Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again, I had the pleasure of serving on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors with Martha Pennino for 12 years. I want to say I am very grateful for the opportunity to have known her and to have worked with her on so many projects. She was a classy lady, and I am going to miss her. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 5133.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5133) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11110 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, Virginia, as the ``Martha Pennino Post Office Building''.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Pegi Miller, who will retire on October 1, 2004, after completing 20 years of Federal Service. Mrs. Miller began her career in 1976 as a non-appropriated fund employee at the Bolling AFB Child Care Center, where she served as a Clerk/Receptionist until October 1984. She then moved to the Pentagon to work for the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of the General Counsel, for a short time. Mrs. Miller served next in the Office of the Air Force Civil Engineer until 1987, when she assumed her current duties as a Legislative Assistant in the Congressional Inquiries Division, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Legislative Liaison Directorate. In this capacity, Mrs. Miller performed superbly across a broad spectrum of Congressional issues, brilliantly and expertly assisting the Directorate in providing timely responses to tens of thousands of inquiries from Congress. During her 17 years of work in the Office of Legislative Liaison, Mrs. Miller has provided dedicated and professional service to both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. She has developed close working relationships with many Congressional offices, and her efforts have greatly enhanced Congressional understanding of Air Force issues. The distinctive accomplishments of Mrs. Pegi Miller culminate a distinguished career in the service of the Federal Government, and reflect great credit upon herself and the Department of the Air Force.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Martha Virginia Pennino, a former vice chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Mrs. Pennino died September 17, 2004 at Inova Fairfax Hospital at the age of eighty-six. Mrs. Pennino was born in 1918, in Roanoke, Virginia and was raised in Gloucherster, Massachusetts. She received a bachelor's degree from Emerson College in Boston. Mrs. Pennino served three terms on the Vienna Town Council prior to being elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in November 1967, representing what was then the Centreville District. From 1968 to 1991 Mrs. Pennino was at the center of nearly every major decision made in Fairfax County. She was involved in such projects as the Dulles Toll Road, Reston Hospital Center, South Lakes High School, the Reston Community Center and the Reston Regional Library. Mrs. Pennino played an instrumental role in the planned community of Reston, which was taking shape when she took office. She became one of the longest- serving members of the Board of Supervisors spending 24 years on the board. Mrs. Pennino served as Vice Chairman for 17 years. During her many years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Mrs. Pennino was deeply committed to helping the poor and homeless. She pushed for the building of the Embry Rucker shelter for the homeless, supported building low-cost housing and buying and renovating the run- down Stonegate apartment complex. Prior to the construction of the shelter, she even provided cots in her supervisor's office and opened it at night to people with nowhere else to go. Mrs. Pennino received many accolades for her work in Fairfax County. In 1985, she was awarded the Tom Bradley Regional Leadership award from the National Association of Regional Councils. The group cited her efforts in developing the first energy policy for a metropolitan area; the region's car-pool program and a fair-share housing program. In 1986, Washingtonian magazine named her ``Washingtonian of the Year.'' Mrs. Pennino was also involved with many community boards and foundations. She was a member of the advisory board of the Northern Virginia Youth Services Coalition, director of the Northern Virginia Community Foundation, a commissioner on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and a member of the Board of Visitors of George Mason University. Additionally, Mrs. Pennino served as president of the Virginia Association of Counties of the Virginia Municipal League and was a member of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for 17 years, holding posts of president and chairman. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Martha Virginia Pennino for her service to Fairfax County. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding Mrs. Pennino's past accomplishments and remembering her dedication to her community.