[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AUTHORIZATION TO SETTLE CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF DISCOVERY OF LETHAL RICIN 
                        POWDER IN SENATE COMPLEX

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 329, which was 
introduced by Senators Lott and Dodd earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 329) authorizing the Sergeant at Arms 
     and Doorkeeper of the Senate to ascertain and settle claims 
     arising out of the discovery of lethal ricin powder in the 
     Senate Complex.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed 
to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any 
statements relating to this matter be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 329) was agreed to, as follows:

                              S. Res. 329

       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE RICIN 
                   DISCOVERY.

       (a) Settlement and Payment.--The Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper of the Senate--
       (1) in accordance with such regulations as the Committee on 
     Rules and Administration may prescribe, consider, and 
     ascertain any claim incident to service by a Member, officer, 
     or employee of the Senate for any damage to, or loss of, 
     personal property, for which the Member, officer, or employee 
     has not been reimbursed, resulting from the discovery of 
     lethal ricin powder in the Senate Complex on February 2, 
     2004, or the related remediation efforts undertaken as a 
     result of that discovery; and
       (2) may, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration and in accordance with the provisions of 
     section 3721 of title 31, United States Code, determine, 
     compromise, adjust, and settle such claim in an amount not 
     exceeding $4,000 per claimant.
       (b) Filing of Claims.--Claimants shall file claims pursuant 
     to this resolution with the Sergeant at Arms not later than 
     July 31, 2004.
       (c) Use of Contingent Fund.--Any compromise, adjustment, or 
     settlement of any such claim pursuant to this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate on a 
     voucher approved by the chairman of the Committee on Rules 
     and Administration.

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