[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 11454-11460]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED

                                 ______
                                 

        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                        DODD AMENDMENT NO. 3475

  Mr. DODD proposed an amendment to the bill (S. 2549) to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for military activities of the 
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other 
purposes; as follows:

       On page 462, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:

     SEC. __. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL BIPARTISAN COMMISSION ON 
                   CUBA.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``National Bipartisan Commission on Cuba Act of 2000''.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are to--
       (1) address the serious long-term problems in the relations 
     between the United States and Cuba; and
       (2) help build the necessary national consensus on a 
     comprehensive United States policy with respect to Cuba.
       (c) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--There is established the National 
     Bipartisan Commission on Cuba (in this section referred to as 
     the ``Commission'').
       (2) Membership.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 
     members, who shall be appointed as follows:
       (A) Three individuals to be appointed by the President pro 
     tempore of the Senate, of whom two shall be appointed upon 
     the recommendation of the Majority Leader of the Senate and 
     of whom one shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the 
     Minority Leader of the Senate.
       (B) Three individuals to be appointed by the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives, of whom two shall be appointed upon 
     the recommendation of the Majority Leader of the House of 
     Representatives and of whom one shall be appointed upon the 
     recommendation of the Minority Leader of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (C) Six individuals to be appointed by the President.
       (3) Selection of members.--Members of the Commission shall 
     be selected from among distinguished Americans in the private 
     sector who are experienced in the field of international 
     relations, especially Cuban affairs and United States-Cuban 
     relations, and shall include representatives from a cross-
     section of United States interests, including human rights, 
     religion, public health, military, business, agriculture, and 
     the Cuban-American community.
       (4) Designation of chair.--The President shall designate a 
     Chair from among the members of the Commission.
       (5) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair.
       (6) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum.
       (7) Vacancies.--Any vacancy of the Commission shall not 
     affect its powers, but shall be filled in the manner in which 
     the original appointment was made.
       (d) Duties and Powers of the Commission.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be responsible for an 
     examination and documentation of the specific achievements of 
     United States policy with respect to Cuba and an evaluation 
     of--
       (A) what national security risk Cuba poses to the United 
     States and an assessment of any role the Cuban government may 
     play in support of acts of international terrorism and the 
     trafficking of illegal drugs;
       (B) the indemnification of losses incurred by United States 
     certified claimants with confiscated property in Cuba; and
       (C) the domestic and international impacts of the 39-year-
     old United States economic, trade and travel embargo against 
     Cuba on--
       (i) the relations of the United States with allies of the 
     United States;
       (ii) the political strength of Fidel Castro;
       (iii) the condition of human rights, religious freedom, and 
     freedom of the press in Cuba;
       (iv) the health and welfare of the Cuban people;
       (v) the Cuban economy; and
       (vi) the United States economy, business, and jobs.
       (2) Consultation responsibilities.--In carrying out its 
     duties under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consult with 
     governmental leaders of countries substantially impacted by 
     the current state of United States-Cuban relations, 
     particularly countries impacted by the United States trade 
     embargo against Cuba, and with the leaders of nongovernmental 
     organizations operating in those countries.
       (3) Powers of the commission.--The Commission may, for the 
     purpose of carrying out its duties under this subsection, 
     hold hearings, sit and act at times and places in the United 
     States, take testimony, and receive evidence as the 
     Commission considers advisable to carry out the provisions of 
     this section.
       (e) Report of the Commission.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 225 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report 
     to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress 
     setting forth its recommendations for United States policy 
     options based on its evaluations under subsection (d).
       (2) Classified form of report.--The report required by 
     paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, 
     together with a classified annex, if necessary.
       (3) Individual or dissenting views.--Each member of the 
     Commission may include the

[[Page 11455]]

     individual or dissenting views of the member in the report 
     required by paragraph (1).
       (f) Administration.--
       (1) Cooperation by other federal agencies.--The heads of 
     Executive agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, 
     provide the Commission such information as it may require for 
     purposes of carrying out its functions.
       (2) Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from their homes or regular places of 
     business in the performance of services of the Commission.
       (3) Administrative support.--The Secretary of State shall, 
     to the extent permitted by law, provide the Commission with 
     such administrative services, funds, facilities, staff, and 
     other support services as may be necessary for the 
     performance of its functions.
       (g) Applicability of Other Laws.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act shall not apply to the Commission to the extent 
     that the provisions of this section are inconsistent with 
     that Act.
       (h) Termination Date.--The Commission shall terminate 60 
     days after submission of the report required by subsection 
     (e).
                                 ______
                                 

      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                BAUCUS (AND ROBERTS) AMENDMENT NO. 3476

  (Ordered to lie on the table.)
  Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. Roberts) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed by them to the bill (S. 2522) making 
appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related 
programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, and for other 
purposes; as follows:

       On page 140, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:

     SEC. __. USE OF FUNDS FOR THE UNITED STATES-ASIA 
                   ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law that restricts 
     assistance to foreign countries, funds appropriated by this 
     or any other Act making appropriations pursuant to part I of 
     the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that are made available 
     for the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership may be 
     made available for activities for the People's Republic of 
     China.
                                 ______
                                 

        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                 WARNER (AND OTHERS) AMENDMENT NO. 3477

  Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Inouye) proposed an 
amendment to the bill, S. 2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 48, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:

     SEC. 222. JOINT TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTER INITIATIVE.

       Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 
     201(4)--
       (1) $20,000,000 shall be available for the Joint Technology 
     Information Center Initiative; and
       (2) the amount provided for cyber attack sensing and 
     warning under the information systems security program 
     (account 0303140G) is reduced by $20,000,000.
                                 ______
                                 

                LEVIN (AND LANDRIEU) AMENDMENT NO. 3478

  Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Ms. Landrieu) proposed an amendment to the 
bill S. 2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 462, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:

     SEC. 1210. UNITED STATES-RUSSIAN FEDERATION JOINT DATA 
                   EXCHANGE CENTER ON EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS AND 
                   NOTIFICATION OF MISSILE LAUNCHES.

       (a) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense is authorized to 
     establish, in conjunction with the Government of the Russian 
     Federation, a United States-Russian Federation joint center 
     for the exchange of data from early warning systems and for 
     notification of missile launches.
       (b) Specific Actions.--The actions that the Secretary 
     jointly undertakes for the establishment of the center may 
     include the renovation of a mutually agreed upon facility to 
     be made available by the Russian Federation and the provision 
     of such equipment and supplies as may be necessary to 
     commence the operation of the center.
                                 ______
                                 

                       McCAIN AMENDMENT NO. 3479

  Mr. WARNER (for Mr. McCain) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 239, after line 22, insert the following:

     SEC. 656. BACK PAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS 
                   APPROVED FOR PROMOTION WHILE INTERNED AS 
                   PRISONERS OF WAR DURING WORLD WAR II.

       (a) Entitlement of Former Prisoners of War.--Upon receipt 
     of a claim made in accordance with this section, the 
     Secretary of the Navy shall pay back pay to a claimant who, 
     by reason of being interned as a prisoner of war while 
     serving as a member of the Navy or the Marine Corps during 
     World War II, was not available to accept a promotion for 
     which the claimant was approved.
       (b) Proper Claimant for Deceased Former Member.--In the 
     case of a person described in subsection (a) who is deceased, 
     the back pay for that deceased person under this section 
     shall be paid to a member or members of the family of the 
     deceased person determined appropriate in the same manner as 
     is provided in section 6(c) of the War Claims Act of 1948 (50 
     U.S.C. App. 2005(c)).
       (c) Amount of Back Pay.--The amount of back pay payable to 
     or for a person described in subsection (a) is the amount 
     equal to the excess of--
       (1) the total amount of basic pay that would have been paid 
     to that person for service in the Navy or the Marine Corps if 
     the person had been promoted on the date on which the 
     promotion was approved, over
       (2) the total amount of basic pay that was paid to or for 
     that person for such service on and after that date.
       (d) Time Limitations.--(1) To be eligible for a payment 
     under this section, a claimant must file a claim for such 
     payment with the Secretary of Defense within two years after 
     the effective date of the regulations implementing this 
     section.
       (2) Not later than 18 months after receiving a claim for 
     payment under this section, the Secretary shall determine the 
     eligibility of the claimant for payment of the claim. Subject 
     to subsection (f), if the Secretary determines that the 
     claimant is eligible for the payment, the Secretary shall 
     promptly pay the claim.
       (e) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe 
     regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall 
     include procedures by which persons may submit claims for 
     payment under this section. Such regulations shall be 
     prescribed not later than six months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (f) Limitation on Disbursement.--(1) Notwithstanding any 
     power of attorney, assignment of interest, contract, or other 
     agreement, the actual disbursement of a payment under this 
     section may be made only to each person who is eligible for 
     the payment under subsection (a) or (b) and only--
       (A) upon the appearance of that person, in person, at any 
     designated disbursement office in the United States or its 
     territories; or
       (B) at such other location or in such other manner as that 
     person may request in writing.
       (2) In the case of a claim approved for payment but not 
     disbursed as a result of operation of paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary of Defense shall hold the funds in trust for the 
     person in an interest bearing account until such time as the 
     person makes an election under such paragraph.
       (g) Attorney Fees.--Notwithstanding any contract, the 
     representative of a person may not receive, for services 
     rendered in connection with the claim of, or with respect to, 
     a person under this section, more than 10 percent of the 
     amount of a payment made under this section on that claim.
       (h) Outreach.--The Secretary of the Navy shall take such 
     actions as are necessary to ensure that the benefits and 
     eligibility for benefits under this section are widely 
     publicized by means designed to provide actual notice of the 
     availability of the benefits in a timely manner to the 
     maximum number of eligible persons practicable.
       (i) Definition.--In this section, the term ``World War II'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 101(8) of title 38, 
     United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 

                 DURBIN (AND OTHERS) AMENDMENT NO. 3480

  Mr. LEVIN (for Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Akaka, and Mr. 
Voinovich)) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 2549, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 415, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:

     SEC. 1061. STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Student Loans.--Section 5379(a)(1)(B) of title 5, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by inserting ``(20 U.S.C. 1071 et 
     seq.)'' before the semicolon;
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``part E of title IV of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965'' and inserting ``part D or E of 
     title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a 
     et seq., 1087aa et seq.)''; and
       (3) in clause (iii), by striking ``part C of title VII of 
     Public Health Service Act or under part B of title VIII of 
     such Act'' and inserting ``part A of title VII of the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq.) or under part E of 
     title VIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 297a et seq.)''.
       (b) Personnel Covered.--

