[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S606-S612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 13--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                      ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

  Mr. DOMENICI submitted the following resolution; from the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources; which was referred to the Committee on 
Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 13

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized from 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005; October 1, 2005, 
     through September 30, 2006; and October 1, 2006, through 
     February 28, 2007, in its discretion (1) to make expenditures 
     from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ 
     personnel, and (3) with the prior consent of the Government 
     department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable 
     basis the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       Sec. 2(a). The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, under this 
     resolution shall not exceed $2,923,302.
       (b) For the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $5,133,032.
       (c) For the period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $2,185,132.
       Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together 
     with such recommendations for legislation as it deems 
     advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, 
     but not later than February 28, 2005, respectively.
       Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon 
     vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee, except 
     that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement 
     of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) for 
     the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of 
     the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or 
     (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4) 
     for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5) 
     for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of 
     Senate Recording and Photographic Services, or (7) for 
     payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at 
     Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 14--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                  AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY

  Mr. CHAMBLISS submitted the following resolution; from the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; which was referred to the 
Committee on Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 14

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its Jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is 
     authorized from March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005; 
     October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006, and October 1, 2006 
     through February 28, 2007, in its discretion (1) to make 
     expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to 
     employ personnel, and (3) with the prior consent of the 
     Government department or agency concerned and the Committee 
     on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-
     reimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such 
     department or agency.
       Sec. 2. (a) The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, under this 
     resolution shall not exceed $2,090,901, of which amount (1) 
     not to exceed $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of 
     the services of individual consultants, or organizations 
     thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (b) For the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed

[[Page S607]]

     $3,670,623, of which amount (1) not to exceed $150,000 may be 
     expended for the procurement of the services of individual 
     consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by 
     section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, 
     as amended), and (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended 
     for the training of the professional staff of such committee 
     (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946).
       (c) For the period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $1,562,289, of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(1) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together 
     with such recommendations for legislation as it deems 
     advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, 
     but not later than February 28, 2007.
       Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon 
     vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee, except 
     that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement 
     of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) for 
     the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of 
     the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or 
     (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4) 
     for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5) 
     for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of 
     Senate Recording and Photographic Services or (7) for payment 
     of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Ar1ns and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary 
     for agency contributions related to the compensation of 
     employees of the committee from March 1, 2005, through 
     September 30, 2005: October 1. 2005, through September 30, 
     2006; and October 1, 2006 through February 28, 2007 to be 
     paid from the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of 
     Inquiries and Investigations.''
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 15--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                  BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS

  Mr. SHELBY submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; which was referred to the 
Committee on Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 15

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Banking. Housing. and Urban Affairs is 
     authorized from March 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005; 
     October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006; and October 1, 
     2006, through February 28. 2007, in its discretion (1) to 
     make expenditures from the contingent. fund of the Senate, 
     (2) to employ personnel, and (3) with the prior consent of 
     the Government department or agency concerned and the 
     Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a 
     reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of 
     personnel of any such department or agency.
       Sec. 2(a). The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, under this 
     resolution shall not exceed $3,196,078 of which amount (1) 
     not to exceed $12,000 may be expended for the procurement of 
     the services of individual consultants, or organizations 
     thereof (as authorized by section 202(1) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $700 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 2020) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (b) For the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $5,611,167 of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $20,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(1) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $1200 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 2020) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (c) For the period of October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $2,388,363 of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $8,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of 
     individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(1) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $500 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 2020) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together 
     with such recommendations for legislation as it deems 
     advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, 
     but not later than February 28, 2007.
       Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon 
     vouchers approved by the Chairman of the committee, except 
     that vouchers- shall not be required (1) for the disbursement 
     of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate. or (2) for 
     the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of 
     the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or 
     (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4) 
     for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5) 
     for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of 
     Senate Recording and Photographic Services, or (7) for 
     payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at 
     Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary 
     for agency contributions related to the compensation of 
     employees of the committee from March 1, 2005, through 
     September 30, 2005; October 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2006; and October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007, to be 
     paid from the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of 
     Inquiries and Investigations.``
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 16--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
               HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

