[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S818-S826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 27--COMMENDING THE RESULTS OF THE JANUARY 9, 2005,
PALESTINIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Biden, Mr. Levin,,
Mr. Sununu, Mr. Chafee, Mr. Hagel, and Mr. Feingold) submitted the
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 27
Whereas on January 9, 2005, for the first time in 9 years,
large numbers of Palestinians living in the West Bank, the
Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem voted in elections that were widely
described by outside monitors as free and fair;
Whereas the Palestinian people elected former Prime
Minister Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, to the
office of President of the Palestinian Authority;
Whereas an estimated 65 percent of eligible Palestinians
living in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem
participated in voting at over 1000 polling stations, and for
the first time in nearly 30 years, the Palestinian people
elected new leadership;
Whereas on January 9, 2005, President of the United States
George W. Bush stated that it was a ``historic day for the
Palestinian people and for the people of the Middle East''
and that ``Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza
took a key step toward building a democratic future by
choosing a new president in elections that observers
described as largely free and fair'';
Whereas Israel provided important cooperation with the
Palestinian Authority to enable the holding of this election,
including minimizing delays at checkpoints and redeploying
Israeli security forces away from Palestinian population
centers;
Whereas the Palestinian election was an important step
towards democracy for the Palestinian people and an example
to all those in the region who are striving to achieve
democracy in their own nation;
Whereas during his inaugural speech, President Abbas stated
that ``The winner in
[[Page S822]]
these elections is the great Palestinian people who have
created this democratic epic and who will safeguard it'',
that ``The people have voted for the rule of law, order,
pluralism, the peaceful transfer of authority, and equality
for all'', and further ``Let us start implementing the
Roadmap'';
Whereas these comments build upon Mr. Abbas' 1993
statements on the White House lawn, where he said that a
Palestinian state and an Israeli state could live in
``peaceful coexistence and cooperation'';
Whereas the election of Mahmoud Abbas was hailed around the
world as a positive step opening new opportunities to move
toward peace between the Palestinian Authority and Israel;
Whereas the Palestinian election provided President Abbas
with a mandate from the majority of Palestinians to reject
violence and pursue peace with Israel;
Whereas the extent of cooperation between the Israelis and
Palestinians during the period leading up to and including
election day was unprecedented in the past four years and
reflects the potential for future cooperation;
Whereas the election must be followed quickly by concrete
steps on the part of the new Palestinian President to meet
his commitment to reform the Palestinian security services,
establish the rule of law, and do all in his power to combat
terrorism;
Whereas a democratic Palestinian Authority will serve as
one of the most important building blocks for a viable, free,
and stable Palestinian state;
Whereas President Abbas' success likely will depend upon
his ability to tangibly and quickly improve the quality of
life for Palestinians, and end corruption and violence;
Whereas the United States Government stands ready to work
with the new Palestinian President to facilitate a renewed
dialogue between the new Palestinian leadership and the
Government of Israel with the goal of achieving through the
Performance Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution
to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (the ``Roadmap''),
President George W. Bush's vision of two states, Israel and
Palestine, living side by side in peace;
Whereas the Roadmap, endorsed by the United States, Israel,
the Palestinian Authority, the European Union, Russia, and
the United Nations, remains the only realistic and widely
recognized plan for making progress toward peace;
Whereas the policy of the United States is to work toward a
just and peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict based on two democratic states, Israel and
Palestine, living side by side in peace and security;
Whereas all parties to the Roadmap have an obligation to
urgently provide support for the Palestinian Authority in its
efforts to confront and fight terror as well as to assist in
the creation of true democratic institutions that will
enforce the rule of law; and
Whereas people of all peaceful nations believe peace
between the Palestinian Authority and the state of Israel
will have far reaching positive effects on the entire region
and throughout the world; Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes that, on January 9, 2005, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas,
also known as Abu Mazen, was elected by the Palestinian
people to the office of President of the Palestinian
Authority in what were widely described as free and fair
elections;
(2) recognizes this milestone in the development of
Palestinian democracy and congratulates President Abbas on
his election to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority;
(3) commends the efforts of the Israeli Government to
facilitate the election;
(4) expresses its respect for the freely expressed will of
the Palestinian people, and its intention to work with
President Abbas to help the Palestinian people realize the
opportunity for a more peaceful, prosperous future;
(5) urges President Abbas and the new Palestinian
leadership to abide by its commitments to reform the security
services, establish the rule of law, and press on with the
development of democratic institutions, including an
independent judiciary and an empowered and democratically
elected legislature;
(6) urges President Abbas to move quickly to honor his
pledges to halt violence and incitement against Israel,
dismantle terrorist organizations, and fulfill the
Palestinian Authority's obligations according to the terms of
the Roadmap;
(7) supports efforts to increase United States assistance
to the Palestinian people and to help President Abbas rebuild
