Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, if I could say to my friend, I understand that was part of the process, but he has to understand that nobody knew when they signed the petition what this amendment would be, what this substitute would be; and so for many members who signed the petition, if they do not like this, they can be consistent with signing this petition and vote against this substitute. That is the only point. I would say my friend and honorable gentleman who has offered this, I think, is most sincere.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I do not believe I was quoted as saying that. Tonight this substitute is not fair. It is not bipartisan. It is written to gain the current system. Their leadership on the other side woke up and found they had a huge hard-dollar gap. If my colleagues reject this substitute, remember this, those who signed the petition: if my colleagues reject the substitute, we are down to the base bill. That is the bill my colleagues signed the discharge petition for. They have not lost anything. This substitute was unveiled for the first time last evening at 10 p.m. That is when the public, that is when the opposition got to see it; and as we can see, drafting errors occur sometimes when people do these things at the last moment, and I think that is the problem that we have here. The underlying bill would still stand if this substitute is rejected. I oppose this legislation as it is now being amended again. I say to my friends who signed the discharge petition, if my colleagues reject this and beat this they have still the underlying bill. That is what they signed the discharge petition for and we can go on amendments from there.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I was actually a little taken aback by my friend, the previous speaker, when she talked about the voice of the people not being heard because of all this soft money in politics. The fact of the matter is when you collate elections, you will find out that the more money that gets spent on campaigns, whether it is on the ground or on the air, it drives up the turnout, not lowers turnouts. We can show you election after election where you have bigger spending campaigns and it drives turnout and voter interest and you get better penetration with the electorate. So I think that issue does not wash. This legislation is not about candidates. It really does not affect the way most individuals will run their own race or raise money as Members of Congress. What it does is affects political parties. If you believe as I do that political parties have been a very, very important part of the American political system, have, in fact, strengthened American democracy, a two party system in my judgement is something that has stabilized American democracy and keeps us much different from other countries. This drives a lot of money away from the political parties and puts them out into the system to interest groups, basically the right and the left. Political parties tend to center the American political debate, which I think is a good thing. For moderation, this legislation is the death knell because instead of candidates, independent members within each party being able to appeal to their political party, they have to appeal to interest groups to help make up funding gaps that may occur in these particular elections. But what concerns me the most is the bait and switch we see in this legislation before us. Written under the dead of night, we see a new substitute, Shays-Meehan IV, V, VI, I do not know which number this is. I refer specifically to title IV, severability effective date, section 402 section B(1) where it says, ``Prior to January 1, 2003 the committee,'' meaning the political party committees, NRCC, DCCC, ``can spend funds for retiring outstanding debts or obligations incurred prior to such effective date, so long as the debts were incurred solely in connection with an election date on or before November 5, 2002.'' What this means is under this legislation which displaces existing legislation pertaining to this, and there is no other language in this substitute that would replace the language in existing law, it means that political parties could borrow hard dollars in this year's election cycle and replace them with soft dollars that they could raise. So soft dollars can basically pay for hard-dollar borrowing. This is exactly opposite of what this legislation is intended to do. I do not know if the authors understand what is written in this. We have counsel opinions that we will enter into the Record later.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague from Virginia's Seventh Congressional District, Tom Bliley, and also to support H.R. 1748, to designate the U.S. Post Office on Glen Burnie Road in Richmond, Virginia, in the chairman's honor. This represents an important way of saluting his service to the Commonwealth and to the country. Mr. Bliley served as chairman to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for three terms ending in 2000. He was hand-picked by then- Speaker Gingrich over more senior Members, and his agenda during those 6 years was quite simply to promote commerce. As chairman, Mr. Bliley was a pragmatist, willing to broker deals behind doors with ideological friends and foes alike. As a result, the committee became one of the most constructive in Congress, promoting free and fair markets, standing for consumer choice and common-sense safeguards for our health and our environment, and keeping a watchful eye on the Federal bureaucracy. The pleasant, soft-spoken mortician, once dubbed in a magazine's cover story as the most influential funeral director on Earth, started his political career in 1968 when civil leaders sought him to run for the Richmond City Council. He served the city for almost a decade, not only on the council, but also as vice mayor, and then becoming mayor until 1977 when he retired to devote more time to his funeral home business. However, the chairman was not out of politics for long. He enthusiastically reentered when Democrat David Satterfield announced his retirement from Congress in 1980. Since his first election to Congress, the chairman was recognized by many organizations for his work. He served in various roles with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. From November of 1994 to October of 1998, he was chairman of its economic committee, and in November 1998, he became one of four Vice Presidents, and with the resignation of its President in 2000 of May, the chairman became acting President. His commitment to balancing the Federal budget earned him the National Watchdog of the Treasury's ``Golden Bulldog Award'' every year since 1981. He was named a Guardian of Small Business by the NFIB. He has been called the most powerful Virginian since Harry Byrd, and the National Journal cited him as Mr. Smooth. Madam Speaker, I join with my fellow Virginia colleagues in honoring Tom Bliley, thanking the chairman for his service to our Commonwealth and to our Nation. He has been a friend and mentor to me and many others. His presence in this Chamber has been missed, and I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1762, a