Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 47, a resolution which honors the 21 members of the National Guard who were killed in the crash of a National Guard aircraft on March 3, 2001 in south-central Georgia. The Florida Air National Guard plane that was bringing 18 members of the Virginia Air National Guard home to Virginia Beach after 2 weeks of training in Florida crashed unexpectedly several days ago. The C-23 Sherpa twin-engine turboprop plane which included a crew of three from the Florida Army National Guard, lost control during a torrential rainstorm. The passengers were members of the 203d Red Horse Flight, a rapid- response engineering unit of the Virginia Air National Guard based at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation. Their mission is to deploy into remote areas and quickly construct housing, airstrips, and other critical infrastructure to support military units. The men who perished while serving in the 203d Red Horse Flight were fathers, husbands, and brothers. All of the victims were traditional members of the Guard, holding down a civilian job while serving part- time. Six Guardsmen were from Virginia Beach, three from Norfolk, and two from Chesapeake. Their commanders spoke highly of the Guardsmen, reminiscing about how close they were, many having worked construction together in their civilian jobs. Some served together in the 203d for more than 10 years. These were dedicated and patriotic men who believed in serving their country. Today, I join my colleagues in extending my condolences to the families of the fallen guardsmen. Their patriotism should never be forgotten. Their sacrifices serve to remind us that freedom should never be taken for granted. In training missions each and every day, men and women in the Armed Forces risk making the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend America. We owe these guardsmen and their surviving family members a debt of gratitude.

Mr. THOMAS M. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. THOMAS M. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2, the Social Security and Medicare Lock Box Act of 2001. I would also like to thank my colleague, Congressman Wally Herger, for taking the lead yet again in ensuring that common-sense measures are taken to preserve the Social Security and Medicare Part A programs for our senior citizens. Currently, both the Social Security and Medicare Part A programs take in more revenue through taxes and premiums than they pay out in benefits. This has resulted in large surpluses in both Trust Funds, estimated to be $157 billion for Social Security and $29 billion for Medicare. However, as the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age, the situation changes significantly. Over the coming years we will see a decrease in the ratio of workers to beneficiaries from 5-to-1 to 2- to-1, causing a precipitous decline in the amounts held in both Trust Funds. By the year 2037, it is estimated that the combined Social Security Trust Funds will be depleted, with revenues only sufficient to pay about 72 percent of benefits. The situation for Medicare is even more dire, with the Part A Trust Fund projected to be depleted by 2025. We cannot simply put off the difficult decisions for a later day. It is clear that we can enact significant reforms now that are necessary to keep Social Security and Medicare solvent for the future. It is also evident that while this is a challenging task in and of itself, it will be even more difficult, if not impossible, if we allow the surpluses that we currently have to be raided for other government spending. To this end, H.R. 2 creates a lockbox by creating a point of order against any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would raid either the Social Security or Medicare Trust Fund. This lockbox ensures that the Trust Fund surpluses will only be used to further pay down our national debt or to strengthen these vital programs for our children and grandchildren. This is a modest, common- sense step to help preserve social security benefits for future retirees. We have an obligation to keep our promises to our senior citizens. They have paid into Social Security and Medicare over the course of their working lives in the expectation that these benefits would be there to help support them in their later years. We do them a severe injustice if financial mismanagement on our part robs them of the security they deserve. By approving H.R. 2, we will show the American people that we remain committed to saving these invaluable programs. It is for this reason that I urge my colleagues to lend it their full support.

