[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4195-S4199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

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

       POM-232. An engrossed resolution adopted by the Assembly of 
     the State of Wisconsin relative to the Upper Mississippi and 
     Illinois Rivers' Inland Waterways Transportation System; to 
     the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

                      2001 Assembly Resolution 56

       Whereas, the state of Wisconsin borders or contains over 
     360 miles of the upper Mississippi River and 11 navigation 
     locks and dams along those borders; and
       Whereas, many of Wisconsin's locks and dams are more than 
     60 years old and only 600 feet long, making them unable to 
     accommodate modern barge tows of 1,200 feet long, nearly 
     tripling locking times and causing lengthy delays and 
     ultimately increasing shipping costs; and

[[Page S4196]]

       Whereas, the use of 1,200-foot locks has been proven 
     nationwide as the best method of improving efficiency, 
     reducing congestion, and modernizing the inland waterways; 
     and
       Whereas, the construction of the lock and dam system has 
     spurred economic growth and a higher standard of living in 
     the Mississippi and Illinois river basin, and today supplies 
     more than 300,000,000 tons of the nation's cargo, supporting 
     more than 400,000 jobs, including 90,000 in manufacturing; 
     and
       Whereas, more than 60% of American agricultural exports, 
     including corn, wheat, and soybeans, are shipped down the 
     Mississippi and Illinois rivers on the way to foreign 
     markets; and
       Whereas, Wisconsin farmers, producers, and consumers rely 
     on efficient transportation to remain competitive in a global 
     economy, and efficiencies in river transport offset higher 
     production costs compared to those incurred by foreign 
     competitors; and
       Whereas, the upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers lock and 
     dam system saves our nation more than $1.5 billion in higher 
     transportation costs each year, and failing to construct 
     1,200-foot locks will cause farmers to use more expensive 
     alternative modes of transportation, including trucks and 
     trains; and
       Whereas, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
     congestion along the upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers is 
     costing Wisconsin and other producers and consumers in the 
     basin $98,000,000 per year in higher transportation costs; 
     and
       Whereas, river transportation is the most environmentally 
     friendly form of transporting goods and commodities, creating 
     almost no noise pollution and emitting 35% to 60% fewer 
     pollutants than either trucks or trains, according to the 
     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and
       Whereas, moving away from river transport would add 
     millions of trucks and railcars to our nation's 
     infrastructure, adding air pollution, traffic congestion, and 
     greater wear and tear on highways; and
       Whereas, backwater lakes created by the lock and dam system 
     provide breeding grounds for migratory waterfowl and fish; 
     and
       Whereas, the lakes and 500 miles of wildlife refuge also 
     support a one-billion-dollar per year recreational industry, 
     including hunting, fishing, and tourism jobs; and
       Whereas, upgrading the system of locks and dams on the 
     upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers will provide 3,000 
     construction and related jobs over a 15-year to 20-year 
     period; and
       Whereas, in 1999 the state of Wisconsin shipped 1,100,000 
     tons of commodities, including grain, coal, chemicals, 
     aggregates, and other products; and
       Whereas, 3,900,000 tons of commodities, including grain, 
     coal, chemicals, aggregates, and other products, were shipped 
     to, from, and within Wisconsin by barge, representing 
     $313,000,000 in value; and
       Whereas, shippers moving by barge in Wisconsin realized a 
     savings of approximately $40,000,000 compared to other 
     transportation modes; and
       Whereas, Wisconsin docks shipped products by barge to 6 
     states and received products from 11 states; and
       Whereas, there are approximately 20 manufacturing 
     facilities, terminals, and docks on the waterways of 
     Wisconsin, representing thousands of jobs in the state; and
       Whereas, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a 
     collaborative navigation study of the economic and 
     environmental factors to be considered when examining capital 
     improvements to the upper Mississippi River system; and
       Whereas, the navigation study will release initial results 
     in a summer 2002 report; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the assembly, That the Wisconsin assembly 
     formally recognizes the upper Mississippi River as a river of 
     statewide significance for natural, navigational, and 
     recreational benefits; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Wisconsin assembly recognizes the 
     importance of timely modernization of the inland waterway 
     transportation infrastructure to Wisconsin agriculture and 
     industry in this state, the region, and the nation and, 
     pending results of the navigation study, urges Congress to 
     authorize funding to construct 1,200-foot locks on the upper 
     Mississippi and Illinois river system; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall transmit 
     copies of this resolution to the president and secretary of 
     the U.S. senate, the speaker and clerk of the U.S. house of 
     representatives, the chair of the senate committee on 
     commerce, science, and transportation, the chair of the house 
     committee on transportation and infrastructure, and the 
     members of the congressional delegation from this state.
                                  ____

       POM-233. An engrossed resolution adopted by the Senate of 
     the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin relative to autism 
     spectrum disorder; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions.

