[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2130-S2136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       Peace Corps Act Amendments

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the Peace Corps 
and to join with my colleague Senator Paul Coverdell to introduce 
legislation to make technical modifications to the Peace Corps Act.
  The changes made by this legislation are purely technical and largely 
designed to remove certain outmoded restrictions on Peace Corps 
activities. I would ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record 
a section-by-section analysis of this bill at the conclusion of my 
remarks.
  Now let me turn to the general subject of the Peace Corps as today is 
the thirty eighth anniversary of its establishment. Thirty eight years 
ago, a young President recognized the power that American ingenuity, 
idealism and, most of all, volunteerism could have on the lives of 
people around the world. In order to harness that energy, President 
Kennedy formed a small army, not of soldiers to make war, but of 
volunteers to build peace through mutual understanding.
  Since its inception in 1961, more than 151,000 Peace Corps volunteers 
have battled against the scourges of malnutrition, illiteracy and 
economic underdevelopment in 132 countries around the world. I can 
speak with some personal experience about the Peace Corps as I have had 
the privilege to serve as a volunteer. In fact, slightly more than 
thirty years ago, I arrived back in the United States after spending 
two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a rural village in the 
Dominican Republic. Like many who heeded President Kennedy's call to do 
something larger than ourselves, to be a part of something greater than 
our own existence, my service in the Peace Corps remains one of the 
most important periods in my life.
  When I served in the Peace Corps, nearly all of us volunteers had 
similar experiences. We worked in small isolated villages with little 
in the way of modern conveniences. The world since that time has 
changed and the Peace Corps has been evolving to meet new demands. 
Today's volunteers specialize in education, the environment, small 
business, agriculture and other fields. In 1996, the Peace Corps 
developed a ``Crisis Corps'' to provide short term emergency and 
humanitarian assistance in situations ranging from natural disasters to 
refugee crises. While many volunteers continue to live in remote 
villages, this is no longer an iron clad rule. Some now labor in urban 
areas, passing on the skills needed to start and run businesses.
  The more than 6,500 volunteers who today serve in 87 nations are a 
more diverse group than the one I joined three decades ago. When I 
served, the Corps was mostly male and mostly young. Today, however, 
nearly sixty percent of all volunteers are women, a quarter are over 
29, and six percent are over fifty. While the face and methods of the 
Peace Corps have changed over the years, its goal has remained 
constant: to help people of other countries meet their needs for 
trained personnel; to help promote understanding of the American people 
by those we serve; and to help promote better understanding among the 
American people about the world beyond our borders.
  By building bridges between the United States and other countries, 
the Peace Corps advances our foreign policy by communicating America's 
values and ideas to other peoples around the globe.
  It is an indication of the success of the Peace Corps that, while the 
current class of volunteers is providing new services and working in 
countries never served before, the demand continues to outpace supply. 
We need only look at a newspaper, Mr. President, to see where Peace 
Corps volunteers are needed. In the Caribbean countries ravaged by 
Hurricane Georges and Mitch, in formerly war-torn areas of Africa and 
in countries where the skills needed to start a business have been 
nearly erased by decades of communist rule. In order to meet these 
needs, Congress and President Clinton have set the admirable goal of 
reaching 10,000 Peace Corps volunteers by 2000.
  The Peace Corps, Mr. President, stands as an example of what is great 
about the United States. Our volunteerism, humanity and sense of 
justice are proudly displayed in the face of each volunteer we send 
overseas. And

[[Page S2131]]

every time I meet volunteers about to embark on their two years of 
service, I share their sense of excitement. If each of us, in our daily 
lives, work in the same spirit as those volunteers--helping those 
around us and sharing the values of our nation--the United States will 
indeed have a proud and bright future.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a summary and the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was orderd printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 509

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

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 
                   2000 THROUGH 2003 TO CARRY OUT THE PEACE CORPS 
                   ACT.

       Section 3(b) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2502(b)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(b)(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
     out the purposes of this Act $270,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2000, $298,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $327,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2002, and $365,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
       ``(2) Amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph 
     (1) for a fiscal year are authorized to remain available for 
     that fiscal year and the subsequent fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 2. MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE PEACE CORPS ACT.

       (a) International Travel.--Section 15(d) of such Act (22 
     U.S.C. 2514(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) the transportation of Peace Corps employees, Peace 
     Corps volunteers, dependents of such employees and 
     volunteers, and accompanying baggage, by a foreign air 
     carrier when the transportation is between two places outside 
     the United States without regard to section 40118 of title 
     49, United States Code.''.
       (b) Technical Amendments.--(1) Section 5(f)(1)(B) of such 
     Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(f)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``Civil 
     Service Commission'' and inserting ``Office of Personnel 
     Management''.
       (2) Section 5(h) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(h)) is amended 
     by striking ``the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 (5 
     U.S.C. 2171 et seq.)'' and all that follows through ``(31 
     U.S.C. 492a),'' and inserting ``section 3342 of title 31, 
     United States Code, section 5732 and''.
       (3) Section 5(j) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(j)) is amended 
     by striking ``section 1757 of the Revised Statutes of the 
     United States'' and all that follows and inserting ``section 
     3331 of title 5, United States Code.''.
       (4) Section 10(a)(4) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2509(a)(4)) is 
     amended by striking ``31 U.S.C. 665(b)'' and inserting 
     ``section 1342 of title 31, United States Code''.
       (5) Section 15(c) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2514(c)) is 
     amended by striking ``Public Law 84-918 (7 U.S.C. 1881 et 
     seq.)'' and inserting ``subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 
     5, United States Code''.
       (6) Section 15(d)(2) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2514(d)(2)) is 
     amended by striking ``section 9 of Public Law 60-328 (31 
     U.S.C. 673)'' and inserting ``section 1346 of title 31, 
     United States Code''.
       (7) Section 15(d)(6) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2514(d)(6)) is 
     amended by striking ``without regard to section 3561 of the 
     Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 543)''.
       (8) Section 15(d)(11) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2514(d)(11)), 
     as amended by this section, is further amended by striking 
     ``Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 801 et 
     seq.)'' and inserting ``Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 
     U.S.C. 3901 et seq.)''.
                                  ____


