John Hubbard Chafee was born October 22, 1922 in Providence, Rhode Island. He attended Providence Country Day school and Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In 1940 he enrolled in Yale University but left during his sophomore year to join the United States Marine Corps at the start of World War II. He was among the first wave of American forces that invaded Guadalcanal and later the island of Okinawa. After returning from the war in 1945 he returned to Yale University and completed his bachelor’s degree. In 1950 he earned a law degree from Harvard University.
In 1951 the Marine Corps recalled Chafee to active duty. He spent the next two years serving as a rifle company commander in the Korean conflict. After returning from Korea in 1953 Chafee worked as an attorney in a Providence law firm while serving in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1957 to 1963. He was elected minority leader for the Rhode Island Republican party for three years and nominated as the party’s candidate for governor in the 1962 elections.
In 1962 Chafee ran for Governor of Rhode Island and won by a very narrow margin. He was reelected in 1964 and 1966 by the largest margins in the state’s gubernatorial history. After losing the 1968 gubernatorial race to Frank Licht, Chafee was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Richard Nixon in January 1969. Upon resigning from that position, Chafee entered the 1972 Senatorial race which he lost to incumbent Democrat Claiborne Pell.
Chafee ran again for Senator when John O. Pastore announced he was retiring. He was challenged by Richard P. Lorber, who beat Governor Philip Noel by a hundred votes in the primary. Chafee won the election by a comfortable margin carrying every town in the state and capturing 58 percent of the vote. He was the first Republican from Rhode Island elected to the Senate since 1930.
Chafee’s record was highlighted by his ability to lead bipartisan efforts towards passing far-reaching legislation. In Congress he worked through consensus and cooperation in order to make progress on important bills that greatly affected the budget, tax policy, environmental protection, health care, and civil rights. In 1977, Chafee attained the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. He quickly established himself as an advocate of environmental protection, often finding himself at odds with the conservative factions of his party.
Chafee helped pass major environmental protection legislation that included the 1980 Superfund program to clean up hazardous waste, the Clean Water Act of 1986, the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In 1990 Chafee was ousted from his Senate Republican Chairmanship position (the third ranking position in the party leadership) because of his collaboration with Senate majority leader George Mitchell on the Clean Air Act.
Chafee was a member of several important congressional committees. He sat on the Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Small Business, was Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Care, and was a member of the Senate Arms Control Observer Group. He also served as Chairman of the Republican Conference for six years. He was an advocate for expanding Medicare coverage to needy families and fought diligently to secure health care coverage for children through employee benefit plans. Chafee played a key role in the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allowed workers to take unpaid leave to care for a new child or deal with a family medical crisis. In addition, he helped write the Children’s Supplemental Security Income grant that safeguarded families threatened by government cutbacks. Chafee also fought hard for persons with disabilities and established landmark legislation providing home and community-based services for the developmentally disabled.
The 1982 senatorial election campaign was more difficult for Chafee than his previous election campaign. He was challenged by former state Attorney General Julius C. Michaelson. Michaelson tried to discredit Chafee by tying him to elements in the Republican party that supported President Ronald Reagan’s conservative agenda and close ties to big business which often clashed with the traditionally moderate ideology of Rhode Island constituents. Chafee defended his record by asserting that he prevented many jobs from leaving Rhode Island by persuading General Dynamics’ Electric Boat division to keep it’s shipyard in the state. Chafee was able to build a large treasury that allowed him to run a stronger campaign in the areas of the state that required his attention. Chafee’s long-standing seat on the Senate Finance Committee also gave him a significant advantage over his opponent. As a result, Chafee won the election, but by a mere 7,965 votes.
In the 1988 elections Chafee was challenged by Lieutenant Governor Richard Licht, nephew of former Governor Frank Licht. With a substantially larger campaign treasury and twelve years of experience in Congress, Chafee won the election with a comfortable 55 percent of the vote making him the first Republican senator in Rhode Island to be popularly elected to three consecutive terms.
Chafee was extremely active in efforts to preserve fragile coastal regions. His sponsorship of the Coastal Barriers Resources Act of 1982, which was amended in 1990, protected expansive areas of coastal shoreline from human development. Chafee also worked to protect wetlands and sponsored the American Wetlands Conservation Act. He played a leading role in the reformation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1995 and 1996, and he sponsored the 1984 Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act which saved important fisheries along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico from pollution and over-fishing. In addition, Chafee established the nation’s first indoor air hazard research and response program, and he authored legislation that established Rhode Island’s Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge which protects over 300 acres of salt marsh and forest land.
In the 1994 senatorial election Chafee retained his seat by defeating Democratic state legislator Linda J. Kushner by a comfortable margin. Chafee captured a surprising 65 percent of the vote in a year when he was thought to be vulnerable because of his highly centrist record which was seen as too moderate for Republicans and too conservative for Democrats. Nevertheless, Kushner failed to develop an effective campaign strategy and often attacked Chafee in areas where he excelled, such as health care and the environment. One of the last major bills Chafee helped create and pass was the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century through which he obtained federal funding for a bicycle trail along the Blackstone River, in addition to 59 million dollars for a new Jamestown Bridge. Chafee died on October 24, 1999 after more than forty years of public service. He left behind his wife Virginia, and their five children.
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John H. Chafee Senatorial Papers, Mss. Gr. 115.2A, University of Rhode Island, University Archives and Special Collections.
The Senatorial Papers of John H. Chafee (1976-1999) are divided into three sub-groups: Providence Office, Washington Office, and Multi-Media. The records of the Providence Office subgroup were transferred to the University of Rhode Island from Senator Chafee’s offices in Providence, RI. The records from the Washington Office sub-group were sent from his Washington, D.C. office. The first shipments of the Chafee Senatorial Papers were transferred to the University of Rhode Island in the Spring of 1993 and continued to arrive periodically through March of 2001. Chafee’s papers as Governor, Secretary of Navy, and for his campaigns are in Manuscript Group 114, Gubernatorial and Secretary of the Navy Papers, 1962-1975.
The senatorial papers contain 1,929 boxes of records and occupy approximately 1,088 linear feet of shelf space. The Providence Office, sub-group 1, contains 220 boxes of records and occupies 155 linear feet of shelf space. The Washington Office, sub-group 2, contains 1,642 boxes of records and occupies 873 linear feet of shelf space. Multi-Media, sub-group 3, contains 67 boxes of records and occupies 60 linear feet of shelf space.
The Washington Office, sub-group 2, records consist of memoranda, speeches, notes, bills, correspondence, publications, news articles, maps, charts, and photographs. Records also include artifacts such as campaign bumper stickers, buttons, as well as an American flag, and his office flag as Secretary of the Navy.
The records are arranged into the following series:
The first shipments of the Chafee Senatorial Papers were transferred from Chafee's Washington office to the University of Rhode Island in the spring of 1993 and continued to arrive periodically through March of 2001.
The records were originally collected and stored by the Washington office of John H. Chafee.
