[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4902-S4906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

  The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and 
were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:

       POM-400. A resolution adopted by the Society of Guerrillas 
     and Scouts International relative to benefits for Filipino-
     American World War II veterans; to the Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs.
       POM-401. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the Commonwealth of Virginia; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 85

       Whereas, the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia revere 
     the deeds of men and women on both sides who struggled 
     through four years of conflict, 1861-1865; and
       Whereas, Virginia's Civil War battlefields are places of 
     contemplation, reverence, and education, and are of 
     incalculable value to the health and identity of the 
     Commonwealth and the nation; and
       Whereas, the preservation of these hallowed places is 
     critical to a tourism industry that attracts millions of 
     visitors and supports thousands of jobs across the 
     Commonwealth; and
       Whereas, many of Virginia's battlefields sit astride 
     important historic transportation corridors that link or 
     traverse rapidly-growing areas; and
       Whereas, a critical need exists to modernize, expand, and 
     modify many of the roadways and transportation systems on or 
     near these historic battlefields; and
       Whereas, the continued health and vitality of Virginia's 
     Civil War tourism industry depends upon better long-range 
     transportation planning and greater cooperation and dialogue 
     among the various stakeholders in the nation's historic 
     resources and Virginia's transportation system, including 
     private property owners and local governments; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, 
     That Congress, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 
     and local governing bodies of those jurisdictions where major 
     Civil War battlefields are located be urged to identify, 
     fund, and implement policies and programs to address 
     transportation needs within the historic battlefields in 
     Virginia. In developing legislation, administrative policies 
     and regulations affecting the National Park Service, the U.S. 
     Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation 
     Board, and local transportation agencies, the Congress, the 
     Governor, and affected local governing bodies are encouraged 
     to undertake cooperative and integrated long-range 
     transportation planning, particularly for the construction of 
     new highways affecting historic battlefields in Virginia and 
     to jointly seek new and innovative transportation strategies 
     that will (i) meet the long-term transportation needs of 
     Virginia's citizens, (ii) respect the interests of all levels 
     of government and the rights of private property owners, and 
     (iii) minimize the impact on Virginia's Civil War 
     battlefields; and, be it
       Resolved further, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit 
     copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States 
     House of Representatives, the President of the United States 
     Senate, the members of the Congressional Delegation of 
     Virginia, and the Governor in order that they may be apprised 
     of the sense of the Virginia General Assembly in this matter.
                                  ____

       POM-402. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of New Hampshire; to the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration.

                       House Joint Resolution 21

       Whereas, the voters and citizens of the state of New 
     Hampshire demand and are entitled to the highest level of 
     integrity in the electoral and legislative processes; and
       Whereas, the general court has enacted laws to limit 
     political contributions and political expenditures to improve 
     the integrity of the electoral and legislative processes; and
       Whereas, the general court has also enacted laws requiring 
     disclosure of contributions to candidates and gifts to 
     elected officials to improve the integrity of the electoral 
     and legislative processes; and
       Whereas, notwithstanding the desires of the voters and the 
     citizens of the state of New Hampshire, the United States 
     Congress, relying upon article I, section 4 of the United 
     States Constitution, has preempted the power of the states to 
     regulate campaign financing in connection with elections for 
     the United Senate and House of Representatives; and
       Whereas, article I, section 4 of the United States 
     Constitution was never intended to deprive the states of the 
     authority to regulate campaign financing; and
       Whereas, recent hearings conducted by the United States 
     Senate have established that political parties receive large 
     contributions of ``soft money'' in order to ``buy'' direct 
     access to Congress and to the President; and
       Whereas, the revelations concerning these contributions 
     foster voter cynicism; and
       Whereas, the use of ``soft money'' by the major parties has 
     undermined the utility of New Hampshire's voluntary 
     limitations on political expenditures laws; and
       Whereas, ``soft money'' contributions undermine the 
     campaign disclosure laws because the source of the 
     contributions is untraceable, thereby making it impossible 
     for the voter to determine the likelihood of improper 
     influence on policy decisions; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in 
     General Court convened:
       That the general court of the state of New Hampshire hereby 
     urges the United States Congress to take such actions as are 
     necessary to return to the states the power to regulate 
     campaign financing in connection with elections for the 
     United States Senate and House of Representatives and to take 
     immediate action to adequately regulate ``soft money'' 
     donations to political committees of political parties; and
       That, if the United States Congress has not taken such 
     action prior to the commencement of the filing period for the 
     New Hampshire presidential primary election, the secretary of 
     state is directed to deliver to each presidential candidate a 
     copy of this resolution and a declaration to be executed by 
     the candidate stating whether the candidate supports or 
     opposes this resolution; and
       That copies of this resolution be sent by the clerk of the 
     house of representatives to the President of the United 
     States, to the President of the United States Senate, to the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representative, and to 
     each member of the New Hampshire Congressional delegation.

