[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8648-S8652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IDAHO'S VERY HIGH PERFORMANCE BACKBONE NETWORK SYSTEM

  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss Idaho's Very 
High Performance Backbone Network system (vBNS).
  The State of Idaho is in a strategic position to increase its 
economic base by strengthening collaboration on research and 
development projects between the state's universities, state government 
and business and industry.

[[Page S8649]]

The U of I was approved, pursuant to a July 31, 1997, submission, for 
connection to the National Science Foundation's very high performance 
Backbone Network Service (vBNS). The proposed statewide network would 
connect the University of Idaho with Idaho State University, Boise 
State University, state government and industrial partners such as 
Micron and Hewlett-Packard. For appropriate research purposes, this 
Intranet could connect through the UI to the vBNS. The Intranet could 
also be used for distance learning, conferencing, collaborative and 
other related purposes.
  With an Idaho Intranet, Idaho educators will have access to the next 
generation of teaching/learning tools and materials available under 
Internet2 (I2), to be used for K-12 and higher education. It will 
support continuing professorial education, as well as industry 
workforce development, training and re-training.
  With the Idaho Intranet, Idaho businesses will be able to take 
advantage of the advanced networking capabilities that is the goal of 
the I2 program. The Intranet would provide a tremendous opportunity to 
strengthen Idaho's rural economic base. The state's businesses will 
have access to ground floor participation in the next level of internet 
commerce. Abilene and vBNS will provide access to early product 
development, testing and market entry. Access to virtual conferencing 
would give businesses like Jerome Cheese Company in Jerome, Idaho, the 
opportunity to be in ``real-time'' video contact with its customers in 
Tokyo, Japan.
  Also, the Idaho Intranet will help telemedicine become a reality, 
improving rural healthcare and helping to address the shortage of 
doctors in rural Idaho. Idaho ranks last in the nation in numbers of 
doctors serving rural population healthcare needs--the national average 
is 93 physicians per 100,000 people. Idaho stands at 63 per 100,000, a 
third less than the national average, according to a recent study. We 
must change that and the Intranet will help.
  With this funding, the state's schools, colleges and businesses will 
have access to the I2 to test new products and materials. The UI WWAMI 
program, for example, is developing an advanced web site with videos of 
animal anatomy that will allow students to learn about anatomy without 
using live animals. Current internet technology is not adequate to 
handle the amount of information placed on the site, but I2 access will 
make it a viable educational tool available around the state.
  The result of an Idaho Intranet will be not only research and 
learning opportunities, but job creation and business competitiveness 
for the state of Idaho, and improved quality of life for the people of 
Idaho. It is for this reason, Mr. President, that I ask for the 
Senate's support for this project.


                             idaho intranet

  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I would like to ask the distinguished 
floor manager of the bill a question. Potentially, one of the most 
important programs funded under the Commerce, State and Justice 
appropriations bill is the Information Infrastructure Grants program. 
This grants program recognizes the need for assistance to ensure that 
the American public has full access to and benefits from the 
technological advances that are taking place in telecommunications and 
networking. Certainly, the new universal service provisions will make 
many contributions to the K-12 education community, the library 
community and the health care community. But, there are also a number 
of other telecommunications and networking activities which could be of 
particular benefit, especially in some of the more rural states, such 
as mine.
  In my home State of Idaho, for example, the University of Idaho 
recently was awarded a vBNS high speed connections grant by the 
National Science Foundation and accepted an invitation to participate 
in the Internet2 program. This will give our university researchers 
access to databases throughout the nation and world, allow for remote 
use of scientific instruments and set the stage for many new 
collaborations. The UI has proposed establishing an Idaho Intranet to 
ensure that the people of rural Idaho will be able to benefit from the 
resulting access to education, medical information, and business 
opportunities, which are anticipated as a result of the advanced 
networking capacity.
  I believe the distinguished floor manager and his subcommittee have 
reviewed the information infrastructure grants program in some detail 
and believe it has a particular role to play in our telecommunications 
and networking efforts.
  Mr. GREGG. Yes, that is true. In fact, in the report, the Committee 
identified several projects in rural states around the country and 
encouraged the NTIA to give particular attention to these requests for 
funding assistance under the IIG program.
  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. Speaker, the UI's proposal would give rural 
Idahoans, who must deal with the lowest physician to patient ratio in 
the nation, access to better health care. It would give my state's 
rural economy a boost with real-time access to its customers. It would 
provide key communications links between the state's education 
institutions, businesses and state governments. Would you agree that 
the University of Idaho's proposal, to establish an Idaho Intranet and 
provide access to the benefits of the information and technology to be 
available under programs such as the vBNS and Abilene, is consistent 
with the Committee's proposals under the Information Infrastructure 
Grants program?
  Mr. GREGG. Yes, I would agree that the NTIA should give the same 
consideration to the UI's proposal as to the listed proposals.