and reform the Palestinian Authority's institutions, as
President Abbas takes actions consistent with the Roadmap, so
that they may better serve the Palestinian people;
(8) urges all members of the international community,
particularly all parties to the Roadmap, to take advantage of
this historic opportunity by providing timely assistance to
the new Palestinian Government as it moves forward to
implement the Roadmap, to help it build the necessary
political, economic, and security infrastructure essential to
establishing a viable, democratic state and improving the
lives of the Palestinian people;
(9) calls upon Arab states in particular to provide
political and financial support to the Palestinian Authority,
to support a complete end to terrorism against Israel, to end
incitement against it, and to reach out to the State of
Israel in friendship and full recognition;
(10) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the
security of Israel as a democratic, Jewish state, and
supports the commitment of Israel to fulfill its obligations
under the Roadmap; and
(11) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the
Roadmap including realization of the vision of two democratic
states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace
and security, and looks forward to working closely with the
Executive Branch to achieve this vision.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 28--DESIGNATING THE YEAR 2005 AS THE ``YEAR OF
FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY''
Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Baucus, Mr.
Bingaman, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Kennedy, Mr.
Lautenberg, Mr. Lieberman, and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 28
Whereas according to the 2000 decennial census of the
population, 9.3 percent of Americans speak both their native
language and another language fluently;
Whereas according to the European Commission Directorate
General for Education and Culture, 52.7 percent of Europeans
speak both their native language and another language
fluently;
Whereas the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
names foreign language study as part of a core curriculum
that includes English, mathematics, science, civics,
economics, arts, history, and geography;
Whereas according to the Joint Center for International
Language, foreign language study increases a student's
cognitive and critical thinking abilities;
Whereas according to the American Council on the Teaching
of Foreign Languages, foreign language study increases a
student's ability to compare and contrast cultural concepts;
Whereas according to a 1992 report by the College Entrance
Examination Board, students with 4 or more years in foreign
language study scored higher on the verbal section of the
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than students who did not;
Whereas the Higher Education Act of 1965 labels foreign
language study as vital to secure the future economic welfare
of the United States in a growing international economy;
Whereas the Higher Education Act of 1965 recommends
encouraging businesses and foreign language study programs to
work in a mutually productive relationship which benefits the
Nation's future economic interest;
Whereas according to the Centers for International Business
Education and Research program, foreign language study
provides the ability both to gain a comprehensive
understanding of and to interact with the cultures of United
States trading partners, and thus establishes a solid
foundation for successful economic relationships;
Whereas Report 107-592 of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence of the House of Representatives concludes that
American multinational corporations and nongovernmental
organizations do not have the people with the foreign
language abilities and cultural exposure that are needed;
Whereas the 2001 Hart-Rudman Report on National Security in
the 21st Century names foreign language study and requisite
knowledge in languages as vital for the Federal Government to
meet 21st century security challenges properly and
effectively;
Whereas the American intelligence community stresses that
individuals with proper foreign language expertise are
greatly needed to work on important national security and
foreign policy issues, especially in light of the terrorist
attacks on September 11, 2001;
Whereas a 1998 study conducted by the National Foreign
Language Center concludes that inadequate resources existed
for the development, publication, distribution, and teaching
of critical foreign languages (such as Arabic, Vietnamese,
and Thai) because of low student enrollment in the United
States; and
Whereas a shortfall of experts in foreign languages has
seriously hampered information gathering and analysis within
the American intelligence community as demonstrated by the
2000 Cox Commission noting shortfalls in Chinese proficiency,
and the National Intelligence Council citing deficiencies in
Central Eurasian, East Asian, and Middle Eastern languages:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) it is the sense of the Senate that foreign language
study makes important contributions to a student's cognitive
development, our national economy, and our national security;
(2) the Senate--
(A) designates the year 2005 as the ``Year of Foreign
Language Study'', during which foreign language study is
promoted and expanded in elementary schools, secondary
schools, institutions of higher learning, businesses, and
government programs; and
(B) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to--
[[Page S823]]
(i) encourage and support initiatives to promote and expand
the study of foreign languages; and
(ii) observe the ``Year of Foreign Language Study'' with
appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 29--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON
ARMED SERVICES
Mr. WARNER submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on
Armed Services; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and
Administration:
S. Res. 29
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 Armed Services 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 $3,859,485, within which amount--
(1) not to exceed $80,000 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 $30,000 may be expended for the training
of the professional staff of such committee (under the
procedures specified in section 202(j) of that Act).