bill that will ensure the long-term availability of higher education loans for students and their families. Our Nation's higher education loan system under the Federal Family Education Loan Program is an example of government at its best. By working in partnership with students, parents, college universities and private sector loan providers, the Federal Government has made the dream of college a reality for more than 50 million Americans since 1965. Right now there are families with children heading off to college next fall who are talking about not only where their children will attend school, but how they will pay for it. For high school students and their families currently facing these daunting questions, today's action will resolve half of that equation and leave them with the more pleasant task of determining which college or university is right for them, not whether they will have the means to afford it. By continuing the current formula for setting student loan interest rates, we will avoid the volatility that certainly would have set in had the current system been allowed to lapse. This will ensure stability in the Federal Family Education Loan Program and guarantee the loan system that serves 80 percent of America's schools and millions of our students. For the past 35 years education loans have been critical in enabling America's families to afford the rising cost of college tuition. By passing this legislation today we will maintain our national investment in well-educated, well-trained young people who can compete with workers anywhere in the world. In short, this legislation is good for students, families, schools, taxpayers and the economy. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to all of my colleagues that this bill is supported by both loan providers and student advocacy groups. In fact, the State PIRG's Higher Education Project predicts that the typical student borrower will realize a savings of $680 over the life of the loan. I want to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for their leadership in assuring continued availability of education loans for future generations of students. This is important legislation for our Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the James W. Robinson Rams' football team, which cruised to its second state football title in five years on December 8, 2001, with a resounding victory in the Virginia AAA Division 6 championship game. The Robinson Rams capped off a dominating 12-1 season with a thrilling 40-7 victory over Thomas Dale High School last weekend before 10,000 fans at the University of Richmond Stadium. The win not only added to the school's impressive resume--one that includes a 19-10 all-time playoff record--but also further established the Northern Region's stranglehold on Division 6 football in the Commonwealth. A team from the region has taken the title 8 of the last 9 years. Robinson defeated last year's state champs, Centreville High School, in the Northern Region final. While the state title was the result of a true team effort, the Rams were led by senior Michael Imoh and junior Adam Fassnacht, who were named offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively, by Northern Virginia's Journal newspapers. Imoh finished his high school career as Robinson's all-time rushing and scoring leader, running for 205 yards and four touchdowns in the championship game and 2,077 yards and 28 scores for the season. He also hauled in nine receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Fassnacht recorded 120 tackles and a team-high 12 sacks in the team's 13 games. He and his unyielding defensive teammates held Thomas Dale to 149 total yards and 6 first downs in the title game. They also forced 6 interceptions, tying a record set by 1991 Woodrow Wilson team. The Rams defense came up big in key moments to keep the game firmly in their favor. Quarterback Brian Gulley--who makes up for with heart and leadership what he lacks in size--threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for another. ``All season long, this team has refused to give anything but their best, and this is the culmination,'' coach Mark Bendorf--50-10 in his five years heading the program--told a local reporter after the title game. ``This is the pinnacle of high school football. I'm so happy for this group because a lot of people doubted them. But this was a team of destiny.'' Mr. Speaker, this team of young men, considered underdogs during their run through the regional and state playoffs, epitomized all that is good about high school athletics: perseverance, hard work, shared goals, and character. I am very proud to honor this group of dedicated players and their coaching staff, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in sending them our congratulations on their significant accomplishment.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, The attacks of September 11th wounded our national psyche, but the most profound wounds were surely felt by the thousands of families who lost loved ones. Allowing the victims' family members to view the trial of Zacarias Mouusaoui--the sole suspect indicted thus far in connection with the cowardly attacks--is the right and compassionate thing to do. Unfortunately, the Federal Judicial Conference, which has authority over the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia where the trial will occur, does not permit court proceedings to be televised. This legislation would require the closed-circuit broadcast of the proceedings to ``convenient locations'' around the nation. It is modeled after Section 235 of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, (P.L. 104-132), which was enacted after the Oklahoma City bombing trial was moved to Denver. In that case, an exception was made, with Congress requiring the court to broadcast the proceedings via closed-circuit television back to victims' family members in Oklahoma. P.L. 104-132 is triggered only when the trial has been moved more than 350 miles from the state where the case was originally brought. This legislation mirrors legislation already passed in the Senate (S. 1858) that would allow those whom the court determines to have a ``compelling interest'' to witness the trial--but are unable to attend because of expense, inconvenience, or courtroom space limitations--to do so via closed-circuit transmission. The transmission locations include but are not limited to Northern Virginia; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; New York City; Boston; and Newark, New Jersey-- the sites of the attacks, as well as the places where the aircraft involve departed or were intended to arrive. The court retains the discretion to designate additional sites. Until S. 1858 bill and the House companion bill become law, Congress would have to affirmatively act to permit televised proceedings of Zacarias Moussaoui's trial. Like the earlier law (P.L. 104-132), the court determines who has a compelling interest to view the trial, but are otherwise unable to do so by reason of inconvenience and expense. The courtroom in Alexandria may fit only about 80 spectators. Officials estimate that there are 10,000 to 15,000 victims and