[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6261-S6270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VISION 2020 NATIONAL PARKS RESTORATION ACT

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate

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now proceed to the consideration of calendar No. 397, S. 1693.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 1693) to renew, reform, reinvigorate, and 
     protect the national parks.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the bill?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting clause 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

                                S. 1693

       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 ``Vision 2020 National Parks 
     System Restoration Act''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       As used in this Act, the term--
       (1) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior, and
       (2) ``park'' or ``national park'' means a unit of the 
     National Park System.

    TITLE I--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CAREER DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND 
                               MANAGEMENT

     SEC. 101. PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION AND RESEARCH IN THE 
                   NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM.

       Recognizing the ever increasing societal pressures being 
     placed upon America's unique natural and cultural resources 
     contained in the National Park System, the Secretary shall 
     continually improve the ability of the National Park Service 
     to provide state-of-the art management, protection, and 
     interpretation of and research on the resources of the 
     National Park System.

     SEC. 102. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EMPLOYEE TRAINING.

       The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive training 
     program for employees in all professional careers in the work 
     force of the National Park Service for the purpose of 
     assuring that the work force has available the best, up-to-
     date knowledge, skills and abilities with which to manage, 
     interpret and protect the resources of the National Park 
     System.

     SEC. 103. MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING.

       The Secretary shall develop a clear plan for management 
     training and development, whereby career, professional 
     National Park Service employees from any appropriate academic 
     field may obtain sufficient training, experience, and 
     advancement opportunity to enable those qualified to move 
     into park management positions, including explicitly the 
     position of park superintendent.

     SEC. 104. PARK BUDGETS AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

       (a) Strategic Plans.--Each unit of the National Park System 
     shall prepare and make available to the public a 5-year 
     strategic plan and an annual performance plan. Such plans 
     shall reflect the National Park Service policies, goals and 
     outcomes represented in the Service-wide Strategic Plan, 
     prepared pursuant to the provisions of the Government 
     Performance and Results Act (Public Law 103-62).
       (b) Park Budget.--As a part of each park's annual 
     performance plan prepared pursuant to subsection (a) of this 
     section, following receipt of each park's appropriation from 
     the Operations of the National Park System account (but no 
     later than January 1 of each year), each park superintendent 
     shall develop and make available to the public the budget for 
     the current fiscal year for that park. The budget shall 
     include, at a minimum, funding allocations for resource 
     preservation (including resource management), visitor 
     services (including maintenance, interpretation, law 
     enforcement, and search and rescue) and administration. The 
     budget shall also include allocations into each of the above 
     categories of all funds retained from fees collected for that 
     year, including but not limited to special use permits, 
     concession franchise fees, and recreation use and entrance 
     fees.

    TITLE II--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM RESOURCE INVENTORY AND MANAGEMENT

     SEC. 201. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this title are--
       (1) to more effectively achieve the mission of the National 
     Park Service;
       (2) to enhance management and protection of national park 
     resources by providing clear authority and direction for the 
     conduct of scientific study in the National Park System and 
     to use the information gathered for management purposes;
       (3) to ensure appropriate documentation of resource 
     conditions in the National Park System;
       (4) to encourage others to use the National Park System for 
     study to the benefit of park management as well as broader 
     scientific value, where such study is consistent with the Act 
     of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4); and
       (5) to encourage the publication and dissemination of 
     information derived from studies in the National Park System.

     SEC. 202. RESEARCH MANDATE.

       The Secretary is authorized and directed to assure that 
     management of units of the National Park System is enhanced 
     by the availability and utilization of a broad program of the 
     highest quality science and information.

     SEC. 203. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

       (a) Cooperative Study Units.--The Secretary is authorized 
     and directed to enter into cooperative agreements with 
     colleges and universities, including but not limited to land 
     grant schools, in partnership with other Federal and State 
     agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct 
     multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated 
     information products on the resources of the National Park 
     System, or the larger region of which parks are a part.
       (b) Report.--Within one year of the date of enactment of 
     this title, the Secretary shall report to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and 
     the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives on 
     progress in the establishment of a comprehensive network of 
     such college and university based cooperative study units as 
     will provide full geographic and topical coverage for 
     research on the resources contained in units of the National 
     Park System and their larger regions.

     SEC. 204. INVENTORY AND MONITORING PROGRAM.

       The Secretary shall undertake a program of inventory and 
     monitoring of National Park System resources to establish 
     baseline information and to provide information on the long-
     term trends in the condition of National Park System 
     resources. The monitoring program shall be developed in 
     cooperation with other Federal monitoring and information 
     collection efforts to ensure a cost-effective approach.

     SEC. 205. AVAILABILITY FOR SCIENTIFIC STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may solicit, receive, and 
     consider requests from Federal or non-Federal public or 
     private agencies, organizations, individuals, or other 
     entities for the use of any unit of the National Park System 
     for purposes of scientific study.
       (b) Criteria.--A request for use of a unit of the National 
     Park System under subsection (a) may only be approved if the 
     Secretary determines that the proposed study--
       (1) is consistent with applicable laws and National Park 
     Service management policies; and
       (2) will be conducted in a manner as to pose no significant 
     threat to or broad impairment of park resources or public 
     enjoyment derived from those resources.
       (c) Fee Waiver.--The Secretary may waive any park admission 
     or recreational use fee in order to facilitate the conduct of 
     scientific study under this section.

     SEC. 206. INTEGRATION OF STUDY RESULTS INTO MANAGEMENT 
                   DECISIONS.

       The Secretary shall take such measures as are necessary to 
     assure the full and proper utilization of the results of 
     scientific study for park management decisions. In each case 
     in which a park resource may be adversely affected by an 
     action undertaken by the National Park Service, the 
     administrative record shall reflect the manner in which unit 
     resource studies have been considered.

     SEC. 207. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION.

       Information concerning the nature and location of a park 
     resource which is endangered, threatened, rare, or 
     commercially valuable, or for an object of cultural patrimony 
     within a unit of the National Park System, may be withheld 
     from the public in response to a request under section 552 of 
     title 5, United States Code, unless the Secretary determines 
     that--
       (1) disclosure of the information would further the 
     purposes of the park unit in which the resource is located 
     and would not create a substantial risk of harm, theft, or 
     destruction of the resource, including individual specimens 
     of any resource population; and
       (2) disclosure is consistent with other applicable laws 
     protecting the resource.

 TITLE III--PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW UNITS OF THE NATIONAL 
                              PARK SYSTEM

     SEC. 301. STUDIES OF AREAS FOR POTENTIAL INCLUSION IN THE 
                   NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM.

       Section 8 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``General Author- ity.--'' after ``(a)'';
       (B) by striking the second through sixth sentences;
       (C) by striking ``For the purposes of carrying out'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purposes of 
     carrying out''; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Studies of Areas for Potential Inclusion in the 
     National Park System.--
       ``(1)(A) At the beginning of each calendar year, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on 
     Resources of the United States House of Representatives a 
     list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion 
     as new units in the National Park System.
       ``(B) If the Secretary determines during a specific 
     calendar year that no areas are recommended for study for 
     potential inclusion in the National Park System, the 
     Secretary is not required to submit the list referenced in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(2) In developing the list submitted under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall consider--