[[Page S4903]]

     
                                  ____
       POM-403. A resolution adopted by the Council of the City of 
     Cincinnati, Ohio relative to the proposed ``Safety 
     Advancement for Employees Act''; to the Committee on Labor 
     and Human Resources.
       POM-404. A resolution adopted by the Council of the City of 
     Cincinnati, Ohio relative to the proposal entitled ``Child 
     Care That Strengthens American Families''; to the Committee 
     on Labor and Human Resources.
       POM-405. A resolution adopted by the Superintendent and 
     Board of Education of Lauderdale County (Alabama) relative to 
     public schools; to the Committee on Labor and Human 
     Resources.
       POM-406. A joint resolution adopted by the General Assembly 
     of the State of Georgia; to the Committee on Labor and Human 
     Resources.

                         Senate Resolution 766

       Whereas, Congress is considering legislation to exempt 
     insurance arrangements offered by associations and multiple 
     employer welfare arrangements from state insurance reform 
     standards; and
       Whereas, this proposal would allow associations and 
     multiple employer welfare arrangements to be regulated by the 
     federal government under inadequate federal standards; and
       Whereas, Congress explicitly gave states the authority to 
     regulate multiple employer welfare arrangements in 1983 after 
     numerous cases of fraud, abuse, and insolvency regarding 
     multiple employer welfare arrangements; and
       Whereas, the states, as the primary regulators of the local 
     insurance market, are better able to ensure effective 
     regulation of those entities than the federal government; and
       Whereas, federal preemption would undermine efforts states 
     have made to protect consumers through establishing minimum 
     standards for health plans; and
       Whereas, federal preemption would undermine state insurance 
     reforms passed in recent years at the urging of business 
     groups to improve access and affordability for small 
     employers; and
       Whereas, this exemption would seriously erode the funding 
     mechanisms of access measures for the uninsured and for 
     uncompensated care enacted by the states: now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the General Assembly of Georgia, That the 
     members of this body urge the Georgia congressional 
     delegation and the United States Congress to reject any 
     legislation that would exempt health plans sponsored by 
     associations and multiple employer welfare arrangements from 
     state insurance standards and oversight; be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate is authorized 
     and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this 
     resolution to each member of the Georgia congressional 
     delegation, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and the President of the United States 
     Senate.
                                  ____

       POM-407. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Alaska; to the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations.
       Whereas, when the Nazis came to power in Germany more than 
     half a century ago, many European Jews and other individuals 
     frantically sent their valuables to secret bank accounts in 
     neutral Switzerland, trusting their possessions would be 
     safe; and
       Whereas Swiss bank deposits made by Jews and other 
     individuals later murdered in the Holocaust have not all been 
     made available to heirs or to the world Jewish community; and
       Whereas all Americans have a responsibility to ensure that 
     justice is done; and
       Whereas it is appropriate for Alaska to join other states 
     in the effort to encourage Swiss banking institutions to 
     release information that will bring closure to the painful 
     chapter in history we know as the Holocaust and justice to 
     those who lost everything, even their lives, to the actions 
     of the Nazi Germans and the Swiss banks; and
       Whereas the establishment of two commissions by the Swiss 
     government to investigate Switzerland's wartime dealings 
     reflects Swiss recognition of a moral obligation to uncover 
     the truth, especially in light of the advanced age of the 
     Holocaust survivor population; be it
       Resolved, That the Senate expresses its gratitude to the 
     members of the Swiss government and banking officials who 
     have cooperated thus far in allowing investigations to be 
     carried out because, without their assistance, these 
     investigations would not be possible and none of the assets 
     in question would be recoverable by their rightful owners or 
     their heirs; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate requests the government of 
     Switzerland and the Swiss banking industry to compensate 
     Holocaust survivors, their heirs, and Jewish communities in 
     Switzerland and throughout the world for denying their 
     property for more than 50 years.
       Copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable 
     Bill Clinton, President of the United States; the Honorable 
     Al Gore, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and 
     President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Strom Thurmond, 
     President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Newt 
     Gingrich, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; to 
     the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, 
     U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. 
     Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; 
     and to the seven members of the Federal Council, or 
     Bundesrat, of the Swiss government.
                                  ____

