September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7955 301, 401–407, 602–606, 609, 612, 705, 707, 712, July 25, 2003, and rule XVIII, the Chair dren in their schools and touring the 721, 1234, 1351–1352, 1704, and 1811 of the declares the House in the Committee of many neighborhoods that make up the Senate amendment, and modifications the Whole House on the State of the city. I want to thank Mayor Anthony committed to conference: Mr. POMBO, Union for the consideration of the bill, Williams, Council Chairman Linda Mrs. CUBIN and Mr. RAHALL. H.R. 2765. Cropp, and School Board President Provided that Mr. KIND is appointed b 0955 Peggy Cooper Cafritz for the support in lieu of Mr. RAHALL for consideration and advice they have given me. of Title IV of Division C of the House IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Constitution, Mr. Chairman, bill, and modifications committed to Accordingly, the House resolved gives Congress exclusive legislative au- conference. itself into the Committee of the Whole thority over the affairs of the District, From the Committee on Science, for House on the State of the Union for the and I take this mandate seriously. The consideration of sections 11009, 11025, consideration of the bill (H.R. 2765) District is in a stronger financial posi- 12301–12312, 14001–14007, 14009–14015, making appropriations for the govern- tion today than a few years ago. Much 14029, 15021–15024, 15031–15034, 15041, ment of the District of Columbia and of this is due to Mayor Williams and 15045, Division B, section 30301, Divi- other activities chargeable in whole or the city council, but we cannot over- sion E, and Division F of the House bill in part against the revenues of said look the role Congress has played in and sections 501–507, 509, 513–516, 770– District for the fiscal year ending Sep- the financial recovery as well. tember 30, 2004, and for other purposes, 772, 807–809, 814–816, 824, 832, 1001–1022, b 1000 Title XI, Title XII, Title XIII, Title with Mr. BASS in the chair. XIV, sections 1502, 1504–1505, Title XVI, The Clerk read the title of the bill. The District still has a long way to and sections 1801–1805 of the Senate The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the go to resolve many personnel and man- amendment, and modifications com- order of the House of Friday, July 25, agement problems, but I believe that mitted to conference: Mr. BOEHLERT, 2003, the bill is considered as having progress is being made. I stand ready Mrs. BIGGERT and Mr. HALL. been read the first time. to help in any way I can. Provided that Mr. COSTELLO is ap- The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Mr. Chairman, the committee has pointed in lieu of Mr. HALL for consid- FRELINGHUYSEN) and the gentleman carefully reviewed the District’s budg- eration of Division E of the House bill, from Pennsylvania (Mr. FATTAH) each et request and, as reflected in the bill, and modifications committed to con- will control 30 minutes. has given the Mayor and City Council’s ference. The Chair recognizes the gentleman priorities the highest consideration Provided that Mr. LAMPSON is ap- from New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN). when putting this bill together. pointed in lieu of Mr. HALL for consid- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- As I mentioned earlier, the bill totals eration of section 21708 and Division F man, I yield myself such time as I may $7.9 billion of which $466 million are of the House bill, and sections 824 and consume. Federal payments to various programs 1223 of the Senate amendment and Mr. Chairman, the fiscal year 2004 and projects. This is $43 million below modifications committed to con- District of Columbia Appropriations last year’s allocation and equates to an ference. bill totals $7.9 billion. Included in this 8.4 percent reduction. From the Committee on Transpor- total are $466 million for Federal pay- Seventy-seven percent of these funds, tation and Infrastructure, for consider- ments to various District programs and or $359 million, is to continue funding ation of sections 11001–11004, 11006, projects, which I will describe shortly; of the D.C. courts, the Public Defender 11009–11011, 12001–12012, 12014, 12401, $1.8 billion in Federal grants to Dis- Service, the Court Services and Of- 12403, 13001, 13201, 13202, 15021–15024, trict agencies; and $5.6 billion in local fender Supervision Agency, CSSOSA. 15031–15034, 15041, 15043, 15051, 16012, funds for operating expenses and cap- These are District functions that the 16021, 16022, 16023, 16031, 16081, 16082, ital outlays of the District govern- Federal Government assumed financial 16092, 23001–23004, 30407, 30410, and 30901 ment. responsibility for in the National Cap- of the House bill and sections 102, 201, This bill, Mr. Chairman, is a product ital Revitalization and Self-govern- 205, 301, 701–783, 812, 814, 816, 823, 911–916, of the hard work of every member of ment Improvement Act of 1997. 918–920, 949, 1214, 1261–1262, and 1351–1352 the Subcommittee on the District of The remaining 23 percent, or $107 of the Senate amendment, and modi- Columbia. It is the culmination of sev- million, are for programs and projects fications committed to conference: eral weeks of hearings, visits to local that directly benefit the District. Messrs. YOUNG of Alaska, PETRI and schools and other city institutions, and These include: $17 million for the tui- OBERSTAR. meetings with elected city officials and tion assistance program for the Dis- From the Committee on Ways and numerous others who have a keen in- trict for college-bound District stu- Means, for consideration of Division D terest in helping the District. I want to dents; $15 million to reimburse the Dis- of the House bill and Division H and I thank each of them for their interest trict for added emergency planning and of the Senate amendment, and modi- in the District and their input into this security costs related to the presence fications committed to conference: bill. I especially want to thank the of the Federal Government in the Dis- Messrs. THOMAS, MCCRERY and RANGEL. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. trict; $10 million for a D.C. scholarship There was no objection. FATTAH), my ranking member, for his program; $42.7 million for capital de- advice, counsel and support. He has velopment projects in the District; dol- f been a pleasure to work with. lars for the Anacostia Waterfront Ini- GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Chairman, I believe this bill re- tiative; and dollars for public school fa- Mr. FREYLINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speak- flects Congress’ commitment to help- cility improvements. er, I ask unanimous consent that all ing our Nation’s capital. This is where Lastly, Mr. Chairman, I am well Members may have 5 legislative days we all work and many of us live, our aware that the President’s request for within which to revise and extend their home away from home. So we have spe- a school choice program in the District remarks on H.R. 2765, and that I may cial reasons to help our capital city. of Columbia, which would provide D.C. include tabular and extraneous mate- How grateful I am to so many of my school scholarships, has stirred up con- rial. colleagues for their ongoing efforts, siderable controversy. Personally, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there prior to my chairmanship, to assist the have supported such scholarships for objection to the request of the gen- citizens of this great city, especially the District since they were first pro- tleman from New Jersey? its school children to have better lives, posed in 1995 by Members of Congress. There was no objection. and many thanks, as well, to a number There is excitement that surrounds f of my colleagues who now seek support the very successful charter movement for a number of new projects to further in this city. There are 37 charter DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA help the citizens in this budget. schools and 11 more on the drawing APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004 When I became chairman, I wanted to boards, more than any other city in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- get to better know this city. I did this Nation. We have charter schools in this ant to the order of the House of Friday, by listening and learning, visiting chil- city.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.010 H05PT1 H7956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 That excitement is also apparent in hard, been sensitive to the issues aris- through this bill, have a passionate dis- those parents who strongly advocate ing here in the capital city. He has cussion about the question of vouchers for this new educational choice option been out and about visiting and visibly but not overlook the fact that we have for their children. showing the concern of the Congress broad agreement here on the direction While we are all supportive of the for the plight of the city’s neighbor- of what our fiscal responsibilities are District public school system and the hoods. I think he most appropriately to the District of Columbia. success of the city’s charter school understands and appreciates the work Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance movement, many more children can be that the city’s leadership, the Mayor of my time. helped by this new program. and the council and its delegate, the Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- The statistics in the U.S. Depart- gentlewoman from the District of Co- man, it is my pleasure to yield 5 min- ment of Education on District student lumbia (Ms. NORTON), have done to res- utes to the gentleman from California performance on reading, writing, math cue the city from its fiscal constraints (Mr. CUNNINGHAM), the vice chairman and other core academic studies are from years ago. of the committee and, in fact, a long- very disturbing. The bottom line is Mr. Chairman, I worked with the time member of the committee. that children in this city will be helped gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I by giving parents more choices for edu- DAVIS) in creating the financial control thank the gentleman for yielding me cating their children. Many parents are board, which was modeled after the this time. hopeful that we will act. That is why I PICA Board that we instituted in Mr. Chairman, this committee used am happy that later today we will have Philadelphia that I sponsored in the to be a drudgery. If you asked some- an amendment to provide for the au- legislature then, and it has worked body to serve on the D.C. committee, thorization of the funding I have in- well here in the District. The district is you had to pull them out from under cluded in this bill. now on its own and has done a tremen- the bed to get them to come to work. There will be much debate on this dous job in righting the ship. I would say that thanks to the ranking issue. And one of the arguments the op- The chairman understands and appre- member, the chairman, and the work posing side will make is that this bill ciates the superb leadership that super- that the committee has done over the does not provide funding for what is intendent Paul Vance has brought to past few years, it has gotten to be one called the three-pronged approach to the school district and the board of of the better committees. education which the District leadership education here in Washington, D.C., I think if one looks at what has been wants. While that is true, it is not my and I just want to thank the chairman, done in a bipartisan way, and, yes, we intention that this be the case when we thank his staff, particularly Carol Mur- do have some differences, but in a bi- come out of conference with the Sen- phy, who has shepherded at the helm partisan way, with the help of a Mayor ate. the work of the majority staff, and I that is business-oriented, Mayor Wil- Due to the fiscal constraints of this would also like to thank Rob Nabors on liams, who I think has done a good job, bill, we were only able to provide for the Democratic appropriations staff I think we can be proud of the com- the D.C. scholarships; but the Senate and William Miles from my personal mittee and the output of this, with a bill includes additional funding for staff that have worked on D.C.-related couple of exceptions. both public and charter schools as well. matters. I have volunteered to stay on the I support the Mayor’s approach and We come here today with a bill in committee all these years I have been will work with Chairman YOUNG to- which there will be a lot of attention in Congress because I have an edu- wards a conference allocation that is on what we disagree on, and we dis- cation background and I had several sufficient to address all three sectors of agree on one item, that of vouchers; goals. One was to help the education education in the city. but I do not want that to overshadow system in Washington because it had The timing of this bill, Mr. Chair- the fact that this bill, absent that one some of the highest cost and lowest man, is always of concern to the Dis- disagreement, is a very significant ac- productivity. Any Member that would trict, and rightly so, because the city’s complishment and it is owed solely to go out into the city will find some very local funds cannot be spent until we the leadership of the chairman and his dedicated, very good teachers in Wash- pass the conference report for the bill. capable political skills and bringing to ington, D.C. I know the ranking mem- I am mindful of these concerns and will a consensus how we should address a ber and the chairman have both gone do everything within my power to get whole host of issues affecting our cap- out into the community, as I have, and the District its funds in a timely man- ital city. visited some of these schools. You ner. This is, I think without disagree- would be amazed at the differences In summary, the fiscal year 2000 Dis- ment, in the world’s only remaining su- since the committee has started to trict of Columbia appropriations bill is perpower, the wealthiest country in work. fiscally responsible, a balanced bill the world, this is our capital city, and The Mayor has gone through a pretty that deserves bipartisan support. it is a symbol in every important way tough bureaucracy; and like all bu- Lastly, I would like to thank the sub- to world visitors, foreign leaders, and reaucracies, sometimes you cannot get committee staff, our excellent clerk to those who look upon this Nation as the things done that you want even Carol Murphy, Rob Nabors who works to where our priorities are. So it is im- though you are the leader of a city. So so well with the gentleman from Penn- portant work that the Congress does. I laud the Mayor for the work that he sylvania (Mr. FATTAH) and certainly And as we seek to promote democracy has done. Even though in some cases with this chair, and Kelly Wade of my in other places, I know that we hope very slow, he has plodded through it. staff for their diligent and professional one day here in the District that Amer- He has kept true to his word. He com- work on this bill. ican citizens who pay taxes and who municates, and I thank Mayor Wil- I would also like to thank Nancy Fox are dying on foreign battlefields will liams for that. from my immediate staff and William have democracy here in the District Another area was the waterfront. But Miles from the gentleman from Penn- and be able to have on the floor of this there was a whole area in which pilings sylvania’s (Mr. FATTAH) staff for their House not just a voice but a vote. had been left from the 1940s that were hard work as well. Mr. Chairman, today I commend the corroding into the Potomac River. The Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance chairman for this bill. I think it ad- Anacostia River had the highest fecal of my time. dresses the critical issues in important count of any river in the United States. Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield ways. He has fought for an allocation It was not just pollution that was kill- myself such time as I may consume, that some may have some issues with, ing the fish. There is such a high fecal and let me start by thanking the chair- but it is representative of approaching count because every time it rains that man of the subcommittee, the gen- what we need to address the District’s raw sewage goes into the Anacostia tleman from New Jersey (Mr. FRELING- problems; and I thank him and his staff River. Fish were dying because of the HUYSEN). This chairman, I think in the for their work. bacteria. There was so much bacteria it ways most remembered of Julian Mr. Chairman, I hope we can enter ate the oxygen and the fish suffocated. Dixon, has taken the helm and worked into the general debate and move That is how bad it was. We still need a

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.012 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7957 national program to help the Wash- Mr. FATTAH. I yield to the gen- than most jurisdictions in the United ington, D.C. sewage system. Without tleman from California. States because of the prudence of our it, we will not clean up our rivers, and b 1015 local leadership. it will be a health hazard to Wash- I want to talk about what this bill is ington, D.C.; and I look forward to Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, about because this is not our usual D.C. working with my colleagues on doing Mayor Williams did another thing. The appropriation where I would normally that as well. highest incidence for prostate cancer is thank the President for funding my If my colleagues will go down now among African Americans, and the tuition access bill, and let me do it they will see a marina in progress. Half highest incidence in the United States anyway, probably the most popular of it is done, and the other half, all the is in Washington, D.C. The mayor legislation in the District of Columbia pilings that were leaching creosote worked with our committee and chair- because it allows young people to go to into the water, are gone and the new man and ranking member, and on a any State-supported institution any- docks are coming in. Guess what? That sleet, rain-driven night, we packed the where in the United States; but nobody is revenue to the city because that is house in a town hall meeting on pros- will remember the D.C. appropriation leased land. Instead of being a drain, tate cancer for African Americans be- 2003 for anything but one issue. Mem- instead of being a deficit, it will be a cause it had never been done before. bers simply have to concentrate on revenue producer for the city. The mayor has agreed to do another what they are voting on. meeting, and we plan on doing that. My goal is to make the waterfront This is a bill with a vouchers-only Mr. FATTAH. Reclaiming my time, like a San Diego, where I live, or a San provision. We will hear promises about it is well known that the gentleman Francisco wharf and waterfront where maybe in the Senate they will have from California (Mr. CUNNINGHAM), un- people can go down with their families some money. That bill is in huge trou- like many other Members, has sought and enjoy the waterfront and water ble in the Senate, and of course some and stayed on this committee and has that is clean instead of polluted like it money has been put in for public fund- made a real contribution at the water- even still is today. And again I want to ing when there was an uproar in the front, and I am aware of his efforts in thank the ranking member. city about funding vouchers, and then terms of this particular type of cancer. We differ a little bit on economic the pro-voucher officials came forward I would tell him in terms of the sewer scholarships. I personally think my and said wait a minute, we have a system and the infrastructure in the colleagues would be surprised that, yes, three-sector approach, and we will get District of Columbia, there are tremen- I support vouchers, as some call them, some money for the public schools, too. or economic scholarships, whatever dous needs. I understand the President But everybody understands the pub- you want to call them. But I only sup- will be down soon with a $13 billion re- lic money is a cover for vouchers. It is port them if the community wants quest to rebuild the sewer system in a way to take the sting out of vouch- them. I do not think the Federal Gov- Iraq with taxpayer money. Maybe ers. This is one of the most anti-vouch- ernment should mandate it. The com- there might be a few pennies left that er jurisdictions in the United States of munity must itself want them, because we can do something more to help in America. They have tried it here for 20 in some areas there may be transpor- our own capital city; but Members years, and this is a jurisdiction which tation costs far exceeding the cost of should not hold their breath because I sent me, their Congresswoman, time moving a child to another area. There am sure we will be told there is not and again, back here to ask Members may be a certain school that, a private enough money to address these domes- to veto their appropriation to keep school, that does not take IDEA chil- tic concerns. vouchers from being attached to it dren. And those costs may be apples The question of vouchers is an impor- until President Clinton could somehow and oranges. tant one, and I am going to yield to the negotiate them off. In many areas across the country Member who has the most to say about vouchers do work. In my opinion, this. As the gentleman from California So the people of the District of Co- Washington, D.C. is a classic. I know (Mr. CUNNINGHAM) said, really there is lumbia have not turned around on a the gentlewoman opposes it, but the not a lot of disagreement because if dime and flip-flopped and said we want Mayor supports it, the city supports it; somebody wants this, it should not be vouchers. All Members need to do is sit and I think the people that in some outlawed. But the question here in the in my office and they will know where cases where their children are trapped, District of Columbia was there was a they stand, because the elected offi- where a mother of a child that wants referendum. The voters have spoken. cials, the majority of the elected offi- to learn is out there and wants to get They do not want vouchers. cials of the school board, the majority out of the quagmire that they live in Mr. Chairman, I yield 8 minutes to of the city council, have written to you but yet are trapped in a school that the gentlewoman from the District of to say we do not want vouchers. does not produce, they deserve the op- Columbia (Ms. NORTON) to address the What is important for every Member portunity. The first goal is to bring bill and any particular concerns the to know and to understand is that this that school up to level, I agree, with gentlewoman wants to beyond that. is not only a vouchers-only bill so that public education. But in the meantime, Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank is what Members are going to be voting let us not let that child get left behind. the gentleman for yielding me this on, but this will be the first time in the Let us work with that child. time, and I thank the gentleman from United States of America that the Con- I think my colleagues know my heart New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) who gress of the United States has sent is in the right place, even though they has worked in such a bipartisan fashion money to private schools, something may disagree with me on the issue. But with the gentleman from Pennsylvania that huge numbers of Members on the I think it will be a good program. (Mr. FATTAH) on this appropriation. I other side of the aisle have crossed to Mr. Chairman, I again want to thank want to thank them both for their bi- this side of the aisle to vote with us to the ranking member and the chairman partisanship, bipartisanship without say we will never do. and the members on the committee. It compromising their principles, but also There is a reason people do not do it. is starting to be a very good pleasure for their sensitivity to home rule and They do not do it in part because two- to work with this committee. the fact that this is an independent ju- thirds of the American people oppose Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield risdiction that ought to be able to vouchers, if we want to get down to myself such time as I may consume to speak up for itself the way jurisdic- particulars. But this year is the last thank the gentleman from California tions of every Member of this House time we would want them to do it be- for his comments and his work on the can. cause this is the year when if Members committee, and indeed it is because of I am proud how far our city has come went home for recess, Members heard a the leadership that he has brought that under the leadership of Mayor Williams bipartisan backlash against a bipar- a great deal of progress has happened and City Council Chairwoman Linda tisan bill, the No Child Left Behind in terms of the waterfront. Cropp and our city council. We have bill, because people are now beginning Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, come a very long way from insolvency to pay the unfunded mandate for No will the gentleman yield? to a city now that is in better shape Child Left Behind, and now Members

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.014 H05PT1 H7958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 are going to vote to send money to pri- down on the floor. I represent this Dis- to address one very important thing. vate schools with that $9 billion un- trict of Columbia. I am here to tell We are going to hear this over and over funded mandate. Members you do not want them in your again. This pilot, this $10 million study Schools are in the worst crisis that district, and we do not want them in that we are trying to do, is going to they have been in our country since our district. This is not a Democratic take money away from public schools, World War II, the worst funding crisis, or Republican issue, it is not because a that it is going to take money away according to all of the data coming for- huge majority, almost two-thirds of from public education. ward. What do Members have in your the American people, oppose vouchers; The budget for the District of Colum- own districts on CNN and everywhere and why would Members think it would bia is $1.1 billion to educate their kids, else? Slick, expensive ads, national TV, be any different in the District of Co- and this money is a plus-up. If this the opening salvo to a new nationwide lumbia? It is no different. amendment is defeated, they are not drive for vouchers in every district, Mr. Chairman, Members should not going to get the extra money. The real just as that well-funded set of forces forget where their constituents stand debate is not taking money away from have wanted to do for some time. when they cast their vote today. I cer- public schools. I have been hearing If Members pass this bill, if Members tainly have not forgotten where mine that on the radio. We are not taking vote for vouchers, they will send a sig- stand. money away from public schools. We nal to every private school in the coun- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- are putting an extra, actually from the try, every organization of private man, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- Labor-HHS allotment, we are taking schools, to every organization of reli- tleman from Florida (Mr. WELDON), a money from that committee and mov- gious schools, that this is the time to valued member of the Subcommittee ing it over here so we can once and for bring pressure to get the same kind of on the District of Columbia. all try to study this issue. private school deal that the District of Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Chair- Despite what I think are very good Columbia got, and Members can expect man, I thank the gentleman for yield- intentions, and if school choice is so the same slick ads right in their dis- ing me this time, and I want to com- bad, like so many people on the left trict. mend the gentleman from New Jersey Mr. Chairman, many Members have keep claiming, let us discover that. (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) for his hard work I think the opposition to this issue heard from our mayor. He is my good in support of the city, and I particu- friend, and will continue to be my good has nothing to do with the arguments larly want to commend him for caring. being put forward. It is about power friend, even on an issue like this. We I have enjoyed working with him over will continue to work closely on the and who controls where your kids are the past year, and I have been able to going to school. If this study shows issues affecting our city. He has clearly discern that he is very inter- pressed this Congress, but he has not that it works, if parents like it better, ested in improving the city. It is Amer- successfully pressed the elected offi- academic performance improves, these ica’s city. I think we all have a vested cials of the District of Columbia or the are all of the parameters the gen- interest in making sure that we make people of the District of Columbia. tleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) We have the letter from the council Washington, D.C. a better, healthier and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. chair and Members have the letter place to live, better, healthier place to BOEHNER) are going to be following, from the parents’ association. Perhaps educate their kids. along with the Secretary of Education I want to address the school choice Members saw the hundreds of D.C. resi- is going to be following. If it actually issue that we are going to be debating dents, led by ministers and rabbis who shows that it works and it is good for in more detail later, just to make one fanned out all over this Congress on the District of Columbia, it is good for Wednesday to say do not do vouchers very, very important point. I really the kids, it is going to erode the power in this city. We are not to be your want to commend the chairman and, as of one of the most powerful groups in pilot. Do not experiment in the Dis- well, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. this country, and that is the teachers trict of Columbia, experiment in your TOM DAVIS) for their hard work. One of union, and that is the opposition to own States. The city has a situation the things that has always bothered me this. is that wealthy people in America have here which is not cost free. We are un- b 1030 dergoing $40 million in cuts, another school choice, but poor people do not. $25 million will go out if 2,000 students Many of those families in poor neigh- To say this is going to move money exit if the schools are funded on a per- borhoods cannot afford a private op- from public education, if this gets pupil basis. D.C. has a $50 million un- tion. Unfortunately, many of those killed, you do not get the money. That funded No Child Left Behind mandate types of situations are in the District is really what it boils down to. We need right now. All of our elected officials of Columbia. to study this issue because kids are should be down here trying to get that I have wanted for years to be able to failing and they are failing unneces- money the way Members of Congress seriously look at this issue, go into sarily and we need to do more for have. some of the poor neighborhoods in them. The District of Columbia wants Con- America, give the parents the option. Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield gress to respect their alternatives. We And really when we have a market- myself such time as I may consume. are ahead of virtually every district in place, when parents have an option, I I want to make a couple of points. this Congress on alternatives. We have think quality improves. We know that One is that it is true that the mayor our own charter schools, the largest in the consumer sector with consumer has come out in favor of this approach, number in the United States per cap- goods, it is good to have companies assuming that there would be dollars ita. They have long waiting lists. competing with each other. I think the for our public schools and charter Those are the chosen options of our reason higher education in America is schools, in what we now call the three- people by our people. We have 15 trans- the best in the world, our colleges and prong approach. The three-prong ap- formation schools for the poorest chil- universities, is because there is a real proach is not what is before us at all, dren in the District of Columbia, the marketplace. We can send our kids to and I sincerely believe the chairman first breakthrough in Stanford 9 scores any college. And the hope with the when he says that we hope in con- in the history of the city. That break- public schools and school choice is that ference that we can address that. But through will no longer occur unless the the public schools will rise with the the vote before us today is to do noth- funding that the city has put in con- other schools when they have to com- ing additional for public schools, noth- tinues. And then, of course, a child in pete for students, but we need to get ing additional for charter schools and the District of Columbia can go out of good data. solely and singularly take dollars and boundaries; something that Members’ The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. to provide them to private institutions. districts have yet to do or have finally TOM DAVIS) and the gentleman from I personally think that private been mandated to do, we have been New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) have school choice is wonderful and if people doing for decades. crafted some very good language that want to make private choices, I think Members do not want vouchers in will help us look at this issue. I think they should pay for them privately. their districts. They have been voted it is very, very appropriate, and I want This is a public enterprise and we have

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.029 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7959 to make public choices. If we have got percent the number of children housed Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- 70,000 children in a school system that at Oak Hill. man, I would like to reiterate that lacks fully-qualified teachers, we July’s four-part series in the Wash- Mayor Anthony Williams, the chief should take every penny we can find ington Post documented a near com- elected officer, the mayor of this city, and get them fully-qualified teachers; plete breakdown of the community- supports this choice option. that if they lack libraries, we should based rehabilitative care system that Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield get them libraries, and so forth and so now exists for the District’s youth of- 6 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- on. We know what we need to make fenders. The District needs to develop ginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS), the chairman of public schools work. They work right an appropriate community-based sys- the Committee on Government Reform, outside of the District of Columbia tem for its juvenile offenders. who I have had the pleasure of working today, in Fairfax County, in Alexan- In addition, because the District of with and who is the architect of this dria. They work. You put quality Columbia has only one residential D.C. parental school choice initiative teachers in the classroom, you put a treatment center which is plagued by in his bill. limited class size, you give them up- alleged physical and sexual abuse, the (Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia asked dated textbooks, and kids learn. Why city must send many of its children to and was given permission to revise and do we not do that in the District? Why lengthy stays out of State. Currently extend his remarks.) Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. do we not give to them what we pro- 400 District children are in residential Chairman, I have a lengthy statement vide to other children rather than give treatment centers, some as far away as talking about generally what is in this them some unproven, newfangled idea Arizona, at a conservative cost of $25 bill, really basically praising the gen- that nobody has any indication will million a year. tleman from New Jersey (Mr. FRELING- work? Mayor Williams recently acknowl- The gentleman who just spoke, my edged that his juvenile justice system HUYSEN) and the gentleman from Penn- colleague from Florida, Florida just is in a state of serious dysfunction and sylvania (Mr. FATTAH) for putting to- gether a very good bill. had an embarrassment where they had has pledged to take corrective meas- I would like to address briefly, vouchers going to some outfit who, it ures. But he was also quoted as saying, ‘‘There hasn’t been an embrace, at the though, the Davis amendment that will is at least alleged, was involved in ter- be coming up before this body a little rorism activity. When you have these agency level, of the issue. There hasn’t bit later. I will submit for the RECORD been the sense of urgency.’’ I would tell uncontrolled, unregulated vouchers, a Washington Post editorial written by the mayor that there is a sense of ur- you can have everything from the Tony Williams, the elected mayor of gency for both the District of Columbia David Duke Academy getting dollars to the city; Kevin Chavous, elected coun- and in my district in Maryland. anything that anybody else can dream cil member and chairman of the Dis- up. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the gentlewoman from the trict’s education committee; and Peggy We need to be careful as we go for- Cooper Cafritz, the elected chairman of District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) and ward because all we are looking for- the school board, all supporting my Deputy Mayor Carolyn Graham, and I ward to here is for some kind of embar- amendment and the school voucher subsequently visited Oak Hill. There I rassment. program. I will also submit for the Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes, even met with youth services administrator RECORD a May 12, 2003, editorial from though I only promised him 21⁄2, to the Gayle Turner and her staff and I toured the Washington Post which sets the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. the facility and surrounding grounds. I record straight on the history of school was impressed by the progress we were CARDIN). vouchers in Washington. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Chairman, first let making. As a result of our initial dis- Let me just say, the idea that this is me thank my good friend from Penn- cussions, they were moving in the right an anti-voucher city is something we sylvania for yielding me this time and direction: toward razing the dilapi- need to contend with. The vote in 1981 his generosity. dated structures that are beyond reha- was not on a school voucher program In my congressional district, the bilitation and toward developing pro- like we have here. It was on tuition tax Third District of Maryland, I represent posals to make more cost-effective and credits that one could argue hurt the 110 District of Columbia residents. more appropriate use of the land. That District budget. I think we have solved They live at the Oak Hill detention is why I was disappointed that both of that here by bringing additional money center, a maximum security campus in the individuals I met with positions in, and more money will be coming Laurel, Maryland, approximately 30 were terminated and no longer are into the city that would not otherwise miles from Washington. It is located on there. come in as a result of the appropria- more than 600 acres of Federal land ad- Today’s debate is about funding the tions process I think at the end of this. jacent to the National Security Agen- District of Columbia, but this issue in- So that was a completely different cy. The facility was originally con- volves more than appropriate funding proposal. That vote was in 1981. The structed 50 years ago. Few renovations levels. This is about the best course of Washington Post, a newspaper of some have been made since then, and the treatment of these children, the best renown in this town, ran a poll in May campus is now in a severe state of ne- way to ensure the safety of our com- of 1998 that asked, do you favor or op- glect and disrepair, littered with par- munities and the most appropriate use pose using Federal money in the form tially-boarded abandoned buildings of Federal land. of vouchers to help low-income stu- that are frequently broken into and set Mr. Chairman, as the representative dents in the District go to private or afire. Roughly half the children at Oak of the community surrounding Oak parochial schools? In that poll, 56 per- Hill have been convicted of crimes and Hill, I look forward to working to help cent of city residents said they favored sentenced to a term there, and the improve the state of juvenile justice the idea. If that is the idea of anti- other half are detainees awaiting trial. services for the District of Columbia. I voucher, I think that we are being mis- Their average length of stay is more might also point out that the Federal led. City opinion is split on this, but than 8 months. land on which Oak Hill is located is a the elected mayor and the elected A 2001 mayoral commission rec- prime site for expansion of NSA and for chairman of the school board have ommended closing Oak Hill and placing the State of Maryland and Anne Arun- come to us, they are in charge of this, youth offenders in a network of resi- del County to develop environmental, they are entrusted by the voters to dential treatment facilities, commu- recreational and economic opportuni- focus on this particular issue, and they nity-based group homes and other less ties. have said that they need this to help restrictive settings. I support the com- I hope to continue working with the D.C. schoolchildren get the same level mission’s recommendations, including gentlewoman from the District of Co- of opportunity that the rest of us have the closing of Oak Hill. Some progress lumbia (Ms. NORTON), with the mem- for kids in our districts. has been made toward that goal, in- bers of the Subcommittee on the Dis- Over the years I have worked hard to cluding beginning construction of a trict of Columbia, and with Mayor Wil- try to bring this city back. I have pretrial holding facility in northeast liams and the city council to develop worked with my friend, the gentle- Washington that should reduce by 50 the right solutions for all involved. woman from the District of Columbia