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Agudas Achim Congregation, a conservative synagogue located in the city of Alexandria, Virginia. In conjunction with this anniversary, honor is being paid to the military veterans of the congregation throughout the Veteran's Day weekend of November 12-14, 2004. Jewish servicemen and servicewomen have served and continue to serve proudly in all branches of the United States as career and reserve servicemen and servicewomen. From Bunker Hill and the Battle of Springfield (NJ) to Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge, from Pusan, South Korea to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam as well as Afghanistan and Iraq, Jewish servicemen have worn the uniform of the United States proudly--defending democracy and the freedoms we all cherish as Americans. We remember those who fearlessly paid the ultimate price in defending the United States of America during times of war. We also recall those who have bravely fought and returned home as well as those who continue to fight for the freedoms and liberties that make this nation great-- the same freedoms and liberties such as freedom of religion that brought hundreds of thousands of Jewish people to the United States escaping despotism and religious tyranny. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Agudas Achim Congregation on their 90th anniversary. I call upon my colleagues to join me in honoring the congregation's military veterans.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Ada Katheryn Lewis on her 80th birthday as well as her many years of dedication to the surrounding community. Ms. Lewis was born September 27, 2004, in Wayne County, NC to Charles and Annie Coor. She then graduated from Atlantic Christian College, cum laude in 1945 and began teaching. Throughout her teaching career, she taught in Johnston, Franklin, Wilson, and Pitt Counties. In 1962, Ms. Lewis received her MA in Educational Administration with honors from East Carolina University. In 1978, she was appointed assistant superintendent of Pitt County Public Schools, becoming the first-ever woman to hold such a position at that level in North Carolina. In 1982, Ms. Lewis retired from the Public School System and became the first director of the Rural Education Institute at East Carolina University, ECU. She held this position until 1986 when she retired and became a consultant for the Institute. She holds the title of Professor Emeritus and was appointed ``Visiting Lecturer'' to the ECU School of Education as well as being named ``Distinguished Educator.'' Ms. Lewis has been recognized by virtually every appropriate institution for nearly 50 years of dedication to the education of those that were influenced by her teachings. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Lewis for her years of service to the youth of America and her dedication to the human mind. Her contributions and efforts are much appreciated and will always be remembered. Her service is an exemplary example of an ideal citizen.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Chapter 1116 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), located in Vienna, Virginia. Founded in 1921, NARFE is a multi-tiered, political, nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the earned retirement benefits of all federal civilians. Membership eligibility includes current, former, and retired federal civilians, as well as their spouses and survivor annuitants. Chapter 1116 is one of over 1600 NARFE chapters nationwide. The Vienna chapter hosts speeches from state and local officials as well as those running for specific offices. NARFE officers from state and national organizations address issues of interest to those retired as well as the general public. Musical programs, talks and discussions about home and garden maintenance as well as historical and cultural issues add variety to the meetings. Currently, the Vienna chapter has 668 members under the leadership of president Ginger King and first vice-president ``Van'' Van Huizen. The chapter prides itself on approaching all issues in a realistic and humanitarian manner. Its members have worked tirelessly for the benefits of federal retirees and all elderly, cooperating with local, state, and federal agencies to do so. Members assist shut-in seniors and provide convenience items and comfort to those in retirement homes. On a national level, NARFE contributes to Alzheimer's research and sponsors a college scholarship program. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate NARFE Chapter 1116 on 35 years of success. They have become a strong organization committed to serving the interests of their members and their community. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the chapter members' past accomplishments and in wishing Chapter 1116 the best of luck in the many years to come.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong and solemn support of this resolution, which marks the anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attack in history. September 11, 2001 is a day none of us will ever forget. We continue to mourn, along with the loved ones of the departed, the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives. We celebrate the spirit of selflessness that led so many brave firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel to risk--and in some cases, lose--their lives trying to save others. And we remain in awe of the passengers of Flight 193, who took the defense of our homeland into their own hands and sacrificed their own lives in the process. The tragic events of that day have spurred this Nation to a new sense of purpose, a recognition of the need to fight terrorism head-on and to lead an international coalition to spread the powerful ideals of freedom and democracy to corners of the world that have for too long struggled in the shadows of totalitarianism. We have turned the darkness of terrorism into the light of opportunity--our greatest challenge has become our greatest strength. I urge passage of H. Res. 757.