[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 7473-7479]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

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

       POM-37. A resolution adopted by the City Council of 
     Cincinnati, Ohio relative to awarding a gold medal to Rosa 
     Parks; ordered to lie on the table.
       POM-38. A petition from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; to 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

                             Certification

       After the conclusion of the General Canvass as disposed in 
     Article 6.008 the Electoral Law of Puerto Rico and in 
     conformity with Article 29 of Law 249 of August 17, 1998, the 
     Plebiscite Law of December 13, 1998, we certify the following 
     official results of the Plebiscite held on December 13, 1998.

                           ISLAND WIDE RESULTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Votes     Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
None of the Above.................................    787,900       50.3
Petition Number 3.................................    728,157       46.5
Petition Number 4.................................     39,838        2.5
Petition Number 2.................................      4,536        0.3
Petition Number 1.................................        993        0.1
*Others:..........................................      4,846        0.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Ballots in blank: 1,890; void: 2,956.

       Registered Voters: 2,197,824.
       Participation: 71.3%.
       Total voting polls: 5,611 of 5,611 for a 100%.
                                  ____

       POM-39. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Kansas; to the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration.

                 Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1617

       Whereas, By act of Congress, each state is invited to 
     provide and furnish statues, not exceeding two in number, of 
     deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and 
     illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished 
     civic or military services, such as the state shall determine 
     to be worthy of national commemoration in a national statuary 
     hall; and
       Whereas, The state of Kansas has had one citizen, Dwight 
     David Eisenhower, who stands alone in the history of this 
     state in achievement of a distinguished career in both the 
     civic and military services, a man whose destiny led him from 
     a boyhood home in Abilene, Kansas, to lead the armies of his 
     nation and those of the free world in one of the greatest and 
     most historic military engagements of all time and to lead 
     the people of his nation in peace as the 34th president of 
     the United States; and
       Whereas, Dwight David Eisenhower, citizen of Kansas, 
     General of the Army, President of the United States and 
     honored and respected friend of presidents, kings and leaders 
     and peoples of the free world is eminently worthy of national 
     commemoration in a national statuary hall; and
       Whereas, The state of Kansas in years past did provide for 
     the placing of two statues of distinguished citizens of 
     Kansas in statuary hall; and
       Whereas, One of such statues is of the Honorable George W. 
     Glick, a man who although he did not hold national office or 
     win national or international acclaim, was a most honored and 
     distinguished governor and legislative and civic leader in 
     the state of Kansas; and
       Whereas, Governor Glick can best be honored by locating his 
     statue in a place of honor in the capitol of the state of 
     Kansas where it may be enjoyed by our citizens and visitors; 
     and
       Whereas, The people of the state of Kansas wish to furnish 
     a statue of Dwight David Eisenhower for placement in Statuary 
     Hall in the capitol of this nation, with such statue 
     hopefully being provided by the citizens of the state of 
     Kansas through the efforts of the Eisenhower Foundation, 
     Inc.; and
       Whereas, The creation of the statue of Dwight David 
     Eisenhower depends upon the willingness of the trustees of 
     the Eisenhower Foundation, Inc. to organize a solicitation 
     through appropriate representatives of the civic, fraternal 
     and patriotic organizations of this state and the handling by 
     such trustees of the funds so solicited; and
       Whereas, A suitable statue of Dwight David Eisenhower must 
     be created by a gifted and experienced sculptor who should be 
     chosen by a committee of select persons suitably qualified to 
     recommend the selection of such sculptor, and the trustees of 
     the Eisenhower Foundation should name such a select 
     commission; and
       Whereas, When an appropriate sculptor has been selected to 
     create the statue of Dwight David Eisenhower, the trustees of 
     the Eisenhower Foundation, Inc. would be suitable to contract 
     with the sculptor with funds obtained as indicated in this 
     preamble for the creation of such a statue; and
       Whereas, When the statue of Dwight David Eisenhower is 
     completed, necessary plans need to be made and action needs 
     to be taken to transport the statue to Washington, D.C. for 
     installation in Statuary Hall and for the return of Governor 
     Glick's statue to Kansas for installation in the state 
     capitol in Topeka; and
       Whereas, Should the Eisenhower Foundation, Inc. be unable 
     or unwilling to perform the functions described in this 
     preamble, the responsibility for the creation and 
     installation of the statue of Dwight David Eisenhower should 
     be assumed by the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing; 
     and
       Whereas, Kansas has another hero, Amelia Earhart, a native 
     of Atchison, who as a pioneer for women in aviation lost her 
     life under still unknown circumstances, as is a Kansas worthy 
     of recognition by placing a statue of her in Statuary Hall. 
     Further, it is appropriate that the statute of Amelia Earhart 
     be substituted for that of another Atchison native, former 
     U.S. Senator John James Ingalls, whose statute should be 
     returned to Kansas for an appropriate placement: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, the House of 
     Representatives concurring therein, That the legislature of 
     the state of Kansas respectfully requests that the Congress 
     of the United States return the statute of George W. Glick 
     earlier presented by the state of Kansas for placement in 
     Statuary Hall and accept in return, for placement in Statuary 
     Hall, a statue of Dwight David Eisenhower, a citizen of the 
     free world, and worthy of national commemoration in Statuary 
     Hall; and
       Be it further resolved, That the legislature of the state 
     of Kansas, on behalf of the people of this state and on 
     behalf of this state itself, respectfully requests the 
     trustees of the Eisenhower Foundation, Inc. to appoint a 
     commission of representatives of civic, fraternal and 
     patriotic organizations of this state, and to convey to such 
     commission a charge to organize a solicitation for funds for 
     the creation of a statue of Dwight David Eisenhower as 
     contemplated by this resolution. Such trustees are further 
     requested to provide management assistance to such commission 
     and to receive and employ the funds so obtained to acquire 
     such statue for placement in Statuary Hall in the capitol of 
     this nation. Such trustees are further requested to appoint a 
     committee of persons suitably qualified to select a gifted 
     and experienced sculptor to create a suitable statue of 
     Dwight David Eisenhower. Such trustees are further requested 
     to contract with such sculptor with funds obtained as 
     indicated in this resolution for the creation of such statue. 
     Thereupon such trustees are further requested to make the 
     statue so created of Dwight David Eisenhower available for 
     placement in Statuary hall, the same to then be owned by the 
     Congress of the United States; and
       Be it further resolved, That the City of Atchison and the 
     Atchison Chamber of Commerce should be tasked to find funds 
     for the costs of the creation, transportation and 
     installation of the statue of Amelia Earhart in Statuary Hall 
     and for returning the statute of Senator Ingalls to Kansas; 
     and
       Be it further resolved, That should be efforts of the 
     Eisenhower Foundation, Inc. and the commission of 
     representatives of civic, fraternal and patriotic 
     organizations of this state be unable to fulfill the object 
     of this resolution, and the City of Atchison and the Atchison 
     Chamber of Commerce be unable to successfully fund the 
     placement of a statue of Amelia Earhart in Statuary Hall and 
     transporting the statue of Senator Ingalls back to Kansas, 
     the Kansas Department of

