Tom Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

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. 3995, the bill under consideration.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also want to thank the majority whip, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), for his interest and his understanding and his leadership on the bill. He was a very active participant in helping to move this legislation forward and craft it so it would achieve the goals that we all had in mind, and that is to prevent problems like we had with Brianna Blackmond in the future. 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3995, the District of Columbia Receivership Accountability Act of 2000. The Subcommittee on the District of Columbia, which I chair, of the Committee on Government Reform, is currently examining the status of the City's agencies that are overseen by court-appointed receivers. Presently, there are three outstanding agency receiverships: the Child and Family Services; the Commission on Mental Health Services; and the Corrections Medical Receiver for the District of Columbia Jail. Each of these agencies has languished in receivership for a substantial period of time and has continued to be plagued by systematic problems in the delivery of expected services. Since these agencies are under the authority of the court system and not the District Government, expedient congressional action is necessary to induce comprehensive reforms within the receivership to return them to the jurisdiction of the District Government. The Child and Family Services agency was brought under the glare of the public spotlight with the tragic death of young Brianna Blackmond. While Brianna was under the care of the Child and Family Services agency, her life was tragically cut short, at 23 months, by a blunt force trauma injury to the head. As the proud father of three children myself, I can say that stories such as Brianna's stab us in the heart and leave us wondering in amazement at how this could have happened. Unfortunately, Brianna's death is not a story of a one-time case slipping through the cracks of an otherwise well-functioning child welfare system. Brianna is just one example of many heart-wrenching stories of children adversely affected by the systemic problems of the District of Columbia's child welfare system. The two other district agencies in receivership have also demonstrated extreme deficiencies in their operations. The Commission on Mental Health Services agency has actually become worse since becoming a receivership. There are currently more mentally ill homeless people on the streets than ever before. Group homes for the mentally ill are poorly run and neglected, and treatment is difficult to come by. The lack of improvement in their services has recently led the receiver to resign. The D.C. Jail Medical Services receivership's financial management is in dire straits as well. For example, the receiver recently issued a contract to a private entity which had the D.C. contract as its only contract and had never been in the business, at a cost of three times the national average. This year alone, these three agencies combined will cost the District of Columbia taxpayers $352 million in court-controlled spending. In answer to these deafening receivership problems, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and I have joined together to introduce H.R. 3995, the District of Columbia Receivership Accountability Act of 2000 to provide management guidance to these receiverships and make them more accountable to the District of Columbia Government and the City's taxpayers. I would like to commend the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her leadership and compassionate interest in repairing these ailing District agencies. Specifically, the bill places affirmative duties on all the receivers in the areas of best practices. Each receiver should conduct all operations consistent with the best financial and management practices by regional and national standards. Annual audit by independent auditor. Each receiver must submit to an annual financial and program audit conducted by an independent auditor selected jointly by the receiver involved with the mayor. Controlling costs. Each receiver must ensure that costs are consistent with applicable regional and national standards. This requirement may be waived in a few exceptional circumstances. Consultation with City officials on the budget. In preparing the annual budget for the entity in receivership, the receiver must consult with the mayor and the chief financial officer of the District of Columbia. After this consultation, the receivers must prepare and submit their budget to the mayor for inclusion in the City's annual budget. The council may comment and may make recommendations on the receivers' budget estimates. Procurement practices. When entering into contracts, each receiver must fully comply with generally accepted procurement practices. Mr. Speaker, the District of Columbia Receivership Accountability Act of 2000 is a significant step towards inducing progressive reforms within the receiverships in order to return them in proper working order to the District of Columbia. I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting to support this vitally needed piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3995) to establish procedures governing the responsibilities of court-appointed receivers who administer departments, offices, and agencies of the District of Columbia government, as amended.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4387, introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), waives the 35-day congressional review period on the upcoming June 27 referendum. It will allow the results of that referendum to be enacted immediately. If the referendum is successful, the District of Columbia may move forward with the creation of a hybrid school board. This waiver will allow candidates for the new school board to be on the ballot for the November 7 election. H.R. 4387 will allow the choice that District residents make on June 27 to go forward without the delay it would otherwise face due to our own shortened legislative calendar. The mayor and the D. C. Council have come together to craft this compromise referendum that will return accountability to the D.C. school board and to the District of Columbia schools. The new school board will be comprised of five elected and four mayoral-appointed members. I believe this reasonable compromise will remove much of the politics that has characterized the D.C. school boards in the past. Most of all, this was not crafted from Congress, this was crafted from the city itself and the city leaders working together. I think if we want to continue to have democracy to be successful in the city, we have to allow them this flexibility. So I am eager that once this referendum is passed, or whatever happens to it, that we can move ahead and enact it immediately in time for the November 7 election. I hope that the new school board will return to its primary mission of oversight and management of the schools. It is my goal to assist the city in returning accountability to the schools. For too long the education system has not worked for the children of the Nation's capital. The mayor and the council have worked together to ensure that this situation does not continue. I commend them for their dedicated efforts to achieve reform. I also want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) for his expeditious consideration of this waiver. I urge passage of this legislation so that the District may move forward on June 27. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me just summarize. Again, I thank the gentlewoman for taking the lead on an issue that was very controversial at one point in terms of how we structure the school system in the District. There is no question that it has failed. I think we need to understand that before there was an elected D.C. Council, before there was an elected mayor, there was an elected school board. This has been a long Democratic tradition in the city. We also, though, recognize there is a need for accountability in the decisions being made at the school system. I think when we got all the entities together, this was the compromise that they have worked out. They are going to submit it to the voters. I do not think anything could be clearer or fairer than that. We just need to give it a chance to succeed. So, again, I thank my colleague for stepping up to the plate on this. I know this has been an issue of some controversy in the city, but it is that kind of leadership that is going to turn this city around. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure. Mr. Speaker, 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. 4387) to provide that the School Governance Charter Amendment Act of 2000 shall take effect upon the date such Act is ratified by voters of the District of Columbia.

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. 4387, the bill under consideration.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to address this first page school class of the millennium here today. And although I served 4 years, it was in the other body, so it seemed like about 10 years. And this is a much faster and brisker pace over in the House of Representatives than we have down the hall. I know it has been an extraordinary privilege and honor for all of you to serve here, and I hope that it has been worth your while in terms of the lessons you learned, the discipline you have had to achieve to move forward, and we appreciate you doing this. This is probably the most difficult time to become a page because you are trying to balance your academics with working as a page on the floor, and it is very difficult with late night sessions coming back and forth. We understand the sacrifices that you have made, many of you coming from high schools where you had interests in sports and other activities, and you gave those up to come here to Washington to pursue this. We are very much appreciative of that. You will make lifelong friendships here. My best friend today was someone who served with me as a page. I am going to see him this weekend out in California. He went on to be mayor of his town and we ended up marrying sisters, who would have thought when we were sitting here in the page school class. So you join a long list of page alumni, including many Members of this body, some Members of the other body. Bill Gates was a page, but not only that, every other segment of society, teachers, homemakers, attorneys, look around. The important thing is when you leave here, the lessons that you have learned here, you take what you have learned and you use it to become better citizens and you have a better understanding of government. And, most importantly, even if you do not pursue any role in politics, you can pursue helping others, that is what this is all about, that is why we serve here, to try to help our country and to help other people. And I hope you will take that with you, that is what inspires us to get up every morning and go through those long hours. And I think that is what has inspired you to come here and give up what you had back home and get up early in the morning and go to the school all day and then work the rest of the day and study at night. I am just most appreciative for what you all have done here over the last session. The best of luck to you as you pursue your dreams in this very most exciting time in history and thank you very much for what you have done.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I and my colleague rise to bring to your attention the contribution of a distinguished individual who is returning to government service. Last month, Mr. Bert M. Concklin announced he was stepping down as president of the Professional Services Council, a national trade association that represents a very large number of our constituents, to return to federal government service. Bert will soon assume the post of Business Systems Modernization Executive at the Internal Revenue Service. We both know Bert well and are confident that he will be a tremendous asset to the agency. Bert has been a leader in the government-wide reform efforts over the past decade where he has brought his keen insights, strong determination, and balanced judgment to bear on one of the federal government's most difficult undertakings. It is because of this background, as well as his substantial achievements in the private sector, that we feel secure in our prediction that he will positively impact the agency's goals. Aside from his service as a key advisor to federal agencies and Congress on tough issues, such as contracting reform and government- wide business process re-engineering, and in addition to his having held a number of high-level government positions. Bert has an impressive track record with some of our country's best-known corporate names, including PRC, McKinsey and Company, Computer Sciences Corporation, and General Electric. He also served as chairman of the Governor's Council on Information Management of Virginia. He served in the United States Air Force and graduated from the Unites States Naval Academy. We are pleased to take this opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of someone who has clearly demonstrated his passion for reform, government services, and bipartisan cooperation.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 4542, the bill to designate the Washington Opera as the National Opera. Since its founding in 1956, the Opera has been providing enrichment and arts education to the Washington Metropolitan area. From its humble beginnings under the stewardship of music critic Day Thorpe, when a lack of funds limited them to two performances a year, the Opera has consistently grown both in stature and in size. In 1980, the Washington Opera had a total of 16 performances of four operas with an operating budget of $2 million. Throughout the 1990s, the Opera has truly emerged as a world class institution and has grown to 80 performances of eight operas with an annual budget of more than $25 million. The great success the company has enjoyed is a credit both to its management and the support it has received from the Washington metropolitan community. Over the last 14 seasons, the company has averaged a remarkable 98 percent attendance, with 65 percent of its revenue coming from ticket sales. The remaining 35 percent of the budget is provided by individual and corporate donations. The ratio of 65 