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       ``(A) areas that have the greatest potential for meeting 
     the established criteria of national significance, 
     suitability, and feasibility;
       ``(B) themes, sites, and resources not adequately 
     represented in the National Park System; and
       ``(C) public proposals and Congressional requests.
       ``(3) Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority 
     of the Secretary to conduct preliminary planning activities, 
     including--
       ``(A) the conduct of a preliminary resource assessment;
       ``(B) collection of data on a potential study area;
       ``(C) provision of technical and planning assistance;
       ``(D) preparation or processing of a nomination for an 
     administrative designation;
       ``(E) updating of a previous study; or
       ``(F) completion of a reconnaissance survey of an area.
       ``(4) National wild and scenic rivers system; national 
     trails system.--Nothing in this section applies to, affects, 
     or alters the study of--
       ``(A) any river segment for potential addition to the 
     National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; or
       ``(B) any trail for potential addition to the National 
     Trails System.
       ``(5) In conducting a study under this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(A) provide adequate public notice and an opportunity for 
     public involvement, including at least one public meeting in 
     the vicinity of the area under study; and
       ``(B) make reasonable efforts to notify potentially 
     affected landowners and State and local governments.
       ``(6) In conducting a study of an area under this 
     subsection, the Secretary--
       ``(A) shall consider whether the area--
       ``(i) possesses nationally significant natural, historic or 
     cultural resources, or outstanding recreational 
     opportunities;
       ``(ii) represents one of the most important examples 
     (singly or as part of a group) of a particular resource type 
     in the United States; and
       ``(iii) is a suitable and feasible addition to the National 
     Park System;
       ``(B) shall consider--
       ``(i) the rarity and integrity of the resources of the 
     area;
       ``(ii) the threats to resources;
       ``(iii) whether similar resources are already protected in 
     the National Park System or in other public or private 
     ownership;
       ``(iv) benefits to the public;
       ``(v) the interpretive and educational potential of the 
     area;
       ``(vi) costs associated with acquisition, development, and 
     operation of the area and the source or revenue to pay for 
     the cost;
       ``(vii) the socioeconomic impacts of inclusion of the area 
     in the National Park System;
       ``(viii) the level of local and general public support for 
     the inclusion;
       ``(ix) whether the area is of appropriate configuration to 
     ensure long-term resource protection and appropriate visitor 
     use; and
       ``(x) the potential impact on the inclusion of the area on 
     existing units of the National Park System;
       ``(C) shall consider whether direct management by the 
     Secretary or alternative protection by other public agencies 
     or the private sector is most appropriate for the area;
       ``(D) shall identify what alternative, if any, or what 
     combination of alternatives would, as determined by the 
     Secretary, be most effective and efficient in protecting 
     significant resources and providing for public enjoyment; and
       ``(E) may include any other information that the Secretary 
     considers pertinent.
       ``(7) The letter transmitting a completed study to Congress 
     shall contain a recommendation regarding the preferred 
     management option of the Secretary for the area.
       ``(8) The Secretary shall complete a study of an area for 
     potential inclusion in the National Park System within three 
     years after the date funds are made available for the study.
       ``(c) List of Previously Studied Areas with Historical or 
     Natural Resources.--
       ``(1) At the beginning of each calendar year, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
     of the United States Senate and to the Committee on Resources 
     of the United States House of Representatives--
       ``(A) a list of areas that have been previously studied 
     under this section that contain primarily historical or 
     cultural resources, but have not been added to the National 
     Park System; and
       ``(B) a list of areas that have been previously studied 
     under this section that contain primarily natural resources, 
     but have not been added to the National Park System.
       ``(2) In developing a list under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall consider the factors described in subsection 
     (b)(2).
       ``(3) The Secretary shall include on a list under paragraph 
     (1) only areas for which supporting data are current and 
     accurate.''.

         TITLE IV--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONCESSION MANAGEMENT

     SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Park Service 
     Concession Management Improvement Act of 1998''.

     SEC. 402. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       In furtherance of the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 
     535), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4), which directs the 
     Secretary of the Interior to administer areas of the National 
     Park System in accordance with the fundamental purpose of 
     conserving their scenery, wildlife, natural and historic 
     objects, and providing for their enjoyment in a manner that 
     will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future 
     generations, the Congress hereby finds that the preservation 
     of park values requires that such public accommodations, 
     facilities and services as have to be provided within those 
     areas should be provided only under carefully controlled 
     safeguards against unregulated and indiscriminate use, so 
     that heavy visitation will not unduly impair these values and 
     so that development of such facilities can best be limited to 
     locations where the least damage to park values will be 
     caused. It is the policy of the Congress that such 
     development shall be limited to those that are necessary and 
     appropriate for public use and enjoyment of the unit of the 
     National Park System in which they are located and that are 
     consistent to the highest practicable degree with the 
     preservation and conservation of the units.

     SEC. 403. AWARD OF CONCESSION CONTRACTS.

       In furtherance of the findings and policy stated in section 
     402, and, except as provided by this title or otherwise 
     authorized by law, the Secretary shall utilize concession 
     contracts to authorize private entities to provide 
     accommodations, facilities and services to visitors to areas 
     of the National Park system. Such concession contracts shall 
     be awarded as follows:
       (a) Competitive Selection Process.--Except as otherwise 
     provided in this section, all proposed concession contracts 
     shall be awarded by the Secretary to the person, corporation, 
     or other entity submitting the best proposal as determined by 
     the Secretary through a competitive selection process. Such 
     competitive process shall include simplified procedures for 
     small, individually-owned, concession contracts.
       (b) Solicitation of Proposals.--Except as otherwise 
     provided in this section, prior to awarding a new concession 
     contract (including renewals or extensions of existing 
     concession contracts) the Secretary shall publicly solicit 
     proposals for the concession contract and, in connection with 
     such solicitation, the Secretary shall prepare a prospectus 
     and shall publish notice of its availability at least once in 
     local or national newspapers or trade publications, and/or 
     the Commerce Business Daily, as appropriate, and shall make 
     the prospectus available upon request to all interested 
     parties.
       (c) Prospectus.--The prospectus shall include, but need not 
     be limited to, the following information:
       (1) the minimum requirements for such contract as set forth 
     in subsection (d);
       (2) the terms and conditions of any existing concession 
     contract relating to the services and facilities to be 
     provided, including all fees and other forms of compensation 
     provided to the United States by the concessioner;
       (3) other authorized facilities or services which may be 
     provided in a proposal;
       (4) facilities and services to be provided by the Secretary 
     to the concessioner, if any, including, but not limited to, 
     public access, utilities, and buildings;
       (5) an estimate of the amount of compensation, if any, due 
     an existing concessioner from a new concessioner under the 
     terms of a prior concession contract;
       (6) a statement as to the weight to be given to each 
     selection factor identified in the prospectus and the 
     relative importance of such factors in the selection process;
       (7) such other information related to the proposed 
     concession operation as is provided to the Secretary pursuant 
     to a concession contract or is otherwise available to the 
     Secretary, as the Secretary determines is necessary to allow 
     for the submission of competitive proposals; and
       (8) where applicable, a description of a preferential right 
     to the award of the proposed concession contract held by an 
     existing concessioner as set forth in subsection (g).
       (d) Minimum Requirements.--
       (1) No proposal shall be considered which fails to meet the 
     minimum requirements as determined by the Secretary. Such 
     minimum requirements shall include, but need not be limited 
     to--
       (A) the minimum acceptable franchise fee or other forms of 
     consideration to the government;
       (B) any facilities, services, or capital investment 
     required to be provided by the concessioner; and
       (C) measures necessary to ensure the protection and 
     preservation of park resources.
       (2) The Secretary shall reject any proposal, regardless of 
     the franchise fee offered, if the Secretary determines that 
     the person, corporation or entity is not qualified, is not 
     likely to provide satisfactory service, or that the proposal 
     is not responsive to the objectives of protecting and 
     preserving park resources and of providing necessary and 
     appropriate facilities and services to the public at 
     reasonable rates.
       (3) If all proposals submitted to the Secretary either fail 
     to meet the minimum requirements or are rejected by the 
     Secretary, the Secretary shall establish new minimum contract 
     requirements and re-initiate the competitive selection 
     process pursuant to this section.
       (4) The Secretary may not execute a concession contract 
     which materially amends or does not incorporate the proposed 
     terms and conditions of the concession contract as set forth 
     in the applicable prospectus. If proposed material amendments 
     or changes are considered appropriate by the Secretary, the 
     Secretary shall resolicit offers for the concession contract 
     incorporating such material amendments or changes.
       (e) Selection of the Best Proposal.--
       (1) In selecting the best proposal, the Secretary shall 
     consider the following principal factors:
       (A) The responsiveness of the proposal to the objectives of 
     protecting and preserving park resources and values and of 
     providing necessary and appropriate facilities and services 
     to the public at reasonable rates.
       (B) The experience and related background of the person, 
     corporation, or entity submitting the proposal, including but 
     not limited to, the past performance and expertise of such 
     person, corporation or entity in providing the same or 
     similar facilities or services.

