in the direction 
given to the Library in that language. Our Librarian of Congress, Dr. 
James Billington,

[[Page S9069]]

is an extraordinary individual of numerous talents and many 
achievements, but no one individual can possibly personally direct all 
the Library's activities. When the position of Deputy Librarian is 
filled, the Librarian should delegate to him the responsibility and the 
authority to deal with the day-to-day administration of the Library's 
operations. The Librarian has written to me to indicate he intends to 
do exactly that, and I look forward to the beneficial effects of that 
delegation of responsibility. I yield the floor.
  Mr. MACK. I yield to our most distinguished chairman of the Committee 
on Rules and Administration for his comments on the issue.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I share with both distinguished chairmen, 
the views as expressed in committee report 104-323 relating to the 
appointment and responsibilities of a deputy librarian of the Library 
of Congress.
  In our meeting of the Joint Committee on the Library, ably chaired by 
the distinguished senior Senator from Oregon, we discussed the critical 
need for a deputy librarian, fully vested with the authority to run the 
day-to-day operations and management of the institution.
  Each of us recognize the many responsibilities already placed on the 
Librarian, including those by outlined by statute. His responsibilities 
in developing a vision for the Library into the 21st century is an 
enormous task. Promoting this vision within the institution, in the 
Congress, and indeed throughout the Nation requires an immense amount 
of time and energy. The Librarian has done a tremendous job in this 
critical area. We applaud his efforts and wish him greater and 
continued success. I know we all look forward to working with the 
Librarian as he continues to set the course for the future of the 
Library.

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