Volume 148, No. 83 covering the 2nd Session of the 107th Congress (2001 - 2002) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Senate section on pages S5848-S5850 on June 20, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS
The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:
POM-256. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming relative to wolf reintroduction in the State of Wyoming; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Joint Resolution No. 3
Whereas, the federal government is responsible for the reintroduction of wolves in the state of Wyoming;
Whereas, elk, moose and deer are important to the recreational and economic interests of the people of the state of Wyoming;
Whereas, the use of elk feed grounds provides positive benefits for the people of the state of Wyoming by maintaining elk population objectives at different locations in the state;
Whereas, the introduction of wolves creates a negative impact on habitats for moose and deer, and wolves kill and displace moose and deer, thereby posing a threat to the maintenance of moose and deer population objectives in the state;
Whereas, wolves kill and displace elk, moose and deer, thereby posing a threat to the maintenance of elk, moose and deer population objectives in the state and the habitats of moose and deer and the use of elk feed grounds;
Whereas, wolves kill approximately three hundred thirty
(330) elk annually in Wyoming, costing the owner of those elk, the state of Wyoming, an estimated one million three hundred twenty thousand dollars ($1,320,000.00);
Whereas, the state of Wyoming does not have jurisdiction to regulate wolves while they remain on the federal list of threatened species. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved By The Members of the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:
Section 1. That the Wyoming state legislature recognizes the importance of elk, moose and deer to the people of the state and the use of elk feed grounds and the importance of habitats for moose and deer to maintain elk, moose and deer population objectives at various locations in the state of Wyoming.
Section 2. That the federal authorities responsible for the management of wolves in the state of Wyoming must manage wolves in a manner consistent with maintaining elk, moose and deer population objectives, preserving the habitats of moose and deer and the use of elk feed grounds, as determined by state wildlife officials.
Section 3. That the federal government should annually reimburse the state of Wyoming for the loss to the state caused by the killing of elk, moose and deer by wolves.
Section 4. That the Secretary of State of Wyoming transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, to the United States Secretary of Interior and to the Wyoming Congressional Delegation.
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POM-257. A resolution adopted by the House of the Legislature of the State of Michigan relative to the Transboundary Hazardous Waste Agreement with Canada; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
House Resolution No. 389
Whereas, Michigan has long been frustrated in efforts to regulate solid waste imported into our state. Our state is especially concerned about waste that is brought here from Ontario. Our citizens feel strongly that our environment should not be placed at additional risk from municipal solid waste and other materials that are generated elsewhere and transported here for disposal; and
Whereas, The volume of waste that comes into Michigan each year represents a significant portion of all trash handled here. As much as 20 percent of all solid waste in Michigan is from out or state, and the amount has increased significantly in recently years; and
Whereas, Congress has authority for regulating the transportation and disposal of solid waste between states and nations by virtue of the United States Constitution's interstate commerce clause. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare of our environment and citizens, Congress must take action to provide states with the express means to regulate or prohibit the importation of trash. Congress has before it now a bill that would provide the appropriate authority to the states. Under H.R. 1927, states could prohibit or impose certain limitations on the receipt of foreign municipal solid waste; and
Whereas, Hazardous waste and solid waste transported between Canada and the United States are provided for in the Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste. It has been reported, however, that the notification requirements and procedures set forth in the agreement have not been followed. It is most disturbing to think that the protections provided in the agreement between our nations are not working. The people of this state have every right to know that all prudent measures are being enforced to protect our citizens and environment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to authorize states to prohibit or restrict foreign municipal solid waste and to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure full compliance with the Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States Concerning the Transboundary movement of hazardous Waste; 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 Environmental Protection Agency.