                       2001 Senate Resolution 16

       Whereas, autism spectrum disorder has been labeled the 
     silent epidemic of our time, silent because this 
     developmental disorder has robbed at least 400,000 children 
     of their ability to communicate and interact with their 
     families and loved ones, and silent because there are 
     currently no established autism registries in the nation to 
     tell us how many people are actually afflicted with this 
     disorder; and
       Whereas, current statistics tell us that autism affects at 
     least one in every 500 children in America, and recent 
     anecdotal evidence suggests that autism rates are increasing 
     to possible one in every 250 children; and
       Whereas, the U.S. house of representatives has passed a 
     resolution, H. CON. RES. 91, recognizing the importance of 
     increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder, and 
     supporting programs for greater research and improved 
     treatment of autism and improved training and support for 
     individuals with autism and those who care for them; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That: the members of the Wisconsin 
     Senate urge the U.S. Senate to concur in H. CON. RES. 91; 
     and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate chief clerk shall provide a copy 
     of this resolution to each member of the Wisconsin 
     congressional delegation, to the members of the U.S. Senate 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, to the 
     President and Vice President of the United States, to the 
     secretary of the U.S. Senate, and to the clerk of the U.S. 
     House of Representatives.
                                  ____

       POM-234. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine relative to memorializing congress to 
     adopt Patriots' Day as a holiday throughout the United States 
     of America; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                            Joint Resolution

       Whereas, Patriots' Day commemorates the American Revolution 
     and the legendary battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775; 
     and
       Whereas, these historic events led to the colonies' 
     independence from Great Britain and subsequently to the 
     formation of the United States of America; and
       Whereas, great patriotism was demonstrated by the Americans 
     after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, 
     D.C. and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001; and
       Whereas, Patriots' Day, a holiday in reverence of our unity 
     as a nation, is celebrated only in Maine and Massachusetts; 
     now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, urge the Congress of 
     the United States to encourage all of the United States of 
     America to observe Patriots' Day on April 15, 2002 in 
     remembrance of the founding of this nation and the patriotism 
     shown by Americans after September 11, 2001; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States, 
     and to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker 
     of the House of Representatives of the United States and each 
     Member of the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-235. A Senate concurrent resolution adopted by the 
     General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relative 
     to honoring Commodore John Barry as the first flag officer of 
     the United States Navy; to the Committee on Armed Services.

                           Senate Resolution

       Whereas, Commodore John Barry, an American merchant marine 
     captain and native of County Wexford, Ireland, volunteered 
     his services to the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary 
     War; and
       Whereas, Throughout his career, Commodore Barry not only 
     provided the first and last victories at sea for the American 
     revolutionaries but also was responsible for the organization 
     of the historic crossing of the Delaware River by General 
     George Washington; and
       Whereas, Under President Washington, Commodore Barry built 
     and first commanded the United States Navy and the squadron 
     that included his flagship, the USS United States, and the 
     USS Constitution, ``Old Ironsides''; and
       Whereas, Commodore Barry served as head of the United 
     States Navy under Presidents Washington, Adams and Jefferson; 
     therefore be it
       Resolved (the House of Representatives concurring), That 
     the General Assembly memorialize the Congress of the United 
     States to honor Commodore John Barry as the first flag 
     officer of the United States Navy; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to the 
     presiding officers of each house of Congress and to all 
     members of Congress from Pennsylvania.
                                  ____

       POM-236. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Vermont relative to the National 
     Guard; to the Committee on Armed Services.

