Tom Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, this appropriated sum is significant because the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight has learned in hearings over the past year and a half that OIRA has not been implementing and coordinating the Congressional Review Act, despite its organizing statute and President Clinton's Executive order. To make the Congressional Review Act work, Congress and the agencies need OIRA'S expertise to coordinate agency input to the General Accounting Office on the new rules they promulgate. The Government Accounting Office has reported to us that they have been frustrated by OIRA's refusal to work with them in their role of helping Congress understand the impact of each major rule. I appreciate the chairman's leadership on this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding time to me. I appreciate the gentleman's efforts that have gone into this. I join with my friend, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kucinich] in being very disappointed and expressing our disappointment in the fact that this bill has come back from conference that repeals the cooperative purchasing program, which was a program established under Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act in the 103rd Congress. This act allows local governments to buy at a discount items off the GSA schedule that the Federal Government buys and at prices the Federal Government currently pays. This provision could have saved local governments, State and local governments tens of millions, perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Instead of passing this cost down to State and local taxpayers, the Senate, without holding one hearing, has decided to repeal this provision. I am particularly disappointed that the Group 70 schedule, a schedule with over 1,200 vendors, where over 90 percent of the vendors who applied to get on that schedule can get on, was discarded. This is going to cost State and local governments millions of dollars, perhaps billions of dollars over the next decade as they go to acquisitions of information technology, computers, and very complex procedures that take a lot of time to go out with a request for proposal, responses to the proposals, best and final. If they had been allowed to purchase under the Cooperative Purchasing Act, they could have purchased right off the GAO's schedule, could have defined exactly what they wanted, and it would have compressed the acquisition time in a significant manner, and literally would have saved millions of dollars. So I am very disappointed, as is the National Governors' Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, the Conference of Mayors, and other State and local government organizations who have worked with this Congress over the last couple of years to try to help them bring savings to their taxpayers, as we are trying to do here at the Federal level.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, is it correct that in this bill Congress has increased the Office of Management and Budget's budget by $200,000 in order to help OMB facilitate their oversight and coordination of both new and ongoing statutory responsibilities, including the Congressional Review Act?

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Moran of Virginia, and I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joe R. Reeder who is retiring as the 14th Under Secretary of the Army. Joe has long served his country and been involved in public affairs. A native of Washington State who has lived in the metro area for the past 20 years, Joe calls himself a transplanted Texan from his time spent in school there. Joe married the former Katharine Boyce in 1983. Katharine is also an attorney. Together, they have raised four wonderful daughters. They currently live in Alexandria. After graduating from West Point in 1970, Joe completed training at the Airborne, Ranger and Artillery basic school. Joe then served in the 82nd Airborne Division until he entered law school in 1972. At that time, he relocated to his beloved Texas to attend the University of Texas where he earned his juris doctorate degree while working as a prosecutor at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Joe completed a 1-year Federal clerkship before moving to Washington, DC. When Joe came to the Nation's Capitol, he returned to school and earned his master of laws from Georgetown University. He also continued his work for the military by serving as a trial attorney in the Army's Litigation Division. This position required that he represent the Department of Defense in Federal court actions pending throughout the United States. He was soon promoted, and moved to the Army's Contract Appeals Division where he represented the Department of Defense in a wide range of Government contract-related litigation. Joe left the Department of Defense in 1979 when he moved to the Washington, DC based law firm of Patton, Boggs, & Blow. By 1983, he had made partner at this distinguished firm and was widely respected by his colleagues for his knowledge of complex commercial litigation including litigation involving Government contracting law and legal ethics. In 1993, Joe was sworn in as the Under Secretary of the Army. He is the principal civilian assistant and Deputy to the Secretary of the Army. Joe acts with the full authority of the Secretary in general management of the Army. He is responsible for the long-range planning, material requirements, readiness, acquisition reform, infrastructure reduction, and financial management. Joe has spent the past 4 years preparing our Army for the 21st century and helping to shape its continued international leadership role. He serves as one of the Army's top officials for international affairs and has worked tirelessly on issues involving NATO and Panama. In that capacity, Joe has served as the Chairman of the Panama Canal Commission's Board of Directors. In addition, he oversees the military support to local, State, and Federal agencies related to civilian law enforcement, civil disturbance, disaster relief, and emergency planning. Joe has managed these many tasks during his tenure with ceaseless energy and an innovative style. Mr. Speaker, we know our colleagues join us in honoring and thanking the Honorable Joe Reeder for his devotion to the U.S. Army. We appreciate all the hard work he has done in preparing our Army for the next century. Joe's vision and spirit are truly remarkable.