[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 90 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6593-S6598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Amendment No. 3753
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate has
taken an important step toward protecting the lives and property of all
Americans with the passage of the Firefighter Investment and Response
Enhancement Act. I am proud today to join with Senators Dodd and DeWine
as a cosponsor of this legislation. I wish to thank Senator Dodd and
Senator DeWine for the leadership and effort they have shown on behalf
of the men and women serving as firefighters across the nation. I would
also like to commend the many other Senators who already have signed on
as cosponsors of this important legislation.
The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act seeks to
address the enormous amount of fiscal need faced by our nation's fire
departments, both paid and volunteer, and does so with an eye to the
human costs incurred by both firefighters and the general public these
brave men and women protect every day. Every year, more than 4,000
people are killed and 24,000 are injured by fire in the United States.
Sadly, about 660 of those killed each year are children. One hundred of
the individuals who lose their lives to fire each year are
firefighters, the very men and women who are fighting to protect
others. Many of these deaths and injuries could be avoided by simply
using the technology and equipment that while currently available, is
often so expensive that fire departments are unable to purchase it.
Similarly, many of the deaths and injuries could be avoided with
increased efforts at fire prevention and training. Fire departments in
many of our towns and cities spend the bulk of their entire budgets on
administrative costs and compliance with existing safety regulations,
and can simply not afford the available safety equipment and training.
As a consequence, far too many volunteer firefighters and EMTs are
forced to pay for their own training because their departments simply
do not have enough money to have them trained.
West Virginia fire departments share in this enormous need for
additional funding. There are about 16,000 firefighters in West
Virginia serving in 437 fire departments. Virtually every one of those
departments are underfunded. West Virginians were forced to cope with
almost $73 million of property damage due to fires in 1999. More
importantly, 45 civilians were killed and two firefighters were killed
in the line of duty. Much of the loss of life and property, and many of
these injuries could have been avoided if fire departments had the
funds to deal with emergencies as effectively as possible and to
establish prevention programs.
Over the past few months, my state has grieved the tragic loss of two
firefighters whose deaths may well have been prevented if their
departments had access to grants available under S. 1941. Angelo
``Wayne'' Shrader, a firefighter with the East River Volunteer
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Fire Department, in Princeton, WV, who also worked as a Communicator
with the Mercer County ``911'' service, died as a result of injuries
incurred fighting a fire as part of an understaffed local fire
department. Similarly, Fire Lieutenant Robbie Brannon, of the City of
Bluefield Fire Department, died as the result of injuries, including a
heart attack, he suffered fighting a residential fire with a crew
short two firefighters because of budget constraints. I humbly join
with colleagues on both sides of the aisle today in honor of the
bravery and sacrifice of Wayne Shrader and Robbie Brannon, and the many
firefighters in West Virginia and across the nation who continue to
protect us each day.
Like fire departments all across the country, West Virginia fire
departments do receive support from State and local governments.
Unfortunately, it is simply not enough. Indeed, fire departments in
West Virginia are just like those in every other state, with equipment
and personnel needs requiring substantial additional funding. Equipment
such as thermal imaging cameras would be a tremendous aid to
firefighters and could result in lives being saved, but such equipment
is very expensive. Similarly, new and technologically advanced fire
engines would be an enormous help to fire departments and the towns and
cities they serve. Unfortunately, with current funding levels, most
fire departments cannot upgrade their equipment and many must raise
funds themselves just to fuel the antiquated vehicles many must still
keep in service.
However, the greatest need fire departments in West Virginia have is
the need for increased training. Additional training would be an
invaluable resource to fire departments across the state. There simply
is not enough money available. Three years ago, the projected five-year
need for the fire departments in Raleigh County, West Virginia, alone
was $14 million. While the Firefighter Investment and Response
Enhancement Act would not cover that entire need, it would be a
tremendous aid to fire departments as they attempt to meet their
various needs.
For many years, fire departments and firefighters across the nation
have simply dealt with funding shortfalls, and yet have managed to
protect our communities despite the limited resources available to
them. However, we cannot expect these miracles to be performed any
longer. Bake sales and bingo can only pay for so much. It is vital that
the federal government become involved. The men and women serving as
firefighters play an important role in the quality of life in our
communities, and it is high time Congress recognizes their
contribution. It is our responsibility to provide adequate funding
sources to keep firefighters from facing dangers that could be
mitigated or eliminated though better training, the availability of
state-of-the-art equipment, and the implementation of fire prevention
programs.
