[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 6 (Thursday, January 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S676-S682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Mr. Wyden):
  S. 200. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a 
portion of the Columbia River as a recreational river, and for other 
purposes;

[[Page S677]]

to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


        the columbia river hanford reach protection act of 1997

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that, in 
one act, will do more to protect and restore the threatened salmon runs 
on the Columbia River than anything else this Government has tried. 
This bill will designate the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia 
River, the Hanford Reach, as a recreational river under the Wild and 
Scenic Rivers Act.
  The bill I introduce today, with Senator Ron Wyden, is identical to 
S. 1489, my bill from the 104th Congress. That bill was developed with 
a broad spectrum of local interests who worked for months to create a 
bill with widespread support. While the 104th Congress did not take 
action on this bill, I feel confident that my colleagues of the 105th 
Congress will see the tremendous economic and environmental benefits of 
designating the reach a wild and scenic river and will help me pass 
this important legislation.
  Much has happened in the year since I introduced S. 1489. Most 
important, the scientific community has verified what many locals 
already knew: The Hanford Reach will make an enormous contribution to 
salmon recovery on this embattled river. The Independent Scientific 
Group [ISG], an expert panel of fisheries scientists, reviewed the full 
range of salmon recovery programs now in place on the Columbia River. 
The ISG concluded that the Hanford Reach will be critical to our 
efforts to recover salmon throughout the Columbia Basin. It suggested 
that chinook salmon from the reach may serve as a core population from 
which adults could stray to upstream and downstream tributaries and, 
given good conditions, may reestablish lost or declining runs.
  In this last year, we have fostered a growing consensus that the 
reach is too precious to risk harming. The Governors of the three 
States of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska recommended protection for the 
reach, citing it as critical to maintaining healthy stocks of salmon 
vital to sustaining the region's fishing economy. The Northwest Power 
Planning Council has endorsed designation of the reach as a wild and 
scenic river. Likewise, a number of tribal governments have supported 
continuing Federal protection of the Reach. Many other wildlife and 
conservation groups, including Trout Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, 
American Rivers, and the Audubon Society have recognized the importance 
of this stretch of the Columbia and have joined the effort to save it. 
Finally, newspapers in Seattle, Portland, Yakima, and elsewhere have 
endorsed wild and scenic designation.
  Let me remind my colleagues of the splendors of this 50-mile section 
of the river. While most of the Columbia River Basin was being 
developed for agriculture, hydroelectricity, and other economic 
activities, the Hanford Reach and other buffer lands within the Hanford 
Nuclear Reservation were kept pristine. Ironically, it was the veil of 
secrecy and security surrounding the Manhattan project that 
simultaneously protected the now scarce shrub-steppe ecosystem and 
created tremendous nuclear and chemical contamination. Fortunately, the 
arid land, the river's tremendous volume, and new cleanup and 
restoration technology has minimized the harm done to this vital river.
  And vital it is. Its free-flowing nature provides superb habitat that 
produces 80 percent of the Columbia Basin's fall chinook salmon, as 
well as thriving runs of steelhead trout and sturgeon. It is the only 
truly healthy segment of the mainstem of the Columbia River. As the 
Pacific Northwest is struggling to restore declining salmon runs--and 
spending hundreds of millions of dollars annually to do so--protecting 
the Hanford Reach is the most cost-effective step we can take since it 
is already federally owned.
  The reach is also rich in other natural and cultural resources. Bald 
eagles, wintering and migrating waterfowl, deer, elk, and a diversity 
of other wildlife depend on the reach. It contains dozens of rare, 
threatened, and endangered plants and animals. Biologists have 
identified several new plant species that they believe are unique and 
found only on lands near the reach.
  This part of the Columbia Basin is also of great importance to native 
Americans, who have lived along the shores and islands of the reach for 
millennia. There are over 150 archaeological sites along the Hanford 
Reach, some dating back more than 10,000 years. The reach's naturally 
spawning salmon remain a vital part of the modern culture and religion 
of native Americans in the area.
  Another area of importance within the reach is the White Bluffs. 
These fragile cliffs offer dramatic scenery, unique habitat, and 
fascinating geologic history. Unfortunately, a downstream section of 
the bluffs has been impacted by irrigation water flowing through the 
unstable Ringold formation sediments causing it to slide into the 
river, smothering spawning beds, reducing water quality, and deflecting 
the course of the river. Should these slumps continue or migrate 
upstream, some scientists fear the river could become contaminated when 
it is pushed onto the nuclear reactors lining its south shore. Wild and 
scenic river designation might help prevent such catastrophes.
  The reach also provides an abundance of recreational opportunities. 
It is very close to the tri-cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, 
WA, and several hours drive from the major urban centers of Seattle and 
Portland. It affords residents and visitors opportunities to hunt, 
boat, fish, hike, kayak, water ski, bird watch, or simply relax and 
enjoy the solitude. The reach adds tremendously to the quality of 
life--and economy--of the area.
  It is because of the reach's importance to the local residents and 
economy that I convened a diverse group of area citizens in 1995 to 
develop this bill that I reintroduce today. This Hanford Reach Advisory 
Panel had a wide array of interests and concerns that we addressed in 
this bill. For example, there was a concern about the potential impact 
a wild and scenic river designation could have on the traditional uses 
of the water and nearby lands. So, the panel incorporated specific 
language to protect current economic activities, such as agriculture, 
power generation and transmission, and water withdrawals. This bill 
excludes the 3 percent of private property recommended in the National 
Park Service's Record of Decision in order to honor the request of 
those private land owners. The legislation also guarantees that local 
government and interests have a formal role in the management of the 
river corridor, which will come under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service.
  In addition, this bill includes the advisory panel's recommendation 
that the Secretary of the Interior and relevant Federal agencies work 
with local and State sponsors to develop a program of education and 
interpretation related to the Hanford Reach. The city of Richland and 
area tribes, among others, have been working with the Department of 
Energy on a museum and regional visitor center proposal and are eager 
to make the natural and human history of the reach part of the project.
  This legislation includes provisions urged by the advisory panel to 
improve the habitat value, access, and appearance of the Columbia River 
shoreline in the tri-cities' area. Much of the rivershore is now lined 
with high, steep levees that were put in place before the network of 
dams controlled the flow of the river and reduced the need for such 
flood control structures. This bill directs the Army Corps of 
Engineers, which built, owns, and maintains the levees, to coordinate 
with local sponsors on demonstration projects to restore the 
rivershore. The bill directs the corps to undertake some small levee 
modification projects in partnership with Kennewick, Pasco, and the 
Port of Kennewick in the short-term. For the longer term, the corps is 
directed to undertake a comprehensive study of the levees and determine 
if rivershore restoration is feasible and should become a Federal 
priority.
  Mr. President, let me conclude by again thanking my Hanford Reach 
Advisory Panel and reiterating to my colleagues the importance of 
protection of the Hanford Reach. The reach is the last free-flowing 
section of the mighty Columbia and as such produces outstanding salmon 
habitat, superb recreational opportunities, and vital economic 
benefits. I urge my colleagues to take speedy action, pass this 
important bill and permanently protect the Hanford Reach as a wild and 
scenic river.