earned to 35 contributed is evidence of the company's fiscal strength and is the highest in the Nation. The Washington Opera has earned its position of leadership in the musical world without the crucial government support that is typical in most world capitals, in a city without the strong business base that helps fund many U.S. opera companies. The company has been a leader through its commitment to sustain new American operas by presenting them in crucial second productions, giving these new works life beyond the short span of their premiers. It leads by championing lesser-known works of significant musical worth rarely presented on today's opera stages. It has been hailed for its work with operas on the epic scale. As the British magazine Opera now recently stated, ``The Washington Opera is carving out a new area of expertise, staging grand spectacles to exacting standards with precision and power not often seen at the world's top houses.'' The company is also renowned for the number and quality of its productions, its discovery and nurturing of important young talent and the international collaboration system it has pioneered with leading foreign companies. One of the greatest contributions to the D.C. metro area have come from the company's educational outreach program. Reaching out beyond the bounds of the opera community, the Washington Opera has made a concerted effort to bring the arts to students around the region. As budgets for arts education have continually shrunk, it is more important than ever that private institutions have what limited government support can be provided to reach our school-aged children. It is with that goal in mind that I strongly support the passage of H.R. 4542 and ask my colleagues to do the same. I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) for his leadership on this issue and shepherding this bill to the House floor.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding couple from Virginia's Eleventh Congressional District, Carl and Martha Close. I extend my best wishes to Carl and Martha, who marked their 40th wedding anniversary on Thursday, May 18. The wedding anniversary was celebrated by the congregation at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join together today with the extended family of St. Paul's Episcopal Church to commend Carl and Martha on this joyous occasion and to share the warm wishes of the citizens of Virginia's 11th Congressional District. Carl was born in Oregon and grew up in Colorado, while Martha is a native of Alabama. He is a Harvard graduate and was the Assistant Director of Eastern Field Operations for the Department of Interior's Office of Surface Mining. Martha attended Radcliff and is a graduate of American University. She completed her Masters of Science Degree at Catholic University in Library and Information Science. Together, they have lived in the Washington Metropolitan area for more than thirty years. The Closes are the proud parents of two children, Carol and Stewart. True to their marriage vows, they have dedicated their lives to each other and shared in the joys and challenges of marriage. As we honor their fortieth anniversary, let us reflect on their lives, their love for one another, and wish them a happy and healthy marriage in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, as Carl and Martha Close celebrate this very special occasion, I wish them, their children, and all of their family many years of love and happiness. I am grateful to be reminded of such a couple and to have the opportunity to recognize such a momentous day in their lives. I hope that their anniversary was spent celebrating the memories of their most cherished memories together. Carl and Martha are to be commended for their commitment to one another, and for the wonderful example they set for their many friends and family. I wish them many more happy and healthy days together.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I appreciate his efforts in bringing this bill to the floor. I rise today as the proud sponsor of H. Con. Res. 229, which expresses the sense of Congress regarding the United States Philharmonic Society and its mission of promoting musical excellence throughout the educational system and encouraging people of all ages to commit to the joy and expression of musical performance. I believe that all Americans should have the opportunity to participate in music and art programs. Arts education programs and, specifically, music education programs have a positive impact on the lives of our children. Music education is a valuable lesson that serves to enrich our children and our society, and the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society plays a vital role in accomplishing these goals. The United States Congressional Philharmonic Society has created its own unique and appropriate mission which promotes patriotism, freedom, democracy, and understanding of American culture through sponsorship, management, and support of these groups and their derivative ensembles as they communicate through the international language of music in concerts and other multimedia performances in the United States and the world. Under the organization of Maestro Martin Piecuch, the Congressional Philharmonic Society has quickly established itself as a voice of freedom and democracy through the art of music. Maestro Piecuch can be credited with planting the seed for the Congressional Philharmonic Society when he directed the Broadway musical 1776 at DAR Constitution Hall in March of 1995 in which 12 Members of Congress played roles as the Founding Fathers of this great Nation. As the music director and conductor of the Washington Symphony Orchestra, the maestro has played a great role in the world of music for the citizens of Northern Virginia. He has served as resident conductor, orchestra manager, and chorus manager at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts and held the position of music director and conductor with the Alexandria Choral Society. The United States Congressional Philharmonic Society has developed a concert series to promote democracy and peace throughout the world. Most recently, on May 13, 2000, the String Quartet of the United States Congressional Philharmonic Orchestra performed in the United States Department of State Diplomatic Reception Room before the ambassadors to America representing the South African Development countries. I would also like to thank former United States Senator Charles Percy for his support of the Congressional Philharmonic Society. Senator Percy's leadership and guidance have played a great role in Society's formation. Madam Speaker, the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society is a living example of how our country's principles of freedom and liberty can be showcased to the entire world through music. I urge all Members to join us in supporting this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to Art and Marie Schmidt, two notable members of the Northern Virginia community. On Wednesday, May 17, 2000, the Schmidt's marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The wedding anniversary was celebrated by the congregation at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join together today with the extended family of St. Paul's