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark F. Grady for his years of dedicated service to the George Mason University School of Law. Dean Grady has been a pivotal member of the George Mason community for 6 years, both as Dean and professor of law. Students enjoy his wisdom and expertise in the area of law. As the dean of the School of Law, Mr. Grady has played an important role in the success of the school and its students. Through his guidance, George Mason has become the youngest law school ranked in U.S. News and World Report's top tier. Under Dean Grady's direction, the School of Law has become a national leader not only of law but also economics and technology. In 1999, the National Center for Technology and Law was established. This center examines the causality of the existing legal structure and the society's evolving economy. Through this relationship, new fields of course work were created that allow the student to gain the necessary skills to succeed in both technology and communications. George Mason School of Law is one of the most innovative schools in the country. Due to its emphasis on intellectual property, technology law and the legal application of economic methods, George Mason was also ranked in the top 10 in the Nation for an outstanding faculty in law and economics in University of Texas Professor Brian Lieter's Ranking of Law Faculty Quality for 2003. Professor Grady should be honored and commended for his dedication to not only the School of Law but also the surrounding community. With his instruction and guidance, he has enabled Mason Law graduates to pursue careers in numerous fields and become successful attorneys who practice law with great distinction and honor. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dean Grady for his years of service and dedication to George Mason University. His contributions and efforts are noted and greatly appreciated. I wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against section 506. This provision violates clause 2(b) of House rule XXI. It proposes to change existing law and, therefore, constitutes legislation on an appropriation bill in violation of House rules.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, first let me state I realize this amendment is subject to a point of order so I will withdraw the amendment, but I want to take the opportunity to raise an important issue that is of great importance to the Fairfax County school districts which I represent. Mr. Chairman, No Child Left Behind requires the Department of Education to use the most up-to-date poverty data from the Census Bureau when determining eligibility for title I grants. The intent behind this requirement is sensible. We want title I funds going where they are most needed. That said, two of the four available title I grant programs, Targeted Grants and Education Finance Incentive Grants, have a 5 percent cutoff for eligibility. If a school district falls below this level, they lose all funding through these grants. There are no hold-harmless provisions for a drop in poverty rates. In the case of Fairfax County, our most recent poverty figures fell about 1 percent to 4.94 percent. While this figure represents a small number of students, 106 students to be exact, it has equated to a 26 percent reduction in title I funds. We lose almost $3\1/2\ million for losing 106 students. That is about $33,000 a student. My concern is not just that my local school district has lost $3.3 million for the coming school year, it is that a school district like Fairfax County can hover at around the 5 percent level year after year, and this makes it impossible to plan effectively since it is unclear from one year to the next whether these funds will be available. Our amendment would implement hold harmless provisions for targeted and EFIG grants. The first year the school district fell below the 5 percent level, it would still be eligible for two-thirds of the amount they received the previous year. The second year it would be eligible for one-third. The third year it would lose eligibility. In my estimation such a stair-step system would better reflect a true change in the demographics of a given school district and allow better planning from year to year. As I said, this equates to almost $33,000 a student for a loss of 106 students. I will withdraw the amendment, but hope that the members on the authorizing committee and appropriation committees will work with us in the future to try to look at such a stepped approach, which I think makes for better planning.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Mr. Ernest J. Gregory is retiring after 37 years of exemplary Federal service, initially with the United States Air Force and then as a career civil servant in the Department of Defense (DoD). Mr. Gregory is a gifted leader and manager, and has served his country with dignity, honor and integrity. Ernest Gregory, a native of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a 1967 graduate of the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from that institution. He began his service to the Nation in 1968, when he entered the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer at the Strategic Air Command, Loring Air Force Base, Maine. Upon completing his military term in 1972, Mr. Gregory was hired as a staff auditor for the U.S. Army Audit Agency in Philadelphia. He proved to be quite skilled and soon was promoted to auditor-in-charge. Mr. Gregory continued his illustrious civilian career at the U.S. Army Security Center with various assignments, including: chief, internal review (1976-1979), financial systems analyst (1979-1980), deputy comptroller (1980-1981) and senior financial systems analyst (1981- 1982). During his time at the Army Security Center, Mr. Gregory played a key role in developing and implementing financial