[[Page S678]]

                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. FORD:
  S. 201. A bill to provide for the establishment of certain 
limitations on advertisements relating to, and the sale of, tobacco 
products, and to provide for the increased enforcement of laws relating 
to underage tobacco use, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


                THE TOBACCO PRODUCTS CONTROL ACT OF 1997

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, pertaining to that bill I have just sent to 
the desk, Mark Twain used to tell the story about a businessman known 
for his ruthlessness. The man once told him that before he died he 
wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, climb Mount Sinai, and 
read the Ten Commandments aloud at the top. ``I have a better idea,'' 
Twain said. ``Why don't you stay home and keep them.''
  As I reintroduce my legislation to combat youth smoking, that is the 
same message I would like to send to the antitobacco zealots. They are 
more than happy to shout from the mountaintop their message against 
youth smoking, but I have a better idea--sit down and make it happen.
  The antitobacco advocates talk forcefully about the numbers of 
teenagers who begin smoking every day. In citing those figures, those 
advocates are nothing short of negligent if they reject my legislation 
and allow this issue to be delayed indefinitely by a court fight. They 
will clearly be choosing delay over compromise, self-promotion over 
certain progress.
  The fact of the matter is that while they are willing to spend 
millions of dollars on glitzy ad campaigns, they are not willing to 
spend any energy forging a compromise. They will not even come to the 
table. That kind of hardheadedness may mean they can enjoy the 
limelight a little bit longer, but what about the kids they say they 
want to protect?
  Back in August, just a day after receiving word that the 
administration was set to sign off on FDA's new regulations on youth 
smoking, I stood before a gathering of the Kentucky State Farm Bureau 
and told them that this was an issue that would be decided either in 
the courts or in Congress. I told them that without a doubt, the voice 
of the Kentucky farmer stood a much better chance of being heard in 
Congress.
  But, what my colleagues and the American people need to understand is 
that our children also stand a much better chance if we solve it in 
Congress. That is why I am back to reintroduce legislation to solve the 
problem of youth smoking.
  Why legislation over regulation? Because FDA regulation is tantamount 
to years of court wrangling, creates an entire new bureaucracy at a 
time of Government downsizing, and perhaps most disturbing to farmers, 
goes well beyond what is needed to target youth smoking.
  The Federal Register notice accompanying the regulation says, ``FDA 
intends to classify cigarettes and smokeless tobacco at a future time, 
and will impose any additional requirements that apply as a result of 
their classification * * *'' If farmers look to FDA interpretation of 
that language, they see a grim future for tobacco. Bringing in the FDA 
also creates a whole new bureaucracy when tobacco is already regulated 
by at least seven Federal agencies. Listen to these. They are regulated 
by USDA, they are regulated by HHS, BATF, IRS, SAMHSA, EPA, and FTC.
  If you want to know all those initials, I would be glad to do that. 
SAMHSA is important. That is the so-called Synar amendment, our 
departed colleague from Oklahoma, that he passed, as it related to 
youth smoking and set up criteria for States. My State has passed a law 
to meet the requirements of the SAMHSA legislation produced for and by 
our late, departed Congressman. My legislation seeks to reach the same 
goal, but under the framework already in place, which is the SAMHSA 
law.
  But what should be most disturbing to all Americans about taking the 
regulatory route is the fact that the regulation will amount to nothing 
more than rhetoric, because it will inevitably be tied up in court for 
years and years over constitutional questions. What this problem calls 
for is reason, not more rhetoric. That is why I introduced legislation 
last year, and that is why I am introducing legislation this year.
  My legislation represents serious, enforceable measures to combat 
teenage smoking. But it does not interfere with the legal, private 
decisions of adults, nor does it trample on the first amendment's 