Due to the large size of the Washington Office sub-group, the series are divided into three sections: Washington Office I, II and III. The collection was processed by Mark Dionne in 2006.
The Gubernatorial Papers of John H. Chafee (MsG. 114.1), The John H. Chafee Secretary of the Navy Papers (MsG. 114.2) The John H. Chafee 1972 Senatorial Campaign Papers (MsG. 114.3).
The series contains records regarding domestic and international fiscal policy. The records consist of government reports, correspondence, memoranda, committee hearing testimonies, bills, notes, and briefing books. The records also include Senate Finance Committee budget reports, Chafee budget proposals, Clinton budget proposals, deficit reduction and economic plans.
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation (1995-1998), regarding changes in spending and revenue laws. These records include appropriation bills regarding environmental management, highway construction, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and Department of Labor. Also included are records concerning an riders exempting small farming operations from the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) oversight. Senators Chafee and Reed (D-RI) contested the bill after a Rhode Island youth was killed in tractor accident on a farm that fell under the exemption rule. Gang of Five (1983), centrist congressional coalition working papers regarding efforts to curb President Reagan's defense budget expenditures, statements on bi-partisan budget proposals, and statistical data charts used for evidence in tax cut repeal legislation. Foreign Operations Appropriations, containing reports on export financing support for various countries including economic assistance, military assistance, and multilateral assistance.
Grey Markets, relating to bans on parallel imports and trademark infringement by battery manufacturers.
Highway Bills, concerning the environmental effects of highway construction on national parks and public lands.
Line-Item Veto, a legislative debate on whether or not the President should have increased ability to control congressional spending through enhanced recessionary powers. Balanced Budget Amendments, including reconciliation bills, and resolutions regarding deficit management, social security reform, Medicare, and excise taxes. The records also consist of Chafee budget scorecards which are summaries of Senator Chafee's votes on spending increases and decreases. The scorecards also list the dollar amounts and cost estimates for each vote.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The Senate Budget Committee is responsible for drafting the annual congressional budget plan and overseeing action taken on the budget for the federal government. The Budget Committee also has jurisdiction over the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) which provides cost estimates covering a five year period for all bills reported by congressional committees. Senator Chafee served on the Committee from Jan 10, 1977 to Feb 22, 1977 before moving to Human Resources and Environment and Public Works.
The series contains records relating to federal and state budget issues that were before the Senate Budget Committee. The records include government reports, correspondence, memoranda, transcripts of committee hearings, testimonies, bills, hand-written notes, and conference materials.
Subjects include budget planning, Medicaid reform, social security tax surplus, and appropriations legislation. Budget reports (1989-1992) include projection, overview, and analysis reports by the Treasury Department, Bureau of National Affairs, Congressional Budget Office, Cato Institute, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), among other private and government entities.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records related to United States foreign and domestic trade policy. The records consist of bills, memoranda, correspondence, notes, reports, studies, publications, press releases, news clippings, speeches, nominations, and congressional statements. The records also include presidential and congressional correspondence, photographs (Rhode Island North American Free Trade Agreement event), and briefing books from conferences and committee hearings.
Subjects include:
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), regarding negotiations on free trade with Canada, Mexico, and nations of the Caribbean basin. The records include studies from institutes, government agencies, and private groups. The series also contains legislation and hearing testimonies addressing the environmental impact of NAFTA policies in Mexico, Canada, and the United States including testimony from members of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) which Senator Chafee chaired.
Gray-Market Goods, legislation concerning U.S. made goods sold overseas then imported back into the United States and sold at discount prices.
Uruguay Round Agreement, negotiations on expanding global trade. Includes staff reports outlining legislation aimed at implementing multilateral trade agreements covering such areas as dispute settlement, import licensing, and shipment inspection.
Chafee Trade Files, containing memoranda, speeches, briefing books, press releases, and notes regarding trade legislation from 1984 to 1993. Most of the memoranda is from staff briefing Chafee on upcoming meetings, hearings, and bills.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), designed to provide an international forum to encourage free trade between member states by regulating and reducing tariffs on traded goods and by providing a common mechanism for resolving trade disputes. The series contains legislation on environmental impact of trade, anti-dumping (when manufacturers sell goods abroad at lower prices than the ones they sell domestically), and countervailing duties.
South Africa Trade Sanctions, regarding the United States' response to the apartheid policies in South Africa (1984-1987). Records include presidential correspondence, press releases, notes, reports outlining U.S. policy toward South Africa, and congressional petitions to the government of South Africa.
Japan, trade policy including unfair practices issues in the telecommunications sector, aviation deregulation, President Bush trip (1991), semiconductor imports, whaling industry, and legal services quality.
Caribbean Basin Initiative, concerning negotiations to reduce tariffs for Caribbean Basin nations that move forward on free-trade policies and implement reform to protect intellectual property rights, upgrade customs procedures to NAFTA standards, and increase market access to U.S. goods.
Telecommunications, regarding trade hearings concerning global competition, trade agreements, technology upgrading, technology advancement, trans-border data flow management, ATand T;T break-up, and tariff policy.
Foreign Trade Zones, to promote international trade by establishing designated areas inside the U.S. where foreign products are exempt from customs and duties.
Most Favored Nation (MFN), concerning the determination of trade status for countries the United States has deemed suitable for engaging in free trade relations. These countries include China, Venezuela, Bulgaria, and Cambodia.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records concerning financial services institutions, fiscal policy, pension funding, and securities regulation. The records consist of committee hearing testimonies, congressional statements, speeches, news clippings, reports, memoranda, bills, and notes. Subjects include: Domestic Content Bill (Fair Practice in Automotive Products Act of 1984), regarding efforts to force domestic and foreign car manufacturers to use a certain percentage of American-made parts in their operations or risk import/export penalties.
Banking Reform Bill (1991), regarding federal funding for bank insurance companies in order to allow banks to expand across regions and business sectors.
Credit Crunch Relief Act (1993-1994), making it easier for banks to make loans to small businesses and farms by softening federal banking rules and requiring less paperwork.
Financial Services Modernization Act (1998-1999), allowing the banking industry to merge with insurance companies, brokerage firms, and other commercial financial services institutions thereby creating financial conglomerates.
Rhode Island Banking Crisis (1991-1993), involving the seizure of 45 financial institutions by the state after their private deposit insurance failed leaving some 200,000 depositors without access to their funds. The records include legislation Senator Chafee authored enabling the state to borrow $180 million dollars at a low interest rate as part of a bail-out package.
Securities Litigation Reform (1997-1998), requiring all class action suits filed by 50 or more parties and involving securities fraud to be transferred from state court to federal court jurisdiction.
Additional material on these and related subjects see the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee series.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding issues brought before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The Committee maintains jurisdiction over financial institutions, defense production, foreign trade promotion, federal monetary policy, deposit insurance, coinage, housing, government contracts, financial aid to industry, urban development, mass transit, price control on commodities, renting rates, and government services. Senator Chafee served on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee during the years 1981-1983, 1987-1989, 1991-1992.