families of the crimes for which Moussaoui is charged. Who is Zacarias Moussaoui: Attorney General Ashcroft has said the French citizen Zacarias Moussaoui, 33, was an ``active participant'' in the plot by the al-Qaeda terrorist network to crash jetliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but was thwarted when he was detained on immigration charges in August, 2001. Moussaoui, of Moroccan descent, allegedly received $14,000 from an al-Qaeda operative, and engaged in a pattern of behavior that mirrored the activities of the 19 suicide hijackers. He is charged with six counts of conspiracy, including four that carry the death penalty. The indictment of Moussaoui reads, in part: ``Zacarias Moussaoui . . . with other members and associates of al-Qaeda and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, unlawfully, willfully and knowingly combined, conspired, confederated and agreed to kill and maim persons within the United States, and to create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to other persons by destroying and damaging structures, conveyances and other real and personal property within the United States.'' Moussaoui has already been arraigned. His trial is set for October, 2002.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1762, a bill that will ensure the long-term availability of higher education loans for students and their families. Our nation's higher education loan system under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) is an example of government at its best. By working in partnership with students, parents, colleges and universities and private sector loan providers, the federal government has made the dream of college a reality for more than 50 million Americans through the education loan program since 1965. As families come together during this holiday season, those with children heading off to college next fall will be talking about not only where to attend college, but how to pay for it. For high school students and their families gathered around their kitchen tables, today's action means that the only question they have to ask is ``where is their high school senior going to attend college,'' not whether they can afford it. For the past 35 years, education loans have been critical to the ability of America's families to be able to afford the rising cost of college tuition. By passing this legislation today, we will maintain our national investment in well-educated, well-trained young people who can compete with workers anywhere in the world. In short, this legislation is good for students, families, schools, taxpayers and the economy. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Boehner, Ranking Member Miller and Chairman McKeon for their leadership in assuring the continued availability of education loans for future generations of students. This is important legislation for out nation and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2657, the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001, as amended. This is an important bill that will provide the Family Court with the structural and management reforms it needs to efficiently and effectively serve the children in the District's child welfare system. After the tragic death of 23-month-old Brianna Blackmond, the D.C. Subcommittee held two hearing last year, which revealed the dire need for reforms to the various components of the District's child welfare system, including the Family Court. The recent series of articles in the Washington Post highlight long-term systemic problems in the child welfare system, and reemphasize the need for Court reform. The Family Court must be equipped with the strategic tools and resource to assure the safety and well-being of the city's most vulnerable children. H.R. 2657 accomplishes this objective. It mandates longer judicial terms of service to ensure greater continuity in the handling of cases. New appointees to the Superior Court who are assigned to the Family Court will serve for 5 years. The bill also requires that judges appointed to serve on the Family Court have committed themselves to the practice of family law. Furthermore, it creates magistrate judges, who will be responsible for handling the backlog of 4,500 cases. The bill imposes the critically important ``one family, one judge'' requirement on the Family Court to ensure that a judge is familiar with a family's history in order to make appropriate decisions regarding the safety and placement of the child. The Court will create its own integrated computer system for use by judges, magistrate judges, and nonjudicial personnel, allowing them access to all pending cases related to children and their families. The bill also provides the judges and magistrate judges with access to information regarding the myriad social services available in D.C. In addition to these key provisions, I support the Senate amendments. These include a provision requiring that when judges leave the Family Court, all of their cases remain in the Family Court. However, the bill does allow the judges an additional 6 months, and under extraordinary circumstances and additional 12 months, to retain a case if they can demonstrate to the Chief Judge that removing the child's case from the Family Court will result in more expeditious permanent placement. Let me emphasize that the application of this provision is only intended in rare situations. The critical reforms in this legislation will help ensure that the Family Court can meet the needs of the city's children. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2657, as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the attacks of September 11th, Americans have begun in earnest to critically look at the security of our nation's infrastructure. Indeed, unanticipated failures of electrical power or water supplies could have devastating and long-term effects on a region's economy, safety and security. The security of infrastructure is of particular importance in the National Capital region. I rise today to applaud your efforts, Mr. Chairman, with regard to this important legislation. In the years to come I believe that this legislation will prove to be a significant first step in the nation's efforts to develop models for critically important water system security technologies and procedures. However, I also rise today to direct your attention to the importance of ensuring that water systems in highly vulnerable areas, or areas that serve a large number of federal facilities, are given greater funding priority by the Environmental Protection Agency. In response to the September 11th attacks and the heightened security in the region, the Fairfax County Water Authority in my district has had to begin developing a number of critically important physical security enhancements and practices in order to better protect the region's water supply. The Authority is particularly sensitive to the threat of electrical power outage by potential terrorist attack. For instance, the failure of commercial power for a period of even three hours would render the public water supply for the 1.2-million users in the Fairfax County Water Authority service region virtually useless. The Fairfax