                          House Resolution 37

       Whereas, within days of the September 11, 2001, terrorist 
     attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., the nation's 
     governors activated National Guard soldiers and airmen to 
     augment security at 422 of the nation's international 
     airports, and
       Whereas, in true state-federal partnership, National Guard 
     forces are providing aerial port security under the command 
     and control of the sovereign states, territories, and the 
     District of Columbia, and the federal government is funding 
     such duties ``in the service of the United States'' under 32 
     U.S.C. Sec. 502(f) hereinafter referred to as ``Title 32 
     duty'', and
       Whereas, Title 32 duty has been used, inter alia, for more 
     than 20 years for National Guard full-time staffing, for 
     National Guard support for local, state, and federal law 
     enforcement agencies under Governors'

[[Page S4197]]

     Counter-Drug Plans for more than 12 years, for National Guard 
     Civil Support Team technical assistance for local first 
     responders for more than two years, and for aerial port 
     security following the attacks of September 11. Of particular 
     note, the National Guard Counter-Drug Program has long 
     included Title 32 support for United States Customs, Border 
     Patrol, and Immigration and Naturalization Service activities 
     at United States Ports of Entry, and
       Whereas, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, 
     increased security and inadequate federal staffing have 
     limited the flow of persons, goods, and services across our 
     nation's borders. These factors have contributed to a 
     weakening of the American and Canadian economies, and
       Whereas, the governors of northern tier border states wrote 
     President Bush in November 2001, offering to provide Title 32 
     National Guard augmentation for United States Customs, Border 
     Patrol, and Immigration and Naturalization Service operations 
     at United States Ports of Entry. Such relief could have been, 
     and still can be, effected within days of acceptance by the 
     federal government, and
       Whereas, there is still no relief at our borders due to 
     inaction on the governors' offer of Title 32 National Guard 
     assistance and conflicting Department of Defense proposals to 
     federalize the National Guard or otherwise enhance border 
     security with active duty military personnel instead of Title 
     32 National Guard members, and
       Whereas, federalizing the National Guard under U.S.C. Title 
     10 would degrade the combat readiness of units from which 
     Guardsmen would be mobilized, interfere with effective state 
     force management, and prevent personal accommodations for 
     soldiers and their civilian employers, and
       Whereas, stationing federal military forces at the United 
     States-Canada border would be an unprecedented unilateral 
     action by the United States, and
       Whereas, the nation's border states need prompt relief 
     which can best be provided by Title 32 National Guard forces 
     being deployed to assist lead federal agencies at the borders 
     ``in the service of the United States'', but under continued 
     state command and control, and
       Whereas, the Vermont State Legislature opposes 
     federalization of the National Guard or assignment of federal 
     military forces for United States border security, now 
     therefore be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That this 
     legislative body urges the President and U.S. Congress to 
     assure prompt augmentation of lead federal agencies at the 
     borders by accepting the governors' offer of National Guard 
     forces under state command and control pursuant to 32 U.S.C. 
     Sec. 502(f), and be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to send 
     copies of this resolution to President George W. Bush, the 
     President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. Houses 
     of Representatives, and to the members of the Vermont 
     Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-237. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine relative to the intent to fund 40% of the 
     costs of special education or amend the individuals with 
     disabilities education act to allow the states more 
     flexibility in implementing its mandates; to the Committee on 
     Appropriations.

                            Joint Resolution

       Where as, the Congress of the United States has found that 
     all children deserve a quality education, including children 
     with disabilities; and
       Where as, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 
     20 United States Code, Section 1400, et seq., provides that 
     the Federal Government and the State and local governments 
     are to share in the expense of education for children with 
     disabilities and commits the Federal Government to provide 
     funds to assist with the excess of expenses of education for 
     children with disabilities; and
       Where as, the Congress of the United States has committed 
     to contribute up to 40% of the average per pupil expenditure 
     of educating children with disabilities and the Federal 
     Government has failed to meet this commitment to assist the 
     states; and
       Where as, the Federal Government has never contributed more 
     than 12.6% of the national average per pupil expenditure to 
     assist with the excess expenses of educating children with 
     disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act; and
       Where as, this failure of the Federal Government to meet 
     its commitment to assist with the excess expenses of 
     educating a child with a disability contradicts the goal of 
     ensuring that children with disabilities receive a quality 
     education; and
       Where as, the federal grant funds in the State for children 
     zero to 2 years of age represent only 30% of the cost of 
     serving eligible infants and toddlers in the State, and if 
     the federal grants were at the 40% level, the award to the 
     State this year would have increased by $582,000; and
       Where as, the federal grant funds in the state for children 
     3 to 5 years of age represent only 8% of the cost of serving 
     children 3 to 5 years of age in the State, and if the federal 
     grants were at the 40% level, the award to the State this 
     year would have increased by $10,086,000; and
       Where as, the federal grant funds in the State for children 
     5 to 20 years of age represent only 9.75% of the State's 
     total special education expenditures of $225,130,000, and if 
     the federal grants were at the 40% level, the award to the 
     State this year would have increased by more than 
     $68,000,000; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That we, your Memorialists, respectfully urge and 
     request that the President of the United States and the 
     Congress of the United States either provide 40% of the 
     national average per pupil expenditure to assist states and 
     local education agencies with the excess costs of educating 
     children with disabilities or amend the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act to allow the states more 
     flexibility in implementing its mandates; and be it further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of state, be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, to the President of the 
     Senate of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives of the United States and to each Member of 
     the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-238. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Florida relative to supporting 
     the commitment of funding necessary for the continued 
     development, permanent establishment and future operation of 
     the Center for Coastal and Maritime security by the Coastal 
     Systems Station of the United States Navy; to the Committee 
     on Appropriations.