The records include speeches, congressional statements, notes, correspondence, bills, hearing testimonies, reports, studies, news articles, press releases, and memoranda. Subjects cover banking issues regarding insurance, trade, real estate, and securities legislation. Other subjects include corporate takeovers, credit card interest rate disclosure, federal monetary programs and policy, foreign corrupt practices act (1987), Glass-Steagall Act (National Bank Act of 1933), Securities and Exchange Committee authorization bills, insider trading, and trade reform bills.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records used by Senator Chafee's staff for legislative and administrative activities. The records consist of memoranda, correspondence, notes, speeches, resumes, legislative agendas, schedules, and meeting notices. The series also contains Chafee legislative accomplishment reports, applicant resumes, rejection letters, acceptance letters, and recommendations from Chafee to private or government employers as requested by individuals.
The records include memoranda from staff to Senator Chafee outlining background information on legislative issues and bills introduced by other senators concerning environmental contamination, child welfare, agriculture, civil rights, and economic policy. Included are memoranda from staff members to Senator Chafee discussing speeches on gun control and broadcasting regulation. In addition, there is correspondence from individuals applying for legislative and administrative positions on Chafee's staff.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains the office files of Chafee's Press Secretary, Nicholas Graham, 1997-1999. The records consist of notes, press releases, news clippings, news articles, memoranda, correspondence, speeches, reports, and congressional statements.
Subjects include: The Caring for Children Act of 1997, regarding child care legislation for low-income working class families by providing increased tax credits for employers and parents. The bill also made provisions for assessing liability affects on affordability, and seeing that states implemented measures that ensured children are adopted into healthy and safe households.
Environment and Public Works, concerning land conservation bills including the Superfund Clean Up Acceleration Act (1997) and the Superfund Program Completion Act (1999) which appropriated funds to states for landfill management, and cleaning up toxic waste sites and brown fields.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) authorizing $121 billion for highway programs for fiscal years 1992-1997. The highway programs include the National Highway System, Interstate Maintenance Program, and the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
he series contains the office files of Chafee's Legislative Assistant Robert Greenawalt, 1993-1997. Records include memoranda, speeches, notes, correspondence, press releases, news clippings, and reports.
Subjects cover veterans affairs regarding budget and compensation for exposure to radioactivity and agent orange, railway and highway management, and electrical superconductor development for nuclear submarines.
Subjects include: Atomic Veterans folders (1987-1988), regarding the easing of restriction on compensation claims from veterans suffering from the effects of radiation poisoning contracted during their involvement in nuclear weapons testing programs. Included are records regarding the Defense Authorization Act of 1985 provision to limit defendants' rights in these cases. The folders also include efforts to establish regarding studies on the effects of radium treatments used on American military personnel and civilians 1920-1974.
Amtrak (1994), environmental impact reports and analysis for upgrading the railways in the northeast corridor.
Enola Gay "The Last Act" Exhibit (1994), controversy regarding the 50th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagaski.
Superconducting Super Collider (1992-1993), regarding an $8.4 billion science project that included the construction of a 53 mile circular tunnel in which atomic particles would be made to collide at super-sonic speeds and broken into their smallest parts. Scientists thought the fragments would lend insight into origins of the universe and lead to other discoveries as well.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains the office files of Senator Chafee's Legislative Director and Chief of Staff David Griswold, 1983-1999. The records include memoranda, correspondence, speeches, notes, news articles, congressional hearing testimonies, and reports. Subjects cover environmental management, education legislation, and public works projects.
Subjects also include: Tuition Tax Credits (1983-1984), allotted to parents who enroll children in private institutions. The records include speeches delivered by Senator Chafee explaining his opposition to the Tuition Tax Credit bill.
Impact Aid (1984), concerning the entitlement program providing financial assistance to school districts in federally affected areas (districts containing military bases, government offices, Indian-lands, and low-rent public housing projects). The records pertain to the city of Newport, RI.
Water Projects and Water Bills (1985), including Chafee's clean-up efforts on Gorton Pond in Warwick, RI, as well as the Water Resources Development Act authorizing the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States. The records also include the Cargo Diversion Amendment exempting trade items coming into American ports from the National User Tax in order to make them more competitive with ports in Mexico and Canada.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains the office files of Senator Chafee's Executive Secretary Hollis Brown Nesbit, 1977-1991. The records consist of correspondence, press releases, memos, statements, and awards. Also included are correspondence, reports, and notes from Senator Chafee's chairmanship on the Republican National Conference, as well as records from Judge Walter Nixon's impeachment hearings, and the 1989 Presidential inauguration ceremony.
Subjects include: Awards (1978-1991), including the Rhode Island General Assembly resolution congratulating Senator Chafee on his efforts in historic preservation legislation, as well as certificates of appreciation from the Home Builders Institute, American Association of University Women, New England Water Pollution Control Association, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Baker, Howard (1979-1980), regarding Senator Chafee's support for Baker as the Republican Presidential nominee. The records include press releases, schedules, correspondence, memoranda, and position papers. The records also include correspondence from President Reagan asking Senator Chafee to help support efforts to retire Howard Baker's campaign debt after he lost the nomination.
Chafee: Intelligence Committee (1984), containing correspondence and memoranda from Chairman Barry Goldwater asking Chafee to consider extending membership tenure beyond the four-year term allowed by congress. Subjects also include the Intelligence Identities Protection Act and clarification language regarding criminal liability for the disclosure of information identifying an individual as a covert agent.
Contras: Nicaragua (1984-1986), regarding the debate over appropriations for military support to Contra rebels fighting the Sandinista government. The records also include issues raised over the Central Intelligence AGency's involvement in the conflict.
El Salvador (1981,1990) containing correspondence from Secretary of State James Baker III discussing ceasefire agreement between El Salvadoran government forces and leftist guerrillas. The records also contain memoranda and reports outlining U.S. policy toward El Salvador. There is also correspondence from President Alfredo Cristiani urging Senator Chafee to vote for reinstatement of full levels of U.S. military assistance to the El Salvadoran government.
Republican Conference (1984-1991), containing correspondence between Senator Chafee and his colleagues thanking him for his efforts as Chairman of the Republican Conference for the 99th congress (1985-1986). The records include memoranda on the conference agenda, schedules, procedures, voting records, speeches, and notes.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains the office files of Senator Chafee's Legislative Director David Sloane, 1994-1999. The records consist of acceptances to attend special events sponsored by colleagues, congressional committees, political groups, business organizations, and educational institutions. The records also include vote analysis on finance issues, as well as news clippings, memoranda, and reports. Subjects cover Chafee's national defense record, taxes, welfare reform, and labor issues.
Subjects include: Accomplishments (1977-1993), containing annotated lists of Chafee's legislative activities concerning veteran's affairs, tax policy, environmental management, mining law, and agriculture. The records also include congressional vote analyses, news articles, legislative agendas, and reports.