       POM-408. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of California; to the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 28

       Whereas, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Hungary, 
     and the Czech Republic are free, democratic, and independent 
     nations with long and proud histories and cultures; and
       Whereas, their recently attained freedom was achieved 
     following decades of struggle under the repressive yoke of 
     brutal Communist regimes; and
       Whereas, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a 
     defense alliance comprised of democratic states and is 
     dedicated to the preservation and security of its member 
     nations; and
       Whereas, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Hungary, 
     and the Czech Republic desire to share in both the benefits 
     and obligations of NATO in pursuing the development, growth, 
     and promotion of democratic institutions and ensuring free 
     market economic development; and
       Whereas, article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty provides 
     the opportunity for NATO to accept as new members those 
     nations that will promote the high standards of the Alliance 
     and will contribute to the strengthening of the North 
     Atlantic region; and
       Whereas, Poland's, Hungary's, and the Czech Republic's 
     democratic governments and free market economies place them 
     in full compliance with the membership criteria in accordance 
     with Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty as well as the 
     ``Study on the Expansion of NATO''; and
       Whereas, Poland's, Hungary's and the Czech Republic's 
     economies are the fastest growing and most robust of the 
     eastern European nations, their economic ties to the United 
     States overall, and in particular to California, have 
     broadened significantly from year to year, and the 1990 
     United States Census indicates that well over 750,000 
     Californians claim Polish, Hungarian, or Czech ancestry; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of 
     California, jointly,  That the Legislature of the State of 
     California expresses its complete support for full inclusion 
     of the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Hungary, and the 
     Czech Republic into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of California 
     respectfully memorializes the President and the Congress of 
     the United States to take all actions necessary to support 
     inclusion of the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Hungary, 
     and the Czech Republic as full members of the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of California 
     respectfully memorializes the United States Senate to 
     promptly ratify the proposed amendment to the North Atlantic 
     Treaty to include the Republic of Poland, the Republic of 
     Hungary, and the Czech Republic as full members of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies 
     of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the 
     United States, to the Majority Leader of the United States 
     Senate, to the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from 
     California in the Congress of the United States.
                                  ____

       POM-409. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of California; to the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations.

                    Assembly Joint Resolution No. 47

       Whereas, the State of Israel was founded on the 19th 
     century Zionist vision of Theodor Herzl and came into 
     existence on May 14, 1948, as a homeland for Jewish people 
     from all parts of the world; and
       Whereas, for half a century, Israel has been one of 
     America's closest allies and has served as a stable, 
     democratic anchor in a turbulent region; and
       Whereas, Israel has shared America's perspective in 
     advancing democracy and free markets worldwide and in 
     offering humane treatment to refugees fleeing religious 
     persecution; and
       Whereas, Israel has served as an invaluable ally against 
     both unstable, anti-Western states and terrorists, and has 
     worked well with America's military, sharing key 
     technological advances; and
       Whereas, the longstanding and close emotional ties between 
     Israel and the United States have forged an unshakable 
     cultural bond between the two nations; and
       Whereas, with the launching of the Middle East peace 
     process, the United States looks forward to continuing its 
     uniquely intimate relationship with the State of Israel in a 
     new context characterized by peace, stability, and 
     prosperity; and
       Whereas, many Californians hold close personal ties to 
     Israel and many more share the dream of a peaceful and 
     prosperous Israel; and
       Whereas, the State of Israel has been and continues to be a 
     vital economic partner with this state in areas ranging from 
     high technology to agriculture; and
       Whereas, a year-long celebration of Israel's 50th 
     anniversary, involving art exhibits, conferences, festivals, 
     films, lectures, concerts, parties, religious services, and 
     organized trips to Israel, has begun throughout the state; 
     and

[[Page S4904]]

