[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8235-8240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

       POM-397. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to the State's military bases; 
     to the Committee on Armed Services.

                       Senate Joint Memorial 8039

       Whereas, the Department of Defense's military installations 
     in Washington State play a vital role in the defense of the 
     United States of America and its citizens and residents, both 
     providing a power projection platform ideally situated 
     geographically and by providing leadership within the 
     military through innovation in transformational efforts; and
       Whereas, the military installations in Washington State are 
     striving to perform their current missions as efficiently and 
     effectively as possible and to improve their ability to 
     contribute to the defense of the nation for the long term; 
     and
       Whereas, the majority of major conflicts of the 20th 
     century have been in or around the Pacific Ocean, including 
     World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation 
     Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the emerging 
     threats of the 21st century are in that same area; and
       Whereas, each of the military installations in Washington 
     performs vital strategic functions, including the only 
     homeport for Trident Ballistic Missile Submarines on the 
     Pacific Coast, the only torpedo manufacturing facility in the 
     nation, the only deep draft military shipyard on the Pacific 
     Coast, a major base for C-17 aircraft, the sole Air Force 
     Survival School in the nation, the only major Army 
     installation west of the Rocky mountains capable of large 
     scale troop deployment, and the base with the highest number 
     of VFR flying days of any Naval Air Station in the United 
     States; and
       Whereas, Washington State has an excellent working 
     relationship at both the state and local level with each of 
     the military installations, demonstrated in part by the 
     numerous partnerships among the military and local 
     governments and private and nonprofit sectors in providing 
     services to both military and civilian personnel, by 
     involvement of military installations in state and local land 
     use, transportation and other planning, and by the ongoing 
     community support to the military personnel and their 
     families; and
       Whereas, the military's presence, in all forms, contributes 
     greatly to the economy, security, and social fabric of 
     Washington State as one of the largest employers in the 
     state, a significant purchaser of goods, services, and 
     construction from the private sector, and a source of 
     leadership in state, local, and community organizations; and
       Whereas, Washington State consistently provides a high 
     quality of life to military personnel stationed in our state, 
     evidenced by the large number of terminal postings to bases 
     in Washington State, additionally, our state benefits from 
     the large number of skilled and talented military personnel 
     and their families who remain in or return to Washington 
     after leaving active duty; and
       Whereas, the Washington State Legislature recognizes the 
     importance of the Department of Defense's military 
     installations within Washington State, both to the defense of 
     the United States and the vitality of Washington as an 
     economy and a people;
       Now, Therefore, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that 
     the President, Congress, and the Department of Defense will 
     recognize the strategic importance of these bases to our 
     Nation's security and not make them victims of this round of 
     the Base Realignment and Closure process.
       Your Memorialists further pray that the military facilities 
     in Washington state will continue to serve in the defense of 
     our nation for many years to come; be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United State, the Secretary of the Department of Defense, the 
     President of the Untied States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from 
     the State of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-398. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to The 211 Act, HR 3111, and SB 
     1630; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation.

                       House Joint Memorial 4040

       Whereas, tens of thousands of Washington State residents 
     have a need to access a variety of human and social service 
     needs each day, ranging from appropriate child care to 
     affordable housing, support for a homebound parent to food or 
     crisis counseling for teen parents; and
       Whereas, thousands of different local, regional, and 
     statewide organizations in Washington State, both public and 
     private, provide services that respond to these needs; and
       Whereas, it is often extremely difficult and time consuming 
     for residents to identify and access available services; and
       Whereas, the process of connecting those living and working 
     in Washington State with needed services can be simplified by 
     the establishment of a 211 telephone dialing option; and
       Whereas, the local, regional, and statewide providers of 
     human and social services would benefit from the more 
     accurate and timely information about needs and resources 
     around the state that is connected by 211 services; and
       Whereas, seventy million Americans (23% of the United 
     States population) have access to 211 service in 83 
     communities nationwide; and
       Whereas, Washington Information Network 211 seeks to create 
     a statewide 211 system using existing information and 
     referral providers; and
       Whereas, in 2003 the Washington State Legislature 
     overwhelmingly supported and passed an act supporting 211 
     development

[[Page 8236]]

     and implementation for the residents of our state; and
       Whereas, 211 service will soon be available in Clark County 
     and King County, providing 211 access to over 2,000,000 
     people in Washington State; and
       Whereas, 4,000,000 residents in rural and economically 
     depressed areas of Washington State will not have access to 
     211 service until such time that sustainable public funding 
     is secured; and
       Whereas, philanthropic contributions already support the 
     majority of costs associated with 211 development for 
     Washington State; and
       Whereas, Congress recognizes the value and broad public 
     benefits of 211 through the inclusion of 211 service in the 
     Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and 
     Response Act of 2002; and
       Whereas, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, 
     Representative Jay Inslee, Representative Jim McDermott, and 
     Representative Rick Larsen from our fair state of Washington 
     are cosponsors of Senate Bill 1630 and House Resolution 3111;
       Now, therefore, your memorialists respectfully pray that 
     Congress immediately pass the Calling for 211 Act, HR 3111 
     and SB 1630: be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United States, the President of the United States Senate, the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of 
     Congress from the State of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-399. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine relative to the exemption of the 
     Passamaquoddy Tribe from certain provisions of the Marine 
     Mammal Protection Act of 1972; to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation.