Chafee Debate Book (1994), containing an index of active and potential issues on Chafee's agenda, list of affirmative legislative votes by Chafee during the years 1981-1992, and Chafee votes to override Presidential vetoes.
Labor (1978-1992), regarding debate over the illegality of hiring replacement workers for striking New England Telephone union employees. The records include correspondence with corporate officials, Chafee labor-related legislative voting history, reports, and news articles.
Taxes (1977-1995), regarding estate tax exemption, gift tax on transfers between family members, and federal tax subsidies for health care providers.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains the office files of Senator Chafee's Administrative Assistant William Corcoran, 1984-1985. The records include press releases, memoranda, constituent correspondence, congressional correspondence, press clippings, invitations, and reports.
Subjects cover Republican National Committee (RNC) conventions, environmental management, defense contracts, foreign policy, and constituent files. The folders containing work orders consist of carbon copy forms used for creating post card notices sent to constituents informing them that Senator Chafee will be holding a Listen-In meeting (town hearing) to address whatever concerns they may have.
Chafee Correspondence (1984-1985), thanking fellow senators for voting against the Robert K. Dawson nomination for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and for supporting an amendment to postpone indexing of personal income taxes. There is also correspondence to congressional members of the House of Representatives thanking them for attending the Republican Conference on the 1984 Hazardous Waste Amendments which were being sent to the Executive Administration for review.
Corcoran Correspondence (1983-1985), consists of letters to editors of major newspapers, constituents, political supporters, and responses to invitations to speaking events, conferences, and meetings. Included are memoranda to Chafee outlining developments in pending legislative and constituent matters.
Environment (1981-1983), containing correspondence, news articles, and memoranda regarding wetlands conservation, Endangered Species Act, and the Ciba-Geigy chemical plant permit to discharge toxic waste.
Israeli-Saudi Matters (1981), addressing issues concerning the Israeli bombing raid on an Iraqi nuclear reactor, and the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Navy (1978-1983), containing news articles, correspondence, and memoranda addressing federal initiatives promoting base closings and realignments in the Northeast, as well as records regarding efforts to expand the Newport Naval Base to receive five additional battleships.
Projects (1981-1983), consisting of correspondence with constituents addressing issues concerning employment, grants, education, and legal matters. Whitehouse Appointment Nominee Lists (1983), for Executive Office departments and agencies which include background information for each nominee.
Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records from Senator Chafee's 1982 campaign for re-election. Box one contains volunteer and donor response cards from the "Chafee Campaign '82 Committee". The second box contains mailing lists, town committee members lists, campaign correspondence, and lists of potential volunteer contacts.
Due to the private nature of some of the material, approval for research in this series is by permission of the archivist.
Subjects include: Campaign Correspondence (1980-1982), consisting of Chafee responses to individuals volunteering support, assistance, and looking for staff positions for the Chafee campaign. The records also include letters from business officials offering support and invitations to meet with Chafee, as well as responses to constituent questions regarding political concerns.
Captain's Lists (1980-1981), consisting of names, addresses, and phone numbers of leaders for each Republican Town Committee in Rhode Island.
Potential Volunteers (1981), consists of correspondence from individuals offering assistance, or looking for positions on Chafee's staff.
Republican Town Committees (1980-1981), listing names and addresses of members.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains over 1,530 speeches and remarks delivered by Senator Chafee. The records include congressional statements, press releases, notes, memoranda, correspondence, news articles, photographs, and reports.
The speeches were given at memorials, commemoratives, business events, health care conferences, education seminars, trade conferences, campaign events, environmental management conferences, and military events.
Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series consists of speeches and statements given at functions and events regarding a broad spectrum of subjects. The records include congressional record statements, memoranda, drafts, lists of talking points, and press releases.
The speeches were delivered at memorials, commemoratives, commencements, business events, health care conferences, education seminars, trade conferences, campaign events, environment management conferences, and military events.
Subjects include: All-volunteer military feasibility plan and reinstitution of the military draft. (1977)
Association of Former Intelligence Officers, regarding the verification of arms control agreements, as well as proposed agendas for future Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). (1977)
Arms control, issues pertaining to strategic ballistic missiles, nuclear submarine contracts, B-1 bomber production, and MX missile production. (1981-1984)
Tax reform, addressing the issue of tax shelters for overseas companies, minimux tax rates, investment tax credits, and historic preservation tax credits. (1984, 1986)
Deficit Reduction Act, regarding legislation on the taxation of employee benefits. (1984)
Trade policy, regarding pressure from small businesses and companies seeking protection from the effects of the federal trade deficit. (1985)
Bill of Rights and the downfall of the communist block and the Soviet Union. (1991) Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the U.S. response. (1991)
Health care issues, regarding a senate bi-partisan mainstream group and its efforts to provide uninsured working families with affordable health care coverage. (1994-1995)
Foster care, concerning monetary incentives to families who adopt children through the Families First project. (1997)
The folders are arranged chronologically.
This series contains records used by Senator Chafee and his staff to write, organize, and schedule speeches. The records consist of speech drafts, correspondence, memoranda, notes, press releases, news articles, and legislative reports. The records also include lists of scheduled speeches, outlines for speeches, notes, and congressional record statements.
Subjects include the Lincoln Annual Address, Presidential historiographies, and reports on tax reform, foreign trade, and budget reports.
The folders are arranged chronologically by year.
The series contains records regarding gun control legislation, gun violence awareness programs, and firearm-related issues. The records consist of constituent correspondence, notes, memoranda, speeches, briefing books, essays, reports, news articles, press releases, and bills.
Subjects include: "Guns Aren't Cool" contest, created by Senator Chafee in 1997 and consisting of grade school essays and drawings, as well as correspondence, news articles, and advertisements.
Anti-Chafee Bill Letters and Chafee Bill Supporters, consisting of correspondence from individuals expressing their dissatisfaction with the Chafee Hand Gun Bill as well as letters of support thanking Chafee for efforts with gun control legislation. The records include Senator Chafee's responses to constituent letters regarding gun control.
Endorsements, containing correspondence from medical institutes, health organizations, religious groups, and municipalities supporting Chafee's efforts in gun control legislation.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding women' issues concerning employment, child care, business, domestic violence, and rape. The records consist of reports, publications, hearing transcripts, correspondence, biographical notes, and photographs. The records also include bills, press releases, Chafee speeches, conference presentations, conference attendee mailing lists, and invitations to speakers.
Subjects include: Rhode Island Women Conferences (1988-1992), examining the legal and economic aspects of divorce, child care, child support, alimony, and women in the labor market. The conferences were sponsored by Senator Chafee and held at the Omni Biltmore Hotel in Providence, RI.
The Violence Against Women Act (1994), containing reports, statistical data, and news articles concerning the appropriation of federal funding to states for increasing efforts to reduce domestic violence and violence against women. The bill allowed for funds to be used for training police, prosecutors, and judges in the area of domestic and gender-based violence. It also allotted funding for victim services programs, women's shelters, prevention programs, and hotline services. In addition, the bill extended rape shield laws, required states to enforce restraining orders, and required confidentiality restrictions for addresses of shelters and abused persons.