  Ms. COLLINS submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; which was referred to the 
Committee on Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 16

       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL 
                   AFFAIRS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
     (referred to in this resolution as the ``committee'') is 
     authorized from March 1, 2005, through February 28, 2007, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration, to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimbursable, 
     basis the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses for Period Ending September 30, 2005.--The 
     expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2005, 
     through September 30, 2005, under this section shall not 
     exceed $5,112,891, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     and
       (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).
       (c) Expenses for Fiscal Year 2006 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 2005, through 
     September 30, 2006, under this section shall not exceed 
     $8,977,796, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     and
       (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).
       (d) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2007.--For the 
     period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,821,870, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).

     SEC. 2. REPORTING LEGISLATION.

       The committee shall report its findings, together with such 
     recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the 
     Senate

[[Page S608]]

     at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 
     28, 2007.

     SEC. 3. EXPENSES; AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS; AND INVESTIGATIONS.

       (a) Expenses of the Committee.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), any 
     expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid 
     from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved 
     by the chairman of the committee.
       (2) Vouchers not required.--Vouchers shall not be required 
     for--
       (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees of the 
     committee who are paid at an annual rate;
       (B) the payment of telecommunications expenses provided by 
     the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper;
       (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of Stationery;
       (D) payments to the Postmaster of the Senate;
       (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper;
       (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic 
     Services; or
       (G) for payment of franked and mass mail costs by the 
     Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       (b) Agency Contributions.--There are authorized such sums 
     as may be necessary for agency contributions related to the 
     compensation of employees of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, for the period 
     October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006, and for the 
     period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007, to be paid 
     from the appropriations account for ``Expenses of Inquiries 
     and Investigations'' of the Senate.
       (c) Investigations.--
       (1) In general.--The committee, or any duly authorized 
     subcommittee of the committee, is authorized to study or 
     investigate--
       (A) the efficiency and economy of operations of all 
     branches of the Government including the possible existence 
     of fraud, misfeasance, malfeasance, collusion, mismanagement, 
     incompetence, corruption, or unethical practices, waste, 
     extravagance, conflicts of interest, and the improper 
     expenditure of Government funds in transactions, contracts, 
     and activities of the Government or of Government officials 
     and employees and any and all such improper practices between 
     Government personnel and corporations, individuals, 
     companies, or persons affiliated therewith, doing business 
     with the Government; and the compliance or noncompliance of 
     such corporations, companies, or individuals or other 
     entities with the rules, regulations, and laws governing the 
     various governmental agencies and its relationships with the 
     public;
       (B) the extent to which criminal or other improper 
     practices or activities are, or have been, engaged in the 
     field of labor-management relations or in groups or 
     organizations of employees or employers, to the detriment of 
     interests of the public, employers, or employees, and to 
     determine whether any changes are required in the laws of the 
     United States in order to protect such interests against the 
     occurrence of such practices or activities;
       (C) organized criminal activity which may operate in or 
     otherwise utilize the facilities of interstate or 
     international commerce in furtherance of any transactions and 
     the manner and extent to which, and the identity of the 
     persons, firms, or corporations, or other entities by whom 
     such utilization is being made, and further, to study and 
     investigate the manner in which and the extent to which 
     persons engaged in organized criminal activity have 