                      Section-by-Section Analysis


 sec. 1. authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 2000 through 
                 2003 to carry out the peace corps act

       This section amends the Peace Corps Act to provide the 
     following authorizations of appropriations: Fiscal Year 
     2000--$270 million, Fiscal Year 2001--$298 million, Fiscal 
     Year 2002--$327 million, Fiscal Year 2003--$365 million. The 
     Committee understands that these amounts are consistent with 
     Office of Management & Budget and Peace Corps estimates of 
     amounts required to meet the 10,000 volunteer target by the 
     end of Fiscal Year 2003. The Committee also understands that 
     these amounts are already part of the Administration's 
     outyear projections for Fiscal Years 2001-2003.


        sec. 2. miscellaneous amendments to the peace corps act

       Section 2(a) adds a new paragraph (13) to subsection 
     15(d).1
       [Footnote] The new paragraph would exempt the Peace Corps 
     from 49 U.S.C. 40118 with respect to flights between two 
     points abroad to the same extent other foreign service 
     agencies are exempt from that section.
       [Footnote] 122 U.S.C. subsection 2214(d).
       Under 49 U.S.C. subsection 40118(d), the Department of 
     State and the Agency for International Development (AID) are 
     exempt from the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 40118 for travel 
     between two places outside the United States by employees and 
     their dependents. Determining which carriers overseas are 
     U.S. certified or have agreements with the U.S. that qualify 
     them under section 40118 is a complex undertaking. Posts and 
     individuals must make decisions in this area at the risk of 
     having their travel costs disallowed. The Committee believes 
     that administrative provisions affecting foreign service 
     agencies should be as consistent as possible. For instance, a 
     Peace Corps employee who is flying with an AID employee to 
     attend a meeting should be able to fly on the same plane 
     without fear of being penalized under section 40118. This 
     provision would extend to Peace Corps employees and 
     Volunteers the same treatment now available to other foreign 
     service agency employees.
       Section 2(b) makes technical changes to sections 5, 10 and 
     15 of the Peace Corps Act (hereinafter the Act) to reflect 
     changes in statutory citations that have occurred since 
     enactment of the Act.
       Section 2(b)(1) strikes out `Civil Service Commission' in 
     section 5(f)(1)(B) and inserts in lieu thereof `Office of 
     Personnel Management.' The Civil Service Commission was 
     replaced by the Office of Personnel Management in 1966.
       Section 2(b)(2) amends section 5(h) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 
     2504(h)) in several respects. It strikes out references to 
     the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 (5 U.S.C. 2171 et 
     seq.), the Act of June 4, 1954, chapter 264, section 4 (5 
     U.S.C. 73b-5, the Act of December 23, 1944, chapter 716, 
     section 1, as amended (31 U.S.C. 492a) and inserts references 
     to 5 U.S.C. 5732 and 31 U.S.C. 3342. The Federal Voting 
     Assistance Act has been repealed and replaced by a provision 
     (42 U.S.C. 1973cc et seq.) which is available to all American 
     citizens overseas. It is unnecessary, therefore, to consider 
     Volunteers federal employees to provide them with the 
     benefits of the Act; therefore, the reference to voter 
     assistance in this provision can be deleted. The replacement 
     of references to sections of titles 5 and 31 with references 
     to 5 U.S.C. 5732 and 31 U.S.C. 3342 reflect recodification of 
     provisions relating to reimbursement for the cost of 
     transportation of baggage and effects, and check cashing 
     privileges in those titles. No substantive change is 
     involved.
       Section 2(b)(3) replaces the reference to `section 1757 of 
     the Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended (5 
     U.S.C. 16)' with `section 3331 of title 5, United States 
     Code,' reflecting the codification of the statutory oath for 
     employees in 1966.
       Section 2(b)(4) replaces the reference to 31 U.S.C. 665(b) 
     with `31 U.S.C. 1342,' reflecting the 1982 revision of title 
     31.
       Section 2(b)(5) amends section 15(c)2
       [Footnote] by striking out `Public Law 84-918 (7 U.S.C. 
     1881 et seq.)' and inserting in lieu thereof subchapter VI of 
     chapter 33, title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. 3371 et 
     seq.).' Section 15(c) of the Peace Corps Act authorizes 
     training for employees at private and public agencies. The 
     statutory provisions relating to employee training were 
     transferred from title 7 to title 5 in 1970.
       [Footnote] 222 U.S.C. subsection 2514(c).
       Section 2(b)(6) amends paragraph 15(d)(2)3
       [Footnote] by striking out `section 9 of Public Law 60-328 
     (31 U.S.C. 673)' and inserts in lieu thereof 31 U.S.C. 1346.' 
     This section of the Peace Corps Act authorizes the payment of 
     expenses to attend meetings related to the Peace Corps Act. 
     No substantive change is intended. It is another change 
     required by the 1982 revision of title 31.
       [Footnote] 322 U.S.C. subsection 2514(d)(2).
       Section 2(b)(7) strikes out `without regard to section 3561 
     of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 543)'. This statute, which 
     contained a restriction on currency exchanges, has been 
     repealed and apparently was not replaced.
       Section 2(b)(8) strikes out `Foreign Service Act of 1946, 
     as amended (22 U.S.C. 801 et seq.)' and inserts in lieu 
     thereof: `Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (22 U.S.C. 
     3901 et seq.)'. The Foreign Service Act was rewritten and 
     renamed in 1980.