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.018 H05PT1 H7960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 (Ms. NORTON), on a number of issues For opponents of this amendment concern to African Americans and other mi- and we have had a number of successes. who say more money, it is the same norities. The center’s poll found that ‘‘sup- We have sponsored legislation to bring old, same old, same old. If you do the port for school vouchers among African the city back to financial stability. We Americans, which has fluctuated in past same thing time and time again, you Joint Center polls, grew by 25 percent since sponsored legislation to help the city are going to get the same results. 1998 with 60 percent of African American re- overcome its unfunded pension liabil- President Bush has talked about the spondents favoring school vouchers.’’ But be- ity, a major issue that people said soft bigotry of low expectations. We yond polls is the question of actual demand could not be done. We have worked in are trying to change that. These kids for school choice. Not only are parents ex- assisting the economic recovery of this deserve every bit the opportunity that pressing their strong desire for alternatives, city with tax relief and regulatory re- my kids have. The proof in the pudding as the popularity of public charter schools lief for our Nation’s capital. We have here is that no Member of the House to attests, but private associations that provide worked together on the D.C. College scholarship assistance to D.C. students seek- my knowledge has sent their kids to ing enrollment in private or parochial Access Act which makes college afford- the D.C. public school system in the schools also report strong requests for help able to the District population that ba- last decade. The President and the Vice from D.C. parents. Shouting that support for sically was discouraged from going be- President, living here and given that vouchers doesn’t exist in the District won’t cause they had no State university sys- opportunity to pick any school in the make it so. Neither will over-the-top rhet- tem like the rest of us do in our States. city, chose private schools. oric and personal invective that add little I think all of these have helped. But We just want to give the same oppor- substance to the debate. the most difficult problem facing this tunities to the poorest of the poor. Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield city is its public school system. This legislation restricts it to kids myself such time as I may consume. I respect my colleagues who oppose from nonperforming schools, low-in- Let me just make a couple of com- this amendment. They argue that pub- come. This is going to be, I think, a ments. A basic understanding of how lic dollars should be reserved for public shock treatment to the public edu- the city government operates is that schools only. I think philosophically I cation system. Five years from now I the mayor is the executive. City policy believe the same thing, but I think hope we will not need this, I hope the is designed by a consensus between the they are misguided in this instance public education will improve, but it is council and a majority and the execu- when they put the preservation of the not going to improve without this kind tive through statute. There is nothing that prevents the D.C. Government at institution, a failed institution, ahead of shock treatment. I urge my col- any time from instituting a voucher of the opportunities for children that leagues to support the Davis amend- program if it wants to. There does not could be advanced by this. Ultimately ment. exist a political consensus in the Dis- our responsibility is to the kids, not to [From the Washington Post, May 12, 2003] an institution, not to a failed, trict; that is, the legislative body, STRAIGHT TALK ON VOUCHERS dysfunctioning bureaucracy. which we should have great sympathy What has it produced over the years? In making her case against a federally for as we are a legislative body, does funded school voucher pilot program, Del. They say that we are going to put more not agree with this policy. So to say, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) has repeatedly well, you have got the city’s support money into public schools. We have put said that D.C. voters are firmly opposed to more money into public schools. It still the idea. Thus, she argues, to support vouch- because you have the mayor, ask us if has one of the highest dropout rates in ers is to oppose home rule. As the basis for you have the full support of the city the Nation. It has some of the lowest her declaration, Ms. Norton cites the results government when you actually do not. test scores in the Nation. The average of an exit poll conducted in November for the It is important that as we say that SAT throughout the city, combined National School Boards Association. The we come with great concern about the verbal and math, is under 800. It is a poll, which she supplied to this page, showed plight of the children in the District that 76 percent of the 603 voters interviewed and that we want them to have the failure. Its school lunch program was opposed school vouchers. But as is true of so just rated by the Physicians Com- same opportunity that our children much that stirs up this city, Ms. Norton’s have, let us give them the same oppor- mittee on Responsibility and was given poll is hardly gospel. an F. They cannot even feed the kids in Let’s look at the wording of the question tunity that the constituents of the the public school system. Yet they say, posed in the poll. It asked: ‘‘Do you favor or gentleman from Virginia have. That is, no, that is where we want to send oppose giving taxpayer-funded vouchers to they have quality schools with fully- them, that is where they have to go. parents to pay for their children to attend qualified, credentialed teachers. Let us private schools even if that means less take these dollars and provide that We are talking about kids whose par- money for public school students?’’ Note the here in the District. They have schools ents cannot move to the suburbs. They phrase ‘‘even if that means less money for that have updated curriculums and cannot move to Ward 3. They are public school students.’’ That’s a loaded adequate libraries and school coun- trapped in an area, in a monopoly sys- question if there ever was one. What major- selors for all of the children who are tem that is not even giving them a de- ity would favor that? It would be just as un- presented to the schoolhouse door, not cent school lunch. By the way, that fair if voucher supporters sponsored a poll taking a few children, siphoning them same system rated my county a B on that asked, ‘‘Do you favor or oppose giving off and helping them, and forsaking the its school lunch, rated the city of De- taxpayer-funded vouchers to parents to pay rest to a District that by his own state- troit an A-minus, but the city of Wash- for their children to attend private schools if that enables them to transfer out of an infe- ment is not living up to what we would ington gets an F on its school lunch rior public school with low test scores?’’ hope it would live up to. program. Imagine the responses to that question. It is a system that has produced a There is a less prejudicial way to measure b 1045 disproportionate number of rapes, of public sentiment on the school voucher ques- So this question of diverting public assaults and robberies to kids in the tion. The Post conducted a poll based on ran- dollars for a private school and schools public school system. Yet they say we dom interviews with 1,002 D.C. adults in May is a very important one about what we want them to go to that school, a pub- 1998 that asked the following: ‘‘Do you favor really believe. If we want to truly help lic school system, that we will just add or oppose using federal money in the form of vouchers to help send low-income students in these children, let us do for them what more money, which we have done. Over the District to private or parochial school?’’ we are doing for other children, and $2,000 a year more is paid on a kid’s In that poll, 56 percent of city residents said that is provide quality public schools education in the city than is paid in they favored the idea, compared with 36 per- in the District of Columbia so that my county of Fairfax. If money were cent who opposed vouchers and 8 percent these children and future generations the answer, we would put money at it who had no opinion. Ms. Norton may be of them can benefit because we already and solve the problem. But it is a failed aware of that poll as well, since the results know that that works. It works right institution. You cannot put, to quote and story were published on May 23, 1998. in the gentleman from Virginia’s (Mr. The Post’s findings are consistent with the biblically, new wine into old bottles. TOM DAVIS) district. It works today. results of a National Opinion Poll on edu- This is an old bottle and it needs fix- cation conducted with 1,678 adults in May Vouchers have not been proven to work ing. It is a system that last week was 1999 for the nonpartisan, nonprofit Joint anywhere in the country, and why ex- found to have paid $59,000 to a phantom Center for Political and Economic Studies. periment on the future life chances of company that does not even exist. The center researches and analyzes issues of these children here in the District?

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.020 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7961 Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to benefit the District of Columbia, our Daily News which headlines ‘‘Private the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Nation’s capital. School with Ties to Terrorists gets WATSON). I do not think we should overlook the State Money’’ through a private tui- Ms. WATSON. Mr. Chairman, I stand good parts of this bill and the dedica- tion voucher program. in strong opposition to the provision in tion that has been placed on making And I appreciate the comments from the District of Columbia appropriation this bill very responsive to the needs of the gentleman from Washington State. bill authorizing $10 million in funding the District of Columbia, over and It is true that the mayor supports dol- for school vouchers. above the issue of education for the lars for vouchers which I disagree with. Having worked as an elementary students here. It is also true, and I think fair to say, school teacher, a school psychologist, I also want to commend the gen- that this is not the proposal that the and having served on a school board of tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. mayor supports. He supports a three- the largest school district in the State FATTAH) who has been I know a strong pronged approach that is not what is of California, I have seen firsthand the leader on advocacy for the District of going to be before us today, and I sin- need to strengthen standards in our Columbia, and the team of the gen- cerely appreciate all the work that the public schools and to demand more tleman from New Jersey (Mr. FRELING- gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM from our teachers and our students HUYSEN) and the gentleman from Penn- DAVIS) has done on behalf of the Dis- through better accountability and ade- sylvania (Mr. FATTAH) have been re- trict, but this is not a proposal that quate resources. sponsible in trying to address the needs the mayor supports nor is it a proposal However, voucher programs that di- of this District, this Nation’s capital, that the City Council supports. So to vert precious funding away from the this jewel of a city that we want all of say this has the support of the District, public school system, and particularly this country to be so proud of. I think, is really kind of twisting here in D.C., would do exactly the op- I want to reiterate the gentleman things slightly. posite. from New Jersey’s (Mr. FRELING- [From the Florida Naples Daily News, July First, vouchers lack accountability. HUYSEN) comment about the $10 million 18, 2003] Private schools funded by vouchers are in this bill for vouchers. Why in the PRIVATE SCHOOL WITH TIES TO ALLEGED not subjected to the same standards es- world would we not want to use this TERRORIST GETS STATE MONEY tablished by the Leave No Child Behind new money for an education purpose TAMPA.—Senate Democrats urged Gov. Jeb Act. that the mayor and otherwise people Bush on Thursday to cut off payment to a Second, vouchers can discriminate. feel is appropriate for these children? school co-founded by a professor accused of Private schools have the ultimate say And why would we say, let us not have being the North American leader of a world- in deciding which students they want that $10 million go to kids? It will be wide terrorist organization. to enroll, and they can screen out ap- lost if it is not used for this purpose. The school received $350,000 last year plicants based on any factor without through a state program that pays private So I would argue that this is a respon- school tuition for some students. obeying Federal antidiscrimination sible course for this committee, this A February grand jury indictment against laws. The children that need to be fo- Congress, to take, to use this $10 mil- Sami Al-Arian, the alleged leader of the Pal- cused on are not going to be admitted lion, to give these kids a chance. It is estinian Islamic Jihad, and seven others says in these private schools. Trust me not all the thousands of children who the school was used as a base of support for when I say that. need the money, but it certainly is the organization. Finally, vouchers simply do not have going to help parents and children who The indictment said the purpose of the or- a proven record of success. There is no are in need in this educational environ- ganization was ‘‘to assist its engagement in, discernible difference in achievement and promotion of, violent attacks designed ment in which we find ourselves. to thwart the Middle East Peace Process.’’ It between students and voucher pro- As the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is respon- grams and students in public education TOM DAVIS), who is such a strong lead- sible for 100 murders in Israel and its terri- program. Every time vouchers have ap- er on advocacy for the District of Co- tories. peared on the California ballot, they lumbia and good government has stat- Al-Arian, who is being held in jail without have been voted down. Senator FEIN- ed, this is an effort that the City bail and denies any connections to terrorism, STEIN’s support of this provision is not wants, I would argue, that the mayor co-founded the school in 1992 and served as reflective of the will of the people in wants, and he is taking a very difficult, its director and chairman of its board. California in this regard. The school’s treasurer, Sameeh but responsible, position to help the Hammoudeh, also was indicted and is being So how else could we use this $10 mil- kids of this District. held in jail without bond. He and Al-Arian lion? We could use it to improve the So my comments are really to com- allegedly encouraged people who wanted to public schools which are already facing mend the gentleman from New Jersey send money to Palestinians to write checks a $40 million budget cut. (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) for his dedication to their school. The Palm Beach Post re- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- as the new chairman to this bill, to ported in its Thursday editions. man, I yield myself such time as I may this City, to the needs of this City, and Last year, the 300-student Islamic Acad- consume. also to commend his partner in this ef- emy of Florida received more than 50 percent I would like to say for the record fort, the gentleman from Pennsylvania of its revenue from the state program, Flor- that the dollars for this new choice ida PRIDE, which uses corporate donations (Mr. FATTAH), who is also dedicated to pay for poor students to attend private program will be given to the parents so and committed to trying to do what is schools. that they can make the choice. They right for these children. But I think we ‘‘The disclosures that more than $300,000 of will not be given to the school. And should make sure that when the day is this money went last year to a school sus- secondly, I need to reiterate this is new done, that we vote in favor of children, pected of terrorist ties raises the frightening money. This is money that came from vote in favor of the new $10 million to specter that Florida’s taxpayers may be un- the gentleman from Ohio’s (Mr. REG- go to parents and children to improve wittingly funding extremist organizations intent on the destruction of our nation and ULA) mark. It is not being taken away their education capabilities and to im- from the public schools or from the its allies,’’ Senate Democratic Leader Ron prove their education experience here Klein and Senator Dave Aronberg wrote in charter schools. in the District. their letter to Gov. Jeb Bush. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to So I rise in support of that concept Denise Lasher, spokeswoman for Florida the gentleman from Washington (Mr. and that mission that I think we have PRIDE, said officials conducted an inde- NETHERCUTT), a member of the Com- today to try to pass this legislation, pendent audit of the school after the indict- mittee on Appropriations. but also pass this very important ment was released and found no misuse of Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I amendment that is such a part of the funds and no connection between the schol- arship money and terrorist activity. want to thank the chairman of the sub- gentleman from Virginia’s (Mr. TOM committee for yielding me this time She said the school received more than DAVIS) attention. $300,000 in federal grants for computers and and commend him for his leadership Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield its free- and reduced-price school lunch pro- not just on the issue of education for myself such time as I may consume. gram. students in the District of Columbia, I would like to enter into the RECORD ‘‘It was unfortunate that there was some- but for all the aspects of this bill that a new story from the Florida Naples one at the school accused of doing something

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.022 H05PT1 H7962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 illegal, but that doesn’t mean the school has focused more of our energies on pro- public education while guerilla warfare done something illegal,’’ she said Thursday. viding full funding for Leave No Child behind the scenes goes on. But although Florida PRIDE found that all Behind. For someone who served in And what we see now is an act of sab- of its scholarship money was going to the local government, there is nothing otage where vouchers are put back on school, Hammoudeh was paid for his services as school treasurer, and the indictment more severe than unfunded mandates, the table at a time when education re- states that school supplies and equipment and that is what Leave No child Behind form is already in great trouble. We are were used in the Jihad operation. It is un- represents. in trouble because of the lack of funds. known whether Al-Arian was being paid. The distinguished chairman of this School districts are shutting down Corporations that donate to the program subcommittee on the District of Co- early. In D.C. several years ago, receive a dollar-for-dollar tax break. The lumbia of the Committee on Appropria- schools started late because they did program gave out nearly $50 million in schol- tions, has indicated that this is new not have money for school construc- arships last year. money. Let me say to him that why tion or they had given money to pri- Since the program began, large corpora- tions such as WCI Communities Inc., Gulf not use the new money for a good pur- vate industry to do some construction. Power Co., Florida Power & Light and pose and that is to build up the public They had not done it well, and they Verizon Wireless have donated to the pro- schools of D.C., to build up the two had to shut down on the basis of safety. gram, but how much and to which program is credited chartered schools that need Private industry does not solve any not public information. more resources? problems for education. Enron shows Critics of the corporate tax credit scholar- Every study indicates that when we that private industry can get us into ship program are concerned that there is no begin to use public funds for private greater trouble. government oversight of the schools that schools, we diminish the very heart of The Republicans have returned to take the money. In their letter to Bush, Klein and Aronberg called for a review of the the education of this Nation, and that their agenda for long-term privatiza- program and of the schools. is the equality of having good quality tion of education. This is the opening Under the May 2001 law, the Florida De- public schools that all may access. salvo of their new guerilla warfare. partment of Education cannot dictate cur- Why not take the $10 million and pro- This first strike in Washington is very riculum or monitor how students are pro- vide the school supplies and backpacks serious indeed. I do not want vouchers gressing academically. that many of these children need or in New York. People do not want But Lasher insisted the schools teachers clothing that many of these children vouchers in New York. That is why we and students and teachers are top notch aca- have to stop vouchers right now here in demically. need? Senate President Jim King, R–Jackson- This is a bad amendment, adding $10 Washington. ville, jokingly said in May that he could million when it could be use utilized Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- start a school for witches under the law and for a more effective purpose. And man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman receive corporate tax credit scholarships. might I ask to conclude, Mr. Chairman, from Virginia (Chairman TOM DAVIS). ‘‘The intent of this program was to help that the D.C. Council, the legislative Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. poor kids. The intent was never to make op- body, has actively opposed this legisla- Chairman, let me just set the record portunistic entrepreneurs wealthy,’’ said tion. straight here, Mr. Chairman, because King, who also ordered a study of the pro- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- they talk about audits of time, there gram. Despite the accountability concerns, Bush man, I reserve the balance of my time. will be no audits of the private schools. remained a supporter, saying last week that Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, could That is false. The private schools that it was a ‘‘proven success,’’ based on the stu- we have an audit of the time? We will participate in this have to go through dents receiving the scholarships. not have audits of these private extensive recordkeeping and compari- Ahmed Bedier, spokesman for the Muslim schools. sons and will go through more when advocacy group Council on American-Islamic The CHAIRMAN. Each side has 4 the Department of Education has writ- Relations, said the Tampa school is well re- minutes remaining. ten their regulations. So that is false. spected. He noted that the University of Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 There are no terrorism schools that South Florida is also mentioned in the in- minutes to the gentleman from New dictment. currently would be eligible for this But USF, where Al-Arian was a professor York (Mr. OWENS). money as I read the legislation. So, and Hammoudeh was an instructor, is not (Mr. OWENS asked and was given again, that is just a red herring put up listed as one of the bases of support for the permission to revise and extend his re- there to try to defend the existing sta- Palestinian Islamic Jihad. marks.) tus quo which has produced a failing Administrators at the Islamic Academy Mr. OWENS. Mr. Chairman, in his school system that is depriving tens of did not return phone calls Thursday. first month, the President called to- thousands of District youngsters the Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to gether all Members of the Congress to kinds of opportunities that children the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. support a bipartisan education bill. He around the rest of the country get. JACKSON-LEE). said that he was willing to do two I know the gentleman from Pennsyl- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. things: promise additional funding for vania (Mr. FATTAH) has an amendment Chairman, I thank the distinguished education of no less than $6 billion, and that wants to compare with Fairfax gentleman for yielding me this time. he was also willing to take vouchers off County. Let me make a point. The Dis- Mr. Chairman, I rose on the floor of the table as a part of Federal policy. trict of Columbia pays more per stu- the House yesterday and asked my col- Now, we hear the Republican major- dent than they pay in Fairfax County leagues to join me in eliminating Fed- ity sneaking vouchers back onto the or Arlington. If this were a money eral intrusion into the decision-making table. They are going to reinstitute the problem, they would get the money, of Houston, Harris County, as related drive of the Republican majority to but they have a school system that to light rail. I am very proud to say privatize education. when given the money has not been that mostly along a party-line vote, When the Republicans took control able to produce textbooks on time, was my colleagues on this side of the aisle of the Congress, there were two former under court order to repair its schools, recognized and respected local control. Secretaries of Education who reported wasted just last week $59,000 on a phan- My good friends, the Republican major- to testify at our Committee on Edu- tom contract to a company that does ity, again dashed the hopes and dreams cation and the Workforce, Secretary not even exist. of local communities and decided to in- Bennett and Secretary Alexander. Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I yield trude their desires on those local com- They wanted to abolish the Depart- myself such time as I may consume. munities. ment of Education. And because there Let me say to the gentleman from Today we do the same thing. But we was such a public outcry against the Virginia that I think it gives some ex- do so by experimenting with our chil- abolishment of the Department of Edu- ample of the weakness of the proposal dren. And I believe that this House has cation and against the low profile of when we have to go to, well, they gave no place in experimenting with the the Federal Government in education, some contract and it is being inves- lives of the children of this Nation or Republicans decided to turn that tigated. The Defense Department has of Washington, D.C. In particular, I around and camouflage their intent. given out contracts that have become would have hoped that we would have They pretend now to be advocates of fraudulent.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.013 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7963 b 1100 Not one Member of Congress, not a man and a woman and the foundation for a So I do not see us privatizing our Na- member of the city council, currently strong, healthy family. tion’s defense because of some malfea- has their kids in the public schools of Studies have proven time and time again sance with one particular contract. the District of Columbia. They are not that a healthy marriage between a man and a Let us not get into anecdotal situa- good enough for our kids, but they are woman provides the fundamental support for tions. Let us deal with the reality, good enough for the people who cannot rearing healthy children, both mentally and which is the public school system is a afford otherwise. This is a chance to physically. Despite the overwhelming evidence public good. It is important to the en- equalize opportunity. That is all it is. of the benefits of marriage to families and so- tire community. It is not just about It has been requested by those poor ciety, the sad fact is that, for over four dec- educating one child; it is about what families that came before our com- ades, the welfare system has penalized and we see as the need to promote values mittee and testified. They said, We discouraged marriage. Allowing domestic part- for the entire community. have been waiting for years. They said nerships means providing employment, health, When you privatize public education, they are going to fix the system, and 9 or government benefits to unmarried domestic you create very parochial, selfish inter- percent of our school children are read- partners. By recognizing the partnership they ests. This school in Florida in which ing proficiently in the 4th grade. will benefit from both the welfare system and the principals have now been indicted That is the problem, and that is what tax credits, which undermines the sanctity of with these terrorist leanings, this is we are trying to fix, not defend a sys- marriage and government services for those not some joke, this is not some exam- tem that is failing our kids. truly in need. ple of a red herring. This is reality, in Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- Although I am in opposition to the overall the news today about what has hap- man, I yield myself the balance of my legislation, I urge my colleagues to strongly pened when the State of Florida pro- time. support the District of Columbia Student Op- vided public dollars to private institu- In closing, make no mistake about it, portunity Scholarship Act. Who should have tions. Mayor Williams supports what we are the right to determine where a child goes to There have been similar scandals in doing today. The gentleman from Vir- school, the parents or the government? I un- other places around the country, and ginia (Chairman TOM DAVIS) has ref- conditionally believe parents have this right there will be, I guarantee you, because erenced the editorial in The Wash- and are in a much better position than a gov- the majority will probably have its ington Post by Mayor Williams and ernment bureaucrat to decide what is best for way, when this program gets set up Councilman Chavous and Peggy Coo- a child. Public schools are government-run there will be scandals here because of per. Let me read from it: and supported by individuals through their tax- this program. ‘‘For those of us involved every day dollars. Vouchers would allow parents to use That is not what makes it bad, be- in urban education, there are stag- their own tax dollars to achieve the means of cause some people will use it improp- gering realities that keep us awake at educating their children. night. Every child who graduates with- erly. What makes it bad is what it says I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. about the public spirit of our actions, out basic skills or drops out altogether Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, taking which is that we would rather take is on a potential pathway to public as- money away from under-funded public schools 2,000 children and siphon them off into sistance, to being alienated from the and diverting it into selective private schools is private schools, rather than repair a full benefits of participation in society, fundamentally flawed. school system that can provide for or, worse, to a life in the criminal jus- This proposed voucher program is part of a 70,000 children, which really should be tice system.’’ larger initiative of the Bush administration to our goal. They go on. They say: ‘‘We think We are going to build 1,500 new that this is an appropriate investment privatize essential services whereever they schools in Iraq at the cost of billions, by the Federal Government in the chil- can. A basic problem is that the experience of but here we are scrapping on the floor dren of the Nation’s capital. Without privatization shows little evidence of enhanced of the House about $10 million for the the resources ordinarily provided by a accountability or performance. In fact, the 10- District of Columbia, our capital city. State, the District is more challenged year Government Accounting Office study of It is a question about what our prior- than other cities in its efforts to ade- public and privately funded voucher programs ities are. I would hope for the District quately fund public education and fos- found no evidence of test gains for children quality teachers, smaller class sizes, ter innovative reform. who participated in voucher programs. Fur- updated textbooks. That is what I be- ‘‘Our children,’’ they go on, ‘‘have en- thermore, the public when given their choice, lieve the solution is, not vouchers. dured decades of neglect in public edu- have repeatedly voted against vouchers and Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- cation. But there is hope. We have a recent national polls suggest no change in that man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman reconfigured school board and re- opinion. from Virginia (Chairman TOM DAVIS). spected superintendent.’’ Our resources could be much better utilized Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. They say, ‘‘Despite these to fulfill the President’s promises. He and the Chairman, let me again just say how underpinnings, parents still want more Congressional Republican Leadership has much I have enjoyed working with the choices. At town meetings, community walked away from funding No Child Left Be- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. picnics, hearings and PTA meetings, hind leaving nearly $9 billion unfunded man- FATTAH) and the gentlewoman from the we hear the same complaints: I cannot dates throughout the Nation. In the District of District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) on a find the right setting for my child, or Columbia, No Child Left Behind has left al- number of other issues. We have a dif- my child is not flourishing in this envi- most $50 million in unfunded mandates. It ference on one issue that we will re- ronment.’’ would be a tragedy to further short change solve today on the House floor and This is a good bill, Mr. Chairman. public education by encouraging families to then we will go on, and we will be This is about parental choice, and it is leave a system that can work and, unlike the working together on other issues to- good for the students and children of private schools who would be favored with morrow. the District. vouchers, our public schools take all our chil- But this is an important issue; it is Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise dren no matter how needy or troubled. important I think to all of us. And this today to offer my strongest opposition to H.R. I support innovation in public schools. Re- is not dollars to private schools; these 2765, the District of Columbia Appropriations form and improvement will happen sooner if are dollars to parents. Because what for fiscal year 2004. we focus our attention and resources on our has happened to the District of Colum- Many of you may not realize, but this legis- public schools. Rather than vouchers, we bia over the years, thousands of Dis- lation allows DC taxpayer dollars to be used should start funding the Federal mandate of trict residents have moved to the sub- for domestic partner benefits. Any allocation of No Child Left Behind, the unmet 40 percent urbs so their kids could get a decent the DC budget should not be used to fund do- special education target, and school mod- education that they could not get in mestic partner benefits. The family unit—be- ernization. Congress needs to stop making the the city. Thousands of District resi- ginning with a marriage between one man and jobs of public schools harder. dents send their kids to private schools one woman—has been the basic unit of every Mr. STARK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in because the public schools in the city civil society since time immemorial. I firmly be- opposition to this unpatriotic and anti-demo- have failed them. lieve that marriage is a legal union between a cratic District of Columbia appropriations bill

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(H.R. 2765), and in favor of Delegate NOR- education. This amendment takes precious sands of children who took tests to find out TON’s amendment to remove the school education dollars out of DC’s public schools, how much they do and do not know. From voucher program. and gives them to private and religious these tests we have learned that over half of As the former Chairman for the Committee schools. the 8th graders in the public school system in for the District of Columbia, I am disappointed The supporters of this amendment act as if this city do not possess basic reading skills. that Republican Members are again carrying vouchers are a magic bullet for DC education. A maximum voucher of $7,500 would allow out their annual assault to force their extremist But this amendment doesn’t help teachers, or children in low income homes to no longer be right wing policies on the District of Colum- give them more opportunities for professional trapped in deficient schools. bia—policies that are so extreme that they are development. This amendment doesn’t build I would like to extend my praise to Mayor unable to implement them nationwide. new schools or repair old ones. Williams, Chairmen DAVIS, BOEHNER, and I would like to remind the sponsors of this That is why I oppose this amendment. In- FRELINGHUYSEN for their determination to pro- bill that the citizens of the District of Columbia stead, we should all work with parents and vide better schools even when it was not the do not want a school voucher program. That educators at home, and work with each other most popular thing to do. is why their elected representative, Delegate here, to make the DC public schools the best Today, Mr. Chairman, I cast my vote for the NORTON, is offering her amendment to strike in the world and to make sure that every child young first grader a few blocks from here who this program today. I guess representative de- in DC gets a first class public education. will have the opportunity to excel because her mocracy is okay for the citizens of Iraq, but In addition, had I been present I would have parents had more options for her academic fu- not for the citizens of our Nation’s capital. voted ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 479. I would ture. School vouchers do not solve the problems have voted ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote No. 480. Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in confronting our public schools. At best, private Had I been present during rollcall No. 463, support of H.R. 2765, the District of Columbia schools can only accommodate a small por- I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. During rollcall No. Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004. And tion of students’ educational needs in the Dis- 464, I would have voted ‘‘no’’. On rollcall No. I commend Chairman YOUNG for bringing this, trict of Columbia. Nor will private schools— 469, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. During rollcall the 13th appropriations bill, to the floor. even with limited government financial assist- No. 470, I would have voted ‘‘no’’. During roll- Under authority granted in Article I of the ance—ever be affordable to most families. It’s call No. 471, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. During United States Constitution (section 8, clause simple, if enacted, this voucher program will rollcall No. 472, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’. 17), this bill appropriates Federal payments to mean fewer resources for the District’s public During rollcall No. 473, I would have voted the District to fund certain activities, and also schools. The $10 million for vouchers today ‘‘no’’. During rollcall No. 474, I would have approves the District of Columbia’s entire would be far better used to improve the Dis- voted ‘‘aye’’. During rollcall No. 475, I would budget, including the expenditure of local trict of Columbia public school system, helping have voted ‘‘aye’’. funds ($7.4 billion in local funds for fiscal year all children in our Nation’s capital—not just a Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in 2004). Although the vast majority of the funds privileged few. opposition to H.R. 2765, the District of Colum- discussed in this bill are local funds originating The Republicans have not stopped at sub- bia Appropriations for 2004. I oppose the bill from the District of Columbia, I speak today verting democracy in the District of Columbia because of the Davis, Frelinghuysen/Boehner only about the $466 million in Federal funds with their school voucher program. They are amendment that seeks to authorize a school appropriated in this bill. also prohibiting the city from implementing a voucher program in the District of Columbia. H.R. 2765 as reported to the House, pro- locally approved ballot initiative to allow the Proponents of the amendment contend that vides $466 million in new budget authority. medical use of marijuana by DC residents suf- it will afford options to parents who want to im- This bill is equal to the 302(b) suballocation fering debilitating health conditions and dis- prove the quality of education that their chil- for the District of Columbia subcommittee as eases including cancer and HIV infection. In dren will receive by providing $7,500 in funds adopted by the Appropriations Committee on addition, the Republican bill maintains the cur- for students to attend private elementary or July 22nd. I can report that this bill is con- rent prohibition on the use of Federal or local high schools in the District. The proposal and sistent with the levels established in H. Con. funds for needle exchange programs in the the amendment are flawed because the Dis- Res. 95, the House concurrent resolution on District. Finally, the Republican bill prohibits trict would have a program forced upon it. The the budget for fiscal year 2004, which Con- the District from using Federal or local funds members of the city council are opposed to gress adopted as its fiscal blueprint on April for abortions, except to save the life of the the provision. The residents of the District are 10. The bill therefore complies with section woman or in cases of rape or incest. overwhelmingly opposed to this measure. Fur- 302(f) of the Budget Act, which prohibits con- Like their foreign policy, the Republicans thermore, I agree with the detractors of the sideration of bills in excess of an appropria- only support democracy in this country when proposal that the funds being proposed could tions subcommittee’s 302(b) allocation of it suits their extremist right wing ideology. The be better used to fully fund public education budget authority. District of Columbia has an elected govern- programs in the District. H.R. 2765 contains no emergency-des- ment that should be able to determine the The impetus for the amendment is based on ignated new budget authority, no advanced laws for its residents—just like every state in a parochial attitude by the authors that they appropriations, nor does it include rescissions our Nation determines its own laws. It is past know what is best for the students, families of previously enacted appropriations. time for Congress to respect the rights of the and residents that rely on the DC public edu- The bill is $45 million above the President’s citizens of the District of Columbia and uphold cation system. This provision undermines the request, these increases include $20 million democratic principles that this country was principles of ‘‘home rule’’. I urge my col- for the water and sewer authority, and an ad- built upon. leagues to support the Norton amendment to ditional $10 million for the District of Columbia I urge my colleagues to join me—and sup- strike down this harmful and ill-conceived pro- scholarship program, $8 million for a unified port democracy—by voting against the District vision designed to de-fund the DC school sys- communications center, and an additional $7 of Columbia appropriations bill. tem and undermine support for public edu- million for public school facilities and the fam- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, had I been cation. ily literacy programs. present, I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on rollcall Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I In summary, this, the final appropriations No. 478. In fact, I am in strong opposition to rise today in strong support of enacting school bill, comes to the floor in a form that is con- the Davis amendment. choice programs. I watched and supported the sistent with the Budget Resolution. A sound public school system is the only development of this plan in the Government Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, this Mem- way we can prepare all our children for the Reform Committee and I am very pleased it is ber wishes to add his support for the District high skill, high wage jobs that will ensure before us today. of Columbia appropriations bill for fiscal year America’s leadership in the world marketplace, There are numerous skeptics who claim that 2004 (H.R. 2765) and would like to comment and will prevent dependency on welfare at school choice plans lack accountability. I dis- on what is probably the most controversial home. agree with this notion. Each voucher will be provision of the measure—the appropriation of Public education is the backbone of our held by a parent or guardian who will demand $10 million in Federal funds for a scholarship country, including here in the District of Co- that their child is appropriately cared for and program that would allow certain low-income lumbia. It is why we are a great Nation. Public educated. Parents are the ultimate instruments District of Columbia parents to send their chil- education is available to all. It does not dis- of accountability. To say that vouchers lack dren to private schools. criminate, and, it must be strengthened, not accountability is an insult to parents. Although this Member does not support weakened. Yet, there is no doubt that this Last year the National Assessment of Edu- school vouchers because they have the poten- amendment will profoundly harm DC public cational Progress reported the results of thou- tial to do great damage to many public school