     infiltrated lawful business enterprise, and to study the 
     adequacy of Federal laws to prevent the operations of 
     organized crime in interstate or international commerce; and 
     to determine whether any changes are required in the laws of 
     the United States in order to protect the public against such 
     practices or activities;
       (D) all other aspects of crime and lawlessness within the 
     United States which have an impact upon or affect the 
     national health, welfare, and safety; including but not 
     limited to investment fraud schemes, commodity and security 
     fraud, computer fraud, and the use of offshore banking and 
     corporate facilities to carry out criminal objectives;
       (E) the efficiency and economy of operations of all 
     branches and functions of the Government with particular 
     reference to--
       (i) the effectiveness of present national security methods, 
     staffing, and processes as tested against the requirements 
     imposed by the rapidly mounting complexity of national 
     security problems;
       (ii) the capacity of present national security staffing, 
     methods, and processes to make full use of the Nation's 
     resources of knowledge and talents;
       (iii) the adequacy of present intergovernmental relations 
     between the United States and international organizations 
     principally concerned with national security of which the 
     United States is a member; and
       (iv) legislative and other proposals to improve these 
     methods, processes, and relationships;
       (F) the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of all 
     agencies and departments of the Government involved in the 
     control and management of energy shortages including, but not 
     limited to, their performance with respect to--
       (i) the collection and dissemination of accurate statistics 
     on fuel demand and supply;
       (ii) the implementation of effective energy conservation 
     measures;
       (iii) the pricing of energy in all forms;
       (iv) coordination of energy programs with State and local 
     government;
       (v) control of exports of scarce fuels;
       (vi) the management of tax, import, pricing, and other 
     policies affecting energy supplies;
       (vii) maintenance of the independent sector of the 
     petroleum industry as a strong competitive force;
       (viii) the allocation of fuels in short supply by public 
     and private entities;
       (ix) the management of energy supplies owned or controlled 
     by the Government;
       (x) relations with other oil producing and consuming 
     countries;
       (xi) the monitoring of compliance by governments, 
     corporations, or individuals with the laws and regulations 
     governing the allocation, conservation, or pricing of energy 
     supplies; and
       (xii) research into the discovery and development of 
     alternative energy supplies; and
       (G) the efficiency and economy of all branches and 
     functions of Government with particular references to the 
     operations and management of Federal regulatory policies and 
     programs.
       (2) Extent of inquiries.--In carrying out the duties 
     provided in paragraph (1), the inquiries of this committee or 
     any subcommittee of the committee shall not be construed to 
     be limited to the records, functions, and operations of any 
     particular branch of the Government and may extend to the 
     records and activities of any persons, corporation, or other 
     entity.
       (3) Special committee authority.--For the purposes of this 
     subsection, the committee, or any duly authorized 
     subcommittee of the committee, or its chairman, or any other 
     member of the committee or subcommittee designated by the 
     chairman, from March 1, 2005, through February 28, 2007, is 
     authorized, in its, his, or their discretion--
       (A) to require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance of 
     witnesses and production of correspondence, books, papers, 
     and documents;
       (B) to hold hearings;
       (C) to sit and act at any time or place during the 
     sessions, recess, and adjournment periods of the Senate;
       (D) to administer oaths; and
       (E) to take testimony, either orally or by sworn statement, 
     or, in the case of staff members of the Committee and the 
     Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, by deposition in 
     accordance with the Committee Rules of Procedure.
       (4) Authority of other committees.--Nothing contained in 
     this subsection shall affect or impair the exercise of any 
     other standing committee of the Senate of any power, or the 
     discharge by such committee of any duty, conferred or imposed 
     upon it by the Standing Rules of the Senate or by the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.
       (5) Subpoena authority.--All subpoenas and related legal 
     processes of the committee and its subcommittee authorized 
     under S. Res. 66, agreed to February 26, 2003 (108th 
     Congress), are authorized to continue.
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 17--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                      ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