protection of free speech. The same cannot be said for FDA regulations, 
which have already sent advertising, tobacco industry and FDA lawyers 
scrambling to the courts, setting up for lengthy legal challenges, 
where the fight will go on for years and years.
  Even if FDA jurisdiction is upheld in the pending North Carolina 
lawsuit, litigation is still sure to go for years and years, with the 
problem of teen smoking continuing unabated.
  My legislation is an effort to reach what I believe should be our 
common goal, reducing youth smoking, but reaching that goal within the 
limits set down by the Constitution, without creating a new 
bureaucracy, and most important, reaching it today rather than 
tomorrow.
  The bill I introduced last year and the bill I am introducing today 
would ban outdoor advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco 
products within 500 feet of schools, prevent advertising of cigarettes 
and smokeless tobacco products in publications with any significant 
youth subscribership, and prohibit sampling of cigarettes and smokeless 
tobacco products to young people.
  I believe the bill I introduced last year was sufficient to reach our 
common goal. However, this year I have broadened that legislation to 
accommodate many of the other provisions of the FDA regulations, 
including a ban on advertising at sports and entertainment events 
attended by youth, and requiring the presentation of photo ID for the 
purchase of tobacco products. Many of our stores today are requiring 
photo ID. This will make it a law that they must present a photo ID for 
the purchase of tobacco products.
  In many areas, my legislation actually goes beyond FDA regulations. 
For example, my bill bans both paid tobacco advertisements or props in 
movies and cigarettes or smokeless tobacco advertising in videos, video 
game machines, or family amusement centers.
  My legislation this year is different from last year's legislation in 
one other important way. I believe it can represent a bipartisan effort 
to solve the problem. In the end, that might be the most important 
difference because, as my colleagues are well aware, no major tobacco 
legislation has ever been approved without bipartisan support.
  Mr. President, antitobacco advocates--Democrats and Republicans--all 
share a common goal: reducing the number of youths smoking. If we put 
our collective efforts together resolving that problem rather than 
advancing personal agendas, I believe we can solve the problem. I look 
forward to doing so this year in the spirit of bipartisanship and 
cooperation.
  Mr. President, I know that I am suspect because I am here 
representing a tobacco-growing State. But let me tell you that the 
University of Kentucky commissioned a poll, and almost 90 percent of 
the people in my State oppose youth smoking. I am not here representing 
just tobacco people, I am here representing my constituents who say 
that youth should not smoke.
  All we are trying to do is make it an adult decision, trying not to 
create another layer of bureaucracy to stop youth smoking sooner than 
later. If these people who are antitobacco or antismoking want to 
really help, come to the table. Let's sit down and work these things 
out. Put it into law. The President will sign it, I have no question 
about that. But if we send this to the President, we get it signed, and 
it goes into force, we can stop it sooner than later. Five years from 
now it will still be in court. We have had some first-amendment 
questions before the Court recently--last year--that shook up the whole 
thrust of the FDA regulations.
  So I am here with an honest effort, only armed with the silver tongue 
of the truth, as I have heard it said, but I would like for everyone to 
know that this is a serious, honest effort on behalf of my constituents 
and on behalf of the youth of this country that we get on with the 
business that we were sent here to do and to make this effort 
meaningful, and meaningful in the direction I think all of us want to 
go.

[[Page S679]]

  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 201

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Tobacco Products Control Act 
     of 1997''.

     SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO FEDERAL CIGARETTE LABELING AND 
                   ADVERTISING ACT.

       The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act is 
     amended by inserting after section 7 (15 U.S.C. 1335) the 
     following:


                 ``additional advertising restrictions

       ``Sec. 7A. (a) Billboards.--
       ``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful to advertise 
     cigarettes on any outdoor billboard that is located within 
     500 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary 
     school.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
     advertisement that is non-brand name specific if such 
     advertisement is erected or maintained at street level and 
     affixed to business establishments selling tobacco products 
     at retail.
       ``(b) Periodicals.--It shall be unlawful to advertise 
     cigarettes in a newspaper, magazine, periodical or other 
     publication if the subscribers of such publication who are 
     under the age of 18 years constitute more than 15 percent of 
     the total subscribership of such publication as certified by 
     the publisher. The Federal Trade Commission shall annually 
     publish a list of the publications that are subject to this 
     subsection.
       ``(c) Stadia and Arenas.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it 
     shall be unlawful to advertise cigarettes in any arena or 
     stadium where amateur or professional sporting events or 
     activities occur.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
     advertisement that--
       ``(A) is contained in a program distributed at a sporting 
     event;
       ``(B) is displayed at a concession stand that sells 
     cigarettes; or
       ``(C) is displayed during a sporting event where the 
     sponsor of the event involved has, prior to the event, 
     provided the Federal Trade Commission with a certification 
     that at least 75 percent of the attendees of such event are 
     age 18 or older.
       ``(d) Licensing Payments.--
       ``(1) In general.--No payment shall be made for the use of 
     a trade or brand name of a nontobacco product as the trade or 
     brand name for a cigarette.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
     cigarette that uses a trade or brand name if such trade or 
     brand name was used both for a cigarette and a nontobacco 
     product sold in the United States on January 1, 1995.
       ``(e) Transportation Advertisements.--It shall be unlawful 
     to advertise cigarettes in or on taxis, buses, trains, or in 
     subway, bus, or train stations, terminals, or platforms 
     unless the advertisement is displayed at a site where 
     cigarettes are sold.
       ``(f) Motion Pictures.--No payment shall be made by any 
     cigarette manufacturer or any agent thereof for the placement 
     of any cigarette, cigarette package, or cigarette 
     advertisement as a prop in any motion picture produced for 
     viewing by the general public.
       ``(g) Video Games.--No cigarette brand name or logo shall 
     be placed in a video or on a video game machine, and no brand 
     name or logo may be placed on or within the premises of 
     family amusement centers.
       ``(h) Definitions.--As used in this section--
       ``(1) Amusement ride or attraction.--The term `amusement 
     ride or attraction' means--
       ``(A) any mechanized device or combination of devices that 
     carry passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted 
     course for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, 
     pleasure, thrills, or excitement; or
       ``(B) any building or structure around, over, or through 
     which individuals may walk, climb, slide, jump or move that 
     provides such individuals with amusement, pleasure, thrills, 
     or excitement;

     except that such term does not include coin-operated 
     amusement devices that carry no more than 2 individuals, 
     devices regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the 
     Federal Railroad Administration (or State railroad 
     administrations), or vessels under the jurisdiction of the 
     Coast Guard (or State division of the water patrol), tractor 
     pulls, auto or motorcycle events, horse shows, rodeos, or 
     other animal shows, games and concessions, nonmechanical 
     playground equipment, or any other devices or structures 
     designated by the Federal Trade Commission.
       ``(2) Family amusement center.--The term `family amusement 
     center' means an enterprise offering amusement or 
     entertainment to the public through the use of one or more 
     amusement rides or attractions.
       ``(3) Video game.--The term `video game' means any 
     electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, 
     microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own 
     cathode ray tube, or is designed to be used with a television 
     set or a monitor, that interacts with the user of the 
     device.''.

     SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE SMOKELESS TOBACCO HEALTH 
                   EDUCATION ACT OF 1986.

       The Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 
     1986 is amended by inserting after section 3 (15 U.S.C. 4402) 
     the following:


                       ``advertising restrictions

       ``Sec. 3A. (a) Billboards.--
       ``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful to advertise a 
     smokeless tobacco product on any outdoor billboard that is 
     located within 500 feet of any public or private elementary 
     or secondary school.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
     advertisement that is non-brand name specific if such 
     advertisement is erected or maintained at street level and 
     affixed to business establishments selling tobacco products 
     at retail.
       ``(b) Periodicals.--It shall be unlawful to advertise any 
     smokeless tobacco product in a newspaper, magazine, 
     periodical or other publication if the subscribers of such 
     publication who are under the age of 18 years constitute more 
     than 15 percent of the total subscribership of such 
     publication as certified by the publisher. The Federal Trade 
     Commission shall annually publish a list of the publications 
     that are subject to this subsection.
       ``(c) Stadia and Arenas.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it 
     shall be unlawful to advertise smokeless tobacco product in 
     any arena or stadium where amateur or professional sporting 
     events or activities occur.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
     advertisement that--
       ``(A) is contained in a program distributed at a sporting 
     event;
       ``(B) is displayed at a concession stand that sells 
     smokeless tobacco product; or
       ``(C) is displayed during a sporting event where the 
     sponsor of the event involved has, prior to the event, 
     provided the Federal Trade Commission with a certification 
     that at least 75 percent of the attendees of such event are 
     age 18 or older.
       ``(d) Licensing Payments.--
       ``(1) In general.--No payment shall be made for the use of 
     a trade or brand name of a nontobacco product as the trade or 
     brand name for a smokeless tobacco product.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a 
     smokeless tobacco product that uses a trade or brand name if 
     such trade or brand name was used both for a smokeless 
     tobacco product and a nontobacco product sold in the United 
     States on January 1, 1995.
       ``(e) Transportation Advertisements.--It shall be unlawful 
     to advertise smokeless tobacco product in or on taxis, buses, 
     trains, or in subway, bus, or train stations, terminals, or 
     platforms unless the advertisement is displayed at a site 
     where smokeless tobacco products are sold.
       ``(f) Motion Pictures.--No payment shall be made by any 
     smokeless tobacco manufacturer or any agent thereof for the 
     placement of any smokeless tobacco product, smokeless tobacco 
     package, or smokeless tobacco advertisement as a prop in any 
     motion picture produced for viewing by the general public.
       ``(g) Video Games.--No smokeless tobacco product brand name 
     or logo shall be placed in a video or on a video game 
     machine, and no brand name or logo may be placed on or within 
     the premises of a family amusement center.
       ``(h) Definitions.--As used in this section:
       ``(1) Amusement ride or attraction.--The term `amusement 
     ride or attraction' means--
       ``(A) any mechanized device or combination of devices that 
     carry passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted 
     course for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, 
     pleasure, thrills, or excitement; or
       ``(B) any building or structure around, over, or through 
     which individuals may walk, climb, slide, jump or move that 
     provides such individuals with amusement, pleasure, thrills, 
     or excitement;