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.018 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7965 systems, this Member believes that the District The CHAIRMAN. All time for general written consultation with the elected county of Columbia warrants special consideration. debate has expired. or city officials of surrounding jurisdictions, The District of Columbia has one of the Pursuant to the order of the House of $15,000,000, to remain available until ex- most troubled public school systems in the Friday, July 25, 2003, the bill shall be pended, to reimburse the District of Colum- considered for amendment under the 5- bia for the costs of providing public safety at United States. School choice would offer hope events related to the presence of the na- to parents and students by giving them the op- minute rule. tional capital in the District of Columbia, portunity to select a school that meets their The amendment printed in House Re- and for the costs of providing support to re- educational needs, while the competition port 108–230 may be offered only by a spond to immediate and specific terrorist school choice brings would improve the overall Member designated in the report and threats or attacks in the District of Colum- educational atmosphere for the parents, teach- only at the appropriate point in the bia or surrounding jurisdictions: Provided, ers, and administrators who continue to work reading of the bill, shall be considered That any amount provided under this head- to improve the District of Columbia public as read, shall be debatable for 40 min- ing shall be available only after notice of its proposed use has been transmitted by the school system. utes, equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall President to Congress and such amount has School children in the District of Columbia been apportioned pursuant to chapter 15 of have been trapped in failing schools for too not be subject to amendment, and shall title 31, United States Code. not be subject to a demand for division long. Providing funding for a school choice FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF program would provide certain low-income of the question. COLUMBIA COURTS During consideration of the bill for parents residing in the District of Columbia For salaries and expenses for the District with the financial means needed to enroll their amendment, the Chair may accord pri- of Columbia Courts, $163,819,000, to be allo- children in higher-performing schools in the ority in recognition to a Member offer- cated as follows: for the District of Columbia District of Columbia. In addition, the funds ing an amendment that he has printed Court of Appeals, $8,775,000, of which not to these students receive could also be used to in the designated place in the CONGRES- exceed $1,500 is for official reception and rep- pay for transportation, fees, and tuition costs. SIONAL RECORD. Those amendments resentation expenses; for the District of Co- The House of Representatives has used the will be considered read. lumbia Superior Court, $83,387,000, of which The Clerk will read. not to exceed $1,500 is for official reception District of Columbia appropriations bill to pro- and representation expenses; for the District vide school choice proposals for District of Co- The Clerk read as follows: H.R. 2765 of Columbia Court System, $40,006,000, of lumbia students in the past. In fact, both the which not to exceed $1,500 is for official re- fiscal year 1996 and 1999 District of Columbia Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ception and representation expenses: and appropriations bills, as passed by the House, resentatives of the United States of America in $31,651,000, to remain available until Sep- Congress assembled, That the following sums tember 30, 2005, for capital improvements for contained language permitting the use of are appropriated, out of any money in the District of Columbia courthouse facilities: funds for a scholarship program (although the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Provided, That funds made available for cap- language was not enacted into law). This District of Columbia for the fiscal year end- ital improvements shall be expended con- Member has supported these efforts in the ing September 30, 2004, and for other pur- poses, namely: sistent with the General Services Adminis- past and believes it is essential that this ap- tration master plan study and building eval- propriations bill contain similar language allow- TITLE I—FEDERAL FUNDS uation report: Provided further, That not- ing for a District of Columbia scholarship pro- FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION withstanding any other provision of law, all gram. SUPPORT amounts under this heading shall be appor- This legislation would not establish a vouch- For a Federal payment to the District of tioned quarterly by the Office of Manage- er system; it is a system of scholarships. In a Columbia, to be deposited into a dedicated ment and Budget and obligated and expended voucher system, the public school money account, for a nationwide program to be ad- in the same manner as funds appropriated ministered by the Mayor, for District of Co- for salaries and expenses of other Federal would go with the child to the private or public lumbia resident tuition support, $17,000,000, school that the parents choose for their child. agencies, with payroll and financial services to remain available until expended: Provided, to be provided on a contractual basis with However, under this scholarship program, if a That such funds, including any interest ac- the General Services Administration (GSA), student receives a scholarship and decides to crued thereon, may be used on behalf of eli- said services to include the preparation of go to a private school, no funds would be gible District of Columbia residents to pay monthly financial reports, copies of which taken from the specific public school that the an amount based upon the difference be- shall be submitted directly by GSA to the child was attending. Therefore, the Wash- tween in-State and out-of-State tuition at President and to the Committees on Appro- ington, DC, school system would lose no public institutions of higher education, or to priations of the House of Representatives pay up to $2,500 each year at eligible private and Senate, the Committee on Government money if low-income children choose to attend institutions of higher education: Provided Reform of the House of Representatives, and private schools with the scholarship money. further, That the awarding of such funds may the Committee on Governmental Affairs of Opponents of the scholarship program claim be prioritized on the basis of a resident’s aca- the Senate: Provided further, That 30 days that the District of Columbia public school sys- demic merit, the income and need of eligible after providing written notice to the Com- tem overall would lose money under this plan. students and such other factors as may be authorized: Provided further, That the Dis- mittees on Appropriations of the House of However, the District of Columbia Mayor, An- Representatives and Senate, the District of thony A. Williams, has indicated he will lead to trict of Columbia government shall maintain a dedicated account for the Resident Tuition Columbia Courts may reallocate funds pro- hold District of Columbia schools harmless, Support Program that shall consist of the vided under this heading for the Court of Ap- meaning that the public school system will Federal funds appropriated to the Program peals, District of Columbia Superior Court, keep more than $16 million in local per pupil in this Act and any subsequent appropria- and the District of Columbia Court System: aid for the 2,000 children they will no longer tions, any unobligated balances from prior Provided further, That such reallocation may have to educate. This idea is briefly mentioned fiscal years, and any interest earned in this increase or decrease funding for such entity in the September 3, 2003, Washington Post or any fiscal year: Provided further, That the by no more than two percent. editorial, entitled ‘‘Washington’s Children De- account shall be under the control of the DEFENDER SERVICES IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer COURTS serve More Choices,’’ written by Mayor Wil- who shall use those funds solely for the pur- liams; Mr. Kevin P. Chavous, a member of the For payments authorized under section 11– poses of carrying out the Resident Tuition 2604 and section 11–2605, D.C. Official Code DC Council and Chairman of its Education Support Program: Provided further, That the (relating to representation provided under Committee, and; Ms. Peggy Cooper Cafritz, Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall the District of Columbia Criminal Justice President of the DC Board of Education. The provide a quarterly financial report to the Act), payments for counsel appointed in pro- article says, ‘‘. . . our public schools will not Committees on Appropriations of the House ceedings in the Family Court of the Superior be penalized financially for the loss of stu- of Representatives and Senate for these Court of the District of Columbia under dents to private or parochial schools.’’ This funds showing, by object class, the expendi- chapter 23 of title 16, D.C. Official Code, and tures made and the purpose therefor: Pro- payments for counsel authorized under sec- Member has confirmed the Mayor’s ‘‘hold vided further, That not more than 7 percent harmless’’ provision with staff at the Govern- tion 21–2060, D.C. Official Code (relating to of the total amount appropriated for this representation provided under the District of ment Reform Committee and the Education program may be used for administrative ex- Columbia Guardianship, Protective Pro- and the Workforce Committee. penses. ceedings, and Durable Power of Attorney Act Mr. Chairman, in closing, this Member urges FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING of 1986), $32,000,000, to remain available until his colleagues to support H.R. 2765. AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE DISTRICT OF CO- expended: Provided further, That the funds Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- LUMBIA provided in this Act under the heading ‘‘Fed- man, I yield back the balance of my For necessary expenses, as determined by eral Payment to the District of Columbia time. the Mayor of the District of Columbia in Courts’’ (other than the $31,651,000 provided

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.023 H05PT1 H7966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 under such heading for capital improvements Director shall keep accurate and detailed The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- for District of Columbia courthouse facili- records of the acceptance and use of any gift ignate the amendment. ties) may also be used for payments under or donation under the previous proviso, and The text of the amendment is as fol- this heading: Provided further, That in addi- shall make such records available for audit lows: tion to the funds provided under this head- and public inspection. ing, the Joint Committee on Judicial Admin- Amendment No. 3 offered by Ms. NORTON. FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF Page 11, strike lines 1 through 5. istration in the District of Columbia shall COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, this use funds provided in this Act under the For a Federal payment to the District of heading ‘‘Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, amendment promises to be perhaps the Columbia Courts’’ (other than the $31,651,000 $35,000,000, to remain available until ex- first of three voucher-only votes in this provided under such heading for capital im- pended, to continue implementation of the body at this time. The first will be on provements for District of Columbia court- Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Plan: this bill to remove or strike the fund- house facilities), to make payments de- Provided, That the District of Columbia scribed under this heading for obligations in- ing for vouchers; the second would be Water and Sewer Authority provides a 100 curred during any fiscal year: Provided fur- the Davis bill, which will try to legis- percent match for this payment. ther, That funds provided under this heading late vouchers onto this appropriation; shall be administered by the Joint Com- FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE ANACOSTIA and, of course, if vouchers remain in mittee on Judicial Administration in the WATERFRONT INITIATIVE the bill, the third would be the vote on District of Columbia: Provided further, That For a Federal payment to the District of the bill itself. notwithstanding any other provision of law, Columbia Department of Transportation, The $10 million in this bill is not a $4,300,000, to remain available until Sep- this appropriation shall be apportioned quar- lot of money, and that is really not terly by the Office of Management and Budg- tember 30, 2005, for design and construction et and obligated and expended in the same of a continuous pedestrian and bicycle trail what this controversy is about. It does manner as funds appropriated for expenses of system from the Potomac River to the Dis- not look like a lot until you look at other Federal agencies, with payroll and fi- trict’s border with Maryland. where it comes from and where it is nancial services to be provided on a contrac- FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE going and what will follow as a result tual basis with the General Services Admin- COORDINATING COUNCIL of our vote. istration (GSA), said services to include the For a Federal payment to the Criminal First of all, first let us look at where preparation of monthly financial reports, Justice Coordinating Council, $1,300,000, to the money is coming from. This money copies of which shall be submitted directly support initiatives related to the coordina- has come straight out of education. It by GSA to the President and to the Commit- tion of Federal and local criminal justice re- took a vote in the Committee on Ap- tees on Appropriations of the House of Rep- sources in the District of Columbia. resentatives and Senate, the Committee on propriations transferring money from FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR CAPITAL the Labor-Education appropriation Government Reform of the House of Rep- DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA over to the District appropriation in resentatives, and the Committee on Govern- For a Federal payment to the District of mental Affairs of the Senate. Columbia for capital development, $8,000,000, order to fund this bill. It came straight FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES to remain available until expended, for the out of education for this bill. AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR Unified Communications Center. So we already see that this is not THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL new money, as has been claimed, that (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) FACILITIES this is money straight out of edu- For salaries and expenses, including the For a Federal payment to the District of cation, and that is where voucher transfer and hire of motor vehicles, of the Columbia Public Schools, $4,500,000, of which money always comes from, because Court Services and Offender Supervision $500,000 shall be for a window repair and re- there is only one pot of money. Dif- Agency for the District of Columbia, as au- glazing program and $4,000,000 shall be for a ferent folks may designate that pot, thorized by the National Capital Revitaliza- playground repair and replacement program. tion and Self-Government Improvement Act but there is only one pot of money, and FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE FAMILY LITERACY of 1997, $163,081,000, of which not to exceed that is where this money is coming PROGRAM $2,000 is for official receptions and represen- from. It is coming from it for the first For a Federal payment to the District of tation expenses related to Community Su- time, if you vote for this bill and Columbia, $2,000,000 for the Family Literacy pervision and Pretrial Services Agency pro- Program to address the needs of literacy- against my amendment. grams; of which not to exceed $25,000 is for challenged parents while endowing their If you indeed vote to allow vouchers dues and assessments relating to the imple- children with an appreciation for literacy to remain in this bill, it will not go mentation of the Court Services and Of- and strengthening familial ties: Provided, unnoted. I do not know where you were fender Supervision Agency Interstate Super- That the District of Columbia shall provide a vision Act of 2002; of which $100,460,000 shall at recess, but I know that every State 100 percent match with local funds as a con- be for necessary expenses of Community Su- in the Union is crying about unkept dition of receiving this payment. pervision and Sex Offender Registration, to promises for Federal money. The big- include expenses relating to the supervision FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR A DISTRICT OF gest unkept promise is special edu- of adults subject to protection orders or the COLUMBIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM cation, which is taking down education provision of services for or related to such For a Federal payment for a District of Co- systems in entire States, including the persons; of which $37,411,000 shall be avail- lumbia scholarship program, $10,000,000, sub- District of Columbia. We promised 40 ject to authorization. able to the Pretrial Services Agency; and of percent. We have not come close to which $25,210,000 shall be transferred to the FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL that. Public Defender Service for the District of OFFICER OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Then, of course, there is the backlash Columbia: Provided, That notwithstanding For a Federal payment to the Chief Finan- any other provision of law, all amounts cial Officer of the District of Columbia, against the No Child Left Behind bill. under this heading shall be apportioned $10,000,000 for education, public safety and That was a bipartisan bill. We are los- quarterly by the Office of Management and health, economic development, and infra- ing folks everywhere because of that Budget and obligated and expended in the structure initiatives in the District of Co- unfunded mandate, because there are same manner as funds appropriated for sala- lumbia. going to be children that are not going ries and expenses of other Federal agencies: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN (during the to be able to graduate from high school Provided further, That notwithstanding chap- because the funding to help them pre- ter 33 of title 40, United States Code, the Di- reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask unani- rector may acquire by purchase, lease, con- mous consent that the remainder of pare for the tests is not there. demnation, or donation, and renovate as nec- title I be considered as read, printed in As long as there are mandated costs essary, Building Number 17, 1900 Massachu- the RECORD and open to amendment at on our States and school districts, it is setts Avenue, Southeast, Washington, Dis- any point. simply impossible to justify diverting a trict of Columbia to house or supervise of- The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection single dollar of public money to private fenders and defendants, with funds made to the request of the gentleman from schools. available for this purpose in Public Law 107– New Jersey? Now, I know that there are Members 96: Provided further, That the Director is au- There was no objection. here who voted in committee for thorized to accept and use gifts in the form The CHAIRMAN. Are there any vouchers for the District who have of in-kind contributions of space and hospi- tality to support offender and defendant pro- amendments to title I? never voted for vouchers generally on a grams, and equipment and vocational train- AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MS. NORTON Federal bill, because you can do any- ing services to educate and train offenders Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer thing on the District of Columbia. You and defendants: Provided further, That the an amendment. can savage their public schools, as if

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.006 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7967 your States, I would say to the gen- On another occasion, Mayor Williams Cleveland public schools. I stand here tleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS), said relative to school choice, ‘‘I was to say to you that instead of parceling did not have such schools in Southern elected by the people of my beloved out $10 million here and $10 million Virginia, as if California, Mrs. FEIN- city and I took the solemn oath to act there, we ought to fund public edu- STEIN, did not have the L.A. School in what I think are their best interests, cation at a level that every child in the District in it. And yet these folks will even in the face of conventional polit- United States of America is getting a not vote to have vouchers so that those ical wisdom. Today, I believe I have an decent education. We ought to be say- school districts, sometimes rural, obligation to represent all the children ing to parents across this country that sometimes big city, can have the same of the District.’’ we want you to have the opportunity treatment as the District of Columbia. Mr. Chairman, in my capacity as to fund education in public school sys- The District of Columbia schools chairman, I have met with many par- tems. have improved, but you will not find ents who have children in the public Now, the reality is we keep talking me an apologist for the D.C. govern- school system who support this choice about parental choice. Even in the ment and its problems or for the D.C. program. They are literally desperate Cleveland school system case, there school system. I am proud of the fact to have this new alternative. was only a choice. All children who did that scores have gone up for the last 3 The clearest evidence of the excite- not go to public schools and took a years. I am very proud of the trans- ment for school choice is in the city’s voucher went to Catholic schools. formation schools, where, with extra charter school movement: 37 charter There was no choice. It was either pub- services for parents and children alike, schools, 11 on the drawing boards. I had lic school or Catholic school. And it is we now see a breakthrough that no pri- a group representing the charter clear in the language of the Supreme vate school and no public school has schools in my office just yesterday say- Court case that parents ought to have ever accomplished. These are the poor- ing that they had waiting lists for a choice. Let us get real in Congress. est children in the District of Colum- their four charter schools that they Let us get real. Let us talk about fund- bia. They have the least conscious par- run running at 300 children. So I think ing public education where all children ents. They have got foster parents, there is a lot of desperateness on the have an opportunity to get a decent sometimes they have got no parents at part of parents to find alternatives. education. Let us talk about taking all or hardly any parents; yet we have I make the point again, Mr. Chair- money and improving the building sys- been able to break through because we man, that the $10 million in the bill are tems. Let us talk about taking money provided a lot of extra services for the additional funds for the District above and reducing the teacher-student ratio. parents and for the children alike. the subcommittee’s allocation. The Let us talk about making real, making Private schools and religious organi- gentleman from Ohio (Chairman REG- real this piece that we talk to children zations will not see a vote for vouchers ULA) agreed to transfer the funding about, the importance of education, for the District of Columbia as a vote from the Labor-HHS bill, and I am the importance of doing well. that can be contained here, and they grateful for his support of this initia- By doing this $10 million voucher are going to try to do all they can to tive and the extra dollars. program for the D.C. school systems, make sure it is not contained here. The we are leaving out so many other chil- pro-voucher forces have shown how b 1115 dren that ought to have a decent edu- well-funded they are. They have been Eliminating this funding puts the $10 cation. The reality is in these United into your States, sometimes two or million for the District in jeopardy of States the way we fund education three times, to get on the ballot; and being transferred back to his com- based on property taxes does not, in you have turned them back every sin- mittee and out of the city hands. For fact, make it fair. gle time. Not a single voucher ref- these and other reasons, I ask this The Supreme Court of Ohio found erendum in the United States of Amer- amendment be rejected and we give the that the way we fund education in the ica has passed. But they keep coming District leadership what it wants. State of Ohio is unconstitutional be- back, because they have got a lot of What the mayor has asked for is these cause it means that if you live in a money, and you see that money on tel- dollars and certainly has asked for ad- community where the property tax is evision ads as I speak. ditional dollars, and I have made a high and the dollars are allocated for If you want to fund vouchers, do it commitment to work in conference for the way the Washington Scholarship property tax for schools, that children the other dollars for the District school in some parts of the State get a better Fund did it. Fund the vouchers through system, as well as additional dollars private funds. Do not displace those education than children in the other for the charter school movement. parts of the State. private funds with public funds. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- I say this morning, our job is to de- move to strike the requisite number of man, I rise in opposition to the amend- feat this voucher program for the D.C. words. ment. school systems, to support the amend- Mr. Chairman, make no mistake Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the ment of my colleague, the gentle- about it, this amendment would basi- amendment. It is very interesting that woman from the District of Columbia cally take $10 million in additional this committee would say that the (Ms. NORTON) and to support a strong funds away from the District of Colum- mayor and the chair of the school public education for all children. bia which it badly needs and $10 mil- board of the D.C. school systems want Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I move to lion away from an educational system, this money. What mayor and what strike the requisite number of words. by all accounts, that badly needs addi- chairman of a school board would not Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of tional money so that children have want more money? But the reality is the elimination of these funds and that choices as to where they can go to that this $10 million should perhaps be we put these funds into public schools. school. going towards adequately funding pub- Public schools is where we need a fix. We know, Mr. Chairman, that the lic schools. Perhaps it should be going We need to fix our public schools. We Mayor supports this voucher proposal, towards teacher training so that the do not need to take money and re- the President of the school board, the teachers in the classroom are better sources away from public schools. We chairman of the Committee on Edu- trained to do what they need to do. want to make sure that every child has cation and Libraries and Recreation of Perhaps the money should be going to- an opportunity to learn, that every the D.C. council. wards special education. child is given the same tools that they The Mayor has said on school choice, But I stand here from a community, are given somewhere else. ‘‘Despite the steady increases in local the city of Cleveland, that was the test The answer is not to take those privi- funding and other efforts to support case in the Supreme Court for vouch- leged kids and put them into private our public schools, I have learned first- ers. And I stand here capable and able schools. It is not going to change the hand from hundreds of parents who feel to tell you that an independent study system. And many of the kids who are there are no practical or easy alter- from Indiana University reported that in the public schools will not have an natives for their children within the the children in voucher schools are opportunity to go and use a voucher current systems of public education.’’ doing no better than the children in system. What happens to many of

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.033 H05PT1 H7968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 those other kids in that area? Have we form chaired by my good friend and a school system that has failed them really fixed it? colleague, the gentleman from Virginia and their kids. Today we are going to I have heard us say, well, our schools (Mr. TOM DAVIS), I was privileged to fix that. And, frankly, the sooner the are failing, the system is failing. Well, hear the debate in its entirety on the better. it is our responsibility to fix it. It is subject we address here today, and that We have heard special praise for our responsibility to train teachers. It is help for the children in the failing three people today. I want to do that is our responsibility to motivate the District of Columbia public school sys- again. They are D.C. Mayor Anthony students. It is our responsibility to tem. Williams, D.C. Council Education Com- make sure that no child is left behind. I do not think anyone in this Cham- mittee Chairman Kevin P. Chavous, Let me state that it is a shame when ber, in any capital city, can honestly and D.C. Board of Education President we go to school and a lot of our chil- say that the district schools are good. Peggy Cooper Cafritz for stepping up to dren are not learning. There are many They cannot because they are not. It is the plate and leading the charge for of our children that are learning and not a question of whether or not the this legislation. That is true leader- those who are not. It is our ability and D.C. school system is failing. It already ship. And true leadership on this floor our responsibility to make sure that has and everybody knows it. If we are today means that we pass this legisla- those students have an opportunity to going to ensure the education of the tion. progress. They want to do the same children in this city, we need to pro- Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my col- things that everybody else wants. Let vide funding to give at least 2,000 chil- leagues on both sides of the aisle to me state that if we take those funds dren a way out and an option and a give the D.C. kids a good chance at a away from public schools, what is chance to attend a school where they successful life by voting for this very going to happen? We take those $10 can achieve. That is the very least this worthwhile piece of legislation. million and we have kids to which we body can do for them. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Chairman, I say we want to prepare them for the I was in that committee room that move to strike the requisite number of 21st century, and they are not prepared day and watched the anguish on the words. because they do not have the tools or faces of the mothers and grandmothers Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong instruments because we have taken who were present, and I watched them support of the amendment offered by funding away. This is wrong. This is crying during and after the hearing. the gentlewoman from the District of wrong for the District of Columbia. They made me more determined than Columbia (Ms. NORTON) and to oppose This is wrong, and it will probably hap- ever to help provide them and their the ill-conceived Davis amendment to pen to other portions of the States. children a way out of this failing add vouchers to the District of Colum- Is this what we want? No. bia appropriations bill. We want to invest in public edu- school system. One of the young fel- lows who was there, a 6-year-old named Mr. Chairman, not only have the citi- cation. We have good teachers who are zens and many leaders of Washington out there. We need to give them the Alonzo Stallans, drew a picture during the hearing that he gave to me a cou- opposed vouchers, but the House has funding. We need to give them the also made certain that our own dis- tools. We need to give them the moti- ple of days later. It says, ‘‘A good edu- cation, a good future,’’ in only the way tricts would not have mandated vouch- vation. We need to give them the sup- ers imposed in its public schools. port. They need to know that we stand that a 6-year-old can do it. He gets it, but not everybody in this I find that very interesting, Mr. behind them, that we want to fix the Chairman, considering what the last schools, that we just do not want to Chamber does. I have had visits from those mothers speaker just said. Basically the impli- take the easy answer. Like our parents cation was that there should be local always said, if you have a difficult and grandmothers of these young folks, control. It is clear here that we are time, it is time to get involved and do the most recent yesterday, and they trying to impose our will on the Dis- something about it. Do something that have high hopes that we will do the trict of Columbia when we cannot even is going to help the schools, not run right thing and pass the legislation for do it. away. This is just running away from these great young kids. If we do, and We do not accept vouchers in our own the problem, it is not fixing our school we must, we will be giving them a districts. Why should we do it here? I systems. chance at life that most of us were What happens? As our President said, given when we were their age. think we have to be very candid and I want to make sure that we leave no What we do here today will change honest with ourselves to begin to ask child behind. We are going to leave the lives of these young people forever the question, why are we doing this? In fact, we rejected voucher proposals more children behind because what in a very positive way. I hear my col- happens to the student if a student is leagues talk about money and fully in the No Child Left Behind legislation expelled? Do you think that student is funding the education system. Let us in the IDEA bill. The RECORD of this going to be accepted at a private school talk about that for a minute. House reflects that voucher amend- under the voucher system? Do you If money were any indication of the ments have been soundly defeated for think that parents can then take that success of a school system, the boys years by this House. So I find it inter- child and put him into a private school and girls in Washington, D.C. would be esting that some in the House want to under the voucher system? No. They receiving the finest education in Amer- impose a voucher program for D.C., but are only going to take the top of the ica with test scores higher than any clearly it is not something that they crop. And what happens to this school students in America. But that is not want for their own districts. system? We still have the responsi- happening. In fact, the opposite is true. You have heard many Members on bility to fund it. We still have the re- More money is being spent in D.C. per the other side of the aisle say that sponsibility to make sure the infra- student than anywhere in America and vouchers will help low-income children structure is there. Who pays for that? the test results are the worst. in Washington, D.C. They may believe We as taxpayers pay for that, and we That is an absolute travesty. the hype that accompanies the debate are taking money and resources from These kids need and deserve a way on vouchers for our Nation’s disadvan- our schools. out of this school system. The legisla- taged children. But this is what we do Let me state that this is bad legisla- tion we pass here today will do just know about vouchers: Vouchers drain tion. It is terrible legislation. It should that. money away from public schools and not even be up before us right now. We Frankly, I think parents and grand- leave the remaining children with even should be making sure that we spend parents know what is best for their less resources, schools like the ones in more money on education, therefore, children, not the bureaucrats who my district where in one school there we should eliminate the funding. roam the halls on Capitol Hill. were 13 computers for 1,300 children. Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Chairman, I move My wife and I knew what was best for Where children, just a year or so ago, to strike the requisite number of our son and, frankly, he has done great were reading out of books where words. in life. Jimmy Carter was still the President. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Parents and grandparents know what These were honor students. And situa- House Committee on Government Re- is best for their kids. They want out of tions where children can go through

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.036 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7969 high school without ever looking cess to high-quality education, we other than a public school, and we have through the lens of a microscope. should support the gentlewoman’s heard that argument again and again Another thing that we know about amendment. The District of Columbia and again from the other side, nobody vouchers is that vouchers do not im- has serious problems that need real so- wants this program. prove student achievement. I wish they lutions. On this side, polls are quoted. There did, but they do not. And let us not be Article I, section 8, clause 17 of the were 57 percent, 60 percent, 75 percent, fooled by that. Vouchers offer false Constitution gives Congress responsi- various numbers of people who want to promises of choice because private bility over the District of Columbia. see this program move ahead. I say the schools have the ultimate decision on They do not have a State legislature or only way to settle it is to offer them, which students they enroll. a governor to which to redress their and if it is true as the gentlewoman Of its 42 public charter schools and 15 grievances. That responsibility in- who offered this amendment proposes, public transformation schools, Wash- cludes all of the children of the Dis- that nobody wants these vouchers, ington, D.C. has the most wide-ranging trict of Columbia public school system, then nobody will accept them, nobody set of alternatives to traditional public not just the 2,000 children that the will take them. An affirmative action schools in this entire country. Public voucher program in this bill addresses. has to be taken for a voucher to be school choice is the real choice and the Article I, section 8, clause 1 of the used. They are imposed on no one. only choice program we should support Constitution gives Congress the power They simply have to be used by a par- in this House. to provide for the common defense. ent. So if it is the case that nobody Mr. Chairman, I know that every Yesterday, we found out that the com- wants them, that the parents of the Member of the House wants to provide mon defense includes $60 billion for an- District of Columbia do not want to the best education possible for our chil- other appropriations supplemental bill have vouchers, this appropriation of dren. I believe that investing adequate which includes building schools in Iraq. funds will have no effect because the funds in public schools with access to If we can find the resources to rebuild money simply will not be spent. But if technology, up-to-date textbooks, and schools in Iraq, I know we can find the it is, as is the case as we maintain, highly-qualified teachers is the correct resources to rebuild the schools for all that there are parents who do want choice. of the children of the District of Co- them, then they will be used. So it is The District of Columbia should not lumbia and their public school system. up to the parents. be used as an experiment for public It is clear, Mr. Chairman, that if the I found it strange in the hearings school reform. proponents of this $10 million set aside leading up to this on the bill that I of- I urge my colleagues to support the for vouchers truly think they will im- fered, and then later on the bill that we Norton amendment and vote against prove the education system in D.C., had before us, both times those on the the Davis amendment. An experi- they would probably also try to fix a other side of the aisle stood and said parents in D.C. do not want vouchers, mental voucher program in Wash- broken arm with a Band-Aid. In Janu- and each time the parents lined up at ington, D.C. will leave too many chil- ary 2002, President Bush signed a bill the back of the room said otherwise. dren behind and harm the city’s public that was supposed to ensure that no Parents, lined up outside in the hall, schools. child was left behind. If this $10 million is included in this bill, we are ensuring said otherwise. I say if my colleagues b 1130 that 68,000 D.C. kids are left behind. really believe in choice, that parents Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chair- At a time when the No Child Left Be- ought to have that choice, then let us man, I move to strike the requisite hind Act is underfunded by close to $9 put this to the test, allow this to go number of words. billion nationwide and is underfunded forward. If it is the case that parents (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and by $50 million in the District, does it do not want them, they simply will not was given permission to revise and ex- make sense to try to make up this be used; but if they do want them, they will. So it is up to the parents in the tend his remarks.) shortfall with only $10 million that will District of Columbia. Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chair- subsidize private schools and not fix man, I rise in strong support of the I applaud those who have helped put some of the core problems plaguing this bill together and to put it on the gentlewoman’s amendment. With 42 D.C. public schools? public charter schools and 15 public floor today. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I urge Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I transformation schools, the 70,000 chil- and support the gentlewoman’s amend- move to strike the requisite number of dren of the District of Columbia have ment. If the gentlewoman’s amend- words. Mr. Chairman, I will not take school choice, with the most extensive ment fails, I urge my colleagues to the full 5 minutes. set of alternatives to traditional public vote against the passage of the D.C. I do rise in support of the gentle- schools in the country. For this reason Appropriations bill. If this Congress woman from D.C.’s amendment and in the gentlewoman from the District of genuinely believes that every child de- opposition to what I perceive to be the Columbia (Ms. NORTON) simply believes serves the right to a public education latest Republican attack on our public that any additional public funds should of equal high quality, then we should schools. be used to enhance and expand these fight for it as a fundamental right for We hear about all the money spent, publicly accountable schools. every American. A separate and un- but let me remind my colleagues that The central question before us is equal education system in the District across this country, roughly, only 7 whether or not we believe, as a Con- of Columbia and between the States is percent or less are Federal funds, and gress, that every child should have ac- indeed unacceptable for every Amer- yet we see now we want to control 100 cess to an equal high-quality edu- ican. percent of what goes on in our schools. cation. Who among us does not believe Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I move to For people who believe in local control, in this? I have introduced House Joint strike the requisite number of words. I feel here that somebody is missing Resolution 29, a constitutional amend- I am pleased to be here for this de- the boat or misrepresenting the facts. ment that crystallizes this premise and bate, and I was pleased to hear the gen- Vouchers are a bad idea. They always that ensures that every child in the tleman from Illinois recognize the pri- have been because they drain resources United States has access to an equal macy of our involvement here, that the away from the public schools in this high-quality education, an idea I think Constitution does grant the U.S. Con- country where 90-plus percent of our and hope all of us will support. gress authority to move on matters children, depending on the States, go If we believe that every child in such as this for the District of Colum- to school. They are educated there. America deserves a high-quality public bia. And my colleagues do that in favor of education, then why are we here today I have found it interesting to listen private schools, where there is no ac- considering that only 2,000 of 70,000 to the debate and to listen about this countability for the taxpayers’ money children in the District of Columbia amendment in particular. This amend- at a time when we are running huge public school system should have an ment is based on the premise that no deficits, the largest in the history of equal high-quality education? If we be- one in the District of Columbia wants this country, and yet we do not want to lieve that every child should have ac- to have a voucher to travel to anything fund the public schools.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.037 H05PT1 H7970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 We are eating our seed corn and ruin- trict in the Nation, at least $11,000 per money should be invested into D.C. ing our future. Rather than siphoning pupil. public schools and other public schools funds from the public schools, we ought It was stated earlier that we were nationwide that deserve the majority to be investing more initiatives in promoting parochial self-interest if we of our children. Investing in public things like school construction. My promote school choice in D.C. If paro- schools helps us hire more highly- colleagues have talked about it. I will chial self-interest is parents wanting qualified teachers, purchase supplies not go into detail. Teacher training, if their children to get a real education, and books, and repair our schools. we really want to improve the quality then I am all for that, and this is what Vouchers are not the solution. of instruction in the classroom, put the this will do. It will allow these parents Vouchers eliminate public oversight resources out to improve teacher train- to find a better way to educate their for taxpayer dollars. Unfortunately, as ing. Reduce class sizes, provide tutorial children. If their child is currently in illustrated in Milwaukee, Cleveland, help for those children who are behind. the D.C. schools, their opportunities and Florida’s voucher programs, vouch- Those are proven methods that raise are really not limitless the way they ers eliminate public oversight, public academic achievement. should be. School choice offers them accountability and have led to cases of I can tell my colleagues it has hap- more opportunity. It will also offer the fraud and fiscal mismanagement. pened. It happened in North Carolina children who stay in the public schools Vouchers contradict the account- where I was State Superintendent, and more opportunity, and it really is dis- ability reform required by the No Child it is still happening. It will not happen maying to me that the opponents of Left Behind, such as the hiring of high- if we take the funds away and continue school choice do not see this. ly-qualified teachers and the annual to erode public support. Problems in many inner city school testing and public reporting on student Under the No Child Left Behind, our districts, such as D.C., are caused performance. These standards are not public schools are forced to do more largely because of overcrowding too required by private schools that accept than they have ever been required to many children in a classroom. For ex- federally funded vouchers, creating a do before, and this administration and ample, school choice will take a num- double standard regarding Federal this Congress refuses to fund No Child ber of children out of the public school funding and education. Left Behind because what has that system. This is true. They will go to I would be glad to hear from pro- done? That has created a massive, un- schools that are now empty or at least ponents of vouchers to tell us why we funded mandate on our States and our in need of more students. That will should not have accountability when local school units at the very time allow smaller classes in the D.C. public dollars follow these children to when they are struggling to make schools. It will encourage the D.C. private institutions. I would love to budgets balance. The last thing we schools to improve, in fact give them hear from the other side to tell us why should be doing is use this Republican more opportunity to do so, with fewer we should not have better account- students and the same amount of voucher scheme to take public dollars ability. that should be going to strengthen our money. I offered an amendment in the Com- So it will relieve overcrowding in the public schools and putting them in pri- mittee on Government Reform in good D.C. public schools. It will help the vate tuition grants. faith, asking that the same standards I urge my colleagues to support this children because the children will have an opportunity to go to a school where that apply to all of our public schools amendment. And if this amendment they will learn, where they will feel also apply to these vouchers. I would does not win, then we should defeat safe in many cases where they may not love to hear their response. this bill because this will prove, over now. b 1145 the long run, to be detrimental to pub- It is unfair for us, and I think com- lic education in the United States of I urge my colleagues to respect the pletely irresponsible for us, to waste right of D.C. residents to make deci- America. the learning year of the children who Ms. HART. Mr. Chairman, I move to sions of their own in their city. The happen to be in these schools now and strike the requisite number of words. majority of D.C. elected officials and say, well, we are going to fix the public Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to residents oppose vouchers. The official schools, but if it takes 6 to 12 years to this amendment and in support of the position of the D.C. school board and fix them, what happens to those chil- $10 million that is being appropriated city council is to oppose vouchers. If dren who are still in the public to the D.C. public schools. the residents of the District of Colum- schools? Nothing good. We need to give The reason that this money is being bia wanted vouchers in D.C., their local them an opportunity to learn now, given to the system is so that we can governance, the school board or city elsewhere if that is where they need to improve the system. School choice has council could create such a program. go, in a place that is more suitable for been shown to improve an opportunity Some in this body have suggested their education, while we work on and for a child. Each child who has been that D.C. residents need our permission fix the D.C. public schools. suffering through the terrible school I support this appropriation. I sup- or Federal money to create a voucher system of Washington, D.C., is really port school choice for D.C., and I hope program. That simply is not true. D.C. imprisoned in that District. This that we will oppose this amendment. residents do not need the permission of money will give these children an op- Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, I move to this Congress. Nor do they need the portunity to learn, and I believe that is strike the requisite number of words. Federal purse to create a program. D.C. what schools are for. I rise in support of the Norton residents just do not want vouchers. Unfortunately, the D.C. public amendment, and I strongly oppose pri- Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, will the schools have been in crisis, and it is vate school vouchers. No matter the lo- gentleman yield? unfair to force children who live in cation, the type of program or the Mr. CLAY. I yield to the gentleman D.C. to be subjected to a terrible edu- amount, vouchers are a bad idea for from Arizona. cation or a lack of an education. Sta- our children. The Committee on Gov- Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, the gen- tistics show that a very high percent- ernment Reform approved this amend- tleman mentioned how we feel about age of students drop out. They also ment by a one-vote, razor-thin margin. accountability. The ultimate account- show that the D.C. schools are ranked Both Republicans and Democrats voted ability is portability, the ability to lower than every other State in read- against the D.C. voucher, and I thank move to a different school if you do not ing or every State in reading and math my colleagues for their opposition to like the school you are attending now. scores. Students score on the average D.C. vouchers. That is the ultimate accountability of 220 points below the national aver- Serious concerns were raised about and that is what this provides. age on the SATs. Seventy-six percent this amendment during committee Mr. CLAY. Reclaiming my time, Mr. of D.C.’s fourth graders perform below consideration. I share those concerns Chairman, I might respond that we grade level in math and only 10 percent and believe it is important that this in- also need accountability of public dol- read proficiently by the fourth grade. formation be shared with the public. lars. When those dollars follow those These problems persist, despite spend- We know that vouchers drain mil- children to those private institutions, ing more than nearly every school Dis- lions from public education. Any extra we should also hold them accountable