  Mr. INHOFE submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works; which was referred to the Committee on 
Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 17

       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS.

       (a) In General.--In carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized from 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005; October 1, 2005, 
     through September 30, 2006; and October 1, 2006, through 
     February 28, 2007, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration, to use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses for Period Ending September 30, 2005.--The 
     expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2005, 
     through September 30, 2005, under this resolution shall not 
     exceed $2,696,689, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $4,667 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     and
       (2) not to exceed $1,167 may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).
       (c) Expenses for Fiscal Year 2006 Period.--For the period 
     October 1, 2005,

[[Page S609]]

     through September 30, 2006, the expenses of the committee 
     under this resolution shall not exceed $4,732,998, of which 
     amount--
       (1) not to exceed $8,000 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     and
       (2) not to exceed $2,000 may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).
       (d) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2007.--For the 
     period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007, expenses 
     of the committee under this resolution shall not exceed 
     $2,014,046, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $3,333 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     and
       (2) not to exceed $833 may be expended for the training of 
     the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of that Act).

     SEC. 2. REPORTING LEGISLATION.

       The committee shall report its findings, together with such 
     recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the 
     Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than 
     February 28, 2007.

     SEC. 3. EXPENSES AND AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS.

       (a) Expenses.--
       (1) In general.--Expenses of the committee under this 
     resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the 
     committee.
       (2) Vouchers not required.--Vouchers shall not be required 
     for--
       (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an 
     annual rate;
       (B) the payment of telecommunications provided by the 
     Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States 
     Senate;
       (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate;
       (D) payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate;
       (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate;
       (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic 
     Services; or
       (G) the payment of franked and mass mail costs by the 
     Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       (b) Agency Contributions.--There are authorized such sums 
     as may be necessary for agency contributions related to the 
     compensation of employees of the committee from March 1, 
     2005, through September 30, 2005; October 1, 2005 through 
     September 30, 2006; and October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, to be paid from the appropriations account for 
     ``Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations of the Senate''.
                                 ______
                                 

    SENATE RESOLUTION 18--COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
        LIBERATION OF THE AUSCHWITZ EXTERMINATION CAMP IN POLAND

  Mr. TALENT (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Frist, Mr. Wyden, Mrs. Dole, 
Mr. Dodd, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Alexander, Mr. 
Voinovich, Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Hagel) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 18

       Whereas on January 27, 1945, the Auschwitz extermination 
     camp in Poland was liberated by Allied Forces during World 
     War II after almost 5 years of murder, rape, and torture;
       Whereas more than 1,000,000 innocent civilians were 
     murdered at the Auschwitz extermination camp;
       Whereas the Auschwitz extermination camp symbolizes the 
     brutality of the Holocaust;
       Whereas Americans must never forget the terrible crimes 
     against humanity committed at the Auschwitz extermination 
     camp and must educate future generations to promote 
     understanding of the dangers of intolerance in order to 
     prevent similar injustices from happening again; and
       Whereas commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz 
     extermination camp will instill in all Americans a greater 
     awareness of the Holocaust: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commemorates January 27, 2005, as the 60th anniversary 
     of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp by 
     Allied Forces during World War II; and
       (2) calls on all Americans to remember the more than 
     1,000,000 innocent victims murdered at the Auschwitz 
     extermination camp as part of the Holocaust.
                                 ______
                                 

SENATE RESOLUTION 19--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE 
                           ON INDIAN AFFAIRS

  Mr. McCAIN submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Indian Affairs; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and 
Administration:

                               S. Res. 19

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers; duties and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, and making investigations 
     as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Indian Affairs 
     is authorized from March 1 2005, through February 28, 2007, 
     in its discretion (1) to make expenditures from the 
     contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, and 
     (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable 
     basis the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       Sec. 2. (a) The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, under this 
     resolution shall not exceed $1,124,384.00, of which amount 
     (1) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the procurement 
     of the services of individual consultants, or organizations 
     thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (b) For the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $1,972,189.00, of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $20,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (c) For the period October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $838,771.00, of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $20,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together 
     with such recommendations for legislation as it deems 
     advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, 
     but not later than January 31, 2005.
       Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon 
     vouchers approved by the Chairman of the committee, except 
     that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement 
     of the salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) 
     for the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office 
     of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, 
     or (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased 
     through the Keeper of the Stationery; United States Senate, 
     or (4) for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, 
     or (5) for the payment of metered charges on copying 
     equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of 
     Senate Recording and Photographic Services, or (7) for 
     payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at 
     Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary 
     for agency contributions related to the compensation of 
     employees of the committee from March 1, 2005, through 
     February 28, 2007, to be paid from the Appropriations account 
     for ``Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations''.
                                 ______
                                 

SENATE RESOLUTION 20--DESIGNATING JANUARY 2005 AS ``NATIONAL MENTORING 
                                MONTH''

  Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. McCain, Mr. DeWine, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. 
Bayh, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Levin, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Dayton, Ms. Landrieu, 
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Ms. Stabenow, and Mrs. Clinton) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 20