(b) For the period October 1, 2005, through September 30,
2006, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall
not exceed $6,778,457, within 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 $30,000 may be expended for the training
of the professional staff of such committee (under the
procedures specified in section 202(j) of that Act).
(c) For the period October 1, 2006, through February 28,
2007, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall
not exceed $2,886,176, within which amount--
(1) not to exceed $50,000 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 $30,000 may be expended for the training
of the professional staff of such committee (under the
procedures specified in section 202(j) of that Act).
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 30--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON
COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
Mr. STEVENS submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules and Administration:
S. 30
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 Commerce, Science, and Transportation 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
from March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, under this
resolution shall not exceed $3,463,046, of which amount (1)
not to exceed $50,000 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 $50,000 may be expended for the training of the
professional staff of the 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 $6,080,372, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$50,000 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 $50,000 may be expended for the training of the
professional staff of the 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 $2,588,267, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$50,000 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 $50,000 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, 2006, and February 28, 2007,
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, (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 the payment of franked and
mass mail costs by the Office of 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 31--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE WEEK
OF AUGUST 7, 2005, BE DESIGNATED AS ``NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK'' IN
ORDER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY COMMUNITY,
MIGRANT, PUBLIC HOUSING, AND HOMELESS HEALTH CENTERS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Mr. COLEMAN (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 31
Whereas community, migrant, public housing, and homeless
health centers (``health centers'') are nonprofit, community
owned and operated health providers and are vital to the
Nation's communities;
Whereas there are more than 1,000 such health centers
serving more than 15,000,000 people in over 3,600
communities;
Whereas health centers are found in urban and rural
communities in all 50 States, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands;
Whereas health centers have provided cost-effective, high-
quality health care to the Nation's poor and medically
underserved (including the working poor, the uninsured, and
many high-risk and vulnerable populations), acting as a vital
safety net in the Nation's health delivery system;
Whereas health centers provide care to 1 of every 7
uninsured individuals, 1 of every 9 Medicaid beneficiaries, 1
of every 7 people of color, and 1 of every 9 rural Americans,
all of whom would otherwise lack access to health care;
Whereas health centers are engaged with other innovative
programs in primary and preventive care to reach out to over
621,000 homeless persons and more than 709,000 farm workers;
Whereas health centers make health care responsive and
cost-effective by integrating the delivery of primary care
with aggressive outreach, patient education, transportation,
translation, and enabling support services;
Whereas health centers increase the use of preventive
health services such as immunizations, Pap smears,
mammograms, and glaucoma screenings;
Whereas in communities served by health centers, infant
mortality rates have been reduced over the past 4 years even
as infant mortality rates across the country have risen;
[[Page S824]]
Whereas health centers are built by community initiative,
and run by the patients they serve;
Whereas Federal grants provide seed money empowering health
centers to find partners and resources to recruit doctors and
needed health professionals;
Whereas Federal grants on average contribute 25 percent of
a health center's budget, with the remainder provided by
State and local governments, Medicare, Medicaid, private
contributions, private insurance, and patient fees;
Whereas there are more than 100 health centers that receive
no Federal grant funding, yet continue to serve their
communities regardless of their patients' ability to pay;
Whereas all health centers tailor their services to fit the
special needs and priorities of their communities, working
together with schools, businesses, churches, community
organizations, foundations, and State and local governments;
Whereas all health centers contribute to the health and
well-being of their communities by keeping children healthy
and in school and helping adults remain productive and on the
job;
Whereas all health centers encourage citizen participation
and provide jobs for nearly 100,000 community residents; and
Whereas the designation of the week of August 7, 2005, as
``National Health Center Week'' would raise awareness of the
health services provided by all health centers: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the week of August 7, 2005, as ``National
Health Center Week''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to observe the
week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, this resolution would designate August 7,
2005 as ``National Health Center Week'' in order to raise awareness of
health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and
homeless centers.
I hope my colleagues will join me in cosponsoring this important
resolution and I look forward to its passage in the Senate.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 32--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Mr. LUGAR submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on
Foreign Relations; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and
Administration:
S. Res. 32
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 Foreign Relations, 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 $3,290,588, of which amount (1)
not to exceed $100,000 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 $5,000 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 $5,769,387, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$100,000 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 $5,000 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 $2,452,849, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$100,000 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 $5,000 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
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 33--URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO END THE
COMMERCIAL SEAL HUNT
Mr. LEVIN (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Reed, Mr.
Lautenberg, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Wyden, Ms.
Cantwell, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Murray,
and Mr. Dorgan) submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations:
S. Res. 33
Whereas on November 15, 2004, the Government of Canada
opened a commercial hunt for seals in the waters off the east
coast of Canada;
Whereas an international outcry regarding the plight of the
seals hunted in Canada resulted in the 1983 ban by the
European Union of whitecoat and blueback seal skins and the
subsequent collapse of the commercial seal hunt in Canada;
Whereas the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C.
1361 et seq.) bars the import into the United States of any
seal products;
Whereas in February 2003, the Ministry of Fisheries and
Oceans in Canada authorized the highest quota for harp seals
in Canadian history, allowing nearly 1,000,000 seals to be
killed over a 3-year period;
Whereas harp seal pups can be legally hunted in Canada as
soon as they have begun to molt their white coats at
approximately 12 days of age;
Whereas 95 percent of the seals culled over the past 5
years were pups between just 12 days and 12 weeks of age,
many of which had not yet eaten their first solid meal or
learned to swim;
Whereas a report by an independent team of veterinarians
invited to observe the hunt by the International Fund for
Animal Welfare concluded that the seal hunt failed to comply
with basic animal welfare regulations in Canada and that
governmental regulations regarding humane killing were not
being respected or enforced;
Whereas the veterinary report concluded that as many as 42
percent of the seals studied were likely skinned while alive
and conscious;
Whereas the commercial slaughter of seals in the Northwest
Atlantic is inherently cruel, whether the killing is
conducted by clubbing or by shooting;
Whereas many seals are shot in the course of the hunt, but
escape beneath the ice where they die slowly and are never
recovered, and these seals are not counted in official kill
statistics, making the actual kill level far higher than the
level that is reported;
Whereas the commercial hunt for harp and hooded seals is a
commercial slaughter carried out almost entirely by non-
Native people from the East Coast of Canada for seal fur,
oil, and penises (used as aphrodisiacs in some Asian
markets);
Whereas the fishing and sealing industries in Canada
continue to justify the expanded seal hunt on the grounds
that the seals in the Northwest Atlantic are preventing the
recovery of cod stocks, despite the lack of any credible
scientific evidence to support this claim;
Whereas 2 Canadian Government marine scientists reported in
1994 that the true cause of cod depletion in the North
Atlantic was over-fishing, and the consensus among the
international scientific community is that seals are not
responsible for the collapse of cod stocks;
Whereas harp and hooded seals are a vital part of the
complex ecosystem of the Northwest Atlantic, and because the
seals consume predators of commercial cod stocks, removing
the seals might actually inhibit recovery of cod stocks;
Whereas certain ministries of the Government of Canada have
stated clearly that
[[Page S825]]
there is no evidence that killing seals will help groundfish
stocks to recover; and
Whereas the persistence of this cruel and needless
commercial hunt is inconsistent with the well-earned
international reputation of Canada: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate urges the Government of Canada to
end the commercial hunt on seals that opened in the waters
off the east coast of Canada on November 15, 2004.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, according to the highly respected Humane
Society of the United States, HSUS, Canada's government has authorized
the slaughter of nearly 1 million seals over 3 years, 2004-2006, most
of them between 12 days and 12 weeks old. This is the largest kill
quota in history, which means that Canada is facilitating the
artificial extension of an industry that has ceased to exist in most
developed countries.