The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act provides a
portion of this much-needed relief. The legislation authorizes $1
billion to be distributed by FEMA to fire departments across the nation
on a competitive basis. No more than ten percent of this money is to be
used for administrative costs. This assures that the money is really
getting to the fire departments that so desperately need help. Further,
at least ten percent of the funds are to be used to establish vital
fire prevention programs to stop fires before they start. The remaining
appropriations will be available on a competitive basis to address a
wide variety of needs faced by fire departments across the nation. This
allows money to be used for the most desperate needs of individual
departments.
It is past time that we provide some relief to our nation's brave
firefighters who have managed to get by on far too little for far too
long. Once again, I commend the Senate for taking this action on behalf
of our nation's firefighters. I also wish to thank Senator Dodd and
Senator DeWine for sponsoring this legislation to supply a portion of
that much-needed aid. Little that we do may be as immediately important
as the help we should act quickly to provide our fire departments. By
helping our nation's fire departments, we are truly helping everyone.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise as an original co-sponsor of the
Domenici Nuclear Cities amendment and to note that this important
amendment was unanimously agreed to by the Senate.
The Russia nuclear weapons complex is a vast collection of highly
secret closed cities. This complex is far larger and has significantly
more capability to produce nuclear weapons than the US nuclear weapons
complex. Just over two years ago, the Department of Energy was
presented with a unique opportunity to help Russia significantly reduce
this complex, including the opportunity to close 2 of the three Russian
nuclear weapons assembly facilities.
The DOE through its nuclear cities initiative has been working
closely with its Russian counterpart, the Russian Ministry of Atomic
Energy, known as MinAtom, to reduce the size of the Russian nuclear
complex by 50 percent. DOE started this effort just over two years ago,
and while it took a while to get off the ground, the Nuclear Cities
Program has begun to demonstrate real progress.
This amendment would direct the Secretary of Energy to expand and
accelerate the activities under the Nuclear Cities Program and further
assist Russia in downsizing its nuclear weapons complex. To help with
this effort the amendment will provide an additional $12.5 million over
the current $17 million authorized in the bill. Compared to the overall
defense budget this is a small amount but an amount that can help
reduce the Russian nuclear weapons complex.
This amendment directs the U.S. DOE and MinAtom, to enter into an
agreement to establish a plan, with milestones, to consolidate the
Russian nuclear weapons complex. In addition, MinAtom must agree, in
writing, to close some of its nuclear weapons facilities, before the
additional $12.5 million can be spent.
We have a unique opportunity to further U.S. national security
interests by closing some of the Russian nuclear weapons facilities.
While the full burden to downsize the Russian complex remains a Russian
obligation we can and should help. It is important to improve and
further our relationship with Russian at all levels. The Nuclear Cities
program provides many benefits to the U.S. and to Russia. The U.S.
should grab this opportunity. In the future, Mr. President, I would
like to see the program expanded further; this amendment is a good
first step.
Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 2549, the
National Defense Authorization Act for FY2001. Included in the bill
that passed today are several amendments that will significantly
improve the lives of active duty members, reservists, military
retirees, veterans, and their families.
These amendments greatly improved the version of the bill that came
out of the Armed Services Committee. I had voted against reporting the
bill out of the Committee because it did not include important measures
for military personnel and neglected the issue of defense reform.
The critical amendments that were included in the legislation that
passed today will: remove servicemembers from food stamps; increase pay
for mid-grade Petty Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers; assist
disabled veterans in claims processing; restore retirement pay for
disabled military retirees; provide survivor benefit plan enhancements;
authorize a low-cost life insurance plan for spouses and their
children; enhance benefits and retirement pay for Reservists and
National Guardsmen; authorize back-pay for certain WWII Navy and Marine
Corps Prisoners of War; and provide for significant acquisition reform
by eliminating domestic source restrictions on the procurement of
shipyard cranes.
One of the areas of greatest concern among military retirees and
their families is the ``broken promise'' of lifetime medical care,
especially for those over-age 65. While the Committee had included some
key health care provisions, it failed to meet the most important
requirement, the restoration of this broken promise.