[[Page S6264]]

       (C) The financial capability of the person, corporation or 
     entity submitting the proposal.
       (D) The proposed franchise fee: Provided, That 
     consideration of revenue to the United States shall be 
     subordinate to the objectives of protecting and preserving 
     park resources and of providing necessary and appropriate 
     facilities to the public at reasonable rates.
       (2) The Secretary may also consider such secondary factors 
     as the Secretary deems appropriate.
       (3) In developing regulations to implement this title, the 
     Secretary shall consider the extent to which plans for 
     employment of Indians (including Native Alaskans) and 
     involvement of business owned by Indians, Indian tribes, or 
     Native Alaskans in the operation of a concession contracts 
     should be identified as a factor in the selection of a best 
     proposal under this section.
       (f) Congressional Notification.--The Secretary shall submit 
     any proposed concession contract with anticipated annual 
     gross receipts in excess of $5,000,000 or a duration of ten 
     years or more to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on 
     Resources of the United States House of Representatives. The 
     Secretary shall not award any such proposed contract until at 
     least 60 days subsequent to the notification of both 
     committees.
       (g) Preferential Right of Renewal.--
       (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     shall not grant a concessioner a preferential right to renew 
     a concession contract, or any other form of preference to a 
     concession contract.
       (2) The Secretary shall grant a preferential right of 
     renewal to an existing concessioner with respect to proposed 
     renewals of the categories of concession contracts described 
     by subsection (h), subject to the requirements of that 
     subsection.
       (3) As used in this title, the term ``preferential right of 
     renewal'' means that the Secretary, subject to a 
     determination by the Secretary that the facilities or 
     services authorized by a prior contract continue to be 
     necessary and appropriate within the meaning of section 402 
     of this title, shall allow a concessioner qualifying for a 
     preferential right of renewal the opportunity to match the 
     terms and conditions of any competing proposal which the 
     Secretary determines to be the best proposal for a proposed 
     new concession contract which authorizes the continuation 
     of the facilities and services provided by the 
     concessioner under its prior contract.
       (4) A concessioner which successfully exercises a 
     preferential right of renewal in accordance with the 
     requirements of this title shall be entitled to award of the 
     proposed new concession contract to which such preference 
     applies.
       (h) Outfitter and Guide Services and Small Contracts.--The 
     provisions of subsection (g) shall apply only to concession 
     contracts authorizing outfitter and guide services and 
     concession contracts with anticipated annual gross receipts 
     under $500,000 as further described below and which otherwise 
     qualify as follows:
       (1) Outfitting and Guide Contracts.--For the purposes of 
     this title, an ``outfitting and guide concession contract'' 
     means a concession contract which solely authorizes the 
     provision of specialized backcountry outdoor recreation guide 
     services which require the employment of specially trained 
     and experienced guides to accompany park visitors in the 
     backcountry so as to provide a safe and enjoyable experience 
     for visitors who otherwise may not have the skills and 
     equipment to engage in such activity. Outfitting and guide 
     concessioners, where otherwise qualified, include, but are 
     not limited to, concessioners which provide guided river 
     running, hunting, fishing, horseback, camping, and 
     mountaineering experiences. An outfitting and guide 
     concessioner is entitled to a preferential right of renewal 
     under this title only if--
       (A) the contract the outfitting and guide concessioner 
     holds does not grant the concessioner any interest, 
     including, but not limited to, any leasehold surrender 
     interest or possessory interest, in capital improvements on 
     lands owned by the United States within a unit of the 
     National Park System: Provided, That this limitation shall 
     not apply to capital improvements constructed by a 
     concessioner pursuant to the terms of a concession contract 
     prior to the effective date of this title; and
       (B) the Secretary determines that the concessioner has 
     operated satisfactorily during the term of the contract 
     (including any extension thereof); and
       (C) the concessioner has submitted a responsive proposal 
     for a proposed new contract which satisfies the minimum 
     requirements established by the Secretary pursuant to 
     subsection (d).
       (2) Contracts with anticipated annual gross receipts under 
     $500,000.--A concessioner which holds a concession contract 
     where the Secretary has estimated that its renewal will 
     result in gross annual receipts of less than $500,000 shall 
     be entitled to a preferential right of renewal under this 
     title if--
       (A) the Secretary has determined that the concessioner has 
     operated satisfactorily during the term of the contract 
     (including any extension thereof); and
       (B) the concessioner has submitted a responsive proposal 
     for a proposed new concession contract which satisfies the 
     minimum requirements established by the Secretary pursuant to 
     subsection (d).
       (i) New or Additional Services.--The Secretary shall not 
     grant a preferential right to a concessioner to provide new 
     or additional services in a park.
       (j) Secretarial Authority.--Nothing in this title shall be 
     construed as limiting the authority of the Secretary to 
     determine whether to issue a concession contract or to 
     establish its terms and conditions in furtherance of the 
     policies expressed in this title.
       (k) Exceptions.--Notwithstanding the provisions of this 
     section, the Secretary may award, without public 
     solicitation--
       (1) a temporary concession contract or extend an existing 
     concession contract for a term not to exceed three years in 
     order to avoid interruption of services to the public at a 
     park, except that prior to making such an award, the 
     Secretary shall take all reasonable and appropriate steps to 
     consider alternatives to avoid such interruption; and
       (2) a concession contract in extraordinary circumstances 
     where compelling and equitable considerations require the 
     award of a concession contract to a particular party in the 
     public interest. Such award of a concession contract shall 
     not be made by the Secretary until at least thirty days after 
     publication in the ``Federal Register'' of notice of the 
     Secretary's intention to do so and the reasons for such 
     action, and notice to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on 
     Resources of the United States House of Representatives.

     SEC. 404. TERM OF CONCESSION CONTRACTS.

       A concession contract entered into pursuant to this title 
     shall be awarded for a term not to exceed ten years: 
     Provided, That the Secretary may award a contract for a term 
     of up to twenty years if the Secretary determines that the 
     contract terms and conditions, including the required 
     construction of capital improvements, warrant a longer term.

     SEC. 405. PROTECTION OF CONCESSIONER INVESTMENT.

       (a) Leasehold Surrender Interest Under New Concession 
     Contracts.--
       (1) On or after the date of enactment of this title, a 
     concessioner which constructs a capital improvement upon land 
     owned by the United States within a unit of the National Park 
     System pursuant to a concession contract, shall have a 
     leasehold surrender interest in such capital improvement 
     subject to the following terms and conditions:
       (A) A concessioner shall have a property right in each 
     capital improvement constructed by a concessioner under a 
     concession contract, consisting solely of a right to 
     compensation for the capital improvement to the extent of the 
     value of the concessioner's leasehold surrender interest in 
     the capital improvement.
       (B) A leasehold surrender interest--
       (i) may be pledged as security for financing of a capital 
     improvement or the acquisition of a concession contract when 
     approved by the Secretary pursuant to this title;
       (ii) shall be transferred by the concessioner in connection 
     with any transfer of the concession contract and may be 
     relinquished or waived by the concessioner; and
       (iii) shall not be extinguished by the expiration or other 
     termination of a concession contract and may not be taken for 
     public use except on payment of just compensation.
       (C) The value of a leasehold surrender interest in a 
     capital improvement shall be an amount equal to the initial 
     value (construction cost of the capital improvement), 
     increased (or decreased) in the same percentage increase (or 
     decrease) as the percentage increase (or decrease) in the 
     Consumer Price Index, from the date of making the investment 
     in the capital improvement by the concessioner to the date of 
     payment of the value of the leasehold surrender interest, 
     less depreciation of the capital improvement as evidenced by 
     the condition and prospective serviceability in comparison 
     with a new unit of like kind.
       (D) Where a concessioner, pursuant to the terms of a 
     concession contract, makes a capital improvement to an 
     existing capital improvement in which the concessioner has a 
     leasehold surrender interest, the cost of such additional 
     capital improvement shall be added to the then current value 
     of the concessioner's leasehold surrender interest.
       (E) For purposes of this section, the term--
       (i) ``Consumer Price Index'' means the ``Consumer Price 
     Index--All Urban Consumers'' published by the Bureau of Labor 
     Statistics of the Department of Labor, unless such index is 
     not published, in which case another regularly published 
     cost-of-living index approximating the Consumer Price Index 
     shall be utilized by the Secretary; and
       (ii) ``capital improvement'' means a structure, fixture, or 
     non-removable equipment provided by a concessioner pursuant 
     to the terms of a concession contract and located on lands of 
     the United States within a unit of the National Park System.
       (b) Special Rule for Existing Possessory Interest.--
       (1) A concessioner which has obtained a possessory interest 
     as defined in Public Law 89-249 under the terms of a 
     concession contract entered into prior to the date of 
     enactment of this title shall, upon the expiration or 
     termination of such contract, be entitled to receive 
     compensation for such possessory interest improvements in the 
     amount and manner as described by such concession contract.
       (2) In the event such prior concessioner is awarded a new 
     concession contract after the effective date of this title 
     replacing an existing concession contract, the existing 
     concessioner shall, instead of directly receiving such 
     possessory interest compensation, have a leasehold surrender 
     interest in its existing possessory interest improvements 
     under the terms of the new contract and shall carry over as 
     the initial value of such leasehold surrender interest 
     (instead of construction cost) an amount equal to the value 
     of the existing possessory interest as of the termination 
     date of the previous contract. In the event of a dispute 
     between the concessioner and the Secretary as to the value of 
     such possessory interest, the matter shall be resolved 
     through binding arbitration.
       (3) In the event that a new concessioner is awarded a 
     concession contract and is required to pay a prior 
     concessioner for possessory interest in prior improvements, 
     the new concessioner

[[Page S6265]]

     shall have a leasehold surrender interest in such prior 
     improvements and the initial value in such leasehold 
     surrender interest (instead of construction cost), shall be 
     an amount equal to the value of the existing possessory 
     interest as of the termination date of the previous contract.
       (c) Transition to Successor Concessioner.--Upon expiration 
     or termination of a concession contract entered into after 
     the effective date of this title, a concessioner shall be 
     entitled under the terms of the concession contract to 
     receive from the United States or a successor concessioner 
     the value of any leasehold surrender interest in a capital 
     improvement as of the date of such expiration or termination. 
     A successor concessioner shall have a leasehold surrender 
     interest in such capital improvement under the terms of a new 
     contract and the initial value of the leasehold surrender 
     interest in such capital improvement (instead of construction 
     cost) shall be the amount of money the new concessioner is 
     required to pay the prior concessioner for its leasehold 
     surrender interest under the terms of the prior concession 
     contract.
       (d) Title to Improvements.--Title to any capital 
     improvement constructed by a concessioner on lands owned by 
     the United States in a unit of the National Park System shall 
     be in the United States.