Mr. THOMAS M. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. THOMAS M. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Imam Bassam A. Estwani for joining us today as the guest chaplain and offering this morning's prayer. He is the chairman of the board of the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, which is one of the Nation's most active and influential mosques, located in the 11th Congressional District, which I represent. He has participated in many international conferences that focus on Islam and religious values in America. He has been instrumental in bringing members of different faith communities together to promote social justice. Mr. Estwani is a native of Syria. He has a law degree from the University of Damascus. He studied Islamic law in Damascus and at the University of Cairo. In Kuwait, Mr. Estwani participated in the publication of the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence. In Lebanon, he established an Islamic publishing house that produced more than 200 titles in a number of different languages. He also participated in and sponsored relief and literacy programs for orphans and the homeless in this country and overseas. The American Muslim community is growing, both in Northern Virginia and around this country, numbering over 6 million Americans today. I am very proud to represent one of the largest concentrations of American Muslims, who have chosen Northern Virginia as their home; and we are just very, very proud to have you offer the prayer today.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support a bill that has been more than two years in the making. Just several hours ago compromise substitute language was agreed to 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 my staff more than two years of careful negotiation and innumerable drafts to reach a consensus between the Park Service, the Department of the Interior, the Wolf Trap Foundation and the Resources Committee. I am extremely pleased to say that on this, the final day of the 106th Congress, 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. Nestled in a beautifully wooded site just outside Vienna, Virginia, Wolf Trap plays host to every conceivable type of preforming arts. From Native American folk festivals to Interpretive Dance Recitals, Rock Concerts and Classical Symphony, Wolf Trap is home to all the cultural diversity found in our great nation. While I am very disappointed that it has taken this long to elevate Wolf Trap to the level of federal recognition it naturally deserves, I am very satisfied that one of the final acts of the 106th Congress will finally accomplish that goal. I would like to thank my fellow Virginians, Frank Wolf and Jim Moran for their tireless efforts in this endeavor. Without bipartisan support, I am confident we would be revisiting this again in the 107th. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to object. (Mr. DAVIS of Virginia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my fellow colleagues, Representatives Steve Rothman, Patrick Kennedy and Heather Wilson, are pleased to introduce meaningful, bipartisan legislation to reform the administration of our nation's elections. The Election Reform Act will ensure that our nation's electoral prices is brought up to twenty-first century standards. The Election Reform Act will establish an Election Administration Commission to study federal, state local voting procedures and election administration and provide grants to update voting systems. The legislation combines the Federal Election Commission's Election Clearinghouse and the Department of Defenses' Office of Voting Assistance, which facilitates voting by American civilians and servicemen overseas, into the Election Administration Commission, creating one permanent commission charged with electoral administration. The Commission will be comprised of four individuals appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission will conduct an ongoing study and make recommendations on the ``best practices'' relating to voting technology, ballot design and polling place accessibility. Under this legislation, the Commission will recommend ways to improve voter registration, verification of registration, and the maintenance and accuracy of voter rolls. It is vital that we establish this Commission as a permanent body. Many issues and concerns surrounding elections necessitate a continual review of ever-changing technologies. A permanent Commission will be best suited to facilitate the sharing of information about new, cost- effective technologies that can improve the way we administer elections in America.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing my condolences to the family of Congressman Julian Dixon. His sudden death is a great loss for his family, for Los Angeles County, and for Congress. For nearly 11 terms, Julian Dixon spent his career serving others. He was a strong supporter of civil rights and education issues throughout his career. He served on the Intelligence, Ethics, and Appropriations Committees with dignity and fairness. I will remember Julian Dixon for his passionate concern for the people of the District of Columbia, Julian was born in Washington, DC, and although his political career was spent serving California, he never forgot his roots. For many years, Julian Dixon served as the chairman of the full committee on the District of Columbia, and demonstrated his extensive knowledge of the city and the major issues affecting its residents. He continued that work while serving on the Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of Columbia. But most of all, I will remember what a great help Julian Dixon was to me when I first became chairman of the District of Columbia Subcommittee. He played a key role in helping me to craft meaningful reform. His expertise and friendship were a great source of comfort to us during those early days of the 104th Congress. Julian Dixon will be greatly missed.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Mr. Gary S. Thurber, who is retiring from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on November 3, 2000. His distinguished government career spans 30 years. Mr. Thurber currently serves as the Executive Director, the highest civilian position, at Headquarters, Defense Logistics Agency. His record of achievement during this period reflects great credit upon himself and upon the organizations with which he has served. His contributions to the National Defense will be missed as he moves on to new opportunities. Mr. Thurber is a member of the Senior Executive Service and has received numerous awards over his 30-year career, including the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award in 1994 and the DLA Exceptional Civilian Service Award in 1995 and 2000. After serving in the U.S. Army for three years, Mr. Thurber worked at the Air Force Contract Management Division, Air Force Systems Command, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, from October 1973 through July 1990. He joined the Defense Logistics Agency in July 1990 and has served in the following leadership positions: Chief, Plans, Policy and Systems Division; Executive Director, Contracting; Deputy Director, Corporate Administration; Associate Director for Operations, Defense Contract Management Command; Associate Director for Acquisition, Defense Contract Management Command; Director, Defense Energy Support Center; and Director, Corporate Administration. Mr. Speaker, in concluding, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Gary Thurber on his retirement from Federal Civil Service. He epitomizes the dedication and professionalism that make our Federal government a model all over the world.