                            Joint Resolution

       We, your Memorialists, the Members of the One Hundred and 
     Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Maine now assembled 
     in the Second Special Session, most respectfully present and 
     petition the Congress of the United States as follows:
       Whereas, the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 
     establishes federal responsibility to conserve marine mammals 
     and established a moratorium on the taking and importation of 
     marine mammals and marine mammal products; and
       Whereas, the act gave certain exemptions to take marine 
     mammals to Indian, Aleut and Eskimo people who live in Alaska 
     and dwell on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the 
     Arctic Ocean, if the taking is done in a nonwasteful manner 
     and is for subsistence purposes or for creating and selling 
     authentic native handicrafts and clothing; and
       Whereas, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, a federally recognized 
     Indian tribe in the State of Maine, the first to see the 
     rising sun each day, has the largest reservation in the 
     State, situated on the west branch of the St. Croix River, 
     which leads into the sea; and
       Whereas, the Passamaquoddy Tribe has used marine mammals, 
     such as porpoises and seals, for cultural, subsistence, 
     ceremonial, medicinal and commercial uses in its long history 
     in the area, and still do to a certain extent today; and
       Whereas, at the time the federal Marine Mammal Protection 
     Act of 1972 was written, the Passamaquoddy Tribe had not been 
     federally recognized and could not seek exemption from the 
     act. In the late 1970s, federal recognition came, followed by 
     the Maine Indian Land Claims Case, which defined a special 
     relationship between the State of Maine and the Passamaquoddy 
     Tribe and Penobscot Nation; and
       Whereas, it was agreed that these tribes would have 
     authority over their own internal matters on the 
     reservations. At the same time, it was agreed that they would 
     continue the trust relationship with the Federal Government 
     that had been recognized during the 1970s; now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That we, your Memorialists, on behalf of the 
     people of the State, in view of the trust that the 
     Passamaquoddy Tribe has in the Federal Government, 
     respectfully urge and request that the Congress of the United 
     States give serious consideration to giving the Passamaquoddy 
     Tribe of Maine a cultural exemption from the federal Marine 
     Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as was done for the Alaskan 
     Indian, Aleut and Eskimo peoples; and be it further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate and to the Speaker 
     of the United States House of Representatives and to each 
     member of the Marine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-400. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to the use of 75-foot crib carrier log hauling 
     equipment; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation.

                        House Resolution No. 168

       Whereas, in the logging industry, an important industry for 
     the state of Michigan, the crib carrier for log hauling 
     offers an advancement that can increase the stability of 
     loads with a new design for how the logs are arranged. In a 
     highly competitive industry like lumbering, the new equipment 
     represents significant progress; and
       Whereas, current federal law places a 70-foot limit on the 
     length of trucks, although a waiver has permitted the use of 
     75-foot equipment over the past couple of years. Until 
     federal laws and regulations permit the use of a 75-foot 
     truck length, sanctions will prevent the use of safer truck-
     trailer combinations; and
       Whereas, the 75-foot equipment offers distinct safety 
     measures not available through the 70-foot limit currently in 
     place. Most importantly, the crib arrangement makes the load 
     more secure, with added protection against a shifting cargo. 
     This enhances safety along Michigan's roads; now, therefore, 
     bit it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States and the United 
     States Department of Transportation to permit the use of 75-
     foot crib carrier log hauling equipment; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, and the United States 
     Department of Transportation.
                                  ____

       POM-401. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan relative to a 
     minimum rate of return of Michigan's Federal Transportation 
     Funding; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation.