[[Page 7474]]

     Commerce and Housing is tasked to take action ultimately 
     providing a statue of Dwight David Eisenhower and Amelia 
     Earhart for placement in Statuary Hall; and
       Be it further resolved, That the cost of the creation of 
     the statue of Dwight David Eisenhower, as well as the costs 
     for transporting the statue of Dwight David Eisenhower to 
     Washington, D.C. and transporting the statue of Governor 
     Glick to the state capitol in Topeka, plus incidental costs 
     for installation of statues in their permanent locations and 
     the essential costs of any unveiling ceremonies should be 
     borne by the state of Kansas through the use of private or 
     public funds; and
       Be it further resolved, That the secretary of state is 
     directed to transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to 
     the President of the Senate of the United States, the Speaker 
     of the House of Representatives of the United States, each 
     member of the Kansas delegation in the Congress of the United 
     States, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the state of 
     Kansas and to each of the trustees of the Eisenhower 
     Foundation, Inc.
                                  ____

       POM-40. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Vermont; to the Committee on Appropriations.

                         Joint House Resolution

       Whereas, Veterans' Administration (VA) hospitals provide 
     medical care for veterans, including men and women, who have 
     risked their lives to protect the security of our nation, and
       Whereas, the mission of the White River Junction VAMROC is 
     to ``serve veterans and their families in a proficient, 
     dependable and compassionate manner within an environment 
     that focuses on quality health care, benefits & services, 
     research & education and support of the Department of 
     Defense,'' and
       Whereas, in 1932, White River Junction was chosen by the 
     Veterans' Administration as a site for a regional hospital 
     which was then built on a 176-acre site donated by the Town 
     of Hartford for that purpose, and
       Whereas, building 1 was completed in 1938 and successive 
     buildings have been built and the facility and its services 
     have been continuously expanded and improved since that date, 
     and
       Whereas, the White River Junction VAMROC has steadfastly 
     provided quality health care and efficient benefit 
     administration to veterans who have served with dedication 
     and courage to protect and defend the United States, and has 
     provided solace and community to veterans and their families, 
     and
       Whereas, the White River Junction VAMROC has developed into 
     an outstanding teaching hospital, utilizing cutting edge 
     technology, and is an essential source of learning 
     opportunities for medical students and physicians in training 
     in a northern New England teaching hospital with the 
     potential to encourage rural physician placement, and
       Whereas, the White River Junction VAMROC has developed into 
     a premier research facility, conducting studies on Gulf War 
     illnesses, and delivery of cost-effective outpatient 
     services, and
       Whereas, the current and possible future funding reductions 
     threaten to harm vital infrastructures that are indispensable 
     for optimal patient care such as the in-patient surgical 
     unit, anesthesia staff, medicine and psychiatry units, and
       Whereas, the current financial crisis at the White River 
     Junction VAMROC may be mitigated if new and creative funding 
     options were explored, including innovative research on the 
     delivery of health services to veterans, and
       Whereas, the priority of serving veterans must be absolute 
     and irrevocable, and must be the foundation for medical care 
     at this hospital, regardless of any new models of health care 
     delivery, and
       Whereas, any eliminated services would be very difficult 
     and costly to replace or restart and would threaten the level 
     of care of other services of both in-patient and out-patient 
     units, now therefore be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That 
     the General Assembly urgently requests that the United States 
     Congress maintain stable and permanent funding of the White 
     River Junction VAMROC, and be it further
       Resolved, That the Governor and the Vermont Congressional 
     Delegation, are urgently requested to support the White River 
     Junction VAMROC to strengthen its capacity to provide 
     Vermont's veterans with medical care and benefit services, to 
     serve as a premier teaching facility, and to engage in 
     essential research of benefits to veterans and the practice 
     of medicine in Vermont, and be it further
       Resolved, That Vermont's Congressional Delegation in 
     conjunction with the Veterans' Administration and veteran 
     service organizations are requested to investigate the 
     broadening of the White River Junction VAMROC patient base, 
     provided that the priority of serving Veterans remains 
     absolute and irrevocable, and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of State be directed to send a 
     copy of this resolution to the President of the United 
     States, William Jefferson Clinton, Vice President Albert 
     Gore, Veterans' Administration Secretary Togo D. West, Jr., 
     Vermont Governor Howard Dean, New Hampshire Governor Jean 
     Shaheen, New Hampshire Senate President Clesson Blaisdell, 
     New Hampshire House Speaker Donna Sytek, to each member of 
     the Vermont and New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, and 
     to all Veterans' organizations registered with the State 
     Veterans' Affairs Office at 118 State Street, Montpelier, VT.
                                  ____

       POM-41. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of North Dakota; to the Committee on 
     Appropriations.