       Whereas mentors serve as role models, advocates, friends, 
     and advisors to youth in need;
       Whereas mentoring is a proven, effective strategy to enable 
     caring, responsible adults to provide guidance and build 
     confidence, stability, and direction for individual children;
       Whereas research demonstrates that mentoring has a positive 
     impact on students by increasing attendance at school, 
     improving rates of high-school graduation and college 
     attendance, and reducing involvement with drugs, alcohol, and 
     violent behavior;
       Whereas over 17,000,000 children in the United States today 
     need or want a mentor, but only 2,000,000 are in mentoring 
     relationships, leaving a ``mentoring gap'' of 15,000,000 
     young people;
       Whereas the establishment of a National Mentoring Month 
     will emphasize the importance of mentoring and pay tribute to 
     the

[[Page S610]]

     many Americans already involved in mentoring;
       Whereas a month-long celebration of mentoring will 
     encourage more organizations, such as schools, businesses, 
     faith communities, and individuals to get involved in 
     mentoring; and
       Whereas celebrations of mentoring would encourage more 
     individuals to volunteer as mentors and help close the 
     mentoring gap: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) proclaims the month of January 2005 as ``National 
     Mentoring Month'';
       (2) recognizes that the President issued a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States and interested 
     groups to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities to promote awareness of mentoring and to encourage 
     many more Americans to participate in mentoring; and
       (3) recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of 
     millions of caring adults who now serve as mentors and 
     encourages more adults to give of their time and become 
     mentors as an essential part of school reform.

                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 21--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                  SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

  Ms. SNOWE submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship; which was referred to the 
Committee on Rules and Administration:

                               S. Res. 21

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with jurisdiction under rule XXV of such rules, 
     including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and 
     making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of 
     rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee 
     on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is authorized from 
     March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, and October 1, 
     2005, through September 30, 2006, and October 1, 2006, 
     through February 28, 2007, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable 
     basis the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.

     SEC. 2.

       (a) The expense of the committee for the period March 1, 
     2005, through September 30, 2005, under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $1,302,943, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (b) For the period of October 1, 2005, through September 
     30, 2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall not exceed $2,286,820, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 292(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (c) For the period of October 1, 2006, through February 28, 
     2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $973,120, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $10,000 may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 3.

       The committee may report its findings, together with such 
     recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the 
     Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than 
     February 28, 2005.

     SEC. 4.

       Expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be 
     paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers 
     approved by the chairman of the committee, except that 
     vouchers shall not be required--
       (1) for the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at 
     an annual rate;
       (2) for the payment of telecommunications provided by the 
     Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States 
     Senate;
       (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased 
     through the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate;
       (4) for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate;
       (5) for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate;
       (6) for the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic 
     Services; or
       (7) for payment of franked mail costs by the Sergeant at 
     Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate.

     SEC. 5.

       There are authorized such sums as may be necessary for 
     agency contributions related to the compensation of employees 
     of the committee from March 1, 2005, through September 30, 
     2005, October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006, and 
     October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007, to be paid from 
     the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of Inquiries and 
     Investigations''.
                                 ______
                                 

 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 6--HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTION OF 
 YOGI BHAJAN, A LEADER OF THE SIKHS, AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE 
                     SIKH COMMUNITY ON HIS PASSING

  Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, and Mr. Domenici) submitted 
the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary:

