Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. They have been looking at these investigations for years. This amendment still gives them $14 million to do that.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Which is almost the number they had last year. In light of the record that has been compiled here, the investigation of GSA is complete. That has been forwarded to the President. That is no longer pending, so that is no longer an issue. I just wanted to make that clear on the record. This is not about that. This is about a number of other issues that have been concerns expressed from your side of the aisle as well.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. We had to get the money from somewhere, and this seemed to me an appropriate place to take it. I am no stranger to this program. I was the chief author of authorizing this legislation to begin with. So we are not taking it for some program. This is a program I had a lot to do with creating and feel strongly about it and feel it could use additional money. I think the District feels the same way. The fact the committee funded it at the President's level doesn't mean it couldn't use additional money and fund additional students.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. The one the gentleman is referring to has been completed. It has been forwarded to the President, and they have no additional jurisdiction. For the record, we need to clear that up.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting Chairman. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia will be postponed. Amendment Offered by Mr. Miller of North Carolina

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Let me just say, first of all, it is the President's requested number, but the District can use this money because of the students that are still waiting in line to make sure that they have a place and there is no waiting list. Let me just add this. You are defending the Office of Special Counsel. The Special Counsel, just weeks after he came into office, removed any reference to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation from the OSC Web site. He then testified before the Senate that he did not believe current law protects Federal employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, an assertion that flies in the face of decades of precedent and defies an Executive Order by President Bush. Today, the Special Counsel is under investigation by the President's Council For Integrity and Efficiency and the Office of Personnel Management for claims that he retaliated against employees who complained about office policies, issued an illegal gag order, abused his hiring authority, discriminated against homosexuals, allowed political bias to influence enforcement of the Hatch Act, and forced senior career staff to relocate from OSC's Washington headquarters to a new regional office in Detroit. I would suggest that the gentleman go back and do his homework on this office. There are some sensitive issues they are dealing with. But I will tell you, this takes it back to last year's appropriation level, I think, or just about that level. More importantly, I think this money can be better spent on the students of the District of Columbia.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the efforts of public library Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Public libraries have always been a great source of knowledge for the community. Recognizing the importance and need of public libraries, Benjamin Franklin, founder of the United States' first public lending library, once said that ``an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.'' Public libraries enrich our lives by providing society with educational resources, a communal gathering place, free access to the internet and interactive services that engage the public in the joys of reading. Libraries allow people of every age to independently self educate themselves by taking advantage of the great programs and services offered. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to commend public libraries in Fairfax and Prince William Counties for the invaluable services they provide to the community.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong support for this amendment. U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Multi-National Force Commander General David Petraeus will provide an assessment of Iraq this fall. The assessment will include the military, economic and political situation in Iraq. The assessment will be a key determinant for future U.S. involvement. The debate over what to do in Iraq will continue and the Crocker- Petraeus assessment will be challenged. If the report is positive Crocker and Petraeus must provide specific signs of progress and lay out in detail how long and how many troops will be needed in Iraq. If the report is negative then Crocker and Petraeus should provide definitive steps on a phased withdrawal plan that reduces the number of lives lost. Whatever the outcome of the Crocker-Petraeus assessment we need an independent validation of the assessment. This is why I am supporting Mr. Shays' amendment to reconstitute the Iraq Study Group. This bipartisan group, that provided observations and recommendations to the President last December concerning the situation in Iraq would be reengaged and provide the American people a bipartisan perspective of what we can expect for the future of Iraq. With all the partisan debate we witness week in and week out in Washington, we must reconstitute this nonpartisan group, which has as its only goal, moving forward American interests. Mr. Chairman, it is time we come together and support this amendment to provide a bipartisan assessment of the situation in Iraq.