Episcopal Church to commend Art and Marie on this joyous occasion and to share the warm wishes of the citizens of Virginia's 11th Congressional District. Anytime our community honors the 70th anniversary of any accomplishment, it is a moment to cherish. When we then celebrate a marriage of 70 years, a marriage of dedication, patience, love, and understanding, we are struck by the power and beauty of this human commitment. Grand occasions such as this magnify the many blessings that have been bestowed upon this wonderful couple. The Schmidt's have given generously of their personal time and resources to their family and to our community. Throughout their lives together, they have worked hard, appreciating the opportunities that life has offered them. Art and Marie are fifty-five year residents of the Bailey's Crossroads area of Northern Virginia. They have witnessed the transformation of Fairfax County from a sleepy suburb of our Nation's Capital into a cultural and commercial destination in its own right. The loving couple are the proud parents of three children; Robert, Marilyn, and Doug. After living in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago, the Schmidt's moved to the Washington D.C. metro area where Art was in charge of the weather bureau at National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. At that time, the weather bureau was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had not been created. Marie was a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic. Their commitment to public service, our Nation, and their neighbors are the hallmark of their careers. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me, their neighbors, family and friends in wishing Art and Marie Schmidt a happy 70th wedding anniversary. I am grateful to be reminded of such a loving couple and to have the opportunity to recognize such a momentous day in their lives. Art and Marie are to be commended for their commitment to one another, and for the wonderful example they set for their many friends and family. I wish them many more happy and healthy days together.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who personifies America's pioneer spirit, exemplifies its entrepreneurial vision, and, most importantly, stands as a sterling example of the uniquely American practice of philanthropy. A son of the Nation's Capital, James V. Kimsey is the Founding CEO and Chairman Emeritus of America Online, Inc., as well as the Chairman of the AL Foundation and the Kimsey Foundation. He studied at Georgetown University on an honors scholarship and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point before serving in the United States Army as an airborne ranger, rising to the rank of Major. He received numerous awards for service and valor during one term in the Dominican Republic and two in Vietnam. The list of honors bestowed upon this great American literally goes on and on. Mr. Speaker, allow me to mention just a few: 1994 Business Leader of the Year, Washingtonian Magazine. KPMG Peat Marwick High Tech Entrepreneur of the Year. American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award. The first annual ``I Have a Dream Award.'' Presidential appointments to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees and the West Point Board of Visitors. Chairman of the Washington Millennium and Bicentennial Commission. Chairman of the Board of The Washington Opera and member of the National Symphony Orchestra's executive committee. But the accomplishment for which I rise today, Mr. Speaker, is that for which Jim Kimsey is best known--his visionary leadership in founding the company now called AOL on May 24, 1985. After leaving the Army, Kimsey took his self-described ``airborne-ranger-infantryman'' mentality into the D.C. business world, opening restaurants, dabbling in real estate, and creating a bank- holding company. Then, in the early 1980s, he got involved in ControlVideo Corporation, a small firm that downloaded video games over the telephone--a venture he now calls a ``first-class fiasco.'' Always a step ahead of the curve, Kimsey, along with his partners, opted to move CVC's assets to another company rather than kill it. CVC became Quantum Computer Services, and from there--with the help of some venture capital--AOL was born. In a magazine interview last year, Mr. Kimsey recalled those anxious days, and it struck me ``We were like a little boat speeding through the bayou. We didn't want anyone to see how big we were getting before we broke out into the open. Our challenge was to keep our eyes on where the river was flowing. . . . Because we kept a low profile, we went unnoticed by the big boys until we were a major force in the market.'' Beyond such David-and Goliath strategizing, furthermore, is a born leader who holds steady to the American ideal of self-reliance. Witness another excerpt from the magazine interview: ``When you are in battle, it's your job to accomplish your mission and bring your man back alive. There's no excuse if you don't. If you're a business CEO and you didn't figure out where the universe was moving, or what it takes to make your company successful, there's no excuse. When you have the mindset that there is no excuse, you will be successful.'' Successful indeed, Mr. Speaker, AOL and Jim Kimsey are now American institutions because they represent the very best of America in the Information Age: innovation, energy, risk-taking. I am proud to have had the chance to spend a good deal of time with this man, for I have learned much from him. He is the kind of person who reminds us, when we are in his presence, of Melville's words: ``It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.'' And now--now that he has accomplished all that an American businessman could dream of accomplishing--now he has turned his attention to serving America, much as he did during his years at West Point and his three tours of duty. ``Having money,'' Kimsey has said, ``doesn't necessarily mean that you're successful. It just means that you were lucky.'' That selfless perspective was apparent back in Vietnam, when he founded an orphanage he continues to support today. And it is apparent now as he takes on new philanthropic endeavors--from the dozens of non- profit boards he sits on to the message of education in the Internet Age that he spreads to teachers, students, parents and communities across America. Jim Kimsey believes as I do, that if we address the plight of disadvantaged children early, many of our society's problems will all but disappear. One of the challenges he's taken on is to figure out how technology can ameliorate the problems of education. During a trip to Vietnam just a couple years ago, he even dedicated a school in Dong Ha to which he continues to donate money. Blink your eyes and there he is, deep in the mountains of Colombia, talking to leaders of that country's Revolutionary Armed Forces, trying to improve communication between their camp and that of Colombian President Pastrana. Blink your eyes once more and there again is Kimsey, serving as host at a fundraiser for one of the many charities to which he lends his name, energy and know-how. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to my friend Jim Kimsey on the 15th anniversary of one of America's great companies. I want to thank him for all that he has given to the greater Washington area, and all of the United States. Due largely to his foresight and determination, America is leading the way in the Information Age. Even more importantly, I want to thank him for serving as a model of corporate philanthropy.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this and for the resolution. For America, this agreement is a one-way street, our markets are already open to the Chinese; if there is going to be job loss, we have seen it. In terms of some of these low-wage markets that have already been moved in the Pacific Rim into China and to these other areas, what this does for the first time, and by adopting PNTR, China's markets are now going to be more accessible to American companies, American products. 1.2 billion Chinese, America only has 5 percent of the world's consumers. China is the largest, second largest economy in the world, 100 million Chinese today making $40,000 a year U.S. annually. A middle class that is burgeoning and growing, and this is going to increase the pressures for democratization inside of China. China already joins the WTO regardless of what we do here today. That already happens. The question is: Are American products, are American corporations, are American workers, going to get the WTO preference by our granting PNTR and does America get the benefits of the World Trade Organization tribunals for resolving trade issues that we do not get if we just go on to an annual basis? Under PNTR, the answer is yes, we get those benefits. With only annual trade relations agreements the answer is no. Look, we all agree that China's human rights record is abysmal; it is terrible. But does withholding PNTR bring about any of those changes? No. That is why Martin Lee, the great democracy leader in Hong Kong, the Dalai Lama and others endorse PNTR. The best way to change China and to change their pitiful human rights record and their abuses is through trade, by opening up their borders, by exporting our values and our goods to China; to the opening of the Internet, the opening of their media, opening up to free commerce. History teaches that revolutions occur when things are getting better, not when things are getting worse. It is a historical law of relative deprivation. Things are improving in China; and if the rising expectation of those people come forward, we will see this historical law move to a huge change in China in their human rights and democratic abuses that they have today. Economic forces that will be unleashed by free trade and commerce are going to overwhelm the current forces fighting to maintain socialism, to main totalitarianism and repression in China. Political freedom will follow the economic freedom in the opening up of the markets in this case. Let us be visionary and understand that the information revolution that is taking this planet, the globalization of the economy, these are very strong forces which will be enhanced by adopting this agreement today, and this will change China forever in a way that withholding our support can never get to. It changed Taiwan, which just a few years ago was a dictatorship. It changed Korea, which was a dictatorship. These forces are overwhelming and we are unleashing these forces by adopting this resolution today. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the rule and to vote yes on this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3688.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor and strong supporter of H.R. 3544, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II for his outstanding leadership in promoting peace and understanding across the globe. Pope John Paul II is one of the greatest humanitarians of all time and this special award is a testament to his successful life's work in making the world a better and safer place. Pope John Paul II has been a revolutionary in the world of religion. He has been a spiritual leader to over one billion Catholic Christians around the globe. He has served as an inspiration to millions of American Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Pope John Paul II has led the charge to unify not only diverse sects of Christianity, but also to bridge the gaps between all respected religious peoples throughout the world. Over the years, Pope John Paul II has traveled the world as a ``warrior of peace.'' His tireless effort to bring people together of different faiths has demonstrated to the rest of the world the wonderful possibilities of the good that can and will prevail when people of diverse, sometimes seemingly bipolar backgrounds begin to listen to one another too long. From the United States to developing nations, Pope John Paul II has traversed the globe with a message of hope and freedom as our New Economy's prosperity continues to beat down the plight of poverty. Pope John Paul II should be commended for his work in promoting democracy and for the demise of communism throughout Europe. Being such an outspoken leader in the battle of good versus evil enabled Pope John Paul II to play a critical role in the debate which lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Time and time again, Pope John Paul II spoke up and defended liberty and justice wherever totalitarian regimes have arisen. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for bringing consideration of this legislation to the House Floor. Pope John Paul II is a deserving recipient of this special award, as he has been a leader in promoting peace and democracy throughout the world. With that said, I am privileged to join my colleagues in support of awarding Pope John Paul II the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2498, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act. This critical piece of legislation would improve survival rates for victims of cardiac arrest by expanding access to cardiac defibrillators in federal buildings. Everyday 1,000 Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, usually outside of a hospital setting. Unfortunately, more than 95 percent of these victims die because life-saving equipment is not readily available or arrives too late. When a defibrillator is used to deliver a shock to a heart with an abnormal rhythm, survival rates for cardiac arrest sufferers increases to as much as 20-30 percent. Every minute of delay in access to defibrillators leads to a ten percent decrease in life expectancy. Therefore, it is vital that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) be made available for use in public areas and the public should be educated on how to operate this user-friendly life saving equipment. H.R. 2498 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations for public access to defibrillation programs in Federal buildings in order to improve survival rates of people who suffer cardiac arrest in Federal facilities. Federal buildings throughout America will be encouraged to serve as examples of rapid response to cardiac arrest emergencies through the implementation of public access to defibrillation programs. The programs will include training proper personnel in the use of the AED, notifying local emergency medical services of the placement of AEDs, and ensuring proper medical oversight and proper maintenance of the