Canada officially opened its 6 months commercial seal hunt on
November 15, 2004, paving the way for hundreds of thousands of baby
seals to be killed for their fur during the 2004-2005 season. Today, I
am joined by Senators Collins, Lugar, Reed, Lautenberg, Feinstein,
Johnson, Jeffords, Wyden, Cantwell, Dodd, Feingold, Durbin, Schumer,
Murray, and Dorgan in submitting a resolution that urges the Government
of Canada to end this senseless, inhumane slaughter. Last year, we
submitted a similar resolution, which was favorably reported by the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Opposition to the seal hunt is mounting. Canada's own people don't
support the hunt. Polling shows that 71 percent of Canadians--including
60 percent of Atlantic Canadians--believe the seal hunt should be
banned outright or limited to seals over one year of age. Last week,
Canada's conservative newspaper, National Post, called for an end to
the hunt. In January 2004, the Belgian government announced its
intention to prohibit the sale of seal fur; and in November 2003, 166
members of the British House of Commons signed an Early Day Motion
opposing Canada's seal hunt. That motion received strong support from
Britain's Foreign Office Minister, Mike O'Brien. The American people
don't support it either. According to a 2002 poll conducted by Penn,
Schoen and Berland, 79 percent of American voters oppose Canada's seal
hunt; and the U.S. Government has gone on record in opposition to this
senseless slaughter, as noted in the attached, January 19, 2005, letter
from the U.S. Department of State, in response to a letter Senator
Collins and I wrote to President Bush, urging him to raise this issue
during his November 30, 2004 visit with Canadian Prime Minister Paul
Martin.
In 2001, a group of independent veterinarians traveled to observe the
seal hunt. What they witnessed was shocking to all who are concerned
about the humane treatment of animals. The images are difficult to
envision but harder to believe: skinning oflive animals and the
dragging of live seals across the ice using steel hooks.
Few would argue that this industry still serves a legitimate purpose.
Even in Newfoundland, where 93 percent of the hunt occurs, the economic
contribution of the seal hunt is marginal. Exports of seal products
from Newfoundland account for less than one-tenth of one percent of the
province's total exports. Is that worth the damage the seal hunt causes
to Canada's reputation? Out of a population of over half a million
people, only about 4,000 Newfoundlanders participate in the hunt.
That's a total take home pay of well under $800 per sealer.
Many believe that it makes little sense to continue an industry that
only operates for a few weeks a year, in which the concentrated
killings takes place. Moreover, it employs only a few hundred people on
a seasonal, part-time basis.
The clubbing of baby seals can't be defended or justified, and Canada
should end it just as we ended the Alaska baby seal massacre 20 years
ago.
I ask unanimous consent that the January 19, 2005 letter from the
U.S. State Department be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
Department of State,
Washington, DC, January 19, 2005.
Hon. Carl Levin,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Levin: This is in response to your letter to
the President of November 24, 2004 regarding Canadian
commercial seal hunting. The White House has requested that
the Department of State respond. We regret the delay in
responding. Unfortunately, this letter was not received in
the Department of State until mid-December, well after the
referenced meeting between President Bush and Prime Minister
Paul Martin of Canada.
We are aware of Canada's seal hunting activities and of the
opposition to it expressed by many Americans. Furthermore, we
can assure you that the United States has a long-standing
policy opposing the hunting of seals and other marine mammals
absent sufficient safeguards and information to ensure that
the hunting will not adversely impact the affected marine
mammal population or the ecosystem of which it is a part. The
United States policy is reflected in the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) which generally prohibits, with
narrow and specific exceptions, the taking of marine mammals
in waters or lands subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States and the importation of marine mammals and marine
mammal products into the United States.
The United States has made known to the Government of
Canada its objections and the objections of concerned
American legislators and citizens to the Canadian commercial
seal hunt on numerous occasions over recent years. The United
States has also opposed Canada's efforts within the Arctic
Council to promote trade in sealskins and other marine mammal
products.
We hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not
hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance in this or
any other matter.
Sincerely,
Nancy Powell,
(For Paul V. Kelly, Asst. Secretary, Legislative Affairs).
______
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT
THERE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PARITY BETWEEN THE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE PAY
OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES AND THE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE PAY OF
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr. SARBANES (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Warner, Mr.
Lieberman, Mr. Allen, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Dayton,
Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Corzine, Ms. Landrieu, Mr.