                        House Resolution No. 198

       Whereas, from 1956 to 2001 Michigan residents paid $1.71 
     billion dollars more in gas tax money to the federal 
     government than they received in return. Only three states 
     have a worse return rate than Michigan for that period; and
       Whereas, Michigan faces a difficult task in maintaining a 
     transportation network that meets the many needs of the 
     individuals and businesses of this state. This task is made 
     much more formidable by the continuing inequity of the 
     percentage of funds returned to the state; and
       Whereas, the federal road funding act, the Transportation 
     Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21), expired on February 
     29, 2004; and
       Whereas, the House Surface Transportation Extension Act of 
     2004, signed by President Bush on February 29, 2004, extends 
     highway, safety, transit, and other programs until April 30, 
     2004; and
       Whereas, the United States House of Representatives and the 
     United States Senate each have bills pending to authorize a 
     new funding system for the states; and
       Whereas, in 2003, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, House 
     Concurrent Resolution No. 5, and House Resolution No. 9 all 
     memorialized the Congress of the United States to establish a 
     minimum rate of return of 95 percent of Michigan's federal 
     transportation funding for highway and transit programs. As 
     the federal government works on the next budget, it is 
     imperative that this issue be kept before policymakers at 
     every level to achieve this long overdue measure of equity, 
     now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we hereby 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to establish a 
     minimum return rate of 95 percent of Michigan's federal 
     transportation funding for highway and transit programs to 
     bring greater fairness to the federal funding of 
     transportation needs in Michigan; and be it further
       Resolved, That we further memorialize Congress to act 
     before the beginning of the 2004 road construction season; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-402. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth 
     of Kentucky relative to the Lewis and Clark National 
     Historical Trail; to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson gained 
     approval to form an expeditionary group to explore the 
     Western territory of the United States; and
       Whereas, the ``Corps of Discovery,'' led by Meriwether 
     Lewis and William Clark, embarked upon its epic adventure in 
     April, 1805, which at its conclusion returned invaluable 
     information relative to the peoples, wildlife, flora, and 
     geography of the Western territory; and
       Whereas, 2003 marked the bicentennial celebration of the 
     embarkation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition; and
       Whereas, Congress has seen fit to create the Lewis and 
     Clark National Historic Trail; and
       Whereas, H.R. 2327 introduced by United States 
     Representative Goode and S. 2018 introduced by United States 
     Senator Bunning, now pending in the 108th Congress of the 
     United States, seek to extend the boundaries of the Lewis and 
     Clark National Historic Trail; and

[[Page 8237]]

       Whereas, the extension of the Lewis and Clark National 
     Historic Trail would make the trail the largest in the 
     national parks system; and
       Whereas, an extended Lewis and Clark National Historic 
     Trail would serve to continue the celebration of the Lewis 
     and Clark bicentennial celebration; and
       Whereas, the extension of the Lewis and Clark National 
     Historic Trail would provide enhanced educational 
     possibilities for all; and
       Whereas, the extension of the Lewis and Clark National 
     Historic Trail would generate an increase in tourism and 
     tourism revenue in the states where the trail runs; and
       Whereas, the proposed extension of the Lewis and Clark 
     National Historic Trail would include specific sites in the 
     Commonwealth of Kentucky: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the General 
     Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
       Section 1. The House of Representatives does hereby 
     acknowledge the historic importance of the Lewis and Clark 
     National Historic Trail and encourages each and every member 
     of the respective chambers of the Congress of the United 
     States to cosponsor H.R. 2327 and S. 2018 of the 108th 
     Congress of the United States to extend the length of the 
     trail.
       Section 2. The House of Representatives encourages the 
     subsequent passage of H.R. 2327 and S. 2018 of the 108th 
     Congress of the United States.
       Section 3. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is 
     directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution of Jeff 
     Trandahl, Clerk of the House of Representatives, United 
     States Capitol, Room H154, Washington, D.C. 20515-6601 and to 
     Emily Reynolds, Secretary of the Senate, United States 
     Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510, for distribution to the 
     members of the United States House of Representatives and the 
     United States Senate, respectively.
                                  ____

       POM-403. A concurrent resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the General Assembly of the States of Ohio 
     relative to the Abandoned Mine Land Fund; to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources.
                                  ____


