May 11, 2023
Vouchers may be appropriate in some areas. However, in states like South Dakota, the problem is...financing build-out to sparsely populated areas.
Larry Pressler
The Public Record
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May 11, 2023
Vouchers may be appropriate in some areas. However, in states like South Dakota, the problem is...financing build-out to sparsely populated areas.
— Larry Pressler
Most widely reported
by number of sources- last week I offered an amendment-- adopted by this body by a vote of 93-6--designed to put pressure on the United Nations [U.N.] to appoint a permanent, independent inspector general. Today I seek to enhance our leverage with the U.N. on this point. As I said last week, this is an issue I have struggled with for years. It concerns the rampant waste, fraud, and abuse at the U.N. The examples are innumerable. I presented a litany during consideration of my earlier amendment. I will not reiterate them all here. However, let me touch upon the highlights. The U.N. has no system to monitor its cash flow. No U.N. official can tell us how many people are on the U.N. payroll. Millions of dollars are spent on equipment that is not needed or does not work. There is absolutely no accountability. Some will say that the U.S. Congress suffers from the same sorts of problems. The difference is that we have independent inspectors general to investigate and recommend punishment for those guilty of misconduct. U.S. attorneys can indict any one of us here in Congress for violating the law. Not one U.N. official has that kind of authority. The U.N. needs a permanent, independent inspector general. My amendment which passed last week requires that, beginning in fiscal year 1994, 10 percent of our assessed contributions to nonpeacekeeping operations of the U.N. be withheld until the President certifies the U.N. has established a permanent, independent inspector general.2 sources1994govinfo.gov
- I would like to report to the Senate on the status of the telecommunications bill. On March 23, the Commerce Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995. It is my strongest hope now that we can get this bill up for action on the floor this week, before the recess. The danger in delay is that it could be picked apart by the various interest groups. This bill would be a roadmap for investment for the next 15 years, until the wireless age. There will be an explosion of investment if we pass it. The benefits to consumers will be tremendous. I wish to urge Members of the Senate and the various interests and consumer groups that are lobbying and working on this bill to remember that if we give one group a special consideration, then we have to give it to others. It seems that everybody wants to have a bill. CEO's all say they want a bill; the administration wants a bill. But we will not have a bill unless we have some cooperation and everyone working together. That has been my message. So I do hope we get the telecommunications bill up this week. If not, we will pass it later--but it is far better to act sooner than later. I would implore the various interests in this country which are following this bill to work together. This is the sort of bill that is not on every American citizen's mind every day, but I think it is the most important bill for our country's economy in the Congress today.2 sources1995govinfo.gov
- I rise today to take another step in my overall telecommunications and information policy reform agenda. As I have stated many times, the historic enactment earlier this year of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was only the first step in a new national telecommunications policy for 21st Century America. Today, I am putting out for public comment a discussion draft of spectrum reform legislation to institute comprehensive reforms in how the Federal Government uses--and fails to use--our most important valuable national resource, the radio frequency spectrum. The radio spectrum is to the information age what oil and steel where to the Industrial Age. Like any resource, it is finite. Therefore it must be managed responsibly. This valuable resource is one of the principle building blocks for tomorrow's 'Information Economy.' It also is critical to delivering new and valuable services to the American public.2 sources1996govinfo.gov
congress.gov
Jul 10, 2012
Thank you very much, Madam Ambassador. I might say that, as we discussed earlier this morning, Harriet and I are sort of following you to Paris in that I have a 4-month teaching assignment there, which we're looking forward to very much…
Sep 30, 1996
I want to commend the Senators from Kentucky and Arizona for their great efforts and to say I will certainly stay here as long as it takes to pass this bill. This bill is critical to pass. In my little State of South Dakota, for example…
Sep 28, 1996
I rise to support adoption of the Coast Guard Conference Report for fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Mr. President, the Coast Guard has broad ranging responsibilities-- from enforcing America's maritime laws to ensuring the safety of…
Sep 28, 1996
I want to join the tribute to Al Simpson, the Senator from Wyoming. I came here with him and there is almost nobody I admire more than Al Simpson. I enjoyed that speech very much. I wish I could be in your class at Harvard. I think that…
Sep 28, 1996
as chairman of the conference on H.R. 3539, the Federal Aviation Authorization Act of l996, I rise to urge my colleagues to permit the Senate to immediately proceed to consideration of the conference report for this critically important…
Sep 27, 1996
this month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern [DME] Railroad. The DME is South Dakota's only statewide railroad and operates more than 1,100 miles. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the DME. I…
Sep 25, 1996
this morning we had excellent testimony in the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee from a number of witnesses who represented the families of airplane crashes. I believe we had five or six unfortunate airplane crashes. We also…
Sep 19, 1996
I objected regarding the Pipeline Safety Act, which I am trying very hard to pass. I will not object if the Senator desires to discuss issues unrelated.