       Whereas, when looking back upon the accomplishments of the 
     State of Israel during its first 50 years, Americans should 
     expect this special relationship with Israel to continue long 
     into the foreseeable future; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Assembly and Senate of the State of 
     California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of 
     California hereby acknowledges the 50th anniversary of 
     independence for the State of Israel and looks forward to the 
     celebration of the centurion in the Jewish calendar year 
     5808; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature hereby extends its heartiest 
     congratulations to the State of Israel and the entire Jewish 
     and pro-Israel community throughout California upon the 
     occasion of Israel's 50th anniversary of its founding and 
     reaffirms the link of common culture and values between the 
     Israeli and American peoples; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit 
     copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President 
     of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from 
     California in the Congress of the United States.
                                  ____

       POM-410. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Arizona; to the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations.

                          House Memorial 2001

       Whereas, in December, 1997, the United Nations framework 
     convention on climate change met at Kyoto, Japan and adopted 
     a treaty that commits the United States to reducing carbon 
     dioxide emissions to seven percent below 1990 levels; and
       Whereas, fears of global warming due to increased levels of 
     carbon dioxide are not based on sound scientific evidence; 
     and
       Whereas, studies of past records of carbon dioxide levels 
     in the atmosphere show no correlation to global temperatures; 
     and
       Whereas, the general circulation models that have been 
     developed to predict future global temperatures based on 
     atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have failed to produce 
     credible results when compared to past records of global 
     temperatures; and
       Whereas, the adoption of the Kyoto treaty may lead to 
     government control of industry through the imposition of 
     carbon production permits, rationing and a tax levy on 
     consumer carbon emissions, resulting in sharply increased 
     costs and the loss of thousands of jobs; and
       Whereas, many major countries, including certain Latin 
     American and Asian nations, are exempt from the restrictions 
     of the Kyoto treaty, putting the United States at a severe 
     competitive disadvantage in the global economy.
       Wherefore your memorialist, the House of Representatives of 
     the State of Arizona, prays:
       1. That the members of the Senate of the United States not 
     ratify the Kyoto treaty adopted by the United Nations 
     framework convention on climate change under its present 
     terms and enact legislation prohibiting the adoption of an 
     executive order or regulation attempting to make effective 
     any provision of the treaty.
       2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the 
     Senate of the United States and to each Member of Congress 
     from the State of Arizona.
                                  ____

       POM-411. A resolution adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Alabama; to the Committee on Finance.

                       House Joint Resolution 227

       Whereas, private activity tax-exempt bonds finance many 
     worthy projects with a public benefit such as environmental 
     infrastructure projects, including sewage facilities, solid 
     waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste disposal 
     facilities, industrial development projects, student loans, 
     and low-income housing project; and
       Whereas, in 1988, Congress lowered the volume cap on the 
     issuance of such bonds to $50 per person, even though this 
     cap is lower than the 1986 cap originally established, which 
     fails to factor in the passage of time and inflation; and
       Whereas, many of these worthy projects are not going 
     forward due to the lack of available financing; and
       Whereas, while taxable financing may be available, the cost 
     of such financing can make a project economically unfeasible 
     because most of these projects do not provide a positive rate 
     of return; and
       Whereas, the allocation of these bonds in Alabama has been 
     oversubscribed for many years, and in 1997, applications 
     exceeded allocations by a large percentage; and
       Whereas, demand for private activity bond cap allocation 
     will certainly continue to increase, given Alabama's growing 
     economy, but the $50 per person allocation will decrease in 
     real value over time, increasing demand relative to the 
     available ceiling; and
       Whereas, unless Congress increases the volume cap and 
     provides an inflation adjustment for the future, there will 
     be fewer and fewer of these projects that will receive 
     financing; and
       Whereas, as entities decide to delay or cancel planned 
     investments, economic growth will necessarily slow, causing 
     negative ripple effects throughout the economy; and
       Whereas, legislation has been introduced in the Congress of 
     the United States that would increase the volume caps and 
     index them for inflation in the future; now therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both Houses thereof 
     concurring, That we hereby respectfully request the Congress 
     of the United States to enact legislation that would increase 
     the volume caps on private activity tax-exempt bonds.
       Resolved further, That we request Congress to consider the 
     impact of inflation in any future legislation concerning this 
     issue.
       Resolved further, That we request Congress to consider the 
     funds for this program that are not used by other states 
     should be allowed to be allocated to oversubscribed states 
     such as Alabama.
       Resolved further, That copies of this resolution be 
     provided to the President of the United States, the Speaker 
     of the House of Representatives and the President of the 
     Senate of the United States Congress, and to all the members 
     of the Alabama delegation to Congress with the request that 
     this resolution be officially entered on the Congressional 
     Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of 
     America.
                                  ____