                  House Concurrent Resolution No. 3039

       Whereas, employers pay a federal employment security tax 
     under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act [68A Stat. 439; 26 
     U.S.C. 3301 et seq.] as a payroll tax that produces revenue 
     dedicated solely to use in the federal-state employment 
     security system; and
       Whereas, employers' payroll taxes pay for administering the 
     employment security system; providing veterans' reemployment 
     assistance, and producing labor market information to assist 
     in matching workers' skills with the employment needs of 
     employers; and
       Whereas, congressional appropriations have remained flat in 
     Wagner-Peyser funding, despite adequate availability of funds 
     from dedicated employer taxes because the Federal 
     Unemployment Tax Act accounts are used for federal budget 
     deficit reduction; and
       Whereas, congressional appropriations have not kept pace 
     with fixed costs of operating the employment security system, 
     creating problems similar to the problems the gas tax creates 
     for transportation; and
       Whereas, states cannot support an infrastructure to 
     administer the employment security system, provide veterans' 
     reemployment assistance, and produce labor market 
     information, without adequate, predictable resources; and
       Whereas, delivering services with inadequate federal 
     funding is a major challenge facing the State of North Dakota 
     and Job Service North Dakota: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of North Dakota, 
     the Senate concurring therein, That the Fifty-sixth 
     Legislative Assembly urges the Congress of the United States 
     to enact legislation to return adequate funds to states to 
     fund the employment security system and give a fair return to 
     employers for the taxes employers pay under the Federal 
     Unemployment Tax Act; and
       Be it further resolved, That the Secretary of State send 
     copies of this resolution to the Speaker and Clerk of the 
     United States House of Representatives, to the President Pro 
     Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, to the 
     news media of North Dakota, and to each member of the North 
     Dakota Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-42. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the state of Maine; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

                       Joint Resolution No. 1388

       Whereas, We your Memorialists, the Members of the One 
     Hundred and Nineteenth Legislature of the State of Maine, now 
     assembled, in the First Regular Session, most respectfully 
     present and petition the President of the United States and 
     the United States Congress, as follows:
       Whereas, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination 
     of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was adopted by 
     the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 1979, 
     became an international treaty on September 3, 1981 and as of 
     December 1997 has been ratified or acceded to by 161 nations; 
     and
       Whereas, although the United States is considered a world 
     leader in human rights, supports and has a position of 
     leadership in the United Nations, was an active participant 
     in the drafting and is a signatory of the convention, the 
     United States is one of the few nations that have not 
     ratified the treaty; and
       Whereas, the spirit of the convention is rooted in the 
     goals of the United Nations and the United States, which seek 
     to affirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity 
     and worth of the person and in the equal rights of men and 
     women; and
       Whereas, the convention provides a comprehensive framework 
     for challenging the various forces that have created and 
     sustained discrimination based on sex against half of the 
     world's population and the 161 nations that have ratified the 
     convention have agreed to follow the convention 
     prescriptions; and
       Whereas, although women have made major gains in the 
     struggle for equality in social, business, political, legal 
     and educational fields, there is much more to be 
     accomplished; and through its support, leadership and 
     prestige, the United States can help create a world where 
     women are no longer discriminated against and have achieved 
     one of the most fundamental of human rights, equality; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, request the President 
     of the United States and the United States Congress to ratify 
     the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms 
     of Discrimination Against Women; and be it further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary

[[Page 7475]]

     of State, be transmitted to the Honorable William J. Clinton, 
     President of the United States; the President of the United 
     States Senate; the Speaker of the House of Representatives of 
     the United States; the President of the Senate or the 
     equivalent officer in the 49 other states; the Speaker of the 
     House or the equivalent officer in the 49 other states; the 
     United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan; and each member 
     of the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-43. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs.

                        House Resolution No. 26

       Whereas, The veterans who are treated at the Iron Mountain 
     VA Medical Care Facility (VAMCF) have served our country with 
     extreme dedication. They are deserving of our respect and 
     care every day, not just on Veterans Day. We urge 
     administrators and directors at the Veterans Affairs Health 
     Administration to prevent the implementation of a policy that 
     would greatly reduce the level of quality health care 
     services for our veterans, especially in the Upper Peninsula 
     and northern Wisconsin; and
       Whereas, The Iron Mountain VA Medical Care Facility covers 
     a patient service area of over 25,000 square miles. Veterans 
     from the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin depend on the 
     full range of services provided by this facility. It is 
     callous to ask veterans suffering from illness to travel 
     approximately 300 miles (Sault Ste. Marie to Iron Mountain) 
     and then another 200 miles (Iron Mountain to Milwaukee) by 
     bus to receive care. This is what the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs is asking of our veterans in the Upper Peninsula. In 
     December of 1998, the VA bus broke down on the way to 
     Milwaukee with 34 veterans who needed care. A second bus was 
     called from Milwaukee to pick up the veterans and it also 
     broke down. This is not a situation that facilitates a return 
     to health; and
       Whereas, There is a need for an increase of hospital beds 
     in Iron Mountain, not a decrease. Several years ago, this 
     hospital had approximately 200 beds. The decrease to the 
     current 17 beds far surpasses the national decrease of VA bed 
     utilization and places a tremendous hardship on our veterans 
     and their families; and
       Whereas, By providing quality outpatient services to 
     veterans closer to their homes, the quality of care and the 
     number of veterans served has been substantially improved. It 
     does not make sense to reduce services to a facility that is 
     providing much needed and necessary services. It is wrong to 
     force our veterans to travel many hours, in harsh conditions, 
     away from their families, and more appropriate to continue to 
     provide the full range of services our veterans deserve at 
     the Iron Mountain VA Medical Care Facility: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States and the 
     Veterans Affairs Administration to prevent the reduction of 
     hospital bed capacity at the Iron Mountain Veterans 
     Administration Medical Care Facility; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, Dr. Togo West, Jr., 
     Secretary, Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Kenneth Kizer, 
     Undersecretary of Health, VA Administration, Dr. Hershel 
     Gober, Deputy Secretary for Health, VA Administration and Dr. 
     J. Cummings, Regional VA Network Director, Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
                                  ____