County Water Authority is currently studying the feasibility of constructing an on-site state-of-the-art power generation complex capable of making the Authority self-sustaining, even during periods of reduced power or blackouts. Staff at the Authority has a long and solid record of responding to a wide variety of operating conditions in the treatment and distribution system. These actions, however, have been in response to slowly evolving external pressures or isolated component failures. To improve staff skills in thinking through its response plan, and identifying communications, command, control and information issues during a period of sudden attack (or perceived attack) on a water system, the Authority is also developing a holistic crisis, rapid response staff training workshop. Both the study and the workshop could be used as tools for water providers throughout the nation. It is my fervent hope that when deciding water infrastructure security awards, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency will take into account the region or service area's vulnerability of or potential for forced interruption of service. Indeed, i believe that no one would disagree with the notion that the Administrator should consider a water system's importance to national security and the operation of government. This is especially true in my district. The Fairfax County Water Authority's service area covers many critical federal facilities. Some of the largest of these facilities include: Ft. Belvoir U.S. Ary Reservation, Ft. Belvoir Proving Grounds; Dulles International Airport; facilities of the Central Intelligence Agency; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Harry Diamond Laboratories); Dulles Mail Distribution Center; U.S. Navy Family Housing; U.S. Coast Guard Information Systems Center, training facilities, and housing; Facilities of the General Services Administration; Facilities of the U.S. Department of State; and, Office space and warehouses for the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. It is my fervent hope that this bill will help ensure funding for the Fairfax County Water Authority next year.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John H. ``Jack'' Rust Jr., who for the last 4\1/2\ years has represented Virginia's 37th House District in the General Assembly with flair and acumen. While Jack's tenure in the state House comes to an end in January 2002, his contributions to his constituents will remain for decades to come. Elected to Virginia's House of Delegates in December 1996, Jack served on both the Joint Subcommittee to Study Revising the State Tax Code and the Finance Subcommittee Studying Tax Structure. From there, he championed a restructuring of Virginia's tax system because he saw an opportunity to bring a more equitable share of state revenues back to Fairfax County by changing the way income taxes are collected and distributed. Quickly assuming a high-visibility position within the Assembly, Jack's clout came from his intelligence and legislative expertise. Understanding that legislating is about inclusion, not exclusion, Jack was able to move beyond the usual rhetoric of the political process and work with his Democratic counterparts to negotiate compromises and build coalitions that resulted in many legislative victories for Northern Virginia. Able to quickly grasp any situation and understand all of the nuances of a particular piece of legislation, Jack earned a rock-solid reputation for taking a quiet and measured approach to the most controversial of issues. I also want to acknowledge Jack's efforts to bring new voters into the political process. He was a leading force behind the creation of the Commonwealth's first majority Hispanic district, and held dozens of town hall meetings with Asian, Latino, and African-American leaders. He encouraged the printing of sample ballots in Spanish and Korean. And he did these things without fanfare or bravado, because that was his style. This is the rare public servant who cares more about doing good than getting credit. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to emphasize that Jack Rust, in only a few terms, has enough public accomplishments to last a lifetime. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating and thanking Jack for all he has done for the city of Fairfax, Fairfax County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support a bill that has been more than 3 years in the making. It was almost a year ago to the day that I was on this floor giving a very similar speech to a very similar bill. But, whatever the process may be, I am pleased today the House is now considering the bill that will allow the Wolf Trap Farm Park to become Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Despite the relative straight-forwardness of this bill, it has taken years of careful negotiation and innumerable drafts to reach a consensus between the Park Service, the Department of Interior, the Wolf Trap Foundation, and the Committee on Resources. I am extremely pleased to say that as the first session of the 107th draws to a close, that consensus has been reached. As many of my colleagues undoubtedly know, Wolf Trap is one of the premier venues for the performing arts anywhere in the world. Nestled in a beautifully wooded site just outside of Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap plays host to every conceivable type of performing arts. It is the home to all the cultural diversity found in our great Nation. While I am disappointed it has taken this long to elevate Wolf Trap to the level of Federal recognition it deserves, I am very pleased that one of the final acts of this session will accomplish that goal. I would also like to thank my fellow Virginians, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) for their tireless efforts in this endeavor. I am very grateful to the Members and staff of the Committee on Resources. Without their support, I am confident we would be revisiting this again in the next session. So, my thanks to all. I urge its adoption.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great citizen of Northern Virginia, Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith. He is currently serving as pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, Virginia. Along with celebrating Rev. Smith's 15 years of service, the Church is celebrating its 134th anniversary of serving the community. Rev. Kenny Smith is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Howard University, and Virginia Union University. His resume includes a great deal of other accomplishments. Most recently, he received the Dean's Pastor's Award from the Dean of Howard University's School of Theology and the Outstanding Achievement in Religion Award from the Howard University Alumni Club of Northern Virginia. He is a well traveled man as well. He visited Israel, the seven churches mentioned in Revelation (Turkey), the Isle of Patmos (Greece), as well as 8 other countries. Reverend Smith currently serves on the General Board of the Baptist General Convention in Richmond, Virginia. He is also on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. Previously, he held a position with the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP. Through his leadership, the First Baptist Church has continued its excellence in serving the community. One organization that the church is constantly willing to support is Habitat for Humanity. The members of the church have assisted in building many homes for families in need. The church even helped with the cost of the supplies. In 1996, members of the church traveled to South Carolina to help in the rebuilding of churches, after several were burned down by acts of arson. And under the guidance of Rev. Smith, members of the church went, along with another local church, to Haiti on a missionary project. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to send my best wishes to Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith for his 15th anniversary with the First Baptist Church of Vienna and wish him the best in his future endeavors. It's been said that a good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit. This is the kind of selfless humility that has characterized Reverend Smith's tenure at his church. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating this fine citizen.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 3005, the Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001. I believe passage of this important legislation is crucial to America's economic interest, especially in light of the recession. H.R. 3005 is significant because it seeks to renew the President's fast track or trade promotion authority (TPA) to negotiate trade agreements with other nations. This legislation would ensure that the United States can effectively negotiate away foreign tariff barriers as well as non-tariff barriers that now exclude U.S. products. It gives the U.S. credibility to negotiate tough trade deals while preserving Congress' right to approve or disapprove them. More importantly, if the U.S. fails to be a leading participant in future negotiations on multilateral, bilateral and sectoral agreements, we will see a negative effect on our competitive ability to sell our goods in overseas markets. Our global economy demands that the President have TPA to open up foreign markets to United States products and ensure continued economic prosperity for American consumers and workers. For this reason, I fully support giving the President this important tool that every President, except for President Bill Clinton, has had since 1974. TPA allows the President to enter into trade agreements reducing, eliminating, or otherwise affecting U.S. tariff and non-tariff barriers. It essentially commits the Congress to vote on those agreements (without amendments or revisions) within a limited period of time. Under H.R. 3005, the President must also consult and coordinate with Congress throughout the negotiating process. In any event, if Congress does not like the end result, members can simply vote against the total package. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside of the United States. Let me repeat: 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside the U.S. That means quite simply, that the continued growth of the U.S. economy depends upon our success in eliminating trade barriers around the globe. Since 1993, U.S. exports have contributed to nearly one-third of the nation's economic growth and have increased three times faster than overall income. Moreover, between 1986 and 1994, jobs supported by exports rose 63 percent more than four times faster than overall private industry job growth. Free trade is especially important to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1996, Virginia exported goods worth $10.9 billion, 4.8 percent higher than in 1995. As the 16th largest exporter among the 50 states, Virginia industries have benefitted tremendously from international trade, particularly in the high-tech, industrial machinery, transportation equipment, and chemical and fabricated metal products exporting sectors. U.S. technology companies are the single largest merchandise exporters in the United States, accounting for 20 percent of all merchandise exports. Exports from the U.S. have more than doubled during the last decade. In particular, high-tech services such as computer, data processing and other information services are booming. While these exports are vital, imports are also important. They help keep inflation in check, give consumers greater choice, create jobs, and allow U.S. companies to use the best technology available so they can increase their productivity and competitiveness. Since TPA lapsed in 1993, the U.S. has been forced to sit on the sidelines while our foreign competitors aggressively pursued their own economic interests through trade agreements. For example: both Canada and Mexico now have free trade agreements with Chile; the Latin American Southern Cone Common Market (``Mercosur''), which consists of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, has agreements with Chile and Bolivia and is negotiating trade arrangements with other countries in Latin America; Japan and the European Union are working toward trade arrangements with countries in Latin America and Asia; and Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are implementing a free trade area. The President must have the authority to begin hammering out fair and balanced trade agreements that will clinch America's leadership role in the world market and improve the standard of living for American families. H.R. 3005 is a reasonable compromise that will enable the United States to stimulate economic growth, exercise leadership, and provide new opportunities for American companies, workers and their families. The U.S. is not keeping pace with our foreign competitors in opening up markets. We are party to only two of the more than 130 free trade agreements, and 43 of the 1,800 bilateral investment agreements in force today. The impact of U.S. inaction cannot be overstated: we face discriminatory tariffs; our service sectors are often at a competitive disadvantage against their foreign rivals; product standards are established that favor our foreign competitors; and foreign companies are often granted more favorable investment terms. By granting the President this authority we will guarantee that the U.S. remains both the political and economic world leader. Right now, while the U.S. stands on the sidelines, other nations have gotten the jump on negotiating trade agreements that benefit their domestic interest. U.S. exporters lose out on investment opportunities while the Congress debates whether we as a nation should be engaged in serious world trade. The time for debate is over; the time for action is now. Without the authority provided by this legislation, U.S. negotiators will not be able to sit across the table from our largest trading partners and reach agreements that lower tariffs, increase transparency and lessen onerous regulations in prospective markets. Instead, it will be our trading partners who negotiate free trade pacts among themselves, excluding U.S. workers and businesses from the benefits of open markets. We cannot afford to sit idly by while other nations seize the mantle of leadership on trade matters from the United States. The September 11th attacks on America and the ensuing sluggish economy make it more important than ever for Congress to give the President unfettered authority to tear down barriers to trade and investment, expand markets for U.S. farmers and businesses, and create higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs for American workers. Because TPA is crucial to these objectives, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3005