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.039 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7971 and have benchmarks. Show us where to have a realization of success. I think throw up their hands and say you can- test scores have improved, show us that when parents are seeing their chil- not afford to send your child to the where reading levels have gone up, dren fail in a school that it is very im- Houston Independent School District; show us where dropout rates have been portant that we empower them to you have to send your child to a pri- lower. That is the kind of account- make a selection for their child that vate school so that they can get an ability I am suggesting. will give them hope, that will empower adequate education. But some commu- Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, if the them. nity leaders, thankfully, were not will- gentleman will continue to yield, I When I was on the school board, when ing to accept that argument. They would advise him that in reading the I was a teacher, when I was involved in were not willing to simply cop out and bill he will see that there are extensive my children’s education, one of the throw up their hands. They decided we reporting requirements in the bill. things that the educational community had to do something about our public Mr. CLAY. No, there are not. No, continually asked for was parental in- education system, so they did imple- there are not. Now, we discussed this volvement. Everybody knows that one ment programs like public school when Secretary Paige came to the of the best predictors of a child’s suc- choice and charter schools and called committee, and he suggested that we cess in education is the involvement of for more local control. do strengthen the language in the bill their parents. Let us let these parents So much improvement has been seen to have real accountability. in D.C. be involved in their children’s in the Houston Independent School Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I would education. District, so much improvement that a submit that this is real accountability. Mr. BELL. Mr. Chairman, I move to Republican President, George Bush, de- Portability is the best accountability. strike the requisite number of words. cided that the superintendent who had Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support overseen most of that improvement, move to strike the requisite number of of the amendment, hopeful that we will Rod Paige, should serve as the Sec- words, and I rise to oppose this amend- pass the Norton amendment and not retary of Education in his administra- ment. engage in what I think most charitably tion. And private school vouchers had I have a great deal of interest in edu- can be described as a giant cop-out. It absolutely no role in the improvement cation. I have been married to a public saddens me that we have reached a of Houston public schools. school teacher. He taught for 24 years. point in this Nation’s history when so Then we hear the argument that When I was a graduate of college, I many people simply want to throw up moving money out of the D.C. public taught public school for a time before I their hands and suggest that the only schools and into a private school started raising our four children. When way that we can solve the problems voucher program will have no real im- pact; that money does not really play a I first started being interested in pub- facing public school education in the role in the performance of public lic policy, I ran for our local board of United States is to send more and more schools. How ludicrous is that? education, and I served there for 4 children to private schools, forgetting Schools, teachers, books. Everybody years before I went into the State leg- that what has separated the United realizes they all cost money, a lot of islature in Colorado. One of my com- States of America from other countries money. And there are no private mittee assignments that I requested throughout the world is the fact that schools that I am aware of who are right away was the education com- our forefathers made a commitment to asking for less money. They are con- mittee because I feel very strongly public school education, deciding that stantly asking the parents of their that a good education is one of the best children, regardless of financial status, children for money, and they are con- tools that we can give a child in order would have free access to a quality stantly calling on private foundations that they might have a successful life. public school education. for more donations. I have faced the challenges that pub- I serve on the Committee on Govern- So let us not pretend this voucher lic school teachers face. I am very ap- ment Reform. I listened to the debate bill is not going to have a profound fi- preciative of the job that they do. I am, there, and I am listening to the debate nancial impact on D.C. public schools, most of all, however, very respectful of here. It is very similar, where once and let us also not pretend, let us also parents. You birth a child, you nurse a again the proponents of this voucher not pretend that this voucher measure child, you get up with them in the mid- measure suggest that the only way to is just about D.C. schools. Because I dle of the night when they are sick, give parents in Washington, D.C. have listened to that argument as well; you try to instruct them on what they choice is through private school vouch- that this is a D.C. problem and let D.C. should eat, you try to instruct them on ers. Mr. Chairman, that is simply false. try this because it will not impact any- how they should behave, you instruct And if my colleagues do not believe one else. If I truly believed that, per- them in the moral arena; but somehow me, all they have to do is look at the haps I would not feel so passionately or another when it then comes to edu- D.C. public school Web site, where it about this measure, but I do not. cation, some people think that parents talks about the out-of-boundary policy, I do think this will start us on a slip- do not have the ability to make a good the out-of-boundary application proc- pery slope. And I hate that argument choice for their child. Well, of course ess, discretionary transfer, is for par- because it is used and abused here. And they have the ability. But most of all ents or guardians who wish to apply for there is no one in this Chamber who they love that child, and they have a permission to enroll their children in cannot look at a mole hill and see a very strong desire for that child to be D.C. PS schools other than their neigh- mountain instead and suggest that successful. borhood school. with every issue we are starting down a So who are we, who is anybody to tell The Washington Post, May 20, 2003: slippery slope. But in this particular parents that they cannot make a ‘‘Throughout the Washington area case I do believe that is what we are choice for their child? And as parents, there are multiple options for parents looking at. I think the proponents of one of the things that we want to do is seeking alternatives to traditional vouchers in this Nation, seeing that we want to have hope for our child’s neighborhood schools.’’ The Federal No they had failed in passing vouchers in success. We all know our children have Child Left Behind law stipulates that if any sort of broad-ranged manner, want different learning styles. Even within a a neighborhood school underperforms to do it on an incremental basis start- family, children are very different; and for 2 consecutive years, parents may ing with D.C., and trying to gather parents make various choices for the transfer their child to another school. some favorable statistics, like you can different children. And I think that we D.C. is doing it the way it should be always do, and then spreading it from should trust parents to know what is done, by offering parents a choice State to State, city to city, until fi- best for their child. I think that we through the public school system. nally we have more and more children need to empower parents to make an I can say that that is the way it is to enrolled in private schools. educational choice for their children. be done because I come from a city, the Mr. Chairman, that brings me back Again, a quality education is one of city of Houston, that improved its pub- to where I started, a cop-out, a giant the best things that we can give a stu- lic school system by using public cop-out, the wrong road to go down, a dent. It empowers them to make school choice and other measures, a path that I hope we will not start on choices in their life. It empowers them city where in the 1980s many wanted to here today.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.041 H05PT1 H7972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Chairman, I In D.C. last summer we had the op- What is the consequence of saying move to strike the requisite number of portunity to meet with the parents of that? I happen to have come primarily words. the D.C. scholarship program who are from the public school system in Bir- Mr. Chairman, we stand here today enthused and excited about the oppor- mingham and Montgomery, Alabama. with the opportunity to join Mayor tunities that they had had to make de- There are some of us who remember a Williams, the President of the D.C. cisions for their children, to get them time in this country when the public School Board, the chairman of the city in a school that enabled their children school system had a very unique role. council’s education committee, and nu- to get the education that they needed, It was, number one, the one instrument merous parents who are all excited and they saw dramatic progress. I that we had that brought people to- about the opportunity for Congress to laugh about the accountability, saying gether from different classes and dif- provide $10 million in an innovative we have to put in the accountability ferent walks of life. You could have pilot program for education in D.C. standards so that these schools will be someone who was the son of a CEO at Educational equality for all of our accountable to an education depart- a bank sitting next to someone who children regardless of their family’s in- ment down on Independence Avenue. came from the wrong side of the rail- come is a fundamental principle of the All we have to do is look into the face road tracks. The public school was American education system. However, of the parents in New York City, in once a civic institution in this country. too many low-income families find Cleveland, in Detroit, or in Wash- For a variety of reasons that are be- themselves in a position where they ington, D.C. and you can see that the yond the scope of this debate, that are unable to send their children to the accountability that we need is not to a kind of civic pride in our schools has school of their choice simply because bureaucrat in Washington, not to a bu- been drained away. For a variety of they are poor. Families living in poor reaucrat in one of our State capitals. reasons, we have lost confidence in the neighborhoods are unable to make the The accountability that we need is of a public school system in this country; education choices that many of us can school district to a parent. A parent but the challenge is what do we do afford to make for our own children sees and knows what is happening with about it. when we buy a house in a suburb with their child each and every day. The proponents of vouchers tell us we high-performing public schools or send This is about giving D.C. the chance can simply give people a chance to opt our own children to private schools. to experiment with this change so that out. The proponents of vouchers say we The D.C. choice pilot program offers low-income children in our Nation’s can simply allow people to walk away hope and empowers parents and stu- capital can get a better education now, from the system and that we can treat dents in the District of Columbia by which we all know is a critical predi- our public schools like a failed Wal- giving them the opportunity to select a cate for their future success in life. It Mart or a failed BP or a failed Shell school that meets their educational is exactly what the parents in the park gas station; if it closes down, people needs while the competition school told us last summer. can go someplace else. choice brings will improve the overall Mr. Chairman, I would submit we are educational atmosphere for the par- b 1200 a stronger and a better country if we ents, teachers, and administrators who This debate has been sidetracked by continue and we sustain our exclusive continue to work to improve the public political ideology, and in the process public investment in a public edu- school system within the District. This we are further condemning the stu- cation system. I do not think that we debate today should be about doing ev- dents in the District of Columbia to an can drain away a commitment from erything we can to better educate all of education system that has left a major- the vast public purpose of education in our children. ity of its students nonproficient in this country without having an enor- In 1996 and 1997, the Subcommittee reading and math. It has left these stu- mous consequence to where we stand as on Oversight and Investigations of the dents behind. a Nation. Committee on Education and the I urge Members to support the D.C. It is true that we are 13th in the in- Workforce embarked on a project appropriations bill and to oppose the dustrialized world in math and science called Education at a Crossroads. We Norton amendment on this legislation. scores. We rank number 15 in civic went around the country. We talked to Many parents in D.C. cannot afford any scores. The problem is that we are not parents, we talked to teachers, and we other choices for their children, and we making the kind of investment, either talked to administrators. have the opportunity today to make in terms of resources or in terms of Now, people say that we have to $10 million available, and allow 7,500 community commitment, in our public focus on improving public education, families who are on the waiting list for schools that they deserve. Make no and we are doing that; and we are in- this possibility to truly choose what mistake about it, if we endorse this vesting significant dollars both at the will work for their children. back door, if we open up this back door Federal level and at the State level to Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Chair- to vouchers, we are degrading and we make that happen. But I still remem- man, I move to strike the requisite are cheapening our public schools. ber the father who came to me in New number of words. I have heard a lot of attacks from the York City and said, they are just em- Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- other side of the aisle about how bad barking on another 5-year plan. He had port of the Norton amendment. There the public school system is in D.C., and a 7- or 8-year-old son with him. He said, has been a lot of conversation today I would venture that a lot of the speak- you know, a few years ago they em- about whether this $10 million some- ers, if they were asked the systems in barked on a 5-year plan, and I had how takes money away from the public their cities, would probably come for- hoped that my son would be going to a school system. There has been a lot of ward and launch the same kind of at- better school. The schools are now as discussion about whether making an tacks. The families of this country are bad if not worse than what they were 5 investment in vouchers drains re- listening. The people who are strug- years ago. And now they are embark- sources away. I think that is the wrong gling to teach in our schools may be ing on another 5-year plan, where we focus, with all due respect to some of busy right now, but they hear about are not guaranteed or we do not really my colleagues on the other side of the these kinds of debates. And we ought know what this 5-year plan will bring, aisle, because regardless of whether we to understand something: Teaching is but I do know what it will mean for my are taking money away from one pot an enormously honorable profession. son. If it is no better at the end of this and putting it into another, let us Public education is an enormously hon- next 5-year plan than it was at the end make no mistake about something that orable civic endeavor. But you do not of first 5-year plan, the product that we we are doing: We are taking and sub- walk away from civic endeavors, you will lose is my son. My son will have tracting credibility from the public do not create a private back channel to been in schools that did not help him school system. civic endeavors. learn what he needed to learn to com- If we have a vouchers game anyplace I urge my colleagues to support the pete. Please give me the opportunity to in this country, we are implicitly say- Norton amendment because it is a very send my son to a high-performing ing to that community that the public important symbol. I agree with the school. school system is not good enough. gentleman from Texas (Mr. BELL) that

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.043 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7973 this is an effort, it is the beginning of My dad was a policeman with a sixth- and they have closed those charter a slow effort to introduce vouchers into grade education. Education got me my schools that have not been successful. the public mainstream. It will be D.C. way out. Why is it not good for those I support the amendment offered by today. Next year, it will be a request 1,000 families that are going to get the gentlewoman from the District of that we have 5 target cities around the their children out of there? Sometimes Columbia (Ms. NORTON) to back this country, and then it will be a request going into the schools, as the gen- local decision. If the majority wants to that we have 10 target States around tleman from Michigan (Mr. HOEKSTRA) appropriate additional funding for chil- the country. This is very much where discussed, and in talking to the par- dren in D.C., let the sum be appro- the administration wants to go. ents, they tell us their kids may be priated to increase funding for the The problem is that I am not pre- beaten up and they may have problems. charter schools, to expand that pro- pared to abandon our public school sys- Let us help the schools. Offer the gram so that charter schools can have tem until we have made a stronger and amendment and do what you can. the resources needed to provide ade- better commitment. As one of the I want to commend also Senator quate and safe facilities as well as the speakers on this side said earlier, only FEINSTEIN and Senator BYRD. Senator programs of choice. 7 percent of the money that goes into BYRD is a statesman, and I commend Mr. Chairman, I believe we must sup- education comes from this budget and him for his leadership. He understands. port D.C.’s children, but we can do that this appropriations process. We cannot I also commend Mayor Williams be- by continuing to support successful al- let this system go anywhere in our cause it is tough to break sometimes ternatives in the public school system. country until we have done more and with your party. I know sometimes we Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. made a stronger and better commit- get locked in over here and we do not Chairman, I move to strike the req- ment. want to leave, but he did. I commend uisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I have been struggling Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to Kevin Chavous for the leadership to with this issue, and unlike so many oppose vouchers for D.C. and to keep break with the city council and do other Members of this House who have the credibility of the D.C. school sys- what he did. They have provided the had a position either for or against the tem intact and to keep the civic insti- leadership for 1,000 boys and girls. voucher issue, in Michigan we actually tution intact. If you are a father and you know had a statewide voucher proposal ini- Mr. WOLF. Mr. Chairman, I move to your kids are not getting an education, tiative on the ballot about 21⁄2 years strike the requisite number of words. if you are a mother and you know they ago and it was defeated. I voted against Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposi- are not getting an education, do not tion to the Norton amendment and in the voucher initiative. tell them, wait, we are going to im- All of the arguments that are being support of the bill. I want to begin by prove the schools next year, we have a advanced here today were part of our thanking the gentleman from New Jer- 5-year program, because if they are 7 debate in Michigan. They were part of sey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) and my col- and 8 and 9, we may lose them. the debate in the Committee on Gov- league and friend, the gentleman from This is not to expand a program all ernment Reform, on which I sit: Con- Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS), for really over the country. The gentleman from cerns about cherry-picking students taking the initiative. He did not have Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) has probably where the private schools have their to do this, and he is doing this. This is done more to help the District of Co- very high standards and the smart ones very, very important. lumbia, working with the gentlewoman are picked, but the slower ones may be I have five children. I am a product of from the District of Columbia (Ms. left behind. Concerns about religious public schools. All of my kids have NORTON), than any other Member of the schools where by taking tax dollars, gone to public schools. I worked for House. This is to help. This is to help suddenly the government begins to en- probably only one of a few Members of 1,000 parents to have an opportunity to force certain requirements. And it is Congress, Congressman Pete Biester, educate their children. the old saw: Once you take the shekel, who had a child in the District of Co- I strongly urge defeat of the Norton the shackle will follow. lumbia schools. There are no Members amendment, and I again thank the gen- I am a product of public education. I in this body that I know of that have tleman from New Jersey (Mr. FRELING- believe in public education. My grand- any of their children in District of Co- HUYSEN) and the gentleman from Vir- mother was a schoolteacher in the pub- lumbia schools. Many are in private ginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) for their leader- lic education system for almost 40 schools, many are not here, but they ship, because in 1,000 homes this year years, and I believe that public edu- are not in the District of Columbia and 1,000 homes next year, they will cation has been the backbone of Amer- schools. really make a difference, and help ica. The educational opportunities may My daughter Virginia taught in the some of the kids to be educated. Come vary, but at least everyone has a D.C. public school system. She worked back next year and offer the amend- chance at an education. for 4 years at the Community of Hope ments to beefup the District of Colum- However, this proposal is quite dif- up at 14th and Belmont. She can tell bia schools. I give my commitment. I ferent, quite different from what hap- Members what the conditions of the will support it; but let us today support pened in the great State of Michigan. public schools are. I think as the gen- this bill to help those 1,000 kids. In our State we were talking about a tleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chair- Constitutional change, and it would said, if D.C. needs more money, offer man, I move to strike the requisite have affected literally every school dis- the amendment and we will support it. number of words. trict, even those considered blue-ribbon But for these 1,000 children, that is Mr. Chairman, I would ask my col- schools. This proposal only deals with their opportunity to get out. Everyone leagues, where are these 1,000 slots in the D.C. schools, which by any defini- knows, Members know if you had not our private schools? I rise in support of tion are almost the worst in the Na- had that opportunity to have that edu- school choice in the District of Colum- tion. cation, you may not have gotten out. bia, but public school choice. The Dis- Quite frankly, I cannot imagine how All of us on both sides of the aisle may trict of Columbia, as we know and as it can get any worse, and I cannot turn have been in that condition. It is a way Members have spoken to, has been a my back when so many parents are lit- out. national leader in supporting charter erally on their knees begging for a I want to commend the gentleman schools to provide alternative choices chance for their children. I feel the from New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) for its families. D.C. case is an exception. First of all, and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. In 1996, the D.C. Council passed the the schools are not forced to partici- TOM DAVIS), but particularly Mayor Public Charter Schools Act. That pate. Secondly, we are assured by this Williams for his leadership. I went to launched this decision as the best legislation that we will be closely John Bartram High School, and the method to improve the public schools. tracking the progress of this program gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Not only have they instituted a large to benchmark progress and to ensure FATTAH) knows where that is, on 67th number of charter schools for the Dis- scrutiny and oversight. and Elmwood Avenue. Education was trict of Columbia enrollment, but they Where our referendum in Michigan my way out of there. have also supervised these programs would have actually made the voucher

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.044 H05PT1 H7974 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 proposal permanent by changing our just the city, not just the State but, Why do you not argue and support Constitution, this proposal in D.C. is yes, this United States Congress should more money to fix all the schools, be- temporary, and it must show marked do what is right. cause we indeed will leave all of our improvement in order to be reauthor- I want to congratulate the gentle- children behind. Two thousand stu- ized after 5 years. The elected leader- woman from this District. She fights dents going into private education is ship wants it. The mayor has spoken very hard and in very difficult cir- ludicrous. If you really believe that out. I think if we are truly compas- cumstances as this United States Con- education is the way and you have that sionate, we must support this proposal gress does not allow her to represent commitment, then argue for additional and give these children a chance. her people who have spoken, irrespec- dollars for the D.C. school district. The Some are saying that we are voting tive of what the Mayor does, and I re- Mayor is only one person. The city for choice, and I say we are voting for spect his opinion, but many people in council has a letter on hand that says chance. Give these children a chance. the D.C. District and its city council they do not support the D.C. voucher and its school board have spoke loudly, b 1215 program. And why? Because it will si- they do not want vouchers. If you are phon money away. Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I going to save this District, they say Do not treat us like we cannot add move to strike the requisite number of save all 70,000 of us and help us in that and subtract. If we take $10 million to words. vein. put into the private sector, that is $10 Mr. Chairman, I too am from the In Michigan, we voted down vouch- million away from the public schools. I State of Michigan and, yes, our State ers. Other jurisdictions voted down urge my colleagues to support the gen- did turn down the voucher proposal as vouchers. Public money for public tlewoman from the District of Colum- did this United States Congress and schools. Let us teach our children. Give bia who has worked so hard, who is the other States around the country. Over them the opportunity they need to suc- heart and the soul of this district and 90 percent of America’s children go to ceed in this world. They do not need to cannot even vote. So we must vote for public education. If this Congress real- be 2,000 against the 68,000. In D.C. if her. Let us save our schools. Let us ly wanted to fix public education, we you are going to have a United States save all of our children and not cherry- could do that. I support the Norton Congress, let us do it for all 70,000. How pick 2,000 children for private edu- amendment because it is about home do you pick 2,000 out of that? I think it cation and send those public dollars rule, about the people of each jurisdic- is despicable. I think the people of D.C. into the private sector. tion deciding as Michigan did, as this have spoken. What we must do as a I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- Congress did for the country, that they United States Congress is reinforce our port the Norton amendment and re- did not want vouchers. children and provide for them the best move the funding for vouchers in D.C. I support all forms of education, but education that they can have wherever that will only shortchange our teach- public money for public schools. That they go to school. In Taiwan, they ers, our students, and our schools. Let is what our Constitution says and that spend 70 percent of their Federal budg- us improve all of the system. is what most State Constitutions say, et on education. In the United States Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I move to as well as our country. If we really we spend less than 2 percent of our strike the requisite number of words. wanted to help the D.C. public schools, Federal dollars on education. There is Mr. Chairman, I have been in public let us help all 70,000 students. How do something wrong with this equation. It life 30 years. I used to strongly oppose you pick 2,000 out and say, okay, we’re is not the D.C. community, it is not the vouchers because I believed the argu- going to do it for you but not for you District that is bad, it is not that the ments that we have been hearing in op- 68,000. If we, the United States Con- children are not performing. It is that position without really frankly think- gress, are overseers for Washington, this country has not made the commit- ing them through. And then I opposed D.C., unfortunately, why not take all ment yet to God’s children in this vouchers because I did not want to lose 70,000? How do you pick 2,000 of what country to give them the very best the support of the Connecticut Edu- some have described as one of the that we can offer. cation Association and the local edu- worst systems? I do not know about I commend the gentlewoman from cation associations because they op- that, either, if it is the worst system. the District of Columbia. I hope this posed the concept of allowing our What is worse and what is bad is that Congress will support her. young people to have choice. But it this Congress, this United States Gov- Ms. WATSON. Mr. Chairman, I move started to really bother me because I ernment, does not fund public edu- to strike the requisite number of felt that my opposition was based more cation adequately where 90 percent of words. on politics than on sound educational America’s children attend. I rise in the strongest support of the judgment. Education is the difference between Norton amendment. I have listened I really believe that it is important success and failure in a person’s life. very closely for the last hour and a half to give choice to parents. I really be- The budget is $2.2 trillion; $800 billion and I have heard very few people who lieve that you have a better public edu- of it is discretionary. If we had the are in opposition to this amendment cation system if you give choice to par- commitment for these 2,000 children, support public schools. I heard them ents. I really believe that the argument just think what we could do with the admit to the disaster that public that we would be taking away from the 70,000 with that $750 billion discre- schools are here in Washington, D.C. public schools does not add up. If you tionary budget that we have. Do not We invaded Iraq and it is costing us a do not have students in a public school, fool ourselves. There is only one pot of billion dollars a week. The White you do not have the expense of having money. When you take money from House is going to come here and ask those students in a public school to this end, as we are doing for the 68,000, for multibillions of dollars in just a few have to provide an education for. And it does not make it better. It desta- days. Why does this coalition that is in every voucher system I have seen and bilizes public education. so much support of the vouchers here, every choice system I have seen spends I am a teacher. I am a parent. I have that will only address 2,000 students less on the student in a private setting been in institutions of higher learning. out of 70,000, not ask that we put or parochial setting than it spends if I know when children, and you all money into what you consider a broken they were in the public school system. know them, are bright, wide-eyed and school district? We are going to go and So the school systems in the public bushy-tailed at 3, 5 and ready to go, build up the school system in Iraq, the sector gain from it. They do not have they can be taught. All children can be health care system, the infrastructure, to educate that student at a cost great- taught. Someone said earlier, some and you will not do that for the Wash- er than the amount of money that is kids are not teachable. I do not believe ington, D.C. schools, where the seat of being given to the private or parochial that. I think God created all of us government operates? I am appalled. school. equal and that all children can be And you want to cut and run. Another factor that impacts me is taught in adequate schools that have We already know that the D.C. that I always hear politicians, of which trained teachers and the technology of schools are suffering from a $40 million I am one, and proud to be, talk about today. And the commitment from not budget cut and a $100 million shortfall. the need to make sure that we do not