       POM-44. A resolution adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Montana; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.

                           Joint Resolution 4

       Whereas, it is widely believed that the grizzly bear is 
     classified as ``threatened'' or ``endangered'' only as a 
     result of an arbitrary designation of habitat areas by the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and that the 
     grizzly bear is, in reality, neither ``threatened'' nor 
     ``endangered'' because the State of Montana successfully 
     maintained a viable, breeding population of grizzly bears for 
     years prior to the arbitrary USFWS classification; and
       Whereas, grizzly bear populations continue to thrive, 
     breeding and maintaining their populations in suitable 
     habitat in other areas; and
       Whereas, the habitat in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is 
     considered to be an inadequate ecosystem for supporting 
     grizzly bears; and
       Whereas, predation by grizzly bears is known to impose 
     uncompensated costs and hazards to livestock growers and 
     other citizens; and
       Whereas, enforcement by federal agencies of arbitrary and 
     capricious rules and regulations devised to exclude any real 
     or imagined intrusion or disturbance to grizzly bears in 
     recovery areas has caused the loss of many millions of 
     dollars in personal and corporate income, the loss of many 
     jobs, the displacement of families, the loss of needed 
     revenue to the State of Montana, and the virtual closing of 
     large areas of national forest land in Montana to traditional 
     uses, such as lumbering, driving for pleasure, gathering 
     firewood, and berry picking; and
       Whereas, the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River-of-
     No-Return wilderness complex is the only remaining wilderness 
     in the geographical area where wilderness travelers can 
     pursue a wilderness experience without fear of encountering 
     grizzly bears; and
       Whereas, introduction of grizzly bears into the Selway-
     Bitterroot Wilderness will complicate or further frustrate 
     efforts to increase populations of anadromous salmon that 
     traditionally spawn in the rivers and streams of the Selway-
     Bitterroot Wilderness; and
       Whereas, introduction of grizzly bears into the Selway-
     Bitterroot and Frank Church River-of-No-Return wilderness 
     complex will further increase the rate of bear predation of 
     the northern Idaho elk herd, a herd that is an important 
     asset to outfitters, guides, and residents of western Montana 
     and northern Idaho; and
       Whereas, social benefits derived from the bear introduction 
     program are drastically out of proportion to the costs to the 
     public of capturing, transporting, examining, releasing, 
     monitoring, and otherwise managing an introduced population 
     of grizzly bears, and those funds are more urgently needed to 
     help finance real and essential social programs; and
       Whereas, programs undertaken under the authority of Public 
     Law 93-205, the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
     including the grizzly bear recovery program, place the lives, 
     property, and freedom of local citizens and visitors in 
     jeopardy of the wrath of the United States government in the 
     event of accidental or mistaken actions by citizens that 
     could be judged as infringement on a listed species or the 
     habitat of a listed species and further expand the body of 
     laws and regulations of which United States citizens might 
     become victims when applied: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
     the State of Montana,
       (1) That grizzly bears not be released into the Selway-
     Bitterroot and Frank Church River-of-No-Return wilderness 
     complex as part of the federal grizzly bear recovery program.
       (2) That control of grizzly bear populations by the United 
     States Fish and Wildlife Service be ended and that the 
     management of grizzly bears within the borders of Montana and 
     Idaho be returned to the fish and wildlife agencies of those 
     respective states.
       (3) That the grizzly bear be removed from the list of 
     threatened or endangered species, based on evidence of the 
     viability of grizzly bear populations in Montana, Idaho, 
     Wyoming, Alaska, and Canada.
       (4) That if the United States government persists in its 
     proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the Selway-
     Bitterroot and Frank Church River-of-No-Return wilderness 
     complex and succeeds in placing grizzly bears in those areas, 
     the United States government be held financially liable for 
     any damages to livestock and other domestic animals and to 
     property, for loss of life, and for personal injury arising 
     from the actions of the grizzly bears and of United States 
     government agents engaged in the grizzly bear recovery 
     program, including economic losses suffered by individuals or 
     communities as a result of actions related to the program.
       (5) That the Secretary of State send copies of this 
     resolution to the members of the Montana and Idaho 
     Congressional Delegations, the Director of the United States 
     Fish and Wildlife Service, the President of the United States 
     Senate, and the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives.
                                  ____

       POM-45. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.