management performance objectives. He simultaneously earned a Masters of Business Administration in 1979 from Syracuse University. In 1982, Mr. Gregory was selected to join the Army secretariat staff as assistant comptroller for internal review, office of the comptroller of the Army. He was a relentless master in reviewing financial management systems and integrating measures to address shortcomings uncovered during the process. In recognition of his talent and dedication, Mr. Gregory was promoted in 1987 to director, internal review, office of the assistant secretary of the Army (financial operations). He again challenged the financial management community and was a model civil servant, embracing opportunities and creating new methodologies in an environment of continual development. Additionally, in 1988, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In January 1993, the Army acknowledged Mr. Gregory's abilities and leadership, elevating him to the Senior Executive Service and the position of deputy assistant secretary of the Army for financial operations. As deputy assistant secretary, he was responsible for all Army policy, programs, systems and procedures associated with the service's accounting and finance operations, financial systems and internal review and controls. He took charge of combating fraud, waste and abuse. He also was the primary ambassador on financial management issues to external stakeholders. Mr. Gregory's efforts to integrate financial requirements and responsiveness with emerging functional systems, such as the Single Stock Fund and the Defense Integrated Military Human Resource System, were successful and greatly improved Army financial management. Mr. Gregory was again promoted in February 2002, when Ms. Sandra Pack, then assistant secretary of the Army (financial management and comptroller), chose him as her principal deputy. (When she departed the Army in December 2003, he succeeded Ms. Pack as acting assistant secretary and served in that role for eight months.) During his tenure as principal deputy, Mr. Gregory shared responsibility for the development, formulation and advocation of policies and programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. Army resource management. He took bold and decisive measures to improve business procedures, and tirelessly pursued financial system integration and streamlining of Army processes. For instance, Mr. Gregory led the Army-wide effort to eliminate the Installation Supply Buffer and associated annual maintenance costs, while integrating supply management and financial processes. These changes reduced processing cycle time from four days to one, improving the flow of spare parts to tactical units and saving taxpayers $9 million. Mr. Gregory also helped to steer the Army's transformational business initiatives program and the Army Business Initiative Council, through which the Army has gleaned more than $1 billion in monetary benefits. He administered implementation of Army Budget and Performance Initiatives, as well, including designing and deploying a training package and reviewing metrics for the fiscal year 2005 budget. Mr. Speaker, in this final position Mr. Gregory also had a significant impact on the House Government Reform Committee. His forthright information and proactive attitude assisted our committee in addressing the financial management challenges of mobilized Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve soldiers. He identified the problem--processing limitations caused by separate pay and personnel systems--and played a significant role in crafting a solution. His commitment to solving pay issues for all soldiers, whether active or reserve component, exemplifies his devotion to our men and women in uniform. On every day of his service to our country, Mr. Gregory demonstrated honor, integrity and personal courage. He projected the values and the broad perspective of the government, and provided the solid executive skills demanded by the American public. He helped to ensure that the Army was of the highest quality and was responsive to the needs, policies and goals of the Nation. Mr. Gregory's leadership and attention to people were truly outstanding. He actively participated in the personal and professional development of both military and civilian subordinates and peers. He was a premier team builder within the office of the assistant secretary of the Army (financial management and comptroller) and a truly exemplary leader, empowering those with whom he worked and motivating them to achieve at higher levels than they thought possible. Mr. Gregory's character and accomplishments have earned him numerous awards. He was the first civilian to be honored with the Finance Corps Regiment Award. He also has received two Meritorious Presidential Rank Awards, the Executive Excellence Award for Executive Achievement, the Special Act Award--Kuwait Reconstruction Program, the Leonard H. Kerman Memorial Award, the Meritorious Civilian Award, the Superior Civilian Service Award, multiple Outstanding Performance Awards and several Significant Accomplishment Awards. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ernest J. Gregory, a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, retires after 37 years of Federal service to the United States of America on the 2nd day of October, 2004. He, his lovely wife, Johanna, and their children, Maura, Ernie and Jason, deserve the thanks and praise of this grateful Nation, which he has faithfully served for so long. I know the members of the U.S. House of Representatives will join me in wishing him and his family all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend for yielding me this time. Over the past decade, the District of Columbia, which previously had faced a fiscal crisis of Shakespearean proportions, has embarked on an impressive road to financial recovery. With the help of the now-dormant Control Board and the 1997 Revitalization Act, the District has taken care of its financial house. It has balanced its budget for 7 consecutive years without tricks or gimmicks, and it has a cash reserve that is the envy of almost every municipality in the Nation. The Federal assistance provided in our annual appropriation bills promotes and advances the rebirth of our Nation's Capital. This year's bill funds a wide range of programs that will enhance the quality of life for D.C. residents and those who visit and work in the Nation's Capital. The increase in funding for emergency planning and security will help ensure that we are ready for the worst. I am pleased to see that the Child and Family Services Agency will continue to receive adequate funding to help protect the District's most vulnerable residents and that the D.C. court will have additional funds to continue its much-needed renovation project. I am particularly pleased the D.C. College Access Program will receive enhanced funding. The increase reflects the program's indisputable positive impact on the District. The College Access Program has been a key component of the District's revitalization efforts, and I am heartened that the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Frelinghuysen) agrees that Congress needs to continue its partnership with the District in providing access to higher education, resources, and opportunities. Since the inception of this legislation, the number of high school seniors in the District going on to college has increased by 28 percent. That is a remarkable achievement. The impact is undeniable. The national average over the same period, while it was 28 percent in the District of Columbia, was 5 percent nationally. Finally, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Frelinghuysen) for fully funding the D.C. School Choice initiative. The bill before us maintains the careful balance that was struck last year. Of the $40 million for education, there is $13 million for the District's public schools for teacher training, recruitment, and improving student achievement. These funds are in addition to the large increases already guaranteed to D.C. public schools through Federal programs. There is another $13 million for D.C. charter schools to support and expand their capacity, and there is $13 million for the School Choice Scholarship program, along with an additional $1 million for administrative expenses. The fact is, the District of Columbia is one of the most troubled public school systems in the United States; and working with the local government, working with the school system, working with the Mayor, we are trying to reverse that. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Frelinghuysen) for the time and the energy he and his staff have devoted in reviewing the D.C. budget and bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), for his work and, of course, my colleague, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), for our continued partnership.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, this appropriations bill includes an authorizing provision that would allow the inspector general from the Coalition Provisional Authority to continue to oversee the rebuilding effort in Iraq. This provision is within the jurisdiction of the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Government Reform, and I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) for his interest in this issue. The Committee on Government Reform will hold its fourth hearing overseeing the rebuilding of Iraq next Thursday. My committee has made this oversight a priority. As part of the overall oversight of the $18.6 billion of the supplemental funds, we created the CPA Inspector General. I have met with the CPA IG. I believe with his help, we can expect the thorough oversight we need from his office. My committee has jurisdiction over inspectors general, and because of our staff expertise we work closely with other committees and the executive branch to make sure that the various IGs have the tools to conduct the mission that the public expects of them. The inspectors general for DOD, USAID, the Department of State and the CPA, with the help of the Office of Management and Budget and my committee's oversight, have negotiated a memorandum of agreement to maintain appropriate oversight over the rebuilding efforts in Iraq. There is also a similar provision in the Senate Defense authorization bill that addresses the continuing oversight of the Iraqi rebuilding effort. I will work with all involved to address the issue from the authorization side. I would ask the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) if he would work with the Committee on Government Reform, the Committee on International Relations, and the Committee on Armed Services to ensure that our efforts are coordinated and built constructively on the existing agreement.