[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2534-2538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

    SENATE RESOLUTION 45--COMMEMORATING THE ``COLUMBIA'' ASTRONAUTS

  Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Frist, Mr. 
Daschle, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Graham of Florida, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Akaka, 
Mr. Allard, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Allen, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Biden, 
Mr. Bond, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Brownback, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Bunning, Mr. 
Breaux, Mr. Burns, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Chafee, 
Mr. Carper, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Conrad, Mr. 
Coleman, Mr. Corzine, Ms. Collins, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Craig, Mr. Dodd, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Edwards, Mr. 
Domenici, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Ensign, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Enzi, Mr. 
Harkin, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Graham of South Carolina, Mr. 
Inouye, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hagel, 
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Kyl, Ms. 
Landrieu, Mr. Lott, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McCain, 
Mr. Levin, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Lincoln, 
Mr. Nickles, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Miller, Mr. Santorum, Mrs. 
Murray, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Pryor, 
Mr. Smith, Mr. Reed, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Reid, Mr. Specter, Mr. Rockefeller, 
Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Talent, Ms. 
Stabenow, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Voinovich, and Mr. Warner) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 45

       Whereas the United States of America and the world mourn 
     the seven astronauts who

[[Page 2535]]

     perished aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 
     2003, as they re-entered Earth's atmosphere at the conclusion 
     of their 16-day mission;
       Whereas United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, 
     Mission Commander; United States Navy Commander William 
     ``Willie'' McCool, Pilot; United States Air Force Lieutenant 
     Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Payload Commander/Mission 
     Specialist; United States Navy Captain David M. Brown, 
     Mission Specialist; United States Navy Commander Laurel Blair 
     Salton Clark, Mission Specialist; Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Mission 
     Specialist; and Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon, Payload 
     Specialist were killed in the line of duty during the 113th 
     Space Shuttle Mission;
       Whereas we stand in awe of the courage necessary to break 
     the bonds of Earth and venture into space, with full 
     knowledge of the perils and complexities inherent in such an 
     endeavor;
       Whereas the people of the United States and the world have 
     enjoyed rich benefits from the space program including 
     technological advances in medicine, communications, energy, 
     agronomy, and astronomy;
       Whereas we in the Congress of the United States recognize 
     that curiosity, wonder and the desire to improve life on 
     Earth has inspired our exploration of space and these traits 
     epitomize the intrinsic dreams of the human race;
       Whereas, despite these lofty goals, we realize that our 
     reach for the stars will never be without risk or peril, and 
     setbacks will always be a part of the human experience;
       Whereas we recognize our solemn duty to devote our finest 
     minds and resources toward minimizing these risks and 
     protecting the remarkable men and women who are willing to 
     risk their lives to serve mankind; and
       Whereas we will always hold in our hearts the seven 
     intrepid souls of Columbia, as well as those explorers who 
     perished before, including those aboard Apollo I and the 
     Space Shuttle Challenger: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) the tragedy which befell the Space Shuttle Columbia 
     shall not dissuade or discourage this Nation from venturing 
     ever farther into the vastness of space;
       (2) today we restate our firm commitment to exploring the 
     planets and celestial bodies of our Solar System, and beyond;
       (3) we express our eternal sorrow and heartfelt condolences 
     to the families of the seven astronauts;
       (4) we convey our condolences to our friends and allies in 
     the state of Israel over the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the 
     first Israeli in space;
       (5) we will never forget the sacrifices made by the seven 
     heroes aboard Columbia; and
       (6) we shall learn from this tragedy so that these 
     sacrifices shall not have been in vain.
                                 ______
                                 

    SENATE RESOLUTION 46--DESIGNATING MARCH 31, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL 
                   CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS DAY''

  Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. Bond, Mr. Lugar, Mr. DeWine, Mrs. 
Feinstein, and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 46