With severe recruitment and retention problems still looming, we must
better compensate our mid-grade enlisted servicemembers who are
critical to leading the junior enlisted force. We have significantly
underpaid enlisted
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servicemembers since the beginning of the All-Volunteer Force. The
value of the mid-grade NCO pay, compared to that of the most junior
enlisted, has dropped 50 percent since the All-Volunteer Force was
enacted by Congress in 1973. This pay provision for the mid-grade
enlisted ranks, up to $700 per year, plus the food stamp pay provision
of an additional $180 per month for junior enlisted servicemembers,
provides a significant increase in pay for enlisted servicemembers.
The National Guard and Reserves have become a larger percentage of
the Total Force and are essential partners in a wide range of military
operations. Due to the higher deployment rates of the active duty
forces, the Reserve Components are being called upon more frequently
and for longer periods of time than ever before. We must stop treating
them like a ``second-class'' force.
I would like to emphasize the importance of enacting meaningful
improvements for our servicemembers, their families and their
survivors. They risk their lives to protect our freedom and preserve
democracy. We should compensate them adequately, improve the benefits
to their families and survivors, and enhance the quality of life for
the Reserves and National Guard in a similar manner as the active
forces.
Each year the number of disabled veterans appealing their health care
cases continues to increase. It is Congress' duty to ensure that the
disability claims process is less complex, less burdensome, and more
efficient. Likewise, we should restore retirement pay for disabled
military retirees.
I would also like to point out that this year's defense authorization
bill contained over $1.9 Billion in pork-- unrequested add-ons to the
defense budget that robs our military of vital funding on priority
issues. While this year's total is less than previous years' it is
still $1.9 Billion too much. We need to, and can do better. I ask that
the detailed list of Pork on this bill be included in the Congressional
Record following my remarks.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of enacting
meaningful improvements for active duty and Reserve members. They
risked their lives to defend our shores and preserve democracy and we
can not thank them enough for their service. But we can pay them more,
improve the benefits for their families, and support the Reserve
Components in a similar manner as the active forces.
We must ensure that the critical amendments that I have outlined
survive the Conference process and are enacted into law. Our
servicemembers past, present, and future need these improvements, and
the bill that we passed today is just one step on the road to reform.
There being no objection, the list was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
Defense Authorization Act (S. 2549) for FY 2001 add-ons, increases and
earmarks
Dollars (in millions)
TITLE I, PROCUREMENT
Army Procurement (none)
Navy Procurement:
Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS).................................6
Allegany Ballistics Lab GOCO......................................7.7
LHD-8 Advanced Procurement.........................................46
Adv Procurement DDG 51.............................................79
MSC Thermal Imaging Equipment.......................................4
Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS).......................5
Side-Scan Sonar.....................................................5
Joint Engineering Data Management & Info Control (JEDMICS)..........4
AN/SPQ-9B Gun Fire Control Radar....................................4
NULKA Anti-Ship Missile Decoy.....................................4.3
Marine Corps Procurement:
Improved Night/Day Fire Control Observation Device (INOD).........2.7
Air Force Procurement:
C-17 Cockpit System Simulation...................................14.9
C-17 A/C Maintenance System Trainer (AMST).......................11.5
Combat Training Ranges.............................................20
TITLE II, R, D, T, AND E
Army R, D, T & E:
Composite Materials.................................................6
Advanced missile composite component................................5
Ballistics Technology.............................................3.5
Portable Hybrid Electric Power Research...........................1.5
Thermoelectric Power Generation for Military Applications...........1
Operational Support.................................................4
Equipment Readiness.................................................8
Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Units.....................................4
Enabling Technologies for Future Combat Vehicle..................46.3
Big Crow............................................................7
Simulation Centers Upgrades.......................................4.5
Family of Systems Simulators........................................3
Army Space Control..................................................5
Acoustic Technology.................................................4
Radar Power Technology..............................................4
Scramjet Acoustic Combustion Enhance................................2
Aero-Acoustic Instrumentation.......................................4
Supercluster Distributed Memory.....................................2
SMDC Battlelab......................................................5
Anti-malaria Research...............................................2