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, as we consider the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill today, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to our counternarcotics efforts in Colombia, to the people of Colombia, and to American citizens. I led three congressional delegations to Colombia last year and can say first hand that our significant investment, after years of effort, is beginning to see returns on the time, money, and resources spent in Colombia. Together with the strong commitment of President Alvaro Uribe and historic levels of support from the Colombian people, U.S. involvement is beginning to hit narcoterrorists where it hurts. This year, the Administration is seeking a modest increase in the number of U.S. support personnel in Colombia. The existing caps on the number of U.S. civilian and military personnel contractors allowed in Colombia at any given time are proving too restrictive and in some cases, the ceilings, have prevented full implementation of already funded programs and hurt management efficiency. An increase in the military and civilian contractor support provided to the Government of Colombia during the next two years is essential to maintain the current progress being made by our programs in Colombia. There are also new programs developed since the ceilings were established, such as the anti-kidnapping initiative and the training of prosecutors and judicial police in preparation for the constitutionally-mandated transition to an accusatorial criminal justice system with oral trials, as well as the re-started Air Bridge Denial program that need to be fully supported by personnel. Last month, several senior Administration officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Roger Noriega, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low- Intensity Conflict, Thomas O'Connell, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, General James Hill, and Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Robert Charles testified before the Government Reform Committee and conveyed the need to reexamine military and civilian personnel caps if we are to continue in the right direction. Accordingly, there is draft language included in the 2005 Defense Authorization bill that raises the number of military personnel permitted to 800 and the number of permitted civilian contractors to 600. The Administration's request to increase the number of troops and contractors deployable is critical to the continued success of U.S. policy in Colombia and to help President Uribe prosecute a unified campaign against terrorism and drug traffickers. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support this request and urge all of my colleagues to continue their support of our unified campaign with Colombia to fight narcotics trafficking and terrorist activities.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 1914, the Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2003. In 2007, the world will observe the 400th anniversary of the landing at Jamestown--a place and time where the cultures of North America, Europe and Africa converged, initiating and testing the unique values that ultimately created our nation. The success of the Jamestown settlement set in motion the establishment of a democratic form of government, private land ownership, free enterprise, entrepreneurship--all of which continue to evolve into our uniquely American society. The stories at Jamestown offer Americans a timely and timeless lesson in patriotism. Historic Jamestown is America's birthplace. Ongoing research is rewriting our understanding of this significant opening chapter in American history. Moreover, studies reveal vast new knowledge about the interactions between peoples, their genealogy, their struggles and their survival to create a new society. In short, I believe this coin will help to ensure the cultural preservation and educational programs based on the legacies of Jamestown will be sustained and expanded well into the future. I commend the sponsors and leadership for bringing this to the floor and urge the passage of this resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4012, legislation to reauthorize the District of Columbia College Access Act for 5 additional years. The College Access Program has been a key component of the District's revitalization efforts in recent years. It is critical that Congress continue to support its partnership with the District in providing access to higher education resources. Madam Speaker, Congress chose to establish the D.C. College Access Program in 1999 for two primary reasons. First, the program addresses the fact that the District of Columbia does not have a State university system for its high school graduates. The program essentially leveled the playing field for high school graduates in the Nation's Capital by enabling them to attend colleges and universities around the country at in-State tuition rates, which makes college education affordable for students coming out of the District of Columbia, something that really was not available to them prior to this. The program's second purpose was to deter tax-paying families in the District from moving to surrounding States in order to take advantage of in-State higher education options available to residents in other States, thus depriving the District of much-needed stability and tax revenue. I cannot tell my colleagues how many mothers and fathers have approached me to say thank you for not having to leave the District so our child could go to college, but thanks to this program, we can stay. At a Committee on Government Reform hearing on the program last March, it was clear that the program has been more than a mere anecdotal success over the last 5 years. D.C. Mayor Tony Williams testified that since the creation of the program the number of high school graduates in the District continuing on to college has increased 28 percent. The national average over the same time period was 5 percent. It was not too long ago we had high schools in the District sending more kids out to Lorton Prison than to