                        House Resolution No. 17

       Whereas, After considerable debate, Congress and the 
     administration agreed in 1998 to a transportation measure 
     that set place a formula for transportation spending. This 
     agreement provided that unanticipated revenues would go to 
     specific types of projects; and
       Whereas, Historically low costs for gasoline have spurred a 
     significant increase in gas tax revenue. In addition to the 
     direct impact of the lower price per gallon while the tax per 
     gallon is constant, the glut of oil in the marketplace has 
     also encouraged the purchase and use of larger, less fuel 
     efficient vehicles. As a result, gas tax revenues are higher 
     than expected; and
       Whereas, The administration has responded to the increased 
     money available by proposing several new programs. A great 
     number of these proposals are outside of the agreed upon 
     provisions for transportation spending. The proportions and 
     projects agreed upon provide a reliable tool for states in 
     projecting how to meet future needs. It would be wrong for 
     the federal government to ignore the agreement and the 
     ability of the states to fill transportation needs as best 
     serves their citizens: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the President and the Congress of the United 
     States to refrain from divesting transportation money from 
     the purposes and formula already in place; and be it further

[[Page 7476]]

       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan 
     congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-46. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine; to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works.

                         Joint Resolution 1492

       We, your Memorialists, the Members of the One Hundred and 
     Nineteenth Legislature of the State of Maine now assembled in 
     the First Regular Session, most respectfully present and 
     petition the members of the Congress of the United States, as 
     follows:
       Whereas, the Federal Government under the Clean Air Act 
     requires the use of an oxygenate for gasoline at a minimum of 
     2% of content by weight; and
       Whereas, the State has serious concerns about the presence 
     of methyl tertiary-butyl ether or MTBE, an oxygenate in 
     reformulated gasoline, in groundwater; and
       Whereas, the prescriptive requirements in the Clean Air Act 
     for oxygenate content limit our State's ability to address 
     our groundwater contamination issues: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That we, your memorialists, respectfully urge and 
     request that the United States Congress remove the 
     requirement in the Clean Air Act for 2%-by-weight oxygenate 
     in reformulated gasoline so that additional alternate fuel 
     mixtures may be available for use in Maine; and be it further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of the United 
     States, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States 
     and to each member of the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-47. A resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to be Committee on 
     Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 14

       Whereas, After a long and arduous effort, the states 
     reached a settlement with several tobacco companies for 
     damages to the public's health and to reform certain industry 
     practices, including the impact of certain marketing efforts 
     on children. The 1998 multi-billion dollar settlement extends 
     over twenty-five years and includes the payment of money 
     directly to the states and to funds established to address 
     specific components of the settlement; and
       Whereas, In the time since the settlement was reached, 
     federal officials have raised various proposals for the 
     federal government to claim portions of the settlement money. 
     This possibility prompted legislation in the 105th Congress 
     seeking to prohibit the federal government from seizing any 
     state tobacco settlement funds. Legislation has been 
     introduced in the 106th Congress, H.R. 351 and S. 346, to 
     safeguard the states' money by prohibiting the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services from considering this money 
     recoverable under Medicaid; and
       Whereas, The settlement reached by the states and the 
     tobacco industry was the result of risks, expenses, and 
     initiatives of the states. They have every right to the funds 
     to cover state health damages and costs. In carrying out the 
     settlement provisions, the states must have the assurance 
     that there will not be impediments to the settlement from any 
     federal agency, including directives on how any of the funds 
     can be spent. There can be no cloud of uncertainty hanging 
     over the states as they project future activities in carrying 
     out the directives of the agreement: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress to enact legislation to prohibit the 
     federal government from claiming any tobacco settlement money 
     from the states or directing how the states expend these 
     funds; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-48. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine; to the Committee on Finance.

                       Joint Resolution No. 1469

       Whereas, the state of Maine settled its litigation against 
     the tobacco industry on November 23, 1998; and
       Whereas, the Federal Government, through the Federal Health 
     Care Financing Administration, has asserted that it is 
     entitled to a significant share of the state settlement on 
     the basis that it represents the federal share of Medicaid 
     costs; and
       Whereas, the Federal; Government asserts that it is 
     authorized and obligated, under the United States Social 
     Security Act, to collect its share of any settlement funds 
     attributable to Medicaid; and
       Whereas, the state lawsuit was brought for violation of 
     state law under theories, and the state lawsuit did not make 
     any federal claims; and
       Whereas, the State bore all the risk and expense in the 
     litigation brought in State Court and settled without any 
     assistance from the Federal Government; and
       Whereas, the State is entitled to all of the funds 
     negotiated in the tobacco settlement agreement without any 
     federal claim; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, request that the 
     President of the United States and the United States Congress 
     work together to support and sign legislation to allow the 
     states to keep their tobacco settlement funds; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of the United 
     States; the President of the United States Senate; the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States; 
     and to each Member of the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-49. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of West Virginia; to the Committee on Finance.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 22

       Whereas, the states of the union, at their own expense and 
     on their own initiative, filed and pursued the unprecedented 
     civil litigation against the tobacco industry that resulted 
     in the historic settlement agreement negotiated by the states 
     and entered into on the twenty-third day of November, one 
     thousand nine hundred ninety-eight; and
       Whereas, the settlement agreement reached between the 
     parties to the litigation was based on the past and future 
     health care expenditures of the aggregate populations of each 
     participating state and not solely for those states' Medicaid 
     beneficiaries; and
       Whereas, the government of the United States was not a 
     party to any of the litigation against the tobacco industry, 
     it did not assume any of the risk or incur any of the costs 
     associated with the litigation; nor has it yet sought 
     recovery of any smoking-related health care expenditures paid 
     out under the Medicare program; and
       Whereas, the Health Care Financing Administration has 
     voluntarily suspended its efforts to recoup Medicaid matching 
     funds from the states' tobacco settlement awards pending 
     action by the United States Congress, which voluntary 
     suspension may be revoked at any time; and
       Whereas, the Administrator of the Health Care Financing 
     Administration has publicly stated the ultimate intention of 
     the federal government to recoup up to two thirds of the 
     tobacco settlement funds from the states and to dictate how 
     states may spend the remaining settlement funds left 
     untouched by the federal government; and
       Whereas, it would be unjust to allow the federal government 
     to enrich itself at the states' risk and expense and, at the 
     same time, reward itself for its own inaction with respect to 
     recovering tobacco-related health care costs; therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia, That the 
     Congress of the United States is requested to enact 
     legislation amending the Social Security Act so that funds 
     due the states as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement 
     reached with the tobacco industry are exempted from 
     recoupment by the Health Care Financing Administration and 
     prohibiting federal interference with the states in deciding 
     how to best utilize those settlement funds; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the House shall, immediately 
     upon its adoption, transmit duly authenticated copies of this 
     resolution to the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States 
     House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore and the 
     Secretary of the United States Senate, the members of the 
     West Virginia Congressional Delegation, the Administrator of 
     the Health Care Financing Administration, the Attorney 
     General of the United States, and the President of the United 
     States.
                                  ____