                       coordinated drug strategy

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I would ask to engage the Senator from New 
Hampshire, Mr. Gregg, and the Senator from Delaware, Mr. Biden, in a 
brief colloquy regarding a portion of the report which accompanies the 
bill, directing the Attorney General to develop a 5-year 
interdepartmental drug control strategy. Both Senator Biden and I 
believe that this provision may be misinterpreted, and I request the 
Senator's assistance in providing some clarification. As a general 
matter, I have long believed that an effective national drug strategy 
can best be developed and implemented if we have one responsible 
official charged with that duty.
  Mr. BIDEN. I agree. And, as both my colleagues know, the Office of 
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was established by Congress in 
1988 for precisely the purpose of coordinating the federal government's 
anti-drug program.
  Mr. HATCH. That is true, but the report language seems to suggest 
that the Attorney General assume some of these responsibilities. Is 
this how the Committee meant for its guidance to be interpreted?
  Mr. GREGG. I appreciate both Senators' concerns on this subject. 
Although I see how it might be possible to read this into the 
Committee's Report, this is not the Committee's intent. The Department 
of Justice, like all Executive Agencies, is to develop a meaningful 
strategic plan and performance measures under the Government 
Performance and Results Act (GPRA). In so doing, the Committee wants to 
be certain that these GPRA efforts are consistent with the National 
Drug Control Strategy and the ONDCP's Performance Measures of 
Effectiveness System (PME). The Department of Justice must demonstrate 
how its own drug programs contribute to the achievement of outcomes 
articulated in the ONDCP's PME system. To ensure this, the Attorney 
General must work closely with ONDCP on the further implementation of 
the National Drug Control Strategy and PME system, particularly by 
linking its drug control budget resources to the outcomes articulated 
by the PME system. The Justice Department should also consult with 
other departments with expertise in particular drug control areas, to 
the extent that it needs assistance in meeting PME system goals.
  Mr. HATCH. As the sponsor, along with the Senator from Delaware, of 
legislation pending on the floor which would reauthorize the Office of 
National Drug Control Policy, and maintain its duty to formulate and 
implement the National Drug Control Strategy and Performance Measures 
of Effectiveness System, I agree that the Department of Justice should 
assist ONDCP in these important tasks.
  Mr. BIDEN. I concur.
  Mr. HATCH. So, if I correctly understand the Senator from New 
Hampshire, it is not then the Committee's

[[Page S8650]]

intent to place the Attorney General in charge of formulating the 
National Drug Control Strategy?
  Mr. GREGG. No, quite the contrary. ONDCP is to continue in its 
important work, and the Department of Justice is to provide ONDCP with 
such assistance as it may need to develop and implement the National 
Drug Control Strategy and the Performance Measures of Effectiveness 
System.
  Mr. BIDEN. I thank the Senator for clarifying the Committee's intent 
on this important issue.
  Mr. HATCH. I also thank the Senator from New Hampshire for addressing 
my concerns on this issue.