[[Page 11456]]

       (1) Ineligible personnel.--Section 5379(a)(2) of title 5, 
     United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) An employee shall be ineligible for benefits under 
     this section if the employee occupies a position that is 
     excepted from the competitive service because of its 
     confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-
     advocating character.''.
       (2) Personnel recruited or retained.--Section 5379(b)(1) of 
     title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``professional, technical, or administrative''.
       (c) Regulations.--
       (1) Proposed regulations.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Personnel Management (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Director'') shall issue proposed regulations under section 
     5379(g) of title 5, United States Code. The Director shall 
     provide for a period of not less than 60 days for public 
     comment on the regulations.
       (2) Final regulations.--Not later than 240 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue final 
     regulations described in paragraph (1).
       (d) Annual Reports.--Section 5379 of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h)(1) Each head of an agency shall maintain, and 
     annually submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel 
     Management, information with respect to the agency on--
       ``(A) the number of Federal employees selected to receive 
     benefits under this section;
       ``(B) the job classifications for the recipients; and
       ``(C) the cost to the Federal Government of providing the 
     benefits.
       ``(2) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     shall prepare, and annually submit to Congress, a report 
     containing the information submitted under paragraph (1), and 
     information identifying the agencies that have provided the 
     benefits described in paragraph (1).''.
                                 ______
                                 

                 DeWINE (AND OTHERS) AMENDMENT NO. 3481

  Mr. WARNER (for Mr. DeWine (for himself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. 
Grassley, Mr. Breaux, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Mack, Mr. Graham, and Mr. 
Coverdell)) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 2549, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 58, between lines 7 and 8, insert the following:

     SEC. 313. TETHERED AEROSTAT RADAR SYSTEM (TARS) SITES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Failure to operate and standardize the current Tethered 
     Aerostat Radar System (TARS) sites along the Southwest border 
     of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico will result in a 
     degradation of the counterdrug capability of the United 
     States.
       (2) Most of the illicit drugs consumed in the United States 
     enter the United States through the Southwest border, the 
     Gulf of Mexico, and Florida.
       (3) The Tethered Aerostat Radar System is a critical 
     component of the counterdrug mission of the United States 
     relating to the detection and apprehension of drug 
     traffickers.
       (4) Preservation of the current Tethered Aerostat Radar 
     System network compels drug traffickers to transport illicit 
     narcotics into the United States by more risky and hazardous 
     routes.
       (b) Availability of Funds.--Of the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by section 301(20) for Drug Interdiction and 
     Counter-drug Activities, Defense-wide, up to $33,000,000 may 
     be made available to Drug Enforcement Policy Support (DEP&S) 
     for purposes of maintaining operations of the 11 current 
     Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) sites and completing 
     the standardization of such sites located along the Southwest 
     border of the United States and in the States bordering the 
     Gulf of Mexico.
                                 ______
                                 

                      LANDRIEU AMENDMENT NO. 3482

  Mr. LEVIN (for Ms. Landrieu) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 32, after line 24, add the following:

     SEC. 142. INTEGRATED BRIDGE SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL SYSTEMS SPECIAL 
                   WARFARE RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS AND HIGH-SPEED 
                   ASSAULT CRAFT.

       (a) Increase in Authorization for Procurement, Defense-
     Wide.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by section 
     104 for procurement, Defense-wide, is hereby increased by 
     $7,000,000.
       (b) Availability of Amount.--Of the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by section 104, as increased by subsection (a), 
     $7,000,000 shall be available for the procurement and 
     installation of integrated bridge systems for naval systems 
     special warfare rigid inflatable boats and high-speed assault 
     craft for special operations forces.
       (c) Offset.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by 
     section 103(4), for other procurement for the Air Force, is 
     hereby reduced by $7,000,000.
                                 ______
                                 

                       INHOFE AMENDMENT NO. 3483

  Mr. WARNER (for Mr. Inhofe) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 48, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:

     SEC. 222. AMMUNITION RISK ANALYSIS CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Availability of Amount.--Of the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by section 201(4) for research, development, 
     test, and evaluation Defense-wide, the amount available for 
     Explosives Demilitarization Technology (PE603104D) is hereby 
     increased by $5,000,000, with the amount of such increase 
     available for research into ammunition risk analysis 
     capabilities.
       (b) Offset.--Of the amount authorized to be appropriated by 
     section 201(4), the amount available for Computing Systems 
     and Communications Technology (PE602301E) is hereby decreased 
     by $5,000,000.
                                 ______
                                 

                       KERREY AMENDMENT NO. 3484

  Mr. LEVIN (for Mr. Kerrey) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 200, following line 23, add the following:

     SEC. 566. PREPARATION, PARTICIPATION, AND CONDUCT OF ATHLETIC 
                   COMPETITIONS AND SMALL ARMS COMPETITIONS BY THE 
                   NATIONAL GUARD AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL 
                   GUARD.