       POM-50. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Rhode Island; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                           Senate Resolution

       Whereas, November 23, 1998, representatives from forty-six 
     (46) states signed a settlement agreement with the five (5) 
     largest tobacco manufacturers; and
       Whereas, the Attorneys General Master Tobacco Settlement 
     Agreement culminated legal action that began in 1994 when 
     states began filing lawsuits against the tobacco industry; 
     and
       Whereas, the respective states are presently in the process 
     of finalizing the terms of the Master Tobacco Settlement 
     Agreement, and are making initial fiscal determinations 
     relative to the most responsible ways and means to utilize 
     the settlement funds; and
       Whereas, under the terms of the agreement, tobacco 
     manufacturers will pay $206 billion over the next twenty-five 
     (25) years to the respective states in up-front and annual 
     payments; and
       Whereas, Rhode Island is projected to receive 
     $1,408,469,747 through the year 2025 under the terms of the 
     Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement; and
       Whereas, because many state lawsuits sought to recover 
     Medicaid funds spent to treat illnesses caused by tobacco 
     use, the

[[Page 7477]]

     Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) contends that it 
     is authorized and obligated, under the Social Security Act, 
     to collect its share of any tobacco settlement funds 
     attributable to Medicaid; and
       Whereas, the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement does not 
     address the Medicaid recoupment issue, and thus the Social 
     Security Act must be amended to resolve the recoupment issue 
     in favor of the respective states; and
       Whereas, in addition to the recoupment issue, there is also 
     considerable interest, at both the state and national levels, 
     in earmaking state tobacco settlement fund expenditures; and
       Whereas, as we move toward final approval of the Master 
     Tobacco Settlement Agreement, it is imperative that state 
     sovereignty be preserved; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and 
     Providence Plantations do hereby memorialize the United 
     States Congress to enact legislation amending the Social 
     Security Act to prohibit recoupment by the federal government 
     of state tobacco settlement funds; and be it further
       Resolved, that it is the sense of this Senate that the 
     respective state legislatures should have complete autonomy 
     over the appropriation and expenditure of state tobacco 
     settlement funds; and be it further
       Resolved, that the the Secretary of State be and he is 
     hereby authorized and directed to transmit duly certified 
     copies of this resolution to the Honorable Bill Clinton, 
     President of the United States of America; the President and 
     the Secretary of the U.S. Senate; the Speaker and the Clerk 
     of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to each member of 
     the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-51. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of New Mexico; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                           Senate Memorial 46

       Whereas, on November 23, 1998, Representatives from forty-
     six States signed a Settlement Agreement with the five 
     largest Tobacco Manufacturers; and
       Whereas, the Attorneys General Master Tobacco Settlement 
     Agreement culminated legal action that began in 1994 when 
     States began filing Lawsuits against the Tobacco Industry; 
     and
       Whereas, New Mexico and the other States that signed the 
     Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement are currently making 
     their initial decisions regarding the most responsible ways 
     and means to use the Settlement Funds; and
       Whereas, under the terms of the Agreement, Tobacco 
     Manufacturers will pay two hundred six billion dollars 
     ($206,000,000,000) over the next twenty-five years to the 
     respective States, and New Mexico is projected to receive 
     about one billion one hundred seventy million dollars 
     ($1,170,000,000) of that amount; and
       Whereas, because many State Lawsuits sought to recover 
     Medicaid Funds spent to treat illnesses caused by tobacco 
     use, the Health Care Financing Administration contends that 
     it is authorized and obligated under the Social Security Act 
     to collect its share of any Tobacco Settlement Funds 
     attributable to Medicaid; and
       Whereas, the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement does not 
     address the Medicaid Recoupment Issue, and thus the Social 
     Security Act must be amended to resolve the Recoupment Issue 
     in favor of the respective States; and
       Whereas, as we move toward final approval of the Master 
     Tobacco Settlement Agreement, it is imperative that State 
     Sovereignty be preserved; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Mexico, That the 
     United States Congress enact Legislation amending the Social 
     Security Act to prohibit Recoupment by the Federal Government 
     of State Tobacco Settlement Funds; and be it further
       Resolved, That State Legislatures have complete autonomy 
     over the appropriation and expenditure of State Tobacco 
     Settlement Funds, and that the Federal Government not earmark 
     or impose any other restrictions on the respective States' 
     use of State Tobacco Settlement Funds; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States of America, the President 
     and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker 
     and the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives 
     and each Member of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-52. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Montana; to the Committee on Finance.