                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 31

       Whereas, since 1800, substantial mining has occurred in 
     Ohio, providing fuel for the United States' industrial 
     revolution and support for two world war efforts. The mining 
     industry also has been a major employer of the state's 
     citizens for many of the years since 1800. However, the 
     cumulative effects of past mining have caused significant 
     environmental problems; and
       Whereas, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 
     1977 created the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program to 
     help protect public health and safety and to restore lands 
     and waters adversely affected by mining practices employed 
     prior to August 3, 1977. The Program is funded by fees on 
     coal production, which are deposited by the United States 
     Secretary of the Interior into the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. 
     As of March 31, 2003, more than $6.7 billion in fees have 
     been deposited into the Fund, of which more than $1.4 billion 
     remains to be appropriated to the states. The $1.4 billion 
     includes more than $938 million in state and Indian tribal 
     share funds. Ohio's state share is more than $22 million; and
       Whereas, the expenditure of abandoned mine land funds on 
     various reclamation projects by the twenty-three states and 
     three Indian tribes that have federally approved abandoned 
     mine reclamation programs has significantly improved public 
     health and safety and the environment. In addition, that 
     expenditure has provided an estimated 6,000 jobs and $130 
     million in economic benefits to the Appalachian region of 
     Ohio alone; and
       Whereas, authority to collect the fee for abandoned mine 
     reclamation is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2004, 
     eliminating additional revenue for the Abandoned Mine Land 
     Reclamation Program. However, $6.6 billion worth of 
     identified health and safety problems remain nationally, 
     including 203 million in inventoried problems in Ohio such as 
     abandoned strip mines, mine openings, landslides, and 
     flooding. In addition to these nationally identified health 
     and safety problems, 1,300 miles of Ohio streams polluted by 
     acid mine drainage and potential subsidence from 6,000 
     abandoned underground mines exist; and
       Whereas, the people living in the country's mining regions, 
     including Ohio's mining region, have the right to a safe 
     environment, including clean drinking water and healthy 
     streams in viable communities; now therefore be it
       Resolved, that we, the members of the 125th General 
     Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge Congress to reauthorize 
     abandoned mine land fee collection authority for a minimum of 
     twelve years, commencing October 1, 2004, to disperse state 
     and tribal shares of annual fee collections each year without 
     appropriation, and, in keeping faith with the goals of the 
     Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, to 
     provide eligible states and Indian tribes their lawful shares 
     of the unappropriated balance in the Abandoned Mine Land 
     Fund, after due consideration for the United Mine Workers of 
     America Combined Benefit Fund, so that they may further 
     protect public health and safety and enhance the environment 
     of their states and tribal lands; and to consider 
     reevaluating the administration of the Abandoned Mine Land 
     Reclamation Program and the Abandoned Mine Land Fund; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, that the Clerk of the House of Representatives 
     transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker and Clerk 
     of the United States House of Representatives, to the 
     President Pro Tempore and the Secretary of the United States 
     Senate, to the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, 
     and to the news media of Ohio.
                                  ____

       POM-404. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the General 
     Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky relative to the 
     construction of Interstate 66 through the Purchase Area of 
     Western Kentucky; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, Kentucky lies in the heart of our nation and at 
     the crossroads of the industrial North, the Eastern Seaboard, 
     and the burgeoning Sunbelt; and
       Whereas, transportation of goods and persons by ground has 
     become increasingly important to the economy of our great 
     nation; and
       Whereas, the U.S. Interstate Highway System is one of the 
     greatest engineering accomplishments in the history of 
     mankind and has made our nation's system of highways the best 
     in the world; and
       Whereas, with its location on both the Ohio and Mississippi 
     Rivers, the Purchase Area of Western Kentucky is situated at 
     a crucial point in America's intermodal transportation 
     system; and
       Whereas, plans are underway for the development of 
     Interstate 66, with a projected route through Southern 
     Kentucky; and
       Whereas, current changes in these plans have resulted in 
     Interstate 66 ending at Interstate 24 before it enters the 
     Purchase Area; and
       Whereas, the extension of this route through the Purchase 
     Area and into Missouri is crucial to fully realizing the 
     benefits of an intermodal transportation system utilizing 
     interstate highways, rail lines, and the many Kentucky 
     riverports in the area; and
       Whereas, it is vital that our national leaders understand 
     the importance and urgency of this situation: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the 
     Commonwealth of Kentucky:
       Section 1. The members of this body, both individually and 
     collectively, urge the United States Congress to plan for and 
     fund the design and construction of Interstate 66 through the 
     Purchase Area of Kentucky and into Missouri.
       Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit 
     a copy of this Resolution to the Clerk of the United States 
     Senate, the Clerk of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and to each member of Kentucky's 
     Congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-405. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth 
     of Kentucky relative to the construction of Interstate 66 
     through the Purchase Area of Western Kentucky; to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, Kentucky lies in the heart of our nation and at 
     the crossroads of the industrial North, the Eastern Seaboard, 
     and the burgeoning Sunbelt; and
       Whereas, transportation of goods and persons by ground has 
     become increasingly important to the economy of our great 
     nation; and
       Whereas, the U.S. Interstate Highway System is one of the 
     greatest engineering accomplishments in the history of 
     mankind and has made our nation's system of highways the best 
     in the world; and
       Whereas, with its location on both the Ohio and Mississippi 
     Rivers, the Purchase Area of Western Kentucky is situated at 
     a crucial point in America's intermodal transportation 
     system; and
       Whereas, plans are underway for the development of 
     Interstate 66, with a projected route through Southern 
     Kentucky; and
       Whereas, current changes in these plans have resulted in 
     Interstate 66 ending at Interstate 24 before it enters the 
     Purchase Area; and
       Whereas, the extension of this route through the Purchase 
     Area Counties of McCracken and Ballard and into Missouri is 
     crucial to fully realizing the benefits of an intermodal 
     transportation system utilizing interstate highways, rail 
     lines, and the many Kentucky riverports in the area; and
       Whereas, it is vital that our national leaders understand 
     the importance and urgency of this situation: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the General 
     Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
       Section 1. The members of this body, both individually and 
     collectively, urge the United States Congress to plan for and 
     fund the design and construction of Interstate 66 from 
     Interstate 24 through McCracken and Ballard counties in 
     Kentucky and into Missouri, with a bridge over the 
     Mississippi River near Wickliffe.