                       House Resolution No. 9003C

       Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States of 
     America was the victim of a cowardly attack conducted by 
     terrorists supported by foreign nations, and
       Whereas, these attacks have placed our nation's military on 
     high alert in order to protect our citizens and visitors to 
     the United States from future aggression, and
       Whereas, our nation has over 12,000 miles of coastline, 
     over 2,000 miles of which are found in the State of Florida, 
     and
       Whereas, 14 active seaports, thousands of miles of rivers 
     and inland waterways, countless marinas, and the center of 
     the world's marine cruise industry are located in Florida, 
     and
       Whereas, the vastness of our nation's coastline increases 
     the probability that future attackers could enter the country 
     at our seaports, maritime commerce centers, energy 
     facilities, and marine recreational centers, and
       Whereas, for more than 50 years, the United States Navy's 
     Coastal Systems Station in Panama City, Florida, has provided 
     unequaled training, mission planning, and equipment 
     development in the area of coastal operations and systems to 
     all branches of the United States military, and
       Whereas, the Coastal Systems Station is a field activity of 
     the Naval Sea Systems Command and is one of the major 
     research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories of 
     the United States Navy, with a wide base of expertise in 
     engineering and scientific disciplines, and
       Whereas, the Coastal Systems Station is the Navy's premier 
     organization for the comprehensive support of mission areas 
     within coastal environments, which include mine warfare, 
     amphibious warfare, special warfare, diving and life support, 
     and coastal operations, and
       Whereas, the United States Navy's Coastal Systems Station 
     is currently in the process of developing, and seeks to 
     permanently establish, the Center for Coastal and Maritime 
     Security, the purpose of which is to provide specialized 
     training and technology for civilian and military personnel 
     to defend our nation against maritime terrorist threats, and
       Whereas, given the events of September 11, 2001, it is now 
     a matter of the highest importance that the numerous means of 
     ingress to this country provided through the nation's vast 
     coastal area as be secured and made invulnerable to any form 
     of malicious breach, and
       Whereas, to that end, it is essential that the Center for 
     Coastal and Maritime Security be fully developed, permanently 
     established, and operated by the United States Navy Coastal 
     Systems Station, Now, Therefore,
       Be it Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State 
     of Florida, That the President of the United States and the 
     United States Congress are urged to support and commit 
     necessary funding for the continued development, permanent 
     establishment, and future operation of the Center for Coastal 
     and Maritime Security. Be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to the 
     President of the United States, the President of the United 
     States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and to each member of the Florida Delegation 
     to the United States Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-239. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Kansas relative to the Medicare 
     program to pay for all oral cancer drugs; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                       Senate Resolution No. 1826

       Whereas, Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and 
     mortality in the State of Kansas and throughout the nation; 
     and
       Whereas, Cancer is disproportionately a disease of the 
     elderly, with more than half of all cancer diagnoses 
     occurring in persons age 65 or older, many of whom are 
     dependent on the federal Medicare program for provision of 
     cancer care; and

[[Page S4198]]