                            Joint Resolution

       Whereas, on November 23, 1998, 46 states, U.S. territories, 
     commonwealths, and the District of Columbia reached a 
     multibillion dollar settlement with six tobacco companies to 
     end pending civil actions brought by the states claiming as 
     damages money spent treating residents for injuries caused by 
     smoking; and
       Whereas, the United States has asserted a claim to over 
     one-half of the settlement money, claiming that much of the 
     money to be received by the states amounts to Medicaid 
     overpayments and, as such, can be ``recouped'' by the federal 
     government; and
       Whereas, the record-setting settlement was achieved by the 
     states, territories, commonwealths, and the District of 
     Columbia through their efforts and their efforts alone, the 
     federal government having played no role whatsoever in the 
     proceedings leading to the settlement or the settlement 
     negotiations; and
       Whereas, having played no role in the lawsuits and 
     settlements, any attempt by the United States to ``recoup'' 
     the damages paid by the tobacco companies amounts to a 
     seizure of money to which the states, territories, 
     commonwealths, and the District of Columbia have a moral and 
     legal claim; and
       Whereas, there is bipartisan support forming in the U.S. 
     Congress for the introduction of legislation to keep the 
     United States from making good on its claim for recoupment; 
     and
       Whereas, strong support should be shown by Montana for the 
     Congressional efforts to prevent the United States from 
     further asserting ownership of the settlement proceeds: now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
     the State of Montana, That the Montana Legislature convey to 
     the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives its strong 
     opposition to the taking by the federal government of any of 
     the proceeds of the tobacco settlement. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature requests the Congress to 
     enact legislation to keep the U.S. Department of Health and 
     Human Services from further asserting or making good on a 
     claim to the settlement proceeds. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature requests the Montana 
     Congressional Delegation to work closely with those members 
     of Congress who will sponsor legislation to see that the 
     proceeds of the settlement be paid to and retained by the 
     states. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of State send copies of this 
     resolution to the President of the United States Senate, the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and 
     the members of Montana's Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-53. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Texas; to the Committee on Finance.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 9

       Whereas, Two years after filing suit against the tobacco 
     industry, Texas' attorney general announced on January 16, 
     1998, that the industry had agreed to the largest settlement 
     in the history of tobacco litigation; and
       Whereas, Tireless negotiations between Texas and the 
     defendants ensued, resulting in a memorandum of understanding 
     signed in July 1998 that resolved all outstanding differences 
     and settled Texas' lawsuit against the tobacco industry; and
       Whereas, The federal government played no role in the 
     litigation for Texas' $17.3 billion settlement with the 
     tobacco companies and has declined to bring its own lawsuit 
     against the industry, but now, through the Health Care 
     Financing Administration, asserts that it is entitled to a 
     significant share of state settlements on the basis that it 
     represents the federal share of Medicaid costs; and
       Whereas, Texas bore all of the risk and expense in the 
     litigation and settlement negotiations, receiving no 
     assistance from the federal government, and is entitled to 
     all of the funds negotiated in the tobacco settlement 
     agreement; and
       Whereas, United States Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison of 
     Texas and Bob Graham of Florida have introduced bipartisan 
     legislation, S. 346, to prohibit the federal government from 
     seizing any part of the tobacco settlement, and similar 
     legislation, H.R. 351, has been introduced in the U.S. House 
     of Representatives; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas 
     hereby respectfully urge the Congress of the United States 
     not to make federal claims against the proceeds of the Texas 
     tobacco settlement; and, be it further
       Resolved, That the Texas secretary of state forward 
     official copies of this resolution to the president of the 
     United States, to the speaker of the house of representatives 
     and the president of the senate of the United States 
     Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to 
     the congress with the request that this resolution be 
     officially entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial 
     to the Congress of the United States of America.
                                  ____

       POM-54. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                        Senate Resolution No. 6

       Whereas, Following an effort that involved considerable 
     expense, time, and risk, the states have reached a settlement 
     with tobacco companies in response to litigation initiated to 
     recover damages to the states related to the public's health. 
     This lawsuit was based on state claims for costs they 
     incurred related to tobacco and on long-term concerns for 
     public health and the vulnerability of children. State laws 
     on consumer protection, health, and other areas provided the 
     foundation for the legal actions; and
       Whereas, Throughout the process of litigation, the states 
     bore the burdens of bringing

[[Page 7478]]

     the case, without the assistance of the federal government. 
     The terms of the settlement provided for the states' 
     responsibilities in directing certain amounts to specific 
     programs to remedy problems caused by tobacco products; and
       Whereas, In the time since the settlement was first 
     announced and finalized, some units of the federal government 
     have been making claims on portions of the tobacco settlement 
     funds. The administration's claims are apparently based on 
     efforts to recoup money channeled through the state for the 
     federal component of overall Medicaid costs; and
       Whereas, The federal government's efforts to claim portions 
     of the states' tobacco settlement are inappropriate. The 
     states, acting together and on the basis of damages to the 
     states--not the federal government--earned this settlement. 
     There are measures before the Congress that would prohibit 
     federal agencies from trying to recoup funds as a result of 
     this agreement; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the President 
     and the Congress of the United States to prohibit any agency 
     of the federal government from recouping any of the tobacco 
     settlement funds due the states; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan 
     congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-55. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Nevada; to the Committee on Finance.