                    graveyard of the atlantic museum

  Mr. FAIRCLOTH. I wish to enter into a colloquy with Senator Gregg in 
order to clarify a spending item in the pending Commerce, Justice, 
State Appropriations bill.
  I commend the Chairman on this bill, and for his attention to 
providing funding to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, a public, 
nonprofit, educational institution, designed for Hatteras Island, one 
of North Carolina's Outer Bank islands. The Museum is dedicated to the 
preservation, advancement and presentation of the maritime history and 
shipwrecks of the Outer Banks, from 1524 until the present.
  Over three million tourists visit the Outer Banks each year, the vast 
majority of them interstate visitors. It is expected that approximately 
100,000 tourists would visit the Museum, thus paying the full cost of 
running it, since a modest fee would be charged.
  The Museum has received federal, state, local and private funding in 
the past. Earlier this decade, Congress appropriated $800,000 from 
NOAA's construction budget towards this project.
  I wish to clarify that the bill's provision of $1,500,000 from NOAA's 
facilities budget to the ``Outer Banks Community Foundation on the 
condition that these funds are matched by a non-Federal source'' is 
intended solely to be passed through to the Museum.
  Mr. GREGG. That is correct, and I appreciate my colleague from North 
Carolina bringing this matter to my attention. I look forward to 
working with him until this worthy project is completed.
  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, the distinguished Chairman is aware of 
the importance of weather forecasting support for the 2002 Winter 
Olympics in Salt Lake City. I appreciate the continued support of the 
Committee with these important preparations for the 2002 Winter 
Olympics. Millions of spectators will gather in mountain venues. 
Obviously, accurate and timely weather forecasting support is critical 
to ensure the safety of both the spectators and the athletes. As you 
know, the Committee directs the National Weather Service to provide 
support to the NOAA Cooperative Institute at the University of Utah. It 
is my understanding that the committee expects the National Weather 
Service to work with the Cooperative Institute to develop a plan and 
budget which will help ensure public safety and assist with the 
operations of the Games. The 2002 Winter Games represents an excellent 
opportunity for the National Weather Service and the Cooperative 
Institute to work with private meteorological firms and federal, state, 
and local agencies to provide accurate weather forecasting for the 
Games.
  Mr. GREGG. The Senator from Utah is correct in his understanding. The 
Committee appreciates the importance of the involvement of the National 
Weather Service in preparing for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida.


                           Amendment No. 3244

 (Purpose: To amend section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, to 
        modify the definition of the term ``public aircraft.'')

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Bumpers amendment will 
be set aside. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Florida [Mr. Graham] for himself and Mr. 
     DeWine, proposes an amendment numbered 3244.

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

       At the appropriate place in title II, insert the following:

     SEC. 2  . PUBLIC AIRCRAFT.

       The flush sentence following subparagraph (B)(ii) of 
     section 40102(37) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``if the unit of government on whose behalf the 
     operation is conducted certifies to the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration that the operation was 
     necessary to respond to a significant and imminent threat to 
     life or property (including natural resources) and that no 
     service by a private operator was reasonably available to 
     meet the threat'' and inserting ``if the operation is 
     conducted for law enforcement, search and rescue, or 
     responding to an imminent threat to property or natural 
     resources''.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, this evening I rise to offer an amendment 
with my distinguished colleague, Senator DeWine. This amendment is 
intended to assist law enforcement in doing a better job of protecting 
our citizens and the public safety.
  The background of this amendment goes back to 1994. Congress made 
what I think was an error when it passed Public Law 103-411. Under this 
law, aircraft belonging to law enforcement agencies are considered to 
be ``commercial'' if costs incurred from flying missions to support 
neighboring jurisdictions are reimbursed.
  Unfortunately, this law has placed unnecessary restrictions and 
costly burdens on Government agencies which operate public aircraft, 
particularly law enforcement agencies. The law restricts those agencies 
from using their aircraft resources in assistance of Government 
agencies and severely limits their ability to recover costs from those 
agencies which they are assisting. This law even limits the ability of 
neighboring jurisdictions to enter into mutual aid agreements.
  Let me give a typical example of how the current law is operating. In 
my State of Florida, it is not uncommon to have one medium-sized county 
which is surrounded by a number of smaller jurisdictions. That medium-
sized county has the capability to make an application and secure 
surplus Government property, frequently a helicopter. That helicopter 
is used in a variety of public safety and law enforcement activities, 
often under the jurisdiction of the local sheriff. It may be that one 
of those smaller counties has a need for a helicopter or other aviation 
support.
  An example of that is, in the northern part of our State we have had 
instances in which locally grown marijuana has become a serious law 
enforcement problem. In order to identify that marijuana and 
effectively eradicate it, the helicopter is an enormous law enforcement 
asset. Yet, under the current law, if the sheriff from that smaller 
community wishes to contract, either on an individual case basis or 
through a mutual aid agreement, with that medium-sized county to get a 
certain number of hours of utilization of the helicopter and they agree 
to reimburse the medium-sized county for the cost of that operation, 
they are in violation of the conditions under which the medium-sized 
county secured the helicopter in the first place and sanctions might be 
imposed upon the medium-sized county's sheriff and their capacity to 
provide effective law enforcement for their smaller neighboring 
communities.
  At the very time when law enforcement faces the growing 
sophistication and organization of criminals, the Federal Government 
should not be placing increased mandates on our law enforcement 
officials. Today, law enforcement officials are forced to call around 
and check the availability of a private pilot and commercial aircraft 
before sending out the helicopter of that medium-sized county. Only if 
no one is available can law enforcement officials respond to the scene.
  Under this amendment, public agencies would be permitted to recover 
costs incurred by operating aircraft to assist other jurisdictions for 
the purposes of law enforcement, search and rescue, or imminent threat 
to property or natural resources.
  I might say, we just have had a dramatic example of that threat to 
property or natural resources in the number of wildfires we have 
experienced across our State, many of them occurring in precisely these 
smaller counties that are limited in their capability to respond.
  Mr. President, law enforcement organizations are strongly supporting 
this amendment. This legislation has been endorsed by the National 
Sheriffs Association, the Airborne Law Enforcement