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to be able to rise today in support of my good friend from Maryland, Mrs. Morella's bill, that will help improve pay and retirement conditions for physicians employed by the Federal Government. The bill, H.R. 207, corrects a number of problems with the current pay structure for Title 5 physicians. For one, it would permanently extend the Physicians Comparability Allowance (PCA), eliminating the need to reauthorize this language every three years. Additionally, the bill would include the physician's PCA as part of their base, average pay for the purpose of computing their retirement benefits, thus allowing them to boost their retirement contributions. This is not a new, unique benefit for physicians in the federal government, this is simply extending a formula Title 37 and 38 physicians have had for years. H.R. 207 is a bill seeking pay equity for all physicians within the federal government. It is important to note that physicians under Title 5 are the same that are working on cures for cancer, AIDS, and heart disease; protecting the safety of our food and prescription drugs; and providing direct medical care to federal employees, and their dependents, in the State and Defense Departments. It is truly unfortunate that the government cannot pay physicians on the same scale as the private sector, but amending the PCA for Title 5 physicians will provide some compensation to offset the loss in income they have willingly accepted to become public servants. I ask all my colleagues to join the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and a continually growing list of State medical societies (including my home state of Virginia), in supporting this important legislation. I want to thank the gentlelady from Maryland for her persistence and leadership on this matter, and hope this bill will be supported by this House.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5537, a bill to waive the period of congressional review of the Child in Need of Protection Amendment Act of 2000. The legislation will waive the 30-day congressional review period for the District of Columbia bill 13-796, the Child in Need of Protection Amendment Act of 2000, a critical bill which will have a direct impact on the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency and the children in its care. Ordinarily, the congressional review period is required under the D.C. Home Rule Act before any D.C. legislation can be enacted. However, due to the CFSA crisis, it is imperative that H.R. 5537 pass in order to protect the Child in Need of Protection Amendment Act of 2000 to take effect on the day it is enacted by the City or on the day that H.R. 5537 is enacted, whichever is later. CFSA has languished in receivership for 5 years. Even under direction of its second court-appointed receiver, CFSA has continued to demonstrate extreme deficiencies in the delivery of expected service. In fact, one child, Brianna Blackmond, died when she was returned to her neglectful mother. This was a tragic death which may have been avoided if CFSA had provided the court with all of the relevant information regarding Brianna's home environment. As a result, this year the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held two hearings regarding this receivership. We heard promises about CFSA's court appointed reform efforts, which are required so that the agency can function efficiently and return to the District of Columbia Government. Unfortunately, the operational breakdowns at CFSA have continued and the receivership has not delivered on their promises. At our second hearing, in September, the subcommittee called on all parties involved in this situation: CFSA, the plaintiffs, the court system, and the District Government to come together to create and implement an emergency plan to reform CFSA and the receivership. The City's legislation will accomplish just that. The Child in Need of Protection Amendment Act of 2000 will reorganize CFSA as a separate and distinct agency with personnel authority. The legislation ends the bifurcation of the abuse and neglect system to provide better care and protection for the children. It also includes provisions to limit the amount of time that a child is required to spend in foster care, to provide financial support for neighborhood- based family support services to at-risk families, to amend the confidentiality provisions to allow foster and adoptive parents greater access to information about the needs of a child, streamline the court process, and provide more placement options for children who cannot return home. I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the majority whip, for his involvement and assistance with the Child and Family Services Agency crisis in the District. As a foster parent himself, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has a strong personal interest in helping and protecting abused and neglected children in the child welfare system. His leadership has helped the City obtain the necessary resources to make informed decisions about the organizational reforms needed at CFSA in order to comply with the court orders and return the agency to the District Government. I also want to thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), for her leadership and support as we have examined the progress of this agency as well as the other D.C. agencies under receivership. With the District's most vulnerable and underrepresented voices in dire need of our assistance, we must let them know that help is on the way by working together to institute the best course of action needed to correct CFSA's systematic inadequacies. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 5537. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5537) to waive the period of congressional review of the Child in Need of Protection Amendment Act of 2000.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5537.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the U.S. Government Federal Telecommunications Services contracts, called FTS 2000/2001. As a member of the Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology and with my continued interest in information technology issues, I believe it is important that we do all we can to ensure that a customer--as large and important as the U.S. Government--is not short-changed in the midst of the digital age. Since the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, telecommunications and high-tech companies have experienced colossal incentives to offer more advanced services and lower prices for consumers. This industry continues to have the opportunity to form strategic unions with its government customers to place a new emphasis on the latest technological innovations and showcase offerings of voice, data and video services throughout the United States and the world. Even though we are making progress since passage of the 1966 Act, I remain concerned about the recent articles I've read stating that winning FTS vendors and the Federal government have run behind schedule in conversion of the contracts from FTS 2000 to 2001. This has impacted the competition built into the FTS 2001 contract. I find it troublesome to learn that this has resulted in a limited competitive opportunity for young, cutting-edge companies. As a result, this marketplace has experienced little in the way of introduction of new products and services to the government market. I believe that it is important that we exercise our Congressional oversight authority and we quickly review the fair process that was initially established for federal agencies under the FTS 2000/2001 programs in order to restore competition within the government sector.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the work of particularly Dan Scandling, Herb Bateman's chief of staff, and Julie Newell, whom I know helped put this together, and the other staff members who put this together. This is a fitting legacy for Congressman Bateman who started this. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this measure.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley).

