Max Baucus

I strongly support the Kerrey amendment for several reasons. First, the funding mechanism provided for in the manager's amendment to the underlying bill, while creative and it meets the technical requirements of the budget rules, it is…

today I am introducing the Safeguard of New Employee Information Act of 1998. This bill will ensure that the mechanisms created in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to enhance our child…

I understand that the USDA is working toward the release of funds relating to the competitively awarded Smith Lever 3(d) Food Safety grants program. An eligible activity of this program is the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database…

in a few days, Washington's cherry trees will come into bloom by the Tidal Basin. As you may know, the Empire of Japan gave us these trees in the year 1912, as a gesture of thanks for President Theodore Roosevelt's role in ending the…

It is a needed program, particularly for high-speed rail crossings. I must say to the Senator that it is very important to address hazardous high-speed rail problems. It is also a problem, because tragically 2 days ago there was a bus…

I rise, with some reservations, in support of the resolution offered by Senator Wellstone and Senator Mack. I have been visiting, debating and studying China for some years. And it is quite clear that human rights conditions in China can…

The development of the transportation infrastructure is crucial to ensure that export products from not only the Northern Great Plains region but also the nation--and our neighboring countries--are able to reach their destinations in an…

It is also true you learn what a mosaic this country is and how each State's needs are unique. The New England States, for example, the Northeast States, have definite needs, obviously, with relation to the population density; relative…

I wish the American public could see just how hard our staffs work for the public good. I take my hat off to them. I believe, frankly, Mr. President, that a most noble human endeavor is public service, whether it is service to church…

These Senators worked extremely hard for their States and at the same time, in the end, they worked together to make sure we would get a very strong bill. That is quite an achievement, frankly, as we move on to the next century, the next…

That is true about the cooperation among our staffs. It is incredible. It is a joy to behold, frankly, to see Ann Loomis and Kathy and Tom and Dan and Jimmie. We have a real family here, I might say. As closely as we have worked together…

My colleague says ``bulldogs.'' They are bulldogs. But they are, if possible--I am sure bulldog owners will think it's possible--fair bulldogs, once they charge ahead.

I would like to thank a group that has not been thanked yet. That is the Department of Transportation--Secretary Slater, Mort Downey, Kenneth Wykle, and others at DOT who I note are in the gallery. They are watching these proceedings. They…

this amendment is in the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee. It is cleared by the committee. It will authorize a study to investigate the best methods of improving safety procedures that govern the transportation of hazardous…

the amendment here will extend current law so there will be no change in current law. The DBE Program now does apply to the mass transit title of the bill; that is, the mass transit portion of the law. The point of this amendment is to…

This amendment is simple, fair and noncontroversial, as evidenced by the fact that my colleagues have signed off on it. It says two things: First, no State or local transit authority will lose its ISTEA funding simply because it suspends…

It is really incredible that this Nation is so far behind other countries. We are going to have it eventually in this country. It is too bad we did not have it earlier. This helps in that process. It is not additional money, but it does…

on this side I do accept this amendment. Frankly, this is another one of those that just makes the bill more fair. And it is a good idea.

it is a very simple amendment offered on behalf of Senator Daschle, Senator Thomas, and Senator Enzi. Essentially, it allows States that receive Amtrak money but States which have no Amtrak to be able to spend that money on light rail or…

Frankly, I think it is important to point out that there is, in some cases, an increase of fuel tax evasion. This amendment allows States to use a portion of their surface transportation funds to combat fuel tax evasion. So we are adding a…

I want to thank the very able distinguished Senator from Michigan. I say to the Senator, I appreciate his tenacity. It is always good to see a Senator who fights doggedly for his State, who works very hard to make sure that his State is…

this is a balancing amendment to make the bill fair to all regions of the country. When the committee took up the bill in the first place--actually there were several major bills--it was intended to represent different parts of the…

I do commend the Senator for his patience. I say to the Senator, we have again sent an urgent plea over to Senator Bumpers' office to make sure his staff comes over immediately. We made the request 10 or 12 minutes ago. Just 1 minute ago…

this sounds good, repeal the 4.3-cent gasoline tax. Nobody likes paying taxes. We all know that. We also know we want our highways. If this amendment were to pass, we would be going backwards. Why do I say that? I say that, first, because…

I say to my gracious friend from Maine, I accept her invitation. I would love to see this process, not only because anyone would like to visit Maine, but, second, it is mutually beneficial to lots of other States which have a very…