SIRFC/ATIRCM.....................................................38.5
Threat Virtual Mine Simulator.....................................2.5
Threat Information Operations Attack Simulator....................2.1
Cost Reduction Effort MLRS/HIMARS..................................16
Design and Manufacturing Program....................................2
Center for Communications and Networking............................5
Navy R, D, T & E:
Free Election Laser.................................................5
Biodegradable Polymers...........................................1.25
Bioenvironmental Hazards Research...................................3
Nontraditional Warfare Initiatives..................................2
Hyperspectral Research..............................................3
Cognitive Research..................................................3
Nanoscale Sensor Research...........................................3
Ceramic and Carbon Based Composites.................................2
Littoral Area Acoustic Demo.........................................3
Computational Engineering Design....................................2
Supply Chain Best Practices.........................................2
Virtual Tested for Reconfigurable Ship..............................2
Modular Composite Hull..............................................4
Composite Helo Hangar Door..........................................5
Advanced Waterjet-21................................................4
Laser Welding and Cutting.........................................2.8
Ocean Modeling for Mine and Expeditionary Warfare...................3
USMC ATT Initiative................................................15
Minesweeper Integrated Combat Weapons Systems.......................5
Electric Motor Brush Technology.....................................2
Advanced Composite Sail Technology................................2.5
Shipboard Simulation for Marine Corps Operations...................20
Common Command and Decision Functions..............................10
Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles.............................27.5
High Mobility Artillery Rocket System............................17.3
Extended Range Guided Munition.....................................10
Nonlethal Research and Technology Development.......................8
NAVCIITI............................................................4
Parametric Airborne Dipping Sonar..................................10
Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures............................8
Power Node Control Center...........................................3
Advanced Food Service Technology....................................2
SPY-3 and Volume Search Radar.......................................8
Multi-purpose Processor............................................15
Antenna Technology Improvements.....................................5
Submarine Common Architecture.......................................5
Advanced Tactical Software Integration..............................4
CVN-77, CVN(X), and Nimitz Class Smart Product Model...............10
NULKA Dual Band Spatially Distributed Infrared Signature..........2.1
Single Integrated Human Resources Strategy..........................3
Marine Corps Research University....................................3
Reentry System Application Program..................................2
Joint Tactical Combat Training System...............................5
SAR Reconnaissance System Demonstrator..............................9
Interoperability Process Software Tools.............................2
SPAWAR SATCOM Systems Integration Initiative........................2
Distributed Engineering Plant.......................................5
Air Force R, D, T & E:
Resin Systems for Engine Applications...............................2
Laser Processing Tools..............................................4
Thermal Protection Systems........................................1.5
Aeronautical Research...............................................6
Variable Displacement Vane Pump.....................................3
PBO Membrane Fuel Cell..............................................5
Aluminum Aerostructures.............................................3
Space Survivability...............................................5.6
HAARP...............................................................7
Integrated Demonstration & Applications Laboratory (IDAL)...........6
Fiber Optic Control Technology......................................2
Miniature Satellite Threat Reporting System (MSTRS).................5
Upper Stage Flight Experiment.......................................5
Scorpius............................................................5
Space Maneuver Vehicle.............................................15
Solar Orbital Transfer Vehicle (SOTV)...............................5
Micro-Satellite Technology (XSS-10)................................12
Composite Payload Fairings and Shrouds..............................2
SBL Integrated Flight Experiment (IFX).............................30
Airborne Laser Program...........................................92.4
RSLP GPS Range Safety............................................19.2
SATCOM Connectivity.................................................5
BOL Integration...................................................7.6
Hyperspectral Technology............................................2
Extended Range Cruise Missile....................................86.1
Global Air Traffic Management.....................................7.2
Lighthouse Cyber-Security...........................................5
B-2 Connectivity....................................................3