[[Page 8238]]

       Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is 
     directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Clerk 
     of the United States Senate, the Clerk of the United States 
     House of Representatives, each member of Kentucky's 
     Congressional delegation, and to Kentucky Transportation 
     Cabinet Secretary Maxwell C. Bailey.
                                  ____

       POM-406. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to the Great Lakes Controlled Data Collection and 
     Monitoring Act; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.

                        House Resolution No. 128

       Whereas, the Great Lakes constitute a critically important 
     resource for our nation. The long-term health of this vast 
     and complicated freshwater network is fundamental to the 
     quality of life through its impact on public health, 
     commerce, transportation, and recreation; and
       Whereas, the ongoing challenge of protecting the Great 
     Lakes is complicated by the many threats the lakes face, the 
     number of units of government within its basin, and 
     inconsistencies in how data on the water is gathered, 
     assessed, and acted upon; and
       Whereas, in spite of the efforts of many public entities 
     committed to protecting the Great Lakes, there is 
     insufficient and inconsistent data on the impact that 
     restoration efforts are having on water quality. The lack of 
     data was confirmed by the General Accounting Office in a May 
     2003 report. Without reliable information, it is impossible 
     to determine to what extent the Great Lakes Water Quality 
     Agreement between our nation and Canada is progressing or 
     whether federal and state water quality standards and 
     programs are effective; and
       Whereas, legislation is pending in Congress that would 
     directly address the issue of how data on the Great Lakes is 
     collected and assessed. The Great Lakes Controlled Data 
     Collection and Monitoring Act, H.R. 2668, would direct the 
     Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency to develop, implement, monitor, and report 
     on indicators of water quality and related environmental 
     factors in the Great Lakes. The legislation also authorizes 
     appropriations to carry out this much-needed work; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact the 
     Great Lakes Controlled Data Collection and Monitoring Act; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-407. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to the gap between services offered to children in 
     kinship care arrangements and services offered to children in 
     foster care situations; to the Committee on Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 27

       Whereas, the 2000 Census confirmed the trend that 
     increasing numbers of children are being raised by 
     grandparents. In many of these situations, a grandparent or 
     other relative is raising one or more children as an 
     alternative to foster placement. While such situations offer 
     many advantages to children and save the state a considerable 
     amount of money, public policies recognizing these realities 
     are inadequate; and
       Whereas, there is a serious gap between the level of 
     services offered to children in kinship care situations and 
     those in foster care arrangements. While some children in 
     kinship care can be eligible for support through the TANF 
     program, the level of assistance through child-only grants is 
     notably lower; and
       Whereas, the gap between assistance offered to poor 
     children being raised by a family member rather than a foster 
     family is especially evident in eligibility for food 
     programs, specifically school lunch programs. Indeed, the 
     potential for harm to children living in situations where 
     access to good nutrition is not assured represents a serious 
     threat in our society. Addressing this problem by increasing 
     access to school lunch programs for children living in 
     kinship care arrangements is most appropriate; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to address the 
     gap between services offered to children in kinship care 
     arrangements and services offered to children in foster care 
     situations, specifically by extending access to free school 
     lunch programs for more children living in kinship care; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-408. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to urging Congress to consider withdrawing the 
     United States from the United Nations; to the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations.