Women in Business Conference (1984-1989), regarding the Reagan Administration's national initiative to provide business skills training to women entrepreneurs and improve the business environment in the public and private sectors for women business owners. The records include conference agenda, press releases, news articles, panelist biographies, panelist correspondence with Chafee, and reports from the Small Business Administration.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains letters from Senator Chafee's constituents, colleagues, friends, government officials, and groups thanking him for his legislative work and support on particular issues. The series includes letters from representatives of corporations and political organizations thanking Chafee for his vote and/or co-sponsorship of legislation.
Subjects include correspondence concerning agriculture, armed services, banking, housing and urban affairs, budget, commerce, education, energy, environment, finance, health care, tax and trade, judiciary, labor, government affairs, veterans affairs, and welfare.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains letters from constituents, government officials, businessmen, and political organizations thanking Chafee for his support of specific legislation. The records include letters of appreciation for speaking engagements and meetings with Senator Chafee.
Subjects include assistance with passports, immigration problems, veteran's benefits, environmental management, and financial legislation.
The folders are arranged chronologically by date.
The series contains records relating to issues brought before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The committee maintains jurisdiction over coastal resource management, highway safety, interstate commerce, marine fisheries, aeronautic and space sciences, consumer product safety and liability, technology research and development, aviation, sports, transportation, standards and measurement, and interstate carriers. The records consist of reports, correspondence, news articles, speeches, congressional statements, bills, memoranda, and hearing testimonies.
Subjects include aviation safety codes, broadcasting licensing, media copyright legislation, railway development, telephone service costs, and drug testing for transportation workers.
Subjects also include: Aviation Issues (1995), regarding the American Society of Travel Agents' opposition to the airline industry placing caps on commissions to travel agents. The Federal Aviation Administration's (1989) employee training programs, medical evaluations, hiring practices, and oversight of airline mergers and acquisitions.
Drunk Driving Issues (1988), relating to the Chafee-sponsored Drunk Driving Prevention Act of 1988, which extended federal funding and financial rewards to states that established programs to prevent drunk driving.
Fairness Doctrine in Broadcasting Act (1989), regarding reinstatement of the fairness doctrine that required broadcasters who aired controversial shows or commercials to give opponents free air time in order to respond.
Transportation Safety (1987-1989), concerning drug testing rules for employees in safety and security-related transportation industries.
Telephone (1984), industry issues regarding American Telephone and Telegraph Company (ATand T;T) divestiture and its affect on consumer rates and services.
For related topics see also the Commerce series.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records on relating to commerce and issues handled by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The records consist of bills, correspondence, press releases, speeches, congressional statements, hearing reports, testimonies, notes, and publications.
Subjects include Amtrak Reauthorization reform, telecommunications industry deregulation legislation, fish conservation, Magnuson Act, aquaculture programs, seafood inspection, Product Liability Reform Act, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space station program, and matters regarding the United States Coast Guard.
Other topics include: Amtrak (1995), issues and the Local Rail Revitalization Act concerning the deterioration of the industry's infrastructure and ability to provide acceptable service. Aquaculture (1980-1997), regarding the National Aquaculture Act of 1980, and the Marine Aquaculture Act of 1995. The legislation was designed to promote coordination of aquaculture policy, research, and development for an environmentally and economically sound fisheries industry. The records include brochures, memoranda, correspondence, and news articles regarding the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program established at the University of Rhode Island.
Year 2000 Computer Problem (1998-1999) addressing the issue of updating computer operating systems to conform to the numeric values consistent with the year 2000. Records include conference reports and a "Year 2000 Preparedness Act Press Kit."
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records relating to small business development, loan disbursements, economic competitiveness, and federal business programs. The records consist of bills, correspondence, reports, press releases, conference materials, speeches, memoranda, and notes.
Subjects include: Chafee Workshop on Small Business and Environment (1993), examining the impact of health care legislation, credit availability, and compliance with environmental laws and regulations on Rhode Island small businesses. (see also Small Business Recovery Act, Lending and Credit Availability Act: folder 86)
Economic Competitiveness: Rhode Island (1990-1995), regarding Rhode Island manufacturing job losses and the affect on the economy, tax policies, workforce investments, youth training programs, and research and technology initiatives.
National Federation of Independent Business (1992-1993) reports examining the issue of employer-provided health care insurance.
Small Business Development Center Act (1986-1999) establishing programs that provide business-related counseling, training, and specialized assistance aimed at strengthening the small business community.
Small Business Recovery Act, Lending and Credit Availability Act (1991, 1993) regarding Chafee bills aimed at increasing lending to small businesses.
Whitehouse Conference on Small Business (1986, 1995) comprised of over 1,800 delegates from all regions of the United States presenting the views and concerns of the small business community.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records related to the Community and Family Living Act and it's amendments. The bill provides services and supplemental income for individuals who have severe developmental or physical disabilities. The records consist of reports, handbooks, bills, state-by-state constituent correspondence to Senator Chafee, and speaking invitations.
Subjects include the funding and management of residential community and family living facilities that house and support the disabled. The series also includes correspondence from colleagues and constituents from each of the lower 48 states commending Senator Chafee for his work on the Community and Family Living Act.
Subjects also include: Americans with Disabilities Act (1992) prohibiting employers, employment agencies, labor unions, state governments, and local governments from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Medicaid and Community and Quality Services Act (1987) providing assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities in order to attain and maintain independence and the capacity to participate in community and family life.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding abortion legislation and abortion rights issues. The records consist of bills, reports, correspondence, news articles, memoranda, legal briefs, guidelines, legislative histories, congressional floor statements, and speeches.
Subjects include: Condom Availability (1992), concerning legislative efforts to disallow condom availability programs in public schools intended to help prevent the spread of HIV.
Freedom of Choice Act (1991-1994), regarding efforts to codify the Roe v. Wade decision in order to protect the reproductive rights of women. The series include the restoration of federal funding for abortion services for women on Medicaid, and the nullification of restrictions put on abortion services during the Reagan Administration.
Title X Regulations (1970-1995) prohibiting the use of federal funds to family planning programs that provide abortion services.
Title X Gag Rule (1991) barring federally financed family planning centers from discussing abortion with pregnant women.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records concerning workers rights, compensation, hiring practices, unemployment benefits, strikes, minimum wage rates, competitiveness standards, and job training. The records include bills, reports, summaries, briefing materials, fact sheets, memoranda, correspondences, press releases, statements, speeches, senate record vote analysis, and congressional testimonies.
Subjects include: Competitiveness: Human Resources Package (1984-1991), to improve basic educational skills and promote literacy to disadvantaged students and workers.
Davis-Bacon Act (1985-1996), regarding efforts to repeal and/or reform the original 1931 Act which enforced prevailing wage standards on federal construction projects. Family and Medical Leave Act (1988), and the Parental and Family Leave Act (1993) to grant employees parental and temporary medical leave in cases involving birth, an adoption, or illness of family member.