Sep 17, 1996
I rise in support of S. 1994, the Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996. Today, I am offering a manager's amendment to the bill as originally considered by the Commerce Committee which includes a variety of critically needed…
Sep 17, 1996
I believe it represents a solid legislative accomplishment for this Congress and for air service to small cities, such as those located in my home State of South Dakota. This bill, which I commend the leadership on both sides of the aisle…
Sep 17, 1996
In response to the concerns raised by the senior Senator from Pennsylvania, I would note that I made my point in our recent correspondence that it is important to be openminded and innovative in thinking about airport funding at a time of…
Sep 16, 1996
I do not believe this is a partisan issue. Nor should this amendment be treated as one. Both Republicans and Democrats from cattle-producing States I expect will embrace this amendment. Some may say tougher action is needed. They're right…
Sep 16, 1996
Mr. President this amendment attempts to address many of the concerns confronting cattle producers in the United States today. The issues of packer concentration, lack of price discovery, retail price spreads and low prices have been…
Sep 13, 1996
As a parent myself, I understand the pride and joy we all have in our children. Along with many of my colleagues, I am submitting a resolution today declaring the second Sunday in October, ``National Children's Day.'' I am proud to be a…
Sep 5, 1996
I rise today to discuss the vitally important issue of aviation security challenges. Last month, the Commerce Committee which I chair held an open hearing to examine aviation security. Later this month, we will hold a closed hearing to…
Sep 4, 1996
I rise to oppose the Bumpers amendment on space station. As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which authorizes and oversees the NASA budget, I believe space station will be the foundation of our…
Aug 2, 1996
I was pleased to participate in an event this morning which summarized the events of the 104th Congress up to this date. It has been a very productive Congress. This Congress is near the end of passing a major health reform bill which will…
Aug 1, 1996
In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt had the foresight to realize that a welfare system that replaces real work with handouts was doomed to fail the very individuals it was intended to assist. In FDR's own words, The lessons of history * * * show…
Jul 31, 1996
I would like to further question my colleague regarding the transportation training standards addressed in this bill. In particular, section 203 (g) would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing training…
Jul 25, 1996
I had intended today to offer a series of amendments regarding economic assistance to Turkey. These amendments would have been similar to the provisions included in the version of H.R. 3540 that was approved by the House of Representatives…
Jul 25, 1996
last November, Vice Admiral Scott Redd, Commander of the United States Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf, revealed that Iran had begun developing an integrated ship, submarine, missile, and mine capability in the Persian Gulf. The missile…
Jul 25, 1996
Specifically, our intelligence sources noted that last month a defense industrial trading company--the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp.--delivered military cargo to the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Syria. China…
Jul 25, 1996
the amendment I have offered along with my friend and colleague from New York, Senator D'Amato, is very simple. I offer it in response to recent reports that China has shipped ballistic missile technology to Syria. This was first reported…
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