[[Page S8651]]

Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the 
Florida Sheriffs Association, and the California State Sheriffs 
Association.
  Some months ago, sheriffs from throughout the country contacted my 
office seeking help. From my home State of Florida, I have heard from 
Sheriff Stephen M. Oelrich of Alachua County. Sheriff Oelrich stated, 
``Public Law 103-411 restricts the ability of a law enforcement 
aviation unit to assist Government jurisdictions or other governmental 
agencies. Instead, it mandates that a local government must first turn 
to a costly private operator for air service.''
  This is by no means a problem in my State of Florida alone. I have 
heard this from sheriffs across the country. Specifically, we have a 
resolution from the sheriffs of California.
  In the words of Sheriff Larry Carpenter of Ventura County CA, Public 
Law 103-411 has had ``a chilling effect on the ability of local 
governments to provide safe, cost-effective and professional air 
support capabilities to the very citizens we serve.'' Let me further 
quote from an article that Sheriff Carpenter wrote in the Summer 1996 
issue of California Sheriff:

       The issue of ``compensation'' fuels this issue to a large 
     degree. According to the FAA interpretation of this law, a 
     sheriff cannot simply recover costs for flying a governmental 
     mission . . . which is ``outside a common treasury.'' This 
     flies in the face of mutual aid agreements between public 
     safety agencies. For example, let's say the Santa Barbara 
     Sheriff's Department, which has no aviation unit, contacts my 
     aviation unit and requests our helicopter fly an observation 
     and surveillance flight of a suspected drug lab which their 
     narcotics and SWAT teams plan to raid in a few days. We fly 
     the mission, undoubtedly with the Santa Barbara deputy 
     sheriff on board, and charge Santa Barbara County only our 
     cost. There is no profit involved. Obviously, this is a 
     sensitive law enforcement mission. Public Law 103-411 says we 
     can no longer do this. Instead, a private operator would need 
     to be contracted at a higher cost to taxpayers.

  This is only common sense that instead of restricting the ability of 
local law enforcement agencies to assist each other, we should be 
facilitating their ability to serve the public good in as efficient and 
economical manner as possible.
  I urge the adoption of this amendment.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that support from the 
California State Sheriffs' Association, from the Western States 
Sheriffs' Association, from the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, 
from the National Sheriffs' Association, and from the Florida Sheriffs 
Association be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                               Resolution

       Whereas, the California State Sheriffs' Association has 
     many members who manage public service aviation operations; 
     and
       Whereas, Sheriffs' Aviation operations are critical to 
     their ability to provide life-saving service to their 
     constituents; and
       Whereas, in 1994 Congress passed and the President signed 
     Public Law 103-411, which severely restricted Sheriffs' 
     ability to effectively utilize their aircraft in their 
     mission; and
       Whereas, the ostensible purpose for enactment of Public Law 
     103-411 was the promotion of aviation safety and that Public 
     Law 103-411 accomplished no appreciable aviation safety 
     purpose; and
       Whereas, restrictions on the sharing of aviation resources 
     result in reduced public safety and are poor fiscal and 
     public policy; and
       Whereas, the California State Sheriffs' Association, in 
     cooperation with the National Sheriffs' Association, the 
     International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Western 
     State Sheriffs' Association, the National Association of 
     State Foresters, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, 
     and many other State Sheriffs' Associations support 
     amendments to Public Law 103-411 to correct the law's 
     deficiencies; and
       Whereas, Representative Elton Gallegly of California has 
     sponsored a bill in Congress and that bill is H.R. 1521, the 
     Public Services Aviation Act of 1997, now therefore; be it
       Resolved, That the California State Sheriffs' Association 
     supports the passage and enactment of H.R. 1521, the Public 
     Services Aviation Act of 1997 or its equivalent; and be it 
     also further
       Resolved, That the California State Sheriffs' Association 
     executive director or her designee be authorized to transmit 
     a copy of this resolution to all interested parties 
     including, but not limited to California's congressional 
     delegation, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senate Leader Trent 
     Lott and the Members of the House Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure.
                                  ____