                             S. Con. Res. 6

       Whereas the Sikh faith was founded in the northern section 
     of the Republic of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, 
     who preached tolerance and equality for all humans;
       Whereas the Sikh faith began with a simple message of 
     truthful living and the fundamental unity of humanity, all 
     created by one creator who manifests existence through every 
     religion;
       Whereas the Sikh faith reaches out to people of all faiths 
     and cultural backgrounds, encourages individuals to see 
     beyond their differences, and to work together for world 
     peace and harmony;
       Whereas Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa 
     Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of thousands of 
     people worldwide, was born Harbhajan Singh Puri on August 26, 
     1929, in India;
       Whereas at age 8, Yogi Bhajan began yogic training, and 8 
     years later was proclaimed by his teacher to be a master of 
     Kundalini Yoga, which stimulates individual growth through 
     breath, yoga postures, sound, chanting, and meditation;
       Whereas during the turmoil over the partition between 
     Pakistan and India in 1947, at the age of 18, Yogi Bhajan led 
     his village of 7,000 people 325 miles on foot to safety in 
     New Delhi, India, from what is now Lahore, Pakistan;
       Whereas Yogi Bhajan, before emigrating to North America in 
     1968, served the Government of India faithfully through both 
     civil and military service;
       Whereas when Yogi Bhajan visited the United States in 1968, 
     he recognized immediately that the experience of higher 
     consciousness that many young people were attempting to find 
     through drugs could be alternatively achieved through 
     Kundalini Yoga, and in response, he began teaching Kundalini 
     Yoga publicly, thereby breaking the centuries-old tradition 
     of secrecy surrounding it;
       Whereas in 1969, Yogi Bhajan founded ``Healthy, Happy, Holy 
     Organization (3HO)'', a nonprofit private educational and 
     scientific foundation dedicated to serving humanity, 
     improving physical well-being, deepening spiritual awareness, 
     and offering guidance on nutrition and health, interpersonal 
     relations, child rearing, and human behavior;
       Whereas under the direction and guidance of Yogi Bhajan, 
     3HO expanded to 300 centers in 35 countries;
       Whereas in 1971, the president of the governing body of 
     Sikh Temples in India gave Yogi Bhajan the title of Siri 
     Singh Sahib, which made him the chief religious and 
     administrative authority for Sikhism in the Western 
     Hemisphere, and subsequently the Sikh seat of religious 
     authority gave him responsibility to create a Sikh ministry 
     in the West;
       Whereas in 1971, Sikh Dharma was legally incorporated in 
     the State of California and recognized as a tax-exempt 
     religious organization by the United States, and in 1972, 
     Yogi Bhajan founded the ashram Sikh Dharma in Espanola, New 
     Mexico;
       Whereas in 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded ``3HO SuperHealth'', a 
     successful drug rehabilitation program that blends ancient 
     yogic wisdom of the East with modern technology of the West;
       Whereas in June 1985, Yogi Bhajan established the first 
     ``International Peace Prayer Day Celebrations'' in New 
     Mexico, which still draws thousands of participants annually;
       Whereas Yogi Bhajan traveled the world calling for world 
     peace and religious unity at meetings with leaders such as 
     Pope Paul VI; Pope John Paul II; His Holiness the Dalai Lama; 
     the President of the former Union of Soviet Socialist 
     Republics, Mikhail Gorbachev; and two Archbishops of 
     Canterbury;
       Whereas Yogi Bhajan wrote 30 books and inspired the 
     publication of 200 other books through his teachings, founded 
     a drug rehabilitation program, and inspired the founding of 
     several businesses;
       Whereas Sikhs and students across the world testify that 
     Yogi Bhajan exhibited dignity, divinity, grace, commitment, 
     courage,

[[Page S611]]

     kindness, compassion, tolerance, wisdom, and understanding;
       Whereas Yogi Bhajan taught that in times of joy and sorrow 
     members of the community should come together and be at one 
     with each other; and
       Whereas before his passing on October 6, 2004, Yogi Bhajan 
     requested that his passing be a time of celebration of his 
     going home: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan about 
     Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his 
     inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and 
     professional relations between citizens of the United States 
     and the citizens of India;
       (2) recognizes the legendary compassion, wisdom, kindness, 
     and courage of Yogi Bhajan, and his wealth of accomplishments 
     on behalf of the Sikh community; and
       (3) extends its condolences to Inderjit Kaur, the wife of 
     Yogi Bhajan, his 3 children and 5 grandchildren, and to Sikh 
     and ``Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO)'' communities 
     around the Nation and the world upon the death on October 6, 
     2004, of Yogi Bhajan, an individual who was a wise teacher 
     and mentor, an outstanding pioneer, a champion of peace, and 
     a compassionate human being.