       (a) Preparation and Participation of Members Generally.--
     Subsection (a) of section 504 of title 32, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (2);
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by inserting ``prepare for and'' before 
     ``participate''; and
       (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) prepare for and participate in qualifying athletic 
     competitions.''.
       (b) Conduct of Competitions.--That section is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c)(1) Units of the National Guard may conduct small arms 
     competitions and athletic competitions in conjunction with 
     training required under this chapter if such activities would 
     meet the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1), (3), and 
     (4) of section 508(a) of this title if such activities were 
     services to be provided under that section.
       ``(2) Facilities and equipment of the National Guard, 
     including military property and vehicles described in section 
     508(c) of this title, may be used in connection with 
     activities under paragraph (1).''.
       (c) Availability of Funds.--That section is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Subject to provisions of appropriations Acts, amounts 
     appropriated for the National Guard may be used in order to 
     cover the costs of activities under subsection (c) and of 
     expenses of members of the National Guard under paragraphs 
     (3) and (4) of subsection (a), including expenses of 
     attendance and participation fees, travel, per diem, 
     clothing, equipment, and related expenses.''.
       (d) Qualifying Athletic Competitions Defined.--That section 
     is further amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(e) In this section, the term `qualifying athletic 
     competition' means a competition in athletic events that 
     require skills relevant to military duties or involve aspects 
     of physical fitness that are evaluated by the armed forces in 
     determining whether a member of the National Guard is fit for 
     military duty.''.
       (e) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--(1) The section 
     heading of such section is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 504. National Guard schools; small arms competitions; 
       athletic competitions''.

       (2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 5 of 
     that title is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 504 and inserting the following new item:

``504. National Guard schools; small arms competitions; athletic 
              competitions.''.
                                 ______
                                 

               VOINOVICH (AND DeWINE) AMENDMENT NO. 3485

  Mr. WARNER (for Mr. Voinovich (for himself and Mr. DeWine)) proposed 
an amendment to the bill, S. 2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 436, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:

     SEC. 1114. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS 
                   IN REDUCTIONS IN FORCE.

       Section 3502(f)(5) of title 5, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2001'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2005''.

     SEC. 1115. EXTENSION, REVISION, AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITIES 
                   FOR USE OF VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE PAY 
                   AND VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT.

       (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 5597 
     of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``September 30, 2003'' and inserting ``September 30, 2005''.

[[Page 11457]]

       (b) Revision and Addition of Purposes for Department of 
     Defense VSIP.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended by 
     inserting after ``transfer of function,'' the following: 
     ``restructuring of the workforce (to meet mission needs, 
     achieve one or more strength reductions, correct skill 
     imbalances, or reduce the number of high-grade, managerial, 
     or supervisory positions in accordance with the strategic 
     plan required under section 1118 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001),''.
       (c) Eligibility.--Subsection (c) of such section is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``objective and 
     nonpersonal'' after ``similar''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
     ``A determination of which employees are within the scope of 
     an offer of separation pay shall be made only on the basis of 
     consistent and well-documented application of the relevant 
     criteria.''.
       (d) Installment Payments.--Subsection (d) of such section 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) shall be paid in a lump-sum or in installments;'';
       (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
       (3) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) if paid in installments, shall cease to be paid upon 
     the recipient's acceptance of employment by the Federal 
     Government, or commencement of work under a personal services 
     contract, as described in subsection (g)(1).''.
       (e) Applicability of Repayment Requirement to Reemployment 
     Under Personal Services Contracts.--Subsection (g)(1) of such 
     section is amended by inserting after ``employment with the 
     Government of the United States'' the following: ``, or who 
     commences work for an agency of the United States through a 
     personal services contract with the United States,''.

     SEC. 1116. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY EARLY 
                   RETIREMENT AUTHORITY.