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.045 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7975 have choice in public schools and a schools. And because all funding for the That is right; the Republican leadership is in number of them send their kids to pri- scholarship program comes from new funds, effect using the District of Columbia as a test- vate schools. I have never quite under- no public, private or charter school will be ing ground for a policy that they dare not test stood this issue between rich and poor. drained of its funding. on their own constituents. My colleagues on the other side of the It is time to give parents of these children And they’re doing this against the will of the aisle sometimes say that we on the Re- what every parent wants—the opportunity to majority of the city’s elected officials and resi- publican side of the aisle want to focus give their child the best education possible. dents, who argue that vouchers violate home on the wealthy and not those who do I urge my colleagues to vote against this rule and siphon much-needed funding from not have wealth. Yet we are giving amendment. D.C.’s public schools. those who do not have wealth an oppor- Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of Like most of our districts, D.C. is experi- tunity to do what rich folks do, but Chairman DAVIS’ amendment to a School encing huge cuts in its public school budgets somehow then it is not allowed. I Choice program in D.C. because of the weak economy. In fact, this strongly oppose taking this money out. Too many kids in our Nation’s capital are year the District’s schools are facing a $40 I strongly oppose the Norton amend- not getting the education they need and de- million cut. If Congress imposes vouchers on ment. serve. There is little doubt that D.C. public the city, an additional $25 million in federal I strongly support what the gen- schools are in serious crisis, but it is not a cri- and local per pupil funding will be lost. That is tleman from Virginia has done. I am sis by a lack of resources. D.C. public schools a heavy price to pay for unwanted and unnec- very proud of what my chairman has spend more per pupil than surrounding school essary vouchers. done. He recognizes that in Wash- districts in Virginia and Maryland. Clearly, al- Mr. Chairman, I would hope that all of us ington, D.C. the government, the Fed- ternatives to increased funding should be test- here can agree that all students in the District eral Government, functions like a ed. By promoting a competitive model, all of Columbia’s public schools deserve a quality State functions. We have an obligation schools will be forced to improve academi- education, but voucher plans most certainly do to improve the school system in Wash- cally, provide better quality services, and cre- nothing to accomplish this. Instead, voucher ington, D.C. We spend a fortune on ate an administrative structure that operates plans constitute just one more drain on public efficiently. schools in Washington, D.C. We give funds—away from the public schools where I oppose directly spending federal tax dol- hundreds of millions of dollars to the they are really needed. Even Mayor Williams lars on private schools. But, just as I support Washington school system. We are not providing Pell Grants to college students for conditioned his support for vouchers on pro- shortchanging the Washington school use at the university of their choice—public or viding more money for public schools, which system as is implied by some. We are private, including religious schools—I also this bill does not. Earlier this week, I sent to my colleagues a merely saying, why not try out $10 mil- support school choice programs that provide lion extra dollars, and they are extra parents with similar choices for their elemen- statement by the League of United Latin dollars, they would not be in the budg- tary and secondary school children. American Citizens (LULAC) opposing private et unless they were for this program Opponents of school choice argue such a school vouchers and highlighting their belief only, and see its impact. proposal could drain public schools of money that more funding for public schools is need- I have come to the conclusion that and students. I think they’re dead wrong, but ed. As Rick Dovalina, the National President the opponents of choice, the supporters there’s a simple way for us to see. Why not of LULAC, stated, ‘‘As it is, we don’t believe of the Norton amendment and the op- establish a handful of demonstration projects current resources will be enough to meet the ponents of the Davis amendment, fear that will help determine whether school choice No Child Left Behind Act’s goals.’’ one thing. They fear that it is going to improves our education system? If the projects Instead, vouchers will send these much work. They fear that their arguments are unsuccessful, we will terminate them. But needed funds to schools that do not have to against this program simply will be if the programs are successful, they can and meet the accountability standards established found to be fallacious. should be expanded. by the heralded and greatly under-funded No I have another sense. It is such a The D.C. Choice Program would provide Child Left Behind Act. small amount relatively, why not give scholarships of up to $7,500 to eligible stu- As some of you may know, D.C. officials it a chance? Let us say I am wrong. Let dents to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and and residents already have their own options us just say others of us are wrong. But transportation expenses, if any. The scholar- to traditional public schools, including a large the bottom line for me is I believe in ship would be considered assistance to the number of charter schools, transformation accountability, I believe in choice, I students and not the schools. In order to en- schools, and out-of-boundary school attend- believe in contrast, I believe in having sure accountability, an evaluation would be ance. different models in play to see how conducted that would consider the impact and Mr. Chairman, we would all insist that the they work and what works. And I academic achievement attained by the pro- decision of our districts concerning our own would like for the poor people, those gram. children and schools should be respected. The with the least amount of resources in The goal of school choice in the District of decisions of the majority of elected officials Washington, D.C., to have some of the Columbia is to be an addition, not a subtrac- and residents in the District are entitled to the same choices that some of the wealthy tion. We all want the District’s education sys- same respect. I urge all my colleagues to vote folks in Washington, D.C. have. Oppose tem to improve, and this amendment will pro- against the imposition of vouchers and in sup- the Norton amendment. I support vide what every parent wants—the opportunity port of Congresswoman NORTON’s amend- strongly the Davis amendment. I thank to give their children the best education pos- ment. him for offering it. sible. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to I urge my colleagues to support this amend- I move to strike the requisite number Congresswoman NORTON’s amendment. ment. of words. We all know too many kids in our Nation’s Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the capital are not getting the education they need move to strike the requisite number of Norton amendment and in strong oppo- and deserve. Many students in the District words. sition to the D.C. Davis voucher lack basic language and math skills. Standard- I rise in support of the Norton amendment for education. I am not ized test scores remain stagnant for D.C. pub- amendment, in opposition to vouchers against the Davis amendment because lic schools, and the average SAT score is as is evidenced also by support of the it only affects a small number of stu- more than 200 points below the national aver- League of United Latin American Citi- dents. I am not against it because it is age. Additionally, the National Assessment of zens, one of the largest national His- supposed to be experimental. I am not Educational Process just released a study panic organizations in the country in against it because it was introduced by which showed the District’s school children opposition to vouchers. my namesake and chairman of the were ranked as the worst readers in the coun- Mr. Chairman, here we go again. School Committee on Government Reform, a try. districts across our Nation are burdened with committee on which I serve, for he is The D.C. Choice Program would provide large unfunded No Child Left Behind Act man- indeed an honorable man and I respect scholarships of up to $7,500 to eligible stu- dates at the very same time when school and appreciate his leadership. dents to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and budgets are being cut because of the weak- However, Mr. Chairman, my father transportation expenses. These scholarships ness of the national economy. And what is the used to tell us that fool me once, are assistance to the students, and not the Republican plan to solve this? Vouchers. shame on you; fool me twice, shame on

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.061 H05PT1 H7976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 me. And when I hear my colleagues and wrong to be redistributing Federal tion of vouchers on the people of the District others talk about the great gift that money to private schools when public of Columbia. this is to the poor children and the dis- schools are facing teacher shortages, The facts are my colleagues, according to advantaged children of Washington, record-high student enrollments and the National Coalition for Public Education, D.C., I am reminded of my mother who dealing with subpar facilities and in- that vouchers are neither needed nor wanted used to tell us to always look a gift frastructure. And yes, we must help re- in the District of Columbia. The majority of horse in the mouth. And when I look at build schools in Iraq, but we must also D.C. elected officials has written to Congress this voucher gift, I see a trick. I see invest in our own public schools in our opposing vouchers. It is only that three offi- subterfuge. I see us backdooring our own country. cials abruptly changed their anti-voucher posi- way into further destabilization of pub- This bill will also compromise the tion without any public debate and now sup- lic education. I see us undermining the civil rights of our students. Even ports vouchers but they clearly don’t speak for principle that all children should have though vouchers would provide public the majority of District citizens on the issue. the right and the opportunity to get a money, private schools are not bound Vouchers as a means of improving public good common school education. And by civil rights provisions that govern education in fact does the opposite. They since there is so much wrong with pub- our schools. Private schools can dis- send public funds to private schools while lic education, since there is so much criminate in admissions and employ- doing nothing to improve public schools, wrong with public schools, let us fix it ment on the basis of religion. More- where the majority of DC students are en- and let us fix them. over, if we do give this money away, we rolled. Additionally, programs to improve stu- Instead of trying to voucherize our lose the ability to account for the dent achievement in the District have been im- way out of failing situations, why do spending of that money. If voucher plemented and are working and should be ex- we not fix the schools that we have schools do not adopt academic stand- panded. Meanwhile, the academic achieve- got? Why do we not fix old, dilapidated ards, provide highly qualified teachers, ment of African American students who used and crumbling schools? Why do we not or administer the assessments required privately funded vouchers to attend private pay teachers an adequate and decent of public schools, we have no recourse schools in the District was no different than salary? Why not adequately prepare under this proposal. that of students who remained in public teachers so that they can really know Perhaps this explains why there has school, according to the GAO. how to teach? Why not put adequate been so little success with voucher pro- The amendment of the gentlelady from the materials in classrooms? Why not pro- grams. Every serious study of voucher District of Columbia would remove the $10 vide equal funding for all of our public programs has found that vouchers do million in funding for D.C. vouchers that would schools so that every child will have an not improve student achievement. Ob- be sought to be to authorized via a separate optimal opportunity to learn, to de- jective studies funded by the Wisconsin amendment. I urge my colleagues to support velop, to achieve, and to excel? and Ohio legislatures have found that the gentlelady’s amendment. Yes, Mr. Chairman, fool me once, voucher students perform no better Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in shame on you. Fool me twice, shame than comparable students in other pub- strong support of the amendment offered by on me. I am afraid that this amend- lic schools. my colleague and friend from the District of ment will become part of a sinister plot The bottom line is that for every dol- Columbia, Mrs. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON. We to undermine public education. This is lar we put into vouchers, we will be must strike the voucher provisions from the part of a message to those who want to draining, draining, our public schools D.C. Appropriations bill. isolate children and take us back to of the very life blood that makes it This body has held a number of votes on the dark days of segregation and un- possible for us to have schools at the vouchers on a national level. We have re- equal opportunity. This amendment is highest possible level, schools that edu- jected them every time because we know that like manna to those who want to dis- cate all young Americans. And we will vouchers for private schools for a few children organize teachers and bust unions. be putting lots of dollars, $10 million will not fulfill our responsibility to provide a for the District, and that is just a quality education for all children. This bill will b 1230 start. If we ever went to a national only allow 2 percent of the children in the Dis- Yes, it is D.C. today. It is Chicago to- voucher program, of course, which this trict to take advantage of the program. The morrow; St. Louis, New Orleans, Los sets the stage for, one estimate claims other 98 percent will remain in the public Angeles next week. Then it is all over that it could cost about $73 billion. And school system, which will not be held harm- America. And so Mr. Chairman, the that is just wrong. Instead of diverting less in funding if enrollments drop. message of this amendment goes far money to private and religious schools, In this bill we are not really even helping a beyond Washington, D.C. and it is not we must demonstrate a stronger com- few children. The money available per student good for America. I urge that we take mitment to safer schools, smaller is far short of the average cost of private into consideration the needs of all the classrooms, higher standards, tech- school tuition in the District of Columbia. That children, and if we are serious about nology and more accountability of all. means the families who can already afford to the children of Washington, D.C., then That will benefit the public school sys- send their children to private school will do so, we should be serious about the children tem and it will not bankrupt it. We but low-income children will be forced to re- all over America and adequately fund must put resources into our low- main in inadequately funded public schools. public education so that every child achieving schools so that they become In addition, private schools have no obliga- has his and her opportunity to achieve. high-performing schools. So I urge the tion to accept special needs or minority stu- Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to Members to vote for the Norton amend- dents, nor are they required to follow the strike the requisite number of words. ment, and I thank her for her leader- guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act or Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose ship. And I urge the Members to vote the Individuals With Disabilities Act. the voucher provisions that poison this against the bill if it retains, however, It is the height of arrogance that this body D.C. Appropriations bill and to support the voucher provision which jeopard- would seek to impose on the District of Co- the Norton amendment. If we pass this izes the future of public education. lumbia something that we have rejected for bill without the Norton amendment, This bill, with the voucher provision, the rest of the nation. we will be approving vouchers at the really could be the beginning of the end I urge my colleagues to reject any attempt Federal level. We will be paving the of public education not only in the Dis- to privatize public education in the District of way for the demise of our public edu- trict of Columbia but in our entire Columbia. cation system, and we will be ham- country. The CHAIRMAN. Does any other pering our students’ ability to succeed. Again, I thank the gentlewoman Member wish to be heard on this In short, we will undermine what is from the District of Columbia (Ms. amendment? really one of the fundamental pillars of NORTON) for bringing this forward, and If not, the question is on the amend- American democracy, a top-quality I urge support of her amendment. ment offered by the gentlewoman from free public education that is a funda- Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). mental right for all American children. in support of the amendment offered by my The question was taken; and the Privatizing public education is not the colleague, the gentlewoman from the District Chairman announced that the noes ap- American way and you know it. It is of Columbia and in opposition to the imposi- peared to have it.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.049 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7977 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I de- funding for Admission to Statehood from its the Medicaid and Special Education Reform mand a recorded vote. own locally generated revenues: Provided fur- Fund Establishment Act of 2002 (D.C. Law 14– The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause ther, That notwithstanding any other provi- 190; D.C. Official Code 4–204.51 et seq.)), in ad- dition, $17,000,000 from funds previously ap- 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on sion of law, or Mayor’s Order 86–45, issued March 18, 1986, the Office of the Chief Tech- propriated in this Act under the heading the amendment offered by the gentle- nology Officer’s delegated small purchase au- ‘‘Federal Payment for Resident Tuition Sup- woman from the District of Columbia thority shall be $500,000: Provided further, port’’ and $4,500,000 from funds previously ap- (Ms. NORTON) will be postponed. That the District of Columbia government propriated in this Act under the heading Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I was may not require the Office of the Chief Tech- ‘‘Federal Payment for Public School Facili- going to offer an amendment, but I de- nology Officer to submit to any other pro- ties’’, to be allocated as follows: cided due to the lack of time not to curement review process, or to obtain the ap- (1) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.— proval of or be restricted in any manner by $870,135,000 (including $738,444,000 from local offer it at this time. funds, $114,749,000 from Federal grant funds, The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. any official or employee of the District of Columbia government, for purchases that do $6,527,000 from other funds, $3,599,000 from The Clerk read as follows: not exceed $500,000: Provided further, That not private funds, and not to exceed $6,816,000, to TITLE II—DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA to exceed $25,000, to remain available until remain available until expended, from the FUNDS expended, of the funds in the District of Co- Medicaid and Special Education Reform Fund established pursuant to the Medicaid OPERATING EXPENSES lumbia Antitrust Fund established pursuant to section 820 of the District of Columbia and Special Education Reform Fund Estab- DIVISION OF EXPENSES Procurement Practices Act of 1985 (D.C. Law lishment Act of 2002 (D.C. Law 14–190; D.C. The following amounts are appropriated 6–85; D.C. Official Code, sec. 2–308.20) is here- Official Code 4–204.51 et seq.)), in addition, for the District of Columbia for the current by made available for the use of the Office of $4,500,000 from funds previously appropriated fiscal year out of the general fund of the Dis- the Corporation Counsel of the District of in this Act under the heading ‘‘Federal Pay- trict of Columbia, except as otherwise spe- Columbia in accordance with the laws estab- ment for Public School Facilities’’ shall be cifically provided: Provided, That notwith- lishing this fund. available for District of Columbia Public standing any other provision of law, except Schools: Provided, That notwithstanding any ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION as provided in section 450A of the District of other provision of law, rule, or regulation, Columbia Home Rule Act (D.C. Official Code, Economic development and regulation, the evaluation process and instruments for sec. 1–204.50a) and section 117 of this Act, the $276,647,000 (including $53,336,000 from local evaluating District of Columbia Public total amount appropriated in this Act for op- funds, $91,077,000 from Federal grant funds, School employees shall be a non-negotiable erating expenses for the District of Columbia $132,109,000 from other funds, and $125,000 item for collective bargaining purposes: Pro- for fiscal year 2004 under this heading shall from private funds), of which $15,000,000 col- vided further, That this appropriation shall not exceed the lesser of the sum of the total lected by the District of Columbia in the not be available to subsidize the education of revenues of the District of Columbia for such form of BID tax revenue shall be paid to the any nonresident of the District of Columbia fiscal year or $6,326,138,000 (of which respective BIDs pursuant to the Business Im- at any District of Columbia public elemen- $3,832,734,000 shall be from local funds, provement Districts Act of 1996 (D.C. Law 11– tary or secondary school during fiscal year $1,568,734,000 shall be from Federal grant 134; D.C. Official Code, sec. 2–1215.01 et seq.), 2004 unless the nonresident pays tuition to funds, $910,904,000 shall be from other funds, and the Business Improvement Districts the District of Columbia at a rate that cov- and $13,766,000 shall be from private funds), Amendment Act of 1997 (D.C. Law 12–26; D.C. ers 100 percent of the costs incurred by the in addition, $59,800,000 from funds previously Official Code, sec. 2–1215.15 et seq.): Provided, District of Columbia that are attributable to appropriated in this Act as Federal pay- That such funds are available for acquiring the education of the nonresident (as estab- ments: Provided further, That this amount services provided by the General Services lished by the Superintendent of the District may be increased by proceeds of one-time Administration: Provided further, That Busi- of Columbia Public Schools): Provided fur- transactions, which are expended for emer- ness Improvement Districts shall be exempt ther, That notwithstanding the amounts oth- erwise provided under this heading or any gency or unanticipated operating or capital from taxes levied by the District of Colum- other provision of law, there shall be appro- needs: Provided further, That such increases bia. priated to the District of Columbia Public shall be approved by enactment of local Dis- PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUSTICE Schools on July 1, 2004, an amount equal to trict law and shall comply with all reserve Public safety and justice, $745,958,000 (in- 10 percent of the total amount provided for requirements contained in the District of Co- cluding $716,715,000 from local funds, the District of Columbia Public Schools in lumbia Home Rule Act as amended by this $10,290,000 from Federal grant funds, the proposed budget of the District of Colum- Act: Provided further, That the Chief Finan- $18,944,000 from other funds, and $9,000 from bia for fiscal year 2005 (as submitted to Con- cial Officer of the District of Columbia shall private funds), in addition, $1,300,000 from gress), and the amount of such payment take such steps as are necessary to assure funds previously appropriated in this Act shall be chargeable against the final amount that the District of Columbia meets these re- under the heading ‘‘Federal Payment to the provided for the District of Columbia Public quirements, including the apportioning by Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’’: Pro- Schools under the District of Columbia Ap- the Chief Financial Officer of the appropria- vided, That not to exceed $500,000 shall be propriations Act, 2005: Provided further, That tions and funds made available to the Dis- available from this appropriation for the not to exceed $2,500 for the Superintendent of trict during fiscal year 2004, except that the Chief of Police for the prevention and detec- Schools shall be available from this appro- Chief Financial Officer may not reprogram tion of crime: Provided further, That the priation for official purposes: Provided fur- for operating expenses any funds derived Mayor shall reimburse the District of Colum- ther, That the District of Columbia Public from bonds, notes, or other obligations bia National Guard for expenses incurred in Schools shall submit to the Board of Edu- issued for capital projects. connection with services that are performed cation by January 1 and July 1 of each year in emergencies by the National Guard in a GOVERNMENTAL DIRECTION AND SUPPORT a Schedule A showing all the current funded militia status and are requested by the Governmental direction and support, positions of the District of Columbia Public Mayor, in amounts that shall be jointly de- $284,415,000 (including $206,825,000 from local Schools, their compensation levels, and indi- termined and certified as due and payable for funds, $57,440,000 from Federal grant funds, cating whether the positions are encum- these services by the Mayor and the Com- and $20,150,000 from other funds), in addition, bered: Provided further, That the Board of manding General of the District of Columbia $10,000,000 from funds previously appro- Education shall approve or disapprove each National Guard: Provided further, That such priated in this Act under the heading ‘‘Fed- Schedule A within 30 days of its submission sums as may be necessary for reimbursement eral Payment to the Chief Financial Officer and provide the Council of the District of Co- to the District of Columbia National Guard of the District of Columbia’’: Provided, That lumbia a copy of the Schedule A upon its ap- under the preceding proviso shall be avail- not to exceed $2,500 for the Mayor, $2,500 for proval. able from this appropriation, and the avail- the Chairman of the Council of the District (2) STATE EDUCATION OFFICE.—$38,752,000 ability of the sums shall be deemed as con- of Columbia, $2,500 for the City Adminis- (including $9,959,000 from local funds, stituting payment in advance for emergency trator, and $2,500 for the Office of the Chief $28,617,000 from Federal grant funds, and services involved. Financial Officer shall be available from this $176,000 from other funds), in addition, appropriation for official purposes: Provided PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM $17,000,000 from funds previously appro- further, That any program fees collected (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) priated in this Act under the heading ‘‘Fed- from the issuance of debt shall be available Public education system, including the de- eral Payment for Resident Tuition Support’’ for the payment of expenses of the debt man- velopment of national defense education pro- shall be available for the State Education agement program of the District of Colum- grams, $1,157,841,000 (including $962,941,000 Office: Provided, That of the amounts pro- bia: Provided further, That no revenues from from local funds, $156,708,000 from Federal vided to the State Education Office, $500,000 Federal sources shall be used to support the grant funds, $27,074,000 from other funds, from local funds shall remain available until operations or activities of the Statehood $4,302,000 from private funds, and not to ex- June 30, 2005 for an audit of the student en- Commission and Statehood Compact Com- ceed $6,816,000, to remain available until ex- rollment of each District of Columbia Public mission: Provided further, That the District pended, from the Medicaid and Special Edu- School and of each District of Columbia pub- of Columbia shall identify the sources of cation Reform Fund established pursuant to lic charter school.

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(3) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC CHARTER Libraries: Provided, That not to exceed $2,000 and Management Assistance Act of 1995 (D.C. SCHOOLS.—$137,531,000 from local funds shall for the Public Librarian shall be available Official Code, sec. 47–392.02(j)(2)), $50,000,000 be available for District of Columbia a public from this appropriation for official purposes. from local funds. charter schools: Provided, That there shall be (6) COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMAN- EMERGENCY AND CONTINGENCY RESERVE quarterly disbursement of funds to the Dis- ITIES.—$2,476,000 (including $1,601,000 from FUNDS trict of Columbia public charter schools, local funds, $475,000 from Federal grant For the emergency reserve fund and the with the first payment to occur within 15 funds, and $400,000 from other funds) shall be contingency reserve fund under section 450A days of the beginning of the fiscal year: Pro- available for the Commission on the Arts of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act vided further, That if the entirety of this al- and Humanities. (D.C. Official Code, sec. 1–204.50a), such location has not been provided as payments HUMAN SUPPORT SERVICES amounts from local funds as are necessary to to any public charter schools currently in (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) meet the balance requirements for such operation through the per pupil funding for- funds under such section. mula, the funds shall be available as follows: Human support services, $2,360,067,000 (in- (1) the first $3,000,000 shall be deposited in cluding $1,030,223,000 from local funds, REPAYMENT OF LOANS AND INTEREST the Credit Enhancement Revolving Fund es- $1,247,945,000 from Federal grant funds, For payment of principal, interest, and tablished pursuant to section 603(e) of the $24,330,000 from other funds, $9,330,000 from certain fees directly resulting from bor- Student Loan Marketing Association Reor- private funds, and $48,239,000, to remain rowing by the District of Columbia to fund ganization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–208; available until expended, from the Medicaid District of Columbia capital projects as au- 110 Stat. 3009; 20 U.S.C. 1155(e)); and (2) the and Special Education Reform Fund estab- thorized by sections 462, 475, and 490 of the balance shall be for public education in ac- lished pursuant to the Medicaid and Special District of Columbia Home Rule Act (D.C. cordance with section 2403(b)(2) of the Dis- Education Reform Fund Establishment Act Official Code, secs. 1–204.62, 1–204.75, and 1– trict of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 of 2002 (D.C. Act 14–403)): Provided, That the 204.90), $311,504,000 from local funds: Provided, (D.C. Official Code, sec. 38–1804.03(b)(2)): Pro- funds available from the Medicaid and Spe- That for equipment leases, the Mayor may vided further, That of the amounts made cial Education Reform Fund are allocated as finance $14,300,000 of equipment cost, plus available to District of Columbia public follows: not more than $18,744,000 for Child cost of issuance not to exceed two percent of charter schools, $25,000 shall be made avail- and Family Services, not more than the par amount being financed on a lease able to the Office of the Chief Financial Offi- $7,795,000 for the Department of Human Serv- purchase basis with a maturity not to exceed cer as authorized by section 2403(b)(6) of the ices, and not more than $21,700,000 for the De- five years. partment of Mental Health: Provided further, District of Columbia School Reform Act of PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON SHORT-TERM That $27,959,000 of this appropriation, to re- 1995 (D.C. Official Code, sec. 38–1804.03(b)(6)): BORROWING Provided further, That $660,000 of this amount main available until expended, shall be For payment of interest on short-term bor- shall be available to the District of Columbia available solely for District of Columbia em- rowing, $3,000,000 from local funds. Public Charter School Board for administra- ployees’ disability compensation: Provided tive costs: Provided further, That notwith- further, That $7,500,000 of this appropriation, CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION standing the amounts otherwise provided to remain available until expended, shall be For principal and interest payments on the under this heading or any other provision of deposited in the Addiction Recovery Fund, District’s Certificates of Participation, law, there shall be appropriated to the Dis- established pursuant to section 5 of the issued to finance the ground lease underlying trict of Columbia public charter schools on Choice in Drug Treatment Act of 2000 (D.C. the building located at One Judiciary July 1, 2004, an amount equal to 25 percent of Law 13–146; D.C. Official Code, sec. 7–3004) Square, $4,911,000 from local funds. the total amount provided for payments to and used exclusively for the purpose of the SETTLEMENTS AND JUDGMENTS public charter schools in the proposed budget Drug Treatment Choice Program established For making refunds and for the payment of of the District of Columbia for fiscal year pursuant to section 4 of the Choice in Drug legal settlements or judgments that have 2005 (as submitted to Congress), and the Treatment Act of 2000 (D.C. Law 13–146; D.C. been entered against the District of Colum- amount of such payment shall be chargeable Official Code, sec. 7–3003): Provided further, bia government, $22,522,000 from local funds: against the final amount provided for such That no less than $2,000,000 of this appropria- Provided, That this appropriation shall not payments under the District of Columbia Ap- tion shall be available exclusively for the be construed as modifying or affecting the propriations Act, 2005. purpose of funding the pilot substance abuse provisions of section 103 of this Act. (4) UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- program for youth ages 14 through 21 years WILSON BUILDING BIA.—$80,660,000 (including $48,656,000 from established pursuant to section 4212 of the local funds, $11,867,000 from Federal grant Pilot Substance Abuse Program for Youth For expenses associated with the John A. funds, $19,434,000 from other funds, and Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14–28; D.C. Official Wilson building, $3,704,000 from local funds. $703,000 from private funds) shall be available Code, sec. 7–3101): Provided further, That WORKFORCE INVESTMENTS for the University of the District of Colum- $4,500,000 of this appropriation, to remain For workforce investments, $22,308,000 bia: Provided, That this appropriation shall available until expended, shall be deposited from local funds, to be transferred by the not be available to subsidize the education of in the Interim Disability Assistance Fund es- Mayor of the District of Columbia within the nonresidents of the District of Columbia at tablished pursuant to section 201 of the Dis- various appropriation headings in this Act the University of the District of Columbia, trict of Columbia Public Assistance Act of for which employees are properly payable. unless the Board of Trustees of the Univer- 1982 (D.C. Law 4–101; D.C. Official Code, sec. NON-DEPARTMENTAL AGENCY sity of the District of Columbia adopts, for 4–202.01), to be used exclusively for the In- To account for anticipated costs that can- the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, a terim Disability Assistance program and the not be allocated to specific agencies during tuition rate schedule that will establish the purposes for that program set forth in sec- the development of the proposed budget, tuition rate for nonresident students at a tion 407 of the District of Columbia Public $19,639,000 (including $11,455,000 from local level no lower than the nonresident tuition Assistance Act of 1982 (D.C. Law 13–252; D.C. funds and $8,184,000 from other funds): Pro- rate charged at comparable public institu- Official Code, sec. 4–204.07): Provided further, vided, That anticipated employee health in- tions of higher education in the metropoli- That not less than $640,531 of this appropria- surance cost increases and contract security tan area: Provided further, That notwith- tion shall be available exclusively for the costs, $5,799,000 from local funds. standing the amounts otherwise provided purpose of funding the Burial Assistance under this heading or any other provision of Program established by section 1802 of the PAY-AS-YOU-GO CAPITAL law, there shall be appropriated to the Uni- Burial Assistance Program Reestablishment For Pay-As-You-Go Capital funds in lieu of versity of the District of Columbia on July 1, Act of 1999 (D.C. Law 13–38; D.C. Official capital financing, $11,267,000 from local 2004, an amount equal to 10 percent of the Code, sec. 4–1001). funds, to be transferred to the Capital Fund, total amount provided for the University of PUBLIC WORKS subject to the Criteria for Spending Pay-as- the District of Columbia in the proposed You-Go Funding Amendment Act of 2003, ap- budget of the District of Columbia for fiscal Public works, including rental of one pas- senger-carrying vehicle for use by the Mayor proved by the Council of the District of Co- year 2005 (as submitted to Congress), and the lumbia on 1st reading, May 6, 2003 (title 25 of amount of such payment shall be chargeable and three passenger-carrying vehicles for use by the Council of the District of Columbia Bill 15–218): Provided, That pursuant to this against the final amount provided for the Act, there are authorized to be transferred University of the District of Columbia under and leasing of passenger-carrying vehicles, $327,046,000 (including $308,028,000 from local from Pay-As-You-Go Capital funds to other the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, headings of this Act, such sums as may be 2005: Provided further, That not to exceed funds, $5,274,000 from Federal grant funds, and $13,744,000 from other funds): Provided, necessary to carry out the purposes of this $2,500 for the President of the University of Act. the District of Columbia shall be available That this appropriation shall not be avail- TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROGRAM from this appropriation for official purposes. able for collecting ashes or miscellaneous refuse from hotels and places of business. For a Tax Increment Financing Program, (5) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRAR- $1,940,000 from local funds. IES.—$28,287,000 (including $26,750,000 from CASH RESERVE local funds, $1,000,000 from Federal grant For the cumulative cash reserve estab- MEDICAID DISALLOWANCE funds, and $537,000 from other funds) shall be lished pursuant to section 202(j)(2) of the Dis- For making refunds associated with dis- available for the District of Columbia Public trict of Columbia Financial Responsibility allowed Medicaid funding, an amount not to

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exceed $57,000,000 in local funds, to remain ble retirement funds to pay legal, manage- SEC. 105. No funds appropriated in this Act available until expended: Provided, That ment, investment, and other fees and admin- for the District of Columbia government for funds are derived from a transfer from the istrative expenses of the District of Colum- the operation of educational institutions, funds identified in the fiscal year 2002 com- bia Retirement Board: Provided, That the the compensation of personnel, or for other prehensive annual financial report as the District of Columbia Retirement Board shall educational purposes may be used to permit, District of Columbia’s Grants Disallowance provide to the Congress and to the Council of encourage, facilitate, or further partisan po- balance. the District of Columbia a quarterly report litical activities. Nothing herein is intended EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS of the allocations of charges by fund and of to prohibit the availability of school build- expenditures of all funds: Provided further, ings for the use of any community or par- From funds previously appropriated in this That the District of Columbia Retirement tisan political group during non-school Act under the heading ‘‘Federal Payment for Board shall provide the Mayor, for trans- hours. Emergency Planning and Security Costs in mittal to the Council of the District of Co- SEC. 106. None of the funds appropriated in the District of Columbia’’, $15,000,000. lumbia, an itemized accounting of the this Act shall be made available to pay the FAMILY LITERACY planned use of appropriated funds in time for salary of any employee of the District of Co- From funds previously appropriated in this each annual budget submission and the ac- lumbia government whose name, title, grade, Act under the heading ‘‘Federal Payment for tual use of such funds in time for each an- and salary are not available for inspection the Family Literacy Program’’, $2,000,000. nual audited financial report. by the Committees on Appropriations of the SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER ENTERPRISE House of Representatives and Senate, the From funds previously appropriated in this FUND Committee on Government Reform of the Act under the heading ‘‘Federal Payment for For the Washington Convention Center En- House of Representatives, the Committee on a District of Columbia Scholarship Pro- terprise Fund, $69,742,000 from other funds. Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Council of the District of Columbia, or their gram’’, $10,000,000. NATIONAL CAPITAL REVITALIZATION duty authorized representative. ENTERPRISE AND OTHER FUNDS CORPORATION SEC. 107. (a) Except as provided in sub- WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY For the National Capital Revitalization section (b), no part of this appropriation For operation of the Water and Sewer Au- Corporation, $7,849,000 from other funds. shall be used for publicity or propaganda thority, $259,095,000 from other funds, of CAPITAL OUTLAY purposes or implementation of any policy in- which $18,692,000 shall be apportioned for re- (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS) cluding boycott designed to support or defeat payment of loans and interest incurred for For construction projects, an increase of legislation pending before Congress or any capital improvement projects and payable to $1,004,796,000, of which $601,708,000 shall be State legislature. the District’s debt service fund. from local funds, $46,014,000 from Highway (b) The District of Columbia may use local For construction projects, $199,807,000, to Trust funds, $38,311,000 from the Rights-of- funds provided in this Act to carry out lob- be distributed as follows: $99,449,000 for the way funds, $218,880,000 from Federal grant bying activities on any matter other than— Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, funds, and a rescission of $99,884,000 from (1) the promotion or support of any boy- $16,739,000 for the sewer program, $42,047,000 local funds appropriated under this heading cott; or for the combined sewer program, $5,993,000 in prior fiscal years, for a net amount of (2) statehood for the District of Columbia for the stormwater program, $24,431,000 for $904,913,000, to remain available until ex- or voting representation in Congress for the the water program, and $11,148,000 for the pended; in addition, $8,000,000 from funds pre- District of Columbia. capital equipment program; in addition, viously appropriated in this Act under the (c) Nothing in this section may be con- $35,000,000 from funds previously appro- heading ‘‘Federal Payment for Capital De- strued to prohibit any elected official from priated in this Act under the heading ‘‘Fed- velopment in the District of Columbia’’ and advocating with respect to any of the issues eral Payment to the District of Columbia $4,300,000 from funds previously appropriated referred to in subsection (b). Water and Sewer Authority’’: Provided, That in this Act under the heading ‘‘Federal Pay- SEC. 108. (a) None of the funds provided the requirements and restrictions that are ment for the Anacostia Waterfront Initia- under this Act to the agencies funded by this applicable to general fund capital improve- tive’’: Provided, That funds for use of each Act, both Federal and District government ment projects and set forth in this Act under capital project implementing agency shall be agencies, that remain available for obliga- the Capital Outlay appropriation account managed and controlled in accordance with tion or expenditure in fiscal year 2004, or shall apply to projects approved under this all procedures and limitations established provided from any accounts in the Treasury appropriation account. under the Financial Management System: of the United States derived by the collec- WASHINGTON AQUEDUCT Provided further, That all funds provided by tion of fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation For operation of the Washington Aqueduct, this appropriation title shall be available or expenditures for an agency through a re- $55,553,000 from other funds. only for the specific projects and purposes intended. programming of funds which— STORMWATER PERMIT COMPLIANCE TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS (1) creates new programs; ENTERPRISE FUND (2) eliminates a program, project, or re- SEC. 101. Whenever in this Act, an amount For operation of the Stormwater Permit sponsibility center; is specified within an appropriation for a Compliance Enterprise Fund, $3,501,000 from (3) establishes or changes allocations spe- particular purposes or objects of expendi- other funds. cifically denied, limited or increased under ture, such amount, unless otherwise speci- this Act; LOTTERY AND CHARITABLE GAMES ENTERPRISE fied, shall be considered as the maximum (4) increases funds or personnel by any FUND amount that may be expended for said pur- means for any program, project, or responsi- For the Lottery and Charitable Games En- pose or object rather than an amount set bility center for which funds have been de- terprise Fund, established by the District of apart exclusively therefor. nied or restricted; Columbia Appropriation Act, 1982, for the SEC. 102. Appropriations in this act shall be purpose of implementing the Law to Legalize available for expenses of travel and for the (5) reestablishes any program or project Lotteries, Daily Numbers Games, and Bingo payment of dues of organizations concerned previously deferred through reprogramming; and Raffles for Charitable Purposes in the with the work of the District of Columbia (6) augments any existing program, District of Columbia (D.C. Law 3–172; D.C. government, when authorized by the Mayor: project, or responsibility center through a Official Code, sec. 3–1301 et seq. and sec. 22– Provided, That in the case of the Council of reprogramming of funds in excess of 1716 et seq.), $242,755,000 from other funds: the District of Columbia, funds may be ex- $1,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; or Provided, That the District of Columbia shall pended with the authorization of the Chair- (7) increases by 20 percent or more per- identify the source of funding for this appro- man of the Council. sonnel assigned to a specific program, priation title from the District’s own locally SEC. 103. There are appropriated from the project or responsibility center; generated revenues: Provided further, That no applicable funds of the District of Columbia unless the Committee on Appropriations of revenues from Federal sources shall be used such sums as may be necessary for making the House of Representatives and Senate are to support the operations or activities of the refunds and for the payment of legal settle- notified in writing 30 days in advance of the Lottery and Charitable Games Control ments or judgments that have entered reprogramming. Board. against the District of Columbia govern- (b) None the local funds contained in this SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION ment: Provided, That nothing contained in Act may be available for obligation or ex- this section shall be construed as modifying penditure for an agency through a transfer of For the Sports and Entertainment Com- or affecting the provisions of section 11(c)(3) any local funds from one appropriation head- mission, $13,979,000 from local funds. of title XII of the District of Columbia In- ing to another unless the Committees on Ap- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RETIREMENT BOARD come and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 (D.C. Of- propriations of the House of Representatives For the District of Columbia Retirement ficial Code, sec. 47–1812.11(c)(3)). and Senate are notified in writing 30 days in Board, established pursuant to section 121 of SEC. 104. No part of any appropriation con- advance of the transfer, except that in no the District of Columbia Retirement Reform tained in this Act shall remain available for event may the amount of any funds trans- Act of 1979 (D.C. Official Code, sec. 1–711), obligation beyond the current fiscal year un- ferred exceed four percent of the local funds $13,895,000 from the earnings of the applica- less expressly to provided herein. in the appropriations.