     SEC. 406. REASONABLENESS OF RATES.

       The reasonableness of a concessioner's rates and charges to 
     the public, unless otherwise provided in the contract, shall 
     be judged primarily by comparison with those rates and 
     charges for facilities and services of comparable character 
     under similar conditions, with due consideration for length 
     of season, peakloads, average percentage of occupancy, 
     accessibility, availability and costs of labor and materials, 
     type of patronage, and other factors deemed significant by 
     the Secretary. A concessioner's rates and charges to the 
     public shall be subject to approval by the Secretary pursuant 
     to the terms of the concesssion contract. The approval 
     process utilized by the Secretary shall be as prompt and 
     unburdensome to the concessioner as possible and shall rely 
     on market forces to establish reasonableness of rates and 
     charges to the maximum extent practicable.

     SEC. 407. FRANCHISE FEES.

       (a) In General.--A concession contract shall provide for 
     payment to the government of a franchise fee or such other 
     monetary consideration as determined by the Secretary, upon 
     consideration of the probable value to the concessioner of 
     the privileges granted by the particular contract involved. 
     Such probable value is a reasonable opportunity for net 
     profit in relation to capital invested and the obligations of 
     the contract. Consideration of revenue to the United States 
     shall be subordinate to the objectives of protecting and 
     preserving park areas and of providing adequate and 
     appropriate services for visitors at reasonable rates.
       (b) Amount of Franchise Fee.--The amount of the franchise 
     fee or other monetary consideration paid to the United States 
     for the term of the concession contract shall be specified in 
     the concession contract and may only be modified to reflect 
     substantial, unanticipated changes from the conditions 
     anticipated as of the effective date of the contract. The 
     Secretary shall include in concession contracts with a term 
     of more than five years a provision which allows 
     reconsideration of the franchise fee at the request of the 
     Secretary or the concessioner in the event of such 
     substantial, unanticipated changes. Such provision shall 
     provide for binding arbitration in the event that the 
     Secretary and the concessioner are unable to agree upon an 
     adjustment to the franchise fee in these circumstances.
       (c) Special Account.--All franchise fees (and other 
     monetary consideration) paid to the United States pursuant to 
     a concession contract shall be covered into a special account 
     established in the Treasury of the United States. The funds 
     contained in such special account shall be available for 
     expenditure by the Secretary, subject to appropriation, until 
     expended for use in accordance with subsection (d).
       (d) Use of Franchise Fees.--Funds contained in the special 
     account shall be transferred to a subaccount and shall be 
     allocated to each applicable unit of the National Park 
     System, based on the proportion that the amount of concession 
     contract fees collected from the unit during the fiscal year 
     bears to the total amount of concession contract fees 
     collected from all units of the National Park System during 
     the fiscal year, to fund high-priority resource management 
     and visitor services programs and operations.

     SEC. 408. TRANSFER OF CONCESSION CONTRACTS.

       (a) Approval of the Secretary.--No concession contract or 
     leasehold surrender interest may be transferred, assigned, 
     sold, or otherwise conveyed or pledged by a concessioner 
     without prior written notification to, and approval of the 
     Secretary.
       (b) Conditions.--The Secretary shall not unreasonably 
     withhold approval of such a conveyance or pledge, and shall 
     approve such conveyance or pledge if the Secretary in his 
     discretion determines that--
       (1) the individual, corporation or entity seeking to 
     acquire a concession contract is qualified to be able to 
     satisfy the terms and conditions of the concession contract;
       (2) such conveyance or pledge is consistent with the 
     objectives of protecting and preserving park resources and of 
     providing necessary and appropriate facilities and services 
     to visitors at reasonable rates and charges; and
       (3) the terms of such conveyance or pledge are not likely, 
     directly or indirectly, to: reduce the concessioner's 
     opportunity for a reasonable profit over the remaining term 
     of the contract; adversely affect the quality of facilities 
     and services provided by the concessioner; or result in a 
     need for increased rates and charges to the public to 
     maintain the quality of such facilities and services.

     SEC. 409. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONCESSIONS MANAGEMENT 
                   ADVISORY BOARD.

       (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established a National 
     Park Service Concessions Management Advisory Board 
     (hereinafter in this title referred to as the ``Advisory 
     Board'') whose purpose shall be to advise the Secretary and 
     National Park Service on matters relating to management of 
     concessions in areas of the National Park System. Among other 
     matters, the Advisory Board shall advise on policies and 
     procedures intended to assure that services and facilities 
     provided by concessioners meet acceptable standards at 
     reasonable rates with a minimum of impact on park resources 
     and values, and provide the concessioners with a reasonable 
     opportunity to make a profit. The Advisory Board shall also 
     advise on ways to make National Park Service concession 
     programs and procedures more cost effective, efficient, and 
     less burdensome, including, but not limited to, providing 
     recommendations regarding National Park Service contracting 
     with the private sector to conduct appropriate elements of 
     concessions management and providing recommendations to make 
     more efficient and less burdensome the approval of 
     concessioner rates and charges to the public. In addition, 
     the Advisory Board shall make recommendations to the 
     Secretary regarding the nature and scope of products which 
     qualify as Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian 
     handicrafts within this meaning of this title. The Advisory 
     Board, commencing with the first anniversary of its initial 
     meeting, shall provide an annual report on its activities to 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United 
     States Senate and the Committee on Resources of the United 
     States House of Representatives.
       (b) Advisory Board Membership.--Members of the Advisory 
     Board shall be appointed on a staggered basis by the 
     Secretary for a term not to exceed four years and shall serve 
     at the pleasure of the Secretary. The Advisory Board shall be 
     comprised of not more than seven individuals appointed from 
     among citizens of the United States not in the employment of 
     the Federal government and not in the employment of or having 
     an interest in a National Park Service concession. Of the 
     seven members of the Advisory Board--
       (1) one shall be privately employed in the hospitality 
     industry,
       (2) one shall be privately employed in the tourism 
     industry,
       (3) one shall be privately employed in the accounting 
     industry,
       (4) one shall be privately employed in the outfitting and 
     guide industry,
       (5) one shall be a State government employee with expertise 
     in park concession management,
       (6) one shall be active in promotion of traditional arts 
     and crafts, and
       (7) one shall be active in a non-profit conservation 
     organization involved in the programs of the National Park 
     Service.
       (c) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall continue to 
     exist until December 31, 2008. In all other respects, it 
     shall be subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act.
       (d) Service on Advisory Board.--Service of an individual as 
     a member of the Advisory Board shall not be considered as 
     service or employment bringing such individual within the 
     provisions of any Federal law relating to conflicts of 
     interest or otherwise imposing restrictions, requirements, or 
     penalties in relation to the employment of persons, the 
     performance of services, or the payment or receipt of 
     compensation in connection with claims, proceedings, or 
     matters involving the United States. Service as a member 
     of the Advisory Board shall not be considered service in 
     an appointive or elective position in the Government for 
     purposes of section 8344 of Title 5 of the United States 
     Code, or other comparable provisions of Federal law.

     SEC. 410. CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES.

       To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall 
     contract with private entities to conduct the following 
     elements of the management of the National Park Service 
     concession program suitable for non-federal fulfillment: 
     health and safety inspections, quality control of concession 
     operations and facilities, analysis of rates and charges to 
     the public, and financial analysis: Provided, That nothing in 
     this section shall diminish the governmental responsibilities 
     and authority of the Secretary to administer concession 
     contracts and activities pursuant to this title and the Act 
     of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1, 
     2-4). The Secretary shall also consider, taking into account 
     the recommendations of the National Park Service Concessions 
     Management Advisory Board, contracting out other elements of 
     the concession management program, as appropriate.

     SEC. 411. USE OF NON-MONETARY CONSIDERATION IN CONCESSION 
                   CONTRACTS.