     except that such term does not include coin-operated 
     amusement devices that carry no more than 2 individuals, 
     devices regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the 
     Federal Railroad Administration (or State railroad 
     administrations), or vessels under the jurisdiction of the 
     Coast Guard (or State division of the water patrol), tractor 
     pulls, auto or motorcycle events, horse shows, rodeos, or 
     other animal shows, games and concessions, nonmechanical 
     playground equipment, or any other devices or structures 
     designated by the Federal Trade Commission.
       ``(2) Family amusement center.--The term `family amusement 
     center' means an enterprise offering amusement or 
     entertainment to the public through the use of one or more 
     amusement rides or attractions.
       ``(3) Video game.--The term `video game' means any 
     electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, 
     microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own 
     cathode ray tube, or is designed to be used with a television 
     set or a monitor, that interacts with the user of the 
     device.''.

     SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.

       Section 1926 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
     sec. 300x-26) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for fiscal 
     year 1998 and subsequent fiscal years, the Secretary may make 
     a grant under section 1921 only if the State involved has in 
     effect a law providing that--
       ``(A) it is unlawful for any manufacturer, retailer, or 
     distributor of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products to 
     sell or distribute any such product to any individual

[[Page S680]]

     under the age of 18, and such manufacturer, retailer, or 
     distributor shall, in all face to face transactions involving 
     an individual who appears to be under the age of 26, verify 
     such age by means of an official (issued by the Federal or 
     State government) photographic identification containing the 
     date of birth of the bearer;
       ``(B) no person, firm, partnership, company, or corporation 
     shall operate a vending machine which dispenses cigarettes or 
     smokeless tobacco products unless such vending machine is in 
     a location that is in plain view and under the direct 
     supervision and control of the individual in charge of the 
     location or his or her designated agent or employee;
       ``(C) the restrictions described in subparagraph (B) shall 
     not apply in the case of a vending machine that is located--
       ``(i) at a private club;
       ``(ii) at a bar or bar area of a food service 
     establishment;
       ``(iii) at a factory, warehouse, tobacco business, or any 
     other place of employment which has an insignificant portion 
     of its regular workforce comprised of individuals under the 
     age of 18 years and only if such machines are located in an 
     area that is not accessible to the general public; or
       ``(iv) in such other location or made available in another 
     manner that is expressly permitted under applicable State 
     law;
       ``(D) it is unlawful for any person engaged in the selling 
     or distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products 
     for commercial purposes to distribute without charge any 
     cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products, or to distribute 
     coupons which are redeemable for cigarettes or smokeless 
     tobacco products, except that this subparagraph shall not 
     apply in the case of distribution--
       ``(i) through coupons contained in publications for which 
     advertising is not restricted under section 7A of the Federal 
     Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or section 3A of the 
     Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986, 
     coupons obtained through the purchase of cigarettes or 
     smokeless tobacco products, or coupons sent through the mail;
       ``(ii) where individuals can demonstrate, through a 
     photographic identification card, that the individual is at 
     least 18 years of age;
       ``(iii) in locations that are separately segregated to deny 
     access to individuals under the age of 18; or
       ``(iv) through such other manners or at other locations 
     that are expressly permitted under applicable State law;
       ``(E) it is unlawful to for any manufacturer, retailer, or 
     distributor of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products to 
     sell or distribute non-tobacco merchandise related to such 
     cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products unless--
       ``(i) with respect to a face-to-face transactions, the 
     individual is 18 years of age or older as verified, in the 
     case of an individual who appears to be under the age of 26, 
     by means of an official (issued by the Federal or State 
     government) photographic identification containing the date 
     of birth of the bearer;
       ``(ii) with respect to other transactions, the individual 
     involved provides a signed certification together with a copy 
     of an official (issued by the Federal or State government) 
     photographic identification containing the date of birth of 
     the individual that such individual is 18 years of age or 
     older; and
       ``(iii) with respect to items of clothing or hats, such 
     clothing or hat is made available in only adult sizes;
       ``(F) it is unlawful for any manufacturer, retailer, or 
     distributor of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products to 
     display those products in a manner that causes those products 
     to be accessible to anyone other than an employee of the 
     manufacturer, retailer, or distributor, except that such 
     prohibition shall not apply to a display--
       ``(i) if the display is located within the physical reach 
     of an employee of the manufacturer, retailer, or distributor 
     working at the normal work station of the employee; or
       ``(ii) if an employee of the manufacturer, retailer, or 
     distributor is able to monitor the display through the use of 
     in-store mirrors, video cameras, or by other means;
       ``(G) it is unlawful for any retailer to break or otherwise 
     open any cigarette package to sell or distribute individual 
     cigarettes or a number of unpackaged cigarettes that is 
     smaller than the quantity in the minimum cigarette package 
     size of 20 cigarettes, or any quantity of cigarette tobacco 
     that is smaller than the smallest package distributed by the 
     manufacturer for individual consumer use; and
       ``(H) it is unlawful for any retailer to break or otherwise 
     open any smokeless tobacco package to sell or distribute any 
     quantity of smokeless tobacco that is smaller than the 
     smallest package distributed by the manufacturer for 
     individual consumer use.'';
       (2) in subsection (a)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1997'';
       (B) by striking ``1994'' and inserting ``1998''; and
       (C) by striking ``1995'' and inserting ``1999'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``10 percent'' and 
     inserting ``20 percent'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``20 percent'' and 
     inserting ``40 percent'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``30 percent'' and 
     inserting ``60 percent''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``40 percent'' and 
     inserting ``80 percent'';
       (4) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1995'' and inserting 
     ``1999''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``1994'' and inserting 
     ``1998''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Enforcement.--Any amounts made available to a State 
     through a grant under section 1921 may be used to enforce the 
     laws described in subsection (a).
       ``(f) Definitions.--As used in subsection (a)(1), the term 
     `private club' means an organization with no more than an 
     insignificant portion of its membership comprised of 
     individuals under the age of 18 years that regularly receives 
     dues or payments from its members for the use of space, 
     facilities and services.''.