  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from 
Connecticut, Senator Dodd, and my colleagues in the House, in 
introducing a reauthorization of the Peace Corps Act. This legislation 
authorizes a 12 percent increase for the fiscal year Peace Corps budget 
and is part of a multi-year plan to enable the Peace Corps to reach its 
goal of 10,000 volunteers. Reaching this level has been a long standing 
goal--set into law in 1985--and I am pleased that this legislation 
would accomplish this as the Peace Corps readies to enter the 21st 
century.
  As former Director of the Peace Corps, I have learned first-hand of 
the tremendous impact that the relatively small amount we spend on the 
Peace Corps has throughout the world. Not only does the Peace Corps 
continue to be a cost effective tool for providing assistance and 
developing stronger ties with the international community, it has also 
trained over 150,000 Americans in the cultures and languages of 
countries around the world. Returned volunteers often use these skills 
and experiences to contribute to myriad sectors of our society--
government, business, education, health, and social services, just to 
name a few. What a rich resource the Peace Corps is for the United 
States as the world grows closer.

[[Page S2132]]

  Peace Corps volunteers continue to provide unique leadership around 
the world by representing the finest characteristics of the American 
people: a strong work ethic, generosity of spirit, and a commitment to 
service. The interpersonal nature of the Peace Corps has allowed 
volunteers to establish a collective record of public service that is 
well respected and recognized in all corners of the world.
  Several Members of Congress, including Senator Dodd, have contributed 
to this legacy of service and volunteerism. I believe they have 
experienced the value of the Peace Corps and its commitment to serving 
others, and I am certain that my colleague from Connecticut would 
consider this Peace Corps experience invaluable to his work today. As I 
have said before and I think it deserves repeating, virtually every 
ambassador and official representative I have met from countries with 
volunteers is an enthusiastic supporter of the Peace Corps. They all 
have viewed the Peace Corps as the most successful program of its kind.
  Mr. President, I believe that the time is right to expand the number 
of Peace Corps volunteers. As the needs of people in developing 
countries continue to grow, so too does the number of enthusiastic 
Americans desiring to serve. Over the last 4 years, the number of 
Americans requesting information about joining the Peace Corps 
increased by almost 40 percent. Yet, during the same period, the Peace 
Corps has only been able to support a 2 percent-increase in volunteers.
  In addition, the Peace Corps has taken steps to streamline agency 
operations to channel more resources in support of additional 
volunteers. Headquarter staffing has been reduced 13 percent since 
1993. Five of 16 domestic recruiting offices and 13 country programs 
have been closed since fiscal year 1996. Financial savings in basic 
business operations have been achieved by realigning the headquarters 
organization and improving overseas financial operations. The sum of 
all the financial savings have contributed to a 14 percent-reduction in 
the average cost per volunteer (in constant dollars) since 1993.
  Today, nearly 6,700 volunteers serve in 80 countries around the 
world, working with local communities to build a better future. This 
increase in Volunteers will help the Peace Corps expand in areas such 
as the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Africa as well as in Jordan, China, 
Bangladesh, and Mozambique. Increased funding will also help expand the 
work of the ``Crisis Corps,'' a group of experienced Peace Corps 
volunteers who have the necessary background to make valuable 
contributions in emergency situations. Crisis Corp volunteers, by the 
way, are serving today in Central America, assisting the region in its 
recovery from the terrible devastation of Hurricane Mitch.
  Finally, this proposed authorization will serve to strengthen the 
Peace Corps as it prepares to enter the 21st century, putting it on the 
firm footing it needs and deserves. I firmly believe that a rejuvenated 
Peace Corps will help ensure that America continues to be an engaged 
world leader, and that we continue to share with other countries our 
own legacy of freedom, independence, and prosperity. This is an 
investment in our country and our world that we need to make.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Kyl, Mr. Crapo, Mr. 
        Gorton, and Mr. Grams):
  S. 510. A bill to preserve the sovereignty of the United States over 
public lands and acquired lands owned by the United States, and to 
preserve State sovereignty and private property rights in non-Federal 
lands surrounding those public lands and acquired lands; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


              the american land sovereignty protection act

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce the American Land 
Sovereignty Protection Act of 1999. I am pleased to be joined by my 
colleagues, Senators Craig, Kyl, Crapo, Gorton, and Grams who are 
original cosponsors of the bill.
  This bill enforces our position as strong supporters of American 
public lands and private property rights, and is based upon legislation 
which I introduced in the 105th Congress, S. 2098. Since then I have 
received input from Coloradans and revised the bill accordingly, as I 
am concerned about the setting aside of public lands by the federal 
government for international agreements and oversight.
  The absence of congressional oversight in such programs as the United 
Nations Biosphere Reserve is of special concern to me. The United 
Nations has designated 47 Biosphere Reserves in the United States which 
contain a total area greater than the size of my home state of 
Colorado.
  The United Nations remains the only multi-national body to share 
perspectives on a global scale. The United States, as the leading 
economic and military world power, should maintain an influential role. 
However, the intrusive implications of the U.N. Biosphere Reserve 
program have created a problem that must be addressed by the Congress.
  A Biosphere Reserve is a federally-zoned and coordinated region that 
could prohibit certain uses of private lands outside of the designated 
international area. The executive branch is agreeing to manage the 
designated area in accordance with an underlying agreement which may 
have implications on non-federal land outside the affected area. For 
example, when residents of Arkansas discovered a plan by the United 
Nations and the administration to advance a proposed Ozark Highland Man 
and Biosphere Reserve without public input, the plan was withdrawn in 
the face of public pressure. This type of stealth tactic to accommodate 
international interests does not serve the needs and desires of the 
American people. Rather, it is an encroachment by the Executive branch 
on congressional authority.