                        House Joint Resolution 3

       Whereas, the United States is known for its compassionate 
     people who are generous and kind in caring for the needs of 
     those in other countries and whose resources are used 
     worldwide to alleviate hunger and poverty;
       Whereas, United States military forces are called upon to 
     bear the brunt of any conflicts that may arise, which costs 
     the lives of many American armed forces members, while other 
     nations stay on the sidelines;
       Whereas, the United States provides the largest share of 
     the financial burden for the United Nations, amounting to 
     hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars each year 
     which could be used to address many of the nation's own 
     needs;
       Whereas, many of the countries who are members of the 
     United Nations are not only unfriendly to the United States, 
     but also support ideas and interests that are detrimental to 
     the United States;
       Whereas, member nations that are among the worst human 
     rights violators are members of, and even chair, the 
     committee to investigate human rights violations while the 
     United States is denied membership;
       Whereas, the secretary-general of the United Nations, as 
     well as most other leaders and committee chairs, are chosen 
     from nations who do not share the values of the United 
     States, but this nation is expected to follow their decisions 
     and programs;
       Whereas, the United States was founded, and the 
     constitution was created, for the purpose of protecting 
     freedoms and God-given rights and for protecting the nation's 
     values and way of life;
       Whereas, the United States was created to be independent 
     from, not subject to, the laws and rules of other nations;
       Whereas, the United Nations has further imperiled the 
     sovereignty of the United States' military serving abroad by 
     adopting an International Criminal Court, which violates both 
     the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the United States 
     Constitution;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court has no legitimate 
     authority and lacks any body of laws by which to adjudicate 
     cases since the authority to enact laws rests with sovereign 
     nations;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court merges the 
     functions of prosecutor and adjudicator into one office, 
     which is contrary to the United States Constitution;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court fails to provide 
     any appeal from adjudication at the trial level and fails to 
     provide for a trial by jury;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court fails to provide 
     that the accused be confronted by his or her accusers, 
     providing instead for the use of hearsay evidence;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court fails to provide 
     for the accused the right to compel the production of 
     witnesses;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court allows evidence 
     obtained from the accused by compulsion;
       Whereas, the International Criminal Court denies other 
     fundamental rights recognized in the constitutional 
     jurisprudence of the United States;
       Whereas, even though the United States has not signed the 
     agreement to abide by the decisions of the International 
     Criminal Court, when two-thirds of the member nations sign, 
     it will be binding on all members,
       Whereas, the United States Constitution, which provides 
     America with the greatest form of government known to 
     humankind, and which was made possible and protected by much 
     sacrifice and bloodshed throughout the nation's history, is 
     not recognized as a governing document by the United Nations;
       Whereas, the continual use of the nation's resources and 
     armed forces to enforce its resolutions and to police the 
     world as a result of failed United Nations peace overtures 
     may eventually weaken the United States to the point where it 
     can no longer defend its freedoms;
       Whereas, the absolute failure of the United Nations to 
     support the United States in the war against terrorism in 
     Iraq is but the latest affront to the citizens of the United 
     States; and
       Whereas, the United States has more to lose than it can 
     gain by continuing as a member of the United Nations: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That because the United Nations exercises power 
     and authority to override the sovereignty and self 
     determination of the people of our Nation the Legislature of 
     the state of Utah respectfully but firmly requests that the 
     United States Congress consider dissolving the membership of 
     the United States in the United Nations, thereby freeing the 
     nation from a large financial burden and retaining the 
     nation's sovereignty to decide what is best for the nation 
     and determine what steps it considers appropriate as the 
     leader of the free world in full control of its armed forces 
     and destiny: be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     President of the United States Senate, the Majority Leader of 
     the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States 
     House of Representatives, the President of the United States, 
     and to the members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-409. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Tennessee relative to United States government 
     uniforms

[[Page 8239]]

