Sponsored by Senator Helms, the 1992 amendment has two parts.

Senator Helms did not respond to requests to be interviewed on the treaty.

But today Senator Helms said he would keep an "open mind" on the nomination.

"Senator Helms has made the right call in moving this nomination forward," he said.

Senator Helms is taking the additional step of trying to enact restrictive legislation.

Senator Helms and company are hounding him over his past business dealings.

Senator Helms has served our country with unusual distinction.

Senator Helms is going to come to his own independent conclusion.

Senator Helms's office said he had received no response to his letter.

Senator Helms's staff denied having anything to do with the decision.