  We are facing a threat to our sovereignty by the creation of these 
land reserves in our public lands. I also believe the rights of private 
landowners must be protected if these international land designations 
are made. Even more disturbing is the fact the executive branch elected 
to be a party to this ``Biosphere Reserve'' program without the 
approval of Congress or the American people. The absence of 
congressional oversight in this area is a serious concern.
  In fact most of these international land reserves have been created 
with minimal, if any, congressional input or oversight or public 
consultation. The current system for implementing international land 
reserves diminishes the power and sovereignty of the Congress to 
exercise its constitutional power to make laws that govern lands 
belonging to the United States. Congress must protect individual 
property owners, local communities, and state sovereignty which may be 
adversely impacted economically by any such international agreements.
  As policymaking authority is further centralized by the executive 
branch at the federal level, the role of ordinary citizens in the 
making of this policy through their elected representatives is 
diminished. The administration has allowed some of America's most 
symbolic monuments of freedom, such as the Statue of Liberty and 
Independence Hall to be listed as World Heritage Sites. Furthermore the 
United Nations has listed national parks including Yellowstone National 
Park--our nation's first national park--as a World Heritage Site.
  Federal legislation is needed to require the specific approval of 
Congress before any area within the borders of the United States is 
made part of an international land reserve. My bill reasserts Congress' 
Constitutional role in the creation of rules and regulations governing 
lands belonging to the United States and its people.
  I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record and 
urge my colleagues to support its passage.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 510

       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 ``American Land Sovereignty 
     Protection Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The power to dispose of and make all needful rules and 
     regulations governing lands belonging to the United States is 
     vested in the Congress under article IV, section 3, of the 
     Constitution.

[[Page S2133]]

       (2) Some Federal land designations made pursuant to 
     international agreements concern land use policies and 
     regulations for lands belonging to the United States which 
     under article IV, section 3, of the Constitution can only be 
     implemented through laws enacted by the Congress.
       (3) Some international land designations, such as those 
     under the United States Biosphere Reserve Program and the Man 
     and Biosphere Program of the United Nations Scientific, 
     Educational, and Cultural Organization, operate under 
     independent national committees, such as the United States 
     National Man and Biosphere Committee, which have no 
     legislative directives or authorization from the Congress.
       (4) Actions by the United States in making such 
     designations may affect the use and value of nearby or 
     intermixed non-Federal lands.
       (5) The sovereignty of the States is a critical component 
     of our Federal system of government and a bulwark against the 
     unwise concentration of power.
       (6) Private property rights are essential for the 
     protection of freedom.
       (7) Actions by the United States to designate lands 
     belonging to the United States pursuant to international 
     agreements in some cases conflict with congressional 
     constitutional responsibilities and State sovereign 
     capabilities.
       (8) Actions by the President in applying certain 
     international agreements to lands owned by the United States 
     diminishes the authority of the Congress to make rules and 
     regulations respecting these lands.
       (b) Purpose.--The purposes of this Act are the following:
       (1) To reaffirm the power of the Congress under article IV, 
     section 3, of the Constitution over international agreements 
     which concern disposal, management, and use of lands 
     belonging to the United States.
       (2) To protect State powers not reserved to the Federal 
     Government under the Constitution from Federal actions 
     designating lands pursuant to international agreements.
       (3) To ensure that no United States citizen suffers any 
     diminishment or loss of individual rights as a result of 
     Federal actions designating lands pursuant to international 
     agreements for purposes of imposing restrictions on use of 
     those lands.
       (4) To protect private interests in real property from 
     diminishment as a result of Federal actions designating lands 
     pursuant to international agreements.
       (5) To provide a process under which the United States may, 
     when desirable, designate lands pursuant to international 
     agreements.

     SEC. 3. CLARIFICATION OF CONGRESSIONAL ROLE IN WORLD HERITAGE 
                   SITE LISTING.

       Section 401 of the National Historic Preservation Act 
     Amendments of 1980 (Public Law 96-515; 94 Stat. 2987) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) in the first sentence, by--
       (A) striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``Subject to 
     subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e), the Secretary''; and
       (B) inserting ``(in this section referred to as the 
     `Convention')'' after ``1973''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(d)(1) The Secretary of the Interior may not nominate any 
     lands owned by the United States for inclusion on the World 
     Heritage List pursuant to the Convention, unless--
       ``(A) the Secretary finds with reasonable basis that 
     commercially viable uses of the nominated lands, and 
     commercially viable uses of other lands located within 10 
     miles of the nominated lands, in existence on the date of the 
     nomination will not be adversely affected by inclusion of the 
     lands on the World Heritage List, and publishes that finding;
       ``(B) the Secretary has submitted to the Congress a report 
     describing--
       ``(i) natural resources associated with the lands referred 
     to in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) the impacts that inclusion of the nominated lands on 
     the World Heritage List would have on existing and future 
     uses of the nominated lands or other lands located within 10 
     miles of the nominated lands; and
       ``(C) the nomination is specifically authorized by a law 
     enacted after the date of enactment of the American Land 
     Sovereignty Protection Act and after the date of publication 
     of a finding under subparagraph (A) for the nomination.
       ``(2) The President may submit to the Speaker of the House 
     of Representatives and the President of the Senate a proposal 
     for legislation authorizing such a nomination after 
     publication of a finding under paragraph (1)(A) for the 
     nomination.
       ``(e) The Secretary of the Interior shall object to the 
     inclusion of any property in the United States on the list of 
     World Heritage in Danger established under Article 11.4 of 
     the Convention, unless--
       ``(1) the Secretary has submitted to the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives and the President of the Senate a 
     report describing--
       ``(A) the necessity for including that property on the 
     list;
       ``(B) the natural resources associated with the property; 
     and
       ``(C) the impacts that inclusion of the property on the 
     list would have on existing and future uses of the property 
     and other property located within 10 miles of the property 
     proposed for inclusion; and
       ``(2) the Secretary is specifically authorized to assent to 
     the inclusion of the property on the list, by a joint 
     resolution of the Congress after the date of submittal of the 
     report required by paragraph (1).
       ``(f) The Secretary of the Interior shall submit an annual 
     report on each World Heritage Site within the United States 
     to the Chairman and Ranking Minority member of the Committee 
     on Resources of the House of Representatives and of the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, that 
     contains for the year covered by the report the following 
     information for the site:
       ``(1) An accounting of all money expended to manage the 
     site.
       ``(2) A summary of Federal full time equivalent hours 
     related to management of the site.
       ``(3) A list and explanation of all nongovernmental 
     organizations that contributed to the management of the site.
       ``(4) A summary and account of the disposition of 
     complaints received by the Secretary related to management of 
     the site.''.