       POM-412. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 211

       Whereas, over the past quarter century, mortgage revenue 
     bonds have helped many families in our state and across the 
     country realize their goal of purchasing their first home. 
     Mortgage revenue bonds help people of modest means gain a 
     greater stake in their communities through home ownership. As 
     many as 125,000 lower income families buy their first home 
     each year through programs in the states financed with 
     mortgage revenue bonds; and
       Whereas, the cap on the amount of money the states can use 
     for home ownership programs based on mortgage revenue bonds 
     was last adjusted a decade ago. As a result, annual demand 
     exceeds supply for mortgage revenue bond money by 
     approximately $2 billion; and
       Whereas, mortgage revenue bonds help finance mortgages for 
     buyers with nearly 80 percent of the national median income, 
     with the average price of the homes also approximately 80 
     percent of average conventionally financed, first-time homes. 
     The programs' requirements for income levels and the 
     safeguards against abuse make this one of the most successful 
     initiatives for home ownership in our country; and
       Whereas, there are two bills currently before Congress that 
     seek to raise the cap for mortgage revenue bonds. These 
     bills, H.R. 979 and S. 1251, would amend the Internal Revenue 
     Code to raise the cap. An important feature of the proposal 
     is that this amount would be indexed to inflation, beginning 
     in 1999. This is an approach that is long overdue; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact 
     legislation to raise the cap on mortgage revenue bonds; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-413. A resolution adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Minnesota; to the Committee on Finance.

                            Resolution No. 7

       Whereas, seventy-four percent of working-age adults with 
     severe disabilities are unemployed; and
       Whereas, many people with disabilities are highly dependent 
     on local, state, and federal assistance for support and 
     survival, particularly for necessary health care; and
       Whereas, a 1995 Lou Harris poll reported that two-thirds of 
     unemployed people with disabilities are eager to work; and
       Whereas, advances in technology, the civil rights 
     protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the 
     current labor shortage are opening up many new employment 
     opportunities for people with disabilities; and
       Whereas, current government policies, particularly those 
     relating to Medicaid, discourage people with disabilities 
     from working; and
       Whereas, existing Medicaid work incentives are flawed and 
     are completely unavailable to people with disabilities who do 
     not qualify for the SSI 1619(b) program; and
       Whereas, removing policy barriers to employment would 
     enable more people with disabilities to reduce their 
     dependence on Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, subsidized 
     housing, food stamps, and other state, local, and federal 
     government programs; and
       Whereas, becoming employed allows individuals with 
     disabilities to contribute to society by becoming taxpayers 
     themselves; and
       Whereas, employer-based health care and government 
     programs, such as Medicare, Minnesota Comprehensive Health 
     Association, and MinnesotaCare, do not typically cover long-
     term supports needed by people with disabilities: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, That 
     it urges the Congress of the United States to adopt Medicaid 
     buy-in legislation that would allow people with permanent 
     disabilities to retain Medicaid coverage to address unmet 
     health needs when they become employed; be it further
       Resolved, That such Medicaid buy-in legislation should 
     require individuals to take advantage of employer-based 
     health coverage,

[[Page S4905]]

     if available and affordable, and should further require 
     individuals to purchase needed Medicaid coverage on a sliding 
     fee scale, based on their ability to pay; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of State of the State of 
     Minnesota is directed to prepare copies of this memorial and 
     transmit them to the President and the Secretary of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United 
     States House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and 
     Representatives in Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-414. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Washington; to the Committee on Finance.