     SEC. 5. AMENDMENT TO FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT.

       Chapter IX of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 
     U.S.C. 391 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 906. PROHIBITION ON REGULATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

       ``Nothing in this Act or any other Act shall provide the 
     Food and Drug Administration with any authority to regulate 
     in any manner tobacco or tobacco products (as such terms are 
     defined for purposes of section 5702(c) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986.''.

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, Senator Ford's introduction of the Tobacco 
Products Control Act of 1997 is a good first step toward addressing the 
problem of youth access to tobacco products. I shall work with Senator 
Ford and other colleagues in solving it.
  Mr. President, the tobacco industry has made it absolutely clear that 
the choice to smoke must be for adults only to make. There is not one 
tobacco farmer in North Carolina who approves of children and teenagers 
smoking.
  However, the transparent vendetta waged by overzealous bureaucrats in 
the Food and Drug Administration against the tobacco family has been 
outrageous. It is a misguided attempt to expand the jurisdiction of FDA 
at a time when the agency is clearly failing in its stipulated mission, 
and is an obvious attempt to usurp congressional authority. Congress 
has considered--and rejected--numerous FDA attempts to regulate 
tobacco.
  Mr. President, I thank my able colleague, Senator Ford, who has 
worked so faithfully on behalf of America's tobacco farmers. Once 
again, I am honored to stand with him.
  Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Ford for 
introducing legislation regarding the regulation of tobacco.
  With respect to this very controversial issue, let us set one thing 
straight--no one supports teen smoking. We need to do more to 
discourage youths from smoking. No one is opposed to reasonable 
legislation that would curb young people from smoking. That much is 
clear and everyone agrees on it.
  Also, the tobacco companies have pledged that they will do more to 
curb teen smoking.
  What is questionable is the notion of the FDA regulating tobacco as 
if it were a drug. This is a stretch by anyone's standards. President 
Clinton has said that the era of big government is over, and yet he has 
allowed the FDA to vastly increase its regulatory authority. Ask 
yourselves this question, should the Food and Drug Administration be 
regulating the color of race cars at NASCAR events? This is no--
absolutely no.
  What we need is a bill to address the problems of teen smoking, and 
one that protects small North Carolina farmers. I was not elected to 
the Senate to see small farmers slide into bankruptcy because of the 
Clinton administration.
  The Ford bill is a good start. I continue to work with Senator Helms, 
Senator McConnell, and other Senators to develop a consensus document 
that can actually pass this Congress.
  Our goal here is to get something passed so that we don't set the 
dangerous precedent of the FDA deciding that some product is suddenly 
decreed a drug--and that it will now be regulated.
  Thank you Mr. President, and thank you Senator Ford for your 
leadership on this issue.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. LOTT:
  S. 202. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to 
eliminate the earnings test for individuals who have attained 
retirement age; to the Committee on Finance.