Job Training Partnership Act (1988-1995), charging private sector, state, and local government with the responsibility of developing and implementing job training programs.
Minimum Wage (1988-1996), legislation regarding the debate over whether to implement an increase in minimum wage standards, or issue an earned income tax credit which would increase the disposable income of low-wage working citizens through reductions in federal taxes.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1994-1998), regarding regulation reform, ergonomic standards, construction violations, and efforts at regulatory exemption by business groups.
Reemployment Act Variations (1994), regarding multiple legislative efforts to establish job programs for dislocated workers and to establish a job training and employment system for citizens looking for jobs. Subject include legislative efforts to replace the unemployment system with a reemployment system.
School to Work Opportunities Act (1993), aimed at promoting worker security and to close the skills gap between educated and non-educated workers. The bill also incorporates welfare reform, reemployment programs, worker training, and education reform.
Striker Replacement Legislation (1992-1995), debate over the banning of the permanent replacement of unionized employees during economic strikes. Chafee argued the bill would reduce U.S. competitiveness, disrupt labor-management relations, and sacrifice more jobs than it would save.
Unemployment Compensation Legislation (1989-1995), legislation to extend unemployment benefits to dislocated workers. Subjects also include the extension of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program to accelerate the re-employment of workers who have lost their jobs.
Work and Family (1993-1997), regarding the Family Friendly Work Place Act and the Flex-Comp Time Act giving workers the option of taking compensatory time off for accumulated overtime instead of cash wages. Both pieces of legislation were efforts to revise the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series consists of records regarding ethical standards for elections, campaign fundraising, and other political activities. The series contains legislation relating to filibuster reform, voter registration reform, political action committee guidelines, and the Ethics Reform Act. The records consist of bills, congressional floor statements, amendments, reports, news articles, notes, memoranda, press releases, and speeches.
Subjects include: Bankruptcy Reform Act (1998), regarding efforts to force high-income debtors who file for bankruptcy enter into a regulated payment plan.
Campaign Finance Reform (1990-1994), pertaining to spending limits on campaign contributions from special interest groups, bans on soft money, and lobbyist financing of House and Senate races. See also McCain-Feingold (S.1219).
Congressional Reform Bill (1991-1992), establishing a Joint Committee on the organization of congress to study the feasibility of limiting the number of years congressional members can serve on a committee.
Judge Walter L. Nixon (1989-1990), concerning the impeachment of the United States District Court Judge for Southern Mississippi for tampering with a drug smuggling case. Subjects also include the impeachment of Judge Alcee Hastings. See Ethics Publications series XLVI-P for published volumes of senate hearing proceedings regarding these cases.
Keating Five Case (1985-1991), regarding the congressional investigation of high-risk growth violations by the Lincoln Savings and Loan thrift corporation and the involvement of five United States senators.
Rules Committee Funding Resolution (1991-1993), calling for significant reductions in funding for the Senate Committees on Governmental Affairs, Labor and Human Resources, and the Judiciary. The resolution also recommended small increases in funding to the committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, Banking Energy, Environment, Finance, Foreign Relations, Rules, Veterans Affairs, Aging, Intelligence, and Indian Affairs. Term Limits Resolution (1991-1996), regarding efforts to approve a constitutional amendment to limiting the number of consecutive terms congressional members can serve in office.
Whitewater Case (1993-1996), concerning the involvement of William and Hillary Clinton in the case of Madison Guaranty Savings and; Loan and Whitewater Development Corporation scandal.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records concerning legislation on environmental management, preservation, and conservation. The records consist of bills, reports, memoranda, speeches, press releases, news articles, correspondence, congressional statements, briefing books, maps, and notes.
Subjects include: Clean Air Act (1997), consisting of, briefing books, fact sheets, congressional research service reports, general reports, and pro and con Clean Air Act news articles. The records include legislation aimed at curbing ground-level ozone and fine particle pollutants raising the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality standards.
Disaster Relief: Blizzard of 1978, consisting of Rhode Island Emergency Hearing testimonies and the Governor's plan for snow removal and restoration efforts. Subjects include correspondence and memoranda regarding the federal reaction to the emergency.
Domenici Grazing Bill (1995-1996), concerning the Livestock Grazing Act and the substitute version titled the Public Rangelands Management Act. The bills called for extending terms on grazing leases from ten to twelve years and the lowering of grazing fees. The bill also gave ranchers proprietary rights on water resources on federal lands and excluded the public from management decisions.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) (1997), regarding bi-partisan efforts to reduce habitat protection restrictions on ranchers and land owners. The bill also called for stricter scheduling of future habitat protection plans.
Forest Service Reports (1995-1998), includes reports on forest insect and disease conditions, the Forest Legacy Program, unauthorized usage of national forest funds, and the Public Land and Management Responsibility and Accountability Act.
Mining Reform (1990-1997), regarding efforts to amend the General Mining Law of 1872 which granted free access to individuals and corporation to prospect for minerals on public lands and to stake claim on any deposits they discover.
National Park System (1995-1998), regarding the Vision 2020 National Parks Restoration Act aimed at protection and preservation of national parks resources.
National Parks Concession Reform (1991-1994), regarding efforts to reform the management of private concession businesses operating in national parks.
Oil Spills: Liability and Compensation (1977-1985), regarding legislation aimed at establishing a comprehensive system of liability and compensation for damages caused by oil pollution. The records include amendments to the International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage.
Surplus Federal Land Sales (1982-1983), regarding the Chafee and Pell joint effort to stop the sale of federal land on Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island by the General Services Administration for residential housing.
Westway Landfill and Highway Project (1982-1985), regarding mitigation between federal and state governments over the construction of a landfill and highway on Manhattan's west side and their effect on water and air quality in that area.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records on issues addressed by the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW). The committee has jurisdiction over federal land management, interstate highway system, navigation projects, air and water pollution control, natural disaster relief, rural and community economic development, endangered species protection, wildlife refuges, and nonmilitary nuclear power regulation. The committee also maintains oversight in programs conducted by the Departments of Transportation, Commerce, Agriculture, and Interior.
Senator Chafee served on the Environment and Public Works Committee from 1977-1999 and was appointed committee Chairman from 1995-1999. His accomplishments include strengthening the Endangered Species Act, Superfund programs, ocean dumping bans, Safe Drinking Water act, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act. He authored the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, which ended federal assistance for new construction on undeveloped coastal barrier beaches. He also helped create oil spill prevention and liability legislation (Oil Pollution Act), wildlife protection (Lacey Act), open space conservation ( Pettaquamscutt National Wildlife Refuge), and historic preservation legislation ( Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor).
The records consist of memoranda, speeches, notes, bills, news articles, press releases, committee hearing testimonies, government and non-government studies and reports. Subjects include International Wildlife Resources Conservation Act (1980-1983), hazardous waste management, resource conservation and recovery, industrial waste recovery, striped bass protection, clean coal technology, Superfund programs, and nuclear power regulations. The series also contains are records detailing committee hearings on the Environmental Protection Agency's ocean incineration policy, oil spill liability, and resource conservation legislation. Subjects regarding the environment and natural resources can also be found in the Environment and Subject File series.