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues, 
Senators Domenici and Cornyn, to introduce a resolution honoring the 
life of Yogi Bhajan. Yogi Bhajan, the chief religious and 
administrative authority for Sikhism in the West, died in Espanola, NM 
on October 6, 2004 at the age of seventy-five. Born Harbhajan Singh 
Puri on August 26, 1929 in Northern India, now Pakistan, he began yogic 
training at age 8 and was proclaimed a master of Kundalini Yoga by age 
16. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, his family 
migrated to New Delhi, India where he continued his education. After 
graduating from Punjab University in economics, he worked for India's 
Internal Revenue Service and later became head of customs at the New 
Delhi Airport.
  Yogi Bhajan introduced thousands around the world to Sikhism, a 
religion that carries the message of truthful living and the 
fundamental unity of humanity, and reaches out to people of all 
backgrounds to work together for world peace. When he came to North 
America in 1968 he recognized that the experience sought by many young 
people through drugs could be alternatively achieved through Kundalini 
Yoga, which stimulates individual growth through breath, chanting, and 
meditation among other components. Breaking the centuries old tradition 
of secrecy surrounding Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly. 
Soon after, he founded the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization, 3HO, a 
nonprofit private educational and scientific foundation with 300 
centers in 35 countries, dedicated to improving physical well-being, 
deepening spiritual awareness, and offering guidance on matters of 
health and heart. He later founded 3HO SuperHealth, a successful drug 
rehabilitation program, blending ancient yogic wisdom of the east with 
the modern technology of the west. SuperHealth was accredited by the 
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and 
received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished itself as 
being in the top 10 percent of all treatment programs throughout the 
U.S. In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail Gorbachev and 
established addiction treatment programs in Russia based on the 3HO 
SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of SuperHealth is being 
formed by the Punjab State Government in India. He taught Yoga in 
Toronto and Los Angeles and finally founded a Sikh Dharma community in 
Espanola, New Mexico. In 1971, the president of the governing body of 
Sikh Temples in India gave Yogi Bhajan the title of chief religious and 
administrative authority for Sikhism in the Western Hemisphere. About 
250,000 Sikhs now reside across the United States, including a 
community of about 500 families in Northern New Mexico.
  Yogi Bhajan wrote 30 books and inspired 200 more through his 
teaching, and inspired the founding of several businesses, including 
Akal Security, Inc. He had an inclusive view of the world's major 
religions and considered all of them valid. Throughout his lifetime, he 
traveled the world and met with world leaders such as Pope John Paul II 
and the Dalai Lama to discuss world peace and religious unity. In June 
1985, Yogi Bhajan established the first International Peace Prayer Day 
Celebration in New Mexico that still draws thousands of participants 
annually.
  After the events of 9/11/01, Yogi Bhajan reached out to Sikhs across 
America, encouraging and helping them to educate their fellow citizens 
about Sikhs, and to work with law enforcement and community leaders to 
help them protect Sikh populations. His efforts have helped contribute 
to the opening of some major law enforcement agencies to Sikh 
employees, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Yogi 
Bhajan established links to human rights advocates nationwide, working 
to make sure that the issue of Sikh identity is understood and 
respected. When Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered in Phoenix 5 days after 
9/11 because of his beard and turban, Yogi Bhajan worked with community 
and government leaders in Arizona to help raise awareness about the 
Sikh community there.
  Yogi Bhajan is survived by his wife, Inderjit Kaur; two sons, Ranbir 
Singh and Kulbir Singh; a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur; and five 
grandchildren. He will be missed by his family, followers and his 
friends, and his contribution to the cause of world peace will be 
remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
                                 ______
                                 

 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 7--CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE 
FOR CONDUCTING A DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR RUNOFF PRESIDENTIAL 
ELECTION ON DECEMBER 26, 2004, AND CONGRATULATING VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO ON 
 HIS ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE AND HIS COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY 
                               AND REFORM

  Mr. LUGAR (for himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. Frist, Mr. Reid, Mr. Levin, 
and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which 
was considered and agreed to:

                             S. Con. Res. 7

       Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and 
     fair election process for the 2004 presidential election in 
     Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system have 
     been prerequisites for that country's full integration into 
     the international community of democracies;
       Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous 
     specific commitments governing the conduct of elections as a 
     participating State of the Organization for Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe (OSCE);
       Whereas the election of Ukraine's next president was seen 
     as an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian 
     authorities' commitment to implement these standards and 
     build a democratic society based on free elections and the 
     rule of law;
       Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires 
     government and public authorities to ensure that candidates 
     and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law 
     and that government resources are not employed to the 
     advantage of individual candidates or political parties;
       Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the 
     full transparency of laws and regulations governing 
     elections, multiparty representation on election commissions, 
     and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and 
     domestic and international observers to all election 
     procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas 
     of the country;
       Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others 
     acting at the behest of such officials to impose obstacles to 
     free assembly, free speech, and a free and fair political 
     campaign took place throughout Ukraine during the entire 2004 
     presidential election campaign without condemnation or 
     remedial action by the Government of Ukraine;
       Whereas on October 31, 2004, Ukraine held the first round 
     of its presidential election and on November 21, 2004, 
     Ukraine held a runoff presidential election between the two 
     leading candidates, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and 
     opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko;
       Whereas a consensus of Ukrainian and international election 
     observers determined that the runoff election did not meet a 
     considerable number of international standards for democratic 
     elections, and these observers specifically declared that 
     state resources were abused in support of Viktor Yanukovich, 
     and that illegal voting by absentee ballot, multiple voting, 
     assaults on electoral observers and journalists, and the use 
     of counterfeit ballots were widespread;
       Whereas following the runoff presidential election on 
     November 21, 2004, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens 
     engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Kiev and elsewhere to 
     protest the unfair election and the

[[Page S612]]

     declaration by the Ukrainian Central Election Commission that 
     Viktor Yanukovich had won a majority of the votes;
       Whereas, on November 25, 2004, the Ukrainian Supreme Court 
     blocked the publication of the official runoff election 
     results thus preventing the inauguration of the next 
     president of Ukraine until the Supreme Court examined the 
     reports of voter fraud;
       Whereas on November 27, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed a resolution declaring that there were violations of 
     law during the runoff presidential election on November 21, 
     2004, and that the results of the election did not reflect 
     the will of the Ukrainian people;
       Whereas on December 1, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed a no confidence motion regarding the government of 
     Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich;
       Whereas European mediators and current Ukrainian President 
     Leonid Kuchma began discussions on December 1, 2004, to 
     attempt to work out a resolution to the standoff between the 
     supporters of both presidential candidates;
       Whereas on December 3, 2004, the Ukrainian Supreme Court 
     ruled that the runoff presidential election on November 21, 
     2004, was invalid and ordered a new presidential election to 
     take place on December 26, 2004;
       Whereas on December 8, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine 
     passed laws to reform the Ukrainian electoral process, 
     including to reconstitute the Ukrainian Central Election 
     Commission, and to close loopholes for fraud in preparation 
     for a new presidential election;
       Whereas on December 26, 2004, the people of Ukraine again 
     went to the polls to elect the next president of Ukraine in 
     what the consensus of domestic and international observers 
     declared as a more democratic, transparent, and fair election 
     process with fewer problems than the previous two rounds;
       Whereas on January 10, 2005, the election victory of 
     opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was certified by the 
     Ukrainian Central Election Commission; and
       Whereas the runoff presidential election on December 26, 
     2004, signifies a turning point for Ukraine which offers new 
     hope and opportunity to the people of Ukraine: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) commends the people and Government of Ukraine for their 
     commitment to democracy and their determination to end the 
     political crisis in that country in a peaceful and democratic 
     manner;
       (2) congratulates the people and Government of Ukraine for 
     ensuring a free and fair runoff presidential election which 
     represents the true choice of the Ukrainian people;
       (3) congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as 
     President of Ukraine;
       (4) applauds the Ukrainian presidential candidates, the 
     European Union and other European representatives, and the 
     United States Government for the role they played in helping 
     to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis;
       (5) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship 
     formed between the United States and Ukraine and expresses 
     its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the 
     Ukrainian people and the new Government of Ukraine to 
     establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for 
     human rights; and
       (6) pledges its assistance to the strengthening of a fully 
     free and open democratic system in Ukraine, the creation of a 
     prosperous free market economy in Ukraine, the reaffirmation 
     of Ukraine's independence and territorial sovereignty, and 
     Ukraine's full integration into the international community 
     of democracies.

                          ____________________