       The provisions of section 321 of the Act of June 30, 1932 
     (47 Stat. 412; 40 U.S.C. 303b), relating to the leasing of 
     buildings and properties of the United States, shall not 
     apply to contracts awarded by the Secretary pursuant to this 
     title.

     SEC. 412. RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Each concessioner shall keep such records 
     as the Secretary may prescribe to enable the Secretary to 
     determine that all terms of the concession contract have been 
     and are being faithfully performed, and the Secretary and his 
     duly authorized representatives shall, for the purpose of 
     audit and examination, have access to said records and to 
     other books, documents, and papers of the concessioner 
     pertinent to the contract and all terms and conditions 
     thereof.
       (b) Access to Records.--The Comptroller General of the 
     United States or any of his duly authorized representatives 
     shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the 
     close of

[[Page S6266]]

     the business year of each concessioner or subconcessioner 
     have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, 
     papers, documents and records of the concessioner or 
     subconcessioner related to the contract or contracts 
     involved.

     SEC. 413. REPEAL OF CONCESSION POLICY ACT OF 1965.

       (a) Repeal.--The Act of October 9, 1965, Public Law 89-249 
     (79 Stat. 969, 16 U.S.C. 20-20g), is hereby repealed. The 
     repeal of such Act shall not affect the validity of any 
     concession contract or permit entered into under such Act, 
     but the provisions of this title shall apply to any such 
     contract or permit except to the extent such provisions are 
     inconsistent with the express terms and conditions of any 
     such contract or permit. References in this title to 
     concession contracts awarded under authority of Public Law 
     89-249 also apply to concession permits awarded under such 
     authority.
       (b) Exception for Pending Contract Solicitations.--
     Notwithstanding such repeal, the Secretary may award 
     concession contracts under the terms of Public Law 89-249 for 
     concession contract solicitations for which, as of August 1, 
     1998, a formal prospectus was issued by the Secretary 
     pursuant to the requirements of 36 C.F.R. Part 51.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The fourth sentence of section 3 
     of the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 3) is 
     amended by striking all through ``no natural'' and inserting 
     in lieu thereof, ``No natural,'' and, the last proviso of 
     such sentence is stricken in its entirety.
       (d) ANILCA.--Nothing in this title amends, supersedes, or 
     otherwise affects any provision of the Alaska National 
     Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) 
     relating to revenue-producing visitor services.

     SEC. 414. PROMOTION OF THE SALE OF INDIAN, ALASKA NATIVE, AND 
                   NATIVE HAWAIIAN HANDICRAFTS.

       (a) In General.--Promoting the sale of United States 
     authentic Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian 
     handicrafts relating to the cultural, historical, and 
     geographic characteristics of units of the National Park 
     System is encouraged, and the Secretary shall ensure that 
     there is a continuing effort to enhance the handicraft trade 
     where it exists and establish the trade where it currently 
     does not exist.
       (b) Exemption From Franchise Fee.--In furtherance of these 
     purposes, the revenue derived from the sale of United States 
     Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian handicrafts shall 
     be exempt from any franchise fee payments under this title.

     SEC. 415. REGULATIONS.

       As soon as practicable after the effective date of this 
     title, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations appropriate 
     for its implementation. Among other matters, such regulations 
     shall include appropriate provisions to ensure that 
     concession services and facilities to be provided in an area 
     of the National Park System are not segmented or otherwise 
     split into separate concession contracts for the purposes of 
     seeking to reduce anticipated annual gross receipts of a 
     concession contract below $500,000. The Secretary shall also 
     promulgate regulations which further define the term ``United 
     States Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian 
     handicrafts'' for the purposes of this title.

     SEC. 416. COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--To the extent specified in this section, 
     the Secretary, upon request, may authorize a private person, 
     corporation, or other entity to provide services to 
     visitors to units of the National Park System through a 
     commercial use authorization. Such authorizations shall 
     not be considered as concession contracts pursuant to this 
     title nor shall other sections of this title be applicable 
     to such authorizations except where expressly so stated.
       (b) Criteria for Issuance of Authorizations.--
       (1) The authority of this section may be used only to 
     authorize provision of services that the Secretary determines 
     will have minimal impact on park resources and values and 
     which are consistent with the purposes for which the park 
     unit was established and with all applicable management plans 
     and park policies and regulations.
       (2) The Secretary shall--
       (A) require payment of a reasonable fee for issuance of an 
     authorization under this section, such fees to remain 
     available without further appropriation to be used, at a 
     minimum, to recover associated management and administrative 
     costs;
       (B) require that the provision of services under such an 
     authorization be accomplished in a manner consistent to the 
     highest practicable degree with the preservation and 
     conservation of park resources and values;
       (C) take appropriate steps to limit the liability of the 
     United States arising from the provision of services under 
     such an authorization; and
       (D) have no authority under this section to issue more 
     authorizations than are consistent with the preservation and 
     proper management of park resources and values, and shall 
     establish such other conditions for issuance of such an 
     authorization as the Secretary determines appropriate for the 
     protection of visitors, provision of adequate and appropriate 
     visitor services, and protection and proper management of the 
     resources and values of the park.
       (c) Limitations.--Any authorization issued under this 
     section shall be limited to:
       (1) commercial operations with annual gross receipts of not 
     more than $25,000 resulting from services originating and 
     provided solely within a park pursuant to such authorization;
       (2) the incidental use of park resources by commercial 
     operations which provide services originating and terminating 
     outside of the park's boundaries: provided that such 
     authorization shall not provide for the construction of any 
     structure, fixture, or improvement on federally-owned lands 
     within the boundaries of the park.
       (d) Duration.--The term of any authorization issued under 
     this section shall not exceed two years. No preferential 
     right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal shall be 
     granted by the Secretary.
       (e) Other Contracts.--A person, corporation, or other 
     entity seeking or obtaining an authorization pursuant to this 
     section shall not be precluded from also submitting proposals 
     for concession contracts.

                        TITLE V--FEE AUTHORITIES

     SEC. 501. EXTENSION OF THE RECREATIONAL FEE DEMONSTRATION 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Authority.--The authority provided to the National Park 
     Service under the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program 
     authorized by section 315 of Public Law 104-134 (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-6a note)--
       (1) is extended through September 30, 2005; and
       (2) shall be available for all units of the National Park 
     System, and for system-wide fee programs.
       (b) Report.--(1) Not later than September 30, 2000, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on 
     Resources of the United States House of Representatives a 
     report detailing the status of the recreational fee 
     demonstration program conducted in units of the National Park 
     System under section 315 of Public Law 104-134 (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-6a note).
       (2) The report under paragraph (1) shall contain--
       (A) an evaluation of the fee demonstration program 
     conducted at each unit of the National Park System;
       (B) with respect to each unit of the National Park System 
     where a fee is charged under the authority of the 
     Recreational Fee Demonstration Program (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a 
     note), a description of the criteria that were used to 
     determine whether a recreational fee should or should not be 
     charged at such park; and
       (C) a description of the manner in which the amount of the 
     fee at each national park was established.
       (c) Notice.--At least twelve months notice shall be given 
     to the public prior to the increase or establishment of any 
     fee in units of the National Park System.

     SEC. 502. COMMERCIAL FILMING ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Commercial Filming.--The Secretary shall require a 
     permit and shall establish a reasonable fee for commercial 
     filming activities in units of the National Park System. Such 
     fee shall provide a fair return to the United States and 
     shall be based upon the following criteria, in addition to 
     such other factors as the Secretary deems necessary: the 
     number of days the filming takes place within a park unit, 
     the size of the film crew, the amount and type of equipment 
     present, and any potential impact on park resources. The 
     Secretary is also directed to recover any costs incurred as a 
     result of filming activities, including but not limited to 
     administration and personnel costs. All costs recovered are 
     in addition to the assessed fee.
       (b) Still Photography.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary shall not require a permit or assess a fee 
     for commercial or non-commercial still photography of sites 
     or resources in units of the National Park System in any part 
     of a park where members of the public are generally allowed. 
     In other locations, the Secretary may require a permit, fee, 
     or both, if the Secretary determines that there is a 
     likelihood of resource impact, disruption of the public's use 
     and enjoyment of the park, or if the activity poses health or 
     safety risks.
       (2) The Secretary shall require the issuance of a permit 
     and the payment of a reasonable fee for still photography 
     that utilizes models or props which are not a part of a 
     park's natural or cultural features or administrative 
     facilities.
       (c) Proceeds.--(1) Fees collected within units of the 
     National Park System under this section shall be deposited in 
     a special account in the Treasury of the United States and 
     shall be available to the Secretary, without further 
     appropriation for high-priority visitor service or resource 
     management projects and programs for the unit of the National 
     Park System in which the fee is collected.
       (2) All costs recovered under this section shall be 
     retained by the Secretary and shall remain available for 
     expenditure in the park where collected, without further 
     appropriation.