Subjects also include: Art Hazards (1979-1985), includes reports from the Center for Occupational Hazards and the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group concerning the effects of arts and crafts supplies on women's' reproductive health and children's health. Blackstone River National Park (1985-1986), regarding the efforts to establish a national park on the Blackstone River. Included are speeches, memoranda, and floor statements by Senators Chafee and Pell urging congressional members to endorse a bill designating the Blackstone River and Canal running from Providence to Worcester a national heritage corridor.
Energy (1985), regarding the Environmental and Energy Study Convention, consumption and expenditure reports, and radioactive waste disposal.
Energy Efficient America Act (1984-1985), concerning legislation linking energy conservation and employment by establishing a federal program to etherize 13 million low-income households.
Fishing Vessel Bill (1985), regarding legislative efforts to establish a Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee to address the problem of escalating insurance rates for fishing vessels.
Highways (1984-1985), concerning legislation cosponsored by Senator Chafee to authorize funding for highway projects. The bill also called for greater flexibility for Rhode Island in the use of its federal highway funds.
Industrial Cost Recovery Act (1977-1979), concerning the debate over whether to reenact the bill after its moratorium in 1977. The Industrial Cost Recovery Act required that industrial users of municipal treatment plants pay a portion of the federal share of the plant's construction costs which could be attributed to the treatment of industrial wastes.
Nuclear Power (1978), regarding proposals for a moratorium on continued construction of nuclear facilities in the United States. Subjects also include nuclear waste management plans, authorization for federal funding of nuclear projects, and the impact of nuclear power sites on the environment. The records include a Tour and Briefing report on the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Ocean Dumping (1978-1984), regarding amendments to The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act which prohibited dumping of sewage sludge that would endanger or degrade human health, welfare, or the marine environment.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1978-1985), prohibiting placement of containerized liquids in landfills. Subjects include hazardous waste dumping cases, and hazardous waste injection wells.
Striped Bass (1979-1985), regarding legislative and scientific efforts to curb the contamination of marine environments where striped bass spawn and feed. The records include studies by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Congressional Research Service, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Water Pollution Control (1977-1978), containing amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act designed to protect lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, bogs, and other aquatic ecosystems.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records concerning the preservation of historical artifacts, structures, and sites. The records consist of commemorative requests, reports, speeches, correspondence, memoranda, bills, and news articles.
Subjects include the Fossil Protection Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Roger Williams statue controversy, lighthouse restoration, Thomas Paine Memorial, World War II veterans memorial, and the preservation of the Nathaniel Greene papers.
Subjects also include: Commemorative Legislation (1998-1999), consisting of Congressional Research Service Reports regarding commemoration procedures, commemoration evolution, and a chronological listing of commemorative observances. The records also include news articles and lists of commemorative bills.
Commemorative Requests (1994-1997), consisting of letters from colleagues asking Senator Chafee to cosponsor resolutions designating certain events, issues, individuals, or places as days of national recognition. The records include requests from the American Legion, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the Town of Westerly, RI.
Fossil Protection Act (1987, 1992), regarding efforts to protect fossils discovered in the United States from commercial exploitation.
Lighthouse Restoration (1988-1990), regarding legislative efforts by Senators Chafee, Mitchell, and Pell to secure federal funding for historical preservation for lighthouses in Rhode Island and Maine. The records include a resolution introduced by Senator Chafee establishing a "National Lighthouse Day" on August 7, 1989 (see also National Lighthouse Day Resolution, folder 15).
National Historic Preservation (1992-1999), regarding efforts to gain legislative support for establishing a Historic Preservation Fund. The records also include an annotated list of Senator Chafee's accomplishments regarding historic preservation (1987-1992), reports from the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
World War II Memorial (1997), concerning the debate over whether or not to build a World War II memorial at the end of the reflecting pool on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The records include budgetary plans, reports, and a briefing book.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains applications from individuals seeking entrance into the United States Merchant Marine, Army Academy, Air Force Academy, and Naval Academy. The records include applicant forms, school grades, resumes, recommendations, nominations, acceptance and rejection notices.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by applicant's last name.
Due to the private nature of some of the material, approval for research in this series is by permission of the archivist.
The series contains records related to animal rights, animal welfare, and animal protection laws. The records consist of bills, memoranda, notes, news articles, reports, correspondence, and speeches.
Subjects include wildlife control, wildlife habitat, Animal Welfare Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, animal prescription labeling, Pet Protection Act, and the Legal Standing Bill which permits private entities to file law suits aimed at enforcing regulations under the Animal Welfare Act.
Subjects also include: Animal Biomedical Research (1998-1990), regarding the welfare and protection of research animals in biomedical laboratories. Subjects include possible alternatives to the use of these animals, and the application of existing animal welfare laws to animal biomedical research.
Animal Welfare Act (19889-1991), regarding legislation providing protection to animal research facilities from illegal acts. The bill aimed to make breaking into an animal research facility a federal crime. Subjects also include investigation of Animal Welfare Act violations, and the debate over ballistics research on animals by the Department of Defense.
Consumer Products Safe Testing Act (1988-1990), regulating the use of data obtained through animal-testing for the purposes of evaluation of the toxicity of products by federal agencies. The bill intended to ban the use of the Lethal Dose-50 (LD-50) test which sought to ascertain the lethal dose of a product for fifty percent of the tested animal population.
Silver Spring Monkeys (1985-1990), regarding the seizure of 15 monkeys from the Institute for Behavioral Research (IBR) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after years of severe maltreatment.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding energy policy and natural resource management. The records consist of memoranda, speeches, news articles, press releases, notes, congressional testimonies, reports, and briefing books.
Subjects include project applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for Natural Gas, pipelines running from Canada to the northeast United States, government decontrol of Natural Gas, fuel prices, oil import fees, Iraqi oil prices, and gasoline price hikes.
Subjects also include: Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act (1992), covering a wide range of energy issues regarding United States energy industry, regulatory changes, tax incentives, and federal mandates designed to reduce United States dependence on foreign oil. (see also National Energy Policy Act, folders 50-52)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (1990-1991), consisting of notices received by the FERC from energy companies asking for changes or review of federally mandated energy regulations.
Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait and Oil Prices (1990-1991), concerning anticipated rate increases in the oil market during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Subjects include reports from the Mobile Corporation and Texaco Incorporated.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (1982-1994), providing assistance to low-income and unemployed families in paying their energy bills. LIHEAP was originally established for FY 1978-1979 as a one year energy crisis assistance program.
Natural Gas Policy Act (1978-1983), passed by congress to protect consumers from extreme price increases after deregulation of interstate markets was approved, by keeping regulatory price controls on old gas until it was depleted. Regulatory Fairness Act (1987-1988), passed by congress to protect consumers of electric power against excessive wholesale rates by giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the ability to allow retroactive refunds in rate decrease proceedings.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records concerning federal and state government housing legislation. The records consist of memoranda, speeches, correspondence, notes, congressional hearing testimonies, news articles, press releases, reports, bills, and speeches.