college. College was not an affordable option for many of these kids in the District. What we see happening now is, as it becomes more affordable, we see kids getting in the spirit and we see a significant increase of District kids going on to higher education. With that, crime decreases, the economy is improving, the District is achieving financial stability. The impact of the College Access Program is undeniable. According to a survey of high school graduates in the District, 75 percent of the students who have received assistance through the program have indicated that the existence of these grants makes the difference in their decision to attend college and was a key factor in deciding which college to attend. H.R. 4012 represents a shot at a better education and, in turn, a better life for countless D.C. students. The District is not a State, and D.C. residents do not have access to the network of in-State universities like residents of other States. As I said before, this legislation also provides an incentive to families to stay in the District. This program operates hand-in-hand with the D.C. College Access Program, which is the private sector's College Access Program, providing college counseling to D.C. high school students and last dollar financial assistance to college-bound D.C. high school graduates. This is a double punch provided by the public and the private sectors and it has made a tremendous impact on the educational opportunities available to D.C. high school students. It is equally clear that the students are becoming more aware and choosing to take advantage of these opportunities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4012 and to continue to support a level playing field for high school graduates in the District of Columbia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 15, the Project Bioshield Act of 2004. The bill provides the government with the necessary tools to develop and purchase vaccines and other drugs to protect Americans in the event of a bioterrorist attack. The President first announced this proposal during his 2003 State of the Union address, and it serves as the cornerstone of the administration's strategy to prepare our Nation against the possibility of bioterrorism. A few minutes ago, we were privileged to hear from the chairman of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox); and I will include for the Record an editorial written by the gentleman from California that appeared in the Washington Times and published July 12, 2004. [From the Washington Times, July 12, 2004] Intercepting Bioterrorism (By Christopher Cox) America is at a very dangerous crossroads. Not only al Qaeda but also terrorist groups such as Jemaah Islamiah are working on acquiring or developing new terrorism capabilities, including bioweapons. Will we be prepared? Evidence in an Egyptian terrorism trial two years ago indicated Osama bin Laden may already have access to dangerous biological agents. Meanwhile, the risk of proliferation to terrorists continues growing, with at least eight nations running bioweapons programs, including genetic engineering of pathogens and developmental programs for new production and delivery methods. Winning the war on terrorism will require our nation not only to defeat attacks with explosives and military-style weapons, but also to be prepared to overcome potential assaults with weaponized anthrax, ricin, smallpox, plague, tularemia, botulism toxin and viral hemmorhagic fevers (such as the Ebola virus). Just how vulnerable are we to such attacks today? The United States now can fully meet only a handful of the 57 ``top echelon'' bioterror threats. That's not an acceptable level of preparedness for the greatest power on Earth. We can launch a Tomahawk cruise missile and thread it down the smokestack of a munitions factory from 1,000 miles away--once thought to be a million-to-one shot at best--yet we aren't prepared to deal with the frightening prospect of an anthrax or sarin gas attack against our civilian population. It's vital that we put our best minds to work round-the- clock on new ways to prepare for a biological or chemical attack here at home. But according to a study published in the May 2004 issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, only six of 506 drugs currently in development are antibioltics--even though drug-resistant bacteria are a growing threat. This is only because the proper incentives and funding aren't there, not because the scientific challenge is too great. Indeed, the germs that cause anthrax and plague are not nearly as difficult to analyze as a virus such as HIV. Vaccines and treatments for biological weapons such as these can be developed. Certainly, America has made some progress in preparing for possible germ warfare on our own soil, but we're not ready to combat a major bioterror assault at this time and our enemies know it. Worse, they're looking for ways to exploit our weaknesses. We are now on the threshold of changing that. Project Bioshield, expected to receive final legislative approval tomorrow and then be sent to the president for his signature, will shortly unleash the greatest force in world history: American ingenuity. By guaranteeing a market for successful vaccines and antidotes, Project BioShield will provide incentives for private-sector scientists, physicians, and researchers to develop lifesaving treatments. Congress has made available $5.6 billion over 10 years to purchase and stockpile a national supply of drugs and vaccines for use if a biological weapon is set loose by terrorists on an unsuspecting American public. BioShield will speed research and