       Whereas, Since treatment with drugs is the cornerstone of 
     modern cancer care, elderly cancer patients must have access 
     to potentially life-extending drug therapy, but the Medicare 
     program's coverage of drugs is limited to injectable drugs or 
     oral drugs that have an injectable version; and
       Whereas, The nation's investment in biomedical research has 
     begun to bear fruit with a compelling array of new oral 
     cancer drugs that are less toxic, more effective and more 
     cost-effective than existing therapies, but because such 
     drugs do not have an injectable equivalent, they are not 
     covered by Medicare; and
       Whereas, Noncoverage of these important new products leaves 
     many Medicare beneficiaries confronting the choice of either 
     substantial out-of-pocket personal costs or selection of more 
     toxic, less effective treatments that are covered by the 
     program; and
       Whereas, Medicare's failure to cover oral cancer drugs 
     leaves at risk many beneficiaries suffering from blood-
     related cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well 
     as cancers of the breast, lung and prostate; and
       Whereas, Certain members of the United States Congress have 
     recognized the necessity of Medicare coverage for all oral 
     cancer drugs and introduced legislation in the 107th Congress 
     to achieve that result (H.R. 1624; S. 913); Now, therefore,
       Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, That 
     the Senate respectfully urges the Congress of the United 
     States to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program to 
     cover all oral cancer drugs; and
       Be it further resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate 
     transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to the President 
     of the United States, the President of the United States 
     Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     and each member of the Kansas congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-240. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Senate of 
     the Legislature of the State of Louisiana relative to the Act 
     to Leave No Child Behind; to the Committee on Finance.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 20

       Whereas, approximately 11.6 million children across the 
     United States live in poverty and nearly 9.2 million children 
     in America do not have health insurance; and
       Whereas, only three out of five eligible preschool children 
     are able to participate in Head Start programs; and
       Whereas, only 12 percent of eligible children receive child 
     care assistance through the Child Care and Development Block 
     Grant; and
       Whereas, approximately one-third of parents who stop 
     receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) find 
     little or no work and out of the two-thirds who stop 
     receiving TANF and do find jobs, only 40 percent are stable, 
     year-round jobs; and
       Whereas, many families are not receiving the food stamps, 
     Medicaid, child care, or other supports for which they are 
     eligible; and
       Whereas, three million children in the United States are 
     suffering ``worst case'' housing needs such that their 
     families are paying over half of their income for rent or are 
     living in overcrowded or substandard housing; and
       Whereas, nine youths are killed in the United States by 
     firearms everyday; and
       Whereas, nearly 8,000 children a day are reported to public 
     welfare agencies as abused and/or neglected and over 2.5 
     million children live with grandparents or in foster family 
     homes, group homes, or child care institutions; and
       Whereas, seven million children in the United States are 
     regularly left at home alone after school each week; and
       Whereas, federal legislation, the Act to Leave No Child 
     Behind (S.940/H.R. 1990), will help address these and many 
     other needs of children in Louisiana and across America; and
       Whereas, Louisiana is committed to improving the lives of 
     children and ensuring that all of our children are afforded 
     the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, educated, and free 
     from poverty. Therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 
     memorialize the Louisiana congressional delegation and the 
     United States Congress to support the Act to Leave No Child 
     Behind. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 
     endorse the Act to Leave No Child Behind and the efforts 
     being made to make certain that no child is left behind. Be 
     it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 
     each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation and to 
     the presiding officers of the United States House of 
     Representatives and the United States Senate.
                                  ____