Subjects include financial assistance applications for low-income housing projects, substance abuse treatment center funding, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants and funding applications, homeless assistance programs, Fair Housing Act amendments, Federal housing Administration reform, and Rhode Island Housing Authority legislative initiatives.
Subjects also include: Community Development Block Grant Program (1997), designed for small cities and towns that do not receive entitlement funds directly from the Unites State Housing and Urban Development. Awards are based on community needs that include housing, economic status, and social criteria.
Fair Housing Legislation (1987-1989), regarding efforts to introduce two civil rights bills to strengthen federal fair housing laws, and to overturn the 1984 Grove City decision of the Supreme Court which limited the shut-off of federal funds to institutions which discriminate. Senator Chafee's position was that federal funds should not be used to subsidize discrimination.
Homeless Assistance Programs (1988-1990), regarding efforts to appropriate full funding levels to the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act providing emergency shelter and food, transitional housing, supportive housing for mentally ill homeless persons, and housing for homeless families.
Housing and Urban Development: (1987-1998), regarding appropriations for state programs targeting housing rehabilitation, historic preservation, public housing, elderly housing, and Section 8 housing. Subjects also include the issue of shortages in the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs New England Offices and staffing.
Public Housing Reform (1997-1998), legislation adjusting rent increases for public housing tenants whose income has increased, and to keep housing-subsidy allocations focused on low-income tenants. The legislation also aimed to impose requirements for welfare recipients to work, expand home ownership opportunities for working families, accelerate demolition of condemned housing, and shift greater control to community and state housing authorities by allowing them to set many of their own housing policies.
Women's Development Corporation (1989-1990), containing applications to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Section 202 Mortgage Program Grant to build 55 elderly housing units in Cumberland, RI. Subjects also include the Women's Development Corporation joint effort with the Rhode Island Indian Council to procure funding a 2.4 million dollar project called the Indian Village Housing Development.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records relating to issues brought before the Senate Agriculture Committee. The records consist of memoranda, speeches, news articles, press releases, bills, notes, and reports.
Subjects include the regulation of pesticides, farm subsidy programs, and drought relief. Farm bill subsidy amendments include price reform legislation on dairy, sugar, and honey production.
Subjects also include: Agricultural Market Transition Act (1996), regarding efforts to pass agricultural legislation aimed at making sweeping changes to the nation's farm policy by giving farmers complete flexibility in choosing what they want to plant and when they want to plant it. It also eliminated acreage reduction programs, and placed limits on federal subsidies.
Antibiotics (1985-1987), regarding legislation restricting the use of antibiotics, specifically penicillin and tetracycline, in animal feed where the purpose is to promote growth rather than treat disease.
Dairy Amendments to Cut Price Supports (1985-1987), legislation lowering the federal minimum price support levels on milk products.
Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide, and Fungicide Act (1987, 1990), regarding government reviews of hundreds of pesticides previously licensed without the benefit of health and environmental testing.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Program (1995-1999), concerning the implementation of updated inspection rules for meat and poultry slaughter and processing plants.
Sugar Bill and Sugar Bill Amendments (1983-1996), concerning legislative efforts to lower sugar price supports in order to lessen restrictions on domestic sugar markets, and lower costs to consumers. The bill also aimed to provide protection against heavily subsidized foreign sugar exports.
Tobacco Bill (1987-1988), regarding the debate over Senator Jesse Helms' provision inserted into omnibus trade legislation providing tobacco farmers with 39 million dollars in federal subsidies.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records involving issues addressed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Chafee served briefly on the committee from January 10-February 22, 1977. The committee hears issues concerning federal courts and judges, bankruptcy, immigration, espionage, constitutional amendments, and territorial boundaries.
Records in this series consist of bills, memoranda, correspondence, record vote analyses, news articles, press releases, hearing testimonies, speeches, and notes.
Securities and Exchange Commission (1977-1978), regarding hearings on corporate disclosure of expenses to stock holders.
Controlled Substances Import-Export Act (1978-1979), allowing the Coast Guard to search and seize drug traffickers outside the twelve mile coastal zone. Civil Rights Restoration Act (1985-1989) reversing the Grove City decision by extending the Civil Rights Act amendments over private institutions.
Fair Housing Act (1987), Title VIII, extending nondiscrimination rights to the handicapped and families with children looking for housing.
Rehabilitation Act (1987) involving the Supreme Court ruling that some contagious diseases could be afforded the same discrimination protection as disabilities. Death Penalty (1985-1988) legislation regarding reinstatement bills, racial disproportion, and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) anti-capitol punishment legislation.
Handgun Control (1988) legislation concerning registration waiting periods, committee hearing testimonies, and the Plastic Gun Bill cosponsored by Chafee which would outlaw guns made of materials that not detected by security scanning machines.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records related to federal appropriations for government departments and agencies. The records consist of bills, reports, memoranda, news articles, correspondence, congressional statements, and speeches. Subjects include appropriations for the Department of Agriculture's farming natural disaster crisis relief, Meat Labeling Act, and Federal Milk Marketing Reform Act.
he series also includes appropriations bills for the departments of Veteran's Affairs and Housing and Urban Development regarding budget expenditures, community development programs, and low-income housing preservation.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records related to funding, and management of social security retirement benefits. The records consist of reports, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, news articles, notes, and speeches. Subjects include spending control, tax cut bills, earnings limits, reform amendments, retirement savings crisis, and the discussion of establishing social security as an independent agency.
Privatization of Social Security (1996-1997), regarding the viability of the social security system and the debate over whether or not to allow private companies to manage the large sums of money flowing into the social security trust fund.
Social Security Spending Control (1994-1998), addressing the problem of social security trust expenditures exceeding revenue, and the debate over whether or not to revise the social security investment policies.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) agencies. The records consist of memoranda, correspondence, bills, amendments, record vote analyses, press releases, news articles, speeches, and notes.
Appropriations (1992), consisting of statistical data reports regarding funding expenditures to individual states and state agencies. The records also include grant application reviews, awarding processes, press releases, memoranda, and grant applications.
Fund Review Policy (1990), regarding legislative efforts to reauthorize appropriations for the NEA and NEH without the addition of restrictive language or limitations.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.
The series contains records regarding Puerto Rico' s vote for statehood and it's relations with the United States. The records consist of memoranda, speeches, news articles, bills, reports, and correspondence. The records also include studies and reports from the Puerto Rican regional government, Puerto Rican government agencies, historical background reports, staff memoranda, publications, and congressional floor statements.
The series also contains correspondence from Puerto Rico governors, representatives, state officials, and political groups, as well as United States congressmen. Other materials include Puerto Rico statehood bills, political status reports, and Puerto Rico-United States relations.
The folders are arranged alphabetically by subject.