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POM-258. A resolution adopted by the House of the Legislature of the State of Michigan relative to Federal transportation funding for highway and transit programs; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
House Resolution No. 419
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 challenge is made more difficult because of the fact that Michigan receives in return from the federal government far less in highway funding than we send to Washington; and
Whereas, Under the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century, Michigan currently receives approximately 90.5 cents in return for every highway dollar we send to the federal government. While this is a notable improvement from the amounts received in prior years, it remains inadequate for our state's considerable overall transportation needs. In the area of transit, the deficiency of funding received from Washington is much more severe, with Michigan receiving only about 50 cents for each dollar we send through taxes; and
Whereas, For Fiscal Year 2003, proposed federal transportation funding for Michigan is expected to be $222 million less than Fiscal Year 2002. This shortfall will present significant problems to certain aspects of our transportation infrastructure. As discussions take place on future funding mechanisms and the next federal transportation funding bill, it is imperative that a fairer approach be developed; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize 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; 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.
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POM-259. A House concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii relative to the TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001; to the Committee on Finance.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 12
Whereas, on October 12, 2001, Representative Patsy Mink introduced the TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001 with thirty Democratic cosponsors, three of whom are on the committee of referral, the Ways and Means Committee; and
Whereas, the bill would also make it clear that its principal focus is the long-term reduction of poverty, rather than a short-term, impermanent, immediate reduction in the welfare rolls; and
Whereas, the bill would reform the Temporary Aid to Needy Families program to make it clear that postsecondary education is a work activity under TANF, for example, by providing access to postsecondary education for women TANF recipients as an allowable work activity; and
Whereas, in the United States, education has always been a route to economic self-sufficiency and social mobility; and
Whereas, in the twenty-first century, at least one year of postsecondary education will become increasingly more essential for all workers; and
Whereas, yet, TANF does not currently extend our nation's commitment to educational opportunity to women who are living in poverty with their children but who are ready, willing, and able to benefit from postsecondary education; and
Whereas, data from several studies have demonstrated that the additional earning capacity that a postsecondary education provides can make the difference between economic self-sufficiency and continued poverty for many women TANF recipients; and
Whereas, among families headed by African American, Latino, and white women, the poverty rate declines from fifty-one, forty-one, and twenty-two per cent to twenty-one, eighteen and-a-half, and thirteen per cent, respectively, with at least one year of postsecondary education; and
Whereas, further data have found that postsecondary education not only increases women's incomes, it also improves their self-esteem, increases their children's education ambitions including aspiring to enter college themselves, and has a dramatic impact on their quality of life; and
Whereas, now, more than ever, TANF recipients need postsecondary education to obtain the knowledge and skills they will require to compete for jobs and enable them to lift themselves and their children out of poverty in the long-term; and
Whereas, without some postsecondary education, most women who leave welfare for work will earn wages that place them far below the federal poverty line, even after five years of working; and
Whereas, allowing TANF recipients to attend college, even for a short time, will improve their earning potential significantly, in fact, the average person who attends a community college, even without graduating, earns about ten per cent more than those who do not attend college at all; and
Whereas, women who receive TANF assistance clearly appreciate the importance and role of postsecondary education in moving them out of poverty to long-term economic self-sufficiency; and
Whereas, as of November 1999, at least nineteen states had considered or enacted strategies to support women's efforts to achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency through pursuit of a postsecondary education; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, the Senate concurring, That the Legislature supports the TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001 (HR 3113); and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature urges Hawaii's congressional delegation to support the passage of the TANF Reauthorization Act of 2001 (HR 3113); and be it further
Resolved, That certified copies of this concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Governor of Hawaii, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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POM-260. A House concurrent resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio relative to federal funding for character education and program development; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Concurrent Resolution No. 28
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Ohio (the Senate concurring):
Whereas, The members of the 124th General Assembly of Ohio, recognizing the importance of fostering citizens with honorable character qualities that are based upon the moral standards exemplified by our nation's founders and with which they established our nation and legal system, find it wise to intentionally designate Ohio as a character-building state; and