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SEC. 109. Consistent with the provisions of SEC. 115. None of the funds appropriated bia Fire and Emergency Medical Services section 1301(a) of title 31, United States under this Act shall be expended for any Department who resides in the District of Code, appropriations under this Act shall be abortion except where the life of the mother Columbia and is on call 24 hours a day; applied only to the objects for which the ap- would be endangered if the fetus were carried (3) the Mayor of the District of Columbia; propriations were made except as otherwise to term or where the pregnancy is the result and provided by law. of an act of rape or incest. (4) the Chairman of the Council of the Dis- SEC. 110. Notwithstanding any other provi- SEC. 116. None of the Federal funds made trict of Columbia. sions of law, the provisions of the District of available in this Act may be used to imple- (b) The Chief Financial Officer of the Dis- Columbia Government Comprehensive Merit ment or enforce the Health Care Benefits Ex- trict of Columbia shall submit by March 1, Personnel Act of 1978 (D.C. Law 2–139; D.C. pansion Act of 1992 (D.C. Law 9–114; D.C. Offi- 2004, an inventory, as of September 30, 2003, Official Code, sec. 1–601.01 et seq.), enacted cial Code, sec. 32–701 et seq.) or to otherwise of all vehicles owned, leased or operated by pursuant to section 422(3) of the District of implement or enforce any system of registra- the District of Columbia government. The Columbia Home Rule Act (D.C. Official Code, tion of unmarried, cohabiting couples, in- inventory shall include, but not be limited sec. 1–204l.22(3)), shall apply with respect to cluding but not limited to registration for to, the department to which the vehicle is the compensation of District of Columbia the purpose of extending employment, assigned; the year and make of the vehicle; employees: Provided, That for pay purposes, health, or governmental benefits to such the acquisition date and cost; the general employees of the District of Columbia gov- couples on the same basis that such benefits condition of the vehicle; annual operating ernment shall not be subject to the provi- are extended to legally married couples. and maintenance costs; current mileage; and SEC. 117. (a) Notwithstanding any other sions of title 5, United States Code. whether the vehicle is allowed to be taken provision of this Act, the Mayor, in consulta- SEC. 111. No later than 30 days after the home by a District officer or employee and if tion with the Chief Financial Officer of the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, so, the officer or employee’s title and resi- District of Columbia may accept, obligate, the Mayor of the District of Columbia shall dent location. and expend Federal, private, and other submit to the Council of the District of Co- SEC. 119. No officer or employee of the Dis- grants received by the District government lumbia and the Committees on Appropria- trict of Columbia government (including any that are not reflected in the amounts appro- tions of the House of Representatives and independent agency of the District of Colum- Senate the new fiscal year 2004 revenue esti- priated in this Act. (b)(1) No such Federal, private, or other bia, but excluding the Office of the Chief mates as of the end of such quarter. These grant may be accepted, obligated, or ex- Technology Officer, the Office of the Chief estimates shall be used in the budget request pended pursuant to subsection (a) until— Financial Officer of the District of Columbia, for fiscal year 2005. The officially revised es- (A) the Chief Financial Officer of the Dis- and the Metropolitan Police Department) timates at midyear shall be used for the mid- trict of Columbia submits to the Council a may enter into an agreement in excess of year report. report setting forth detailed information re- $2,500 for the procurement of goods or serv- SEC. 112. No sole source contract with the garding such grant; and ices on behalf of any entity of the District District of Columbia government or any (B) the Council has reviewed and approved government until the officer or employee has agency thereof may be renewed or extended the acceptance, obligation, and expenditure conducted an analysis of how the procure- without opening that contract to the com- of such grant. ment of the goods and services involved petitive bidding process as set forth in sec- (2) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the under the applicable regulations and proce- tion 303 of the District of Columbia Procure- Council shall be deemed to have reviewed dures of the District government would dif- ment Practices Act of 1985 (D.C. Law 6–85; and approved the acceptance, obligation, and fer from the procurement of the goods and D.C. Official Code, sec. 2–303.03), except that expenditure of a grant if— services involved under the Federal supply the District of Columbia government or any (A) no written notice of disapproval is filed schedule and other applicable regulations agency thereof may renew or extend sole with the Secretary of the Council within 14 and procedures of the General Services Ad- source contracts for which competition is calendar days of the receipt of the report ministration, including an analysis of any not feasible or practical, but only if the de- from the Chief Financial Officer under para- differences in the costs to be incurred and termination as to whether to invoke the graph (1)(A); or the time required to obtain the goods or competitive bidding process has been made (B) if such a notice of disapproval is filed services. in accordance with duly promulgated rules within such deadline, the Council does not SEC. 120. None of the funds contained in and procedures and has been reviewed and by resolution disapprove the acceptance, ob- this Act may be used for purposes of the an- certified by the Chief Financial Officer of the ligation, or expenditure of the grant within nual independent audit of the District of Co- District of Columbia. 30 calendar days of the initial receipt of the lumbia government for fiscal year 2004 un- SEC. 113. (a) In the event a sequestration report from the Chief Financial Officer under less— order is issued pursuant to the Balanced paragraph (1)(A). (1) the audit is conducted by the Inspector Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (c) No amount may be obligated or ex- General of the District of Columbia, in co- of 1985 after the amounts appropriated to the pended from the general fund or other funds ordination with the Chief Financial Officer District of Columbia for the fiscal year in- of the District of Columbia government in of the District of Columbia, pursuant to sec- volved have been paid to the District of Co- anticipation of the approval or receipt of a tion 208(a)(4) of the District of Columbia Pro- lumbia, the Mayor of the District of Colum- grant under subsection (b)(2) or in anticipa- curement Practices Act of 1985 (D.C. Official bia shall pay to the Secretary of the Treas- tion of the approval or receipt of a Federal, Code, sec. 2–302.8); and ury, within 15 days after receipt of a request private, or other grant not subject to such (2) the audit includes as a basic financial therefor from the Secretary of the Treasury, subsection. statement a comparison of audited actual such amounts as are sequestered by the (d) The Chief Financial Officer of the Dis- year-end results with the revenues submitted order: Provided, That the sequestration per- trict of Columbia shall prepare a quarterly in the budget document for such year and centage specified in the order shall be ap- report setting forth detailed information re- the appropriations enacted into law for such plied proportionately to each of the Federal garding all Federal, private, and other year using the format, terminology, and appropriation accounts in this Act that are grants subject to this section. Each such re- classifications contained in the law making not specifically exempted from sequestration port shall be submitted to the Council of the the appropriations for the year and its legis- by such Act. District of Columbia and to the Committees lative history. (b) For purposes of the Balanced Budget on Appropriations of the House of Represent- SEC. 121. (a) None of the funds contained in and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, atives and Senate not later than 15 days this Act may be used by the District of Co- the term ‘‘program, project, and activity’’ after the end of the quarter covered by the lumbia Corporation Counsel or any other of- shall be synonymous with and refer specifi- report. ficer or entity of the District government to cally to each account appropriating Federal SEC. 118. (a) Except as otherwise provided provide assistance for any petition drive or funds in this Act, and any sequestration in this section, none of the funds made avail- civil action which seeks to require Congress order shall be applied to each of the accounts able by this Act or by any other Act may be to provide for voting representation in Con- rather than to the aggregate total of those used to provide any officer or employee of gress for the District of Columbia. accounts: Provided, That sequestration or- the District of Columbia with an official ve- (b) Nothing in this section bars the Dis- ders shall not be applied to any account that hicle unless the officer or employee uses the trict of Columbia Corporation Counsel from is specifically exempted from sequestration vehicle only in the performance of the offi- reviewing or commenting on briefs in private by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- cer’s or employee’s official duties. For pur- lawsuits, or from consulting with officials of icit Control Act of 1985. poses of this paragraph, the term ‘‘official the District government regarding such law- SEC. 114. None of the Federal funds pro- duties’’ does not include travel between the suits. vided in this Act may be used by the District officer’s or employee’s residence and work- SEC. 122. (a) None of the funds contained in of Columbia to provide for salaries, expenses, place, except in the case of— this Act may be used for any program of dis- or other costs associated with the offices of (1) an officer or employee of the Metropoli- tributing sterile needles or syringes for the United States Senator or United States Rep- tan Police Department who resides in the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug. resentative under section 4(d) of the District District of Columbia or is otherwise des- (b) Any individual or entity who receives of Columbia Statehood Constitutional Con- ignated by the Chief of the Department; any funds contained in this Act and who car- vention Initiatives of 1979 (D.C. Law 3–171; (2) at the discretion of the Fire Chief, an ries out any program described in subsection D.C. Official Code, sec. 1–123). officer or employee of the District of Colum- (a) shall account for all funds used for such

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.014 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7981 program separately from any funds con- (7) indicators of child well-being. under the Individuals With Disabilities Edu- tained in this Act. SEC. 127. No later than 30 calendar days cation Act during fiscal year 2004 by the SEC. 123. None of the funds contained in after the date of the enactment of this Act, amount of savings resulting during the year this Act may be used after the expiration of the Chief Financial Officer of the District of from the restrictions on the payment of at- the 60-day period that begins on the date of Columbia shall submit to the appropriate torney fees under subsection (a), as esti- the enactment of this Act to pay the salary committees of Congress, the Mayor, and the mated and published by the Chief Financial of any chief financial officer of any office of Council of the District of Columbia a revised Officer. the District of Columbia government (in- appropriated funds operating budget in the (2) The Chief Financial Officer shall make cluding any independent agency of the Dis- format of the budget that the District of Co- estimates of the savings described in para- trict of Columbia) who has not filed a certifi- lumbia government submitted pursuant to graph (1) on a quarterly basis during fiscal cation with the Mayor and the Chief Finan- section 442 of the District of Columbia Home year 2004, and shall publish the estimates not cial Officer of the District of Columbia that Rule Act (D.C. Official Code, sec. 1–204.42), later than 10 days after the end of each quar- the officer understands the duties and re- for all agencies of the District of Columbia ter. strictions applicable to the officer and the government for fiscal year 2003 that is in the SEC. 134. The Chief Financial Officer of the officer’s agency as a result of this Act (and total amount of the approved appropriation District of Columbia shall require attorneys the amendments made by this Act), includ- and that realigns all budgeted data for per- in special education cases brought under the ing any duty to prepare a report requested sonal services and other-than-personal-serv- Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in either in the Act or in any of the reports ac- ices, respectively, with anticipated actual the District of Columbia to certify in writing companying the Act and the deadline by expenditures. that the attorney or representative rendered which each report must be submitted. The SEC. 128. None of the funds contained in any and all services for which they receive Chief Financial Officer of the District of Co- this Act may be used to issue, administer, or awards, including those received under a set- lumbia shall provide to the Committees on enforce any order by the District of Colum- tlement agreement or as part of an adminis- Appropriations of the House of Representa- bia Commission on Human Rights relating to trative proceeding, under the IDEA from the tives and Senate by the 10th day after the docket numbers 93–030–(PA) and 93–031–(PA). District of Columbia: Provided, That as part end of each quarter a summary list showing SEC. 129. None of the Federal funds made of the certification, the Chief Financial Offi- each report, the due date, and the date sub- available in this Act may be transferred to cer of the District of Columbia shall require mitted to the Committees. any department, agency, or instrumentality all attorneys in IDEA cases to disclose any SEC. 124. (a) None of the funds contained in of the United States Government, except financial, corporate, legal, memberships on this Act may be used to enact or carry out pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer boards of directors, or other relationships any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or authority provided in, this Act or any other with any special education diagnostic serv- otherwise reduce penalties associated with appropriation Act. ices, schools, or other special education serv- the possession, use, or distribution of any SEC. 130. During fiscal year 2004 and any ice providers to which the attorneys have re- schedule I substance under the Controlled subsequent fiscal year, in addition to any ferred any clients as part of this certifi- Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) or any other authority to pay claims and judg- cation: Provided further, That the Chief Fi- tetrahydrocannabinols derivative. ments, any department, agency, or instru- nancial Officer shall prepare and submit (b) The Legalization of Marijuana for Med- mentality of the District government may quarterly reports to the Committees on Ap- ical Treatment Initiative of 1998, also known use local funds to pay the settlement or propriations of the Senate and the House of as Initiative 59, approved by the electors of judgment of a claim or lawsuit in an amount Representatives on the certification of and the District of Columbia on November 3, less than $10,000, in accordance with the Risk the amount paid by the government of the 1998, shall not take effect. Management for Settlements and Judgments District of Columbia, including the District SEC. 125. Nothing in this Act may be con- Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Law 13–172; strued to prevent the Council or Mayor of of Columbia Public Schools, to attorneys in D.C. Official Code, sec. 2–402). cases brought under IDEA: Provided further, the District of Columbia from addressing the SEC. 131. Notwithstanding any other law, That the Inspector General of the District of issue of the provision of contraceptive cov- the District of Columbia Courts shall trans- Columbia may conduct investigations to de- erage by health insurance plans, but it is the fer to the general treasury of the District of termine the accuracy of the certifications. intent of Congress that any legislation en- Columbia all fines levied and collected by SEC. 135. None of the funds contained in acted on such issue should include a ‘‘con- the Courts under section 10(b)(1) and (2) of this Act may be used to fund or otherwise science clause’’ which provides exceptions the District of Columbia Traffic Act (D.C. Of- support the action of District of Columbia, for religious beliefs and moral convictions. ficial Code, sec. 50–2201.05(b)(1) and (2)). The et al., v. Beretta U.S.A. et al. (Nos. 03–CV–24, SEC. 126. The Mayor of the District of Co- transferred funds shall remain available 03–CV–38, District of Columbia Court of Ap- lumbia shall submit to the Committees on until expended and shall be used by the Of- peals). Appropriations of the House of Representa- fice of the Corporation Counsel for enforce- tives and Senate, the Committee on Govern- ment and prosecution of District traffic alco- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN (during the ment Reform of the House of Representa- hol laws in accordance with section 10(b)(3) reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask unani- tives, and the Committee on Governmental of the District of Columbia Traffic Act (D.C. mous consent that the remainder of Affairs of the Senate quarterly reports ad- Official Code, sec. 50–2201.05(b)(3)). the bill through page 52, line 12 be con- dressing— SEC. 132. During fiscal year 2004 and any sidered as read, printed in the RECORD (1) crime, including the homicide rate, im- subsequent fiscal year, any agency of the and opened to amendment at any plementation of community policing, the District government may transfer to the Of- number of police officers on local beats, and point. fice of Labor Relations and Collective Bar- The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection the closing down of open-air drug markets; gaining (OLRCB) such local funds as may be (2) access to substance and alcohol abuse necessary to pay for representation by to the request of the gentleman from treatment, including the number of treat- OLRCB in third-party cases, grievances, and New Jersey? ment slots, the number of people served, the dispute resolution, pursuant to an intra-Dis- There was no objection. number of people on waiting lists, and the ef- trict agreement with OLRCB. These amounts POINT OF ORDER fectiveness of treatment programs; shall be available for use by OLRCB to reim- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. (3) management of parolees and pre-trial burse the cost of providing the representa- Chairman, I raise a point of order violent offenders, including the number of tion. halfway houses escapes and steps taken to SEC. 133. (a) None of the funds contained in against section 119 regarding sole improve monitoring and supervision of half- this Act may be made available to pay— source contracts on the grounds that way house residents to reduce the number of (1) the fees of an attorney who represents a this section changes existing law in escapes to be provided in consultation with party in an action or an attorney who de- violation of clause 2(b) of House rule the Court Services and Offender Supervision fends an action, including an administrative XXI and is, therefore, legislation in- Agency for the District of Columbia; proceeding, brought against the District of cluded in a general appropriation bill. (4) education, including access to special Columbia Public Schools under the Individ- The CHAIRMAN. Does any Member education services and student achievement uals with Disabilities Education Act (20 to be provided in consultation with the Dis- U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) in excess of $4,000 for that wish to be heard on the point of order? trict of Columbia Public Schools and the action; or Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- District of Columbia public charter schools; (2) the fees of an attorney or firm whom man, I concede the point of order. (5) improvement in basic District services, the Chief Financial Officer of the District of The CHAIRMAN. The point of order including rat control and abatement; Columbia determines to have a pecuniary in- is conceded and sustained, and the pro- (6) application for and management of Fed- terest, either through an attorney, officer or vision is stricken from the bill. eral grants, including the number and type employee of the firm, in any special edu- Are there any amendments? of grants for which the District was eligible cation diagnostic services, schools, or other AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. TOM DAVIS OF but failed to apply and the number and type special education service providers. of grants awarded to the District but for (b)(1) The District of Columbia Public VIRGINIA which the District failed to spend the Schools shall increase the amount of local Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. amounts received; and funds it allocates for services to children Chairman, I offer an amendment.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.014 H05PT1 H7982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- panied by such information as the Secretary the program does not exceed the amount of ignate the amendment. may require. tuition or fees that the school customarily The text of the amendment is as fol- (b) CONTENTS.—The Secretary may not ap- charges to students who do not participate lows: prove the request of an eligible entity for a in the program. grant under this title unless the entity’s ap- (2) PAYMENTS TO PARENTS.—A grantee shall Amendment offered by Mr. TOM DAVIS of plication includes— make scholarship payments under the pro- Virginia: (1) a detailed description of— gram under this title to the parent of the eli- Page 52, insert after line 12 the following: (A) how the entity will address the prior- gible student participating in the program, TITLE IV—DC PARENTAL CHOICE ities described in section 406; in a manner which ensures that such pay- SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. (B) how the entity will ensure that if more ments will be used for the payment of tui- This title may be cited as the ‘‘DC Paren- eligible students seek admission in the pro- tion, fees, and transportation expenses (if tal Choice Incentive Act of 2003’’. gram than the program can accommodate, any), in accordance with this title. eligible students are selected for admission (3) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE.— SEC. 402. FINDINGS. through a random selection process which (A) VARYING AMOUNTS PERMITTED.—Subject The Congress finds the following: gives weight to the priorities described in to the other requirements of this section, a (1) Parents are best equipped to make deci- section 406; grantee may award scholarships in larger sions for their children, including the edu- (C) how the entity will ensure that if more amounts to those eligible students with the cational setting that will best serve the in- participating eligible students seek admis- greatest need. terests and educational needs of their child. sion to a participating school than the (B) ANNUAL LIMIT ON AMOUNT.—The amount (2) For many parents in the District of Co- school can accommodate, participating eligi- of assistance provided to any eligible student lumbia, public school choice provided for ble students are selected for admission by a grantee under a program under this under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is through a random selection process; title may not exceed $7,500 for any academic inadequate due to capacity constraints with- (D) how the entity will notify parents of el- year. in the public schools. Therefore, in keeping igible students of the expanded choice oppor- (b) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—A grantee with the spirit of the No Child Left Behind tunities; may use not more than 3 percent of the Act of 2001, school choice options, in addition (E) the activities that the entity will carry amount provided under the grant each year to those already available to parents in the out to provide parents of eligible students for the administrative expenses of carrying District of Columbia (such as magnet and with expanded choice opportunities through out its program under this title during the charter schools and open enrollment schools) the awarding of scholarships under section year, including— should be made available to those parents. 407(a); (1) determining the eligibility of students (3) In the most recent mathematics assess- (F) how the entity will determine the to participate; ment on the National Assessment of Edu- amount that will be provided to parents for (2) providing information about the pro- cational Progress (NAEP), administered in the tuition, fees, and transportation ex- gram and the schools involved to parents of 2000, a lower percentage of 4th-grade stu- penses, if any; eligible students; dents in DC demonstrated proficiency than (G) how the entity will seek out private el- (3) selecting students to receive scholar- was the case for any State. Seventy-six per- ementary and secondary schools in the Dis- ships; cent of DC fourth-graders scored at the trict of Columbia to participate in the pro- (4) determining the amount of scholarships ‘‘below basic’’ level and of the 8th-grade stu- gram, and will ensure that participating and issuing them to eligible students; dents in the District of Columbia, only 6 per- schools will meet the applicable require- (5) compiling and maintaining financial cent of the students tested at the proficient ments of this title and provide the informa- and programmatic records; and or advanced levels, and 77 percent were below tion needed for the entity to meet the re- (6) providing funds to assist parents in basic. In the most recent NAEP reading as- porting requirements of this title; meeting expenses that might otherwise pre- sessment, in 1998, only 10 percent of DC (H) how the entity will ensure that partici- clude the participation of their child in the fourth-graders could read proficiently, while pating schools are financially responsible; program. 72 percent were below basic. At the 8th-grade (I) how the entity will address the renewal SEC. 408. NONDISCRIMINATION. level, 12 percent were proficient or advanced of scholarships to participating eligible stu- and 56 percent were below basic. (a) IN GENERAL.—A school participating in dents, including continued eligibility; and any program under this title shall not dis- (4) A program enacted for the valid secular (J) how the entity will ensure that a ma- purpose of providing educational assistance criminate on the basis of race, color, na- jority of its voting board members or gov- tional origin, or sex in participating in the to low-income children in a demonstrably erning organization are residents of the Dis- failing public school system is constitutional program. trict of Columbia; and (b) APPLICABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION WITH under Zelman v. Simmons-Harris if it is neu- (2) an assurance that the entity will com- tral with respect to religion and provides as- RESPECT TO DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF ply with all requests regarding any evalua- SEX.— sistance to a broad class of citizens who di- tion carried out under section 409. rect government aid to schools solely as a re- (1) APPLICABILITY.—Notwithstanding sub- sult of their independent private choices. SEC. 406. PRIORITIES. section (a) or any other provision of law, it In awarding grants under this title, the shall not be considered discrimination on the SEC. 403. PURPOSE. Secretary shall give priority to applications basis of sex for a school that is operated by, The purpose of this title is to provide low- from eligible entities who will most effec- supervised by, controlled by, or connected to income parents residing in the District of tively— a religious organization to take sex into ac- Columbia, particularly parents of students (1) give priority to eligible students who, count to the extent that failing to do so who attend elementary or secondary schools in the school year preceding the school year would be inconsistent with the religious te- identified for improvement, corrective ac- for which the eligible student is seeking a nets or beliefs of the school. tion, or restructuring under section 1116 of scholarship, attended an elementary or sec- (2) SINGLE-SEX SCHOOLS, CLASSES, OR AC- the Elementary and Secondary Education ondary school identified for improvement, TIVITIES.—Notwithstanding subsection (a) or Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6316), with expanded op- corrective action, or restructuring under sec- any other provision of law, a parent may portunities for enrolling their children in tion 1116 of the Elementary and Secondary choose and a school may offer a single-sex higher-performing schools in the District of Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6316); school, class, or activity. Columbia. (2) target resources to students and fami- (3) CONSTRUCTION.—With respect to dis- SEC. 404. GENERAL AUTHORITY. lies that lack the financial resources to take crimination on the basis of sex, nothing in (a) AUTHORITY.—From funds appropriated advantage of available educational options; subsection (a) shall be construed to require to carry out this title, the Secretary shall (3) provide students and families with the any person or public or private entity to pro- award grants on a competitive basis to eligi- widest range of educational options; and vide or pay, or to prohibit any such person or ble entities with approved applications under (4) serve students of varying ages and entity from providing or paying, for any ben- section 405 to carry out activities to provide grade levels. efit or service, including the use of facilities, eligible students with expanded school SEC. 407. USE OF FUNDS. related to an abortion. Nothing in the pre- choice opportunities. The Secretary may (a) SCHOLARSHIPS.— ceding sentence shall be construed to permit award a single grant or multiple grants, de- (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2) a penalty to be imposed on any person or in- pending on the quality of applications sub- and (3), a grantee shall use the grant funds to dividual because such person or individual is mitted and the priorities of this title. provide eligible students with scholarships seeking or has received any benefit or serv- (b) DURATION OF GRANTS.—The Secretary to pay the tuition, fees, and transportation ices related to a legal abortion. may make grants under this section for a pe- expenses, if any, to enable them to attend (c) CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.—Nothing riod of not more than 5 years. the District of Columbia private elementary in this title may be construed to alter or SEC. 405. APPLICATIONS. or secondary school of their choice. Each modify the provisions of the Individuals with (a) IN GENERAL.—In order to receive a grantee shall ensure that the amount of any Disabilities Education Act. grant under this title, an eligible entity tuition or fees charged by a school partici- (d) RELIGIOUSLY AFFILIATED SCHOOLS.— shall submit an application to the Secretary pating in the grantee’s program under this (1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any at such time, in such manner, and accom- title to an eligible student participating in other provision of law, a school participating