       Whereas the Civilian Conservation Corps, commonly known as 
     the CCC, was an independent Federal agency that deserves 
     recognition for its lasting contribution to natural resources 
     conservation and infrastructure improvements on public lands 
     in the United States and for its outstanding success in 
     providing employment and training to thousands of Americans;
       Whereas March 31, 2003, is the 70th anniversary of the 
     signing by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the law 
     historically known as the Emergency Conservation Work Act, a 
     precursor to the 1937 law that established the Civilian 
     Conservation Corps;
       Whereas, between 1933 and 1942, the CCC provided employment 
     and vocational training in the conservation and development 
     of natural resources, the protection of forests, and the 
     construction and maintenance of military reservations to more 
     than 3,000,000 men, including unemployed youths, more than 
     250,000 veterans of the Spanish-American War and World War I, 
     and more than 80,000 Native Americans;
       Whereas the CCC coordinated a mobilization of men, 
     material, and transportation on a scale never previously 
     known in time of peace;
       Whereas the CCC managed more than 4,500 camps in each of 
     the then 48 States and Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the 
     Virgin Islands;
       Whereas the CCC left a legacy of natural resources and 
     infrastructure improvements that included 3,000,000,000 new 
     trees, 46,854 bridges, 3,980 restored historical structures, 
     more than 800 state parks, 3,462 improved beaches, 405,037 
     signs, markers, and monuments, 8,045 wells and pump houses, 
     and 63,256 other structures;
       Whereas the benefits of many CCC projects are still enjoyed 
     by Americans today in national and state parks, forests, and 
     other lands, including the National Arboretum in the District 
     of Columbia, Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, Great 
     Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and 
     Tennessee, Yosemite National Park in California, Acadia 
     National Park in Maine, Rocky Mountain National Park in 
     Colorado, and Vicksburg National Military Park in 
     Mississippi;
       Whereas the CCC provided a foundation of self-confidence, 
     responsibility, discipline, cooperation, communication, and 
     leadership for its participants through education, training, 
     and hard work, and participants made many lasting friendships 
     in the CCC;
       Whereas the CCC demonstrated the commitment of the United 
     States to the conservation of land, water, and natural 
     resources on a national level and to leadership in the world 
     on public conservation efforts; and
       Whereas the conservation of the Nation's land, water, and 
     natural resources is still an important goal of the American 
     people: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate requests the President to issue a 
     proclamation--
       (1) designating March 31, 2003, as ``National Civilian 
     Conservation Corps Day''; and
       (2) calling on the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit a resolution 
today with Senators Bond, Lugar, DeWine, Feinstein, and Kennedy, 
designating March 31, 2003 as ``National Civilian Conservation Corps 
Day''. This day will mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the 
Act that created the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.
  In 1933, with our country in the grip of the Depression, President 
Franklin D. Roosevelt created the CCC to provide work and training for 
the many young men who so needed it, and to achieve the goal of 
protecting our Nation's precious natural resources. The program 
continued until 1942, when resources were shifted to support efforts in 
World War II and an estimated 75 percent of ex-CCCers joined the 
military.
  The accomplishments of the CCC between 1933 and 1942 are amazing by 
any standard. The program put over 3 million young men to work on 
natural resources conservation and public lands infrastructure 
improvements in camps in every State and the then-territories of Alaska 
and Hawaii, planting more than 3 billion trees, and developing more 
than 800 State parks.
  As importantly, the lives of these young men were often dramatically 
changed for the better by their enrollment. Many traveled for the first 
time, learned new trades, and developed self-confidence and discipline, 
while sending much-needed money home. Thousands of alumni remain active 
in 167 local chapters of the National Association of Civilian 
Conservation Corps Alumni Association, including the Roadrunner Chapter 
in my home State. They still meet and share the bonds of friendship and 
hard work they forged during their time in the CCC.
  This resolution would pay tribute to the lasting contribution of the 
CCC to natural resources conservation and infrastructure improvements, 
and to its outstanding success in providing employment and training to 
millions of Americans. I was pleased that the Senate commemorated the 
69th anniversary of the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps 
last year, and I hope the Senate will again honor the CCC on its 70th 
anniversary.
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 47--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON 
                  AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY

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

                               S. Res. 47

       Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and 
     functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such 
     rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, 
     and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 
     of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is 
     authorized from March 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003; 
     October 1, 2003, to September 30, 2004; and October 1, 2004, 
     through February 28, 2005, in its discretion (1) to make 
     expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to 
     employ personnel, and (3) with the prior consent of the

[[Page 2536]]