U-2 Syers...........................................................6
Improved Radar for Global Hawk......................................6
Global Hawk Air Surveillance Demonstration.........................12
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Defense Wide R, D, T & E:
Personnel Research Institute........................................4
Infrasound Detection Basic Research...............................1.5
Program Increase...................................................15
Chemical Agent Detection-Optical Computing..........................2
Thin Film Technology................................................3
Wide Band Gap.......................................................2
Bio-defense Research..............................................2.1
Hybrid Sensor Suite.................................................8
High Definition Systems.............................................7
Three-Dimensional Structure Research................................3
Chem-Bio Detectors..................................................5
Blast Mitigation Testing............................................3
Facial Recognition Access Control Technology........................2
Magdalena Ridge Observatory.........................................9
Wide Band Gap......................................................10
Excalibur...........................................................3
Atmospheric Interceptor Technology.................................15
Chem-Bio Individual Sampler.......................................2.7
Consequence Management Information System.........................6.4
Chem-Bio Advanced Materials Research..............................3.5
Small Unit Bio Detector...........................................8.5
Complex System Design...............................................5
Competitive Sustainment Initiative..................................8
WMD Simulation Capability...........................................5
HAARP...............................................................5
Integrated Data Environment (IDE)...................................2
Advanced Optical Data and Sensor Fusion.............................3
Advanced Research Center..........................................6.5
KE-ASAT............................................................20
WMD Response System...............................................1.6
Information Operations Technology Center Alliance...................5
Trust Rubix.......................................................1.8
Cyber Attack Sensing and Warning...................................20
Virtual Worlds Initiative...........................................2
Smart Maps..........................................................2
NIMA Viewer.........................................................5
JCOATS-IO...........................................................5
Information Assurance Testbed.......................................5
Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher.............................5.6
Operational Test & Evaluation, Defense, R, D, T & E:
Central T & E Investment Development (CTEIP) Program Increase......20
Reality Fire-Fighting Training....................................1.5
TITLE III, OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Army O&M:
Range Upgrade......................................................50
Battlefield Mobility Enhancement System............................10
Clara Barton Center for Domestic Preparedness.....................1.5
Navy O&M:
Navy Call Center--Cutler, Maine.....................................3
Operational Meteorology and Oceanography............................7
Nulka Training....................................................4.3
Range Upgrades.....................................................25
MTAPP...............................................................2
Information Technology Center--New Orleans, LA......................5
Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site--Suffolk, VA........................0.9
USMC O&M (none)
USAF O&M (none)
O&M Defense Wide:
JCS Mobility Enhancements..........................................50
Defense Acquisition University......................................2
DLA MOCAS Enhancements............................................1.2
Joint Spectrum Center Data Base Upgrade............................25
Legacy Project, Nautical Historical Project--Lake Champlain, NY...6.1
Information Security Scholarship Program...........................20
Command Information Superiority Architecture........................2
Information Protection Research Institute..........................10
Impact Aid.........................................................20
MISCELLANEOUS
Defense Health Program...............................................98
Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance.........................................25
Alkali Silica Reactivity Study........................................5
Sec. 373. Reimbursement by Civil Air Carriers for Johnston Atoll
Support
Sec. 1041. Inst. for Defense Computer Sec. & Info. Protection........10
Sec. 2831. Land Conveyance, Price Support Center, Granite City, IL
Sec. 2832. Land Conveyance, Hay Army Res. Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Sec. 2833. Land Conveyance, Steele Army Res. Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Sec. 2834. Land Conveyance, Fort Lawton, WA
Sec. 2835. Land Conveyance, Vancouver Barracks, WA
Sec. 2851. Land Conveyance, MCAS Miramar, CA
Sec. 2852. Land Conveyance, Defense Fuel Supply Point, Casco Bay, ME
Sec. 2853. Land Conveyance, Former NTC Bainbridge, Cecil County, MD