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

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4907) to establish the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4907, the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2000. 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. This legislation will establish a Federal commission to complement Virginia's preparations for the upcoming anniversary and help make this a truly national event. The late Herb Bateman originally introduced H.R. 4907, the House companion bill, with enthusiastic support from the Virginia congressional delegation. The bill was of particular importance to Mr. Bateman because Jamestown is located in Virginia's First Congressional District which he represented or, as he preferred to call it, ``America's First District.'' Passing H.R. 4907 is a final opportunity for us to honor the memory of Herb Bateman. In 1607, Jamestown started as a struggling settlement but eventually became the first capital of Virginia and the birthplace of representative democracy. Its settlers left a legacy of language, customs and common law which remain with us to this day. Native Americans, Europeans, predominantly English, and Africans all played vital roles in forming this early settlement. Since at least 1807, Jamestown's founding has been celebrated every 50 years. The Federal commission that would be created by H.R. 4907 is modeled after the commissions established for past Jamestown anniversary festivities. The 15-member commission will be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and will terminate in 2008. The proposed commission will play a similar role to help coordinate events, activities, fund-raising, and capital improvements by partners on the Federal, State, and local levels, and in the private sector. It will bring national and international attention to this pivotal event in our Nation's history, and it will promote scholarly research and publications. The commission will help ensure that all people who were living in 17th century Jamestown are represented in the celebration. The 400th anniversary celebration will include reconstructions of the Jamestown fort, a Native American village, and the English settlers' three ships which have been rebuilt to reflect current research. The 2007 commemoration will include also exhibitions highlighting exciting new archaeological, historical and scientific findings made by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and the National Park Service, including the original 1607 fort. These organizations are now jointly planning a revitalization of Jamestown Island to provide a more engaging experience for visitors and an increased appreciation for their irreplaceable museum collections. The upcoming 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement is an event of historic importance that deserves national attention and commemoration. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and honoring the memory of our late colleague, Herb Bateman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand before the House today to honor the Fairfax County Park Authority's 50th anniversary on December 8, 2000. Fifty years ago, private citizens were the catalyst for the creation of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Looking to the future, they worked with the county's elected officials to establish the means to protect open space, historic sites, places for family recreation, and resource areas where wildlife could continue to thrive. The wisdom of those farsighted activists is evident today. Islands of woodlands and playing fields, strips of stream valleys and trails, historic fragments of Old Fairfax, Virginia and centers for active recreation and leisure pursuits form a patchwork of parks across the county, accessible to everyone and offering something for every interest. Fairfax County has a park system recognized as among the best in the nation. The Park Authority has over 386 parks on more than 19,326 acres. Park facilities include a horticulture center, a working farm, an activities and equestrian center, eight indoor RECenters, five nature and visitor centers, eight golf courses, on/off-leash dog park, three lakes, two campgrounds, an ice skating rink, a Water Park and a working mill. Recreational opportunities in the parks abound, with millions of people per year enjoying picnicking, hiking, fishing, tennis and golf. There are also carousels, miniature golf courses, amphitheaters and marinas. Together, people of Fairfax and their Park Authority have kept trust with the ideals of those who founded the Park Authority. With the support of the people and volunteers, the agency has maintained its commitment to preservation, protection and play. With their support the agency has survived shifting attitudes towards land use, the ups and downs of budget, changes in government and shifts in demographics. The Fairfax County Park Authority was created in 1950 to plan, acquire, develop, operate and maintain a park and recreation facility system that would contribute to the quality of life and environment for the citizens, visitors and tourists to Fairfax County. Over the past five decades, this system has evolved into a diversified mosaic of open space and recreation facilities, ranging from small neighborhood parks to an extensive network of county-wide parks which afford a variety of recreational opportunities for county residents. The park system also serves as the primary public mechanism for the preservation of environmentally sensitive land, water resources and areas of historic significance. The Park Authority protects, manages and preserves thousands of natural and cultural resources located within its 19,326 acres. The cultural resources, bits and pieces of our history which allow us to understand our present and plan our future, include structures, roads, landscapes, folklore, artifacts, historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. These resources are preserved for our enjoyment and the education of our children. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this December, the Park Authority will mark a half century of touching people's lives. Today, the children and the grandchildren of our original park patrons come to our parks for recreation, relaxation and respite. Together, people and parks will build on the past to shape the future. Like the couple at the golden wedding party, I toast a powerful union and an enduring relationship.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, my compliments to Chairman Istook for the time and energy he and his staff have once again devoted to reviewing the D.C. budget and bringing this bill to the floor. Just a few years ago, the D.C. government faced a financial crisis of epic proportions. The situation was dire: the District could not deliver basic services, and there was very real concern that it would run out of cash to pay its debt service and meet its payroll. Today, the city's population is stabilizing, the real estate market is up, suburban residents are making more leisure trips into the city, and jobs have increased dramatically. Next year the Control Board will go into a dormant state, as anticipated in legislation we passed in 1995. The city has balanced its budget for a fourth straight year and its leaders are showing, with only a handful of exceptions, that they are focused on fostering economic growth and delivering basic services. With the guidance of this Congress, D.C.'s elected officials implemented tax cuts and backed the procurement and regulatory reforms that have spawned the renaissance at the Nation's Capital. As an editorial in The Washington Times said just a few weeks ago, the face of D.C. is, indeed, changing. This budget goes a long way toward continuing the tremendous strides made in the Nation's Capitol over the past six years. It funds a wide number of programs that will greatly enhance the quality of life for D.C. residents and those who visit and work in this wonderful city-- from enhanced resources for foster care, drug treatment and public education to money to clean up the Anacostia River. This legislation provides full and vital federal funding to construct a Metrorail station on New York Avenue. There are funds for a number of programs to bolster opportunities for the city's youth population, including $500,000 for character education and $250,000 for youth mentoring programs. And there's much more: $1 million for the Washington Interfaith Network for affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods and another $250,000 for new initiatives to battle homelessness. $6 million to cover the city's costs associated with the 2001 Presidential Inauguration. $250,000 for Mayor Williams to simplify personnel practices, money that will allow the city to build on the many improvements already underway in the area of management reform. I am very pleased that the conference report fully funds the D.C. College Access Program--a program created by legislation I authored that levels the playing field for D.C. students by allowing them to attend state colleges and universities at in-state rates. This funding ensures that the program will continue to grow, so no students are denied the opportunity offered to those who attend high school in each of the 50 states. And finally, I am overjoyed that there is language in this conference report that transfers two school sites in Lorton to Fairfax County, at no charge, to address the critical need for new schools there. The legislation includes important language that facilitates the land transfer. I commend Chairman Istook for this forward-looking spending plan, a budget that ensures the District's `rebirth' will continue. I am proud to have played a part in this city's turnaround these past six years, and I want to thank the fellow members of my subcommittee, both Republicans and Democrats, for the work they have done to get the District back on its feet. I wish Mayor Williams and the City Council the best of luck in the future. This city is on the right track, and it's in good hands.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify that amendments to section 424 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act are not intended to limit the authority granted to the District of Columbia's Water and Sewer Authority in the District of Columbia to maintain and otherwise independently manage the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund, create separate District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority benefits, payroll, financial, and budgetary systems, or to implement and manage a separate procurement system. Is that the chairman's understanding?

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I thank the chairman for his support and cooperation.