     SEC. 503. DISTRIBUTION OF GOLDEN EAGLE PASSPORT SALES.

       Not later than six months after the date of enactment of 
     this title, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall enter into an agreement providing for an apportionment 
     among each agency of all proceeds derived from the sale of 
     Golden Eagle Passports by private vendors. Such proceeds 
     shall be apportioned to each agency on the basis of the ratio 
     of each agency's total revenue from admission fees collected 
     during the previous fiscal year to the sum of all revenue 
     from admission fees collected during the previous fiscal year 
     for all agencies participating in the Golden Eagle Passport 
     Program.

                TITLE VI--NATIONAL PARK PASSPORT PROGRAM

     SEC. 601. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this title are--
       (1) to develop a national park passport that includes a 
     collectible stamp to be used for admission to units of the 
     National Park System; and
       (2) to generate revenue for support of the National Park 
     System.

     SEC. 602. NATIONAL PARK PASSPORT PROGRAM.

       (a) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a national park 
     passport program. A national

[[Page S6267]]

     park passport shall include a collectible stamp providing the 
     holder admission to all units of the National Park System.
       (b) Effective Period.--A national park passport stamp shall 
     be effective for a period of 12 months from the date of 
     purchase.
       (c) Transferability.--A national park passport and stamp 
     shall not be transferable.

     SEC. 603. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Stamp Design Competition.--(1) The Secretary shall hold 
     an annual competition for the design of the collectible stamp 
     to be affixed to the national park passport.
       (2) Each competition shall be open to the public and shall 
     be a means to educate the American people about the National 
     Park System.
       (b) Sale of Passports and Stamps.--(1) National park 
     passports and stamps shall be sold through the National Park 
     Service and may be sold by private vendors on consignment in 
     accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary.
       (B) A private vendor may be allowed to collect a commission 
     on each national park passport (including stamp) sold, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       (C) The Secretary may limit the number of private vendors 
     of national park passports (including stamps).
       (c) Use of Proceeds.--
       (1) The Secretary may use not more than ten percent of the 
     revenues derived from the sale of national park passports 
     (including stamps) to administer and promote the national 
     park passport program and the National Park System.
       (2) Amounts collected from the sale of national park 
     passports shall be deposited in a special account in the 
     Treasury of the United States and shall remain available 
     until expended, without further appropriation, for high 
     priority visitor service or resource management projects 
     throughout the National Park System.
       (d) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements with the National Park Foundation and other 
     interested parties to provide for the development and 
     implementation of the national park passport program and the 
     Secretary shall take such actions as are appropriate to 
     actively market national park passports and stamps.
       (e) Fee.--The fee for a national park passport and stamp 
     shall be $50.

     SEC. 604. INTERNATIONAL PARK PASSPORT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     international park passport program in accordance with the 
     other provisions of this title except as provided in this 
     section.
       (b) Availability.--An international park passport and stamp 
     shall be made available exclusively to foreign visitors to 
     the United States.
       (c) Sale.--International park passports and stamps shall be 
     available for sale exclusively outside the United States 
     through commercial tourism channels and consulates or other 
     offices of the United States.
       (d) Fee.--International park passports and stamps shall be 
     sold for a fee that is $10.00 less than the fee for a 
     national park passport and stamp, but not less than $40.00.
       (e) Form.--An international park passport and stamp shall 
     be produced in a form that provides useful information to the 
     international visitor and serves as a souvenir of the visit.
       (f) Effective Period.--An international park passport and 
     stamp shall be valid for a period of 45 days from the date of 
     purchase.
       (g) Use of Proceeds.--Amounts collected from the sale of 
     international park passports and stamps shall be deposited in 
     the special account under section 603(c) and shall be 
     available as provided in section 603(c).
       (h) Termination of Program.--The Secretary shall terminate 
     the international park passport program at the end of 
     calendar year 2003 unless at least 200,000 international park 
     passports and stamps are sold during that calendar year.

     SEC. 605. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS AND PROGRAMS.

       (a) Park Passport Not Required.--A national park passport 
     or international park passport shall not be required for--
       (1) a single visit to a national park that charges a single 
     visit admission fee under section 4(a)(2) of the Land and 
     Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(a)(2)) 
     or the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-6a note); or
       (2) an individual who has obtained a Golden Age or Golden 
     Access Passport under paragraph (4) or (5) of section 4(a) of 
     the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-6a(a)).
       (b) Golden Eagle Passports.--A Golden Eagle Passport issued 
     under section 4(a)(1)(A) of the Land and Water Conservation 
     Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(a)(1)(A)) or 
     the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-6a note) shall be honored for admission to each unit 
     of the National Park System.
       (c) Access.--A national park passport and an international 
     park passport shall provide access to each unit of the 
     National Park System under the same conditions, rules, and 
     regulations as apply to access with a Golden Eagle Passport 
     as of the date of enactment of this title.
       (d) Limitations.--A national park passport or international 
     park passport may not be used to obtain access to other 
     Federal recreation fee areas outside of the National Park 
     System.
       (e) Exemptions and Fees.--A national park passport or 
     international park passport does not exempt the holder from 
     or provide the holder any discount on any recreation use fee 
     imposed under section 4(b) of the Land and Water Conservation 
     Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(b)) or the Recreational 
     Fee Demonstration Program (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a note).

              TITLE VII--NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION SUPPORT

     SEC. 701. PROMOTION OF LOCAL FUNDRAISING SUPPORT.

       The Act entitled ``An Act to establish the National Park 
     Foundation'', approved December 18, 1967 (16 U.S.C. 19 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:

     ``SEC. 12. PROMOTION OF LOCAL FUNDRAISING SUPPORT.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Foundation shall design and 
     implement a comprehensive program to assist and promote 
     philanthropic programs of support at the individual national 
     park unit level.
       ``(b) Implementation.--The program under subsection (a) 
     shall be implemented to--
       ``(1) assist in the creation of local nonprofit support 
     organizations; and
       ``(2) provide support, national consistency, and 
     management-improving suggestions for local nonprofit support 
     organizations.
       ``(c) Program.--The program under subsection (a) shall 
     include the greatest number of national park units as is 
     practicable.
       ``(d) Requirements.--The program under subsection (a) shall 
     include, at a minimum--
       ``(1) a standard adaptable organizational design format to 
     establish and sustain responsible management of a local 
     nonprofit support organization for support of a national park 
     unit;
       ``(2) standard and legally tenable bylaws and recommended 
     money-handling procedures that can easily be adapted as 
     applied to individual national park units; and
       ``(3) a standard training curriculum to orient and expand 
     the operating expertise of personnel employed by local 
     nonprofit support organizations.
       ``(e) Annual Report.--The Foundation shall report the 
     progress of the program under subsection (a) in the annual 
     report of the Foundation.
       ``(f) Affiliations.--
       ``(1) Charter or corporate bylaws.--Nothing in this section 
     requires--
       ``(A) a nonprofit support organization or friends group in 
     existence on the date of enactment of this title to modify 
     current practices or to affiliate with the Foundation; or
       ``(B) a local nonprofit support organization, established 
     as a result of this section, to be bound through its charter 
     or corporate bylaws to be permanently affiliated with the 
     Foundation.
       ``(2) Establishment.--An affiliation with the Foundation 
     shall be established only at the discretion of the governing 
     board of a nonprofit organization.''.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 801. UNITED STATES PARK POLICE.

       (a) Appointment of Task Force.--Not later than 60 days 
     after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary 
     shall appoint a multidisciplinary task force to fully 
     evaluate the shortfalls, needs, and requirements of law 
     enforcement programs in the National Park Service, including 
     a separate analysis for the United States Park Police, which 
     shall include a review of facility repair, rehabilitation, 
     equipment, and communication needs.
       (b) Submission of Report.--Not later than one year after 
     the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and 
     Appropriations of the United States Senate and the Committees 
     on Resources and Appropriations of the United States House of 
     Representatives a report that includes--
       (1) the findings and recommendations of the task force;
       (2) complete justifications for any recommendations made; 
     and
       (3) a complete description of any adverse impacts that 
     would occur if any need identified in the report is not met.