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.054 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7983 in any program under this title which is op- (1) annual interim reports not later than gram funded under this title shall accept any erated by, supervised by, controlled by, or December 1 of each year for which a grant is participating eligible student on a religious- connected to, a religious organization may made under this title on the progress and neutral basis, except that if the school has employ persons of the same religion to the preliminary results of the evaluation of the more participating eligible students seeking extent determined by that school to promote programs funded under this title; and admission than it can accommodate, the the religious purpose for which the school is (2) a final report not later than 1 year after school shall accept participating eligible stu- established or maintained. the final year for which a grant is made dents through a religious-neutral, random (2) RELIGIOUS PURPOSES.—Notwithstanding under this title on the results of the evalua- selection process, consistent with section any other provision of law, funds made avail- tion of the programs funded under this title. 405(b)(1)(C). able under this title may be used for reli- (c) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—All reports and (b) REQUESTS FOR DATA AND INFORMA- gious educational purposes, and no partici- underlying data gathered pursuant to this TION.—Each school participating in a pro- pating school shall be required to remove re- section shall be made available to the public gram funded under this title shall comply ligious art, icons, scriptures, or other sym- upon request, in a timely manner following with all requests for data and information bols. A participating school may retain reli- submission of the applicable report under regarding evaluations conducted under sec- gious terms in its name, select its board subsection (b), except that personally identi- tion 409(a). members on a religious basis, and include re- fiable information shall not be disclosed or (c) RULES OF CONDUCT AND OTHER SCHOOL ligious references in its mission statements made available to the public. POLICIES.—Subject to section 408, a partici- and other chartering or governing docu- (d) LIMIT ON AMOUNT EXPENDED.—The pating school may require eligible students ments. amount expended by the Secretary to carry to abide by any rules of conduct and other (e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—A scholarship out this section for any fiscal year may not requirements applicable to all other students (or any other form of support provided to exceed 3 percent of the total amount appro- at the school. priated to carry out this title for the fiscal parents of eligible students) under this title SEC. 412. DEFINITIONS. year. shall be considered assistance to the student As used in this title: SEC. 410. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. and shall not be considered assistance to the (1) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.—The term ‘‘ele- (a) ACTIVITIES REPORTS.—Each grantee re- school that enrolls the eligible student. The mentary school’’ has the meaning given that ceiving funds under this title during a year amount of any scholarship (or other form of term in section 9101 of the Elementary and shall submit a report to the Secretary not support provided to parents of an eligible Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. later than July 30 of the following year re- student) under this title shall not be treated 7801). garding the activities carried out with the as income of the parents for purposes of Fed- (2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible eral tax laws or for determining eligibility funds during the preceding year. (b) ACHIEVEMENT REPORTS.— entity’’ means any of the following: for any other Federal program. (1) IN GENERAL.—In addition to the reports (A) An educational entity of the District of SEC. 409. EVALUATIONS. required under subsection (a), each grantee Columbia Government. (a) IN GENERAL.— shall, not later than September 1 of the year (B) A nonprofit organization. (1) DUTIES OF SECRETARY.—The Secretary during which the second academic year of (C) A consortium of nonprofit organiza- shall— the grantee’s program is completed and each tions. (A) conduct an evaluation using the of the next 2 years thereafter, submit a re- (3) ELIGIBLE STUDENT.—The term ‘‘eligible strongest possible research design for deter- port to the Secretary regarding the data col- student’’ means a student who is a resident mining the effectiveness of the programs lected in the previous 2 academic years con- of the District of Columbia and who comes funded under this title that addresses the cerning— from a household whose income does not ex- issues described in paragraph (2); and (A) the academic achievement of students ceed 185 percent of the poverty line applica- (B) disseminate information on the impact participating in the program; ble to a family of the size involved. of the programs in increasing the student (B) the graduation and college admission (4) PARENT.—The term ‘‘parent’’ has the academic achievement of participating stu- rates of students who participate in the pro- meaning given that term in section 9101 of dents, as well as other appropriate measures gram, where appropriate; and the Elementary and Secondary Education of student success, and on the impact of the (C) parental satisfaction with the program. Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). programs on students and schools in the Dis- (2) PROHIBITING DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL (5) POVERTY LINE.—The term ‘‘poverty trict of Columbia. INFORMATION.—No report under this sub- line’’ has the meaning given that term in (2) ISSUES TO BE EVALUATED.—The issues section may contain any personally identifi- section 9101 of the Elementary and Sec- described in this paragraph include the fol- able information. ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). lowing: (c) REPORTS TO PARENT.— (6) SECONDARY SCHOOL.—The term ‘‘sec- (A) A comparison of the academic achieve- (1) IN GENERAL.—Each grantee shall ensure ondary school’’ has the meaning given that ment of students who participate in the pro- that each school participating in the grant- term in section 9101 of the Elementary and grams funded under this title with the aca- ee’s program under this title during a year Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. demic achievement of students of similar reports at least once during the year to the 7801). backgrounds who do not participate in such parents of each of the school’s students who (7) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ programs. are participating in the program on— means the Secretary of Education. (B) The success of the programs in expand- (A) the student’s academic achievement, as SEC. 413. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ing choice options for parents. measured by a comparison with the aggre- There are authorized to be appropriated to (C) The reasons parents choose for their gate academic achievement of other partici- carry out this title $10,000,000 for fiscal year children to participate in the programs. pating students at the student’s school in 2004 and such sums as may be necessary for (D) A comparison of the retention rates, the same grade or level, as appropriate, and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. dropout rates, and (if appropriate) gradua- the aggregate academic achievement of the The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the tion and college admission rates of students student’s peers at the student’s school in the order of the House of Friday, July 25, who participate in the programs funded same grade or level, as appropriate; and 2003, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. under this title with the retention rates, (B) the safety of the school, including the TOM DAVIS) and a Member opposed dropout rates, and (if appropriate) gradua- incidence of school violence, student suspen- tion and college admission rates of students sions, and student expulsions. each will control 20 minutes. of similar backgrounds who do not partici- (2) PROHIBITING DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL The Chair recognizes the gentleman pate in such programs. INFORMATION.—No report under this sub- from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS). (E) The impact of the program on students section may contain any personally identifi- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. and public elementary and secondary schools able information, except as to the student Chairman, I yield myself such time as in the District of Columbia. who is the subject of the report to that stu- I may consume. (F) A comparison of the safety of the dent’s parent. I am offering this amendment with schools attended by students who participate (d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary in the programs and the schools attended by shall submit to the Committees on Appro- the gentleman from New Jersey (Chair- students who do not participate in the pro- priations, Education and the Workforce, and man FRELINGHUYSEN) and the gen- grams. Government Reform of the House of Rep- tleman from Ohio (Chairman (G) Such other issues as the Secretary con- resentatives and the Committees on Appro- BOEHNER). This creates an historic op- siders appropriate for inclusion in the eval- priations, Health, Education, Labor, and portunity for families and students of uation. Pensions, and Governmental Affairs of the the District of Columbia. This amend- (b) REPORTS.—The Secretary shall submit Senate an annual report on the findings of ment can make a huge difference in the to the Committees on Appropriations, Edu- the reports submitted under subsections (a) lives of thousands of low-income chil- cation and the Workforce, and Government and (b). dren from nonperforming schools in the Reform of the House of Representatives and SEC. 411. OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICI- the Committees on Appropriations, Health, PATING SCHOOLS. District. It represents a shot at a bet- Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Govern- (a) ADMISSION OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.— ter education and, of course in turn, a mental Affairs of the Senate— Each school choosing to participate in a pro- better life.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.015 H05PT1 H7984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 The condition of the D.C. public hearings. They have danced and wept same thing for all these kids, eventu- schools, I think, is clearly documented. when our committee approved school ally. We will be working together on a We have talked about this earlier choice legislation. But I think it is number of other issues, but it is my today in the debate. It has concerned time to do more than just sympathize. considered judgment, having given a me since the first day I came to Con- This is a moral imperative. lot of time and thought to this, that gress as chairman of the District of Co- The school choice debate should not this is probably the best thing we can lumbia Subcommittee. And while we be about politics or interest groups. We offer, and I urge my colleagues to sup- have made strides in so many areas of should have an honest appraisal of the port it. the city since that time and some in state of affairs in our public schools Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, will the education, the quality of educational and about offering an alternative for gentleman yield? opportunities should continue to worry students and parents, and what is being Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. I yield all of us. proposed is not a mandate. It is a to the gentleman from Pennsylvania. One thing is clear, I think both sides choice. The goal of school choice for Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, just a agree to this: Too many children in our the city is addition, not subtraction. factual question, on page 9, the lan- Nation’s capital are not getting the We all want the city’s education sys- guage at the bottom where it refers to education that they need and that they tem to improve, and I hope that this is religiously affiliated schools, is my deserve. Lower-income families con- a short-term effort to do something reading of this to say that this bill cerned about the quality of safety of about it. The fact is the monopoly of would allow for religiously oriented their children in the D.C. public the D.C. public school system is harm- schools to utilize these scholarships schools should not have to resign ing kids, not helping them. It is time that are being provided? themselves to sending their kids to to shake up that monopoly. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Yes, underperforming schools where stu- This amendment expands educational that is correct. dents are not adequately motivated to opportunity to city students in under- Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, is there perform. performing elementary and secondary some list of which religiously affiliated Over the past decade, Congress has schools, underperforming schools. schools would be eligible? spent considerable time and resources Other schools, kids do not get the aid. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. working with the District to reform its The choice program would be estab- Chairman, they have to be accredited. education system, but the ability of lished through a competitive process, They have to meet D.C. standards, D.C. schools to meet key performance administered by the Department of number one. goals has long been plagued by finan- Education, to ensure that the public or Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, that is cial mismanagement and a host of private entity that administers the ini- my question. I would not understand other problems, which means just tiative would be dedicated and capable that there are any accrediting proce- throwing money at this problem alone of carrying out a top-notch program. dures for religious schools now in the is not going to solve it. Despite con- And there are reporting require- District. And if there are, I would be cerned efforts by local officials to im- ments, many to be written later by the interested in knowing that. prove the public school system, and Department of Education, but the leg- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. there has been some progress, we are islation here, I think, has criteria that Chairman, the U.S. Department of Edu- not getting the kind of progress in im- it sets out that need to be met in terms cation would carry the list, it is my proving academic performance that of going on to college, performance lev- understanding. Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, so it is ought to be available to these kids. els, tests, and the like. It would pro- I have traditionally opposed Federal vide scholarships of up to $7,500 to eli- the gentleman’s intention that there dollars going to private schools be- gible students to cover the cost of tui- would be created, because there is none cause I think Federal dollars ought to tion fees and transportation expenses. now, lists of what would be approved, be targeted to the public schools. Of It would be considered assistance to accredited religious schools? Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. course, in this case, we give the dollars the students, not the schools. In order Chairman, that is correct. And regard- directly to the parents who make those to assure accountability, an evaluation less of how this comes out, I hope we choices. But for the District, which is conducted that would consider the would work with the gentleman. does not have a State government to impact in academic achievement at- Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I am rely on, as we take a look at other tained by the program. not trying to be argumentative. This legislation is a result of a lot of voucher programs around the country, Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. negotiation and consultation with city cities work in concert with States. The Chairman, I think the gentleman officials, elected city officials, with the District does not have a State. So I raised the point of what happened in administration and committees with think we have an obligation here to an- Florida, and we do not want that to key jurisdiction in Congress. For the swer the calls from the mayor, the happen. I think that is very clear. chairman of the school board and the first time ever, the mayor, the elected Mr. FATTAH. Well, as I would under- Washington Post and other advocates Democratic mayor of the District of stand the facts at the moment, that is for D.C. children, and we have to ask Columbia, has come to the conclusion why I am asking, there is no accred- this question: Would not more choices that ‘‘. . . if done effectively, this pro- iting process for religiously-affiliated funded by new Federal dollars provide gram would provide even more choices schools K to 12 in the District today, a needed alternative for low-income for primarily low-income families who and there is none that is created by children attending low-performing currently do not have the same free- your language? schools? dom of choice enjoyed by their affluent Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Our committee heard testimony on counterparts.’’ Chairman, my understanding is that this before we gave authorization au- Enhancing educational quality in the the Department of Education will thority. The mayor was asked, specifi- city is a critical component of main- carry the accredited list at this point, cally, if he had this money for vouch- taining the positive momentum we in terms of eligible schools. Not just ers, if he could use it for something have seen in recent years under the any school willy-nilly is eligible. else, would he not rather use it for the stewardship of Mayor Williams and the Mr. FATTAH. So the gentleman un- public school system? He said no. He Council. It is our duty to provide re- derstands that there is a list or that said we need this alternative as well. sources so that the kids can have a somewhere in this language it gives the It stands on its own and this is addi- brighter future. This is not a panacea, Department authority to create such a tional money that would not be avail- but it is a significant step in the right list? able to the District of Columbia public direction and, hopefully, one that will Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Correct. schools were it not for this amend- not be needed indefinitely. That is my understanding. ment. I have received calls from par- I urge my colleagues to support this ents who are frustrated, angry, and dis- amendment. I say to my friends on the b 1245 traught by their children’s school situ- other side that we are going to disagree Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. That is ation. These parents have attended our about this, but I think we want the my understanding.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.055 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7985 Mr. FATTAH. Which one is it, the The gentlewoman from Pennsylvania used vouchers. What they have found is former or the latter? said that our schools would actually be there is no significant difference be- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. The better off without these 2,000 children. tween the children using the vouchers Secretary of Education is the one I Actually, we will lose $25 million in in their performance on tests and the think that would set that standard. combined Federal and local per-pupil children who are in the public schools. Mr. FATTAH. So are there certain funding because schools are funded on Thirty-seven States have turned religious affiliations that would be ac- a per-pupil basis, and that is in addi- down vouchers. If you vote for the ceptable and others that would not? tion to the $40 million that the schools Davis amendment, you are voting for a Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. To my are already being cut this year. private school voucher and a voucher understanding, it is not a discrimina- It certainly is not true that we are only. We do not think that that vote tion based on that, but they would saying to our children, and I would cer- will pass silently into the night. We be- have to meet certain academic per- tainly never say it, Hey, wait until the lieve that a vote for vouchers anywhere formance standards. This was drafted, schools are fixed. Indeed, we applaud in the country, especially in this eco- of course, looking at the court cases in the options that are available to our nomic climate, will be heard and felt line to make sure this met the require- public schools; the largest number of throughout the country, and especially ments. charter schools in the country, the in your own districts. Mr. Chairman, I am happy to answer transformation schools, which have Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance the gentleman’s question, but let me seen a breakthrough in test scores that of my time. stop at this time and make sure we can no public or private school has ever Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. get our advocates up, and maybe we done for our most needy children, our Chairman, I yield 21⁄2 minutes to the can further this discussion if time per- out-of-boundary possibilities for our gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. mits. FRELINGHUYSEN), the chairman of the Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance children. I applaud especially the work of the subcommittee. of my time. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I claim Washington Scholarship Fund. That is man, I thank the gentleman for yield- the time in opposition to the amend- for now. The Washington Scholarship ing me time. ment. Fund, which with private money as I The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman speak is doing exactly what this bill Mr. Chairman, since I was first elect- from the District of Columbia is recog- will do, but probably will not do it if ed to Congress, I have supported school nized for 20 minutes. this bill passes, because Federal money choice for this city, and now as Chair- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield will replace their private money that man of the Committee on Appropria- myself such time as I may consume. they have been using, much to their tions subcommittee on the District of Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from credit, to send our children to local pri- Columbia, I am excited to be in a posi- Virginia is not only a good personal vate schools. tion to make this program a reality for friend, he is a good professional friend, We want our own choices. That is all the children and the parents of the Dis- and he has always been a good friend of we are asking. You take your choices, trict of Columbia, working with the the District. More often than not we the ones you have in your districts. gentleman from Virginia (Chairman are on this floor arguing on the same Leave us to our own choices. Do not ac- TOM DAVIS) and the gentleman from side, fighting for what the majority in cuse us of giving no choices to our chil- Ohio (Chairman BOEHNER). the District wants, including the ma- dren. Mr. Chairman, I ask all Members to jority of the members of the council The most important thing I could say support the Davis-Frelinghuysen- and the majority of the elected mem- at this time, though, would be to cor- Boehner amendment and the under- bers of the school board. This happens rect the notion that the so-called lying bill. to be an exception, but we are going to three-sector approach, which developed Mr. Chairman, since I was first elected to keep on working together because we only after there was great criticism of Congress, I have supported school choice for are so close. vouchers in the District of Columbia, this city. And now as Chairman of the DC Ap- It is ironic, I must say to my good somehow amounts to an equivalence of propriations Committee, I am excited to be in friend though, that he has got a legis- funding for the charter and public a position to make this program a reality for lative rider on here. He made two schools with vouchers. the children and parents of the District of Co- points of order today. He is regularly Please hear me on this: this Davis lumbia. on the floor opposing Committee on bill has 5 years of authorization for The President requested funding for a Government Reform riders, but he has vouchers. What happens for the public Choice Incentive Fund within the U.S. Depart- taken this bill to the Committee on and charter schools is this year, on a ment of Education, of which a portion of the Rules in order to allow himself to put one-time-only appropriation, we throw funds would be used for school choice pro- a rider on this bill. This bill legislates some money at the public schools in grams in the District. Thanks to Chairman on an appropriations bill. order to ease the way for vouchers. REGULA, I was able to provide $10 million to But I really want to use my time not I was able to get money for our char- expand school choice in the District. I am fur- to rehash the arguments we have ter schools, a great deal more than this ther pleased to report that this proposal has heard, but to make some corrections last year, without having to pay a the full support of Mayor Williams, Chairman based on what I have heard. price in vouchers. Next year I guess we of the Committee on Education, Libraries and My good friend from Virginia earlier will have to come begging at the table Recreation, Kevin Chavous, and President of said during the debate that the District because, unlike the voucher money, the the School Board, Peggy Cooper-Cafritz. spent more than Arlington and Fairfax, gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM Throughout the year, I have worked closely and some others have gotten up to say DAVIS) had the opportunity to add pub- with my colleague and friend, Chairman TOM that we spend more than any other lic schools in a bill I offered in com- DAVIS, who chairs the Authorizing Committee State. I keep hearing that. It keeps mittee that would have put us on the that has jurisdiction on this issue, the Govern- being said. It is false. same footing, but we are not on the ment Reform Committee and JOHN BOEHNER, I want to read from an official same footing. We have got 5 years of Chairman of Committee on Education and the schools document: ‘‘Despite differences vouchers, one-time-only money for the Workforce to advance this Presidential initia- in student needs, even with Federal public schools, in this appropriation. tive. funds included, the D.C. public schools That is the most problematic money We agreed to move the school choice initia- spend less per pupil than Arlington or the Congress ever has to offer. tive forward in our respective Committees. Alexandria, and not much more than We have been demonizing the public Chairman DAVIS has successfully moved the Montgomery or Fairfax.’’ schools of the District of Columbia. Be DC Parental Choice Incentive Act through his Remember, Montgomery and Fairfax my guest. But if you expect that send- Committee. And in my bill, we have provided spend a whole lot of money on children ing our children to private schools will the actual funding. that are not at all disadvantaged, and correct their problems, then you need Mr. Chairman, this amendment would unite huge numbers of mine are severely dis- to look at the GAO study of 10 years of these two initiatives together under one bill advantaged. experience in all the schools that have bringing us a step closer to making expanded

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.057 H05PT1 H7986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 school choice a reality for those that so des- cation, because we believe from the termined to be religions for purposes perately want and need it. bottom of our hearts that this is help- under the definition by the Federal While we are all supportive of the District ing children. courts. So would that be the same in Public School System, and we recognize the Take a look at the board of edu- terms of how this would operate? great progress of the city’s charter schools cation. They had a board of education Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. and transformation schools, we believe that appointed by Marion Berry where one Chairman, if the gentleman will yield even more students can be helped by the ad- of the members was in charge of fi- further, we leave discretion with the ditional option. And we are providing new dol- nance and never had an accounting Secretary of Education. Let me say lars that add, not subtract, from either the DC course, never finished high school, but there have been a number of title VII public or charter schools funding sources. was put there because of a political ap- cases that do deal with education, and What is important here is the quality and pointment. that would be the criteria that the De- value of education for every child in this city. We changed all of that. We have a partment would meet. But we did not And the statistics from the Department of Edu- Mayor, we have a superintendent, we try to micromanage the criteria. They cation on District continue to show disturbing have an active, professional school also have to meet certain educational results in student performance on reading, board, and our schools are improving. standards, and that would really be the writing, math and other core academics. The Yes, we have got a long way to go, and controlling criteria, is meeting edu- need for significant improvements is clear. we have got to work together on both cational standards. The bottom line is that these children will be sides of this issue; and I dedicate my- Mr. FATTAH. I read the list of the helped by giving parents more choices for self to working with the gentlewoman educational standards, all related to educating their children. Many parents are from the District of Columbia (Ms. education, and I think the gentleman hopeful that we will act. NORTON) and the ranking member on has done a good job on that. I am just One of the arguments the opposing side will that. But please do not say that we are concerned about this particular issue, make is that this bill does not provide funding trying to damage education. We dis- and I guess so that the record can be for the three-pronged approach the District agree on the value of this particular clear, your position is that there is no wants. While that is true, it is not my intention amendment. I personally believe in restriction in the authorizing language that that be the case when we come out of many areas it will work. as you have written it? conference with the Senate. Due to the fiscal Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. That is constraints of this bill, we were only able to minutes to the gentleman from Penn- correct. We leave that to the Depart- ment of Education. provide for DC Scholarships, but the Senate sylvania (Mr. FATTAH). Mr. FATTAH. I want to enter into bill includes additional funding for both public Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, I would the RECORD a report from California, and charter schools as well. I support the just like to enter into a colloquy with not the earlier report I referenced from Mayor’s approach and will work with Chairman the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM Florida, of a school that was set up YOUNG towards a conference allocation that is DAVIS) and return to my question. under the laws of California that re- sufficient to address all three sectors of edu- As I understand the language, and I ceived millions and millions of dollars cation in the city. read it, it says that any religiously af- to educate children, and it has now I hope members will join with me and sup- filiated school could get dollars under been determined that they were funded port of the leadership of this great city. this program and it can be controlled and founded and set up by a Pakistani Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. I yield 3 and connected to a religious organiza- terrorist organization. minutes to the gentleman from Cali- tion and it can promote its religious I want to enter this into the RECORD, fornia (Mr. CUNNINGHAM). purpose; and then it goes on to say it because I think what the concern is Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I could hire any number of people who here is that if those who believe in have good friends on both sides of the follow their religious beliefs and that witchcraft, those who have antisocial aisle and both sides of this position. they deem necessary and that they can racial views, any number of people who What does me hurt is the partisanship, include religious references in its mis- claim to be a religion can set up a reli- some of the partisanship, not from all sion statement and other governing giously affiliated school and benefit Members, that I hear from Iraq to the documents. through the largesse of this $10 million White House politics to the rest of it All I am trying to determine is and pretend that they are educating on an issue. whether or not that is completely wide children, segregate them, as I under- If we disagree on this issue, that is open, or whether there is a list of some stand under the gentleman’s author- fine. I personally truly believe that type that either already is approved or izing language by sex or any other this gives some of our children an op- would be approved of which religiously manner, hire only those who believe portunity to get out of schools that are affiliated entities could operate schools what they believe, discriminate against crime- and drug-ridden and are being in the District. anyone else, and determine their own left behind. Not many, if any, Members Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. curriculum, that I have a concern of Congress, either the House or the Chairman, will the gentleman yield? about, even if we agree that this was other body, have their children in D.C. Mr. FATTAH. I yield to the gen- the way to go, that this kind of loop- public schools. Most are in private tleman from Virginia. hole would be useful to us at this time schools. And yet there are some that Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. in our Nation’s capital. would deny poor children, poor families Chairman, to my knowledge there is no [From ABC News I-Team] to have the same rights that Members exclusion of any religion, or inclusion. BALADULLAH of Congress and other people that are The Secretary of Education is the one Nov. 8.—The ABC7 News I-Team has affluent have. I think that is wrong. that would be able to come forward learned that millions of your tax dollars are The other fallacy is that we are cut- with a list and make the determina- headed this year, to a group that is con- ting public spending. We are not. Look tion. As the gentleman knows, there nected to an organization founded by a Paki- where we have come from. When many have been a number of court decisions stani terrorist. You are paying for a new sys- of us dedicated ourselves to improving along this line, and we feel this meets tem of charter schools, started by the mem- education, the roofs were so poor they the mandate of the courts, and it has bers of an Islamic village in the Sierra foot- were controlled by the fire department to meet a certain level. hills called ‘‘Baladullah.’’ Dan Noyes has Part Two of this I-Team investigation. in D.C. Schools had to be delayed. We Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, re- The ABC7 News I-Team has learned that improved that. We put forth charter claiming my time, all of the lawsuits millions of your tax dollars are headed this schools. We put forth a summer school on this matter, or at least the vast ma- year to a group that is connected to an orga- where we had thousands of children jority, have been about the Federal nization founded by a Pakistani terrorist. volunteer to go to summer school in prison system, in which the courts You are paying for a new system of charter D.C., not because they had to, but be- have been, I would say, very lenient in schools, started by the members of an Is- cause they did not want to be left be- determining what is a religion, and all lamic village in the Sierra foothills called ‘‘Baladullah.’’ Dan Noyes has Part Two of hind. And there is another phase of manner of groups with any number of, this I-Team investigation. that that we disagree on. But please do I think, what most of us would con- Some of these charter schools are here in not say we are trying to damage edu- sider problematic beliefs have been de- the Bay Area. We want to be clear from the

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.026 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7987 start that this is not a story about the Mus- The lawyer for Baladullah says the people its allies,’’ Senate Democratic Leader Ron lim faith. It is about one group of people liv- here are not extremists. And, he denied any Klein and Senator Dave Aronberg wrote in ing just a few hours from the Bay Area, who direct connection between the village and their letter to Gov. Jeb Bush. have ties to a mysterious Pakistani sheik. Jilani—or even the group the sheik founded, Denise Lasher, spokeswoman for Florida The U.S. State Department has listed Pak- Muslims of America. PRIDE, said officials conducted an inde- istani sheik Sayyid Mubarik Jilani as the Doug Hurt: ‘‘In that they are Muslims and pendent audit of the school after the indict- founder of a terrorist group that has com- they live in America, I would say so, but are ment was released and found no misuse of mitted dozens of crimes across the country— they formally connected, is there an entity, funds and no connection between the schol- firebombings, fraud, and assassinations. And no, not as far as I’m aware.’’ arship money and terrorist activity. in a recruitment tape, Jilani offers to train But the president and treasurer of Muslims She said the school received more than any American who will join his cause. of America list their home address as $300,000 in federal grants for computers and Sheik Jilani: ‘‘We shall be helping Muslims Baladullah. And the secretary of Muslims of its free- and reduced-price school lunch pro- wherever they are oppressed, and we wish America—Khadijah Ghafur—is also the presi- gram. that you’d extend your cooperation with us dent of the charter schools. That connection ‘‘It was unfortunate that there was some- in any manner suitable to the cause.’’ between the schools and Jilani’s group trou- one at the school accused of doing something Jilani also established ‘‘Muslims of Amer- bles the principal at the branch in Sunny- illegal, but that doesn’t mean the school has ica’’ to help spread his version of Islam. Late vale. done something illegal,’’ she said Thursday. last year, the group moved its headquarters Mazhar Jamil: ‘‘I am surprised. This is the But although Florida PRIDE found that all to a village in the Sierra foothills called first time I have heard anything like this.’’ of its scholarship money was going to the Baladullah—along with the mobile homes, Mazhar Jamil has run a school on this site school, Hammoudeh was paid for his services the airstrip, and the U-Haul franchise. for six years—he has just signed on with as school treasurer, and the indictment Male Teacher: ‘‘We move the decimal point Baladullah’s Gateway Academy. But now, he states that school supplies and equipment in the divisor. How many times to the says he has to rethink that relationship . . . were used in the Jihad operation. It is un- right?’’ because of the ties between the schools, the known whether Al-Arian was being paid. The compound has a new charter school. village, and the sheik. Corporations that donate to the program It’s a way for the state to provide an alter- Mazhar Jamil: ‘‘We have no connection or receive a dollar-for-dollar tax break. The native form of education, paid for with your desire to be affiliated with anything like program gave out nearly $50 million in schol- tax dollars. that.’’ arships last year. Sharon Brooks, Assistant Administrator: We want to emphasize that Muslims of Since the program began, large corpora- ‘‘We’re teaching our children because we America has not appeared on any terrorist tions such as WCI Communities Inc., Gulf want them to be doctors and lawyers and watch list. Sheik Jilani has, along with his Power Co., Florida Power & Light and judges and architects. We don’t want them group al-Fuqra. Gateway Academy is the Verizon Wireless have donated to the pro- to be ditch diggers.’’ only charter school in the Fresno district gram, but how much and to which program is Student: ‘‘The administrators would not that has more than one location, and most of not public information. Critics of the corporate tax credit scholar- discuss their connection to Muslims of them are outside the county. ship program are concerned that there is no America or Sheik Jilani. So, we asked their As a result of our reports, Fresno Assem- government oversight of the schools that attorney about the charter school.’’ blyman Mike Briggs plans to introduce a take the money. In their letter to Bush, Doug Hurt: ‘‘It is one small site, it has 25– new bill, so that a group can open charter Klein and Aronberg called for a review of the 50 kids at any given time.’’ schools ‘‘only’’ in the county where they program and the schools. Dan: ‘‘Is that it?’’ live. Dan: ‘‘How about the eleven other cam- Under the May 2001 law, the Florida De- partment of Education cannot dictate cur- puses for the charter?’’ [From the Naples Daily News, July 18, 2003] Doug Hurt: ‘‘What interest is that of riculum or monitor how students are pro- PRIVATE SCHOOL WITH TIES TO ALLEGED yours?’’ gressing academically. This year—under the name ‘‘Gateway TERRORIST GETS STATE MONEY But Lasher insisted the schools teachers Academy’’—the village opened twelve char- TAMPA.—Senate Democrats urged Gov. Jeb and students are top notch academically. ter schools up and down the state . . . in- Bush on Thursday to cut off payment to a Senate President Jim King, R-Jackson- cluding one in Oakland and in Sunnyvale. school co-founded by a professor accused of ville, jokingly said in May that he could All the schools are chartered through the being the North American leader of a world- start a school for witches under the law and Fresno Unified School District, where offi- wide terrorist organization. receive corporate tax credit scholarships. ‘‘The intent of this program was to help cials had expected Gateway to run just a few The school received $350,000 last year poor kids. The intent was never to make op- schools in the area. All those satellite through a state program that pays private portunistic entrepreneurs wealthy,’’ said schools came as a surprise. school tuition for some students. Jill Marmolejo, Fresno Unified: ‘‘They’re A February grand jury indictment against King, who also ordered a study of the pro- running along doing their business and then Sami Al-Arian, the alleged leader of the Pal- gram. Despite the accountability concerns, Bush informing us after the fact, so we told them estinian Islamic Jihad, and seven others says remained a supporter, saying last week that in the future, before you open any satellites the school was used as a base of support for it was a ‘‘proven success,’’ based on the stu- you have to get it approved through us.’’ the organization. dents receiving the scholarships. Jill Marmolejo says it appears Gateway The indictment said the purpose of the or- Ahmed Bedier, spokesman for the Muslim Academy has done nothing illegal by opening ganization was ‘‘to assist its engagement in, advocacy group Council on American-Islamic schools across the state, but it has put a tre- and promotion of, violent attacks designed Relations, said the Tampa school is well re- mendous strain on Fresno School District in- to thwart the Middle East Peace Process.’’ It spected. He noted that the University of spectors. They now have to travel hundreds said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is respon- South Florida is also mentioned in the in- of miles, to check up on the schools. sible for 100 murders in Israel and its terri- tories. dictment. Jill Marmolejo: ‘‘We’re not specialists in But USF, where Al-Arian was a professor Al-Arian, who is being held in jail without Oakland, we’re not specialists in Pomona, so and Hammoudeh was an instructor, is not bail and denies any connections to terrorism, we’re relying on them to do the right listed as one of the bases of support for the co-founded the school in 1992 and served as things.’’ Palestinian Islamic Jihad. its director and chairman of its board. And to do the right thing with millions of Administrators at the Islamic Academy The school’s treasurer, Sameeh your tax dollars. Gateway Academy reports did not return phone calls Thursday. it has 1,200 students now, so they will receive Hammoudeh, also was indicted and is being more than $5.5 million this year. And that’s held in jail without bond. He and Al-Arian b 1300 on top of more than a million they spent last allegedly encouraged people who wanted to Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. send money to Palestinians to write checks year, setting up the charter schools. Chairman, I understand the gentle- Jonathan Bernstein: ‘‘We have serious con- to their school, The Palm Beach Post re- cerns about this group.’’ ported in its Thursday editions. man’s concern. Every school has to Researchers at the Anti-Defamation Last year, the 300-student Islamic Acad- meet the nondiscrimination provisions League have been tracking Sheik Jilani for emy of Florida received more than 50 percent that are currently in the law as well, if almost 20 years, and now, they are worried of its revenue from the state program, Flor- that gives the gentleman some level of about Baladullah’s charter schools. They ida PRIDE, which uses corporate donations comfort. have no evidence that your tax dollars are to pay for poor students to attend private Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Chairman, if the headed from a village in Tulare County . . . schools. gentleman would yield for 10 seconds to the terrorist’s base in Pakistan. But, in ‘‘The disclosures that more than $300,000 of on that point. The gentleman says here general, the ADL is concerned about where this money went last year to a school sus- the charter school money is going. pected of terrorist ties raises the frightening in section 9, notwithstanding any other Jonathan Bernstein: ‘‘We feel like these specter that Florida’s taxpayers may be un- provision of the law, the school could funds can land up in the hands of extrem- wittingly funding extremist organizations employ, the participating school may ists.’’ intent on the destruction of our nation and employ anybody that they believe——