                       House Joint Memorial 4030

       Whereas, Medicaid has emerged as the most important 
     governmental program to provide health and long-term care 
     services to low-income persons and such program has continued 
     to grow substantially placing an ever-growing demand on 
     budgets of the national and state governments, and if the 
     spiraling costs of Medicaid is left unchecked it will 
     continue to have a detrimental effect on the social and 
     economic viability of our communities; and
       Whereas, Although it is well accepted by the people and 
     most policymakers that public programs can be more effective 
     and efficiently administered in our states and communities 
     without excessive regulations, Medicaid remains highly 
     bureaucratic granting flexibility to states sparingly and 
     only after an extensive and costly waiver process; and
       Whereas, The recent success of welfare reform is closely 
     associated with the degree of flexibility granted states in 
     administering that program and that similar success can be 
     realized in Medicaid if states are given the same authority;
       Now, therefore, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that 
     the President submit and Congress quickly pass legislation 
     that grants states extensive flexibility in the use of 
     Medicaid funding for acute and long-term care services.
       Be It Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of 
     the United States, the President of the United States Senate, 
     the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member 
     of Congress from the State of Washington, and the Secretary 
     of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
                                  ____

       POM-415. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 358

       Whereas, four domestic producers of stainless steel 
     products have filed a complaint with the Department of 
     Commerce alleging that the subsidies and other practices of 
     several foreign companies have allowed foreign companies to 
     sell stainless steel products in the American marketplace at 
     prices well below what they are being sold for in their home 
     markets; and
       Whereas, preliminary findings released by the Department of 
     Commerce indicate that the allegations of dumping relating to 
     certain stainless steel products have merit; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives memorialize the 
     Congress of the United States to urge the Department of 
     Commerce to continue in a timely fashion this ongoing 
     investigation and to take the matter before the International 
     Trade Commission for the imposition of appropriate sanctions; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to each 
     member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
                                  ____

       POM-416. A resolution adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Alabama; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                       House Joint Resolution 261

       Whereas, separation of powers is fundamental to the United 
     States Constitution and the power of the federal government 
     is strictly limited; and
       Whereas, under the United States Constitution, the states 
     are to determine public policy; and
       Whereas, it is the duty of the judiciary to interpret the 
     law, not to create law; and
       Whereas, our present federal government has strayed from 
     the intent of our founding fathers and the United States 
     Constitution through inappropriate federal mandates; and
       Whereas, these mandates by way of statute, rule, or 
     judicial decision have forced state governments to serve as 
     the mere administrative arm of the federal government; and
       Whereas, federal district courts, with the acquiescence of 
     the United States Supreme Court, continue to order states to 
     levy or increase taxes to comply with federal mandates, in 
     violation of the United States Constitution and the 
     legislative process; and
       Whereas, the time has come for the people of this great 
     nation and their duly elected representatives in state 
     government, to reaffirm, in no uncertain terms, that the 
     authority to tax under the Constitution of the United States 
     is retained by the people who, by their consent alone, do 
     delegate such power to tax explicitly to those duly elected 
     representatives in the legislative branch of government whom 
     they choose, such representatives being directly responsible 
     and accountable to those who have elected them; and
       Whereas, several states have petitioned the United States 
     Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the 
     United States of America which was previously introduced in 
     Congress; and
       Whereas, the amendment seeks to prevent federal courts from 
     levying or increasing taxes without representation of the 
     people and against the people's wishes; now therefore,
       Be It Resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both Houses 
     thereof concurring, as follows:
       1. That we hereby urge the Congress of the United States to 
     prepare and submit to the several states an amendment to the 
     Constitution of the United States to add a new article 
     providing as follows:
       ``Neither the Supreme Court nor any inferior court of the 
     United States shall have the power to instruct or order a 
     state or a political subdivision thereof, or an official of 
     such a state or political subdivision, to levy or increase 
     taxes.''
       2. That this resolution constitutes a continuing 
     application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution 
     of the United States.
       3. That we urge the legislatures of each of the several 
     states comprising the United States that have not yet made a 
     similar request to apply to the United States Congress 
     requesting enactment of an appropriate amendment to the 
     United States Constitution, and apply to the United States 
     Congress to propose such an amendment in the United States 
     Constitution.
       4. That copies of this resolution be provided to the 
     President and Vice President of the United States, the 
     presiding officer in each house of the legislature in each of 
     the states in the union, the Speaker of the United States 
     House of Representatives, the President of the United States 
     Senate, and to each member of the Alabama Congressional 
     Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-417. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Louisiana; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 41