     and equipment; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 64

       Whereas, it is with great pride and honor that the 
     hardworking employees of American factories craft the 
     uniforms and equipment that clothe and protect the members of 
     the United States government; and
       Whereas, to take that privilege away from those Americans 
     who ceaselessly toil to fulfill their patriotic duty to the 
     men and women who serve our fine country is a grievous insult 
     to the American people; and
       Whereas, on October 28, 2002, Fechheimer Brothers 
     Manufacturing Company in Martin learned that one of its 
     largest accounts, the United States Postal Service, had 
     certified a new supplier of postal uniforms, San Francisco 
     Knitting Mills--one that cuts costs by manufacturing the 
     product outside the United States; and
       Whereas, according to a memo from Fechheimer President and 
     CEO, Brad Kinstler, San Francisco Knitting Mills is ``the 
     first manufacturer to venture outside of the U.S. to make 
     products for the postal market,'' an action which may result 
     in setting a dangerous precedent; and
       Whereas, the Fechheimer-Martin plant, formerly Martin 
     Manufacturing Company, is one of four plants owned by the 
     Fechheimer Corporation of Cincinnati; and
       Whereas, three of the plants: Martin, Tennessee; Jefferson, 
     Pennsylvania; and Grantsville, Maryland; manufacture uniform 
     shirts. The corporation's plant in Hodgenville, Kentucky 
     manufactures uniform trousers; and
       Whereas, twenty percent of the Fechheimer Brothers 
     Manufacturing Company's annual production consists of the 
     postal service's purchases; the loss of the contract with the 
     postal service could result in massive layoffs at the plant, 
     possibly up to twenty percent of the company's 200 workers, 
     which would then put a crimp in the local economy; and
       Whereas, plant manager Marc Lemacks describes Fechheimer 
     Brothers Manufacturing Company as the ``Cadillac of the 
     industry,'' a corporation that consistently provides its 
     clients and customers with quality products and service; and
       Whereas, Mr. Lemacks is aware of no complaints from the 
     United States Postal Service in regards to the uniforms 
     produced by his company; instead, he fears the postal 
     service's decision to change suppliers is based on an attempt 
     to secure a lower price with an offshore company; and
       Whereas, not only will transferring production of postal 
     service uniforms to another country rob the American people 
     of their jobs and livelihoods, but it will result in a 
     decrease in revenue to the American government through the 
     loss of taxes paid by American workers; and
       Whereas, it is crucial that the production of uniforms and 
     equipment for United States government workers remain in 
     American factories, for the producing and wearing of 
     American-made products strengthens the morale of both 
     government and civil service workers, boosts the country's 
     economy, and manifests the pride of the American government 
     toward its citizens: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the One Hundred Third General 
     Assembly of the State of Tennessee, the House of 
     Representatives concurring, That we respectfully urge the 
     Congress of the United States to resolve this important issue 
     and require that government uniforms and equipment be 
     manufactured in the United States, thus saving the jobs of 
     myriad Americans and strengthening the national economy: be 
     it further
       Resolved, That appropriate copies of this resolution be 
     transmitted forthwith to the President of the United States, 
     the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the President and the Secretary of the 
     United States Senate, and to each member of the Tennessee 
     Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-410. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine relative to the protection of civil 
     liberties and the security of the United States; to the 
     Committee on Governmental Affairs.

                            Joint Resolution

       Whereas, the State of Maine recognizes that the 
     Constitution of the United States is our charter of liberty 
     and that the Bill of Rights enshrines the fundamental and 
     inalienable rights of Americans, including the freedoms of 
     religion, speech, assembly and privacy; and
       Whereas, each of Maine's duly elected public servants has 
     sworn to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United 
     States and the Constitution of Maine; and
       Whereas, the State of Maine denounces and condemns all acts 
     of terrorism, wherever occurring; and
       Whereas, attacks against Americans such as those that 
     occurred on September 11, 2001 have necessitated the crafting 
     of effective laws to protect the public from terrorist 
     attacks; and
       Whereas, any new security measures of federal, state and 
     local governments should be carefully designed and employed 
     to enhance public safety without infringing on the civil 
     liberties and rights of any citizen of the State of Maine and 
     the nation; and
       Whereas, matters relating to immigration are primarily 
     federal in nature; and
       Whereas, certain provisions of the ``Uniting and 
     Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required 
     to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001,'' commonly 
     referred to as the USA PATRIOT Act, allow the Federal 
     Government more liberally to detain and investigate citizens 
     and engage in surveillance activities that may violate or 
     offend the rights and liberties guaranteed by our state and 
     federal constitutions; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, the Members of the Maine State 
     Legislature reaffirm our sworn oaths to defend the 
     Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of 
     Maine and our solemn commitment to continue to protect and 
     champion the rights and liberties of Maine citizens that are 
     guaranteed under the state and federal constitutions, 
     including freedom of expression; the right to free access to 
     public information; freedom of association, including the 
     ability to attend meetings without being monitored or belong 
     to an organization without fear of reprisal; freedom from 
     unreasonable searches and seizures, including wiretapping and 
     monitoring of medical records and library records; due 
     process protections, including protection against detention 
     without charges or targeting based on race, religion, 
     ethnicity or national origin; and the right to property, 
     including protection against seizure or freezing of assets; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That the Maine State Legislature urges the 
     Federal Government to continue to exercise its jurisdiction 
     over immigration matters and encourages the Federal 
     Government to work cooperatively with the states to provide 
     assistance and training necessary to protect our country; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That laws passed by the United States Congress to 
     specifically combat the threat of international terrorism 
     should not be used in conducting domestic law enforcement; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That the Maine State Legislature implores the 
     United States Congress to review provisions in the USA 
     PATRIOT Act and other measures that may infringe on civil 
     liberties and ensure any pending and future federal measures 
     do not infringe on Americans' civil rights and liberties; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature calls upon our United States 
     Representatives and Senators to monitor the implementation of 
     the USA PATRIOT Act and related federal actions and, if 
     necessary, repeal those sections of the USA PATRIOT Act and 
     related federal measures that may infringe upon fundamental 
     rights and liberties as recognized in the United States 
     Constitution and its amendments; and be it further
       Resolved, That official copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; 
     the Honorable John Ashcroft, Attorney General of the United 
     States; the Honorable John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State 
     of Maine; Richard Cheney, President of the United States 
     Senate; Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives and each member of the Maine Congressional 
     Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-411. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to a postage stamp commemorating 
     American coal miners; to the Committee on Governmental 
     Affairs.