     SEC. 802. LEASES AND COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 
     1a-2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Leases.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a lease 
     with any person or governmental entity for the use of 
     buildings and associated property administered by the 
     Secretary as part of the National Park System.
       ``(2) Use.--Buildings and associated property leased under 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall be used for an activity that is consistent with 
     the purposes established by law for the unit in which the 
     building is located;
       ``(B) shall not result in degradation of the purposes and 
     values of the unit; and
       ``(C) shall be compatible with National Park Service 
     programs.
       ``(3) Rental amounts.--
       ``(A) In general.--With respect to a lease under paragraph 
     (1)--
       ``(i) payment of fair market value rental shall be 
     required; and
       ``(ii) section 321 of the Act of June 30, 1932 (47 Stat. 
     412, chapter 314; 40 U.S.C. 303b) shall not apply.
       ``(B) Adjustment.--The Secretary may adjust the rental 
     amount as appropriate to take into account any amounts to be 
     expended by the lessee for preservation, maintenance, 
     restoration, improvement, or repair and related expenses.
       ``(C) Regulation.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations implementing this subsection that includes 
     provisions to encourage and facilitate competition in the 
     leasing process and provide for timely and adequate public 
     comment.
       ``(4) Special account.--
       ``(A) Deposits.--Rental payments under a lease under 
     paragraph (1) shall be deposited in a special account in the 
     Treasury of the United States.
       ``(B) Availability.--Amounts in the special account shall 
     be available until expended, without further appropriation, 
     for infrastructure

[[Page S6268]]

     needs at units of the National Park System, including--
       ``(i) facility refurbishment;
       ``(ii) repair and replacement;
       ``(iii) infrastructure projects associated with park 
     resource protection; and
       ``(iv) direct maintenance of the leased buildings and 
     associated properties.
       ``(C) Accountability and results.--The Secretary shall 
     develop procedures for the use of the special account that 
     ensure accountability and demonstrated results consistent 
     with this Act.
       ``(l) Cooperative management agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Where a unit of the National Park System 
     is located adjacent to or near a State or local park area, 
     and cooperative management between the National Park Service 
     and a State or local government agency of a portion of either 
     park will allow for more effective and efficient management 
     of the parks, the Secretary is authorized to enter into an 
     agreement with a State or local government agency to provide 
     for the cooperative management of the Federal and State or 
     local park areas: Provided, That the Secretary may not 
     transfer administration responsibilities for any unit of the 
     National Park System.
       ``(2) Provision of goods and services.--Under a cooperative 
     management agreement, the Secretary may acquire from and 
     provide to a State or local government agency goods and 
     services to be used by the Secretary and the State or local 
     governmental agency in the cooperative management of land.
       ``(3) Assignment.--An assignment arranged by the Secretary 
     under section 3372 of title 5, United States Code, of a 
     Federal, State, or local employee for work in any Federal, 
     State, or local land or an extension of such an assignment 
     may be for any period of time determined by the Secretary and 
     the State or local agency to be mutually beneficial.''.
       (b) Historic Lease Process Simplification.--The Secretary 
     is directed to simplify, to the maximum extent possible, the 
     leasing process for historic properties with the goal of 
     leasing available structures in a timely manner.


                           Amendment No. 2703

 (Purpose: A technical amendment to the Committee amendment to comply 
                  with requirements of the Budget Act)

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk on behalf 
of Senators Murkowski and Bumpers and ask for its immediate 
consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Wyoming [Mr. Thomas], for Mr. Murkowski 
     and Mr. Bumpers, proposes an amendment numbered 2703.

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

       On page 129 line 22 strike ``without appropriation'' and 
     insert the following: ``subject to appropriation.''

  Mr. BUMPERS. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of S. 
1693, the ``Vision 2020 National Parks System Restoration Act.'' I want 
to commend Senator Thomas, the bill's author, for his efforts in 
bringing this bill to the floor. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
National Parks, Historic Preservation and Recreation, he has been 
willing to compromise and work with all involved parties, including 
Secretary Babbitt, Senator Bennett, and me in an effort to enact a 
meaningful and comprehensive bill for our national parks. It has been a 
pleasure to work with him on this important legislation and I look 
forward its passage before I leave the Senate this year. I would also 
like to particularly thank Senator Bennett, who has once again been 
very helpful and constructive in developing a bill that can garner such 
broad bipartisan support, as I believe this bill has.
  Although this is a comprehensive bill that makes a number of positive 
changes in the way national parks are managed, for me, the most 
significant provisions are found in title IV--the National Park Service 
Concessions Management Improvement Act.
  Mr. President, for almost 19 years I have worked to reform the 
concessions policies of the National Park Service to increase 
competition, provide better services, and to ensure a better return for 
the American public. Over the past two decades, we have held dozens of 
hearings, and we've debated this issue in mark-ups and on the Senate 
floor.
  As you know, during the 103rd Congress Senator Bennett and I 
sponsored a bill which passed the Senate by a vote of 90-9, and passed 
in the House of Representatives with only minor changes by a vote of 
368-30. Despite the overwhelming vote margins, we were unable to pass a 
final bill before the Congress adjourned. Given the magnitude of those 
votes, it is very frustrating to be here once again debating park 
concession reform.
  While I support passage of this bill and believe it will enhance the 
Park Service's ability to better manage our National Park System, the 
bill before us today is a real compromise between Senator Thomas and 
myself. The bill--particularly the concession title--does not contain 
all of the policy changes that I would like to see made. However, 
passage of this bill will finally allow the Park Service to have 
meaningful competition for park concession contracts.
  Most importantly, the bill will repeal the 1965 Concession Policy 
Act--a 30-year old anachronism--including its most anti-competitive 
provision, the granting to incumbent concessioners of a preferential 
right to renew their contract by simply matching the terms and 
conditions of a superior offer.
  Other important provisions in the concession reform title include: 
maintaining existing statutory protections for outfitter and guide 
contracts and small contracts with less than $500,000 in annual gross 
revenue; a prohibition against giving any concessioner a preferential 
right to provide new or additional services; and language linking the 
value of facilities built by a concessioner to actual construction 
costs, adjusted for inflation, rather than the ``sound value'' 
possessory interest allowed under current law.
  While the concession title has been of particular interest to me, the 
bill before us today includes several other titles which I believe will 
greatly enhance the Park Service's management authorities. The bill 
includes directives for the Park Service to improve career development 
and training for its employees and to establish a strong scientific 
research program in national parks. It codifies criteria for the Park 
Service to use in evaluating areas proposed for addition to the 
National Park System. It gives the Park Service much needed authority 
to collect and retain fees for commercial filming activities in 
national park units, and it extends the Recreational Fee Demonstration 
Program for park fees for another six years. The bill also will allow 
the Park Service to develop and market annual park admission passports 
to increase public awareness about parks and to raise new revenues. 
There are a few other titles included in the bill, but those are the 
most significant provisions.
  Mr. President, the concession reform provisions in this bill are a 
great step forward for the National Park Service and the taxpayers. I 
strongly support these and the other provisions in this legislation, 
and I hope my colleagues will join me in helping to pass this bill.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment 
be considered read and agreed to, the committee substitute be agreed 
to, the bill be considered read the third time and passed, the 
amendment to the title be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, and any statements relating to the bill appear at this 
point in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 2703) was agreed to.
  The committee amendment, as amended, was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 1693), as amended, was considered read the third time, 
and passed.
  (The text of the bill (S. 1693), as amended, will be printed in a 
future edition of the Record.)
  The title was amended so as to read:
  ``A bill to provide for improved management and increased 
accountability for certain National Park Service programs, and for 
other purposes.''
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today the Senate has just passed 
landmark legislation which will serve to restore, reinvigorate and 
rebuild our National Park System. S. 1693 addresses a wide variety of 
Park Service operations from failing infrastructure to improve 
management and accountability for park programs.
  The Administration reports that it will take over $8 billion to bring 
our park facilities, historic structures, roads and trails up to an 
acceptable standard. Over the years while we have expanded the National 
Park System with new units and new responsibilities we have deferred 
maintenance and reduced funding in many important park programs. As a 
result we now have