       POM-241. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relative to 
     welfare reform; to the Committee on Finance.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted its own 
     version of ``welfare reform'' in 1995, taking into account 
     the nature of labor market in Massachusetts, the financial 
     resources of the Commonwealth and the particular needs of 
     low-income families with children; and
       Whereas, The Federal Government in 1995 granted 
     Massachusetts a waiver from the then-existing Federal 
     requirements enabling Massachusetts to implement its version 
     of welfare reform; and
       Whereas, The Federal Government in 1996 adopted its version 
     of welfare reform, TANF, and, in recognition of their leading 
     roles, allowed Massachusetts and other states with pre-
     existing waivers to continue to operate their programs under 
     such waivers; and
       Whereas, one purpose of TANF was to allow states greater 
     flexibility to operate their cash assistance programs for 
     needy families; and
       Whereas, since 1995, the number of Massachusetts families 
     receiving cash assistance from the Commonwealth has declined 
     by more than 50 percent; and
       Whereas, almost half of the Massachusetts families 
     continuing to receive cash assistance are families including 
     a family member with a disability or with very young 
     children; and
       Whereas, under the Massachusetts program operated under the 
     Federal waiver, such families are exempt from the time limits 
     and work requirements; and
       Whereas, because of adverse economic conditions in the 
     Commonwealth of Massachusetts and around the country, the 
     number of low-income families needing cash assistance has 
     started to rise; and
       Whereas, because the original TANF law barred states from 
     using Federal TANF funds to provide assistance to certain 
     legal immigrant families, Massachusetts, since 1997, has 
     expended state funds to provide needed services to immigrant 
     families; and
       Whereas, the 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Law expires on 
     September 30, 2002 and must be reauthorized by the United 
     States Congress and the President on or before that date; and
       Whereas, the Massachusetts waiver will expire in 2005 
     unless the state is allowed to renew it; and
       Whereas, without the waiver, Massachusetts may suffer 
     Federal financial penalties for continuing to operate its own 
     program and incur substantial additional costs related to 
     child care, transportation, and other supportive services; 
     and
       Whereas, the Federal TANF block grant received annually by 
     the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declined in real value 
     by 13 percent since 1996 and, if continued at current levels, 
     will decline further in real value over the next several 
     years; and
       Whereas, without additional Federal TANF funding, 
     Massachusetts may be forced to cut back on existing services 
     for needy families; and
       Whereas, the National Governors' Association has called on 
     Congress to allow states with waivers to continue operating 
     under them, to increase TANF funding and to allow states with 
     greater flexibility in operating their TANF programs; now 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, that any reauthorized TANF law should include:
       A. Authority for Massachusetts and other states with pre-
     existing waivers to continue and renew them at state option;
       B. Increased TANF block grant funding for Massachusetts;
       C. Increased flexibility for states to determine what 
     activities and what level of participation should satisfy 
     Federal work requirements, in part to enable states 
     appropriately to meet the needs of low-income families with 
     disabilities;
       D. Increased flexibility for states to grant hardship 
     exemptions from the Federal 5-year time limit on receipt of 
     TANF assistance, in part to enable states appropriately to 
     meet the needs of low-income families with disabilities;
       E. Removal of restrictions on states using TANF funds to 
     provide benefits to legal immigrants; and be it further
       Resolved, that the members of the Massachusetts delegation 
     to the Congress of the United States should actively seek to 
     ensure that the provisions listed above are included in any 
     reauthorized TANF law; and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted 
     forthwith by the Clerk of the Senate to the President of the 
     United States, to the Presiding Officer of each branch of 
     Congress and to the members thereof from this Commonwealth.
                                  ____

       POM-242. A joint resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Maine relative to correcting 
     inequities for retirees drawing social security benefits; to 
     the Committee on Finance.

                            Joint Resolution

       Whereas, retirees covered by federal, state or local 
     government retirement programs are facing hardship in 
     retirement; and
       Whereas, the retirement benefits of these retirees are low 
     and the cost of health insurance is high and climbing every 
     year; and
       Whereas, added to this bleak economic picture, even though 
     many of these retirees may qualify for Social Security 
     through their own or their spouses' work, Congress will not 
     let them benefit as other citizens do; and
       Whereas, the first roadblock, the windfall elimination 
     provision of the federal Social Security Act, requires 30 
     years of ``substantial earnings,'' as rated on a scale, 
     before a retiree is eligible for the full Social Security 
     benefit. If a retiree does not have 30 years, or some years 
     fall below the standard, the Social Security benefit may be 
     reduced or eliminated; therefore, retirees who earned a 
     pension from working for a government agency and also worked 
     part-time under Social Security may see their Social Security 
     benefits reduced or eliminated; and

[[Page S4199]]

       Whereas, the 2nd roadblock the government pension offset of 
     the federal Social Security Act, reduces the survivor benefit 
     under Social Security by 2/3 of an individual's retirement 
     benefit. This means the death of a spouse of a retiree is a 
     double tragedy because the offset will reduce the family 
     income by 1/3 or more and then freeze it at that level. Any 
     future increase in the retiree's retirement will result in 
     the loss of Social Security benefits; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, support the repeal of 
     the government pension offset and the windfall elimination 
     provision from the federal Social Security Act; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, to the Speaker of 
     the United States House of Representatives and to each member 
     of the Maine Congressional Delegation.

                          ____________________