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly object to the reduction in assistance to Colombia and the significant redirection of funding for counternarcotic programs in this legislation. Now is not the time to turn our backs on one of our most important democratic allies in the Western Hemisphere. We need to reaffirm, not dismantle, our commitment to these programs, to the people of Colombia, and to American citizens. The drug trade in Colombia is a major factor in the instability in Latin America; it is killing Americans every day, and is a source of funding for terrorism in the hemisphere. I have traveled to Colombia several times over the past few years and can say firsthand our significant investment is beginning to pay dividends. Under the leadership of President Uribe, Colombia has experienced success in fighting narcoterrorism and bringing democratic stability to the country. Now is not the time to cut funding--when progress is being made. We must recognize the difficult work of President Uribe and the challenges he faces with guerillas, paramilitary groups, drug traffickers, and terrorists. Despite these difficulties, Uribe has rescued his country from a near-failed-state status and has reestablished state presence in areas of the country that for decades lacked it. Drug traffickers are being captured and extradited to the U.S. for prosecution, kidnapping rates have decreased significantly, and the Colombian people finally feel safe traveling within their own country. We are also seeing tremendous results in illegal crop eradication, and Plan Colombia's efforts have produced record reductions in coca cultivation and in the destruction of drug labs. Each week brings news of new seizures of cocaine and heroin--interdictions that are usually the result of U.S. supplied intelligence. Of course obstacles remain, and progress may be slower than my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would like it to be. But now is not the time to turn our backs on this battle which is so intrinsically tied to our war on terrorism and the scourge of illegal drug use. The Uribe administration is committed to this war but it needs U.S. assistance to improve mobility, intelligence, and training. Congress must continue to provide sustained funding for Plan Colombia and Andean Counterdrug Initiative programs and approve a free trade agreement. The administration requested $589 million for promoting development and fighting drugs in Colombia. Full funding of programs coupled with a free trade agreement is critical to sustaining our success in Colombia, fostering development and investment, and protecting our interests in Latin America. It's simple, Mr. Chairman, we cannot win this war on drugs and drug- supported terrorism without the proper tools and resources. Colombia is a key ally in an increasingly anti-American region--we must do everything we can to ensure it remains a political and economic partner.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment barring funding in this bill to be used to designate any area as a ``national interest electric transmission corridor,'' or a NIET. NIET designation and the corresponding authority that has been given to FERC blatantly usurps States rights to designate and site transmission lines in accordance with what is best for its citizenry. There is a well-established successful history of States executing this authority, and there is no real reason to take it away. I understand there needs to be a holistic approach to our energy policy, but absent clear and definitive reasons to grant this authority to FERC, why are we allowing this Federal entity to circumvent State siting decisions, State comprehensive energy plans, and State efforts to promote energy efficiency and independence? It is clear more analysis and consideration is needed. This amendment would not strike this provision forever. Rather, it would allow us more time to have debate, oversight, and public comment on the issue. When this provision was passed in the last Congress by the Senate and signed into law, it was a small piece of a broad energy overhaul. It received no debate on this floor and no vote in this body. Now, with the prospect of towering transmission lines running through 214 counties in 11 States across our Nation, and that is just the first chapter, we must take a time out to reexamine this provision. What will you tell your constituents when these towering lines are denied by your State regulators, but mandated by FERC? You had your vote today and you need to vote for this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Vote ``yes'' to allow us to give needed consideration to the broad ramifications of proposed NIET corridors and ensure that the rights of States are not unduly trampled.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judith Mehal for over 28 years of dedicated service in the public education system.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Cynthia Siegel for over 30 years of educational service to students in Virginia, New York, and Germany. Originally from Long Island, Mrs. Siegel began her career in education in New York, teaching for six years on the high school level and two years for an education program at CitiBank. Mrs. Siegel's calling as a teacher didn't leave her because of a geographic location. As the spouse of an Army officer, she found herself in Germany and confronted with a base that lacked a teacher for the military school there. She gladly stepped up and filled that need. Upon her return to the U.S., Mrs. Siegel worked for six years at the Washington Business School of Northern Virginia. She joined Fairfax County Public Schools in 1989, piloting the Technology Tools class for Lanier Middle School in Fairfax, Virginia. Mrs. Siegel has been a dedicated educator at Lanier for the past 21 years. Teaching students for over three decades and on two continents, she has demonstrated her unequivocal passion for education. Over her career, Mrs. Siegel found opportunities to actively serve in different educational systems in Virginia, New York and Europe. A proud mother and grandmother, Mrs. Siegel will continue her service to young people during her retirement. She has fondly exclaimed, ``my role as an educator will remain, only my title will officially shift from Mrs. Siegel to grandma.'' Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Cynthia Siegel for her enduring service as a teacher in Fairfax County and abroad. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Cynthia Siegel for her efforts and wishing her many happy years in retirement.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Edward Niziolek for a remarkable 41 years of faithful service to the students of Fairfax, VA. Mr. Niziolek began his career as an educator in 1964 after graduating from the California State Teachers College with a major in mathematics. Mr. Niziolek joined Fairfax County Public Schools as a mathematics teacher at Glasgow Middle School in Alexandria, VA. After serving for five years at Glasgow, Mr. Niziolek joined the faculty at Lanier Middle School where he quickly made his mark on both the character and academic development of its students. He sponsored the Lanier Math Team, which frequently finished as one of the top performing teams in the area, including a 2nd Place finish in Mr. Niziolek's final school year. Mr. Niziolek has demonstrated his dedication to education year round, teaching an astonishing 36 summer school sessions. Mr. Niziolek dutifully served for over four decades and demonstrated a passion for service in a school system with students from a wide array of backgrounds. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an interest in his students, a desire to help them succeed, and the ability to achieve outstanding results. All students, faculty and parents who have been in one of his classrooms have expressed an appreciation for his dedicated service to our Nation's youth. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Edward Niziolek for his tireless service and contributions as a mathematics teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. His legacy of success is found in each student who has traveled into his classrooms, taken his tests, and who have moved on to become productive members of the community. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Edward A. Niziolek for his service and wishing him the best in a well deserved retirement.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Geoffrey Seffens for 32 years of dedicated service to the Fairfax County Public School system. After graduating from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in Ohio, Mr. Seffens began his career as an elementary band teacher in Northern Virginia. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Mr. Seffens spent his first 4 years as a teacher engaging students from five different schools. Not only did he rise to this challenge but he pushed himself even further, teaching more than 400 students from nine schools over the course of the next 2 years. Mr. Seffens's hard work was recognized in 1979 when he was selected as the new band director at Lanier Middle School. Ever since joining the faculty at Lanier, Mr. Seffens has continued to guide students towards musical achievement while becoming an indispensable member of the school's community. As a native of Northern Virginia and a product of the Fairfax County Public School system himself, Mr. Seffens and his successful teaching career stand as a testament to the region's firm commitment to academic excellence. Upon his retirement after years of commendable work, Mr. Seffens will certainly be missed by students and faculty alike. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Seffens's steadfast devotion to raising the standard of musical education and personally thank him for his dedication to the Fairfax County Public School system. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Geoffrey Steffens for his service to our Nation and wishing him the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 295. This resolution recognizes the tremendous alliance that the United States shares with the Republic of Korea. Korea has been one of this country's strongest allies, both in the international war on terror, as well as in expanding free trade. Korea stands as a shining example of democracy in action. In the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, I represent a growing and vigorous Korean American population. Korean Americans thrive in areas such as business, medicine, law, art and athletics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Korean Americans own and operate over 130,000 businesses and employ over 333,000 individuals. These are prime examples of their importance in the United States and to the growth of our economy. It is clear to me that the strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea can be seen everyday in the neighborhoods and workplaces right here in the Washington, D.C. area. The Republic of Korea's strong belief in upholding individual rights and liberties serves as an example for the entire Korean peninsula, as well as beyond. Korea's 2,300 troops deployed in Iraq and 200 troops deployed in Afghanistan indicate not only Korea's support of our efforts in ending terrorism abroad, but also illustrate Korea's strong commitment to spreading democracy throughout the world. Indeed, Korea has been one of our most ardent and unfailing allies abroad. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George E. Stepp for 38 years of dedicated service to the youth of Fairfax, VA. Mr. Stepp began his career in 1969 as a social studies teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools. He quickly and eagerly made the transition to the administrative side when he was promoted to become assistant principal at Falls Church High School. Mr. Stepp went on to serve as principal at West Springfield High School for 6 years and Lake Braddock Secondary School for 3 years. In 1989, he became the superintendent of schools for area IV in the Fairfax County Public School system. He served in this position until he retired to become superintendent of schools for the city of Fairfax. Over his career, Mr. Stepp has demonstrated an interest in his students, a desire to help them succeed, and the ability to put these aspirations into policies that create positive tangible outcomes. All students, faculty and parents who have been through one of his school's have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the tireless work he has undertaken on their behalf. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Mr. George E. Stepp for all of his accomplishments. His legacy of success is found in each and every student who has traveled through his halls, taken his tests, and is now a contributing member of our community. While he will be greatly missed, his retirement is well deserved. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding George for these past accomplishments and in wishing him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 152. When the 1947 U.N. Partition Plan created two separate states in Palestine--one Jewish, and one Arab--it was a milestone in world history. Jerusalem was from this point on to be an international city-- neither Jewish nor Arab, but shared by the two cultures. However, the excitement over this groundbreaking compromise was short-lived. Although Israel accepted the plan, the Arab world refused to sign on, and soon after attacked Israel, plunging the region into Arab-Israeli War of 1948. The result of this war was a division of Jerusalem in two, with one half being controlled by Israel and one half controlled by Jordan. In 1967, during the Six Day War, Israel retook control of the Jordanian half of Jerusalem. On June 7, 1967, a cease fire occurred, and Israel took full control over the entire city of Jerusalem. One year later, Israel declared a new holiday--Jerusalem Day--to commemorate the reunification of the city. This year, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reunification, Israel held its Jerusalem Day with the slogan ``Something Special for Everyone.'' I commend Israel and all of the inhabitants of Jerusalem for embodying the inclusiveness of the phrase ``Something Special for Everyone.'' I encourage my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 422. This resolution aims at encouraging the People's Republic of China to use its influence as one of Sudan's chief purchasers of oil to place pressure on the Sudanese government to improve the conditions for the people in the Darfur region and allow humanitarian organizations to enter the region and assist the people of Darfur. The underlying basis for the conflict in the Darfur region is difficult to define. Some scholars describe it as a conflict between Arab and African cultures, although this is a simplistic view. Whatever the foundation of the conflict, the Nile Valley region (the area around the Darfur region in Sudan), has had cultural conflicts dating as far back as the fourteenth century. The current conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan places the Sudanese military and the Janjaweed militia against rebel groups, including the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement. The Sudanese government, while denying its support for the Janjaweed militia, has nonetheless provided funding and weapons to the Janjaweed. Because of this military conflict, humanitarian aid groups have been unable to reach most parts of the Darfur region. Further, journalists have been prevented from entering the region by the Sudanese government, thus ensuring that many of the atrocities occurring in Darfur go unreported. U.N. officials have estimated that over 400,000 Darfur residents have died since the conflict began, many due to starvation. Further estimates put the number of residents displaced from their homes at over 2 million. It is important that the United States look to any means available to quell the atrocious acts occurring in Darfur. As a leading arms dealer to the country of Sudan, The People's Republic of China is uniquely situated to encourage the Sudanese government to accept the decisions of the United Nations with regard to helping the inhabitants of the Darfur region. As China readies itself for the spotlight on the world stage at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it is important that China, along with the rest of the world, step up its influence on the Sudanese government and ensure that the atrocities and human rights violations taking place in the Darfur region are put to an end. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 430. This resolution calls on the government of Iran to release Dr. Haleh Esfandiari, who is being held captive in Evin prison, despite the Ministry of Intelligence offering no evidence of wrongdoing. Dr. Esfandiari is a respected member of academia, holding the position of director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, having previously taught Persian language and literature at Princeton University. While visiting her ailing 93-year-old mother in Iran, Dr. Esfandiari was held up at knifepoint; her travel documents and luggage were taken in the process. It was while attempting to procure subsequent documents that Dr. Esfandiari was taken into custody by the Ministry of Intelligence in Iran. Dr. Esfandiari is not the only American taken prisoner in Iran under the guise of being a ``spy.'' With U.S. and Iranian diplomatic relations resuming again after 25 years, it is important that the United States remain vigilant in opposing these unconscionable tactics employed by the Iranian Government toward United States citizens abroad. This resolution is a strong first step in standing up for the safety of all American citizens traveling abroad. No American should ever be deprived of their liberty simply because they crossed the safe haven of U.S. borders. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Shirley Kay Fegan on the occasion of her retirement after 50 years of dedicated service to the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. Before rising to her present role as head of school at The Congressional Schools of Virginia, Ms. Fegan spent many years raising awareness about poverty and cultivating her passion for education. Upon graduating from Georgetown University, Ms. Fegan traveled to Central America, where she worked with the Alliance for Progress to aid indigenous populations. Impassioned by this experience, Ms. Fegan returned to the Washington, DC area, where she developed programs through the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to support migrant laborers. Ms. Fegan then applied the skills she had developed at OEO to the District of Columbia, helping to establish the first inner city HMO. Not only did this endeavor succeed in helping those affected by the 1968 riots, but the project eventually culminated in the opening of a 63,000 square foot facility which provides medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services. In 1979, Ms. Fegan began working at The Congressional Schools of Virginia, where she has made a tremendous impact on students and faculty alike. Her presence was felt from the start as she applied her knowledge of the non-profit field to help restructure the institution and organize a volunteer school board. After becoming head of school in 1992, Ms. Fegan launched a series of initiatives that have led to the creation of strong athletic and community service programs. She has also been instrumental in incorporating information technology into the school's classrooms. Whether Ms. Fegan was raising awareness on behalf of minority communities, making an impact on the District's inner city areas, or helping transform The Congressional Schools of Virginia into a first rate learning institution, Ms. Fegan has always dedicated herself to the serving others. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Ms. Fegan on all of her achievements. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Shirley for her past accomplishments and in wishing her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John H. La Raia for over 37 years of dedicated military and Federal service. Following his graduation from the University of Rochester in 1968, John joined the Air Force's Strategic Air Command in Southeast Asia. During his 5 years at this post, John served courageously and valiantly, flying in 155 missions. After completing his active duty, John continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves for an additional 21 years as a logistics plans officer. Compelled to further serve his government and his Nation, John then began a career in the federal service at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. After his initial training period, he quickly rose through the ranks of the Bureau, serving in a variety of assignments dealing with financial management, systems analysis and both civilian and military personnel. In 1999, he joined the Senior Executive Service as an assistant for administration to the Under Secretary of the Navy. Through this role John managed duties concerning the Navy's budget, human resources, manpower, facilities and services, IT services and various other functions for the secretary. During his distinguished career he was awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Medal three times. Additionally, he received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service. Finally, last year he was recognized by President Bush and awarded the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Service. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Mr. John H. La Raia for his distinguished career and his service to our Nation. He exemplifies everything our great Nation could hope for in a public servant. I call upon my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. La Raia and in wishing him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the efforts of Prince Wiilliam County Public Schools during the 2007 Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month is an annual effort to recognize and promote art education in schools across the country. Specifically, this program seeks to emphasize the importance and benefits of incorporating art into youth education. Since 1984, the Council for Art Education has acted as a primary sponsor of Youth Art Month alongside fellow organizations, such as the National Art Education Association, to consistently make this effort a success. Prince William County has a strong tradition of promoting art education and has been celebrating Youth Art Month for 29 years. The Virginia Art Education Association, working in concert with Prince Williams County Public Schools, selected ``Start with Art, Learn for Life'' as the 2007 theme and launched this year's celebration on March 10, 2007, by exhibiting student artwork on the Manassas Mall. This year's Youth Art Month saw tremendous participation from county elementary, middle, and high schools and highlighted the works of many talented student artists. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who contributed to making this year's Youth Art Month a success. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable young artists and congratulate them on a job well done.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Chairman, General Walter Boomer, the commander of the Marines in the first gulf war, once said, a soldier's best friend, next to his rifle, is the postman. This amendment, which is a scaled down version of H.R. 1439, the Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007, sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) and myself, will help our soldiers, our sailors, our airmen and marines fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan receive letters and packages more regularly from their loved ones. We're not able to be with our heroes fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we're able to send a little piece of home overseas to them. Whether it's mailing the basic essentials or a videotape and a letter, tangible items from loved ones are always appreciated. Holding a son or daughter's art project or biting into a homemade cookie reminds them that they support what they are doing and the sacrifices they are making for our country. The cost of sending letters and packages overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan can be a burden for a family already making great sacrifices. I think that regular communication between soldiers and their families should not be inhibited by the cost of postage, and some things just can't be e-mailed. This amendment will help soldiers receive the necessary supplies and words of encouragement from loved ones more frequently, keeping morale raised while in the combat zone. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, my amendment to extend for three years the Information Technology Exchange Program--also known as the Digital Tech Corps--has been included in this en bloc amendment, and I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for accepting this amendment. In 2002, I included language in the Electronic Government Act of 2002 creating the Digital Tech Corps program. The program gives mid-level federal IT managers the opportunity for intensive, on-the-job training in how the private sector manages complex IT projects. Too many complex federal IT procurements fail because of improper management. The Tech Corps gives employees insight and experience in how the best companies in the world are successfully managing IT so they can bring this knowledge back to government. The Tech Corps works in reverse as well, giving private sector IT employees the opportunity to volunteer for rewarding public service. In tackling some of the world's toughest IT problems, they can return to their companies understanding the challenges facing the world's largest employer. The Tech Corps program is a relatively new vision for public service in this century, enabling broader public-private sector exchanges of talented IT professionals. It builds on the successes of other successful personnel exchanges, such as the 1970 Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). All Tech Corps participants must adhere to strict federal employee ethics rules, and they must abide by the laws and rules of the agency and Federal Government. Participants do not receive any special privileges, pay, or incentives--all participants retain pay and benefits from their respective employers while participating in the program. The Electronic Government Act of 2002 required the Office of Personnel Management to issue guidance for agencies engaging in the Tech Corps program. Agencies had 5 years from the date of enactment in December 2002 to implement the program. OPM issued its guidance in 2005, making it difficult for agencies to receive the full benefits of implementing the program. Since the issuance of OPM's guidelines in 2005 and the approval of DOD's Tech Corps policy in 2006, the agency has worked aggressively to get its Tech Corps program off the ground. Nearly a dozen DOD components have expressed interest in participating in the program. My amendment would extend the authorization period of the Information Technology Exchange Program (ITEP) by 3 years for the Department of Defense (DOD) so it can achieve the intended benefits of the program. In particular, the benefits of the Tech Corps program include: (1) participants learn new job skills; (2) the private sector employees can learn about government procedures and processes; (3) the public and private sectors can share best practices; (4) participating organizations are infused with new ideas; and (5) participants gain perspective from others, improve personal competencies and skills, and close skill gaps within the government organizations. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I also express my support for language included in this en bloc amendment offered by my colleague, Mr. Moran, which would require that the transportation infrastructure necessary to accommodate the large influx of military personnel and civilian employees to be assigned to Fort Belvoir, VA, as part of the BRAC realignment of the installation, be substantially completed before the relocation of these employees. The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended relocating 22,000 Department of Defense personnel to Fort Belvoir by 2011. That is a workforce equal to that of the Pentagon. Due to the magnitude of the BRAC realignment, the existing congestion in the Springfield area, and the potential impact on the surrounding community--and indeed all of Northern Virginia--BRAC implementation has to be done right. I voted against the BRAC recommendations for several reasons, including my belief DoD had not adequately considered the ramifications of transferring 22,000 new personnel to Fort Belvoir within a 6-year timeframe. Since the recommendations were approved, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to ensure the Army is sensitive to the concerns of my constituents and devotes adequate time and resources to mitigate the impact of BRAC to the extent possible. I would like to commend my colleague for this amendment, because it gets to the heart of the matter: it ensures the necessary transportation infrastructure will be in place before personnel begin to relocate to Fort Belvoir. This only makes sense. Without sufficient infrastructure, daily commutes could last for hours. In fact, it might simply be impossible for DoD personnel to even get to and from work, thereby preventing agencies from being able to accomplish their missions. It surely would mark a drastic reduction in quality of life for those employees stuck in what could be a traffic nightmare, and I would submit could easily lead to significant turnover. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for including language in the bill to require the Army and GSA to work out an agreement to allow the Army to use the GSA warehouse property in Springfield. This facility is located adjacent to an existing Metro and Virginia Railway Express station, yet it currently is used for warehouse space. I have long thought this federal property could be put to much better use than warehouses. With this language, we will put this property to much better use, promote transit options, and take cars off the road. Again, I am most grateful this provision has been included. In closing, I would like to thank Mr. Moran for this amendment and for his continued hard work on behalf of Northern Virginians. I urge my colleagues to support this language and the en bloc amendment.