                    Assembly Joint Resolution No. 5

       Whereas, The provisions set forth in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 415 for 
     determining the primary insurance amount of a person 
     receiving social security were amended in 1977 by Public Law 
     95-216; and
       Whereas, Those amendments resulted in disparate benefits 
     according to when a person initially becomes eligible for 
     benefits; and
       Whereas, Persons who were born during the years 1917 to 
     1926, inclusive, and who are commonly referred to as ``notch 
     babies,'' receive lower benefits than persons who were born 
     before that time; and
       Whereas, The payment of benefits under the social security 
     system is not based on need or other considerations related 
     to welfare, but on a program of insurance based on 
     contributions by a person and his employer, and
       Whereas, During the 105th session of Congress, H.R. 3008 
     and S. 2003 were introduced in the House of Representatives 
     and the Senate, respectively, to provide compensation for the 
     inequities in the payment of social security benefits to 
     persons based on the year in which they initially become 
     eligible for such benefits, but no action has been taken on 
     such legislation; and
       Whereas, The discrimination between persons receiving 
     benefits is contrary to the principles of justice and 
     fairness; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of Nevada, 
     Jointly, That Congress is hereby urged to enact legislation 
     that provides for the payment of lump sums to persons who 
     became eligible for social security benefits after 1981 and 
     before 1992 and have received lower benefits as a result of 
     the changes in the computation of benefits enacted by Public 
     Law 95-216, as compensation for the reduced benefits they 
     have been paid; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the Vice President of 
     the United States as presiding officer of the Senate, the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives and each member of 
     the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
       Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon 
     passage and approval.
                                  ____

       POM-56. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Kansas; to the Committee on Finance.

                  House Concurrent Resolution No. 5015

       Whereas, The State of Kansas is very concerned about the 
     health and well-being of its senior and disabled citizens; 
     and
       Whereas, The State of Kansas believes that its senior and 
     disabled citizens should have access to high quality, cost-
     effective home health care services; and
       Whereas, Medicare beneficiaries needing the most care are 
     being denied access to home health services as a result of 
     medicare payment reforms; and
       Whereas, The provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 
     establishing the interim payment system calling for payment 
     cuts for medicare home health services will result in a cut 
     back of those necessary services which will lead to increased 
     utilization of more costly settings like emergency rooms, 
     hospitals and nursing homes as well as shifting an enormous 
     financial and time consuming burden to the families of the 
     senior or disabled citizens; and
       Whereas, The medicare home health cuts will most likely 
     shift service needs and costs to more expensive state 
     programs, especially long-term care facilities, thus 
     resulting in an unfunded mandate to Kansas and resulting in 
     greater expense to both medicare and medicaid: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
     Kansas, the Senate concurring therein: That the Legislature 
     hereby requests Congress to rescind the provisions of the 
     Balanced Budget Act of 1997 related to the interim payment 
     system for medicare home health services; and be it further
       Resolved: That the Secretary of State is hereby directed to 
     send enrolled copies of this resolution to the President and 
     President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States, to 
     the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
     States and to each member of the Kansas Congressional 
     Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-57. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Montana; to the Committee on Finance.

                         Joint Resolution No. 5

       Whereas, the ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs and 
     long-term care is beyond the income of most senior citizens; 
     and
       Whereas, 30 years ago the average monthly Social Security 
     check would more than cover a month's stay in a nursing home 
     as well as pay the cost of prescription drugs, while today 
     the average monthly Social Security check will not pay for 1 
     week's stay in a nursing home; and
       Whereas, prescription drugs can be purchased in either 
     Mexico or Canada for one-fourth to one-third of the cost in 
     the United States; and
       Whereas, the cost of research and development of 
     prescription drugs in the United States is so high that 
     pharmaceutical companies must sell their product for as great 
     a price as the market will bear in order to recoup some of 
     those research and development costs; and
       Whereas, billions of dollars are wasted because Congress 
     will not allow Medicare to use competitive bidding in 
     ordering supplies and equipment; and
       Whereas, according to government estimates, Medicare 
     improperly paid approximately $23 billion in the 1997 fiscal 
     year because of fraud and abuse: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
     the State of Montana:
       (1) That the United States Congress is urged to enact 
     legislation to place long-term care and prescription drugs in 
     the Medicare program and that in order to pay for these 
     changes to the Medicare program, a serious effort to 
     eliminate fraud and abuse be inaugurated and that Congress 
     give Medicare the right to use competitive bidding for 
     purchasing prescription drugs and other supplies.
       (2) That the federal government is urged to take serious 
     measures to eliminate fraud and abuse wherever it may be 
     found in the expenditure of federal tax dollars.
       (3) That the United States Congress review the necessity 
     for statutes and regulations that contribute to the high cost 
     of research and development of prescription drugs in the 
     United States and revise or eliminate those statutes and 
     regulations that cause or contribute to the high cost of 
     research and development of those drugs; be it further
       Resolved, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this 
     resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker 
     of the United States House of Representatives, the President 
     of the United States Senate and to each member of the Montana 
     Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-58. A resolution adopted by the Council of the City of 
     Cincinnati, Ohio relative to the Social Security system; to 
     the Committee on Finance.
       POM-59. A resolution adopted by the Council of the City of 
     Cincinnati, Ohio relative to the decennial census; to the 
     Committee on Governmental Affairs.
       POM-60. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Michigan; to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                        Senate Resolution No. 9

       Whereas, The fragile ecology of the Great Lakes has been 
     threatened by new species of fish and plant life introduced 
     into this water system by ships releasing ballast water. In 
     recent years, the zebra mussel, ruffe, and goby have posed 
     significant challenges to the delicate balance of the most 
     important fresh water resource of North America and the 
     largest and most accessible source of fresh water in the 
     world; and
       Whereas, With changing technologies in the shipping 
     industry and in the ability to monitor and test water, there 
     are opportunities to make progress in the effort to halt the 
     introduction of more nonindigenous species into the Great 
     Lakes. Congress can contribute enormously to this work 
     through stronger legislation to prohibit the dumping of 
     ballast water in the Great Lakes water system and grants to 
     promote better compliance; and
       Whereas, The quality of the Great Lakes will play a large 
     role in shaping the future not only for Michigan and the 
     United States, but for all of North America; now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of 
     the United States to strengthen measures to prohibit the 
     dumping of shipping ballast water into the Great

[[Page 7479]]

     Lakes and connecting waterways; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.

                          ____________________