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report. Let me just say I want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg), the chairman of the full committee. I think he has done a very good job in shepherding this through the House and through a long conference. For the record, it is sad that the city has had to wait until December to get their appropriations. It should not have to work that way. This body passed the bill September 25. We were ready to go to conference the next day. It was the Senate, the other body, that held up this legislation and has kept this long-protracted discourse before we could reach agreement on the conference report. I would also remind my colleagues that just about 3 or 4 years ago, we passed a D.C. Revitalization Act. This was part of the Balanced Budget Act. In that, as we were putting that together, we offered the city the opportunity to do away with the annual appropriations for the city. In place of that, we replaced the city's responsibilities for felony prisoners, for the court system, and took care of what had been longstanding obligations that they owed in other areas, over a billion dollars in some cases; and in place of that, to do away with the annual appropriations. In taking care of the fastest growing part of the budget and basically moving those responsibilities to the Federal Government, we felt you would not need the annual appropriations. But the city understandably was reluctant to part with that because they knew there would come a time that they would need additional Federal dollars and did not want to do the annual appropriations. The gentlewoman from the District of Columbias' (Ms. Norton) object here is a noble cause, and we ought to look very closely at how we can do that. Every other city in America, when they pass their budget it goes right into operation, and if the Congress has a problem with it we can step forward and say we have a problem with it. But under this protracted procedure, we end up ironically hurting a city that has a limited tax base as it is. This legislation is pretty good. It fully funds the D.C. Scholarship Act. This allows city residents to go to State universities at in-State tuition costs, and get the same kind of deal that people in other States get. I think this is very important for the city. The gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) said the District of Columbia Juvenile Court revisions are very, very important. We have worked long and hard together to bring that. I think, by and large, this goes further in respecting District of Columbia home rule than many other appropriations bills that have come before this body. If we want democracy in this city to succeed, however, we should not continue to second-guess the mayor and the council. I disagree with some of the things that the council has done, as I do with things my home city council and county board of supervisors do. But if we want democracy to flourish, we have to give them the responsibility; and that means not constantly looking over their back. I urge adoption of this.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the West Springfield Civic Association for forty years of exceptional service to the Northern Virginia community. Its dedication throughout our region has been, and will continue to be, an asset to the residents of the West Springfield area. The West Springfield Civic Association was formed in 1961 by residents of West Springfield, Westview, and Keene Mill Manor neighborhoods. The motto of the association is Utile Dulci, Latin for ``the useful with the pleasant.'' This civic association, together with many other area civic associations, formed the Greater Springfield Community Council. With the growth of the community, a need for a new high school became evident. The civic association was influential in naming West Springfield High School after its community, rather than being named for a famous Virginian like most other Northern Virginia high schools are. Within the community, the West Springfield Civic Association worked hard to keep the area filled with trees. It was also instrumental in the creation of bike paths and sidewalks along main roadways, and replaced a plank bridge covering the railroad tracks. Since its inception in 1961, the members of the West Springfield Civic Association has always been a positive force for the development, progress and recognition of the Greater Springfield area. Not only has this organization held many meritorious events, but has also served in informing the residents of current issues affecting the community. In addition, the members of the Association have created a website which provides news, information, and events in the area, in addition to previous newsletters and minutes from past. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the West Springfield Civic Association for their hard work and dedication throughout the past forty years. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating an extraordinary group of devoted men and women.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like the record to show that I was right at the door when the vote closed. My colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and I were in a meeting with the Director of OMB in the Cannon office building. Had I been present, I would have voted no.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

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

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 77, a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the efforts of people of the United States of Korean ancestry to reunite with their family members in North Korea. The year 2000 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. While the July 27, 1953 armistice officially ended the War, the division of the Koreas at the 38th parallel separated millions of Koreans from their families, tearing at the hearts of every mother, father, daughter, and son. Today, half a million people in the United States of Korean ancestry bear the pain of being separated from their families in North Korea. Another historic occasion for the two Koreas occurred in the year 2000. On June 13th and June 14th, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung met with North Korean leader Kim Jong II in the first ever summit held between the leaders of North and South Korea. In a joint declaration, the two leaders made a historic promise to promote economic cooperation and to hold reunions of divided Korean families. I am pleased to share with Members that three of these reunions have taken place thus far. It is vital that we continue to support the familial ties that bind the two Koreas. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that Korean Americans here in the United States have not had the opportunity to participate in these family reunifications. Because of the geographical distance, many Korean Americans are not involved with the selection process for the family reunions. This is why H. Con. Res. 77 is important to Korean Americans in my district, and across the United States. Virginia's Eleventh Congressional District is home to one of the largest Korean-American constituencies. Korean Americans in my district still have personal ties to their former homeland. Some have not seen nor heard from their family members in North Korea for more than fifty years. Almost three generations have grown up unable to communicate with their own family members. We must make every effort to persuade the two Koreas that Korean Americans should be permitted to participate in the selection for the family reunifications and that these efforts should be timely, as older Koreans are dying as they await their turns in this process. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this humanitarian resolution.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a gracious friend and champion of the citizens of the Virginia Peninsula, former Congressman of Virginia's First Congressional District, Tom Downing. Tom was a true gentleman and a great patriot. Representing the Peninsula in Congress from 1959 to 1977, he helped Newport News Shipbuilding gain approval for expansion, which made it easier and more cost effective for the shipyard to construct some of the largest ships in the world. Tom was also well known for his firm belief that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in assassinating President John Kennedy. He convinced Congress to open a second investigation into the death of the President. While he retired before the panel began its work, Tom remained convinced until his recent death that the footage on the Zapruder film held the answers. Born in Newport News, Virginia on February 1, 1919, Tom was a graduate of Newport News High School, received a B.S. degree from Virginia Military Institute and a law degree from the University of Virginia. He served in World War II as a combat troop commander of Mechanized Cavalry with Gen. George Patton's Third U.S. Army and commanded the first troops in the Third Army to invade Germany. He received a Silver Star for gallantry in action in France when his unit was ambushed by a German patrol. He rescued two of his men who were wounded during the initial exchange of gunfire. Tom Downing was re-elected to Congress eight times, with little trouble and often unopposed. During his tenure in Congress, Tom recognized more than anyone the great economic impact the Newport News shipyard had on his district. He twice considered running for higher office--U.S. Senate in 1966 and governor a few years later--but decided against both. This body benefited greatly from those decisions. Mr. Speaker, I mourn the recent loss of our friend and former colleague. Tom lived his life with exuberance and passion for serving his beloved Virginia. He was a true leader on behalf of all Virginians and Americans.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased today to rise and recognize today's guest chaplain, the Reverend Kathleene Card of Trinity United Methodist Church of McLean, Virginia. Kathy and her family have been longtime friends with my family, and she has distinguished herself as a true community leader with whom I am proud to serve in Northern Virginia. Kathy and her husband, Andrew Card, the current Chief of Staff of the White House, have a common passion for public service. Kathy's career has spanned the teaching profession, senior government assignments, to now her service as a minister, all while dedicated to her three wonderful children and devoted husband of 33 years. I have had the pleasure of working with one of Kathy's daughters, Tabatha, as she worked in my various offices as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors in Fairfax and a Member of Congress, and her other daughter, Rachel, previously served in the Office of Chief Administrative Officer in the House of Representatives. We are all pleased that Kathy was able to join us, and we want to express our thanks and best wishes to her and her family.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his courtesy and consideration in bringing this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 1840, a bill which will extend eligibility for refugee status of unmarried sons and daughters of certain Vietnamese refugees. The Communist government of Vietnam, by its actions in imprisoning Catholic priests, Buddhist monks, and ordinary citizens whose only crime is to speak out for freedom and democracy is saying loudly and clearly and consistently to the United States, we want American investment dollars and we are willing to learn from the American economic system, but American values of religious and political freedom are not welcomed. We need to do more to respond to this message of oppression with our own message of freedom. Human rights needs to be central to our foreign policy toward Vietnam. One small step is to save as many as possible of the people who are still being persecuted by the Communist authorities because of their wartime associations with the United States, or simply because they share our values. Mr. Speaker, until 1995, those refugees who were eligible to resettle in the United States under the HO component of the Orderly Departure Program, which is limited to persons who served 3 or more years in reeducation camps after the Communist takeover of Vietnam in 1975, were allowed to bring their children with them. This policy included unmarried children who had reached the age of 21 during the period of the refugee's incarceration or during the long wait to receive an exit visa from the Communist authorities. I introduced this resolution several months ago to address a specific immigration concern. Until April 1, 1995, former Vietnamese prisoners of war who were accepted for resettlement by the United States as refugees could bring their sons and daughters, even those above the age of 21, so long as they had never married and were members of the refugee parent's household. On April 1, 1995, INS changed its interpretation of the then-existing law to exclude children who were over 21, even if they were unmarried and living with their parents. This abrupt decision reversed our humanitarian pro-family policy. This change in policy forced a brutal choice on ex-political prisoners: either decline the opportunity to find freedom in the United States, or abandon their children in a country that has persecuted them. In 1996 Congress adopted the McCain amendment to make clear that unmarried adult sons and daughters of reeducation camp internees are refugees of special humanitarian concern under U.S. law. Unfortunately, difficulties in interpretation and implementation of this provision have left hundreds of refugee families still separated. For South Vietnamese combat veterans and others who had suffered long terms in reeducation camps because of their wartime associations with us, this imposed a particularly harsh burden