Whereas, It is imperative that we continue to build upon our heritage to make Ohio a community where families are strong, homes and streets are safe, education is effective, business is productive, neighbors demonstrate care for one another, and citizens are free to make wise choices for their lives and families; and
Whereas, Because citizens are responsible for their actions, and their daily decisions need to be based upon universally recognized ethical standards and upon universally recognized positive character qualities including integrity, responsibility, respect, compassion, honesty, justice, generosity, kindness, and courage; and
Whereas, Individual irresponsibility and lack of commitment to moral principles results in an increasing number of family problems that have personal, social, and financial consequences not only for individual family members, but also for this state and society as a whole; and
Whereas, If people increasingly fail to demonstrate positive character qualities and if they make wrong moral choices, the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state are endangered, resulting in a financial burden upon the taxpayers of this state for increased costs of law enforcement; and
Whereas, Many current societal problems will be alleviated when more of the citizens of this state exemplify in their lives positive character qualities that distinguish between right and wrong; and
Whereas, There is a need for ever-increasing numbers of positive role models among our youth to prevent juvenile rebellion and delinquency, and among our leaders to encourage an example-setting culture; and
Whereas, Teaching positive character qualities to juvenile delinquents in particular has been shown to produce a positive change in behavior and to reduce recidivism rates; and
Whereas, Schools need to be environments where positive character qualities are exemplified, taught, and strengthened and where learning character-focused behaviors is encouraged; and
Whereas, Encouraging employees to recognize positive character qualities has resulted in an increase in workplace ethics, employee safety, and organizational performance; and
Whereas, An emphasis upon positive character qualities in every sector of society can only occur as institutions and individuals mutually commit themselves to exemplify positive character qualities in their public and personal lives and to collaborate with one another to establish character as a foundational community asset; now therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the members of the 124th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, pledge our commitment to positive character qualities by recognizing Ohio to be a character-building state, by increasingly viewing our decisions in light of their character impact, by encouraging the advancement of positive character qualities in state government, in city, township, and county governments, in the media, and in schools, businesses, community groups, worship centers, and homes; and by urging the citizens and civic and community leaders of this state to mutually pursue character as a vital leadership and citizenship priority; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 124th General Assembly of Ohio commend the United States Congress for its support of character education and development through the passage of House Resolution 1, the ``No Child Left Behind Act of 2001''; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of the 124th General Assembly of Ohio request that the Ohio Department of Education take all steps necessary to secure available funding for character education and development programs provided for by Congress in Sec. 5431 of House Resolution 1, the ``No Child Left Behind Act of 2001''; and be it further
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States, to the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, to the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, to the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, and the news media of Ohio.
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POM-261. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the Legislature of the State of Hawaii relative to the establishment of a center for health, welfare and education of children, youth and families for Asia and the Pacific; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Senate Resolution No. 71
Whereas, the Millennium Young People's Congress held in Hawaii in October 1999, demonstrated the value of a collective global vision by and for the children of the world and the need for a forum for international discussion of issues facing all children and youth; and
Whereas, children and youth are the key to world peace, sustainability, and productivity in the next millennium; and
Whereas, the health, welfare, and education of children and families are part of the basic foundation and values shared globally that should be provided for all children and youth; and
Whereas, the populations of countries in Asia and the Pacific Rim are the largest and fastest growing segment of the world's population with young people representing the largest percentage of that population; and
Whereas, Hawaii's location in the middle of the Pacific Rim between Asia and the Americas, along with a diverse culture and many shared languages, provides an excellent and strategic location for meetings and exchanges as demonstrated by the Millennium Young people's Congress, to discuss the health, welfare, and rights of children as a basic foundation for all children and youth, and to research pertinent issues and alternatives concerning children and youth, and to propose viable models for societal application; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, That the United Nations is respectfully requested to consider the establishment in Hawaii of a Center for the Health, Welfare, and Education of Children, Youth and Families for Asia and the Pacific; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the United States and the United States Congress are urged to support the establishment of the Center; and be it further
Resolved, That the House and Senate Committees on Health convene an exploratory task force to develop such a proposal for consideration by the United Nations; and be it further
Resolved, That certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the University of Hawaii, the President of the East West Center, the President of the United Nations Association in Hawaii, and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.
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