Bingaman, and Mrs. Murray) submitted the following concurrent
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs:
S. Con. Res. 8
Whereas members of the uniformed services of the United
States and civilian employees of the United States contribute
to the general welfare of the United States, maintain the
Nation's defenses, and ensure the security of the homeland;
Whereas civilian employees of the United States play a
crucial role in the fight against terrorism, as exemplified
by--
(1) the civilian employees of the Department of Homeland
Security and the Department of Defense who are working to
ensure the security of the United States;
(2) the employees of the Intelligence Community and Federal
law enforcement who have played a critical role in the
investigation of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
and who are working to prevent further terrorist attacks;
(3) the civilian employees of the Department of State who
are working to maintain a broad and sustained international
commitment to wipe out terrorism around the world;
(4) the numerous skilled trade and craft civilian employees
of the Federal Government who work side-by-side with the men
and women of the Armed Forces to maintain and deploy our air
and sea fleet safely and swiftly; and
(5) the employees of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services
who work every day protecting Americans from bioterrorism and
those at the Department of Agriculture who strive to keep the
Nation's food supply safe;
Whereas Americans depend on civilian employees of the
United States for a vast array of important services from
high profile disaster relief in times of national or
international emergencies to the reliable administration of
the Social Security program;
Whereas civilian employees of the United States will
continue to serve and defend the United States;
Whereas in fiscal year 2005 the Senate budget resolution
supported an across-the-board pay raise for both members of
the uniformed services and civilian employees of the United
States; and
Whereas the House of Representatives adopted House
Resolution 581 affirming the bipartisan commitment to pay
parity for fiscal year 2005: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that rates of
pay for all civilian employees of the United States should be
adjusted at the same time, and in the same proportion, as are
rates of pay for members of the uniformed services.
[[Page S826]]
Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senators
Collins, Akaka, Warner, Lieberman, Allen, Mikulski, Snowe, Johnson,
Dayton, Lautenberg, Kennedy, Durbin, Corzine, Landrieu, Bingaman, and
Murray in submitting a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress
that parity between Federal civilian pay and military pay should be
maintained.
During this unprecedented time in our Nation's history, both members
of the uniformed services and civilian Federal employees are
maintaining our Nation's defenses, ensuring the security of the
homeland, and making remarkable contributions to the general welfare of
the United States. Pay parity among all those who serve our Nation
appropriately recognizes the crucial work and honorable sacrifices of
the civilian Federal workforce. The contributions of civilian employees
range from Department of Defense employees working alongside the
military in hostile environments abroad to those at the Department of
Health and Human Services who consistently achieve critical
breakthroughs in science and medicine. The sacrifice of these
individuals is made evident by individuals such as CIA employee Mike
Spann, the first casualty of the conflict in Afghanistan; Lawrence
Foley, an employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development who
was assassinated by terrorists in Jordan; Joseph Curseen, Jr. and
Thomas Morris, Jr., postal workers who died as a result of the anthrax
attacks of 2001; and many others.
Congress has demonstrated a bipartisan and longstanding commitment to
the principle of pay parity by providing for equal pay adjustments in
each of the last three years and 17 of the last 19 years. The budget
proposal presented to Congress for Fiscal Year 2005 included a 3.5
percent pay raise for members of the uniformed services, but only a 1.5
percent pay raise for our dedicated public servants. However, both
Houses of Congress reaffirmed their support for equal pay by including
a 3.5 percent raise for both civilian and military employees in their
respective resolutions and relevant Fiscal Year 2005 appropriations
bills.
Providing equitable pay raises for federal employees is not just an
issue of fairness. It is also critical to recruiting and retaining
talented individuals in public service, and therefore, to successfully
administering important Federal programs. Our Federal Government is
facing a ``human capital'' crisis that threatens institutional
experience and knowledge at every level. Within the next five years,
our government could lose up to half of its workforce to retirement.
These vacancies will occur in an era in which those entering the
workforce are far less likely to join public service. Numerous studies
by groups such as the Partnership for Public Service and the Council
for Excellence in Government indicate that young Americans have
developed a more positive attitude towards government and politics in
recent years, but are still unlikely to consider government service as
a career. One way to address this looming crisis is to take tangible
steps to make Federal service more financially attractive.
I should note that despite the pressing need to draw more qualified
candidates to Federal service, the Federal Employee Pay Comparability
Act (FEPCA)--designed to bring Federal pay in line with private sector
pay--has never been fully implemented. If we are serious about
resolving our Federal workforce shortage issue, we must also begin a
conversation about implementing FEPCA. At a minimum, however, we should
recognize the importance of civilian Federal employees by providing
equal pay raises to all those who choose to serve our country.
Otherwise we risk further reducing the number of qualified candidates
we can recruit to civilian federal jobs.
The dedication of both the uniformed services and our civilian
employees embody the greatness of our Nation, day in and day out,
through their commitment to public service. I urge my colleagues to
support this resolution so that the contributions of both are
recognized in an equitable manner.
____________________