                               Resolution

       The Western States Sheriffs' Association represents over 
     200 Sheriffs of the eleven western states. This association 
     exists to promote the professionalism and dedication of law 
     enforcement and works to ensure that the public we serve 
     receives the best in public safety services.
       Public Law 103-311 became law in April of 1995. This 
     measure has negatively impacted may publicly operated 
     aviation units around the United States. For years, these 
     units have provided safe, effective and life-saving services 
     to the public.
       Public Law 103-411 sought to increase the level of 
     regulation among aviation units which operate surplus 
     military aircraft. Public Law 103-411 fails to enhance safety 
     regulations in any significant way. The regulations now in 
     place serve only to increase the marketplace of commercial 
     aviation operators who have chosen to conduct government 
     business. Profit has been prioritized over public safety.
       The Western States Sheriff's Association (WSSA) has 
     recognized that Public Law 103-411, and the interpretation of 
     this law by the Federal Aviation Administration, are not in 
     the best interests of the American public. Further, it is 
     recognized that several public safety aviation associations 
     have formed task groups, networked, and made all efforts at 
     initiating regulatory reform that is effective and meets the 
     needs of the FAA in safety reporting and regulation.
       The Western States Sheriffs' Association resolves that 
     Public Law 103-411 is in need of serious review and/or 
     immediate repeal. It is the view of the WSSA that the 
     specific legislative relief suggested by the Aviation 
     Committee of the National Sheriff's Association provides the 
     most realistic solution to this issue.
       Aviation public safety members and representatives remain 
     eager to work with any group to enhance the fair regulation 
     and safety of publicly operated aviation units, while at the 
     same time ensuring the legitimate duties of government to 
     provide the most effective, cost efficient and professional 
     aviation services to the public.
       Therefore be it resolved, This 30th day of November, 1995, 
     that the Western States Sheriffs' Association at their annual 
     meeting in Mesquite, Nevada go on record in support of 
     legislation that would modify Public Law 183-411 as set forth 
     in this Resolution or to repeal the law in its entirety.
                                  ____


                               Resolution

       Whereas, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association has as a 
     majority of its members persons who are employed in all 
     aspects of law enforcement aviation operations; and
       Whereas, those law enforcement aviation operations are a 
     critically essential component of modern law enforcement, 
     especially as they relate to reducing crime, protecting and 
     saving lives, and apprehending dangerous criminals; and
       Whereas, in 1994 the United States Congress passed and the 
     President signed Public Law 103-411, severely restricting 
     United States law enforcement's ability to effectively 
     utilize aircraft in legitimate law enforcement missions; and
       Whereas, the stated purpose for enactment of P.L. 103-411 
     was the promotion of aviation safety and P.L. 103-411 
     accomplished no appreciable aviation safety purpose; and
       Whereas, restrictions on the sharing of aviation resources 
     imposed by P.L. 103-411 has resulted in reduced public safety 
     and is poor fiscal and public policy; and
       Whereas, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, in 
     cooperation with the International Association of Chiefs of 
     Police, the National Sheriffs' Association and many other 
     similar associations, supports legislation which would 
     correct the deficiencies of P.L. 103-411; and
       Whereas, Representative Elton Gallegly of California has 
     sponsored a bill in Congress and that bill is H.R. 1521, the 
     Public Services Aviation Act of 1997; and
       Whereas, at its Annual Meeting on July 19, 1997, the ALEA 
     general membership by unanimous vote authorized the Board of 
     Directors to issue a Resolution in support of H.R. 1521: 
     Therefore be it:
       Resolved, That the Airborne Law Enforcement Association 
     supports passage and enactment of H.R. 1521, the Public 
     Services Aviation Act of 1997; and be it:
       Resolved, That the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, 
     failing passage and enactment of H.R. 1521, the Public 
     Service Aviation Act of 1997, supports passage and enactment 
     of legislation equivalent to H.R. 1521, the Public Services 
     Aviation Act of 1997; and be it:
       Resolved, That the Executive Director is authorized to 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to all interested parties 
     including, but not limited to, Members of the United States 
     House of Representatives and Members of the United States 
     Senate.
                                  ____