     Government department or agency concerned and the Committee 
     on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-
     reimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such 
     department or agency.
       Sec. 2. (a) The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003, under this 
     resolution shall not exceed $1,949,860, of which amount (1) 
     not to exceed $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of 
     the services of individual consultants, or organizations 
     thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (b) For the period October 1, 2003, through September 30, 
     2004, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $3,431,602, of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (c) For the period October 1, 2004, through February 28, 
     2005, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall 
     not exceed $1,462,700, of which amount (1) not to exceed 
     $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to 
     exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the 
     professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together 
     with such recommendations for legislation as it deems 
     advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, 
     but not later than February 28, 2005.
       Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution 
     shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon 
     vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee, except 
     that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement 
     of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) for 
     the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of 
     the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or 
     (3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through 
     the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4) 
     for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5) 
     for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of 
     Senate Recording and Photographic Services or (7) for payment 
     of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
       Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary 
     for agency contributions related to the compensation of 
     employees of the committee from March 1, 2003, through 
     September 30, 2003; October 1, 2003, through September 30, 
     2004; and October 1, 2004, through February 28, 2005 to be 
     paid from the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of 
     Inquiries and Investigations''.
                                 ______
                                 

 SENATE RESOLUTION 48--DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS ``FINANCIAL LITERACY 
                           FOR YOUTH MONTH''

  Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Johnson, Mr. 
Sarbanes, Mr. Schumer, and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 48

       Whereas the percentage of income used for household debt 
     payments, including mortgages, credit cards, and student 
     loans, rose to the highest level in more than a decade in 
     2001 and remained at 14 percent in 2002;
       Whereas consumer bankruptcies in 2001 increased 19 percent 
     over those in the previous year, exceeding the previous high 
     reached in 1998, and the rate of filings did not slacken 
     during the first 9 months of 2002;
       Whereas personal savings as a percentage of Gross Domestic 
     Product decreased from 7.5 percent in the early 1980s to 2.4 
     percent in 2002;
       Whereas approximately 40,000,000 Americans, the 
     ``unbanked'', are not using mainstream, insured financial 
     institutions;
       Whereas home foreclosures in 2002 reached the highest rate 
     in 30 years;
       Whereas 55 percent of college students acquire their first 
     credit card during their first year in college, and 83 
     percent of college students have at least 1 credit card;
       Whereas 45 percent of college students are in credit card 
     debt, with the average debt being $3,066;
       Whereas only 26 percent of 13- to 21-year-olds reported 
     that their parents actively taught them how to manage money;
       Whereas a 2002 study by the Jump$tart Coalition for 
     Personal Financial Literacy found that high school seniors 
     know even less about credit cards, retirement funds, 
     insurance, and other personal finance basics than seniors did 
     5 years ago;
       Whereas a 2002 survey by the National Council on Economic 
     Education found that a decreasing number of States include 
     personal finance in their education standards for students in 
     grades K-12;
       Whereas a greater understanding and familiarity with 
     financial markets and institutions will lead to increased 
     economic activity and growth;
       Whereas financial literacy empowers individuals to make 
     wise financial decisions and reduces the confusion of an 
     increasingly complex economy;
       Whereas personal financial management skills and long-lived 
     habits develop during childhood;
       Whereas personal financial education is essential to ensure 
     that our youth are prepared to manage money, credit, and 
     debt, and become responsible workers, heads of households, 
     investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens; and
       Whereas the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial 
     Literacy, its State affiliates, and its partner organizations 
     have designated each April as ``Financial Literacy for Youth 
     Month'', the goal of which is to educate the public about the 
     need for increased financial literacy for youth in America: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 2003 as ``Financial Literacy for Youth 
     Month'' to raise public awareness about the need for 
     increased financial literacy in our schools and the serious 
     problems that may be associated with a lack of understanding 
     about personal finances; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, 
     schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, 
     and the people of the United States to observe the month with 
     appropriate programs and activities.

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit, along with my 
colleagues Senators Cochran, Corzine, Johnson, Sarbanes, Schumer, and 
Stabenow, a resolution designating April of this year as Financial 
Literacy for Youth Month. This resolution seeks to honor the many 
activities that take place across the country every April, which 
recognize the importance of increased financial and economic literacy 
for all Americans, particularly our children.
  As detailed in the resolution, more Americans are using a greater 
proportion of their income to pay down their debt. In 2002, home 
foreclosures were the highest rate in 30 years. Consumer bankruptcies 
in 2001 reached an all-time high in more than a decade, and filings did 
not slacken in 2002. Personal savings as a percentage of GDP have 
decreased from 7.5 percent in the early '80s to 2.4 percent last year. 
Unfortunately, the modern economy is extremely complex and many parents 
are often unable to teach their children about money management. 
According to the Jump$tart Coalition, only 26 percent of 13- to 21-
year-olds reported that their parents actively taught them how to 
manage money.
  As noted by the Treasury Department, nearly 40 million Americans are 
``unbanked,'' which means that they do not have a formal relationship 
with a mainstream financial institution. The unbanked are unable to 
take advantage of saving and borrowing opportunities offered by banks 
and credit unions. Unbanked individuals are susceptible to being taken 
advantage of by check cashers, payday lenders, and refund anticipation 
loan providers. Personal financial education can empower the unbanked 
to participate in and benefit from services of mainstream financial 
service providers.
  While various financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and 
consumer groups are trying to educate Americans about their finances, 
we are still not doing enough. I was disturbed to see the results of a 
2002 study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy 
showing that high school seniors knew even less about credit cards, 
retirement funds, insurance, and other personal finance fundamentals, 
than did seniors five years ago. Perhaps this is why almost half of 
college students with credit cards have been assessed fees for late 
payment. In addition, the 2000 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study 
reported that nearly three-quarters of the college students owned a 
credit card in