     SEC. 4. PROHIBITION AND TERMINATION OF UNAUTHORIZED UNITED 
                   NATIONS BIOSPHERE RESERVES.

       Title IV of the National Historic Preservation Act 
     Amendments of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 470a-1 et seq.) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:
       ``Sec. 403. (a) No Federal official may nominate any lands 
     in the United States for designation as a Biosphere Reserve 
     under the Man and Biosphere Program of the United Nations 
     Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
       ``(b) Any designation on or before the date of enactment of 
     the American Land Sovereignty Protection Act of an area in 
     the United States as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and 
     Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, 
     Scientific, and Cultural Organization shall not have, and 
     shall not be given, any force or effect, unless the Biosphere 
     Reserve--
       ``(1) is specifically authorized by a law enacted after 
     that date of enactment and before December 31, 2000;
       ``(2) consists solely of lands that on that date of 
     enactment are owned by the United States; and
       ``(3) is subject to a management plan that specifically 
     ensures that the use of intermixed or adjacent non-Federal 
     property is not limited or restricted as a result of that 
     designation.
       ``(c) The Secretary of State shall submit an annual report 
     on each Biosphere Reserve within the United States to the 
     Chairman and Ranking Minority member of the Committee on 
     Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, that contains 
     for the year covered by the report the following information 
     for the reserve:
       ``(1) An accounting of all money expended to manage the 
     reserve.
       ``(2) A summary of Federal full time equivalent hours 
     related to management of the reserve.
       ``(3) A list and explanation of all nongovernmental 
     organizations that contributed to the management of the 
     reserve.
       ``(4) A summary and account of the disposition of the 
     complaints received by the Secretary related to management of 
     the reserve.''.

     SEC. 5. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS IN GENERAL.

       Title IV of the National Historic Preservation Act 
     Amendments of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 470a-1 et seq.) is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:
       ``Sec. 404. (a) No Federal official may nominate, classify, 
     or designate any lands owned by the United States and located 
     within the United States for a special or restricted use 
     under any international agreement unless such nomination, 
     classification, or designation is specifically authorized by 
     law. The President may from time to time submit to the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of 
     the Senate proposals for legislation authorizing such a 
     nomination, classification, or designation.
       ``(b) A nomination, classification, or designation, under 
     any international agreement, of lands owned by a State or 
     local government shall have no force or effect unless the 
     nomination, classification, or designation is specifically 
     authorized by a law enacted by the State or local government, 
     respectively.
       ``(c) A nomination, classification, or designation, under 
     any international agreement, of privately owned lands shall 
     have no force or effect without the written consent of the 
     owner of the lands.
       ``(d) This section shall not apply to--
       ``(1) agreements established under section 16(a) of the 
     North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4413); 
     and
       ``(2) conventions referred to in section 3(h)(3) of the 
     Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 712(2)).
       ``(e) In this section, the term `international agreement' 
     means any treaty, compact, executive agreement, convention, 
     bilateral agreement, or multilateral agreement between the 
     United States or any agency of the United States and any 
     foreign entity or agency of any foreign entity, having a 
     primary purpose of conserving, preserving, or protecting the 
     terrestrial or marine environment, flora, or fauna.''.

     SEC. 6. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.

       Section 401(b) of the National Historic Preservation Act 
     Amendments of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 470a-1(b)) is amended by 
     striking ``Committee on Natural Resources'' and inserting 
     ``Committee on Resources''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. McCAIN:

[[Page S2134]]

  S. 511. A bill to amend the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and 
Handicapped Act to ensure the equal right of individuals with 
disabilities to vote, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules 
and Administration.


  Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act Amendments

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation with my 
dear friend Senator John Kerry which would protect every American's 
fundamental right to vote. Our bill, ``Improving Accessibility to 
Voting for Disabled and Elderly Americans'' will ensure that every 
citizen who wants to vote will be able to vote despite physical 
disabilities.
  The McCain-Kerry bill would strengthen and redefined the existing 
law, ``Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped.'' As many 
of my colleagues know, Congress implemented this law in 1984 in an 
attempt to ensure that all Americans has access to voter registration 
and polling places. At the time this was quite a progressive initiative 
since it was 15 years prior to the landmark Americans with Disabilities 
Act which as since helped opened the door for millions of disabled 
Americans in many aspects of their lives.
  As a Member of the House of Representatives, I proudly supported the 
original 1984 law and was confident that it would eliminate the 
barriers facing millions of disabled and elderly citizens when they 
exercise their basic right to vote. Unfortunately, it did not. While it 
was a step in the right direction it has not completely eradicated 
inaccessible polling facilities. According to the most recent Federal 
Election Commission report, which relies on self-reporting by local 
election officials during the 1992 election, there were at least 19,500 
inaccessible polling places. This is not including 9,500 polling places 
which did not file reports. And since this information is based on 
self-reporting I am afraid that the actual number of inaccessible 
polling places may be much higher.
  It is deplorable that millions of disabled and elderly voters are not 
voting because they are faced with too many obstacles, including 
inaccessible polling places and ballots which are not accessible to 
blind or visually impaired voters. I find it particularly disconcerning 
that many of our nation's disabled veterans, the very men and women who 
have sacrificed so much for our country, are unable to cast their vote 
because of polling facilities which are not accessible. This is simply 
wrong. The right to vote is the heat and soul of our democracy, and we 
must work together to eliminate barriers preventing millions from 
participating in our democracy.
  As America works together for our journey into the new millennium we 
must ensure that our Democracy continues to include everyone and 
address the unique needs of each citizen. I am concerned about voter 
turnout in the last election cycle, 1998 was the lowest since 1942--
only 36 percent of eligible voters participated. It is difficult to 
have representation of the people by the people if the majority of 
people are not participating.
  I find this lack of participation quite disturbing, particularly as 
our Nation prepares to enter the next century facing a multitude of 
important issues. What is even more disturbing is the number of 
citizens who wanted to participate in our election process but were 
unable to because of inaccessible polling facilities. This is why I am 
committed to working with Senator Kerry to get this bill passed so that 
every citizen, particularly the men and women who pledged their lives, 
fortunes and sacred honor to preserve and protect our Nation, can 
participate in the voting process.
  I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will work with us to enact 
this important piece of legislation this year so that all Americans can 
exercise their right to vote with dignity and respect.
  This legislation is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 
American Foundation for the Blind, New Hampshire Disabilities Rights 
Center, New Hampshire Developmental Disabilities Council, Granite State 
Independent Living Foundation, and National Association of Protection 
and Advocacy Systems. I would like to thank each of them for their 
commitment to protecting the rights of disabled and elderly Americans.
  Mr. President, I request unanimous consent that a copy of the 
legislation be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection the test of the bill was to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 511

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

     SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF VOTING ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE ELDERLY 
                   AND HANDICAPPED ACT.

       (a) Purpose.--Section 2 of the Voting Accessibility for the 
     Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee) is amended 
     by--
       (1) striking ``It'' and inserting ``(a) It''; and
       (2) adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) It is the intention of Congress in enacting this Act 
     to ensure that--
       ``(1) no individual may be denied the right to vote in a 
     Federal election on the basis of being disabled; and
       ``(2) every voter has the right to vote independently in a 
     Federal election.''.
       (b) Accessibility of Polling Places.--Section 3 of the 
     Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1973ee-1) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``each political 
     subdivision'' and all that follows through ``conducting 
     elections'' and inserting ``the chief election officer of the 
     State'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a polling place in 
     the case of any unforeseeable natural disaster such as a 
     fire, storm, earthquake, or flood.''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) The chief election officer of a State shall ensure 
     that all polling methods selected and used for Federal 
     elections are accessible to disabled and elderly voters, 
     including--
       ``(1) the provision of ballots in a variety of accessible 
     media;
       ``(2) the provision of instructions that are printed in 
     large type, conspicuously displayed at each polling place;
       ``(3) the provision of printed information that is 
     generally available to other voters using a variety of 
     accessible media; and
       ``(4) ensuring that all polling methods used enable 
     disabled and elderly voters to cast votes at polling places 
     during times and under conditions of privacy available to 
     other voters.''.
       (c) Accessibility of Registration Facilities and 
     Services.--Section 5(a) of the Voting Accessibility for the 
     Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee-3(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) registration information by telecommunications 
     devices for the deaf and in a variety of accessible media; 
     and
       ``(3) accessible registration procedures to allow each 
     eligible voter to register at the residence of the voter, by 
     mail, or by other means.''.
       (d) Enforcement.--Section 6 of the Voting Accessibility for 
     the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee-4) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``45'' and inserting 
     ``21''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) In an action brought under subsection (a), the State 
     or political subdivision shall be fined an amount--
       ``(1) not to exceed $5,000 for the first violation of such 
     section; and
       ``(2) not to exceed $10,000 for each subsequent 
     violation.''.
       (e) Relationship With Other Laws.--Section 7 of the Voting 
     Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1973ee-5) is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking ``voting rights act of 
     1965'' and inserting ``other laws;
       (2) by striking ``This'' and inserting ``(a) This''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to invalidate 
     or limit the laws of any State or political subdivision that 
     provide greater or equal access to registration or polling 
     for disabled and elderly voters.''.
       (f) Definitions.--Section 8 of the Voting Accessibility for 
     the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee-6) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``chief election'' 
     through ``involved'' and inserting ``Access Board'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``permanent physical 
     disability; and'' and inserting ``permanent disability;'';
       (3) in paragraph (5), by striking the period and inserting 
     a semicolon; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) `Access Board' means the Architectural and 
     Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established under 
     section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     792);
       ``(7) `chief election officer' means the State officer or 
     entity, designated by State law or established by practice, 
     responsible for elections within the State;
       ``(8) `independently' means without the assistance of 
     another individual; and
       ``(9) `media' includes formats using large type, braille, 
     sound recording, or digital text.''.
       (g) References.--
       (1) In general.--The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly 
     and Handicapped Act (42

[[Page S2135]]

     U.S.C. 1973ee et seq.) is amended by striking ``handicapped'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``disabled''.
       (2) References in other laws.--Except where inappropriate, 
     any reference to ``handicapped'' in relation to the Voting 
     Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1973ee et seq.) in any law, Executive Order, rule, or other 
     document shall include a reference to ``disabled''.
       (h) Conforming Amendment.--Section 502(b)(3) of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 792(b)(3)) is amended 
     by inserting before the semicolon ``and section 3 of the 
     Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1973ee-1)''.