       (a) Civil Service Retirement System.--Section 8336 of title 
     5, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``except in the case 
     of an employee described in subsection (o)(1),'' after 
     ``(2)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o)(1) An employee of the Department of Defense who, 
     before October 1, 2005, is separated from the service after 
     completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of 
     age and completing 20 years of service is entitled to an 
     immediate annuity under this subchapter if the employee is 
     eligible for the annuity under paragraph (2) or (3).
       ``(2)(A) An employee referred to in paragraph (1) is 
     eligible for an immediate annuity under this paragraph if the 
     employee--
       ``(i) is separated from the service involuntarily other 
     than for cause; and
       ``(ii) has not declined a reasonable offer of another 
     position in the Department of Defense for which the employee 
     is qualified, which is not lower than 2 grades (or pay 
     levels) below the employee's grade (or pay level), and which 
     is within the employee's commuting area.
       ``(B) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(A)(i), a separation 
     for failure to accept a directed reassignment to a position 
     outside the commuting area of the employee concerned or to 
     accompany a position outside of such area pursuant to a 
     transfer of function may not be considered to be a removal 
     for cause.
       ``(3) An employee referred to in paragraph (1) is eligible 
     for an immediate annuity under this paragraph if the employee 
     satisfies all of the following conditions:
       ``(A) The employee is separated from the service 
     voluntarily during a period in which the organization within 
     the Department of Defense in which the employee is serving is 
     undergoing a major organizational adjustment.
       ``(B) The employee has been employed continuously by the 
     Department of Defense for more than 30 days before the date 
     on which the head of the employee's organization requests the 
     determinations required under subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) The employee is serving under an appointment that is 
     not limited by time.
       ``(D) The employee is not in receipt of a decision notice 
     of involuntary separation for misconduct or unacceptable 
     performance.
       ``(E) The employee is within the scope of an offer of 
     voluntary early retirement, as defined on the basis of one or 
     more of the following objective criteria:
       ``(i) One or more organizational units.
       ``(ii) One or more occupational groups, series, or levels.
       ``(iii) One or more geographical locations.
       ``(iv) Any other similar objective and nonpersonal criteria 
     that the Office of Personnel Management determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Office of 
     Personnel Management, the determinations of whether an 
     employee meets--
       ``(A) the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) 
     shall be made by the Office, upon the request of the 
     Secretary of Defense; and
       ``(B) the requirements of subparagraph (E) of such 
     paragraph shall be made by the Secretary of Defense.
       ``(5) A determination of which employees are within the 
     scope of an offer of early retirement shall be made only on 
     the basis of consistent and well-documented application of 
     the relevant criteria.
       ``(6) In this subsection, the term `major organizational 
     adjustment' means any of the following:
       ``(A) A major reorganization.
       ``(B) A major reduction in force.
       ``(C) A major transfer of function.
       ``(D) A workforce restructuring--
       ``(i) to meet mission needs;
       ``(ii) to achieve one or more reductions in strength;
       ``(iii) to correct skill imbalances; or
       ``(iv) to reduce the number of high-grade, managerial, 
     supervisory, or similar positions.''.
       (b) Federal Employees' Retirement System.--Section 8414 of 
     such title is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by inserting ``except in the 
     case of an employee described in subsection (d)(1),'' after 
     ``(B)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d)(1) An employee of the Department of Defense who, 
     before October 1, 2005, is separated from the service after 
     completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of 
     age and completing 20 years of service is entitled to an 
     immediate annuity under this subchapter if the employee is 
     eligible for the annuity under paragraph (2) or (3).
       ``(2)(A) An employee referred to in paragraph (1) is 
     eligible for an immediate annuity under this paragraph if the 
     employee--
       ``(i) is separated from the service involuntarily other 
     than for cause; and
       ``(ii) has not declined a reasonable offer of another 
     position in the Department of Defense for which the employee 
     is qualified, which is not lower than 2 grades (or pay 
     levels) below the employee's grade (or pay level), and which 
     is within the employee's commuting area.
       ``(B) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(A)(i), a separation 
     for failure to accept a directed reassignment to a position 
     outside the commuting area of the employee concerned or to 
     accompany a position outside of such area pursuant to a 
     transfer of function may not be considered to be a removal 
     for cause.
       ``(3) An employee referred to in paragraph (1) is eligible 
     for an immediate annuity under this paragraph if the employee 
     satisfies all of the following conditions:
       ``(A) The employee is separated from the service 
     voluntarily during a period in which the organization within 
     the Department of Defense in which the employee is serving is 
     undergoing a major organizational adjustment.
       ``(B) The employee has been employed continuously by the 
     Department of Defense for more than 30 days before the date 
     on which the head of the employee's organization requests the 
     determinations required under subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) The employee is serving under an appointment that is 
     not limited by time.
       ``(D) The employee is not in receipt of a decision notice 
     of involuntary separation for misconduct or unacceptable 
     performance.
       ``(E) The employee is within the scope of an offer of 
     voluntary early retirement, as defined on the basis of one or 
     more of the following objective criteria:
       ``(i) One or more organizational units.
       ``(ii) One or more occupational groups, series, or levels.
       ``(iii) One or more geographical locations.
       ``(iv) Any other similar objective and nonpersonal criteria 
     that the Office of Personnel Management determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Office of 
     Personnel Management, the determinations of whether an 
     employee meets--
       ``(A) the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) 
     shall be made by the Office upon the request of the Secretary 
     of Defense; and
       ``(B) the requirements of subparagraph (E) of such 
     paragraph shall be made by the Secretary of Defense.
       ``(5) A determination of which employees are within the 
     scope of an offer of early retirement shall be made only on 
     the basis of consistent and well-documented application of 
     the relevant criteria.
       ``(6) In this subsection, the term `major organizational 
     adjustment' means any of the following:
       ``(A) A major reorganization.
       ``(B) A major reduction in force.
       ``(C) A major transfer of function.
       ``(D) A workforce restructuring--
       ``(i) to meet mission needs;
       ``(ii) to achieve one or more reductions in strength;
       ``(iii) to correct skill imbalances; or
       ``(iv) to reduce the number of high-grade, managerial, 
     supervisory, or similar positions.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 8339(h) of such 
     title is amended by striking out ``or ( j)'' in the first 
     sentence and inserting ``( j), or (o)''.
       (2) Section 8464(a)(1)(A)(i) of such title is amended by 
     striking out ``or (b)(1)(B)'' and ``, (b)(1)(B), or (d)''.
       (d) Effective Date; Applicability.--The amendments made by 
     this section--
       (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2000; and

[[Page 11458]]

       (2) shall apply with respect to an approval for voluntary 
     early retirement made on or after that date.

     SEC. 1117. RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENTS FOR ACADEMIC TRAINING.

       (a) Sources of Postsecondary Education.--Subsection (a) of 
     section 4107 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (1);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) any course of postsecondary education that is 
     administered or conducted by an institution not accredited by 
     a national or regional accrediting body (except in the case 
     of a course or institution for which standards for 
     accrediting do not exist or are determined by the head of the 
     employee's agency as being inappropriate), regardless of 
     whether the course is provided by means of classroom 
     instruction, electronic instruction, or otherwise.''.
       (b) Waiver of Restriction on Degree Training.--Subsection 
     (b)(1) of such section is amended by striking ``if 
     necessary'' and all that follows through the end and 
     inserting ``if the training provides an opportunity for an 
     employee of the agency to obtain an academic degree pursuant 
     to a planned, systematic, and coordinated program of 
     professional development approved by the head of the 
     agency.''.
       (c) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--The heading for 
     such section is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 4107. Restrictions''.

       (3) The item relating to such section in the table of 
     sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of title 5, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:

``4107. Restrictions.''.

     SEC. 1118. STRATEGIC PLAN.

       (a) Requirement for Plan.--Not later than six months after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, and before exercising 
     any of the authorities provided or extended by the amendments 
     made by sections 1115 through 1117, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     strategic plan for the exercise of such authorities. The plan 
     shall include an estimate of the number of Department of 
     Defense employees that would be affected by the uses of 
     authorities as described in the plan.
       (b) Consistency With DoD Performance and Review Strategic 
     Plan.--The strategic plan submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall be consistent with the strategic plan of the Department 
     of Defense that is in effect under section 306 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (c) Appropriate Committees.--For the purposes of this 
     section, the appropriate committees of Congress are as 
     follows:
       (1) The Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
       (2) The Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
     Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
                                 ______
                                 

                        BOXER AMENDMENT NO. 3486

  Mr. LEVIN (for Mrs. Boxer) proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 270, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:

     SEC. 743. BLUE RIBBON ADVISORY PANEL ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   POLICIES REGARDING THE PRIVACY OF INDIVIDUAL 
                   MEDICAL RECORDS.

       (a) Establishment.--(1) There is hereby established an 
     advisory panel to be known as the Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel 
     on Department of Defense Policies Regarding the Privacy of 
     Individual Medical Records (in this section referred to as 
     the ``Panel'').
       (2)(A) The Panel shall be composed of 7 members appointed 
     by the President, of whom--
       (i) at least one shall be a member of a consumer 
     organization;
       (ii) at least one shall be a medical professional;
       (iii) at least one shall have a background in medical 
     ethics; and
       (iv) at least one shall be a member of the Armed Forces.
       (B) The appointments of the members of the Panel shall be 
     made not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
       (3) No later than 30 days after the date on which all 
     members of the Panel have been appointed, the Panel shall 
     hold its first meeting.
       (4) The Panel shall select a Chairman and Vice Chairman 
     from among its members.
       (b) Duties.--(1) The Panel shall conduct a thorough study 
     of all matters relating to the policies and practices of the 
     Department of Defense regarding the privacy of individual 
     medical records.
       (2) Not later than April 30, 2001, the Panel shall submit a 
     report to the President and Congress which shall contain a 
     detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the 
     Panel, together with its recommendations for such legislation 
     and administrative actions as it considers appropriate to 
     ensure the privacy of individual medical records.
       (c) Powers.--(1) The Panel may hold such hearings, sit and 
     act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Panel considers advisable to 
     carry out the purposes of this section.
       (2) The Panel may secure directly from the Department of 
     Defense, and any other Federal department or agency, such 
     information as the Panel considers necessary to carry out the 
     provisions of this section. Upon request of the Chairman of 
     the Panel, the Secretary of Defense, or the head of such 
     department or agency, shall furnish such information to the 
     Panel.
       (3) The Panel may use the United States mails in the same 
     manner and under the same conditions as other departments and 
     agencies of the Federal Government.
       (4) The Panel may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or 
     donations of services or property.
       (5) Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the 
     Panel without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without 
     interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
       (d) Termination.--The Panel shall terminate 30 days after 
     the date on which the Panel submits its report under 
     subsection (b)(2).
       (e) Funding.--(1) Of the amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated by this Act, the Secretary shall make available 
     to the Panel such sums as the Panel may require for its 
     activities under this section.
       (2) Any sums made available under paragraph (1) shall 
     remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until 
     expended.
                                 ______
                                 

                       WARNER AMENDMEMT NO. 3487

  Mr. WARNER proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 2549, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 353, between lines 15 and 16, insert the following:

     SEC. 914. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT GEODETIC PRODUCTS 
                   OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FROM PUBLIC 
                   DISCLOSURE.

       Section 455(b)(1)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``or reveal military operational or 
     contingency plans'' and inserting ``, reveal military 
     operational or contingency plans, or reveal, jeopardize, or 
     compromise military or intelligence capabilities''.
                                 ______
                                 

                      BINGAMAN AMENDMENT NO. 3488

  Mr. LEVIN (for Mr. Bingaman) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 31, after line 25, add the following:

     SEC. 132. CONVERSION OF AGM-65 MAVERICK MISSILES.

       (a) Increase in Amount.--The amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by section 103(3) for procurement of missiles 
     for the Air Force is hereby increased by $2,100,000.
       (b) Availability of Amount.--(1) Of the amount authorized 
     to be appropriated by section 103(3), as increased by 
     subsection (a), $2,100,000 shall be available for In-Service 
     Missile Modifications for the purpose of the conversion of 
     Maverick missiles in the AGM-65B and AGM-65G configurations 
     to Maverick missiles in the AGM-65H and AGM-65K 
     configurations.
       (2) The amount available under paragraph (1) for the 
     purpose specified in that paragraph is in addition to any 
     other amounts available under this Act for that purpose.
       (c) Offset.--The amount authorized to be appropriated by 
     section 103(1) for procurement of aircraft for the Air Force 
     is hereby reduced by $2,100,000, with the amount of the 
     reduction applicable to amounts available under that section 
     for ALE-50 Code Decoys.
                                 ______
                                 

                      SANTORUM AMENDMENT NO. 3489

  Mr. WARNER (for Mr. Santorum) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 
2549, supra; as follows:

       On page 25, between lines 13 and 14, insert the following:

     SEC. 113. RAPID INTRAVENOUS INFUSION PUMPS.

       Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 
     101(5)--
       (1) $6,000,000 shall be available for the procurement of 
     rapid intravenous infusion pumps; and
       (2) the amount provided for the family of medium tactical 
     vehicles is hereby reduced by $6,000,000.
                                 ______
                                 

                       WARNER AMENDMENT NO. 3490

  Mr. WARNER proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2549, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 58, between lines 7 and 8, insert the following:

     SEC. 313. MOUNTED URBAN COMBAT TRAINING SITE, FORT KNOX, 
                   KENTUCKY.

       Of the total amount authorized to be appropriated under 
     section 301(1) for training range upgrades, $4,000,000 is 
     available for the Mounted Urban Combat Training site, Fort 
     Knox, Kentucky.

[[Page 11459]]



     SEC. 314. MK-45 OVERHAUL.

       Of the total amount authorized to be appropriated under 
     section 301(1) for maintenance, $12,000,000 is available for 
     overhaul of MK-45 5-inch guns.
                                 ______
                                 

      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                BINGAMAN (AND OTHERS) AMENDMENT NO. 3491

  (Ordered to lie on the table.)
  Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Cleland, Mr. 
Smith of New Hampshire, and Mr. Harkin) submitted and amendment 
intended to be proposed by them to the bill, S. 2522, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 140, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:
       Sec. 591. It is the sense of the Senate that nothing in 
     this Act regarding the assistance provided to Estonia, 
     Latvia, and Lithuania under the heading ``Foreign Military 
     Financing Program'' should be interpreted as expressing the 
     sense of the Senate regarding an acceleration of the 
     accession of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania to the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
                                 ______
                                 

                      SESSIONS AMENDMENT NO. 3492

  Mr. SESSIONS proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2522, supra; as 
follows:

       On page 144, strike line 22 and insert the following:
     aiding and abetting these groups; and
       (D) the United States Government publicly supports the 
     military and political efforts of the Government of Colombia, 
     consistent with human rights, that are necessary to resolve 
     effectively the conflicts with the armed insurgents that 
     threaten the territorial integrity, economic prosperity, and 
     rule of law in Colombia.
                                 ______
                                 

                      BROWNBACK AMENDMENT NO. 3493

  Mr. BROWNBACK proposed an amendment to the bill, S. 2522, supra; as 
follows:

       At the appropriate place in the bill, insert the following:

     SEC. __. AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR INDIA.

       Funds appropriated by this Act (other than funds 
     appropriated under the heading ``Foreign Military Financing 
     Program'') may be made available for assistance for India 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law: Provided, That, 
     for the purpose of this section, the term ``assistance'' 
     includes any direct loan, credit, insurance, or guarantee of 
     the Export-Import Bank of the United States or its agents: 
     Provided further, That, during fiscal year 2001, section 
     102(b)(2)(E) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
     2799aa-1(b)(2)(E)) may not apply to India.
                                 ______
                                 

                       NICKLES AMENDMENT NO. 3494

  Mr. NICKLES submitted an amemdment intended to be proposed to the 
bill, S. 2522, supra; as follows:

       On page 155, between lines 18 and 19, insert the following:

     SEC. 6107. CUSTOMS TRAINING AND STANDARDIZATION FACILITY.

       Of the funds appropriated under this chapter, $20,800,000 
     shall be made available to the United States Customs Service 
     to establish a program to standardize aviation assets in 
     order to enhance operational safety and facilitate uniformity 
     in aviation training, to be headquartered at the Customs 
     National Aviation Center at Will Rogers International Airport 
     in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which shall also be the site for 
     the 3 new light enforcement helicopters and any other assets 
     or support facilities necessary for standardization of 
     operation or training activities of the Customs Service Air 
     Interdiction Division.
                                 ______
                                 

                       McCAIN AMENDMENT NO. 3495

  (Ordered to lie on the table.)
  Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment to be proposed by him to the bill, 
S. 2522, supra; as follows:

       On page 140, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:

     SEC. __. SENSE OF SENATE REGARDING ZIMBABWE.