[[Page 2537]]

their own name. Of these students, 45 percent carried a credit card 
debt balance of $3,066. I was further troubled to see a 2002 survey by 
the National Council on Economic Education showing a decrease in the 
number of states that include personal finance in their education 
standards for grades K- through-12. At a time when we should be 
emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, school-based efforts 
in this area are actually being de-emphasized.
  This is why it is imperative for us to designate a month to serve as 
the focus for increasing awareness about the need for financial 
literacy. It is also important to encourage innovative, interactive, 
and quality events with long-lasting impact that will bring the point 
home to our children about the importance of financial literacy. I 
would like to commend those individuals, many of whom are members of 
the Jump$tart Coalition, for the activities that they already sponsor 
to increase the level of financial literacy in our country.
  For example, the American Bankers Association Education Foundation 
sponsors National Teach Children to Save Day, which involves thousands 
of bankers visiting classrooms nationwide to help students in K-
through-12 with their ``financial ABC's.'' NASDAQ Stock Market 
Educational Foundation and the National Council on Economic Education 
recognize 25 teachers for their innovative approaches to economic 
education. Last year during Financial Literacy for Youth Month, Junior 
Achievement paired up with The Goldman Sachs Foundation to create 
Internet-driven instructional strategies and hands-on, interactive 
instructional techniques to teach students and parents about everyday 
personal financial decisions and investment strategies. Credit unions 
across the nation have engaged in a variety of activities, including 
financial management classes and the distribution of literature, to 
increase the financial literacy of youth and their parents. There are 
many, many other activities that take place during this month, and I 
congratulate organizations sponsoring them for keeping the needs of 
America's youth close at heart. A strong show of support from this body 
and the Administration for Financial Literacy for Youth Month will go a 
long way toward ensuring that our students will benefit from an 
increased level of financial literacy through similar activities in 
2003.
  Many parents fail to speak to their children about credit and debt 
management or ways to live within limited resources, likely because 
they did not receive education in these matters themselves. My 
colleagues and I will work to address the myriad financial and economic 
literacy needs of these individuals and families. However, we must 
emphasize the importance of helping those who are children now. Those 
who are still going through their formative years of schooling. Those 
who can learn and put into practice good personal financial management 
skills and lifelong habits that will stay with them, throughout their 
lives. Perhaps then, these students will grow into adults who will 
avoid skyrocketing levels of debt, the pitfalls that could cause them 
to file bankruptcy, or being taken advantage of by unscrupulous or 
opportunistic lenders. Perhaps then, they will be able to pass along 
similar wisdom to their children at an even earlier age, and better 
equip their children with the tools necessary to become responsible 
workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business 
leaders, and citizens.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
                                 ______
                                 

  SENATE RESOLUTION 49--DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 11, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL 
                            INVENTORS' DAY''

  Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. Leahy) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 49