     SEC. 2. REGULATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall promulgate 
     regulations implementing this Act. Such regulations shall be 
     consistent with the minimum guidelines established by the 
     Access Board.
       (b) Access Board Guidelines.--Not later than 9 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Access Board shall 
     issue minimum guidelines relating to the requirements in the 
     amendments made by section 1(b) of this Act.
       (c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Access Board'' 
     means the Architectural and Transportation Barriers 
     Compliance Board.

     SEC. 3. TRANSITION PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 months after the date on 
     which regulations are promulgated under section 2(a), the 
     chief election officer of each State shall develop a 
     transition plan to ensure that polling places in the State 
     are in compliance with the requirements of the Voting 
     Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1973ee et seq.), as amended by this Act.
       (b) Coordination With Local Election Officials.--The plan 
     under subsection (a) shall be developed in coordination 
     with--
       (1) local election officials; and
       (2) individuals with disabilities or organizations 
     representing individuals with disabilities.
       (c) Contents and Availability of Plan.--The plan under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       (1) include specific recommendations necessary to comply 
     with the requirements of the Voting Accessibility for the 
     Elderly and Handicapped Act; and
       (2) be available for public inspection in such manner as 
     the chief election officer determines appropriate.

     SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       The amendments made by section 1 of this Act shall apply 
     beginning on the earliest of--
       (1) the date that is 6 months after the date on which 
     regulations are promulgated under section 2(a); or
       (2) the date of the first Federal election taking place in 
     the State after December 31, 2000.

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my good friend John 
McCain to introduce the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and 
Handicapped Act, to ensure that our disabled and elderly citizens have 
the same opportunity to vote as the rest of us--in private and at a 
polling place. Despite the intention of a voter accessibility law 
passed in 1984, many individuals with physical challenges are literally 
left outside the polling place, unable to exercise their fundamental 
right to vote without embarrassing themselves or relying on others to 
cast their ballot for them.
  As abysmally low as voter turnout is for the population as a whole, 
it is estimated that the rate of voter participation by persons with 
disabilities is even lower--as much as 15-20 percent according to some 
surveys. Among the reasons for this gap is that polling places are not 
accessible to people with physical disabilities. This is the case, 
despite the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act 
(VAEHA) of 1984, which requires polling places to be physically 
accessible to both older voters and voters with disabilities. 
Unfortunately, the VAEHA does not define an ``accessible'' voting 
place, nor does it place responsibility for making a voting place 
accessible with any particular agency or official.
  Since the 1984 act was passed, many polling places have improved 
their accessibility. Nevertheless, according to the Federal Election 
Commission, which tracks accessibility under the 1984 act, there were 
some 19,500 inaccessible polling places in 1992--the last time for 
which statistics are available. And, since the FEC report relied on 
self-reporting by voting precincts, the actual number of inaccessible 
polling places in likely to be even higher.
  The result is that there are still too many instances where disabled 
voters must resort to what is known as ``curbside voting.'' According 
to a survey by the National Voter Independence Project, 47 percent of 
polling places are inaccessible because they don't have a wide enough 
path from the street, there are no signs directing disabled people 
where to go, or stairs or narrow doorways block wheelchair access. 
Disabled voters who go to inaccessible polling places are told to honk 
their car horn, or ask a passerby to get the attention of the polling 
official, who must then bring a ballot out to the disabled voter or 
carry him or her into the voting place. Rather than face this 
indignity, many disabled voters choose not to vote.
  Why shouldn't they just vote by absentee ballot? Because voting is a 
community event in which those without disabilities can choose to 
participate. Disabled voters deserve the same voting rights as everyone 
else. If they vote by absentee ballot, they should do so because they 
choose to, not because they have to.
  Visually impaired voters--many of whom are older Americans--also 
often face certain indignities when they attempt to exercise their 
fundamental right of a secret vote. If they cannot see the ballot, they 
are told to bring someone into the voting booth with them, to read the 
ballot for them and cast their vote. An extraordinary 81 percent of 
visually impaired individuals had to rely on others to mark their 
ballots for them, according to the National Voter Independence Project. 
The secret ballot is so basic to our democratic system that it is 
shocking that it is denied to so many.
  The right to vote at a polling place and in private can be provided 
to the elderly and disabled for a very low price. State election 
agencies may incur some costs in bringing their polling places into 
compliance, however, these are expenses already required of the states 
by the 1984 law. More importantly in most cases, the costs are not 
likely to be high. The FEC noted that improvements seen in 1992 ``were 
in many cases achieved merely by relocating polling places to 
accessible buildings at no cost to the taxpayers.'' Where polling 
places are not accessible to individuals with physical disabilities, 
they can be moved to already accessible buildings, such as malls, 
public libraries and schools. In many instances, access would be 
improved by putting up signs directing persons with disabilities to 
accessible entrances. These and other simple solutions have been 
implemented by some precincts at only minimal cost.
  Improving access for the visually impaired can also be a low-cost 
endeavor for states. Many visually impaired individuals would be able 
to vote independently if the ballots were simply in larger type. 
Providing a tape recording of the ballot for the visually impaired to 
listen to is another solution that has been implemented by a few 
precincts for very low cost. It is a small price to pay to guarantee 
our fundamental rights to all of our citizens.
  Those who would benefit from this bill include the men and women who 
were injured serving our country in the armed forces. Other 
beneficiaries would be elderly citizens who may have voted regularly 
throughout their lives, and only their failing vision keeps them from 
voting now. Still others on whose behalf we offer this bill are victims 
of accidents, illnesses, or genetic disorders. Is there any one among 
those individuals who should be denied the right to participate in the 
voting process? Of course not. It is for them, Mr. President, that we 
offer this very important piece of legislation.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. GORTON (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. 
        Torricelli, Mr. Lieberman, and Mr. Edwards):
  S. 512. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for 
the expansion, intensification, and coordination of the activities of 
the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to research on 
autism; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


