Tom Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to Thomas Wilkins who is one of this year's winners of the Best of Reston Awards. These awards are made annually by the Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith. The Best of Reston Community Service Award was created to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community service, and/or who have improved the lives of people in need in Reston, VA. Thomas Wilkins is honored with this distinction for being a ``man of all seasons.'' He has served as an active member of the NAACP, and as president of the Reston Association, elected by his peers on the board of directors, who are in turn, elected by Reston citizens. Tom is active in Meals-On-Wheels, and offers his services as a tutor in public schools. He has served on the Stonegate Village Advisory Board, helped children to attend college and served as a founding board member for the Medical Care for Children Partnership. Tom also served as a devoted member of my staff when I was chairman of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and has continued to advise me and other political leaders of both parties in northern Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the Best of Reston Award winner Thomas Wilkins for his hard work in making Reston, VA, an outstanding place to live and work. His daily heroics deserve recognition and gratitude from a grateful community

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and pay tribute to Allan B. Weingold, who has served in the medical profession since 1955. Dr. Weingold will be retiring this month after 40 years of service to the medical profession. Allan Weingold was born in New York in 1930. After graduating from Oberlin College and attaining his medical degree from New York Medical College, he began his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York which he completed in 1960. During this time, Allan was also the chief of service for the U.S. Army at Rodriguez Army Hospital in San Juan, PR. After serving as a American Cancer Society Fellow in Gynecologic Oncology, he joined the faculty of the New York Medical College and because the professor and associate chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. In 1973, Dr. Weingold became the professor and chairman of the department of the George Washington University Medical Center, a position he held until 1993. He also served as chairman of the Governing Board of the Medical Faculty Associates, a 300 member multispecialty practice group, and as interim vice president for medical affairs in 1992-93. On March 1, 1995, he assumed the role as vice president and executive dean at the George Washington University Medical Center. Dr. Weingold is a senior examiner for the Examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a former president of the Association Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, a former president of the Washington Gynecological Society, a member of the Council of the American Gynecology and Obstetrics Society, and the author of 110 text books, chapters, and other scientific publications. Dr. Weingold has been honored for his knowledge and skill in his field. He has received numerous awards, including the Conrad Tharaldsen Scholastic Award. He is also a member of the Contin Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, Iota Chapter. I have known Allan Weingold for 20 years and am proud of his many accomplishments. He has overseen the training of literally hundreds of doctors, many of whom are currently practicing in the Washington metropolitan area. His high standards of ethics, his professional demeanor, and the high-quality of medical practice he has imparted to his students, residents, and leave a lasting legacy for the Washington region's health care. I am proud to have had the opportunity to know this extraordinary man. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in applauding Dr. Weingold for his extraordinary efforts and career successes in providing the citizens of the District of Columbia with quality health care. Although his presence will be sorely missed, we wish him and his wife, Marjorie, great success in their future endeavors.

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 Warner Baptist Church, the Reverend Matthew J. Pearson. The Warner Baptist Church is celebrating their 25th anniversary of guidance under Reverend Pearson. Matthew was born in Washington, DC, on June 23, 1930. He first studied Bible courses at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, and later graduated from the Washington Bible College in Washington, DC. In 1951, he married Mildred Robinson and together they have been blessed with two children, a son, Melvin, and a daughter, Donna. Matthew has been involved in the ministry for 36 years. Previous to this time, he spent 2 years in the United States Army during the Korean war, again showing his dedication to his country and serving others. In 1955 Matthew joined the Warner Baptist Church where he began serving God as president of the senior choir, member of the deacon board, and as a Sunday school teacher. In 1961, he was called to the ministry and was licensed at the Warner Baptist Church, where he was ordained in 1963. Reverend Pearson became the pastor of Warner Baptist Church in 1972 and a number of accomplishments have been achieved under his leadership. One of his goals has been organizing the ministries of the church for all ages of parishioners. Matthew is not only heavily involved in his church, but also in his community. He is the chaplain for HOSPICE of Arlington, member of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission, member of the Annandale Christian Community for Action, and an active participant in the Meals-On-Wheels' program. He was also instrumental in organizing the Baileys Crossroads Shelter for the Homeless. Reverend Pearson was recently honored for his devotion to public service by being asked to give the opening prayer at the House of Delegates in Richmond. The Warner Baptist Church has been blessed for 25 years with Reverend Pearson's religious teachings. I know my colleagues and the congregation of Warner Baptist Church will join me in saluting Reverend Pearson on this special anniversary. It has been a great honor and pleasure to work with Matthew Pearson for nearly 20 years. He is someone who has made a difference in our community. I wish him the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to say, as my colleagues, to all of the pages who will be leaving this evening, thank you very much for a job well done. I guess tomorrow night is the time. But thank you very much for a job well done. This has been an outstanding class. Many of you know that I served 4 years as a page in Congress from 1963 to 1967. Some of the defining moments in my life were based on that time period: The day President Kennedy was shot, the vote on the test ban treaty, the debates over civil rights. Paging has changed since that time. It is a much more select group, for one, than when I started. Screened academically. A very carefully run program today, producing some outstanding results. We have talked about how hard Members work, but we need to take note of how hard you have worked, and, hopefully, you have learned some lessons during this time. Hard work and attention to academics, focus, the long hours you put in and the discipline that you have had to find in yourself, with all of the different things going on around you has been helpful and will put you in great stead as you progress through life, whether you stay active in politics and government or whether you do not. But we have seen some good results. And we have shared some good times together. The passage of the balanced budget today, I think, is a fitting tribute to you, because we do this with our next generation in mind, as we put together a balanced budget resolution that hopefully will lead to the first balanced budget in a generation by the year 2002, to give your generation an opportunity to succeed. And it is with you in the future that we did this. The experiences that I have had have stayed with me through my life and defined what I have done. I have always had an appreciation for government, but whether you end up running for office, staying active in government and politics, or just going out and being ambassadors to your community, we have given you an opportunity that few young people have. I know you have learned from this and will take it with you. And from our experience here and from our perspective as Members, we wish you Godspeed in the time ahead and thank you for a job very well done. We are proud to have been a part of the process that you have undergone in the last few months.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it give me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to Mr. James Cleveland, who is an outstanding member of the Reston community. James is retiring as president of Mobil Land Development Corp., Virginia Region. Jim is a native of Arlington, VA. After college James remained in the area to help develop the virtually untouched Western Fairfax County. He began working for the residential sales staff of Reston, Virginia Inc. in the summer of 1967, several months prior to the purchase of the project by the Gulf Oil Corp. For the next 11 years, James served in all facets of Gulf Reston's, Inc. home and land sales management. In July, 1978 James joined the newly formed Reston Land Corp. Reston Land is wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mobil Land Development Corp., Mobil Corporation's real estate development affiliate. After serving as director of marketing, and marketing vice president, he was promoted to executive vice president and general manager in April 1981. Jim assumed his duties as regional president and president of the operating companies in June, 1984. His dedication to the community has proven instrumental to the achievement of many important developments in the Reston area. The Reston Land Corp. is a growing 7,400 acre community with over 55,000 residents and 20,000 homes. Jim Cleveland is responsible for the evolution of the Reston Town Center, a bustling retail and industrial plaza filled with fine restaurants, an ice skating rink, and multiplex theater, located in the heart of downtown Reston. One of the best aspects of Reston Town Center's numerous amenities are their summer concerts which draw thousands of citizens each weekend. A dynamic real estate professional, Jim has become an active community participant and leader by contributing his endless energy and vast knowledge to many civic organizations, services and local legislative bodies. He is a founder and past president of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties. He is a life member of the Million Dollar Circle of the National Association of Home Builders' Sales and Marketing Council. Jim is also a charter member of the board of directors of the Washington airports task force, which promotes the growth of Washington Dulles and National Airports. Jim's community involvement extends to the arts as well as youth programs. He has given his incredible skills and talents to these special programs by serving on the board of directors of the Greater Reston Arts Center and the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring and thanking Jim Cleveland for his achievements in nurturing and developing the Reston area. We appreciate all the hard work he has done in making Reston one of the finest places in American to live and work, and we wish him all the luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to one of northern Virginia's outstanding citizens, David Lynch. David is retiring after 50 years of Federal service to the U.S. Marine Corps and the Postal Service. David Joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1947 and served 21 years in posts throughout the world including China, Korea, Vietnam, the Mediterranean region, and Puerto Rico. He served in the Korean war at Inchon where he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V recognition. Dave's entire military career was with the Fleet Marine Force except for his one tour of duty at Marine Corps Headquarters. He retired from the Marines in December 1967 and settled in the Woodbridge area. Dave is a longtime resident of Dale City and has been very active in his community. In 1968 Dave joined the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. He took this position because it allowed him to keep in close contact with the people in his community. The greatest testimony to his friendliness is exemplified by the children of Dale City. When Dave appears on his route, children rush to greet him with, ``Hi, Mr. Sunshine.'' During his time as a letter carrier Dave has helped rescue small puppies from storm drains, helped lost children find their way home, and has fortunately not been bitten by a dog. One of Dave's most spectacular achievements is the Safety Program. As the Safety Chairman, Dave transformed the program to one of the best working offices in Virginia. He spent much of his own personal time bringing the program to the local elementary schools where he demonstrated the importance of safety in our community by inviting fire marshals and police in for safety lectures, as well as providing helpful literature to the elementary schoolchildren. Dave has been an active member in many veteran organizations such as the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League. In 1977, he was appointed the National Deputy Chief of Staff of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During the past 3 years, he conducted a highly successful Santa Letter Writing Program that won a national award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The program has grown to such proportions that it was turned over to the Salvation Army this past year. Dave is the founder of the Potomac Region Veteran's Council and was chairman for 2 years. He was instrumental in having a county park and road, the Veterans Memorial Park and Drive in Woodbridge, VA, named after veterans to honor their service to this Nation. In 1975, Dave was awarded the George Dalby Trophy as the outstanding veteran for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dave's two most outstanding accomplishments were his State and district support of the new National Cemetery at Quantico, VA, and his efforts for the continued support of funding to the Rehabilitation Center for Alcoholics at Lorton. Dave has been instrumental in the growth of the Woodbridge community. He was influential in the planning and construction of the Dale City Recreation Center, a $1.2 million project dedicated to the youth of Dale City. Dave was also a key player in planning the successful preservation of the old court house site, Brentsville, Cedar Run, Grayson's Monument, and Lee Monument. David Lynch is a remarkable man whose contributions to his community and his country as a leader and volunteer have made a great difference. I know my colleagues join me in honoring this outstanding man.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Frank and Kitty Cacciapaglia, a couple who have been helping to build and improve our community for many years. June 14, 1997, marks the 50th wedding anniversary for Frank and Kitty Cacciapaglia. The couple were married in Staunton, VA, before moving to northern Virginia, where they raised their five children. During the couples first years of marriage, Frank was a chemist at the Food and Drug Administration. In 1955, he started at the Patent Office and served in numerous special assignments, including Primary Examiner of the Patent Drug Division, an Administrative Assistant to the President's Commission on the Patent System, Director of the Patent Office Speaker's Bureau, Executive Secretary of the Commerce Technical Advisory Board, and the Chairman of the Com-Sci Fellowship. Frank is also an active member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. During the 50 years of their marriage, Frank and Kitty have witnessed the growth of northern Virginia from a sleepy bedroom community of the early 1950's to the large urban metropolis it is today. As a successful realtor, Kitty has watched and participated in the growth of our region. She has been an active member of her community by participating in many clubs and activities. She was a member of the Northern Virginia Board of Realtors for 17 years. Kitty has also been active in politics, serving as a member of the local Republican Women's Club. Today, Frank and Kitty are the proud parents of 5 children and 10 grandchildren. They are enjoying their retirement years by wintering in Indialantic, FL, while maintaining their residence in Ravenwood Park, near Seven Corners in Fairfax County. They also spend a great deal of their time traveling and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me, their neighbors, family and friends in wishing Frank and Kitty Cacciapaglia, Jr., a happy 50th anniversary as the Cacciapaglias celebrates their special day on June 14, 1997.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and pay tribute to Nancy Weisgerber, who has served the Fairfax County public schools system for the past 26 years as a teacher, counselor, and principal. June 3, 1997 marks the retirement of this exceptional member of our local community, who has dedicated years of service to Fairfax County, and its students. After receiving her bachelors degree from Muskingum College in 1964, Nancy began her long and distinguished career in Fairfax County, as a health and physical education teacher at Falls Church High School. She received her masters of education from the University of Virginia in 1971, and became a counselor at Falls Church High School. In 1976 she was appointed an assistant principal at Falls Church. In 1989, she was appointed to her current position as principal of J.E.B. Stuart High School, a high school noted for its ethnic diversity and innovative programming. In 1995, Nancy was recognized for her priceless knowledge and skills by her election by her peers to the position of president of the Fairfax County High School Principals. Nancy's numerous, notable accomplishments with the Fairfax County Public Schools has helped mold the future of the school system. Her participation in numerous conferences and seminars such as the NASSP Assessment Center Seminar, Family Life Education Advisory Committee and the Marketing Education Advisory Board has shaped the educational curriculum in our community. In particular, Nancy recently participated in the Workforce 2000 Advocacy Council to determine how best to equip our students for their future in our changing economy. Nancy's membership in the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Association for Supervision of Curriculum & Development, and the Northern Virginia Secondary School Administrators Association has given her valuable knowledge and insight into the changing nature of education today. Nancy has enriched our community through the many presentations she has given, and her team building skills, bringing business partnerships to her school and bringing an ethnically diverse community together. Nancy has offered a wide variety of material on counseling, the international baccalaureate, block scheduling and on the role of a principal. In particular, her seminar on violence prevention instructed schools on how to provide a safe and drug-free environment for learning. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in applauding Nancy Weisgerber for her extraordinary efforts to provide the citizens of Fairfax County a school system which brings quality education to our children. Although her presence will be sorely missed, we wish her great success in her future endeavors.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, later today this House will vote on the biggest transportation vote of the decade. The Shuster-Oberstar- Petri-Rahall amendment takes a small slice from the tax cuts, from defense, from discretionary domestic spending so the American people can get the road and the rail improvements they have already paid for but are not included in the balanced budget agreement. This allocates an additional $13 billion for transportation over the next 5 years. This amendment will, as the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Kelly] said earlier, save lives. Up to 12,000 a year it will save, and at the same time it promotes jobs and it builds a strong economy. For Northern Virginia, which I represent, where we are choked in traffic, this will give us the money to help in rebuilding the Woodrow Wilson Bridge before it falls into the Potomac River. It will give Virginia our fair share of transportation dollars. We got back less than 80 cents for every dollar we spent under the previous authorization. Without the additional dollars this amendment provides, fair allocations for donor States like Virginia become next to impossible. Let us balance the budget, let us fix the broken transportation system, let us support the Shuster-Oberstar amendment. Mr. SPEAKER, despite the nation's highest rate of carpooling and a national ranking of third in the number of commuters that use transit, the region has the second longest mean commuting time in the country. The dollar cost of congestion in the region is the highest in the country based on wasted time and fuel--and it is getting worse. I know this hardly comes as a shock to Members that live and travel around the region, but these figures dramatize the desperate need for major transportation improvements. No single element of the regional transportation system is more critical than the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge which crosses the Potomac River on interstate 95. Anyone that drives in this region knows that a problem at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge can create gridlock throughout the entire Washington region. This 35-year-old bridge is the only federally owned bridge in the National Highway System. Built to carry 75,000 vehicles per day, the bridge now carries 152,000 vehicles per day and 17,000 heavy trucks each day. The heavy traffic load on the bridge has shortened the bridges useful life span to roughly 10 years. If action is not taken to replace this vital bridge, this region and every driver or trucker trying to go north or south through the Mid-Atlantic on I-95 could be affected. We are talking about rerouting truck traffic or reducing the number of lanes on the bridge to extend the life of the bridge. The traffic and economic impact on this region of reducing the already congested traffic flow on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge would be devastating. The Federal Highway Administration has estimated that it will cost somewhere around $1.7 billion to replace this federally-owned bridge. This is one project critical to my region. I know many Members have their own essential regional transportation projects. We need the Shuster-Oberstar-Petri-Rahall amendment to the budget resolution if we are going to get the money desperately needed to accomplish these projects of national importance. I urge all Members to support this critical amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, we have had over 60 continuing resolutions in this body since 1981, where we have had a Congress of one party and a President of a different party and the appropriation bills have not occurred on time. What happens with a continuing resolution? For Federal employees there is anxiety. In the case of a shutdown, of which we have had over a dozen during that period of time, Federal employees are paid for not working. As we saw last time, they did not even receive their checks at Christmastime, and the American taxpayers are the losers. For Federal contractors, they lose under a continuing resolution even if it is passed, because it is only for a given period of time. Federal agencies then do not let out contracts that were won on a competitive basis, and the business of the American people does not continue. This is a fail-safe system, if the job does not get done here, so that the Federal Government employees and contractors will not be held hostage. This is not about leverage in the budget debate. This is simply to say that the hostages, the innocent Federal workers who are out there doing their job every day, are not going to be the hostages, are not going to be punished and will be treated fairly. I wish we had had this 2 years ago. We have a chance to change that now. I support the Gekas amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, this week the House is scheduled to vote on H.R. 1469, the Disaster Recovery Act of 1997, at which time we intend to offer our Government shutdown prevention amendment. This amendment will provide 100 percent of fiscal year 1997 spending levels through the end of fiscal year 1998, in the absence of regular appropriations bills. In addition, our amendment specifically ensures that no Federal employees will be furloughed or RIF'd because of this temporary funding level. This amendment will guarantee that the Federal Government does not hold Federal employees hostage during a stalled appropriations process. In the State of Texas alone, this amendment will ensure that almost 200,000 hard-working Federal employees and their families will not have to face the prospect of unknown periods of unemployment when the Government shuts down. This is a common-sense amendment which will work as a safety net until the normal fiscal year 1998 appropriations process is completed. In sum, this 100-percent safety net is an effective way to provide an immediate guarantee that: First, the Federal Government will always remain open and working for the taxpayer; second, we will meet our commitment to keep America's civil servants on the job; and third, we will meet our shared goal of controlling Federal spending.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Millennium Society Act of 1997. In less than 3 years the citizens of the United States and the world will be counting down to perhaps the most anticipated event in a thousand years, the new millennium. The Millennium Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation founded in 1979 with a membership spanning six continents. It is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization with the purpose of marking the year 2000 and celebrating the achievements of civilization. Also, since its incorporation, the Millennium Society has been raising funds to permanently endow the Millennium Scholars Program. This program is an international scholarship program that prepares young leaders from around the world by furthering their education, leadership abilities, cultural understanding, and dedication to freedom and peace. The Millennium Society is the longest standing organization formed solely to commemorate this historical event and has received the endorsements of a number of important and influential political leaders including President Clinton, Gen. Colin Powell, and former Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush. Title I of the bill recognizes the Millennium Society as the official organization of the United States to coordinate activities in the United States and around the world to celebrate the new millennium in a manner which encourages international peace, freedom, and understanding. Title II of the bill would authorize a sense of the Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should cooperate with the Secretary of the Treasury and the society to issue a postage stamp commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third millennium. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation. By supporting this legislation, this Congress has the opportunity to leave a legacy of learning for the leaders of tomorrow-- at no net cost to the Government.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the individuals and businesses who are this years winners of the Best of Reston Awards. These awards are made annually by the Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith. The Best of Reston Community Service Award was created to recognize companies, organizations, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community service, and/or who have improved the lives of people in need in Reston, VA. Blooms Flowershop for continuous and generous support to the community including sponsoring the Random Act of Kindness Day where thousands of roses were distributed throughout the community. Blooms also provides arrangements to the elderly and to nonprofit groups for events. Owners Karen Weinberg and Gail Dobberfuhl will receive the award on behalf of the business. Lawrence Cohn owner of Lakeside Pharmacy, who for 25 years, has reached out to those in need. Typical of an old-fashioned pharmacy, Cohn provides a friendly ear, advice and encouragement to his customers. Rising above the call of duty, Cohn has administered eye drops to those unable to do so for themselves, delivered medicine, supplied groceries at the pharmacy, provided jobs for teenagers, and given prescriptions to those at the Embry Rucker Shelter. Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons basketball team. Hill is a role model to young Restonians on and off the court. He is involved in several projects benefiting others. These projects include the Medical Care for Children Partnership, the Grant Hill Basketball Tournament and the Grant Hill chocolate bars. The basketball tournament benefits children's hospitals nationally while the chocolate bars benefit the Technology 2000 program at South Lakes High School. INOVA Health System is named for its diversity of programs involving the community including the mall walkers, Sneakers and Speakers program, community health screenings, partnership with Reston Interfaith, Life with Cancer program, and support of the Special Olympics. More than 200 INOVA employees have volunteered their time for programs including Christmas in April, Volunteerfest, Safe Kids coalition, food drives, Fairfax Fair, the International Children's Festival, the Reston Festival, and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival sponsored by GRACE. INOVA's president is Knox Singleton. Carolyn Lavallee a chemistry teacher at South Lakes, was chosen for her commitment to education and public service. Her involvement covers a range of activities from leading Girl Scouts, advising youth, and coordinating the Wetlands project in conjunction with Reston Association. The Samway Family for their commitment to cancer research. The family created the Kathryn Fox Samway Outback Steakhouse Memorial Golf Tournament which, in the past 4 years, has raised close to $1 million donated to Fairfax Hospital, National Cancer Institute, and the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute. Thomas Wilkins for being a man if all seasons having served as an active member of the NAACP, the President of the Reston Association (RA), active in Meals-on-Wheels, offering services as a tutor in public schools, served on the Stonegate Advisory Board, assisted children attend college and served as a founding board member for the Medical Care for Children Partnership. Tom also has served as a member of my staff when I was chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. Constance L. Pettinger is awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award for 15 years at Reston Interfaith. Her work in helping the homeless, the hungry, and the needy has been an inspiration to all of us who know her. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the Best of Reston Award winners for all of their hard work in making Reston, VA, an outstanding place to live and work. Their daily heroics deserve recognition and gratitude from a grateful community.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor a leading citizen of the 11th Congressional District, Ms. Juanita White, an active civic leader from the Springdale Civic Association at Bailey's Crossroads, VA. Juanita was born here in Washington, DC, and grew up in Fairfax County, where she has graciously spent her time and energy giving back to our community. Juanita has contributed over 26 years to our county school and park systems, and has always devoted herself to working with the area's children. She served as president of Missions Ministry and also of the Social Seniors of Bailey's Community Center. Mrs. White has also been active in childrens' activities at the community center, and is a constant volunteer and leader for the Springdale Civic Association. This active and committed spirit is only one of the endearing qualities which will be celebrated by all her family and friends on April 26, 1997, as they gather to applaud her amazing contributions to the northern Virginia area. I am sure her friends and family as well as all of the citizens in the 11th District of Virginia join me in wishing her well as we all share in the joy of this momentous occasion. I look forward to wishing you many happy birthdays in the future.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 1996 Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William County Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce Valor Award winners. The Valor Awards honor public service officers who have demonstrated extreme self-sacrifice, personal bravery, and ingenuity in the performance of their duty. Significantly, this year marks the 11th anniversary of the event honoring members of law enforcement and fire and rescue agencies historically servicing Prince William County, Dumfries, Haymarket, Manassas, Manassas Park, Occoquan, and Quantico. There are five categories: The Gold Medal of Valor, the Silver Medal of Valor, the Bronze Medal of Valor, the Certificate of Valor, and the Lifesaving Award. The Silver Medal of Valor is the second highest award for bravery and heroism. Awarded in situations when a public safety official knowingly exposes himself/herself to great personal risk in the performance of an official act. The Silver Medal of Valor Award winners for 1996 are: Technician Anthony J. Adamo, Officer Mark J. Harman, and Officer Craig S. Lawhead. The Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded in situations where during the course of an emergency, a public safety official demonstrates judgment, ingenuity, or performance at a level that clearly exceeds that required and expected in the performance of his/her duties. May include the saving of a life that is threatened by medical or physical reasons. The Bronze Medal of Valor Award winner for 1996 is firefighter Brian Morton. The Certificate of Valor is awarded for acts that involve personal risk and/or demonstration of judgment, zeal, or ingenuity above what is normally expected in the performance of duties. The Certificate of Valor Award winners for 1996 are: Officer Gene W. Baughan, Officer Robert S. Berkebile, Sgt. Ronald M. Campione, Officer Randall L. Eagal, Lance Cpl. Joe L. Norman, and Officer Brian Walker. The Lifesaving Award is awarded in recognition of acts taken in a life-threatening situation where an individual's life is in jeopardy, either medically or physically. The Lifesaving Award winners for 1996 are: technician Scott Boggs, Officer Janet E. Clayton, Lt. Raymond T. Colgan, Sgt. Robert E. Forker, Jr., Officer Steve Hargrave, technician Vincent Kern, technician Tracey LaBass, Lt. Mike Lawson, technician Bryan Ross, emergency communications specialist Catherine M. Tremul, and S. Sgt. Michael S. Wesolowski. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to send my sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to these distinguished public servants, who put their lives on the line every day on behalf of their fellow Virginians.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the individuals and businesses who are this years winners of the Best of Reston Awards. The Best of Reston Community Service Award was created to recognize companies, organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community service, and/or who have improved the lives of people in need in Reston, VA. Blooms Flowershop for continuous and generous support to the community including sponsoring the ``Random Act of Kindness'' day where thousands of roses were distributed throughout the community. Blooms also provides arrangements to the elderly and to nonprofit groups for events. Owners Karen Weinberg and Gail Dobberfuhl will receive the award on behalf of the business. Lawrence Cohn owner of Lakeside Pharmacy, who for 25 years, has reached out to those in need. Typical of an old-fashioned pharmacy, Cohn provides a friendly ear, advice, and encouragement to his customers. Rising above the call of duty, Cohn has administered eye drops to those unable to do so for themselves, delivered medicine, supplied groceries at the pharmacy, provided jobs for teenagers, and given prescriptions to those at the Embry Rucker Shelter. Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons basketball team. Hill is a role model to young Restonians on and off the court. He is involved in several projects benefiting others. These projects include the Medical Care for Children Partnership, the Grant Hill Basketball Tournament and the Grant Hill chocolate bars. The basketball tournament benefits children's hospitals nationally while the chocolate bars benefit the Technology 2000 Program at South Lakes high School. INOVA Health System is named for its diversity of programs involving the community including the mall walkers, ``Sneakers and Speakers'' program, community health screenings, partnership with Reston Interfaith, ``Life with Cancer'' program, and support of the Special Olympics. More than 200 INOVA employees have volunteered their time for programs including Christmas in April, Volunteerfest, Safe Kids coalition, food drives, Fairfax Fair, the International Children's Festival, the Reston Festival and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival sponsored by GRACE. INOVA's president is Knox Singleton. Carolyn Lavallee a chemistry teacher at South Lakes, was chosen for her commitment to education and public service. Her involvement covers a range of activities from leading Girl Scouts, advising youth and coordinating the wetlands project in conjunction with Reston Association. The Samway Family for their commitment to cancer research. The family created the Kathryn Fox Samway Outback Steakhouse Memorial Golf Tournament which, in the past 4 years, has raised close to $1 million donated to Fairfax Hospital, National Cancer Institute, and the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute. Thomas Wilkins for being a ``man of all seasons'' having served as the president of the Reston Association [RA], active in Meals-On- Wheels, offering services as a tutor in public schools, served on the Stonegate Advisory Board, assisted children attending college, and served as a founding board member for the Medical Care for Children Partnership. Constance L. Pettinger is awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award for 15 years at Reston Interfaith. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the Best of Reston Award winners for all of their hard work in making their community a better place to live.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. If Congress is not the one to be investigating this, maybe some of my colleagues would join with us in calling for a special prosecutor on some of these areas, that we clear that up instead of Congress having to do the work. But let me make a couple of points. The Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, which I think has been greatly maligned this morning. Under the 103d Congress, when we were still in a minority, it then comprised one committee. In the 104th Congress we combined it into three committees from the old Congress, the Post Office and Civil Service and the District of Columbia Committee. Under the funding currently proposed, we are at 75 percent for the committees of what the funding was in the 103d Congress, even with all of the additional money that is being given for investigations; on a trail, I might add, that leads to China, to Cuba, to Guam, to Hawaii, to Hong Kong, to Indonesia, to Paraguay, to South Korea, to Taiwan, to Thailand, to the Ukraine and Vietnam, very extensive investigation, multilanguages involved. Still even with these and the combining, 75 percent of the level that was funded in the 103d Congress. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to speak in favor of the rule.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise today to announce the passing of Mr. Noman M. Cole, Jr., whose contributions to the northern Virginia area, are beyond measure. Noman died suddenly in a skiing accident on February 2, 1997, and it is hard for me, and the entire Fairfax community to believe that such a vibrant and dynamic citizen is gone. I would like to take this opportunity to inform others of what an outstanding activist and advisor Noman was. As past chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I had the opportunity to work with Noman and I viewed him as one of the fathers of modern Fairfax. He served on my commission to study the county's budget in 1992 and his insight helped the county to achieve a balance without a tax increase. He was a visionary who saw the big picture in the way government operates, and he was able to put together the coalitions to get things done. Noman was former chairman of Virginia's State Water Control Board and an activist who frequently spoke out in defense of measures to protect northern Virginia's water supply. While chairman, Noman initiated the State standards for treating sewage before it was released into the Potomac River. No one had more to do with protecting the Potomac River and shaping the region's water supply. Many of Norman's other brilliant ideas have been adopted by the Virginia General Assembly. Noman also served as a member of the Occoquan Sewage Authority and most recently was involved in assessing Dominion's semiconductor's plans to build a $1.7 billion computer chip plant in northern Virginia. He also was a fighter for such causes as conserving energy and decreasing government spending. Noman will be missed by all the residents of northern Virginia that were among the lucky to know him, and my deepest condolences goes to his wife, Janet, and his family. Noman will be a friend I will never forget, and he will be missed by the community he served. A recent editorial in the Washington Post clearly defines Mr. Cole's contributions to the region. In Honor of Norman M. Cole, Jr. [From the Washington Post, Feb. 9, 1997] The Potomac River is far cleaner today than it was 30 years ago, and the credit for this transformation goes to one man whose expertise, persistence and political skills forced the issue on officialdom until he got results. Norman Cole Jr., who died in a skiing accident last weekend at the age of 63, was the undisputed champion of efforts to achieve what presidents and other elected leaders all talked about but never seemed ready to do: rid the Potomac of serious pollution. Poll anyone who ever got involved in the revival of the river and they point to Mr. Cole, the caring man who knew more than anyone else about water quality. Mr. Cole served in a variety of state and local assignments pertinent to the longtime health of the region. He did stints as technical and policy adviser to Govs. John Dalton and Linwood Holton on energy and water pollution abatement. The government of Fairfax County leaned on Mr. Cole constantly for guidance, and civic groups sought him out for help, which he generously provided. Mr. Cole also was principal author of the 1971 Occoquan Watershed Policy, which prompted creation of a sewage authority there as well as of a world-class treatment plant. Mr. Cole's expertise extended to global issues. He was a nuclear engineer who was a leader in the inspection and rectification of problems involving the reactor after the Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania. He served on the Ukrainian international jury reviewing proposals to stabilize Chernobyl Unit No. 4 after the disaster there. Mr. Cole assisted the Russian government in defueling its nuclear- powered submarines. Mr. Cole was the man who was always testing the waters-- literally as well as in his elaborate charts brightened by his famous multicolored underliners. When the Potomac started passing his tests, he would organize group swims. When the attention spans of government officials got short, he would nag and educate them until they at least listened some more. He did what he did out of a deep concern for the safety and pleasure of his own children and out of a love of the outdoor life and a special affection for the Potomac. His legacy is a unique treasure.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 514.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia [Ms. Norton] for her comments and help in bringing this to the floor as well as the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman] and the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Scott] the gentleman from Virginia for his remarks. As the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia [Ms. Norton] has noted, the Mayor and the council support this legislation, as does the control board. 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, my thanks to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton] for permitting expeditious consideration of this bill. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 514 is straightforward legislation. It was part of H.R. 3664 which was approved by the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia and the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight last June 20. There are complications, however, with other parts of the bill and it was never taken before the full House. This bill is being brought forward separately this year because there is an urgent need to pass section 2. That section allows the director of personnel of the District of Columbia to waive the residency requirement for employees of the Office of Inspector General at the request of the inspector general. This legislation is necessary because the personnel in the IG's office are all defined as excepted personnel under the Merit Personnel Act and are required to reside in the District of Columbia within 12 months of employment. The bill would thus guarantee the widest possible talent pool for the inspector general to hire from. Considering the importance placed in this office when it was enhanced in the control board legislation, I agreed to pursue the waiver that this bill contains. The IG's office currently consists of 35 individuals, a number of whom are not District residents. These individuals accepted employment on condition that their employment would not be barred by the residency requirement. The Office of Personnel has determined that, lacking authority to grant a waiver, that the residency requirement will have to be enforced beginning as early as March 24. Thus, failure to pass this legislation, H.R. 514, at this time could result in a significant exodus of highly trained and qualified personnel at a time of numerous sensitive investigations. This would clearly be unacceptable, particularly in light of the fact that the inspector general has just announced her resignation from the District and this would really leave the office utterly rudderless. The Congressional Budget Office has certified that this bill would not effect the Federal budget. I would urge passage of H.R. 514. 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. 514) to permit the waiver of District of Columbia residency requirements for certain employees of the Office of the Inspector General of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a very small matter for us, but it is urgently needed for the District of Columbia Council and two of its independent agencies charged with the important issue of water and sewer service and construction of a new convention center. This legislation was introduced late in the 104th Congress and fell through the cracks in our rush to adjournment. I appreciate the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton], the chairman, and the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman], the ranking member, being willing to allow this measure to come before the House outside the regular process. Mr. Speaker, my thanks to Chairman Burton for permitting expeditious consideration of this bill. H.R. 513, the District of Columbia Council Review Reform Act, is an important bill for the city's recovery. It enables two independent agencies, the Washington Convention Center Authority, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, to carry out their mission in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Timely passage of this bill is of the essence in particular for the Convention Center Authority so as to avoid delays by taking full advantage of the construction season. For many years the council has sought authority to review city contracts in excess of $1 million. The council had numerous times passed legislation to accomplish this objective but had been unable to override executive vetoes. Congress was eventually asked to resolve this dispute, and we did so with the passage of the 1995 District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, Public Law 104-8. This legislation, establishing the control board, requires in section 304 that no contract involving expenditures in excess of $1 million during a 12-month period may be made unless the mayor submits the contract to the council for its approval and the council approves the contract. The District of Columbia Convention Center Authority and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority were created as independent entities in order to remove them to the fullest extent possible from the political process. They are both key elements in our continuing efforts to reform essential city services and help restore confidence of the private sector. The Convention Center Authority was created by the D.C. City Council in 1994, and the Water and Sewer Authority in 1996. In 1995, Congress passed legislation to permit the Convention Center Authority to expend certain revenues for its operation and maintenance. And in 1996 Congress passed legislation facilitating as well the operation of the new Water and Sewer Authority. A consequence of the Convention Center Authority legislation became apparent when it sought to contract for a project manager. The law was interpreted as prohibiting discretion on the part of the council, and requiring review. At that point the losing bidders commenced lobbying the council to overturn the decision of the Convention Center Authority, which had already been endorsed by the control board. While the contract was eventually approved, precious time and effort were needlessly expended. The same consequence would apply to Water and Sewer Authority contracts. When the inadvertent application of the control board legislation to both the Convention Center Authority and the Water and Sewer Authority was realized, efforts were made to rectify the situation. H.R. 3664, the District of Columbia Government Improvement and Efficiency Act of 1996, included a section exempting all contracts entered into by the Washington Convention Center Authority and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority from review by the city council. This section also authorized the city council to exempt highway projects carried out under title 23 of the United States Code. But H.R. 3664, though it was marked up by both my subcommittee and the full Government Reform and Oversight Committee, was unable to move forward due to a disagreement which arose on a completely different section of the bill. This bill is necessary in order to avoid unnecessary delays in the very important work of the Convention Center Authority and the Water and Sewer Authority and to allow the council to eliminate delays in awarding highway contracts for bids already approved by the Federal Highway Administration. H.R. 513 removes the potential for Convention Center Authority and Water and Sewer Authority contracts to be handled in a way opposite the one that clearly is intended by the creation of these independent entities. After consultation with the city council, the bill authorizes the council to change the way it handles Federal highway projects so as to conform local practice to the practice that exists in most States. The city council has indicated that it would like to establish such a process. This is presently prohibited because the control board legislation requiring council review of contracts is a Federal law and the council cannot change it. All of the contracts referred to in this legislation are still subject to review by the control board. The Congressional Budget Office has certified that this bill would not affect the Federal budget. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 513. Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record: Committee on Government Reform and Oversight--Briefing Memo On Thursday, March 6, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., H.R. 513, is scheduled for floor action on the Suspension Calendar. This bill, the District of Columbia Council Contract Review Reform Act of 1997, is sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Eleanor Holmes Norton of the House District of Columbia Oversight Subcommittee of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The purpose of the bill is to exempt certain contracts entered into by the District of Columbia government from review by the District Council. H.R. 513 was introduced on February 4, 1997, and referred to the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Chairman Dan Burton agreed to expeditious consideration of the bill on the Suspension Calendar. There is no known opposition to the bill. The Congressional Budget Office has certified in writing that the bill does not effect the federal budget. H.R. 513 is necessary at this time in order to facilitate the clear intention of Congress in its passage of legislation establishing the control board (P.L. 104-8), and the legislation creating the Washington Convention Center Authority and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. Timely passage of this bill is particularly essential for the Convention Center Authority so as to avoid delays by taking full advantage of the construction season. For many years the District of Columbia Council had sought authority to review City contracts in excess of $1 million. Legislation to accomplish this objective was repeatedly vetoed by the Mayor. The Council was unable to override these vetoes. Congress was asked to resolve the matter and sought to do so with passage of P.L. 104-8 in 1995, the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. This landmark legislation, establishing the control board, requires in Section 304 that no contract involving expenditures in excess of $1 million during a 12 month period may be made unless the Mayor submits the contract to the Council for its approval and the Council approves the contract. Section 304 is mandatory, not discretionary. It soon became apparent that the mandatory, all-inclusive nature of Section 304 of P.L. 104-8 created serious problems in particular for the Convention Center Authority. The Washington Convention Center Authority, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority were created as independent entities in order to remove them to the fullest extent possible from the political process. They are both key elements in continuing efforts by Congress to reform essential City services and help restore confidence in the private sector. The Convention Center Authority was created by the D.C. Council in 1994, and the Water and Sewer Authority in 1996. In 1995 Congress passed the District of Columbia Convention Center and Sports Arena Authorization Act of 1995 to permit the Convention Center Authority to expend certain revenues for its operation and maintenance. And in 1996 Congress passed the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority Act of 1996 to authorize the issuance of bonds with respect to water and sewer facilities. When the Convention Center Authority proceeded to contract for a Project Manager the adverse consequences of requiring Council review became apparent. Though the contract had been approved by the control board the losing bidders appealed to the Council to overturn the decision. The contract was eventually approved, but precious time and energy were wasted. When the inadvertent application of the control board legislation to both the Convention Center Authority and the Water and Sewer Authority was realized last year steps were taken to rectify the situation. H.R. 3664, the District of Columbia Government Improvement and Efficiency Act of 1996 included a section exempting all contracts entered into by the Convention Center Authority and the Water and Sewer Authority from review by the City Council. This section of H.R. 3664 also authorized the City Council to exempt highway projects carried out under Title 23 of the U.S. Code. But H.R. 3664, though it was marked-up by both the House District Oversight Subcommittee and the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, was unable to move forward due to a disagreement which arose on a completely different section of the bill. H.R. 513 also authorizes the District of Columbia City Council to change the way it handles Federal highway projects so as to conform local practice to the practice that exists in most states. After consultation with the City Council it was concluded that they would favor establishing such a process. They are prohibited from doing so now because the control board legislation requiring Council review of contracts is a federal law and the Council cannot change it. All of the contracts referred to in this legislation are still subject to review by the control board. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.