       Whereas the American people and the world have benefited 
     from the creations and discoveries of America's inventors; 
     and
       Whereas the patents that protect those creations and 
     discoveries spur technological progress, improve the quality 
     of life, stimulate the economy, and create jobs for 
     Americans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) honors the important role played by inventors in 
     promoting progress in the useful arts;
       (2) recognizes the invaluable contribution of inventors to 
     the welfare of the people of the United States;
       (3) designates February 11, 2003, as ``National Inventors' 
     Day''; and
       (4) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling 
     upon the people of the United States to celebrate such day 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to submit a resolution to designate February 11, 2003, as ``National 
Inventors' Day,'' together with my colleague, the Ranking Minority 
Member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy. The Ranking Minority 
Member and I have worked together on many issues related to 
intellectual property, and I am pleased to be joined by him in offering 
this resolution designating the anniversary of perhaps America's 
greatest inventor, Thomas Edison, as a day to honor all of America's 
inventors.
  Doing so is particularly fitting this year. Exactly one hundred years 
ago this year, on the shores of Kitty Hawk, NC, Orville and Wilbur 
Wright achieved what mankind had dreamed of for centuries: the first 
heavier-than-air, machine-powered flight in the world. While that 
flight covered only 120 feet and lasted only 12 seconds, it launched a 
revolution in air travel that continues to this day.
  Throughout history, inventions have helped people discover new 
worlds, build communities, and cure sickness and disease. From the 
Wright Brothers to Philo Farnsworth, from Thomas Edison to today's high 
tech entrepreneurs, America's inventors have immeasurably enriched our 
lives. America's technological prowess and high standard of living all 
stems from the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial drive of 
men and women who turned dreams into realities.
  It is no coincidence that the United States is the most powerful 
technological force in history. Nor is it a coincidence that creative 
people from all over the world flock to our shores to pursue their 
dreams.
  Our Founding Fathers understood that an agrarian Nation would never 
grow to be an economic and technological giant unless there was an 
incentive for inventors to create and for other inventors to study and 
improve upon the creations. From this foresight, enshrined in Article 1 
section 8 of our Constitution, came the American system of intellectual 
property protection, which give inventors and authors the ability to 
enjoy, for a limited period of time, the exclusive economic benefits of 
their genius.
  One of the most significant results of the Founders' foresight was 
the creation of the U.S. patent system, which today has issued over six 
million patents--from the light bulb to life-saving pharmaceuticals. 
What the patent system really comes down to is what President Lincoln, 
a patent holder himself, noted many years ago: it ``adds the fuel of 
interest to the spark of genius.''
  Today intellectual property-based enterprises, patents, trademarks, 
and copyrights, represent the largest single sector of the American 
economy--almost 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product--and employ 
over 4 million Americans. More than 50 percent of U.S. exports now 
depend on some form of IP protection.
  America is forever indebted to our inventors. So this year, on the 
centennial of mankind's first flight, I hope my colleagues will join me 
in recognizing February 11 as ``National Inventors' Day.''
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, more than 200 years ago, on July 30, 1790, 
Samuel Hopkins, a resident of Vermont, was granted the first United 
States patent. He had discovered a process for making potash, and was 
awarded his patent by President George Washington, Attorney General 
Edmund Randolph and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.
  Samuel Hopkins is just one of the many resourceful and creative 
inventors from Vermont. The town of Brandon can boast Thomas Davenport, 
a

[[Page 2538]]

self-educated blacksmith interested in electricity and magnetism. 
Through hands-on experiments with electromagnets, he built the first 
true electric motor in 1834. Initially, his patent request was denied 
because there was no prior patent on electric machinery. But he 
garnered the support of numerous professors and philosophers who 
examined his invention and endorsed his right to a patent on his novel 
device. In 1837, his determinism paid off, and he secured a patent.
  John Deere was born in Rutland, VT and spent most of his early life 
in Middlebury. After moving out West, John Deere realized the cast-iron 
plows he and other settlers brought with them were not going to work in 
the Midwest soil. He studied the problem and developed the first 
successful steel plow using steel from a broken saw blade. This new 
steel plow became the key for successful farming in the West, and 
``John Deere'' is still synonymous with farming equipment today.
  Vermont continues to be a leader in inventing and obtaining patents. 
My State ranks fourth in the Nation for number of patents issued. IBM's 
Essex Junction Plant, which designs and makes computer technology for a 
wide range of products, received 411 patents from the U.S. Patent & 
Trademark Office in 2002. Vermont's plant also has 18 inventors who 
together have earned more than 600 patents. One of those inventors is 
Steve Voldman, the top patent winner. Over the past 10 years, he has 
received 110 patents. In 2002, he received 29. Many of his 2002 patents 
had to do with silicon germanium, a new technology that has produced 
the world's fastest chip.
  Today's inventors are individuals in a shop, garage or home lab. They 
are teams of scientists working in our largest corporations or at our 
colleges and universities. In the spirit of independent inventors, 
small businesses, venture capitalists and larger corporations in 
Vermont and all over the United States, I would like to recognize 
February 11, 2003, as National Inventors' Day.

                          ____________________