device. Furthermore, this bill seeks to fill in this gaps with respect to States that have not acted on AED legislation by extending good samaritan liability protection to people involved in the use of the AED. I commend Representative Cliff Stearns for introducing this life- saving piece of legislation. And I urge all my colleagues to vote in support of the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which could save up to 50,000 lives each year by increasing access to Automated External Defibrillators. I also want to take the opportunity to recognize a very special group of high school students from my district who have been working feverishly in support of H.R. 2498. The 341 members of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Chapter at Robinson Secondary School launched a dual campaign last fall to not only work towards the successful passage of H.R. 2498, but to also educate the public about the benefits of AEDs. Robinson's DECA Chapter recognized that a group of potential sudden cardiac arrest victims have been ignored by the public: teenagers. These energetic members sought to rectify this situation by initiating a public relations campaign to raise general awareness about the benefits of AEDs and to outfit high schools with these valuable devices. In a school as large as Robinson Secondary School, with 5,000 teachers, students, administrators, and community members, the need for an AED is particularly evident. In order to acquire the first student- purchased AED in the country, Robinson DECA held the Heart Start Shopping Night and raised the needed $3,500. In working with the American Heart Association and a professional adult advisor committee, Robinson DECA also realized that not every state currently has legislation to provide Good Samaritan protection for operators of the AED. This motivated DECA to work in support of the passage of H.R. 2495, the Cardiac Survival Act. Their lobbying efforts included developing a slogan and logo, researching H.R. 2495 in order to write a research paper, personally lobbying all 435 House of Representative members and staff, staging a rally on the steps of the United States Capitol, holding a press conference, and designating and operating an internet home page. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Robinson DECA's enthusiasm and dedication in helping others understand the great need for AEDs. And I share their pride today in seeing this vital bill coming to a vote on the House floor.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mrs. Linda Clark, principal of Flint Hill Elementary School in Vienna, Virginia. She has been the principal of Flint Hill Elementary for the past 25 years and will be retiring this week. From her humble start as a Third Grade teacher in Illinois to her being named the principal of Flint Hill Elementary in 1975, she has exemplified all that is good about the educational profession. As principal of Flint Hill Elementary, Linda demonstrated and encouraged creativity and innovation in the classroom. She continually encouraged the staff, students and parents to stretch their talents and strengths and attempt new goals and endeavors, while always respecting the personality, teaching, and learning styles of staff, students, and parents. Linda has always tried to foster cooperation between her school and her students' community. She held monthly parent coffees in various Flint Hill neighborhoods, and she created ``Curriculum Nights'' for various grade levels to share with parents. Linda also created ``Highlights,'' a quarterly newsletter sent to all Flint Hill Elementary School families, which provides information on grade level curriculum activities for the upcoming school quarter. While strengthening ties between the school and the community, Linda also was an integral part of maintaining continuing dialogue between the faculty and staff in Flint Hill Elementary. Linda met regularly with staff members to discuss their professional growth and concerns. She always participated in morning and afternoon Flint Hill news programs, and she enjoyed meeting with individual and groups of students to discuss various issues, all-the-while encouraging feedback from students and staff regarding school programs and procedures. While making Flint Hill Elementary School a friendlier place to learn, Linda took steps to keep herself, her staff, and faculty abreast of new developments in the field of education. To do this, she solicited feedback from many areas of expertise in formulating the school's curriculum. She shared reading material with the staff dealing with educational issues in particular child development: learning styles and brain development. Linda and Flint Elementary are also the proud hosts of the Area III Technology Expo, where Fairfax County School staff and students share and learn about the latest developments in the fields of computer and technological instruction related to POS and SOL objectives. I have had the opportunity to attend this expo on several occasions and can attest to its depth and substance. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank Principal Clark for all she has done for Flint Hill Elementary School over the past 25 years. She has been a role model for her students and colleagues, and she exemplifies the ideal of being a ``lifelong learner.'' Her obvious curiosity about the world, its cultures, its people and her love of learning and sharing of knowledge are contagious. I know my colleagues join me in honoring Linda for her 25 years of dedicated service to educating our children and improving our community.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I am in strong support of the amendment offered by the Gentleman from Pennsylvania, and urge all my colleagues to do the same. During 17 of the last twenty budget cycles, there has been some level of budgetary impasse between the Congress and the President. More often than not, these temporary delays go relatively unnoticed because they are tempered by the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that maintains the current fiscal year's spending levels. Unfortunately, in 1995, the rancor of the budget battles here in Washington were raised to such a pitch, that their consequences ultimately resonated across the nation. As many of you remember, we reached an impasse so insurmountable that no CR could be passed, and the federal government was effectively shut-down. Overnight, the people we were sent here to represent could no longer count on the federal government to provide the services they paid for. Additionally, roughly 1 million federal employees found themselves without a job or a paycheck during one of the busiest commercial spending times of the year. Mr. Chairman, more than 56,000 federal employees reside in my district just across the Potomac River. They constitute one of my largest constituencies, and are by far one of the most politically astute groups in the Nation. But more important than that, they are the people who process the millions of social security checks, they are the DEA Agents that intercept drugs before they reach our streets, they are the surveyors at the Department of Agriculture that distribute aid to struggling farmers, and they are the HUD employees who make sure a poor family has its rent covered for the next month. No one can argue that the differences we have about the federal budget are not of paramount importance. But when the entire federal government is forced to close its door to the American people because of a political dispute in Washington, then we have failed the people we were sent here to represent. I want every member in this August Chamber to keep in mind that when my 56,000 federal employees can't do their jobs, it will be your constituents that will ultimately suffer. I want to thank Mr. Gekas for offering an amendment that will provide an automatic CR whenever the political rhetoric reaches such a pitch as to potentially shutdown the Government. I strongly support the amendment and urge all my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce this House Concurrent Resolution which expresses the sense of Congress regarding Vietnamese-Americans and others who seek to improve social and political conditions in Vietnam. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of Saigon to Communist forces. The current Socialist Republic of Vietnam continues under an oppressive Communist regime that limits and denies its citizens fundamental rights, such as the right to free speech, the right to religious worship, and the right to associate with others who do not agree with the government. During the past 25 years, many people, including Vietnamese-Americans have participated in peaceful protests, freedom rallies, candlelight vigils, hunger strikes, and other demonstrations to bring awareness and attention to the social and political situation in Vietnam. It is important that we recognize the work of Vietnamese-Americans and others who labor continuously to bring attention to the injustices and human rights conditions in Vietnam. In addition, we must never forget those who risked and gave the ultimate sacrifice--their lives-- in defending and attempting to bring freedom and democracy to Vietnam. Traditionally, the former Republic of South Vietnam and presently in Vietnamese-American communities all across America, June 19 represents a day to commemorate and honor both fallen and living heros who have dedicated or are continuing to dedicate their lives to bringing international attention to the human rights situation in Vietnam. The Vietnamese-American community may be relatively young, but it has a consistent record of bringing issues such as human rights abuses, political and religious persecution, and labor exploitations committed in Vietnam, to the attention of the American public. Many of my own constituents have shared with me the horrors and their own personal stories of how they and their families have endured living under Vietnam's Communist regime without fundamental human rights. While many of them were lucky enough to escape from Vietnam, many more people have not been as fortunate. It is my strongest hope that the citizens of Vietnam will one day be free: free to elect their own leaders and government, free to worship as they please, free to speak and print their own opinions without fear of persecution or harassment, and simply free to live their lives without government intrusion. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important resolution because it reaffirms Congress' commitment to Vietnamese-Americans and others whose work keeps the spirit of freedom alive for those still living in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, the Internet is the most empowering invention since the printing press. It allows individuals now when they go to buy things to have the buying power that was once reserved for retailers. Mere students at the elementary school level can now have access to information that was once reserved for educational elites and kings and princesses. This will empower people to make better decisions and help their own lives. Yet, we still have a digital divide in this country where too many people do not have access to the Internet, their kids do not have access. The challenge to us is that this gap between the rich and poor, which has been widening, will not widen further with the growth of technology. This moratorium is an effort to bridge this digital divide by saying we are not going to put taxes on this and people who cannot afford this today are not going to be priced out of the market by excessive governmental taxation. That is all this does. And for 5 years it gives us the opportunity for businesses to make their plans over that time. It does not address the sales tax issue. That is a constitutional issue. It was raised in Quill v. North Dakota. This Congress can address that any time it wants to come back, or it can be addressed through the courts. But it does say that we are not going to have over 7,000 different local taxes and fees relating to the Internet all over this country, that we are not going to do the usual philosophy that if it moves, we tax it, if it keeps moving we regulate it, and when it stops moving we subsidize it. We are going to allow the entrepreneurs and the businesses that have built this Internet and that have programmed the software that has made this available to the average citizen's fingertips, we are going to allow them to keep on doing what they have been doing and grow the economy. There is no question we are due for a tax overhaul in this country. The information revolution changes the whole paradigm in terms of how people make wealth. At the local level, it is still measured in property taxes. I spent 15 years in local government. The property tax no longer gives us the financial ability in many jurisdictions to raise the money for education and public safety and the like. Wealth has moved into knowledge, and this is something for over the long term as we address our IRS Tax Code. That is why I move that we try to scrap the Tax Code and rethink how we tax people. But this is a signal to all of the entrepreneurs and businesses out there in making their plans that the Internet is off limits for State and local governments over the next 5 years. They are already getting increased receipts as a result of the development of the Internet. Every new phone line that comes in, there are access charges related to that. Phone bills that go in, those are Internet fees. They are paying that to State and local government. Sales of equipment. My colleagues do not think they have sales taxes on the sales of equipment and the like? Electric bills. The new employees that are created pay all different kinds of taxes. Revenues are up at the State and local level, and a lot of this is because of the Internet. If we put a tax on top of this, it not only hurts us domestically but it hurts us across the globe. America is 5 percent of the world's consumers. Ninety-five percent of the world's population lives outside the United States. If we start taxing it here, we start talking about destroying the goose that laid the golden egg. That is the end of American dominance of the world economy on the Internet. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as an original sponsor and enthusiastic supporter of H.R. 3709, the Internet Nondiscrimination Act. With Internet use and global electronic commerce growing at an astronomical pace, it is inarguable that the Internet is emerging as the most unique and the fastest-growing tool of communication known to mankind. The Internet facilitates not only economic growth but the easy dissemination of ideas and information from almost any spot in the world. We are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of the potential that the Internet can offer both cheaply and quickly. Yet an ever-present concern plagues many of us who understand the need to foster the Internet's continued growth: the 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. Two 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. 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. As we all know, the Commission reported its findings and proposals last month. While the Commissioners could not agree on a way to resolve the thornier issues of sales and use taxes and Internet access charges, among others, they did provide a critical basis for us to continue discussing how we prevent Internet taxation from discouraging every American's access to the Internet and inhibiting electronic commerce. And among their recommendations was a proposal--supported by a majority, 11 out of the 19 Commissioners--to extend the current moratorium on those types of taxes 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. To the latter concern, I wholeheartedly agree--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. This problem cannot be about politics. It cannot be about one side fighting at all costs for victory over another. 56 percent of U.S. companies will sell their products online by 2000. The Internet Economy now accounts for 2.3 million jobs. Global Internet commerce has generated nearly $145 billion in revenue since 1998. The U.S. not only has the fastest-growing number of Internet users, but the largest proportion of e-commerce consumers. How we address Internet taxation without hindering Internet access and expansion is one of the most important long-term economic policy decisions that our nation will make. That is why a 5-year moratorium is critical. I want to congratulate my colleague, Congressman Cox for his steadfast and outstanding leadership on this issue. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3709 and oppose any amendments that weaken the extension of the Internet tax moratorium. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for H.R. 4040, the Long-Term Care Security Act. For the first time, the federal government will make a concerted effort to provide the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of this country, with long-term health care. Under this bill, the Office of Personnel Management will simply fulfill the role of a Human Resources department and solicit competitive bids from private insurers to provide the most equitable and comprehensive long-term health care to federal employees. That commitment by OPM represents the extent of the Government's active participation in this process. Once the contract is awarded and the program is established, all federal employees who chose to participate will be responsible for paying 100% of the insurance premiums. I think it is important to note that this bill has some minor administrative costs associated with it, I believe roughly $21 million over two years, that are necessary implementation costs. After that initial two year period, the benefits of H.R. 4040, which will be available to both current Uniformed Services and civilian employees, as well as military and civilian retirees, will actually start showing a profit. That makes this bill a win-win both in terms of cost and in services provided. I would like to commend my good friend from Florida, the Chairman of the Civil Service Subcommittee, Mr. Scarborough, for managing this bill on the floor today. I would also like to take a moment to thank the gentlelady from Maryland, Mrs. Morella. Her dedication to protecting and promoting issues important to federal employees is well known. Specifically, Mrs. Morella has long championed the cause of providing all federal employees and retirees with the most comprehensive and affordable health care available, and without her work on this issue, H.R. 4040 would not be on the Floor today.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my colleagues the celebration of Food Allergy Awareness Week, which will be observed around the country this week, May 8-12. The Food Allergy Network, which is based in my district, is celebrating this week to increase the public's awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis. Scientists estimate that more than 6 million American children and adults have food allergies. A food allergy is the immune system's reaction to a certain food, which differs from food intolerance; a metabolic disorder. During an allergic reaction the immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food item, is harmful. In its attempt to protect itself, the body creates specific antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and antihistamines. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but eight foods cause 90 percent of all food allergies and they are: milk, egg, wheat, peanut, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. In most cases, children outgrow their food allergy with the exception of allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, which are life-long allergies. Presently, a cure does not exist for food allergies, only a strict avoidance of the problematic food will allow these individuals to lead a near-normal life. Therefore, accurate food labeling is vital to avoid life-threatening allergens. If a problematic food is consumed, the individual will experience symptoms ranging from a tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, to death. Symptoms will typically appear within minutes or up to two hours after the person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic. The most severe reaction will cause anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially life- threatening allergic reaction. It typically involves two or more of the body's systems and can be fatal, sometimes within minutes. Peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish commonly cause the most severe reactions. Epinephrine also called adrenaline, is the medication of choice for treating a severe food allergy reaction. Epinephrine usually relieves anaphylactic symptoms for about 15 minutes, just long enough for the patient to get medical treatment. That is why it is so very important that ambulances and emergency health care providers, such as EMT's carry and be allowed to administer this life-saving drug. Unfortunately, only nine states currently allow EMT's to administer epinephrine, but the Food Allergy Network has been working hard to educate states about why this is so vitally needed. Mr. Speaker, physicians are reporting an increase in the number of patients with food allergies across the country. It is estimated that between 100 and 200 people die each year from food allergy-related reactions. That is why the Food Allergy Network's mission of increasing public awareness about food allergies and anaphylaxis, to provide education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies is so important. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in supporting Food Allergy Awareness Week and recognizing the valuable work of the Food Allergy Network.