Sec. 2854. Land Conveyance, Naval Computer & Telecomm. Station, Cutler,
ME
Sec. 2871. Land Conveyance, Army & Air Force Exchange, Farmers Branch,
TX
AMENDMENTS
Amdt. 3219. To modify authority to carry out a fiscal year 1990
military construction project at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, VA....8.5
Amdt. 3235. To authorize a land conveyance, Ft. Riley, KS
Amdt. 3242. To modify authority for use of certain Navy property by the
Oxnard Harbor District, Port Hueneme, CA
Amdt. 3383. To provide with an offset, $5 million for R, D, T, & E
Defense-wide for strategic environment Research & Development Program
for technologies for detection & transport of pollutants from live-
fire activities.....................................................5
Amdt. 3385. To set aside for weatherproofing facilities at Keesler Air
Force Base, MS, $2.8 million of amount authorized to be appropriated
for USAF operation & maintenance..................................2.8
Amdt. 3389. To treat as veterans individuals who served in the Alaska
Territorial Guard during W.W.II
Amdt. 3400. To authorize a land conveyance, former National Ground
Intelligence Center, Charlottesville, VA
Amdt. 3401. To authorize a land conveyance, Army Reserve Center,
Winona, MN
Amdt. 3404. To authorize acceptance and use of gifts from Air Force
Museum Foundation for the construction of a third building for the
Museum at Wright-Patterson USAF Base, OH
Amdt. 3407. To permit the lease of the Naval Computer Telecomm. Center,
Cutler, ME, pending its conveyance
Amdt. 3408. To modify the authorized conveyance of certain land at
Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD
Amdt. 3415. To provide for the development of a USMC Heritage Center at
Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA
Amdt. 3423. To authorize SecNav to convey to the city of Jacksonville
N.C., certain land for the purpose of permitting the development of
a bike/green way trail
Amdt. 3424. To authorize, with an offset, $1.45 million for a
contribution by the Air National Guard, the construction of a new
airport tower at Cheyenne Airport, WY
Amdt. 3460. P-3/H-1/SH-60R Gun Modifications.........................30
Amdt. 3462. CIWS MODS................................................30
Amdt. 3465. Land Conveyance, Los Angeles AFB
Amdt. 3466. Procurement of AV-8B aircraft............................92
Amdt. 3467. Information Technology Center, LA.........................5
Amdt. 3468. USMC Trucks, tilting brackets and mobile electronic warfare
support system.....................................................10
Amdt. 3477. Joint Technology Information Center Initiative...........20
Amdt. 3481. Tethered Aerostat Radar System Sites.....................33
Amdt. 3482. Special Warfare Boat Integrated Bridge Systems............7
Amdt. 3483. R, D, T & E for Explosive Demilitarization Technology.....5
Amdt. 3488. Procurement of AGM-65 Maverick missiles.................2.1
Amdt. 3489. Procurement of Rapid Intravenous Infusion Pumps...........6
Amdt. 3490. Training Range Upgrades, Fort Knox, KY....................4
Amdt. 3490. (cont.) Overhaul of MK-45 5 inch guns....................12
Amdt. 3770. National Labs Partnership Improvements...................10
Amdt. 3801. National Energy Technology Lab, Fossil Energy R&D.........4
Amdt. 3802. Florida Restoration Grant.................................2
Amdt. 3812. Indian Health Care for Diabetes.......................7.372
Amdt. 3807. Salmon restoration and conservation in Maine..............5
Amdt. 3795. Forest System Land Review Committee.......................1
Total:..............................................1,981,522,000
Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to offer strong support of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001. This
legislation contains many positive things for the state of New Mexico
and the United
[[Page S6597]]
States--both in the programs funded and the changes made to enhance
research and development efforts. Chairman Warner should take pride in
his committee's efforts to appropriately allocate defense funding.
For the second year in a row the committee was able to recommend a
real increase in defense spending by adding $4.5 billion above the
President's fiscal year 2001 request. The recommendation of $309.8
billion is not only consistent with the budget resolution it also
allows for a 4.4-percent increase in real growth for defense from last
year's appropriated level of funding.
The committee authorized $63.28 billion in procurement funding, a
$3.0 billion increase over the President's budget. Operations and
maintenance was funded at $109.2 billion with $1.5 billion added to the
primary readiness accounts. Research, development, test and evaluation
was budgeted at $39.31 billion, a $1.45 billion increase over the
President's budget. These impressive funding levels mark the beginning
of a challenging march toward a stronger, better, national defense.
Quality of life receives needed attention. I applaud the 3.7-percent
pay raise for military personnel, the comprehensive retail and national
mail order pharmacy benefit, the extension of the TRICARE Prime benefit
to families of service members assigned to remote locations and the
elimination of copayment for services received under TRICARE Prime.
Military construction is increased by $430 million. I am delighted
that projects critical to the productivity and well being of the
service members and their families residing in New Mexico have been
included in this bill. These are not glamorous projects, they are
projects that will replace critical crumbling infrastructure, such as
the replacement of the Bonito pipeline between La Luz and Holloman Air
Force Base.
Five additional Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams were
included at a cost of $25 million. This will provide us with a total of
32 Civil Support Teams by the end of fiscal year 2001. These teams are
comprised of full-time National Guard personnel trained and equipped to
deploy and assess suspected nuclear, biological, chemical, or
radiological events in support of local first responders. One such team
is currently being trained and fielded in New Mexico, ensuring that my
constituents have better protection against such attacks.
Over $1.0 billion, an increase of $363 million over fiscal year 2000
funding, is authorized for Defense and Energy nonproliferation and
threat reduction programs. These programs continue to make great
strides in the critical process of securing weapons of mass destruction
and retaining scientific expertise in the former Soviet Union. To
further ensure that these threat reduction programs achieve their
goals, the committee has also included several initiatives to obtain
greater commitment and necessary access from Russia. I also will offer
an amendment to increase funding and expedite our efforts in
restructuring the Russian nuclear weapons complex.
Finally, $446.3 million is provided for the defense science and
technology program--a 9 percent increase over the President's budget.
This funding will focus on the revolutionary technologies to meet
challenging emerging threats.
Several projects critical to New Mexico's contributions to our
national defense are supported by this legislation. The Armed Services
Committee approved an authorization of $60 million for the Warfighter
Information Network program. Laguna Industries plays a key role in
manufacturing and assembling these mobile command and control units
needed by active and Guard units across the nation.
The committee also authorized $94.2 million to fully restore the
Airborne Laser, ABL, program funding. The Air Force's ABL program is
the only missile defense system currently contemplated that would
strike and kill missiles in their boost phase.
The Tactical Higher Energy Laser, THEL, was authorized at $15 million
for FY2001. THEL represents one of the first weapons systems being
tested that utilizes high energy lasers for the purposes of missile
defense. The THEL program has been funded through a cost-share
arrangement between Israel and the United States, with TRW having also
made substantial investments in the program.
I strongly believe that lasers will transform both our offensive and
defensive military means in the years to come. We should fully support
these programs and address shortfalls in the science and technology
funding in these technologies to ensure more rapid development and
fielding of high energy laser weapons.
The committee also authorized $49 million in additional funding for
activities of the Air Force Research Laboratories at Kirtland Air Force
Base, including $5 million for the Scorpius Low-Cost Launch program,
$15 million for Military Space Plane, and $5 million for the Solar
Orbit Transfer Vehicle Space Experiment.
The Big Crow Program Office was authorized at $7 million by the
Senate Armed Services Committee. Big Crow represents a unique
electronic warfare test and evaluation capability used by all of the
services to ensure their weapons can perform as needed in realistic
warfighting scenarios.
An authorization of an additional $3 million will ensure continuation
of the important blast mitigation research at New Mexico's Institute of
Mining and Technology. New Mexico Tech houses our Nation's experts in
terrorist explosives and is developing innovative ways to protect
against this threat.
While I appreciate the committee's attention to these and other
important programs, I believe that more must be done to ensure the
directed energy science and technology is better coordinated and
sufficiently funded. These technologies can assist in our defense
efforts against some of the most prevalent threats confronting us. I
will also be offering an amendment to this legislation that I believe
will go a long way in achieving these goals.
In 1998 I spoke before this body and stated the need to start the new
millennium by stopping the ebbing tide and ending the lengthy decline
in defense spending. This year I am grateful to see the chairman and
his committee have made the crucial step of maintaining, and improving
on, the FY 2000 increase in defense spending. We must not flag in our
efforts to support a strong national defense. The committee has
recognized, as do most of us concerned about our national defense, that
combat readiness of our Armed Forces must not be at risk. Our soldiers,
and our country, deserve a national defense budget that is in keeping
with international uncertainty and growing threats. Our soldiers and
U.S. citizens are counting on us.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the passage of H.R. 4205,
as amended.
The Senator from Virginia.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senator
from Virginia and the Senator from Michigan be able to proceed for not
to exceed 5 minutes equally divided.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair hears, no objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, since 1961, the Senate has passed an
authorization bill for our military. We are about to pass another. I
first thank the leadership of the Senate, and my distinguished ranking
member, Mr. Levin, for hanging in as we had to move this bill under
some difficult circumstances in the last 30 days.
I wish to pay a special respect to all members of the Senate Armed
Services Committee. We conduct our affairs as best we can in the spirit
of what is in the best interest of our Nation. The bill reflects those
decisions.