[[Page S6269]]

what can be best described as a National Park System that is worn-out 
and broken--a System in need of attention. Quite frankly, Congress does 
not have the available monies to address or devote to the problems 
currently encountered by park managers, however meritorious they may 
be.
  During this Congress, Senator Thomas, Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
National Parks, Historic Preservation and Recreation, has take a pro-
active approach to National Park Service reform. While conducting over 
fifteen over-sight and legislative hearings on the problems confronting 
the National Park System. He found that despite reports of $300,000 
outhouses, the National Park Service and Congress have failed to deal 
with the lack of personnel and fiscal resources desperately needed in 
our parks. Unfortunately, the needs are not limited to a certain number 
of parks or areas of the United States. The units of the National Park 
System require a major face-lift from coast to coast, in my State of 
Alaska, and parks on the islands of Hawaii and in American Samoa.
  While the lack of fiscal resources can be addressed. Throwing money 
to any government agency without accountability is in no one's 
interest. In this regard the legislation requires the Secretary to 
develop a comphensive training program for employees in all 
professional careers, for the purpose of assuring that the work force 
has available the best, up-to-date knowledge, skills and abilities with 
which to manage, interpret and protect the resources of the National 
Park system.
  The Secretary is also directed to implement a clear plan for 
management training and development to enable only those qualified to 
move into positions of park superintendents and regional managers.
  The legislation also addresses park budgets and accountability. Today 
individual park budgets, if you can find one, are a haze of smoke and 
mirrors. When this legislation is enacted into law each unit of the 
System will prepare a budget and make it available to the public.
  Mr. President, let me repeat, ``make available to the public'' a five 
year strategic plan and an annual performance plan pursuant to a 
published park budget on an individual park-by-park basis. There will 
be accountability for the expenditure of all appropriated funds as well 
as monies collected from enhanced fee collection programs. There will 
no longer be management in the darkness. Light will be shed where no 
light has shown before.
  During the 105th Congress we found that decisions by park service 
management are often not based on sound science, in fact, in many parks 
throughout the country the Service knows very little about the natural 
resources they are supposed to protect. This legislation directs the 
Secretary to undertake a program in inventory and monitoring of 
National Park System resources to establish baseline information and to 
provide information on the long-term trends in the condition of 
resources under his jurisdiction. In addition, the Secretary is 
directed to establish a comprehensive network of college and university 
based cooperative study units in order to complete the baseline 
information inventory.
  Mr. President, I mentioned earlier that one of the problems with the 
Park System is that over the last 20 years we have more than doubled 
the number of units in the System. There has never been a formal 
procedure to consider new areas which might be eligible for inclusion 
in the System, nor has any criteria been established by which a 
potential park area would be evaluated. I direct your attention to 
Title III of S. 1693 in which the legislation establishes procedures 
and criteria for Congress and the National Park Service to consider 
when studying potential new areas that may be added to the System.
  Mr. President, Title IV of this legislation deals with concession 
reform. After eight years of debate this very contentious issue has 
been resolved. Both Senator Bumpers and Senator Thomas deserve a great 
deal of credit to have turned this issue into a bi-partisan one. 
Senator Bennett as well as Secretary Babbitt also deserve recognition 
for their work and positive approach to working on the finer points of 
the concessions legislation.
  I have long been an advocate of granting an interest in property to 
those in the private sector who invest in our park facilities such as 
hotels, lodges, and restaurants. The private sector requires this 
incentive or interest to borrow from a bank--collateral--to invest in 
needed capital improvements. The advantage is that we can improve 
visitor facilities with private sector dollars as opposed to taxpayer 
dollars. However meritorious, possessory interest has been a large 
sticking point in ever reaching resolution on concession reform.

  As in any great bi-partisan compromise, no one got everything they 
wanted. The concession folks lost their right of preference in renewal 
but are allowed to maintain a form of possessory interest. We were able 
to place private sector expertise into the concession management 
program with an advisory committee made up of individuals in the 
hospitality industry and the Secretary is directed to contract-out 
certain concession management functions.
  I firmly believe that this legislation will enhance concession 
program management, increase competition among prospective concession 
operators, improve the delivery of goods and services to park visitors, 
improve facilities and increase revenues from concession franchise 
fees.
  Mr. President, the legislation extends the popular Recreational Fee 
Demonstration Program from the year ending in 1999 to 2005 and extends 
the fee collection authority to all 376 park areas. This should be a 
valuable shot in the arm for increasing park operating funds.
  For the first time since 1948 commercial film producers will pay a 
fee for using these unique backdrops; our parks, for major motion 
pictures and advertisement in addition to allowing the parks to recover 
their direct costs such as security activities and permit processing. 
In return the parks will do a better job in processing permits. As time 
is money it is much easier on the film industry to hear the word ``no'' 
early on in the process rather than wait weeks to receive a decision.
  Mr. President, the Park Service is directed by this legislation to 
establish a National Passport Program based on the familiar and popular 
Duck Stamp used by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The collectable stamp 
and related competition and posters etc. should produce additional 
revenues for major park projects. In addition to the National Passport 
Program which will provide the user entrance into any one of the fee 
areas an international passport will be sold overseas for use by 
foreign visitors.
  On another note we ask the National Park Foundation to share their 
expertise with many of the park's friends groups to encourage expansion 
of the volunteer ranks as well as to develop entrepreneurial programs 
at the local level.
  We have looked at the National Park System and found that many of our 
parks are adjacent to state and county parks. There is no reason why 
the NPS cannot share their personnel and resources with these local 
agencies and vice-versa. In other words you don't need two snowploughs 
when one could be shared. This legislation changes the law and provides 
the Park Service with the authorization to enter into agreements with 
other local agencies.
  Our own United States Park Police are often the forgotten step-child 
of the National Park Service. Their particular needs and requirements 
are unknown even though we have asked for reports from the 
Administration on a number of occasions. Within a year we have that 
report so that Congress can act in an appropriate manner while 
addressing the critical needs of the Park Police.
  Mr. President, I thank the Members of the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources who came together in a bi-partisan fashion and 
reported the bill to the full Senate 20 to 0. The Senate can be proud, 
for this legislation represents a new beginning for the National Park 
System which will carry it into the next century, alive, vibrant and 
serving the hundreds and millions of park visitors yet to come.
  Perhaps, most important, our natural, cultural and historic resources 
for which these parks have been set aside will be better protected and 
managed for future generations.

[[Page S6270]]

  I thank the Chair, and I thank my colleagues for their support on 
this important legislation.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I want to thank the Senate for approving 
S. 1693, the ``Vision 2020 National Parks Restoration Act.'' This is 
the culmination of over two years of work and reflects a lifetime of 
concern I have had about protecting our nation's parks. America's park 
system needs attention and it needs our help soon. I believe this bill 
will provide it.
  When we began this effort more then a year ago I came to the floor 
and challenged Senators to imagine for a moment an America without 
national parks. How would we feel without Yosemite, Independence Hall, 
or Grand Canyon protected for public enjoyment? How much of our 
national identity reflected in these icons--the Statue of Liberty, 
Yellowstone, or the National Capital Mall--would be lost? How much 
would be missing without the rugged, adventurous American spirit 
embodied in Glacier Park or Denali? That was the challenge. The U.S. 
Senate has risen to answer that challenge by passing this bill today.
  I'm profoundly proud of what we have accomplished. This effort has 
been on behalf of the millions of park visitor that flock to the wide 
open spaces or the rich historic sites. It's for taxpayers who expect 
the very best return for their money. And it's for the future 
generations of people, for whom we've worked hard, to preserve the very 
best of our public land heritage.
  I want to express my deep appreciate to the chairman of the Senate 
Energy Committee, Chairman Murkowski, as well as Senator Bumpers and 
Senator Bennett, who have labored long in this area of parks support, 
and I thank them for all of their hard work in this legislation. The 
compromise we developed in order to pass this measure is in the finest 
tradition of the Senate. The negotiations were tough, and nobody got 
everything they wanted in the bill. However, we have put together a 
good piece of legislation that will make a positive and proactive 
change to help our national parks.
  I also want to recognize the hard work of the staff, particularly Dan 
Naatz of my staff, and Jim O'Toole of the committee staff.
  Over the last two years, we have spoken to dozens of groups 
interested in preserving our parks. We have traveled across the country 
and listened to the concerns of folks ranging from the motion picture 
industry to natural resource experts. We have heard the suggestions as 
well as the criticisms of our colleagues and worked to evaluate areas 
where we could make positive improvements for our parks. Throughout all 
of these meetings and hearings, one message came through loud and 
clear--the value of national parks is one of the cultural constants for 
Americans.
  The Vision 2020 bill provides a systematic approach to addressing the 
needs of the National Park Service. The restoration bill takes a broad 
approach, with eight titles covering the compromise bill.
  Mr. President, the Senate can be proud of passing this landmark piece 
of legislation. As Americans, one of the finest legacies that we can 
leave our children and grandchildren is the National Park System that 
is healthy, vibrant and alive. We have an obligation to strengthen our 
outstanding system of parks, the system that over 100 other nations 
have modeled after ours.
  Finally, I want to recognize the important contribution of the 
Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt, in developing this compromise 
bill. As folks know, the Secretary and I don't agree on all issues. 
However, to his credit, the Secretary recognized the important work we 
are doing and dedicated time and manpower of his agency to help. I 
thank the Secretary for his help.
  Today is a good day for our parks. It's a good day for the U.S. 
Senate. Our commitment is to leave our children and grandchildren these 
wild and historic places healthy and whole. Today we are one big step 
forward toward achieving that worthwhile aspiration. I once again want 
to thank the Senate for passing S. 1693 and urge the House of 
Representatives to take up this bill as soon as possible.

                          ____________________