            THE OLDER AMERICANS FREEDOM TO WORK ACT OF 1997

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am reintroducing the Older Americans 
Freedom To Work Act and request my colleagues' support. This 
legislation

[[Page S681]]

would remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which 
Social Security beneficiaries, who have reached retirement age, may 
earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. It would abolish the 
onerous earnings best and allow senior citizens to work without being 
penalized.
  As you know, the Social Security retirement earnings test reduces 
benefits to persons between ages 65 and 69 who earn more than $13,500. 
These reductions amount to $1 in reduced benefits for every $3 in 
earnings above the limit.
  This limitation is unfair and poses a serious threat to the labor 
work force. Demographers tell us, that between the years 2000 and 2010, 
the baby boom generation will be in their retirement years. With fewer 
babies being born, this Nation is looking at a severe labor shortage. 
We need the skills, wisdom, and experience of our older workers, and 
this measure will encourage them to remain in the labor force.
  Elimination of the retirement earnings test begins the process of 
providing employment opportunities for older Americans without 
punishing them for their efforts. In the 1930's when the earned income 
limit was devised, encouraging senior citizens to leave the workplace 
was seen as a positive act, designed to increase job opportunities for 
younger workers. Today, with our shrinking labor force, such a policy 
is senseless.
  It is a pleasure to again sponsor legislation in the Senate to 
abolish the onerous retirement earnings test. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this vitally important legislation. I ask 
unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 202

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Older Americans' Freedom to 
     Work Act of 1997''.

     SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF EARNINGS TEST FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE 
                   ATTAINED RETIREMENT AGE.

       Section 203 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``the age of 
     seventy'' and inserting ``retirement age (as defined in 
     section 216(l))'';
       (2) in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (d), by 
     striking ``the age of seventy'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``retirement age (as defined in section 216(l))'';
       (3) in subsection (f)(1)(B), by striking ``was age seventy 
     or over'' and inserting ``was at or above retirement age (as 
     defined in section 216(l))'';
       (4) in subsection (f)(3)--
       (A) by striking ``33\1/3\ percent'' and all that follows 
     through ``any other individual,'' and inserting ``50 percent 
     of such individual's earnings for such year in excess of the 
     product of the exempt amount as determined under paragraph 
     (8),''; and
       (B) by striking ``age 70'' and inserting ``retirement age 
     (as defined in section 216(l))'';
       (5) in subsection (h)(1)(A), by striking ``age 70'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``retirement age (as defined 
     in section 216(l))''; and
       (6) in subsection (j)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Age Seventy'' and 
     inserting ``Retirement Age''; and
       (B) by striking ``seventy years of age'' and inserting 
     ``having attained retirement age (as defined in section 
     216(l))''.

     SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS ELIMINATING THE SPECIAL EXEMPT 
                   AMOUNT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ATTAINED 
                   RETIREMENT AGE.

       (a) Uniform Exempt Amount.--Section 203(f)(8)(A) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403(f)(8)(A)) is amended by 
     striking ``the new exempt amounts (separately stated for 
     individuals described in subparagraph (D) and for other 
     individuals) which are to be applicable'' and inserting ``a 
     new exempt amount which shall be applicable''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 203(f)(8)(B) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403(f)(8)(B)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``Except'' and all that follows through ``whichever'' and 
     inserting ``The exempt amount which is applicable for each 
     month of a particular taxable year shall be whichever'';
       (2) in clauses (i) and (ii), by striking ``corresponding'' 
     each place it appears; and
       (3) in the last sentence, by striking ``an exempt amount'' 
     and inserting ``the exempt amount''.
       (c) Repeal of Basis for Computation of Special Exempt 
     Amount.--Section 203(f)(8)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 
     U.S.C. (f)(8)(D)) is repealed.

     SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Elimination of Redundant References to Retirement 
     Age.--Section 203 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), in the last sentence, by striking 
     ``nor shall any deduction'' and all that follows and 
     inserting ``nor shall any deduction be made under this 
     subsection from any widow's or widower's insurance benefit if 
     the widow, surviving divorced wife, widower, or surviving 
     divorced husband involved became entitled to such benefit 
     prior to attaining age 60.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking clause (D) and 
     inserting the following: ``(D) for which such individual is 
     entitled to widow's or widower's insurance benefits if such 
     individual became so entitled prior to attaining age 60,''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment to Provisions for Determining 
     Amount of Increase on Account of Delayed Retirement.--Section 
     202(w)(2)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     402(w)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``either''; and
       (2) by striking ``or suffered deductions under section 
     203(b) or 203(c) in amounts equal to the amount of such 
     benefit''.
       (c) Application to Blind Beneficiaries.--Section 
     223(d)(4)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     423(d)(4)(A)) is amended by striking the second sentence.

     SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       The amendments made by this Act shall apply only with 
     respect to taxable years ending after December 31, 1996.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer):
  S. 203. A bill to amend the Federal Property and Administrative 
Services Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer to State and local 
government of certain surplus property for use for law enforcement or 
public safety purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.


      federal property and administrative services act amendments

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise, for Senator Boxer and myself, 
to introduce legislation that amends the Federal Property and 
Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow the Federal Government to 
transfer to State and local governments surplus Federal property for 
use for law enforcement or public safety purposes. This bill expands 
current authority which restricts this type of property transfer to 
State and local governments for use only as correctional facilities.
  Our law enforcement and public safety officials need the flexibility 
that this legislation provides. While continuing to allow prisons to be 
built, this legislation provides communities with the options they need 
to establish or expand needed law enforcement training facilities, fire 
fighting academies, and the like given an area's particular need.
  The one thing communities need after a military base closure is the 
flexibility to reuse bases to fulfill their greatest local needs. This 
bill will continue to facilitate the successful reuse of base 
realignment and closure sites, like March Air Force Base in California, 
for civilian and public safety purposes. Fighting crime continues to be 
a top priority for communities throughout the Nation. It makes sense to 
allow communities to put former military bases to use in that fight.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation. Our communities 
affected by base closures deserve all options to facilitate successful 
reuse.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 203

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

     SECTION 1. AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER SURPLUS PROPERTY FOR USE FOR 
                   LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY PURPOSES.

       (a) In General.--Section 203(p)(1) of the Federal Property 
     and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 484(p)(1)) 
     is amended by striking ``required'' and all that follows 
     through ``offenders as'' and inserting ``needed for use by 
     the transferee or grantee for a law enforcement or public 
     safety purpose''.
       (b) Application of Law to Prior Transfers and 
     Conveyances.--Section 203(p) of the Federal Property and 
     Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 484(p)) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Any real or related personal property transferred or 
     conveyed under this subsection before the date of the 
     enactment of this paragraph may, with the approval of the 
     Attorney General, be used for a law enforcement or public 
     safety purpose.''.

[[Page S682]]

                                 ______
                                 

   By Mr. LOTT (for himself, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Levin, and Ms. Moseley-
                                Braun):

  S.J. Res. 11. A joint resolution commemorating Juneteenth 
Independence Day, June 19, 1865, the day on which slavery finally came 
to an end in the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.


     THE JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION JOINT RESOLUTION

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today, on behalf 
of myself and Senator Daschle, the distinguished minority leader, a 
joint resolution concerning what has long been known as Juneteenth 
Independence Day.
  Joining us as original sponsors of this resolution are Senators Levin 
and Moseley-Braun, who offered similar legislation in the 104th 
Congress.
  The observance of Juneteenth has long been a tradition among black 
Americans. It commemorates the days in mid-June, 1865, when news of the 
end of slavery finally reached frontier areas of the country, 
especially in the American Southwest.
  The African-Americans who then moved into freedom, and began new 
lives as citizens of the Republic, kept alive the memory of that 
occasion for their descendants.
  Generation by generation, the experiences of the past have been 
preserved and shared. They have given us lessons in faith, in courage, 
and in perseverance.
  Today, the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage fosters the 
observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, not only among those 
families whose ancestors were directly affected by it, but also among 
the general public. The association will be meeting this year in Dallas 
from January 23 to January 25.
  The introduction of this joint resolution by the two Senate leaders 
is a timely expression of the Senate's regard and appreciation for the 
association's efforts.
  I should mention that this joint resolution is especially appropriate 
as we prepare to observe February as Black History Month, which, to 
borrow the words of the resolution, ``provides an opportunity for all 
Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand 
the experiences that have shaped our nation.''
  With that in mind, I know Senator Daschle joins me in inviting our 
colleagues, from all regions of the country, to cosponsor this 
legislation.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 11

       Whereas news of the end of slavery came late to frontier 
     areas of the country, especially in the American Southwest,
       Whereas the African-Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest thereafter celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of 
     their emancipation,
       Whereas their descendants handed down that tradition from 
     generation to generation as an inspiration and encouragement 
     for future generations,
       Whereas Juneteenth celebrations have thus been held for 130 
     years to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery 
     and especially those who moved from slavery to freedom,
       Whereas their example of faith and strength of character 
     remains a lesson for all Americans today, regardless of 
     background or region or race, now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled,
       That the annual observance of June 19 as Juneteenth 
     Independence Day is an important and enriching part of our 
     country's history and heritage, and
       That the celebration of Juneteenth provides an opportunity 
     for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to 
     better understand the experiences that have shaped our 
     nation, and
       That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the 
     National Association of Juneteenth Lineage as an expression 
     of appreciation for its role in promoting the observance of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day.

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today we recognize the date upon which 
slavery finally came to an end in the United States, June 19, 1865, 
also known as Juneteenth Independence Day. It was only on this day that 
slaves in the Southwest finally learned of the end of slavery. Since 
that time, for over 130 years, the descendants of slaves have 
celebrated this day in honor of the many unfortunate people who lived 
and suffered under slavery. Their suffering can never be repaired, but 
their memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever 
perpetrated again on American soil. We commemorate Juneteenth 
Independence Day to honor the struggles of these slaves and former 
slaves, to acknowledge their suffering and so that we may never forget 
even the worst aspects of our Nation's history.
  But this day and this joint resolution in honor of the end of slavery 
should also make us feel proud, proud that we as a nation have come so 
far toward advancing the goals of freedom and justice for all of our 
citizens. While we must continue ever forward in the search for 
justice, we should be thankful that the tireless efforts of vigilant 
Americans have enabled us to achieve a society built on democratic 
principles and the recognition that all men and women are created 
equal.

                          ____________________