I wish to thank our respective staffs, both majority and minority.
I yield to my distinguished colleague who has been with me some 22
years in the Senate on this committee. We have worked together as a
team in the best interests of our country.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, first, I thank our chairman for his
extraordinary leadership. Since Congress, in 1959, said that we were
required to pass an annual authorization bill for the Defense
Department, we have never failed. We have succeeded again this year,
despite some real odds. We passed a record number of amendments. We did
it because of the work of all the members of the Armed Services
Committee, our staffs, and our leadership on both sides.
If I can just single out one person, I want to single out, in the
leadership, if
[[Page S6598]]
I may, Senator Reid, for just sort of being here constantly to help us
move the process forward.
Senator Lott, Senator Daschle, all the leadership, our subcommittee
chairmen, ranking members, our staffs really deserve credit for this.
It is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it is a real feather in our
chairman's cap.
Mr. WARNER. I thank my distinguished colleague.
Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I congratulate the chairman and ranking
member for the fine job they have done.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to associate myself with the
remarks on Mr. Reid. He was very helpful to get some time agreements
and other matters resolved.
Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
There is a sufficient second.
The bill having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the
bill, as amended, pass? The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk called the roll.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber
desiring to vote?
The result was announced--yeas 97, nays 3, as follows:
[Rollcall Vote No. 179 Leg.]
YEAS--97
Abraham
Akaka
Allard
Ashcroft
Baucus
Bayh
Bennett
Biden
Bingaman
Bond
Breaux
Brownback
Bryan
Bunning
Burns
Byrd
Campbell
Chafee, L.
Cleland
Cochran
Collins
Conrad
Coverdell
Craig
Crapo
Daschle
DeWine
Dodd
Domenici
Dorgan
Durbin
Edwards
Enzi
Feinstein
Fitzgerald
Frist
Gorton
Graham
Gramm
Grams
Grassley
Gregg
Hagel
Harkin
Hatch
Helms
Hollings
Hutchinson
Hutchison
Inhofe
Inouye
Jeffords
Johnson
Kennedy
Kerrey
Kerry
Kohl
Kyl
Landrieu
Lautenberg
Leahy
Levin
Lieberman
Lincoln
Lott
Lugar
Mack
McCain
McConnell
Mikulski
Moynihan
Murkowski
Murray
Nickles
Reed
Reid
Robb
Roberts
Rockefeller
Roth
Santorum
Sarbanes
Schumer
Sessions
Shelby
Smith (NH)
Smith (OR)
Snowe
Specter
Stevens
Thomas
Thompson
Thurmond
Torricelli
Voinovich
Warner
Wyden
NAYS--3
Boxer
Feingold
Wellstone
The bill (H.R. 4205), as amended, was passed.
(The bill was not available for printing. It will appear in a future
edition of the Record.)
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
Mr. STEVENS. I move to lay that motion on the table.
The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. S. 2549 is returned to the calendar.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank my colleagues for their work on
this bill and for their overwhelming support. It sends the strongest of
signals, first and foremost, to the men and women in the Armed Forces.
This bill provides increased benefits, which they have so richly
deserved and long been denied. This bill also initially starts the
first balanced program to provide for more health care for the retirees
who gave so much, together with their families, over the years. This
bill sends a strong message throughout the world that America is
committed to remain strong and lead in the cause of freedom and human
rights.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. I move that the Senate insist on its
amendment, request a conference with the House, and the Chair be
authorized to appoint the conferees on the part of the Senate.
The motion was agreed to, and the Presiding Officer (Mr. Bunning)
appointed Mr. Warner, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. McCain, Mr. Smith of New
Hampshire, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Santorum, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Roberts, Mr.
Allard, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Levin, Mr. Kennedy, Mr.
Bingaman, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Robb, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Cleland, Ms. Landrieu,
and Mr. Reed conferees on the part of the Senate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. S. 2550, S. 2551, and S. 2552 are now
considered en bloc. Division A of S. 2549 is substituted for S. 2550;
division B for S. 2551, and division C for S. 2552. The bills are
considered read the third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider
is laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska is recognized.
Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Byrd
and I might address the Senate for not to exceed 5 minutes each to
discuss the status of appropriations.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________