development on new drugs and antidotes at the National Institutes of Health and in our national laboratories. And it will allow, if germ warfare breaks out, distribution of developmental lifesaving drugs on a fast-track approval basis to save innocent lives, so long as the benefits outweigh potential risks. President Bush asked Congress to move immediately on his plans for Project BioShields in the 2003 State of the Union address. The House quickly responded. Last July, the Homeland Security Committee, which I chair, worked closely with other House committees to turn the president's vision into legislation. Unfortunately, after our bipartisan bill passed the House by a wide margin, it languished in the Senate nearly a year before being rescued by Majority Leader Bill Frist, Tennessee Republican. But now that both chambers have worked out their differences, America finally is ready to prepare in earnest for a potential terrorist attack that won't yield to bullets or bombs. Now, we'll be using the very best weapon in our defensive arsenal--our brainpower. By approving Project BioShield, Congress is saying: ``Let the race to find lifesaving countermeasures begin.'' America's leaders have heeded the advice of experts who have estimated that without BioShield it could take 10 years, and cost up to $800 million or more, to bring a single new vaccine from development through clinical trials to market. The war won't wait that long, of course: Terrorists could strike us at any minute. And once a bioweapon is released, every second will count. In many ways, the war on terrorism is like a chess game. We must anticipate our enemy's moves, and mount an impenetrable defense. In their pursuit of bioweapons, the terrorists have revealed some of their game plan. Project BioShield will ensure we stay one move ahead of them. Someday soon, when it comes to bioterrorism, Americans will be able to say: Checkmate. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan bill we are considering today is similar to H.R. 2122, which was passed by the House on July 16, 2003. S. 15 is a good bill that serves a compelling national interest. Over the past few decades, we have seen rapid progress in the development of treatments for many serious, naturally occurring diseases. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are highly capable of producing diagnostics and therapeutics when consumer demand exists. However, there has been little progress in treatments for deadly diseases like smallpox, anthrax, ebola, and plague that affect today few Americans. There is little manufacturer interest in developing treatments for these diseases since there is no significant market, other than the government. Drug companies have little incentive for the substantial investment required to bring treatments to these deadly diseases to market. Moreover, the potential liability for an adverse reaction by a patient far outweighs any potential financial benefit in some of these cases. Should the United States be attacked with these deadly pathogens, however, the need for vaccines, tests and treatments would be great and immediate. S. 15 is designed to ensure that our country is prepared. The bill provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services with a number of flexible acquisition tools based on existing streamlined procedures to promote research and development and procure necessary drugs and vaccines. These tools are instrumental to the success of the Bioshield program. S. 15 gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services streamlined authorities to promote the research and development of drugs and other products needed to protect Americans in the event of a public health emergency affecting national security. The Secretary will be armed with flexible acquisition tools for research and development projects and would also have expedited authorities to award research grants and to hire technical experts and consultants. It would not be burdened with the existing procurement processes that could take months. The bill authorizes the procurement of biomedical countermeasures for the Nation's stockpile, using a special reserve fund. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security would be required to work together to recommend the countermeasures that are needed for the stockpile. Acquisition of countermeasures using the special reserve fund could only be made with the approval of the President of the United States. This bill would permit the use of simplified acquisition procedures only when the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the mission of the Bioshield program would be seriously impaired without the use of such special procedures. Finally, during national emergencies, the bill would permit the government to make available new and promising treatments prior to approval by the Food and Drug Administration. I especially want to thank my ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), and his staff for working with us on this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas and others who have been involved in getting this legislation before us. Let me just say I share the frustration that many Members of this body feel at the time it has taken to get this measure to this floor, in a conference report form, and then send it on to the President's desk for signature. We passed this legislation with bipartisan support a year ago, and it languished over in the other body until it was rescued by Senator Frist. The time is late, but the time is now. I urge my colleagues to adopt and support this legislation. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore