Tom Davis

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to his church and his community, Baileys Crossroads, VA. Father George Fleming is retiring after serving 27 years as the priest at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The Reverend George S. Fleming, born in 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, received his B.A. from Brooklyn College [CUNY] in 1953, and graduated from Philadelphia Divinity School, Philadelphia, with honors in 1956. Following ordination as an Episcopal priest in 1956, he served as curate of St. Andrew's Church, Williston Park, NY, 1956-58, where he was a founding member of the Williston Rotary Club and member of the Anglican Society. During his 27 years at St. Paul's he served as a member, and often convener, of Baileys Ministerial Fellowship, as a member of the Falls Church Kiwanis Club, a founder and member of the board of the Bethany House of Northern Virginia; board member, HOPE of Northern Virginia; member of the board of trustees of Goodwin House; field education supervisor, Virginia Theological Seminary; and regional dean of the Diocese of Virginia from 1991-94. He also led the effort for use of St. Paul's Church as a location for the Fairfax Community Action Program academy for drop-out youth in 1970, and for the Northern Virginia Hispanic Ministry of the Episcopal Church. Due to the tragic death of a homeless man on Christmas Eve, 1983, Reverend Fleming served as chairman of the Christian Emergency Temporary Shelter, an organization of churches that provided care for homeless people during the winters of 1984 and 1985. This group served as impetus for the founding of the Baileys Community Shelter for the Homeless. Reverend Fleming has served continually on the board of the shelter. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in paying tribute to this fine man who has given so much of his time and energy to help make his community a better place to live. Without Father George Fleming's leadership, Baileys Crossroads would be a far different place. I know my colleagues join me in thanking George Fleming for his selfless contribution to his church and community and we wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I rise to speak today to oppose the Collins amendment. I do not think I have heard so much misunderstanding or misinformation about any amendment in my brief tenure here in the House as I heard today. I was a procurement lawyer for 15 years for both small businesses and large businesses, general counsel for each. And this has nothing to do with the $7,000 toilet seats or the $600 hammer. Some of these came well after the 1984 CCA Act and Procurement Integrity Act to try to get at those later. I am happy to see both sides are going to agree that those ought to be repealed here today. The rhetoric here today has been that this legislation hurts small business and that the Collins amendment somehow fixes this by restoring us back to the status quo. Actually, I think the opposite is the case. Proponents of the amendment will argue that it leads to more sole sourcing. We have got plenty of sole sourcing right now. Nothing in the Clinger amendment also allows or permits, let alone mandates, that a company be excluded from competition because of its size. You can be eliminated because of your capability, but that is in the current law as well. That happens under current law and the Collins amendment as well. So if a company is not in the competitive range, the key here is that this defines that competitive range a little earlier. But any small business who wants to bid has ample access to the competition under this bill. Nothing here states or allows or mandates that big companies, well- known big companies bid on these projects and not small companies. That is just rhetoric. There is nothing here that states that or indicates that at all. The current code has seven justifications or exceptions to allow sole source, but you can still have it, and we do very often. Under the Clinger amendment, we still have approvals and justifications for the sole source here, but what we have done, instead of pages of statute going through this, we give the contracting officer more discretion, and that contracting officer's discretion is then subject to review as well. So there are plenty of protections for businesses who think they are in the competitive range but are found otherwise by the contracting officer. The standard of the Clinger amendment is a dynamic one, not a statutory, static-driven one. We talk about reinventing Government and empowering the employee at the window or at the customer service desk to make the decisions. That is what the Clinger amendment is all about. That is what the Collins amendment eliminates. The issue, really, is, one, who is better equipped to handle complex, diverse, and specialized procurements, a one-size-fits-all Federal statute, or the Government buyer who is responsible for procuring a specialized service with a dwindling agency budget and procuring it within that budget? Small businesses and large businesses waste millions annually chasing rainbows, going after procurements that they cannot perform or that they cannot possibly win due to misinformation and by opening up the process to an extent early on that forces them to spend money, where if they knew more, they probably would not get into it. They are going after contracts they do not have a chance to win. Getting that word earlier in the process is good public policy, and it is good for business, all business, large business, minority businesses, small businesses. Passing the Collins amendment is a return to a longer procurement process, a more costly procurement process, for Government and for business, and more bid protests and delays in final awards. That is a step backward at this time, when we are tightening our belts at the agency level, the Federal level, and it is also a step backward for businesses who want to go after meaningful competition and go after contracts that they can afford to compete in and win. I think this is an outstanding acquisition reform amendment of the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Clinger] and the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spence], and I am happy to support it as it is, and I oppose the Collins amendment.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, here is a quote from the Medicare trustees report: ``Under all sets of assumptions, the trust fund is predicted to become exhausted even before the major demographic shift begins.'' In other words, the trustees have considered the impending bankruptcy of Medicare from many different angles and have concluded that, no matter what calculations are used, Medicare is going broke. Not only is Medicare going broke, it will go broke even before the baby boomers begin to retire. In fact, it will be bankrupt in about 7 years, if nothing is done. Mr. Speaker, saving Medicare is not about calculus. It is not about numbers. It is about people who are 58 [[Page H5780]] years old today who will not have the benefit of Medicare when they retire in 2002. It is about our parents and grandparents whose health care needs are met today because of Medicare. Republicans will not let Medicare go broke. We are acting to protect, preserve, and save Medicare. And, we will not break faith with the generation that guided America through the Depression, a world war, and the cold war.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to an outstanding educator from Fairfax County, VA, who is retiring this month. S. Yvonne McCall, is the principal of Silverbrook Elementary in Fairfax Station, VA. She was selected as the National Distinguished Principal of Virginia 1993. I first met Mrs. McCall in 1981 when she brought in private and charitable donations to build a new playground at Glen Forest Elementary School, where she was principal. Mrs. McCall encourages her students to strive for academic excellence. Her motto is: ``Reach for the moon. If you don't make it, then you'll at least land among the stars.'' McCall has designed a number of innovative programs at Silverbrook. They include: PEP [Parents Energizing Parents], a parent support group; PLUS [Parents Lending Us Support], a program designed to train volunteer parents; RESPECT [Rules Expected at Silverbrook--Plans Everyone Can Trust], a schoolwide discipline program designed to reward positive behavior; Social Skills, a program that encourages good cafeteria behavior by rewarding well-behaved students with a complimentary lunch at a local restaurant; and, a mentor program with employees of the school's business partner, HFSI, through which the partners communicate via electronic mail. Mrs. McCall began her career in Fairfax County in 1971 as a reading teacher at Fairview Elementary School. In 1980, she assumed the post of principal at Glen Forest Elementary School and later served as principal at Dogwood Elementary School, where she remained until assuming the reigns at Silverbrook Elementary in 1988. Throughout her career, Mrs. McCall has earned honors. She received the Outstanding Principal Award from Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1985. From 1986 to 1993, McCall was nominated seven times for the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. She received the Department of the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal in 1991. In 1991, McCall was also a finalist in the National Distinguished Principal of Virginia program. In 1993, she was awarded the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals' School Bell Award for her leadership abilities and her innovative and successful school programs. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues join me in honoring Yvonne McCall for all of her hard work and dedication in molding the way that our children view themselves and the world. Mrs. McCall is a credit to her profession and has been a vital assets to thousands of families in northern Virginia who have been touched by her professional leadership.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words and rise in support of the amendment before the House. Mr. Chairman, this amendment requires that the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget to submit a joint report to the Congress analyzing the costs and benefits of proposals to abolish or consolidate the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Information Agency, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. This cost/benefit analysis will allow this Congress to make an informed decision that fully considers the effects of consolidation of agencies on the personnel and management systems involved. I support the goal of achieving a balanced budget over seven years, but I believe that we need to focus on the hard working citizens, many who live in Northern Virginia, who face possible job loss as a result of the agency consolidations proposed by this bill. I serve on the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology where we are currently reviewing the costs and benefits of many of the consolidation and downsizing proposals that would reshape the Executive Branch of the Federal government. During our recent hearings, it has become evident that so-called downsizing and consolidation efforts can have the unintended consequence of actually increasing costs to the federal government. For example, it costs the federal government an average of $35,000 for each employee that is terminated from the civil service. This amendment would provide for enough time to make an informed decision regarding agency consolidation--a decision that could avoid the unintended costs associated with massive layoffs. Earlier this year, I strongly supported several measures that emphasize cost/benefit analysis and informed decision-making by regulatory agencies. My support for this amendment on agency consolidation is consistent with my support for regulatory reform. Congress has a fudiciary duty to ensure that it takes the time to consider the costs of legislative proposals. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment to delay the consolidation of U.S. AID, USIA, and ACDA, to preserve jobs, and to avoid an unintended waste of tax dollars.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to the Lake Braddock Senior High School Symphonic Band of Burke, Virginia has been selected for 1995 as a recipient of the Sousa Foundation's Sudler ``Flag of Honor'', the highest recognition of excellence in concert performance that can come to a High School band. During the 13 years the award has been in existence, only 31 bands from the entire United States Japan and Canada have been selected for the Flag of Honor award. They will be presented this award on Thursday, May 25, 1995 in the Lake Braddock High School Auditorium by Colonel Bryan Shelbourne, Leader of the United States Army Band and member of the Sudler Flag Selection Jury. To be eligible for nomination for the Sudler Flag a high school band must have maintained an outstanding concert band over a period of seven or more years. Although the band's concern activities receive the most attention in the selection process the band program in the school must be a complete one and include a marching band, small ensembles, and solo participation by its members in contest-festival opportunities. The band director must have been the conductor of the band for seven or more consecutive years including the year of the award and is expected to have been involved in professional band and music education organizations and activities at the local, state, and national level. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring this fine symphonic band and its conductor Mr. Roy C. Holder for their outstanding achievement.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Smith amendment. Mr. Chairman, many of the Vietnamese boat people and Hmong asylum seekers in Southeast Asia are facing imminent deportation to communist Vietnam and Laos. Many of them have been severely persecuted because of their U.S. ties during the war or because of their political or religious beliefs. However, many of them have been unfairly denied refugee status by local governments under a screening program established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and heavily funded by the U.S. Government. This screening program is rife with corruption and other fundamental flaws. Among those already denied refugee status, there are some 100 religious leaders, thousands of former political prisoners and officers of South Vietnam, and many human rights activists and dissident intellectuals. Classified as nonrefugees, they now face deportation to Vietnam. Many of them have taken their own lives to protest the injustices in screening to avoid deportation. Thousands of Hmongs already recognized as refugees are also facing deportation to Laos. In my judgment, no U.S. contribution to the UNHCR should be used to finance such refoulement of refugees. Any use of United States money for the repatriation of Vietnamese boat people or Hmong asylum seekers must be conditioned on a fair review of their refugee claims. I would like to review with the House who some of these individuals are, because you need to look sometimes beyond the numbers and the rhetoric to look at who are the individuals we are talking about that would be protected under the Smith amendment. One of the people comprehensive plan of action would force back to Vietnam is a lady, a Sister K, a Catholic nun. Her father served as a counterintelligence officer for the Republic of Vietnam of Vietnam. After 1975, he was sent to a reeducation camp for more than 6 years. In 1988, the communists raided Sister K's convent. They arrested her and the mother superior, who was accused of plotting against the government. The seminary was confiscated. Sister K was sentenced to 6 months at hard labor. She then went to live with her family, but in 1991 her father and other Catholics were arrested for planning to build a church. Sister K went into hiding and escaped from Vietnam. Sister K has been labeled an economic migrant by the Thai immigration inspector who was in charge or her interview under the comprehensive plan of action. She is scheduled to be forced back to Vietnam. Her story of persecution has been corroborated by her mother superior, who also eventually escaped to the United States and is hospitalized through the effects of the torture she underwent while in prison. Another individual called Captain Tran was an officer in the Army of the Republic of South Vietnam. He served side by side with American troops. After 1975, he managed to evade capture and joined an underground anti-Communist resistance movement. Eventually the movement was uncovered by the Communist authorities. Many of its members were tracked down, viciously tortured, and executed. The members of the movement who managed to escape then plotted the assassination of the Communist officer who had ordered the torture and extrajudicial killings. Captain Tran eventually escaped from Vietnam. But the Hong Kong authorities found him to be credible. They agreed that he had reason to fear punishment by the Communists upon return, but held that his participation in the counterrevolutionary plot was a nonpolitical crime and that made him ineligible for asylum. Captain Tran is scheduled to be forced back to Vietnam this year under the comprehensive plan of action. Staff members of the House Committee on International Relations interviewed him and found him highly credible. He said he will commit suicide before returning to Vietnam. Mr. Chairman, as a nation, I think we have to take steps that will bring about a fair, humane, and dignified solution to the Indo-Chinese refugee problem once and for all within United States laws and without any increase in quota or budget. So, Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Smith amendment and ask my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. (Mr. DAVIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 67 which sets out the annual budget limits that will enable our Federal Government to achieve a balanced budget over the next 7 years. Our country faces a deficit crisis that can only be resolved through an honest commitment to the basic idea that our Federal Government can no longer afford to live beyond its means. With this resolution, Congress has an historic opportunity to put an end to the business-as-usual partisan bickering that has resulted in a $4.8 trillion debt that threatens to overwhelm our Nation's economy. It is time to stand together and do the heavy lifting that is needed to put our country's balance sheet in order. This year's interest obligation on the debt is $235 billion, and over the next 15 years--if current patterns are allowed to continue-- accumulated interest payments will total several trillion dollars. You don't need to be a finance expert to understand that this year's $235 billion interest payment on the Government's debt means that we have that much less money to fund critical government functions like crime control, education, and transportation initiatives. On a personal level, these growing interest payments will mean that my 13-year-old son Carlton will be saddled with approximately $125,000 in additional taxes during his expected lifetime to pay for his share of the interest obligation. Even now, Americans are paying for this debt in the form of interest rates that are about 2 percentage points higher than they would be if the budget were balanced. This adds as much as $37,000 over 30 years to the mortgage on a $75,000 home. A 2-percent reduction in interest rates will result in the following economic benefits: It will lead to the creation of 4.25 million more jobs over the next 10 years. It will increase per capita incomes 16.1 percent. It will generate $235 billion more revenue for the Federal Government without a tax increase. It will generate $232 billion more revenue for State and local governments without a tax increase. As the former chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I can report from firsthand experience that a spendthrift Federal Government with unrestrained deficits will inevitably attempt to pass the buck on to State and local governments in the form of unfunded mandates. While we addressed part of this problem with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, we will never fully cure the Federal Government's habit of passing the buck until we adopt a firm balanced budget policy that forces the Government to live within its means. When I was elected county board chairman in Fairfax County, VA--a county of 900,000 residents with the second largest county budget in the Nation--we were faced with more than a $200 million deficit that threatened the financial security and well-being of the county. Well, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work. We made the county government leaner and more efficient. We set priorities and stayed on focus to achieve a balanced budget, without tax hikes, that featured added funding for education. Two years later, Fairfax County was voted best financially managed county in the country by City and State magazine and I learned that fiscal responsibility creates economic opportunity and has the power to restore the average taxpayer's faith in government. It is now time to restore faith in the Federal Government. This resolution sets tough budget limits that will require difficult choices and painful spending cuts. I oppose several of the individual, non- binding proposals that are contained in the committee report that accompanies this resolution. I will continue to fight to see that the more than two million hard working Federal employees are not unfairly targeted for pay and benefit cuts. While we all must share in the sacrifices that are necessary to achieve a balanced budget, I believe that Federal workers were unfairly singled out for a 2.5 percent pay cut and a sizeable reduction in promised retirement pay contained in H.R. 1215--the tax bill. I voted against the rule that limited amendments and against final passage of H.R. 1215. The other body has not embraced these pay cuts, and I am confident that the end result of this budget process will be much more acceptable to the Federal worker than the provisions contained in the misguided tax bill. I am pleased that this resolution recommends the formation of a high-level commission to study the security of our military and civil service retirement funds. The Congressional Research Service and General Accounting Office are on record as certifying that these retirement systems have no unfunded liability problem and face no threat of insolvency. I applaud this resolution for embracing a long-range, analytical approach to the questions raised during the tax bill debate about the solvency of these retirement funds. This resolution appears to recognize that any increase in employee contribution rates based on the argument that these funds are unstable should be postponed until the commission makes findings and recommendations. There is some good news for northern Virginians in this balanced budget plan: our METRO system is fully funded until its planned completion; retired civil servants and military personnel do not face reduced or delayed cost-of-living allowances; and, the U.S. Geological Survey remains intact and viable in its Reston headquarters. Let's put partisanship aside for the sake of our children's economic security. To those critics who focus solely on the sacrifices required to balance our budget, I say: Where is your plan? This resolution represents a solid plan to balance the budget over 7 years. A balanced budget will directly result in lower interest rates, a stable dollar in the international market, and long-term economic security. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Concurrent Resolution 67.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the recess have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks. request of the gentleman from Virginia?

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, the changes going on here in Washington are truly historic. The new majority here in the House has said goodbye to the old Washington ways. Congress is now run by those who see that the Federal Government is not a solution to everything. It has become much too big and it spends too much. For the first time in a generation, Congress has stood up to the mess we call a budget. We are committed to balancing this budget, so that our children will have a future free of debt and full of opportunity. The defenders of the status quo on the other side of the aisle though criticize us, they offer no alternative. They have no vision and they have no plan. The only thing they have left are worn-out class welfare slogans and programs that will continue out Nation's course to more spending, more taxes, higher interest rates, and greater debt for our children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Republicans are moving ahead to preserve the American Dream for our children and their children. We have a plan, we have a vision of a debt-free America, and we will balance the budget.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Fairfax County, VA's outstanding public school teachers, Mrs. Pat Schneider. When the executive of a company retires, special dinners, gold watches, and high accolades are the order of the day. However, when some of our public servants retire, few seem to notice. In Fairfax County, one our school teachers, after teaching for almost 35 years, is retiring at the end of this school year. For 23 years, Mosby Woods Elementary has been the benefit of Mrs. Pat Schneider's excellent teaching skills. Like most teachers, Mrs. Schneider has worn many hats beyond that of the classroom teacher. Before the 1994 school year and the formal addition of a vice principal, Mrs. Schneider would step in as acting principal when needed. Involved with many extracurricular activities, Mrs. Schneider is best remembered as the teacher sponsor of the Student Council Association. How does a teacher know if he or she has effectively reached their classroom constituents? Of course, test and papers will reflect the academic aspects of successful teaching. However, beyond reaching a child's mind, the best teachers will also touch a child's heart. Mrs. Schneider's success in reaching the hearts of her students is quite evident as former students are always dropping by her classroom to say ``hi'' and grab a quick hug or word of encouragement. As Fairfax County loses a teacher of excellence and Mosby Woods a dear friend and colleague, there are no gold watches or black tie dinners but her community offers her a heart felt ``thank you,'' and I know my colleagues join me in honoring her years of service to our kids and thank her for leaving her community a better place for her efforts.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I rise today to pay tribute to a fine individual of the Eleventh District of Virginia, who has contributed so much to his community. Dr. Neal Thomas Jones retired as pastor of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia April 30, 1995 after twenty-six years of dedicated and faithful service. Under Dr. Jones' leadership, the congregation became one of the largest congregations of any faith in Virginia and a leader among Virginia Baptists. Because of his vision, Columbia Baptist has extended its reach far beyond the traditional religious activities to include an array of intensive community services. Among them are: World Friends, which provides English As A Second Language Instruction for more than 100 people each week. Church and Community Ministries, which provides food, clothing, furniture, rent, and transportation to more than 500 people annually. Columbia Child Development Center which provides Day Care for approximately 200 children on a year-round basis; Care-A-Van which at its peak delivered more than 200 meals weekly and served as a life line for many rescued from homelessness. Counseling Ministry, which involves crisis prevention and crises prevention measures such as marriage preparation and parenting classes. Columbia Institute of Fine Arts, which provides instruction to the community in fine arts. In addition, Columbia Baptist facilities have become a vital resource for various community support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, Survivors of Incest, Narcotics Anonymous, Alzheimer support groups, Alzheimer Day Care Program, Family Nurturing Training Program, Muscular Dystrophy and other support groups. Columbia Baptist Church's other activities include working with local Police Departments to provide summer camps for children from disadvantaged areas, working with city and county agencies to provide a myriad of community services to the poor and disadvantaged, and fostering a sister relationship with the Baptists of Moscow before the days of normalized relationship. Furthermore, Columbia Baptist provides facilities for various community events including regional conferences on drug abuse and prevention, and mental health services related to aging, including the White House Conference on Aging in 1995. Mr. Speaker, we know our colleagues join us in honoring Dr. Jones whose church has attracted the neediest downtrodden elements of our society along with diplomats, members of Congress, professional football coaches, and others who sought spiritual inspiration.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to honor a woman from Northern Virginia who has given so much to her community and is being honored with the Fairfax County Citizen of the Year Award. Martha K. Glennan, chair of the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board and president of Project WORD, Working and Organizing Resources for People with Disabilities, has been named Citizen of the Year by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations. Under her leadership as chairman, the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board completed the first community needs assessment, focusing on more than 29,000 adults with disabilities. Recommendations targeted State and local service delivery system changes, as well as needs for housing, health transportation and employment. She has spoken out forcefully on the need for Fairfax County to move forward and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her very presence in a meeting challenges preconceived notions about disability. She is knowledgeable, innovative, and skilled, using her sense of humor to press home her point. The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations is a 56-year- old, non-partisan, non-profit volunteer-run organization that serves as the umbrella group representing more than 200 Fairfax County civic and homeowner organizations. Through its committee structure, the Federation addresses a broad scope of county-wide concerns in the areas of transportation, education, budget and finance,, health and human services, public safety, land use, environment, and other issues of concern to county citizens. The Federation often works closely with other county organizations to pinpoint issues of community concern before the Fairfax County Government, the Virginia General Assembly, and other governmental bodies. Mr. Speaker I know my colleagues join me in honoring Martha K. Glennan and two Citation of Merit award winners, Kathryn Brooks, 84 for providing older Americans an opportunity to continue their education and Marilyn Gould, for her contributions to Northern Virginia Community College, Leadership Fairfax and the Council for the Arts. These citizens are to be commended for their outstanding achievements and hard work for the community.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the accomplishments of an outstanding individual and fellow Virginian who has done exceptional work in the development and manufacture of night vision equipment. This equipment, enabling armies to fight in the dark, represents one of the most profound changes in military capability in history. It was a critical factor in the low loss of life and played a major role in the success of Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait. These examples alone prove conclusively that night vision technology has revolutionized military tactics and strategy. Mack Farr has demonstrated himself to be a leader in the development and application of increasingly more sophisticated night vision imaging systems for military use over a commercial and federal career that spans 37 years. In the early days of the Vietnam conflict, Mr. Farr worked first as a government contractor, and later as a physicist in the Army's Night Vision Laboratory in Northern Virginia, developing and fielding the first usable image intensifiers for use by the U.S. military. His later efforts in the improvement of the technology led, in part, to Generation III Night Vision Goggles that could, for the first time, be used as head mounted systems for ground troops. Similarly, when the aviators of rotor winged aircraft attempted to use this headmounted technology to improve their night flying operations, Mr. Farr and members of his government and industry team responded by developing a Third Generation Image Intensifier System, specifically designed for DOD aviators. These systems have now been fielded in quantity and with ever increasing quality over time. As the Technology Director for the Army Project Management Office for Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition since 1984, each of the new image intensification products the result from Mr. Farr's technical and managerial oversight has created a new, and sought after, world standard for excellence. His expertise has also greatly aided the U.S. Government in the formulation of export policy opinions that are a foundation for signatory nations. In recognition of his many achievements, Mack Farr was inducted into the Association of Night Vision Manufacturers Image Intensification Hall of Fame on April 19, 1995. He was the first Government recipient to receive this honor. Now that we are poised on the threshold of a new century, Mack Farr is guiding his team in the pursuit of new technologies and systems for the future. Mr. Speaker, I salute Mack Farr for his hard work, diligence and outstanding accomplishments in the development of night vision. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his years of dedication and join together in commending him for showing great foresight and commitment to the night vision industry. We thank him for his genuine contributions to our Nation's security and wish all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to the winners of the 18th Annual Fairfax County Human Rights Awards. These awards, presented annually, recognize outstanding accomplishments in the area of human rights in Fairfax County. Accomplishments may represent a single significant activity or long- term commitment displayed through various activities. The winners are selected from nominees representing three categories: individual citizens, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. This year's awardees are: The Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee, judge, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, serves as a mentor providing community awareness concerning social justice by participating in various volunteer programs such as Kamp Kappa, Early Identification, and professional programs aiding minorities. His ability to listen, lead, and inspire have done much to expand human rights concerns by fostering greater communication between the court system and our community. Ms. Brenda V. Plum, advocate for the disabled, has set an example by giving her time and talents in an effort to provide social awareness concerning the rights of disabled persons. Her tireless efforts to alleviate unfair practices include countless hours of community service to local area boards, authorities, and commissions, including various programs and projects. Ms. Lillie G. Morarity, is the third vice president of the Fairfax County branch of the NAACP and chairperson of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day program. Ms. Morarity is a community organizer who has exhibited unselfish and untiring efforts to enhance the pride, dignity, and sense of accomplishment of the minority community in general, and African-Americans in particular. Her various accomplishments at both local and national level have rallied the community at large and thus reaffirm commitment and respect for the human rights of all. Ms. Laura Soonkee Lee Falkenstrom, serves as liaison, mentor, and bridge between Asian-American students and the Fairfax County public schools. She has been instrumental in assuring that the English as a Second Language Program meets the evolving culturally diverse needs of non-English-speaking students. She has been a strong leader in schools and community, including mentoring which has resulted in the employment of over 25 minority educators for the Fairfax County schools. The 1994 Human Rights Award winner in the organization category is: Koinonia, a volunteer organization supported by local churches and civic organizations in the Franconia area. In addition, Koinonia functions as a liaison between the immediate needs of individuals and the help that may be received from local, State, or Federal agencies. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring these awardees for their outstanding achievements in the area of human rights.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. 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. Priscilla Ames has delivered 30 years of continuous civic work and community service. She has served the greater Reston community in many capacities: on the Fairfax County Human Services Council, as Reston's director of Community Affairs and Public Information, on Community Advisory Committee of the Embry Rucker Shelter, and as a member of the Community Advisory Committee of the Cameron Glen Care Center. She has been honored by the Reston Rotary Club as their 1990 Citizen of the Year and named Lady Fairfax by Fairfax County in 1990. Margaret Boyd has been one of Reston's most visible, consistent, and effective advocates for youth, particularly adolescents. Ms. Boyd has served as the Reston coordinator for the Teen Summit. She has also joined initiative in the conception and realization of the Pit Teen Center in Reston. She organized a teen/adult dialog in April 1994 and is planning a Teen Leadership Conference to be held in March 1995. Ms. Boyd is also teacher at Forest Edge Elementary School, an at-large board member for Reston Citizens Association [RCA] and chair of RCA's Youth Committee. Juanita Cooper has been dedicated to the community, particularly the families and staff of lake Anne Elementary School. Since 1976, she has nurtured the Lake Anne children. Her belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their potential is reflected in the faces and successes of the children whose lives she has touched. Carlo and Ana Mejia are professional artisans of considerable experience and accomplishment who fled the war in El Salvador in 1980, bringing with them only their family and one suitcase. They established after-hours ceramic classes for area youth at Forest Edge Elementary School. Datatel furthers higher education through the Datatel Scholars Foundation and a corporate matching gift program. Datatel also assists a number of local charities. Seven years ago, Datatel adopted the Embry Rucker Community Shelter giving it some $1,400 a year for the past 7 years in gifts. The 1995 recipients of the Business Excellence Award: Molson Breweries U.S.A. Inc., under the direction of president and chief executive officer John Barnett, have been major support of Wolf Trap Farm Park and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Barnett has been active in his pursuits to enhance the outstanding quality of life in Northern Virginia including: Taste of the Town at Reston Town Center and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. BTG, now in its 13th year, BTG headed by Dr. Ed Bersoff is a leader in the information industry, with 634 employees and revenues of over $140 million. BTG is the business partner of Marshall High School, contributes funding and technology support to Hospice of Northern Virginia, and provides both funds and board members to a broad spectrum of community organizations including: Leadership Fairfax, the Women's Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused children, Fairfax Hospital, and Women in Technology. 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

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to one of Virginia's outstanding citizens, Joyce Tobias. Joyce Tobias, a registered nurse and the mother of seven children, has been a community organizer and a parent and child advocate since 1967. A tribute dinner was held in her honor Friday, April 28th on the occasion of PANDAA's [Parents Association to Neutralize Drug and Alcohol Abuse] 15th anniversary. Joyce founded PANDAA in 1980 and has served as executive director, newsletter editor, and member of the board of directors since its founding. The organization greatly contributes to parents awareness of drug abuse among young children and gives hope and support to parents and children alike who face those problems. PANDAA, a volunteer organization, combats alcohol and other drug abuse through education and civic action. Under the leadership of Joyce Tobias, PANDAA publishes a quarterly newsletter with a national distribution of 10,000 copies, provides a hotline and referral service for parents, conducts adult and youth conferences, maintains a speakers bureau and assists in the formation of new groups. Joyce was also a founding member of the Virginia Federation of Parents [VFP] in 1982 and served as its president in 1992 and 1993. Along with her strong advocacy role in Fairfax County, she has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education--1988-89--and other school districts across the country. She traveled to Brazil for the U.S. Information Agency in 1991, participated in electronic dialog with two countries in Africa, and represented the United States by speaking many foreign visitors through USIA. handbook for parents and professionals that has been translated in part into Portuguese and Arabic. Other publications include ``Schools and Drugs,'' a handbook for parents and educators, and ``Preparing for Parenthood: A Lamaze Childbirth and Postpartum Guide.'' After teaching childbirth preparation for four years. Joyce founded FLAME [Family Life and Maternity Education Inc.] in 1971, an organization which teaches the Lamaze method of childbirth. Joyce Tobias is a remarkable woman whose contributions to her community and her country as a leader and volunteer have made a difference. I know my colleagues join in honoring this outstanding woman.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. The Senate has passed the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act with several technical and clarifying amendments and has returned it to the House. The Houses are not in formal disagreement on the issue. I do not find the amendments to be in conflict with the nature or the purpose of the bill as passed by the House, and I am prepared to accept them and send them, send the bill, to the President for his signature. The amendments deal with such items as ensuring that the courts are protected, the application of District laws to the Authority, and a clarification of the qualification of the members of the Authority.

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speakers' table the bill (H.R. 1345) to eliminate budget deficits and management inefficiencies in the government of the District of Columbia through the establishment of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, and for other purposes, with Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I want to once again congratulate Chairman Clinger for shepherding yet another bill through both bodies and being able to send it on to the President for signature. The House action has really succeeded in this with the following: We are authorizing appropriations for the OIRA for 6 years, we are establishing clear guidance for agencies to follow in developing good quality but low-burden forms, including the need to seek public comment before submitting the form to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. We are focusing specific attention to the need for agencies to the extent practicable and appropriate to reduce reporting burdens on small business, including the use of techniques set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We have included third-party-disclosure requirements in the definition of collection of information, returning this act to its original intended scope by overturning the Supreme Court Dole versus Steelworkers decision, and it has agencies give added attention to the management of information technology in performing agency missions. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to congratulate Chairman Clinger and other Members who made this possible, and I am proud to get up here today and support it.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Virginia's best known and most successful political leaders, who is retiring from public office after 32 years of service. Joseph Alexander, known as ``Metro Joe,'' or ``The Baron of Lee District,'' has announced he will not seek reelection to the Fairfax Board of Supervisors from Lee District. He is being honored by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce at this annual turkey roast on April 22, 1995. Joe grew up in Franconia, where his father, Milton Alexander, established the Franconia Hardware Store at 6124 Franconia Road. His mother, Celia, was the local post mistress at the Franconia Post Office, which was located in the same building with the hardware store. Joe moved on to attend college at Virginia Tech, where he served with the Corps of Cadets all 4 years of his stay. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in business administration and a commission of second lieutenant in the Air Force. Joe continued at Tech in 1952, and pursued a degree in public administration. He was called to duty this time and went to flight training. He served in the Korean war as a first lieutenant until 1955. After leaving the service, Joe returned to Fairfax County and joined his father in the family hardware business, and became active in the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president from 1959 to 1961. Prior to his leadership role with the chamber, Joe met Davina Einbinder, a Washington, DC, native. In June of 1956, they married and moved into the Rose Hill area of Lee District, where they have continued to live to this day. While serving in the Springfield Chamber and being active in the community as a local businessman, Joe became interested and concerned about the future of Fairfax County. Other area businesses were also concerned that there was no representation for the business community on the Board of Supervisors during 1960. They began to press Joe to run for the Lee District position on the board. Joe decided to enter the race in 1963. With the Franconia Hardware Store as his headquarters, Joe received a large amount of public support from the Springfield Chamber, local fire fighters, and a number of Lee District communities. His bid for the seat was successful, and in 1964 Joe was sworn in as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Joe always showed a strong interest in transportation issues, and in 1971 he was appointed as an alternate member of the Metro board. He was instrumental in getting the citizens of Fairfax County to approve bonds to finance the regional Metro system. He became a principle voting member in 1973, and he further advanced the organization to serve as 1993. Some of the organizations that Joe helped organize as a County Board member were: the Economic Development Authority, the South East Fairfax Development Corporation, and he pushed the county to begin promoting tourism. Joe has always been one of the most stable business leaders on the Board of Supervisors. He has always paid attention to local concerns, and as the Lee District Board member, he has personally been responsible for the completion of over at least 200 million dollars' worth of public projects in Lee District. Projects range from neighborhood improvements, parks, drainage protection, trails, street lights, intersection improvements, new roads and streets, conservation and environmental projects, the Huntington, Van Dorn, and Franconia- Springfield Metro stations, as well as a number of other projects that are too numerous to mention. During all of this time, he was very active in the American Public Transit Association [APTA]. The association represents all of the transit systems in the United States and Canada. Joe was elected vice president of APTA in 1981, and was elected chairman of APTA in 1982. He served as chairman until 1984. Joe developed a tremendous amount of knowledge about transit operations around the country. Because of his transit experience, Joe was asked to join Ernst & Young and help develop the National Transit Consulting Practice. Joe left Perpetual in 1987 to go to work for Ernst & Young. He spent the next 5 years developing the transit practice and working with transit systems in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and many other cities. Joe left Ernst & Young in 1992 to create the Alexander Group, in order to pursue additional consulting opportunities. He is presently serving as the APTA membership committee chairman, president of the Virginia Association of Transit Officials, a member of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board, a member of the NVTC Board, and a member of the Metro Board. Joe and his wife Davie have two daughters, Cathy and Cheri, both graduates of the Fairfax County school system. Davie presently serves as the executive director of the Mt. Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring Joe Alexander for his 32 years of public service and wish him and Davie continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to sound the alarm against a huge tax hike on 2 million Americans that has been slipped into H.R. 1215, the package of tax reforms that will be considered on this floor today. Here are the facts: Fact: The rule governing today's tax debate prevents a clean vote for the tax reductions that were promised in the Contract With America. We will be asked to vote on a package that includes a 2.5-percent payroll tax hike that would cost every Federal worker between $3,500 and $11,000 over the next 5 years. The Congressional Budget Office has scored this as a revenue which means that it is a tax. And that's not all. Fact: The same tax package would reduce lifetime benefits for Federal workers by 4 percent by changing the retirement formula to reflect the highest 5 years of salary as opposed to the current formula based on the highest 3 years of salary. This provision simply makes it more expensive for Federal workers to retire on schedule and encourages them to stay on the payroll longer to make up for the losses in planned retirement benefits. The tax hike supporters claim that this revenue is needed to fund the CSRS retirement system. Let's look at the facts: Fact: None of this increased revenue will be set aside in a trust fund for the into the general treasury to finance tax cuts for others. Fact: 50 percent of Federal employees are part of the FERS retirement system which everyone agrees has absolutely no unfunded liability. Nevertheless, these workers are subjected to the same tax hike and will get no additional retirement benefit or security. Fact: CRS has determined that the Federal retirement system does not have an unfunded liability problem and faces no threat of insolvency. These findings have been verified and confirmed by the GAO. H.R. 1215 includes a huge, unfair tax hike selectively imposed on 2 million working Americans. This tax hike does not belong in a tax reduction bill and must be defeated. I will oppose any rule that does not address this tax hike, and I will oppose any so-called Tax Fairness bill that arbitrarily punishes these 2 million Federal workers.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1345, the bill just considered and passed.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2\1/4\ minutes. Mr. Speaker, debt service is one of the basic functions of a municipal government. One of the stated purposes of this act is to assist the District of Columbia in attaining and then maintaining access to the credit and bond markets. The subcommittee has tried to make abundantly clear that existing debt and its debt service payments are of concern. Lack of timely debt service payment would be counter to one of the major purposes of this legislation. Debt service is a foundational part of the District of Columbia budgets. The subcommittee expects that already dedicated funds be used to pay debt service. If those funds are not sufficient, then other available funds can and should be used by either the District government or the Authority to ensure timely payment of debt service. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to put into the Record additional cosponsors: the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Armey], the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Gephardt], the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. Livingston], the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton], the gentleman from Texas [Mr. DeLay], the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Bonior], the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman], the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. McIntosh], the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Frelinghuysen], the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Kingston], the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Bonilla], the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Durbin], the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Fox], the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Payne], the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens], the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Lewis], the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek], the gentleman from New York [Mr. Towns], the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Mfume], the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Richardson], the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Ehrlich], the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Schiff], the gentleman from New Hampshire [Mr. Zeliff], the gentleman from Washington [Mr. Tate], the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Chrysler], the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Scarborough], the gentlewoman from Georgia [Ms. McKinney], the gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. Kaptur], and the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Payne]. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank several individuals I did not thank in my opening colloquy. Mr. Noah Wofsy, the legislative counsel, did an outstanding job, working many late hours around the clock to satisfy the many demands placed upon him, in a timely manner. We are very, very grateful for his efforts, Noah. I want to thank him. Also I want to thank Mr. Ed Desev and Alice Rivlin from the President's Office and OMB, who worked with us in drafting this legislation. Finally, from my staff, I want to thank Mr. John Hishta, Chip Nottingham, and Cathy Walsh, who were very helpful in coordinating this. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would urge adoption of H.R. 1345.