                       House Joint Memorial 4007

       Whereas, since the birth of this country, our nation owes 
     our coal miners a debt we could never begin to repay for the 
     difficult and dangerous job they perform so we could have the 
     fuel we need to operate our industries and heat our homes; 
     and
       Whereas, the energy needs of communities throughout the 
     nation have been met due to the hard work and dedication of 
     American coal miners; and
       Whereas, millions of workers toiled in the nation's coal 
     mines over the last century, risking both life and limb to 
     fuel the nation's economic expansion, and through their 
     manual labor made possible the technological conveniences of 
     modern American life, though those contributions to the 
     nation's welfare are generally unknown to the public; and
       Whereas, during the last century, over 100,000 coal miners 
     have been killed in mining accidents in the nation's coal 
     mines, and 3,500,000 coal miners have suffered nonfatal 
     injuries; and
       Whereas, 100,000 coal miners have contracted Black Lung 
     Disease as a direct result of their toil in the nation's coal 
     mines; and
       Whereas, coal provides 50 percent of the nation's 
     electricity and is an essential fuel for industries such as 
     steel, cement, chemical, food, and paper; and
       Whereas, coal miners keep the nation supplied with an 
     energy resource that produces electricity for the lowest 
     cost, when compared to fuels other than nuclear, and which 
     makes possible the country's unmatched productivity and 
     prosperity; and
       Whereas, coal miners provide a vital pool of labor with the 
     expertise to produce energy supplies from vast national coal 
     reserves, which serves to buffer the country from a dangerous 
     dependence on foreign energy fuels; and

[[Page 8240]]

       Whereas, the United States has a demonstrated coal reserve 
     of more than 500,000,000,000 tons, with an estimated 
     275,000,000,000 tons of recoverable reserves which, at 
     current production rates, represents about 275 years of 
     recoverable coal reserves; and
       Whereas, these coal reserves represent about 95 percent of 
     all fossil fuel reserves in the United States, about one-
     fourth of the world's known coal reserves; and
       Whereas, approximately two-thirds of all coal mined in the 
     United States is transported by rail, making coal the largest 
     single source of freight revenue for United States' 
     railroads; and
       Whereas, transportation by railroad provided jobs for 
     thousands of workers who built the infrastructure, maintained 
     it, and loaded and unloaded coal; and
       Whereas, it would be proper and fitting for our nation to 
     recognize our coal miners, both past and present, for their 
     contributions to this nation; and
       Whereas, coal mining continues to be the economic engine 
     for many communities, providing jobs to areas with little 
     economic diversity; and
       Whereas, coal mining provides an economic benefit far 
     beyond its direct revenue, including billions of dollars in 
     economic output and household earnings and hundreds of 
     thousands of jobs in other industries; now, therefore, your 
     Memorialists respectfully pray that the United States Postal 
     service issue a postage stamp commemorating American coal 
     miners, which would hold the promise of illustrating a 
     colorful and historically rich segment of society for the 
     benefit of school children, stamp collectors, educators, and 
     the public; be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United States, the United States Postmaster General, the 
     Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States 
     Postal Service, the President of the United States Senate, 
     the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member 
     of Congress from the State of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-412. A concurrent resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Louisianas 
     relative to funding for the National Recovery Training 
     Institute in Louisiana; to the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 18

       Whereas, there is a need for national support in the 
     addiction recovery community to improve the health, safety, 
     and quality of life for individuals in addiction recovery; 
     and
       Whereas, HopeNetworks is requesting federal funding to 
     establish a National Recovery Training Institute in 
     Louisiana; and
       Whereas, the institute would provide technology resources 
     to aid in the development of tools to be used by recovering 
     communities for enpowerment, long-term sobriety, and 
     recovery; provide education to recovering communities across 
     the nation; provide education and awareness to stakeholders 
     such as policymakers, business leaders, and the faith 
     community; and provide technology and job training 
     scholarships for person in early recovery to learn job skills 
     and life skills while at the institute; and
       Whereas, the socioeconomic impact of addiction is more than 
     four hundred forty billion dollars every year to the United 
     States; and
       Whereas, the National Recovery Training Institute in 
     Louisiana will serve as a public health, education, and 
     training center for millions of people across the United 
     States: Therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Louisiana Legislature does hereby 
     memorialize the United States Congress to allocate funding 
     for the creation of the National Recovery Institute; be it 
     further
       Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives of the Congress of the United States of 
     America and to each member of the Louisiana congressional 
     delegation.

                          ____________________