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against language on page 65, lines 12 through 20, because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and therefore violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states, in pertinent part, that ``no amendment to a general appropriation bill shall be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment modifies existing powers and duties and changes existing law. I would ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I very enthusiastically support H.R. 1903, the Computer Security Enhancement Act. This amends, of course, the 1987 act, because the world has changed since 1987. Last year the Department of Defense systems experienced as many as 250,000 attacks, just in 1995. It was estimated that 64 percent of these attacks were successful in gaining access to the Department of Defense systems. I think Federal agencies have to employ appropriate countermeasures, and today we are not set to do that. With the growth in the Internet, individual users across the country are relying more and more and on communications and business commerce through the Internet, but the testimony before the committee shows that there continue to be problems, and the technologies to better protect users does not exist. Security problems in individual computers that connect to the Internet are very much at risk. One interesting note, and I think this starts to address it with a system that authorizes the National Institute of Standards to reserve $750,000 for new computer science fellowship programs for students to study security. Of 5,500 Ph.D.'s granted in computer science and engineering last year, a scant 16 pertained to computer security. It is not even a required course to get a doctorate in computer science and engineering. Only 50 percent of the 16 were given to U.S. nationals. Mr. Speaker, I think this will start to move in a different direction and rectify this. I congratulate the chairman of the committee, the ranking member, and others who are cosponsoring this. I think it is a needed change. I rise in support, and ask my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague yielding me this time. I think what we have is really competing public policy objectives, Members of goodwill on both sides trying to get at competing objectives. On the one hand there is conflicting evidence, albeit some good evidence, and this amendment would take away the discretion of the Secretary to find that if, in fact, we can do more to prevent AIDS by needle exchange programs, that we would not be able to do so. But stopping AIDS and stopping the threat of AIDS is only one policy objective. Even if this does that, and we have had a family member in my family who has died of AIDS, my wife did that bike ride from Raleigh to Washington to raise money for research for AIDS. I have been a strong supporter of AIDS research. It is very important; stopping the spread of AIDS is an important public policy objective. But we cannot look at that in a vacuum. We also have other policy objectives as well. Why I am troubled by the needle exchange programs and Federal dollars going in to subsidize that is the fact that we are, in effect, sending conflicting messages to drug users. If you are an illegal drug user, the Federal Government will, in effect, subsidize that use. But if you are on diabetes, as the gentleman from Washington discussed a few minutes ago, if you are a veteran trying to get help, you end up buying your own needles. I think that is a bad message for the Federal Government to send. It is bad public policy in that sense. It is for those reasons that trouble me that I am supporting the amendment in this case. The Federal Government should not be in the business of subsidizing illegal behavior. We have a rising drug epidemic in this country, and the message should be clear and concise, without any confusion at all, that we are going to do everything we can to stop the use of drugs, not to subsidize it. The current policies, if this amendment does not pass, would in effect end up having the Federal Government subsidize that. I think the Members on the other side of this amendment have goodwill, but they are looking narrowly at one public policy objective, when I think we have a larger public policy objective here, and that is to stop illegal drug use in this country. I think this amendment goes to that objective. That is why I rise to support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the esteemed Pastor of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the Reverend Harry J. Pilson and the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on their 130th anniversary. The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has grown under the guidance of Pastor Pilson who is celebrating his ninth anniversary with the church. Pastor Pilson was born in Bassett, VA on March 7, 1949. While growing up in Henry County, VA he consistently demonstrated a spirit for Christian service. He was a member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as a member of the Gospel Choir, and the Sunday School. He was also president of the youth group and participated in various civic activities. After completing his secondary education in the Henry County public schools, Harry pursued his higher education at Virginia State College in Petersburg, and the Northern Virginia Community College. He also attended the Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg where he received an associates degree in social science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian education. In 1987, Harry received the Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University in Richmond. In addition, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Virginia Seminary and College in 1989. Pastor Pilson joined the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in September 1988 after having served at the Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg from 1974 to 1988 and the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Esmont from 1972 to 1973. Since relocating to northern Virginia, Pastor Pilson has been active in a wide range of community, civic, and religious organizations. He serves on the Northern Virginia Baptist Ministers Conference, and the Mount Vernon Baptist Ministers Association. He is currently serving on the executive boards of both organizations. In addition Pastor Pilson has recently been elected to the Board of Directors for the Virginia Baptist Sunday School, and the Baptist Training Union Congress of Virginia. He has worked as an instructor at the Baptist Training Union for the past 16 years. Pastor Pilson also volunteers his time to serve as a Chaplain at Alexandria Hospital, Chaplain for the Fairfax County police department in Fair Oaks, and Chaplain for the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Pastor Pilson's activities also include his membership on the Executive Board of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission since 1990 and the Alcohol Safety Program Local Policy Board. Even with these many activities, Harry continues to be a devoted husband and father. He is married to the former Olivia Scruggs of Fluvanna County, VA and they have two sons: Harry James II and Eric LeMar. Pastor Pilson cares for his family in much the same way he cares for his church and its members: he is concerned for their spiritual, social, and mental welfare. Of course, Pastor Pilson's active nature complements the long history of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has actively served its Lincolnia community for 130 years. Mount Pleasant will begin celebrating its anniversary on September 15 with the celebrations scheduled to go through September 20. Throughout Mount Pleasant's history, the church has promoted the spiritual growth of its members. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church actively serves a wide range of individuals and encourages them to give back to their community. I know my colleagues and the congregation of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church will join me in saluting this double anniversary. It is a great pleasure to represent a church devoted to giving back so much to the surrounding community. In addition, it has been an honor to work with an individual such as Pastor Pilson who guides his church to be active in providing service to those less fortunate. I wish him and the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church continued success for many more years to come.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives my colleagues, Mr. Moran and Mr. Wolf, and me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to Mr. Thomas E. Waldrop, an outstanding member of the Northern Virginia Community. Tom is this year's founders award winner from the Northern Virginia Community Foundation. The founders award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated civic and humanitarian responsibility, and personal participation and leadership in northern Virginia community civic bodies. In addition, the award is presented to an individual who is contributing to improve the quality of life in northern Virginia through leadership in one or more of the following five areas: the Arts, Education, Health, Youth and Civic Improvement. Tom is an individual who has made a very strong positive impact on northern Virginia as well as the entire State of Virginia. He is a Virginia native who was born in Montpelier, VA, on April 8, 1937. He received his higher education from Virginia schools. Tom received a bachelor's degree in economics from Randolph-Macon College and a master's degree in business from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tom also served his country, and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1960. Tom is currently the president and chief executive officer for Media General Cable which is headquartered in northern Virginia. He has served in that position since 1984. Since that time, Tom has directed the development of one of the Nation's largest and most sophisticated cable television systems. Tom's career with Media General Corp. began in 1967 when he started with Richmond Newspapers. He was quickly promoted and appointed the operations manager of Media General Financial Services at the beginning of 1968. Tom went on to serve as their vice president and as assistant general manager. After his success with the financial services division, Tom moved to Media General's Piedmont Publishing Co. where he worked as their business manager, and eventually became the general manager. He left Piedmont when he moved to Media General Cable in northern Virginia. Tom has shown boundless energy and has made it a priority to work in his community to improve the quality of life for all of us. He works with a wide range of organizations that have made northern Virginia the dynamic, vibrant area it is. Northern Virginia's diverse community has grown dramatically since the early eighties. it has been successful in maintaining a community atmosphere with the work of people like Tom. Tom works closely with both northern Virginia arts and business communities. He is in his fourth term as chairman of the board of directors of the Arts Council of Fairfax County. He also remains on the board of directors for the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, the Fairfax County Public School's Business Advisory, the Fairfax Symphony, the Northern Virginia Community College Educational Fund, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Tower Club, and the Wolf Trap Foundation. In addition to all of these associations, Tom has previously served as the director of the American Heart Association's Fairfax board and has chaired the development committee for ``Spotlight on the Arts'' in the city of Fairfax. He continues to demonstrate his willingness to lead the Northern Virginia community in a wide range of areas. Tom is also associated with a number of other activities where he volunteers his time and services to further enhance our community. He continues to work with the Northern Virginia Business Roundtable, the Virginia Advisory Committee, and the Corporate Advisory Committee for the Women's Center of Northern Virginia. Tom also works with national organizations to improve the quality of our cable television nationwide including serving on the board of directors for the National Cable Television Association and C-SPAN [the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network]. Mr. Speaker, we know our colleagues join us in honoring and thanking Tom Waldrop for his achievements in working to improve northern Virginia for all of its residents. We appreciate all of his hard work in making northern Virginia one of the finest places to live and work. For those of us that know of Tom's commitment to northern Virginia, it is no surprise that the Northern Virginia Community Foundation has decided to award him their prestigious founder's award at a gala banquet on October 24, 1997. It is a well deserved award.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the 1997 Reston American Little League All-Star Team. On August 26, 1997, there was a parade to celebrate and welcome the All-Stars home from the Little League southern regional tournament in St. Petersburg, FL. The All-Stars have worked hard during their baseball season and through the spirit of teamwork, they have achieved major victories in the district, State, and regional Little League championships. These young players are to be commended for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship they displayed as they competed in these three tournament championships. The Homecoming Parade in their honor will include all of the team players, and coaches who will march down Market Street at the Reston Town Center in the heart of their community. The All-Stars will be greeted and honored for their many accomplishments by several local dignitaries and community leaders. I would also like to recognize each player individually for their many achievements: Brian Beatty, Ben Bjorlo, Jeff Collins, Matt Foley, Colin Golding, Brandon Guyer, David Harrison, Scott Horton, Jared Kubin, David Miller, Ryan Smithson, John Stipicevic, Nick Tracy, Adam Wright; as well as their team manager Larry Kubin, their coach Paul Foley, and their assistant coach Harold Tracy. The 1997 Reston All-Stars won the district IV championship for the first time in Reston Little League history. This meant the All-Stars earned the right to represent district IV at the State Little League championship tournament in Virginia. The All-Stars journeyed down to Danville where their perseverance and team work helped them achieve a come-from-behind victory over the Bristol, VA team. After the All-Stars had been defeated in the second game of the double elimination tournament, the Reston team redoubled their efforts and fought their way through the loser's bracket, playing three doubleheaders in 3 days in order to qualify for the State championship game against the Bristol team. The All-Stars were victorious over the Bristol team in a 9 to 7 nailbiter. This was another first in the history of Reston Little League as the All-Stars won the Virginia State championship and earned the right to represent the State in the southeast regional championships. At the southeast regional championship tournament, the Reston All- Stars faced some of the best Little League teams in the Nation. The winner of the southeast regional qualifies to compete in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Reston lost their first game of the double-elimination tournament to Texas, but then won three straight games against teams from Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. The All-Stars made it to the section II final where they faced the Texas team they had lost to in the first round. Reston lost to the Texas team and were eliminated from further competition; however, the Reston All-Stars finished the year as one of the best 16 Little League baseball teams in the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in honoring the State championship Reston Little League All-Stars. The Homecoming Parade of All-Stars celebrates the hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit of the entire team organization which resulted in their many spectacular achievements.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives my colleagues, Mr. Wolf and Mr. Moran, and me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to Hospice of Northern Virginia. Nineteen ninety-seven marks the 20th anniversary of this compassionate organization, which has provided exceptional care for terminally ill patients and their families. Inspired by the work of Dr. Cecily Saunders, founder of the first modern-day hospice program in London, a group of local residents established the Hospice of Northern Virginia after recognizing the need for appropriate care for the terminally ill. Among the Northern Virginia founders are Dr. Josefina Magno, a physician practicing oncology at Georgetown University Hospital; Dorothy N. Garrett, a local nonprofit organization administrator; and Pat Pastore, R.N., a local nurse. The nonprofit hospice they founded immediately drew widespread community support and attention; in 1980, the Hospice was one of 26 hospices across the country that became part of a 3-year Medicare and Medicaid demonstration. This demonstration induced the enaction of the new Hospice Medicare Benefit in 1984. Hospice of Northern Virginia distinguishes itself as an extraordinary achievement because of its compassion and cost-effectiveness. A year after the Hospice's incorporation, its leaders decided to pursue the use of a surplus public school building in Arlington for conversion into a treatment and care facility. The Arlington County Board generously agreed to a 50-year lease and contributed public funds to start the renovation of the Woodlawn Elementary School. The renovation was instigated in June 1978, when Hospice of Northern Virginia received a Certificate of Need for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The resourcefulness of the founding members paved the way for the largest hospice program in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington metropolitan areas. The founders' ingenuity and courage is commendable and directly correlates to their continued success. Hospice care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a physician, registered nurse, social worker, chaplain, dietitian, certified nursing assistants, and trained volunteers. As Hospice president and CEO David English pointed out, this team of professionals focuses on eliminating the physical pain and symptoms associated with terminal illness while providing necessary psychological, spiritual, and emotional support that enables patients and families to concentrate on the quality of remaining life. Ninety percent of the care provided is in the home setting, saving patients thousands of dollars, though hospice care can also be delivered in nursing homes, contracted hospitals, and the Hospice Center's acute care unit. Hospice of Northern Virginia nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Hospice's contributions to the local community are prominent. Over the past two decades, the organization has served more than 17,000 patients and families through its Greater Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, and Prince William regional offices and the Hospice Center. Hospice of Northern Virginia prides itself in the fact that it accepts patients who seek care, regardless of their financial situations. In 1996, it provided over $2 million in care beyond reimbursed costs. Mr. Speaker, we know our colleagues will join us in saluting Hospice of Northern Virginia as it celebrates 20 years of outstanding medical care to the community.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to recognize the Bolivian Folk Theater Festival of 1997. This important event is sponsored by both the Bolivian American Cultural Union Inc., a nonprofit institution and the Bolivian Embassy. The primary goal of this festival is to share the immense and diverse culture of the fast growing Bolivian-American community through an exhibition of their entertainment, arts, and crafts. This year's festival will center on celebrating the Bolivian Independence Day. The Bolivian American Cultural Union has announced that the event will feature a presentation by the well known dance group, Ballet Folklorico de Bolivio, who have won awards in several international events. The event will also include the well known folk group Fortaleza that has won both international recognition and acclaim. Both groups will travel from Bolivia for this event. Throughout its history, Bolivia has under-gone turbulent change as well as social and cultural triumph. The Spaniards first made their inroads into what is now the nation of Bolivia in 1535. They found a rich and thriving native population that produced masterpiece textiles, feather art, and stone carvings. In addition, the Spaniards discovered native Americans who had developed sophisticated agricultural systems. Many of these rich indigenous traditions are still practiced today in religious ceremonies, festivals, and folklore that are celebrated throughout the county. The Bolivian American Cultural Union first began to grow as social, economic, and political instability caused thousands of Bolivian nationals to flee Bolivia in late 1970. As a result of the cold war and the struggle against communism, many Bolivian students and professors came to the United States, looking to continue their education as well as a better array of opportunities. Moreover, as a result of drought and poor government planning that negatively impacted the agricultural industry, many working families came to America. Many Bolivians settled throughout the 50 States and a large number elected to live in the Washington metropolitan area. Bolivian immigrants and their families continue to contribute to both the cultural and economic aspects of their new home. The Bolivian American Cultural Union represents an important part of every community in the United States. I am sure my colleagues are happy to join me in recognizing the Bolivian Folk Theater Festival of 1997, and all that it symbolizes for those Americans of Bolivian descent.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, over 2 years ago the District of Columbia faced a spending and management challenge of epic proportions. We began in the 104th Congress a critically important process to address serious issues in a truly bipartisan way. I am grateful to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for working with me then and now in such a constructive manner. With patience and perseverance the control board we created is having the intended effect. The control board has begun to instill much-needed fiscal discipline into the city's budget process. The city's return to the private financial markets is solid evidence that what Congress did is finally producing more credible numbers and better performance. Without the control board the President's proposals are unlikely to have been made. I commend President Clinton for directing his administration to work with Congress as we now move into the next phase of our quest to revitalize the Nation's Capital. I also commend Speaker Gingrich and the congressional leadership in both Houses for the extraordinary leadership, time, and attention they have given to the District of Columbia. We have seized this rare opportunity to restructure and improve the complex relationship between the Federal Government and the Nation's Capital. Such improvement, which will more substantially involve the private sector, benefits the entire region. I have proceeded in the assumption, forged by years of service in local government, that we are all stakeholders in the Nation's Capital. Clearly, this is a moment of truth. We are lightyears away from where we were 2 years ago, and we are now building on that momentum. We have used the President's proposals as a starting point, enhanced by the memorandum of understanding between the city and the White House. No one ever expected Congress to rubberstamp these proposals, and we have not done so. We are substantially enhancing many aspects of the President's plan. This is a historic accomplishment. We have moved beyond visionary mission statements and are commencing now the practical process of passing legislation that will be signed by the President. That effort will result in a more stable District of Columbia and a more efficient local government. These measures provide a roadmap for growth in the city, as well as in the entire region. It is more than my hope, it is my intention that at the end of the day we will succeed together. The District of Columbia Subcommittee has invested considerable time and effort preparing for this hour. We have held six hearings, from February 20 to May 22. The subcommittee and its staff has worked diligently with local and Federal officials, along with many other stakeholders. The matter before us reflects the input we have received, enhanced by our vision for the District of Columbia. This bill seeks to renew the economic and fiscal strength of the Nation's Capital. Its essential elements include Federal assumption of some government functions normally performed by state governments, and necessary incentives for economic development and private sector jobs. Authorization of funds is conditional on the District making specific budget and management improvements. Our approach will reduce the District's financial burdens through cost avoidance of the fastest growing parts of its budget, such as Medicaid and its criminal justice system. The Federal Government will be making significant investments in these areas, along with other key areas. It is my firm belief that this enactment will realize the bipartisan vision for the Nation's Capital that has been so often expressed. That vision must now become a blueprint for progress, a renaissance in the Nation's Capital that will serve residents of this region, visitors, and the country as a whole.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California [Mr. Cunningham].

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia [Ms. Norton].

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. DAVIS of Virginia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This amendment is fairly simple and straightforward. The schools in our Nation's Capital are in a state of crisis. The dropout rate in the school system is over 40 percent. We have a very low percentage of these students going on to college. There are safety issues and management issues, but worst of all there is a technology revolution that is engulfing the beltway, creating thousands and thousands of jobs in the Metro D.C. area and the District of Columbia. And the students who come out of its public schools have not really been able to participate in a meaningful way in this revolution. This amendment addresses this human tragedy by making surplus congressional information technology equipment available at no cost to the city's public elementary and secondary schools. Specifically the amendment would authorize the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to transfer surplus equipment without charge to the District of Columbia public school system during fiscal year 1998. My amendment is limited to the District of Columbia schools because of the special responsibility that the Congress has to the residents of this Federal District under the Constitution. The Committee on Rules has made this in order. I hope my colleagues will support it. We have other Members who would like to address it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I note there are over 19,000 high-technology jobs available right now that we cannot fill in the greater Washington area. This amendment, with a donation from the House of surplus computers, we have over 644 PC's available today, plus a number of printers, modems and other IT equipment, going to the school system, can allow the city of Washington, DC, the District of Columbia and the students therein, to share in the economic benefits of this region and to allow them to be trained to fill some of these jobs. I think it is a good amendment. I thank very much the chairman of the committee for allowing us to offer this, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia [Ms. Norton], the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Foley], who has helped in arranging this as well, and I hope my colleagues will support it. The District of Columbia public schools are in desperate need of information technology infrastructure in their classrooms. By supporting the Davis of Virginia amendment to the legislative branch appropriations bill, scheduled for consideration this evening. Congress will allow hundreds of surplus computers, printers, modems, and other IT equipment to be donated to the D.C. public schools. This amendment authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer [CAO] of the House to transfer surplus computer equipment to elementary and secondary D.C. public schools during fiscal year 1998. Current laws constrain the donation of surplus equipment, allowing disposal only through the General Services Administration [GSA] except for equipment with no recoverable value. The CAO estimates that there are hundreds of high end computers, printers, and modems currently available for use but not needed by the Congress or GSA. While the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper have successfully donated surplus computers and related equipment to the schools, the House lags far behind. To the thousands of D.C. students, 40 percent of whom are at risk of dropping out of school, this equipment correlates into more effective and dynamic learning opportunities. The Congress has a unique constitutional relationship to the District of Columbia. Supporting the Davis amendment to the legislative branch appropriations bill is a direct and efficient method that will inject much needed technology into the D.C. public schools. Speaker Gingrich, Representatives Mark Foley, John Boehner, and Eleanor Holmes Norton have all been extremely helpful in moving this concept forward. I thank my colleague, for their support of this commonsense measure.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, we have heard other speakers try to explain in simple terms exactly why Medicare is going bankrupt. Today I would like to take the next step: Explain what can be done about it. First I would like to start with a fundamental principle, a principle that reflects my values and the importance that I would attach to freedom. That principle is: Other things being equal, individual choice is preferable to collective choice. Said another way, I think I know what is best for me and my family better than the government does. It means that I can spend my money better than the government thinks they can spend my money. Another principle stems from this principle: To override individual choice requires a compelling reason. So the first step to reform Medicare is to apply those principles to the system. That is why the first reform is to allow seniors more choices in their Medicare and the option in one case to choose medical savings accounts or MSAs. MSA is the best option for many seniors, and they ought to have the opportunity to choose that. I ask my colleagues to help pass this first test, essential Medicare reform.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Annandale Christian Community for Action, a group which provides a safety net for needy families and individuals in my district through volunteer social action programs. ACCA is a model provider of child care for low- and moderate-income families and their array of volunteer programs in emergency assistance in transportation services is unparalleled in northern Virginia. Thirty years ago, the Higher Horizons Day Care Center learned that 13 of the children enrolled would have to be ejected because the income of their working parents was slightly greater than the set poverty standard. Fred and Emily Ruffing, members of St. Michael's Catholic Church, which had organized Higher Horizons saw this impending crisis as a focal point for organizing Annandale's Christian community. In late February of that year, Fred met with Annandale clergy and lay people form the local congregations to explain what was needed. On March 13, 1967, at Peace Lutheran Church, about three dozen members of the local church community gathered and ACCA was born. Responding to the demonstrated need for more day care facilities, particularly ones open to minority children, January 1968 marked the opening of the ACCA Day Care Center at John Calvin Presbyterian Church. This center still serves today as an outstanding model for other similar facilities in the provision of quality care and education for nearly 200 children. ACCA programs are operated almost entirely by hundreds of volunteers and financed primarily through donations from its 25 member churches, individuals, and groups. These programs include emergency food and monetary assistance for such basic necessities such as rent, utilities, and medical expenses. Additionally, ACCA has developed programs that provide individuals with transportation to medical and therapy appointments, collection and delivery of used furniture, college scholarships for students with special challenges, and repairs and provision of shelter to homeless families. ACCA Inc. is governed by a board of directors comprised of official representatives from its 25 member churches. All functions, including those of officers, committee chairperson, and service providers, remain carried out by volunteers. From the beginning, ACCA has had successful continuing partnerships, not only with its member churches, but also with Fairfax County and the private sector. Drawing on its large pool of volunteers, ACCA also collaborates with Christmas-in-April, Meals on Wheels, and two local shelters. Both the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia General Assembly have passed resolutions commending ACCA for leadership and continuity of effort in carrying out community social action programs. Throughout 1997, ACCA's board and member churches are celebrating both the remarkable achievements of the small, dedicated group of local citizens who began ACCA in 1967 and the growth and flexibility of ACCA's programs over three decades in meeting the needs of this dynamic suburban area. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding ACCA for continuously carrying out successful community social action programs for three decades. It is a model worthy of emulation by others, nationwide, in meeting the challenges of immigration, poverty, and welfare reform.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to one of the top rated radio stations in the Washington area, WMZQ. June 22 marks their 20th anniversary on air as a country music station, serving the musical and community needs of our region. On June 22, 1977, WMZQ 98.7 FM signed on the air with the song ``Are You Ready for the Country?'' Since that time, the Washington Metropolitan area has benefited from the talent and commitment of their staff. The Country Music Association [CMA] has honored WMZQ's contribution to country music by naming WMZQ the CMA Station of the Year in 1989. The radio industry has also recognized WMZQ's programming excellence with several Achievement in Radio [AIR] Awards. WMZQ's staff is intertwined with the greater Washington community. WMZQ has supported many charitable organizations like the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross, and Toys for Tots through event participation and public affairs programming. WMZQ's loyal listeners' generous response to the Annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon has raised over $2 million in just 5 years. Listener's contributions during the Coats for Kids campaigns has kept thousands of children warm during the winter months. WMZQ's Christmas in April home renovation projects has provided many elderly, low-income, and handicapped neighbors with safer living conditions. On June 22, the WMZQ staff and 15,000 of their most loyal fans celebrated the radio station's 20th anniversary at the Bull Run Country Jamboree. This year they were proud to host Paul Brantly, LeAnne Rimes, Neil McCoy, and Wynonna. Over the last 7 years this annual event has raised over $600,000 for the Northern Virginia Park Authority. This year, WMZQ general manager, Charlie Ochs, rededicated the efforts of the WMZQ staff to better serve the country music listener and to continue to work to make the Washington area a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in celebrating the special anniversary of WMZQ. Not only do they provide the region with good country music, but they have supported our community through many volunteer programs. They have enriched the lives of their listeners, have enhanced the quality of life in our region and have grown to be one of the top rated country stations in the Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to one of the top rated radio stations in the Washington area, WMZQ. June 22 marks their 20th anniversary on the air as a country music station, serving the musical and community needs of our region. On June 22, 1977, WMZQ 98.7 FM signed on the air with the song ``Are You Ready for the Country?'' Since that time, the Washington metropolitan area has benefited from the talent and commitment of their staff. The Country Music Association [CMA] has honored WMZQ's contribution to country music by naming WMZQ the CMA Station of the Year in 1989. The radio industry has also recognized WMZQ's programming excellence with several Achievement in Radio [AIR] Awards. WMZQ's staff is intertwined with the Greater Washington community. WMZQ has supported many charitable organizations like the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross and Toys for Tots through event participation and public affairs programming. WMZQ's loyal listeners' generous response to the Annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon has raised over $2 million in just 5 years. Listener's contributions during the Coats for Kids campaigns has kept thousands of children warm during the winter months. WMZQ's Christmas in April home renovation projects has provided many elderly, low-income and handicapped neighbors with safer living conditions. On June 22 of this month, the WMZQ staff and 15,000 of their most loyal fans celebrated the radio station's 20th anniversary at the Bull Run Country Jamboree. This year they were proud to host Paul Brantly, LeAnne Rimes, Neil McCoy, and Wynonna. Over the last 7 years this annual event has raised over $600,000 for the Northern Virginia Park Authority. This year, WMZQ general manager, Charlie Ochs, rededicated the efforts of the WMZQ staff to better serve the country music listener and to continue to work to make the Washington area a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in celebrating the special anniversary of WMZQ. Not only do they provide the region with good country music, but they have supported our community through many volunteer programs. They have enriched the lives of their listeners, have enhanced the quality of life in our region and have grown to be on the of top rated country stations in the Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of young women who have achieved great feats, not only on the basketball court, but also in the community. I am speaking of the Virginia State High School Basketball Champions, the West Springfield Lady Spartans. Their success on the basketball court speaks for itself. In addition to winning the State title they were ranked No. 1 in the Washington metropolitan area by the Washington Post and No. 9 in the Nation by the USA Today for the past season. However, it is their endeavors off the court that have made them true champions. Not only did these ladies manage to maintain a 3.5 GPA as a team, they found time between studying and practicing to become active in community service. Each Saturday after practice the team would participate in the Special Olympic program, where they would teach mentally and physically challenged students the game of basketball. In March they organized a free basketball clinic for young girls between the ages of 5 and 16 that attracted over 100 participants. During the Christmas season the team embodied the spirit of the season by assisting in a charity program which provided toys and clothes to needy children. I am proud to recognize the Lady Spartans not only for their excellence in basketball, but for graciously donating their talents and energies to benefit others in the Springfield community. The example they have set in the classroom, on the court, and in the community is one that should be emulated by those who follow them. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me today in honoring these fine young student-athletes.