       (a) Findings.--The Senate finds that--
       (1) people around the world supported the Republic of 
     Zimbabwe's quest for independence, majority rule, and the 
     protection of human rights and the rule of law;
       (2) Zimbabwe, at the time of independence in 1980, showed 
     bright prospects for democracy, economic development, and 
     racial reconciliation;
       (3) the people of Zimbabwe are now suffering the 
     destabilizing effects of a serious, government-sanctioned 
     breakdown in the rule of law, which is critical to economic 
     development as well as domestic tranquility;
       (4) a free and fair national referendum was held in 
     Zimbabwe in February 2000 in which voters rejected proposed 
     constitutional amendments to increase the president's 
     authorities to expropriate land without payment;
       (5) the President of Zimbabwe has defied two high court 
     decisions declaring land seizures to be illegal;
       (6) previous land reform efforts have been ineffective 
     largely due to corrupt practices and inefficiencies within 
     the Government of Zimbabwe;
       (7) recent violence in Zimbabwe has resulted in several 
     murders and brutal attacks on innocent individuals, including 
     the murder of farm workers and owners;
       (8) violence has been directed toward individuals of all 
     races;
       (9) the ruling party and its supporters have specifically 
     directed violence at democratic reform activists seeking to 
     prepare for upcoming parliamentary elections;
       (10) the offices of a leading independent newspaper in 
     Zimbabwe have been bombed;
       (11) the Government of Zimbabwe has not yet publicly 
     condemned the recent violence;
       (12) President Mugabe's statement that thousands of law-
     abiding citizens are enemies of the state has further incited 
     violence;
       (13) 147 out of 150 members of the Parliament in Zimbabwe 
     (98 percent) belong to the same political party;
       (14) the unemployment rate in Zimbabwe now exceeds 60 
     percent and political turmoil is on the brink of destroying 
     Zimbabwe's economy;
       (15) the economy is being further damaged by the Government 
     of Zimbabwe's ongoing involvement in the war in the 
     Democratic Republic of the Congo;
       (16) the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization 
     has issued a warning that Zimbabwe faces a food emergency due 
     to shortages caused by violence against farmers and farm 
     workers; and
       (17) events in Zimbabwe could threaten stability and 
     economic development in the entire region.
       (18) the Goverment of Zimbabwe has rejected international 
     election observation delegation accreditation for United 
     States-based nongovernmental organizations, including the 
     International Republican Institute and National Democratic 
     Institute, and is also denying accreditation for other 
     nongovernmental organizations and election observers of 
     certain specified nationalities.
       (b) Sense of the Senate.--The Senate--
       (1) extends its support to the vast majority of citizens of 
     the Republic of Zimbabwe who are committed to peace, economic 
     prosperity, and an open, transparent parliamentary election 
     process;
       (2) strongly urges the Government of Zimbabwe to enforce 
     the rule of law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the 
     political and civil rights of all citizens;
       (3) supports those international efforts to assist with 
     land reform which are consistent with accepted principles of 
     international law and which take place after the holding of 
     free and fair parliamentary elections;
       (4) condemns government-directed violence against farm 
     workers, farmers, and opposition party members;
       (5) encourages the local media, civil society, and all 
     political parties to work together toward a campaign 
     environment conducive to free, transparent and fair elections 
     within the legally prescribed period;
       (6) recommends international support for voter education, 
     domestic and international election monitoring, and violence 
     monitoring activities;
       (7) urges the United States to continue to monitor violence 
     and condemn brutality against law abiding citizens;
       (8) congratulates all the democratic reform activists in 
     Zimbabwe for their resolve to bring about political change 
     peacefully, even in the face of violence and intimidation; 
     and
       (9) desires a lasting, warm, and mutually beneficial 
     relationship between the United States and a democratic, 
     peaceful Zimbabwe.
                                 ______
                                 

                      SESSIONS AMENDMENT NO. 3496

  (Ordered to lie on the table.)
  Mr. SESSIONS submitted an amendment to be proposed by him to the 
bill, S. 2522, supra; as follows:

       On page 140, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:


   sense of senate regarding the insurgent crisis in the republic of 
                                colombia

       Sec. 591. (a) Findings.--The Senate makes the following 
     findings:
       (1) The armed conflict and resulting lawlessness and 
     violence in Colombia present a danger to the security of the 
     United States and the other nations in the Western Hemisphere 
     and to law enforcement efforts intended to impede the flow of 
     narcotics.
       (2) Colombia is the second oldest democracy in the Western 
     Hemisphere with a history of open and friendly relations with 
     the United States.
       (3) In 1998, two-way trade between the United States and 
     Colombia was more than $11,000,000,000, making the United 
     States Colombia's number one trading partner and Colombia the 
     fifth largest market for United States exports in Latin 
     America.

[[Page 11460]]

       (4) Colombia is faced with multiple wars, against the 
     Marxist Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), the 
     Marxist National Liberation Army (ELN), paramilitary 
     organizations, and international narcotics trafficking 
     kingpins.
       (5) The FARC and ELN engage in systematic extortion and 
     murder of United States citizens, profit from the illegal 
     drug trade, and engage in indiscriminate crimes against 
     Colombian civilians and security forces. These crimes include 
     kidnapping, torture, and murder.
       (6) Thirty-four percent of world terrorist acts are 
     committed in Colombia, making it the world's third most 
     dangerous country in terms of political violence.
       (7) Colombia is the kidnapping capital of the world, with 
     2,609 kidnappings reported in 1998.
       (8) During the last decade more than 35,000 Colombians have 
     been killed.
       (9) The conflict in Colombia is creating instability along 
     its borders with neighboring countries Ecuador, Panama, Peru, 
     and Venezuela.
       (10) The United States has a vital national interest in 
     assisting Colombia in the resolution of these conflicts due 
     to the inherent problems associated with Colombian drug 
     trafficking and production.
       (11) The United States has a vital national interest in 
     assisting Colombia in the resolution of these conflicts due 
     to the strong economic and political relationship that exists 
     between the two countries.
       (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate 
     that the United States should support the military and 
     political efforts of the Government of Colombia, consistent 
     with human rights, that are necessary to effectively resolve 
     the conflicts with the armed insurgents that threaten the 
     territorial integrity, economic prosperity, and rule of law 
     in Colombia.

                          ____________________