       Whereas, the National Crime Victimization Survey from the 
     Bureau of Justice Statistics, United States Department of 
     Justice reports that in 1992 and 1993, nearly five million 
     women age twelve or older were victims of violent crimes 
     annually; and
       Whereas, these acts of violence included homicide, rape, 
     sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple 
     assault; and
       Whereas, domestic violence is not just a household, home, 
     or family problem but is a societal problem; and
       Whereas, over the past twenty years there has been an 
     increased acknowledgment of violence against women; and
       Whereas, each year violence against women continues to be a 
     major cause of injury to women:
       (1) more than one thousand women, about four every day, die 
     as a result of domestic violence;
       (2) domestic violence continues to be a leading cause of 
     homicide in our states,
       (3) fifty percent of the men who abuse their female 
     partners also abuse their children; and
       Whereas, more than half of the female children who witness 
     violence in the home become victims of domestic violence as 
     adults; and
       Whereas, in 1994, the Congress passed the Violence Against 
     Women Act (Public Law No. 103-322, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3796, et 
     seq.) which gave states funding to create programs to help 
     improve the responses of victim service providers and law 
     enforcement authorities to violence against women and 
     provided for vigorous apprehension and prosecution of persons 
     committing crimes against women; and
       Whereas, Congress will be considering reauthorization of 
     this Act under the Violence Against Women Act of 1998 which 
     seek funding to continue the important programs originally 
     enacted in the first Violence Against Women Act of 1994; 
     additional funding for new programs to address other issues 
     including child custody, insurance discrimination, legal 
     services eligibility, medical training, workplace safety, and 
     campus crime; and funding for training programs for social 
     service providers and law enforcement officials to target 
     violence against older women, disabled women, and provisions 
     to address the special needs of battered immigrant women; 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved That the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes the 
     Congress of the United States to support reauthorization of 
     and funding for the Violence Against Women Act of 1998; be it 
     further
       Resolved That a copy of this Resolution shall be 
     transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate and 
     the clerk of the United States House of Representatives and 
     to each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-418. A resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees, 
     Northville Township, Michigan relative to land use zoning 
     authority; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
       POM-419. A resolution adopted by the Council of the City of 
     Romulus, Michigan relative to land use zoning authority; to 
     the Committee on the Judiciary.
       POM-420. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the Commonwealth of Virginia; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

[[Page S4906]]

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 63

       Whereas, Article V of the United States Constitution 
     provides two methods by which the Constitution may be 
     amended: by presentation of an amendment by Congress to the 
     states for ratification and by Constitutional Convention, 
     convened at the request of the state legislatures; and
       Whereas, to date, the Constitution has been amended only by 
     means of the first method, with many experts suggesting that 
     a Constitutional Convention contains the inherent danger of 
     altering the Constitution more extensively than the 
     proponents of the Convention might have intended; and
       Whereas, by providing both methods of amending the 
     Constitution, the Framers clearly intended to provide a 
     mechanism by which the several states could initiate the 
     Constitutional amendment process but did not anticipate the 
     later reluctance to convene a Constitutional Convention; and
       Whereas, House Joint Resolution No. 84, introduced in the 
     105th Congress by Virginia Congressman Tom Bliley and 
     cosponsored by Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode, proposes a 
     process by which the states could initiate the amending 
     process without the perils of a Constitutional Convention; 
     and
       Whereas, under the proposal, ``two thirds of the 
     legislatures of the several states may propose an amendment 
     to the Constitution by enacting identical legislation in each 
     such legislature proposing the amendment''; and
       Whereas, if two-thirds of the House and Senate did not vote 
     to disapprove of the proposed amendment, it would be 
     submitted to the states for ratification, and upon 
     ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures, the 
     amendment would become part of the Constitution; and
       Whereas, Congressman Bliley's Constitutional Amendment is a 
     reasonable and prudent proposal to provide the states with a 
     means of modifying the Constitution of the United States, 
     thus providing the states an option that the Framers clearly 
     intended; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved By the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, 
     That the General Assembly hereby urge the Congress to approve 
     House Joint Resolution No. 84, which proposes an amendment to 
     the United States Constitution to provide a means by which 
     the states can initiate the amendment process without the 
     necessity of a Constitutional Convention; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of 
     this resolution to the President of the United States Senate, 
     the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     and the members of the Congressional delegation of Virginia 
     so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General 
     Assembly of Virginia.

                          ____________________