              advancement in pediatric autism research act

  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today, I will introduce legislation that 
will build on current scientific advances in understanding autism and 
will promote additional research in this promising field. I introduced 
a very similar bill last year and am greatly encouraged by the progress 
in this field. In the last 12 months, we've seen an increase in the 
number of researchers interested in this field, additional funding for 
autism research and greater public awareness about this disability. It 
is

[[Page S2136]]

my hope that we can continue this momentum and pass meaningful 
legislation this year.
  Many think autism is rare. In fact, it is the third most prevalent 
childhood disability, affecting an estimated four hundred thousand 
Americans and their families. It is also a condition that doctors and 
scientists believe can be cured. It is not something that we simply 
must accept.
  When people think of autism they might remember the character played 
by Dustin Hoffman in the movie ``Rainman.'' Yet autism has many faces; 
it affects people from every background, social and ethnic category. 
Children with autism may be profoundly retarded and may never learn to 
speak, while other may be extremely hyperactive and bright. Some may 
have extraordinary talents, such as an exceptional memory or skill in 
mathematics. However, all share the common traits of difficulty with 
communication and social interaction. And for reasons we do not yet 
understand, eighty percent of those with autism are males.
  But autism is not about statistics or medical definitions--it is 
about children and families. The Kruegers, from Washington state, have 
an all too typical story. Their little girl Chanel developed like any 
other child--she happily played with her parents, took her first steps, 
learned some of her first words and then she started to regress. In 
four short months, by the time she was two, Chanel had become almost 
completely enveloped in her own private world. Chanel's mother told me 
``it was like somebody came in the middle of the night and took my 
child.''
  Like many children with autism, the Krueger's daughter no longer 
responded when her parents called her name; words she once spoke 
clearly became garbled; and socializing became more and more difficult. 
Fortunately, due to her parents' dedication and intervention Chanel 
Krueger at age 5, is doing remarkably well.
  But, many autistic children completely lose the ability to interact 
with the outside world. The hours these kids should be spending in 
little league or playing with their friends are often spent staring out 
the window, transfixed by the dust floating in the sunlight or the 
pattern of leaves on the ground.
  Even today, with advances in therapy and early intervention, few of 
these children will go to college, hold a regular job, live 
independently or marry. More than half never learn how to speak.
  The facts about autism can be sobering--but there is hope. Early 
intervention and treatment has helped many children. Science has also 
made great strides in understanding this disorder. We now know that 
autism is a biological condition, it is not an emotional problem and it 
is not caused by faulty parenting. Scientists believe that autism is 
one of the most heritable developmental disorders and is the most 
likely to benefit from the latest advances in genetics and neurology. 
Once the genetic link is discovered, the opportunities for 
understanding, treating, and eventually curing autism are endless.

  The promise of research is exactly why I am introducing this 
legislation. This bill will increase the federal commitment to autism 
research. Its cornerstone is authorization for five Centers of 
Excellence where basic researchers, clinicians and scientists can come 
together to increase our understanding of this devastating disorder.
  Because so little is known about the prevalence of autism, I have 
added a provision that establishes at the Centers for Disease Control 
at least three centers of expertise on autism in an effort to identify 
the causes of autism. The epidemiology research will help us confirm or 
dismiss whether a genetic disposition to autism may be triggered by 
environmental factors. If so, identifying those factors may help us in 
taking steps to prevent autism from developing.
  A library of genetic information will be a valuable tool for 
researchers trying to identify the genetic basis for autism. The bill 
includes a provision to fund a gene and brain tissue bank developed 
from families affected with autism to be available for research 
purposes.
  While we are hoping to advance our understanding and treatment of 
autism through research, it is also important that pediatricians and 
other health professionals have the most current information so that 
children and their families can receive help as early as possible. The 
bill includes authorization for an Autism Wareness Program to educate 
doctors and other health professionals about autism.
  Finally, it is vital that we encourage collaboration among the 
scientists conducting this important work throughout the Department of 
Health and Human Services. The bill establishes an Inter-Agency Autism 
Coordinating Committee to bring together the scientists at the various 
Institutes at the NIH, at the Centers for Disease Control and other 
agencies conducting autism research.
  While the focus of this bill is on autism, advances in this area are 
also likely to shed light on related problems such as attention deficit 
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, and various seizure disorders 
and learning disabilities.
  Research is the key to unlocking the door and freeing those with 
autism from the isolation and loneliness of their private world. This 
bill is intended to give the NIH and the CDC the resources to take 
advantage of the tremendous opportunity before us to find more 
effective treatments and ultimately a cure for autism. The promise is 
real. Fulfillment of that promise only requires our commitment. I urge 
my Senate colleagues to support this important investment in the future 
of our children and our Nation.

                          ____________________