on both them and their children. These children had already been without their fathers when they were in reeducation camps, in some cases for 10 or 15 years. Then the refugees were given a choice between living forever under a Communist dictatorship or leaving their children behind when they immigrated to the United States. These children are marked as members of a counterrevolutionary family and denied educational and employment opportunities by the Government of Vietnam. They would certainly go on suffering in Vietnam because of their families' participation in the war. Additionally, the new INS rule was particularly harsh to young women. In Vietnamese society, a 21- or 22-year-old girl either lives with her parents or is regarded as vulnerable and unprotected. Recognizing these realities, Congress on three occasions adopted the McCain amendment which changed the INS interpretation of the law so that refugees who are survivors of reeducation camps can once again be accompanied by their unmarried sons and daughters. The latest extension expired on September 30. My bill will extend the McCain amendment for 2 years and fix a drafting problem in the language. This bill will allow over-21 unmarried sons and daughters and widows of qualified reeducation detainees to be considered for resettlement as refugees to the United States, regardless of the date of acceptance. H.R. 1840 is a fair and equitable bill that will provide family reunification and allow us to keep our promise to the people who fought alongside U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. Their courage and valor must never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for their leadership, and their respective staffs. I urge my colleagues to give this legislation their support.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and colleague from Virginia, Norm Sisisky, who served this body with dignity, honor and extreme dedication since 1983. Norm was a true gentleman and a great patriot. I will never forget his kind and valuable tutelage when I first came to Congress, nor will I forget how he demonstrated to all of us the importance of caring more about doing good than getting credit. He certainly earned his reputation as a hard worker and skilled negotiator. The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Norm was born in Baltimore. The family moved during the Depression to Richmond, Virginia where he grew up. Upon graduating from John Marshall High School, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving through the end of 1946. Norm described himself as a self-made businessman, turning a local soft- drink company into one of the most successful Pepsi-Cola distributorships in the country at the time. During his ten years in Congress, Norm secured committee assignments that paid great dividends to the residents and businesses in his district. He played a leading role in reforming the Defense Department's financial management system and worked tirelessly to preserve the nuclear shipbuilding industrial base so vital to employment rates in the Hampton Roads area. His was the proper and responsible balance: Protect Virginia's military facilities, but also make sure that military spending decisions are fiscally prudent and fair to taxpayers nationwide. He worked tirelessly in the Congress to improve procurement practices and streamline government to make it more effective and efficient. Mr. Speaker, I continue to mourn the loss of Norm Sisisky as a friend and a colleague. Norm lived his life with exuberance and passion for serving his beloved Virginia. He was a true leader on behalf of all Virginians and Americans, and as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, he worked across partisan divides, searching for the common good. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation, which will ensure that Norm Sisisky's contributions to his community will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today as an original sponsor and enthusiastic supporter of H.R. 1552, the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act. I continue to favor the five-year extension originally contained in this legislation and advocated by the Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce. Such an extension would ensure predictability and foster further innovation. I will support the two year extension, however, because I believe it is of paramount importance not to allow the moratorium to expire. Despite the current downturn in the economy, the Internet continues to flourish as the most unique and vibrant global communication and commercial tool. Its important role in our society and economy continues to expand. Yet an ever-present concern plagues many of us who understand the need to foster the Internet's continued growth: that government interference in the electronic marketplace--whether it be through regulation or tax policy--will create barriers that interfere with the transformation of the Internet into the repository of global communications and commerce for the 21st century. Three years ago, we recognized that state and local taxation in electronic commerce would require a thorough analysis before we could formulate a balanced and restrained federal policy on the taxation of goods and services sold over the Internet. While most of us agree that regulation of the Internet would hinder technological innovation and economic growth, we also understand the legitimate needs of state and local governments who use sales tax revenue to fund services for their citizens. Therefore, we enacted a 3-year moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on goods and services sold over the Internet. We also created the Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce to begin that process and identify all of the integrated issues that arise in the context of taxation and the Internet Economy. In its report issued in April 2000, the Commission recommended, among other things, that the current moratorium be extended at that time for another 5 years. I understand that some of my colleagues believe the moratorium should not last as long as 5 years and others believe that we have to address this important issue in a comprehensive manner. I wholeheartedly agree with the latter concern--this issue needs to be resolved in a methodical and holistic manner. But we need to implement a realistic time frame that will allow us to resolve each and every layer of the problems presented by taxation in a digital world. As I noted during House consideration of this legislation last year, this problem cannot be about politics. This is not a zero-sum equation, and it's important for the health of our economy that we resolve this complicated issue with deliberative evaluation. This is one of the most important long-term economic policy decisions that our nation will make, and I want to congratulate my colleagues, Chairman Sensenbrenner and Congressman Cox for their steadfast leadership in ensuring that we resolve this issue before the October 21st expiration of the current moratorium. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1552 and look forward to continued efforts to address the substantive issues in this debate.