                               Resolution

       Whereas, the National Sheriffs' Association has many 
     members who manage public service aviation operations; and
       Whereas, sheriffs' aviation operations are critical to 
     their ability to provide life-saving service to their 
     constituents; and
       Whereas, in 1994 Congress passed and the President signed 
     P.L. 103-411, which severely restricted sheriffs' ability to 
     effectively utilize their aircraft in their mission; and
       Whereas, the ostensible purpose for enactments of P.L. 103-
     411 was the promotion of aviation safety and P.L. 103-411 
     accomplishment no appreciable aviation safety purpose; and

[[Page S8652]]

       Whereas, restrictions on the sharing of aviation resources 
     result in reduced public safety, and are poor fiscal and 
     public policy; and
       Whereas, the National Sheriffs' Association at San Antonio, 
     Texas passed resolution 1995-13 strongly opposing the 
     Independent Safety Board Act of 1994, now designated P.L. 
     103-411; and
       Whereas, the National Sheriffs' Association, in cooperation 
     with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the 
     Airborne Law Enforcement Association, the National 
     Association of State Foresters, the Western States Sheriffs' 
     Association, and many other state sheriffs' associations, 
     supports amendments to P.L. 103-411 to correct the law's 
     deficiencies; and
       Whereas, Representative Elton Gallegly of California has 
     sponsored a bill in Congress and that bill is H.R. 1521, the 
     Public Services Aviation Act of 1997; and therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the National Sheriffs' Association supports 
     passage and enactment of H.R. 1521, the Public Services 
     Aviation Act of 1997 or its equivalent; and therefore, be it 
     further
       Resolved, That the NSA Executive Director or his designee 
     be authorized to transmit a copy of this resolution to all 
     interested parties including, but not limited to, Members of 
     the United States House of Representatives and Members of the 
     United States Senate.
                                  ____



                                 Florida Sheriffs Association,

                                    Tallahassee, FL, May 28, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Graham,
     Hart Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Graham: The purpose of this correspondence is 
     to thank you for your support and personal involvement in 
     correcting the problems created by the passage of Public Law 
     103-441. The correction of these problems will allow not only 
     the Sheriffs of Florida, but also the Sheriffs across this 
     Nation, to carry out their lawful duties and to utilize 
     agency aircraft to better serve the public safety of our 
     citizens.
       Sheriff Tom Mylander, Hernando County, has requested that I 
     forward to you the enclosed information concerning the 
     utilization of aircraft as it relates to juvenile or gang 
     related activities. This information was requested by a 
     member of your staff.
       Please let us know if there is anything further that we 
     might do to assist you in your efforts.
           Sincerely,
                                          J.M. ``Buddy'' Phillips,
     Executive Director.
                                  ____


            Support of Public Services Aviation Act of 1997

       Whereas, air support is a vital component of police 
     operations; and,
       Whereas, hundreds of law enforcement agencies at the local, 
     state and federal level operate aircraft; and,
       Whereas, in 1994 the United States Congress passed and the 
     President signed Public Law 103-411, which severely 
     restricted law enforcement's ability to effectively utilize 
     aircraft in legitimate law enforcement missions; and,
       Whereas, the stated purpose of P.L. 103-411 was the 
     promotion of aviation safety yet of P.L. 103-411 accomplished 
     no appreciable gain in aviation safety; and,
       Whereas, restrictions on the sharing of aviation resources 
     imposed by P.L. 103-411 has resulted in reduced public safety 
     and is poor fiscal and public policy; and,
       Whereas, the National Sheriff's Association, Airborne Law 
     Enforcement Association and many other associations 
     representing public aircraft operators support legislation 
     that would correct P.L. 103-411; and,
       Whereas, H.R. 1521, the Public Services Aviation Act of 
     1997; is currently before Congress, and
       Whereas, H.R. 1521 corrects the deficiencies of P.L. 103-
     411; now, therefore be it,
       Resolved, That the International Association of Chiefs of 
     Police supports the passage and enactment of H.R. 1521, the 
     Public Services Aviation Act of 1997 or its equivalent; and 
     be it further,
       Resolved, That the Executive Director or his designee be 
     authorized to transmit a copy of this resolution to all 
     interested parties including, but not limited to, members of 
     the United States House of Representatives and the United 
     States Senate.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire.
  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, the Senator from Florida has brought 
forward a very good amendment. It is our hope we could agree to it. At 
this time, because of the potential of a CBO scoring which could impact 
the underlying bill, it is impossible for us to do so. So our proposal 
would be we keep this on the list for a vote tomorrow morning, and if 
we have not gotten the proper response we are comfortable with from 
CBO, we can take the issue up at that time and try to resolve it at 
that point.

                          ____________________