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.027 H05PT1 H7988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. know that. The Washington, D.C. way I can read. I am 8 years old I have a lot Chairman, if I could ask the gentleman school system spends more money per of problems I was born with. public school to let me get through my speakers and student than almost any other school said I would not read. I read and my, my then we can continue the colloquy. district in America. Test scores are math is great my handwriting is not so good but I have A in reading and A im math Mr. Chairman, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to routinely towards the lower end of the LAPRIA JOHNSON. the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. spectrum of test scores across America. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- MURPHY). We all know this. In fact, we, my col- serve the balance of my time. Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Chairman, I rise leagues, affluent people in this commu- today in support of the Davis amend- Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. nity, we know it and we act accord- Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the ment and, more importantly, for the ingly; because in disproportionate children of America. gentleman from Texas (Mr. CARTER). number, what we do is we send our kids Mr. CARTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in We have had school choice in this to the private schools. Democrats, Re- country as long as we have had schools, support of this amendment and of this publicans, Congressmen and Congress- legislation. I just want everyone to and it is called money. If you have women, Senators, administration offi- enough money you can choose where know the experience that I had sitting cials, we send our kids to the private on the committee when the parents your children go to school, the family schools. Why do we do that? Because can choose, and without it the choice is and the children were in the audience they are better schools and because we watching what we did, and to experi- made for the child. Unfortunately, stu- can afford it and because we want to ence the eyes of those children begging dents stuck in substandard public give our kids the best possible oppor- us to give them this chance, and those schools receive inadequate education. tunity in life. The harsh reality is that the lower the And how dare we deny that same op- mothers and grandmothers who were level of an individual’s education portunity to people who just do not crying tears when they saw that they achievement, the lower their income have the same level of income that we were going to have the opportunity to earning potential will be. have? How dare we deny these kids the send their children to schools that Study after study in Wisconsin, Ohio, one chance they are ever going to have would be effective. It is imperative that we give these Florida, has shown that given the op- in life to build the best, most solid edu- people an opportunity. They should portunity to attend better schools, cational foundation they can to create have an opportunity to send their kids even if only for a few years, children the opportunities that they deserve for improve their math and reading scores. their futures? I say we dare not deny to a good school. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield And in both public and nonpublic them this opportunity. Give these kids schools they both improve when you myself the balance of my time. in the D.C. school system, give them Mr. Chairman, I simply want to close introduce competition. Increasing a hope, give them a chance and do it by student’s educational choices means for my side with one word. Opposition giving their parents a choice. to private school vouchers is one of the increasing that student’s future job I urge my colleagues to support this few bipartisan policy issues remaining choices. amendment. As a psychologist and a person who Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- in our country today. You will seldom has spent 25 years working with chil- serve the balance of my time. find an issue where almost two-thirds dren, I call upon this Congress to focus Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. of the American people are in agree- on the needs of children. The city is Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- ment. And what they believe, accord- working to fix the problems and I com- tleman from Arizona (Mr. FLAKE), one ing to all the data, is that money from mend the district’s local leaders for ad- of the leaders on the original under- the public Treasury should not be si- vocating on behalf of children. How- lying bill. phoned off to private schools. Diversion ever, comprehensive change does not Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I thank via the Davis amendment would begin happen overnight and children do not the gentleman for yielding me time. that process for the first time in U.S. have time to wait. New school adminis- There has been a discussion about history. I ask my colleagues to think trators, new school board members, who wants these vouchers. Is there about the momentous nature of this new curriculum, more teacher training, anybody who wants them? I can tell vote and to vote against the Davis takes time and these children do not you I just left a meeting in the Ray- amendment. have time to wait. Every day that goes burn Building, just a few yards away, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- by with a child stuck in an ineffective where there are a few dozen D.C. par- ance of my time. school is one day too many. Every day ents who want these vouchers, who are Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. a D.C. parent has to send their children waiting, pleading, hoping that the vote Chairman, I yield such time as he may to a poor-performing school is another is right today. One of them gave me consume to the gentleman from Ohio missed opportunity for those children this letter written by a little girl (Mr. BOEHNER), the chairman of the to get a quality education, and the named Lapria Johnson. She is 8 years House Committee on Education and children do not have time to wait. old. She was born as what they call a the Workforce and one of the authors We have an obligation to these chil- drug baby. Her mother took drugs of this amendment. dren to provide something that works, while she was pregnant. Lapria was Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Chairman, let me while at the same time helping public born and her grandmother was told thank the lead sponsor on this amend- schools. We believe we would be dere- that she would never read. ment, the gentleman from Virginia lict in our duties as Members of Con- This is a letter that she just wrote: (Mr. TOM DAVIS) and the gentleman gress if we continue to make children ‘‘My name is Lapria and I go to Holy from New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN) wait too long. Temple Christian Academy. The Wash- who has worked closely with us to Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- ington Scholarship Fund is the only bring some hope to children who today serve the balance of my time. way I can read. I am 8 years old. I have do not have hope. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. a lot of problems I was born with. Pub- Eighty percent of the kids in Amer- Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- lic school said I could not read. I read ica go to public schools, and we are tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. and my math is great. My handwriting doing everything we can to help those TOOMEY). is not so good. But I have an A in read- public schools improve, and we are all Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. Chairman, I want ing and an A in math.’’ hopeful that they do improve. But we to thank and congratulate my friend I can tell you that her handwriting is also know that the problems in the from Virginia because I think this is better than mine and she is one that D.C. schools are severe. In spite of one of the most important amendments will benefit from this. There are kids spending over $10,000 per student, we we will debate this entire year. This is all over like Lapria that will benefit have the worst schools in America. And a tremendous opportunity for us to from this if we will simply let them. what this amendment does is to say let give a little bit of freedom to the peo- We need to let them. us create a scholarship program for ple who clearly need it the most. WASHINGTON SCHOLARSHIP 2,000 of them. The fact is the Washington, D.C. pub- My name is Lapria and I go to Holy Tem- This debate today really should not lic school system is not up to par. We ple Christian Academy. W.SF. is the only be about the teachers unions. There is

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.062 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7989 no diversion of public money here. This I did vote in favor of the Norton amendment The question is on the amendment debate today is about one thing: the to strike funding for this voucher proposal. My offered by the gentleman from Virginia plight of poor kids who lost the lucky vote on the Norton amendment is a true indi- (Mr. TOM DAVIS). lottery of life in terms of who their cation of my position on this issue. The question was taken; and the parents were or what household they While I understand the strong feelings be- Chairman announced that the ayes ap- grew up in or what school that they got hind the prospect of providing voucher to chil- peared to have it. assigned to. dren in the District of Columbia, I have had a Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I de- How can we continue to turn our longstanding and well-known position of op- mand a recorded vote. heads and look the other way when we posing Federal funding for school vouchers. I The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause know that children’s lives are being ru- would much rather see additional investments 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on ined because they are consistently put made in the D.C. public school system than to the amendment offered by the gen- in a school that is not performing? I, have funds used in private schools. The D.C. tleman from Virginia will be post- for one, cannot look the other way voucher proposal will provide options for a poned. Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. anymore. very small fraction of children in the District of Chairman, I move to strike the last Let me tell a story that I think illus- Columbia public school system. But every word. trates all of this as best I can illustrate child in the District of Columbia deserves a it for all of you. I have been long in- Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a high-quality education, not just a few thou- colloquy with my good friend and the volved with a group here in town called sand. I strongly believe that a high quality chairman of the subcommittee, the D.C. Parents for School Choice and the education system will only be possible through gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Washington Scholarship Fund. Every additional investments to the public school FRELINGHUYSEN), the distinguished year the D.C. Parents for School system, rather than by using public funds for chairman of the Subcommittee on the Choice have a picnic somewhere up private schools. District of Columbia of the Committee here on Capitol Hill, and hundreds and Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise on Appropriations, and with the sup- hundreds of mothers, grandmothers, today in strong opposition to the Davis amend- port of the distinguished ranking mem- great-grandmothers, come to this pic- ment to the D.C. Appropriations bill. ber, the gentleman from Pennsylvania nic with their child hoping that their Our country has a rich tradition of providing (Mr. FATTAH). child’s name will be drawn out of a hat a quality education to every child in America. The colloquy deals with a surprising for a scholarship. I am a strong believer in America’s public and very damaging change in Social I cannot go to the picnic anymore. I schools. My wife taught in them for more than Security annuities for district fire- cannot go. Because when I went to the a quarter century. Many of my family members fighters, police, Secret Service agents, picnic and I looked into the faces of and friends are public school teachers. My Park Police and others. these women with their children, look- wife and I are both graduates of public Mr. Chairman, on October 1, 2002 the ing for hope, the only hope they were schools, as are our children. above District public service employees ever going to have for that child was to My children, Angie and Chris, both grad- were notified for the first time of a re- get a scholarship to be able to go to a uated from public schools, and went on to at- duction in their monthly retirement school where that kid would have a tend the University of Texas and Texas A&M, benefit payments by removing any chance to succeed. These mothers, respectively. My daughter attended the Univer- credit received for military service per- grandmothers and great-grandmothers, sity of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and formed after 1956 pursuant to D.C. Code they were there and they knew that is now doing her residency in internal medi- 5–704(h). In other words, the fire- their child, if they did not get that cine there. These are all public schools. I am fighters and police who expected to scholarship, the chances for them to proud of the adults they have become, and have their military service count to- succeed were almost nil in these know that they owe many of their successes wards retirement are now being told schools. to the fine educations they’ve received at that their benefits will be dramatically I sob, and I am doing everything I these public schools. reduced or that they will have to pay can not to sob here today. These kids So I am disheartened by attempts like this back benefits received to account for need our help. This is criminal neglect one which seek to dismantle America’s public the calculation. on the part of public policy makers to school program. I know that proponents of this It is unfortunate and sad to expect continue to look the other way when measure will argue that students in failing the protectors of our Capitol, who also we know that kids are in schools, that schools deserve better—and I couldn’t agree served our country in the military, to they cannot learn, and they are not with them more. But vouchers are not the an- be penalized for government’s mistake learning. swer. in not notifying them of this adminis- I have been in hundreds of schools As many of my colleagues have pointed out, trative change. and so have all of my colleagues. We the average voucher covers only a small part Mr. Chairman, if Congress desires to see these bright young faces in the first of the costs of private school tuition. The continue to prohibit a military service and second grade, eager to learn, and vouchers provided in this legislation would not credit for Social Security contribu- then you look around some of these go far enough to help all students attend pri- tions, then we have two choices that buildings and they have no chance. vate schools. Only those with incomes suffi- would permit us to look at our fire- Without an education you have no cient to cover the remainder of the tuition fighters and police officers with a chance at the American dream. These would be able to truly have a choice. That straight face. We can either restore the kids need our help. They deserve our leaves low-income students that much further military credit for those who were not help. And when I vote today I will be behind. notified of the change prior to October looking into the face of those mothers, Additionally, vouchers are unproven. The of 2002 or we can permit them to buy grandmothers and great-grandmothers, evidence is unclear as to whether students ac- back the benefits they have received by and I am not going to disappoint them. tually do better in private schools than in pub- having them submit adjusted payments Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Chairman, during the lic schools with smaller class sizes. If we are that were due while in the military. vote on Representative TOM DAVIS’s amend- really committed to providing every child with Mr. Chairman, the harm our public ment to the fiscal year 2004 D.C. Appropria- a top-notch education, we should implement safety personnel will endure from these tions Bill, H.R. 2765, I mistakenly voted ‘‘aye.’’ proven reforms in all schools—qualified teach- drastic annuity reductions or penalties I intended to vote ‘‘no.’’ At the time, I was in- ers, small class sizes, updated materials, and will be severe. And I encourage Mem- volved in a conference call with constituents. advanced technologies. bers to support a correction to the D.C. I left the floor after voting on the Davis amend- Ninety percent of America’s kids to go pub- Code that permits them to manage this ment to participate in the call believing that I lic schools. If we’re going to keep our promise terrible mistake. I have committed to had voted in opposition to the Davis amend- to these kids, we need to make sure that all work with the distinguished chairman ment. I have heard from hundreds of my con- of them—not just the fortunate few who can of the subcommittee and the ranking stituents who are opposed to voucher pro- actually afford private schools—receive a qual- member, as well as the gentleman from posals. I fully intended to continue my position ity education. Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) and the gen- of opposing all school voucher proposals. I The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) to sincerely regret my error. pired. correct this mistake.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.064 H05PT1 H7990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 5, 2003 Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- When we have less money, we should lion jobs lost since 2001 are not coming man, will the gentleman yield? spend less money. It is really that sim- back unless new jobs are created in Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I ple. novel and dynamic ways. yield to the gentleman from New Jer- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- We need to be proactive on this bill sey. man, I rise in opposition to the amend- and make it an engine for job growth Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- ment. by buying from our own producers and man, I thank my colleague from Penn- Mr. Chairman, the Federal portion of getting them hiring again. sylvania, who has consistently stood a this bill, as the gentleman from Penn- The people are looking to Congress fervent representative of the national sylvania (Mr. FATTAH) and I already for action. fire community, for bringing this issue know, is 8.4 percent below last year’s From the Washington Post Sep- to our attention. I understand the gen- level which is about $43 million. It has tember 3, 2003, it quoted, ‘‘In his Labor tleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) made it difficult for to us meet the Day address (The President) signaled and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. city’s priority. that the loss of 2.6 million manufac- HOYER) are working with the gen- Actually if we had not received the turing jobs during his administration tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. $10 million from the gentleman from had moved to the top of his list of do- WELDON) on a stand-alone bill to ad- Ohio (Chairman REGULA), our alloca- mestic policy concerns.’’ dress this matter and I support his ef- tion would have been 10.4 percent below Our domestic manufacturing base is forts. last year’s allocation level. being hollowed out right before our own eyes. In 1981 Rockford, Illinois, the b 1315 This amendment, well intended, would reduce the Federal funds to the largest city of the congressional dis- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. HEFLEY District by another 1 percent or $4.6 trict that I have the pleasure to rep- Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer million. The District needs every dol- resent, had an unemployment rate of 25 an amendment. lar it can get for programs and prior- percent, the highest in the Nation. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- Today it is 11.3 percent. I do not want ignate the amendment. ities of the District. And I urge my col- leagues to oppose the amendment. to see a recurrence of what happened in The text of the amendment is as fol- 1981. This summer, two more factories lows: The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gen- closed down, and we are in danger of Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. HEFLEY: tleman from Colorado (Mr. HEFLEY). seeing our industrial base irreparably At the end of the bill (before the short harmed. title), insert the following: The question was taken; and the The Department of Labor employ- SEC. 136. Total Federal appropriations Chairman announced that the noes ap- made in this Act (other than appropriations peared to have it. ment report for August is out this required to be made by a provision of law) Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Chairman, I de- morning. Manufacturing employment are hereby reduced by $4,660,000. mand a recorded vote. declined again for the 37th consecutive Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause month. That is a record. In 30 days, our today to offer an amendment to cut the 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on Nation lost 44,000 manufacturing jobs, level of funding in this appropriations the amendment offered by the gen- and for the first time in our Nation’s bill by 1 percent which amounts to tleman from Colorado (Mr. HEFLEY) history, we have fewer than 10 percent $4.66 million. As most of my colleagues will be postponed. of our jobs in the manufacturing sector are aware, I have offered similar of the labor force. That means fewer AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. MANZULLO amendments on a number of the appro- employees than at any time since 1961, Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Chairman, I priation bills, in fact, on most of the when the U.S. population was 100 mil- offer an amendment. appropriation bills. lion or smaller. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- I want to emphasize particularly Mr. Chairman, the purpose of this ignate the amendment. today that this is not a reflection on bill is simply to state that, if anything, The text of the amendment is as fol- the job that the chairman of com- taxpayers’ dollars should be used to lows: mittee or the ranking member or this buy things that are made in America. committee has done. In fact, my col- Amendment No. 1 offered by Mr. MAN- The present law today says only 50 per- leagues have done a good job, I think, ZULLO: At the end of the bill (before the short cent. This increases it to 65 percent. of actually allocating less this year title), insert the following: Why not save our manufacturing jobs than was done last year. So it is not a SEC. ll. None of the funds made available with the taxpayers’ dollars that are reflection of that. What it is is a reflec- in this Act may be used— being paid in? tion of my deep concern about the def- (1) to acquire manufactured articles, mate- There are other forums where this icit that we continue to pile up. rials, or supplies unless section 2 of the Buy issue may be raised. We have been ad- I think it is important to state the American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a) is applied to the vised by the Parliamentarian that this contract for such acquisition by substituting affect these amendments that I have particular amendment is not proper to offered would have on the deficit if ‘‘at least 65 percent’’ for ‘‘substantially all’’; or raise at this time. they would be accepted on all the (2) to enter into a contract for the con- Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- spending bills. Just a tiny 1 percent cut struction, alteration, or repair of any public sent to withdraw this amendment from to all of the spending bills, one cent building or public work unless section 3 of consideration. out of each dollar, would reduce the the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10b) is ap- The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection projected deficit by almost 25 percent. plied to such contract by substituting ‘‘at to the request of the gentleman from The practical reality of this amend- least 65 percent’’ for ‘‘substantially all’’. Illinois? ment is that we would save $100 billion Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- There was no objection. if we had passed all of these as we go man, I reserve a point of order on the The CHAIRMAN. Are there any other along. Of course, we have not. I think gentleman’s amendment. Members wishing to offer amendments it is important to state that some of us The CHAIRMAN. A point of order is to the bill? are very concerned about this deficit reserved. SEQUENTIAL VOTES POSTPONED IN COMMITTEE and this is the way to do it. Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Chairman, we OF THE WHOLE We have to draw a line somewhere. can help our struggling manufacturing The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause The budget we have for the next year is sector today by increasing the Amer- 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will now too large. We can do something about ican content of the equipment pur- resume on those amendments on which the deficit right now. By voting for my chased under this bill from 50 to 65 per- further proceedings were postponed in amendment members would be stating cent. the following order: the amendment of- that the American taxpayer should not This modest increase will cause no fered by the gentleman from Virginia have to pay higher taxes in the future real hardship for the District of Colum- (Mr. TOM DAVIS), amendment offered because we could not control our bia. It will be greatly appreciated by by the gentlewoman from the District spending today. our Nation’s desperate manufacturers. of Columbia (Ms. NORTON), amendment Our budget should be no different Today’s Washington Post reported No. 2 offered by the gentleman from from the taxpayers’ budgets at home. that the vast majority of the 2.7 mil- Colorado (Mr. HEFLEY).

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05SE7.065 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7991 AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. TOM DAVIS OF NOES—203 The result of the vote was announced VIRGINIA Abercrombie Green (TX) Neal (MA) as above recorded. The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- Alexander Grijalva Ney Stated against: ness is the demand for a recorded vote Allen Gutierrez Oberstar Andrews Harman Obey Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall on the amendment offered by the gen- Baca Hastings (FL) Olver No. 478 I was inadvertently detained. Had I tleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) Baird Hill Ortiz been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Baldwin Hinchey Owens on which further proceedings were ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Ballance Hinojosa Pallone postponed and on which the ayes pre- Becerra Hoeffel Pascrell The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause vailed by voice vote. Bell Holden Pastor 6 of rule XVIII, the remainder of this Berkley Holt The Clerk will redesignate the Paul series of votes will be conducted as 5- Berman Honda Payne amendment. Berry Hooley (OR) Pelosi minute votes. Biggert Hoyer The Clerk redesignated the amend- Peterson (MN) AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. NORTON ment. Bishop (GA) Inslee Platts Bishop (NY) Israel Pomeroy The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- RECORDED VOTE Blumenauer Jackson (IL) Price (NC) ness is the demand for a recorded vote Boehlert Jackson-Lee Rahall on the amendment offered by the gen- The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Boswell (TX) Ramstad tlewoman from the District of Colum- been demanded. Boucher Jefferson Reyes A recorded vote was ordered. Boyd Johnson (IL) Ross bia (Ms. NORTON) on which further pro- Brady (PA) Johnson, E. B. ceedings were postponed and on which The vote was taken by electronic de- Rothman Brown (OH) Jones (OH) Ruppersberger the noes prevailed by voice vote. vice, and there were—ayes 205, noes 203, Brown, Corrine Kanjorski Rush The Clerk will designate the amend- not voting 26, as follows: Capps Kaptur Ryan (OH) Capuano Kennedy (RI) Sabo ment. Cardin Kildee [Roll No. 478] Sanchez, Linda The Clerk designated the amend- Cardoza Kilpatrick T. AYES—205 Carson (IN) Kind ment. Sanchez, Loretta Carson (OK) Kleczka Aderholt Garrett (NJ) Nunes Sanders RECORDED VOTE Case Lampson Akin Gerlach Nussle Sandlin Clay Langevin The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Bachus Gibbons Osborne Saxton Clyburn Lantos been demanded. Baker Gilchrest Ose Schakowsky Conyers Larsen (WA) Barrett (SC) Gillmor Otter Schiff A recorded vote was ordered. Cooper Larson (CT) Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Oxley Scott (GA) Costello Lee The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 5- Barton (TX) Goode Pearce Scott (VA) Cramer Levin minute vote. Bass Goodlatte Pence Serrano Beauprez Goss Crowley Lewis (GA) Peterson (PA) Sherman The vote was taken by electronic de- Bereuter Granger Cummings LoBiondo Petri Simpson vice, and there were—ayes 203, noes 203, Bilirakis Green (WI) Davis (AL) Lowey Pitts Skelton Bishop (UT) Greenwood Davis (CA) Lucas (KY) not voting 28, as follows: Pombo Slaughter Blackburn Gutknecht Davis (FL) Lynch Porter Smith (WA) [Roll No. 479] Blunt Hall Davis (IL) Majette Portman Snyder Boehner Harris Davis (TN) Maloney AYES—203 Pryce (OH) Solis Bonilla Hart DeFazio Markey Abercrombie Emanuel Lucas (KY) Putnam Spratt Bonner Hastings (WA) Quinn Delahunt Marshall Alexander Engel Lynch DeLauro Matheson Stark Bono Hayes Radanovich Allen Eshoo Majette Deutsch Matsui Stenholm Boozman Hayworth Regula Andrews Etheridge Maloney Dicks McCarthy (MO) Strickland Bradley (NH) Hefley Rehberg Baca Evans Markey Dingell McCarthy (NY) Stupak Brady (TX) Hensarling Renzi Baird Farr Marshall Doggett McCollum Tanner Brown (SC) Herger Reynolds Baldwin Fattah Matheson Dooley (CA) McDermott Tauscher Brown-Waite, Hobson Rogers (KY) Ballance Filner Matsui Doyle McGovern Thompson (CA) Ginny Hoekstra Rogers (MI) Becerra Frank (MA) McCarthy (MO) Edwards McHugh Thompson (MS) Burgess Hostettler Rohrabacher Bell Frost McCarthy (NY) Emanuel McIntyre Tierney Burns Houghton Ros-Lehtinen Berkley Gephardt McCollum Engel McNulty Towns Burton (IN) Hulshof Royce Berman Gonzalez McDermott Buyer Hunter English Meehan Turner (TX) Berry Gordon Ryan (WI) McGovern Calvert Hyde Eshoo Meek (FL) Udall (CO) Biggert Graves McHugh Ryun (KS) Camp Isakson Etheridge Meeks (NY) Udall (NM) Bishop (GA) Green (TX) McIntyre Schrock Cannon Issa Evans Menendez Van Hollen Bishop (NY) Grijalva McNulty Sensenbrenner Cantor Istook Farr Michaud Velazquez Blumenauer Gutierrez Meehan Sessions Capito Jenkins Fattah Millender- Visclosky Boehlert Harman Meek (FL) Shadegg Carter Johnson (CT) Filner McDonald Waters Boswell Hastings (FL) Meeks (NY) Shaw Castle Johnson, Sam Fletcher Miller (NC) Watson Boucher Hill Menendez Shays Chabot Jones (NC) Frost Miller, George Watt Boyd Hinchey Michaud Sherwood Chocola Keller Gephardt Moore Weiner Brady (PA) Hinojosa Millender- Shimkus Coble Kelly Gonzalez Moran (VA) Wexler Brown (OH) Hoeffel McDonald Shuster Cole Kennedy (MN) Gordon Nadler Wu Brown, Corrine Holden Miller (NC) Collins King (IA) Smith (MI) Graves Napolitano Wynn Capps Holt Miller, George Cox King (NY) Smith (NJ) Capuano Honda Moore Crane Kingston Smith (TX) NOT VOTING—26 Cardin Hooley (OR) Moran (VA) Crenshaw Kirk Souder Ackerman LaHood Rogers (AL) Cardoza Hoyer Nadler Cubin Kline Stearns Ballenger Leach Roybal-Allard Carson (IN) Inslee Napolitano Sweeney Culberson Knollenberg Burr Lofgren Simmons Carson (OK) Israel Neal (MA) Tancredo Cunningham Kolbe DeGette Mollohan Sullivan Case Jackson (IL) Ney Tauzin Davis, Jo Ann Latham Foley Murtha Waxman Clay Jackson-Lee Oberstar Taylor (MS) Davis, Tom LaTourette Frank (MA) Myrick Whitfield Clyburn (TX) Obey Deal (GA) Lewis (CA) Taylor (NC) Janklow Pickering Conyers Jefferson Olver Terry Woolsey DeLay Lewis (KY) John Rangel Young (AK) Cooper Johnson (IL) Ortiz DeMint Linder Thomas Kucinich Rodriguez Costello Johnson, E. B. Osborne Diaz-Balart, L. Lipinski Thornberry Cramer Jones (OH) Owens Diaz-Balart, M. Lucas (OK) Tiahrt ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Crowley Kanjorski Pallone Doolittle Manzullo Tiberi The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). Cummings Kaptur Pascrell Dreier McCotter Toomey The Chair reminds the Members that Davis (AL) Kennedy (RI) Pastor Duncan McCrery Turner (OH) Davis (CA) Kildee Paul Dunn McInnis Upton there are 2 minutes remaining in this Davis (FL) Kilpatrick Payne Ehlers McKeon Vitter vote. Davis (IL) Kind Pelosi Emerson Mica Walden (OR) Davis (TN) Kleczka Peterson (MN) Everett Miller (FL) Walsh DeFazio Lampson Platts Feeney Miller (MI) Wamp b 1347 Delahunt Langevin Pomeroy Ferguson Miller, Gary Weldon (FL) DeLauro Lantos Price (NC) Flake Moran (KS) Weldon (PA) Mr. GREEN of Texas changed his Deutsch Larsen (WA) Rahall Forbes Murphy Weller vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Dicks Larson (CT) Ramstad Ford Musgrave Wicker Messrs. RENZI, BILIRAKIS and Dingell Lee Reyes Fossella Nethercutt Wilson (NM) GINGREY changed their vote from Doggett Levin Ross Franks (AZ) Neugebauer Wilson (SC) Dooley (CA) Lewis (GA) Rothman Frelinghuysen Northup Wolf ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Doyle LoBiondo Ruppersberger Gallegly Norwood Young (FL) So the amendment was agreed to. Edwards Lowey Rush

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Ryan (OH) Skelton Towns ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Carson (IN) Jackson-Lee Pelosi Sabo Slaughter Turner (TX) The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). Carter (TX) Pombo Sanchez, Linda Smith (WA) Udall (CO) Case Jefferson Porter T. Snyder Udall (NM) The Chair advises Members there are 2 Castle Johnson (CT) Portman Sanchez, Loretta Solis Van Hollen minutes remaining in this vote. Clay Johnson (IL) Price (NC) Sanders Spratt Velazquez Clyburn Johnson, E. B. Pryce (OH) Conyers Jones (OH) Sandlin Stark Visclosky b 1401 Putnam Saxton Stenholm Waters Cooper Kanjorski Radanovich Schakowsky Strickland Watson Mr. SIMPSON and Mr. ENGLISH Costello Kaptur Rahall Schiff Stupak Watt changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Cramer Kelly Regula Crenshaw Kennedy (RI) Rehberg Scott (GA) Tanner Weiner So the amendment was rejected. Scott (VA) Tauscher Wexler Crowley Kildee Renzi Serrano Thompson (CA) Wu The result of the vote was announced Culberson Kilpatrick Reyes Sherman Thompson (MS) Wynn as above recorded. Cummings Kind Reynolds Cunningham King (IA) Rogers (KY) Simmons Tierney AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. HEFLEY Davis (AL) King (NY) Ros-Lehtinen NOES—203 The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- Davis (CA) Kingston Ross ness is the demand for a recorded vote Davis (FL) Kleczka Rothman Aderholt Garrett (NJ) Norwood on the amendment offered by the gen- Davis (IL) Kline Ruppersberger Akin Gerlach Nunes Davis, Tom Knollenberg Rush Bachus Gibbons Nussle tleman from Colorado (Mr. HEFLEY) on DeFazio Kolbe Ryan (OH) Baker Gilchrest Ose which further proceedings were post- Delahunt Lampson Sabo Barrett (SC) Gillmor Otter poned and on which the noes prevailed DeLauro Langevin Sanchez, Linda Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Oxley by voice vote. DeLay Lantos T. Barton (TX) Goode Pearce Deutsch Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Loretta Bass Goodlatte Pence The Clerk will redesignate the Dicks Larson (CT) Sanders Beauprez Goss Peterson (PA) amendment. Dingell Latham Sandlin Bereuter Granger Petri The Clerk redesignated the amend- Dooley (CA) LaTourette Saxton Bilirakis Green (WI) Pitts Doolittle Lee Schakowsky Bishop (UT) Greenwood Pombo ment. Doyle Levin Schiff Blackburn Gutknecht Porter RECORDED VOTE Dreier Lewis (CA) Scott (GA) Blunt Hall Portman Lewis (GA) The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Dunn Scott (VA) Boehner Harris Pryce (OH) Lipinski Edwards Serrano Bonilla Hart Putnam been demanded. Emanuel LoBiondo Shaw Bonner Hastings (WA) Quinn A recorded vote was ordered. Emerson Lowey Shays Bono Hayes Radanovich Engel Lucas (KY) The CHAIRMAN. This will be a 5- Sherman Boozman Hayworth Regula English Lucas (OK) minute vote. Sherwood Bradley (NH) Hefley Rehberg Eshoo Lynch Simmons Brady (TX) Hensarling Renzi The vote was taken by electronic de- Etheridge Majette Simpson Brown (SC) Herger Reynolds vice, and there were—ayes 116, noes 284, Evans Maloney Skelton Brown-Waite, Hobson Rogers (KY) Farr Markey not voting 34, as follows: Slaughter Ginny Hoekstra Rogers (MI) Fattah Marshall [Roll No. 480] Smith (NJ) Burgess Hostettler Rohrabacher Ferguson Matheson Smith (TX) Burns Houghton Ros-Lehtinen AYES—116 Filner Matsui Snyder Buyer Hulshof Royce Fletcher McCarthy (MO) Akin Fossella Musgrave Solis Calvert Hunter Ryan (WI) Ford McCarthy (NY) Bachus Franks (AZ) Neugebauer Souder Camp Hyde Ryun (KS) Baker Garrett (NJ) Norwood Frank (MA) McCollum Cannon Isakson Schrock Frelinghuysen McDermott Spratt Barrett (SC) Gibbons Nunes Stark Cantor Issa Sensenbrenner Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Otter Frost McGovern Stenholm Capito Istook Sessions Barton (TX) Goode Oxley Gallegly McIntyre Strickland Carter Jenkins Shadegg Bass Goodlatte Paul Gephardt McKeon Stupak Castle Johnson (CT) Shaw Beauprez Goss Peterson (MN) Gerlach McNulty Sweeney Chabot Johnson, Sam Shays Berry Graves Peterson (PA) Gilchrest Meehan Chocola Jones (NC) Sherwood Bilirakis Green (WI) Petri Gillmor Meek (FL) Tanner Coble Keller Shimkus Blackburn Gutknecht Pitts Gonzalez Meeks (NY) Tauscher Cole Kelly Shuster Blunt Hall Platts Gordon Menendez Tauzin Collins Kennedy (MN) Simpson Bradley (NH) Harris Ramstad Granger Michaud Thompson (CA) Cox King (IA) Smith (MI) Brady (TX) Hayes Rogers (MI) Green (TX) Millender- Thompson (MS) Crane King (NY) Smith (NJ) Brown-Waite, Hayworth Rohrabacher Greenwood McDonald Tiberi Crenshaw Kingston Smith (TX) Ginny Hefley Royce Grijalva Miller (NC) Tierney Cubin Kirk Souder Burgess Hensarling Ryan (WI) Gutierrez Miller, George Towns Culberson Kline Stearns Camp Herger Ryun (KS) Harman Moore Turner (OH) Cunningham Knollenberg Sweeney Cannon Hulshof Schrock Hart Moran (VA) Turner (TX) Davis, Jo Ann Kolbe Tancredo Capuano Hunter Sensenbrenner Hastings (FL) Murphy Udall (CO) Davis, Tom Latham Tauzin Carson (OK) Inslee Sessions Hastings (WA) Nadler Udall (NM) Deal (GA) LaTourette Taylor (MS) Chabot Isakson Shadegg Hill Napolitano Van Hollen DeLay Lewis (CA) Terry Chocola Jenkins Shimkus Hinchey Neal (MA) Velazquez DeMint Lewis (KY) Thomas Coble Johnson, Sam Shuster Hinojosa Nethercutt Visclosky Diaz-Balart, M. Linder Thornberry Collins Jones (NC) Smith (MI) Hobson Ney Walsh Doolittle Lipinski Tiahrt Cox Keller Smith (WA) Hoeffel Northup Waters Dreier Lucas (OK) Tiberi Crane Kennedy (MN) Stearns Hoekstra Nussle Watson Duncan Manzullo Toomey Cubin Kirk Tancredo Holden Oberstar Watt Dunn McCotter Turner (OH) Davis (TN) Lewis (KY) Taylor (MS) Holt Obey Weiner Emerson McCrery Upton Davis, Jo Ann Linder Terry Honda Olver Weldon (FL) English McInnis Vitter Deal (GA) Manzullo Thomas Hooley (OR) Ortiz Weldon (PA) Everett McKeon Walden (OR) DeMint McCotter Thornberry Hostettler Osborne Weller Feeney Mica Walsh Diaz-Balart, M. McCrery Tiahrt Houghton Ose Wexler Ferguson Miller (FL) Wamp Doggett McInnis Toomey Hoyer Owens Wicker Duncan Mica Upton Flake Miller (MI) Weldon (FL) Hyde Pallone Wilson (NM) Everett Miller (FL) Vitter Fletcher Miller, Gary Weldon (PA) Israel Pascrell Wolf Feeney Miller (MI) Walden (OR) Forbes Moran (KS) Weller Issa Pastor Wu Flake Miller, Gary Wamp Ford Murphy Wicker Istook Payne Wynn Forbes Moran (KS) Wilson (SC) Fossella Musgrave Wilson (NM) Jackson (IL) Pearce Young (FL) Franks (AZ) Nethercutt Wilson (SC) NOES—284 Frelinghuysen Neugebauer Wolf NOT VOTING—34 Gallegly Northup Young (FL) Abercrombie Berman Boucher Aderholt Biggert Boyd Ackerman Kucinich Rangel Alexander Bishop (GA) Brady (PA) Ballenger LaHood NOT VOTING—28 Rodriguez Allen Bishop (NY) Brown (OH) Burr Leach Rogers (AL) Ackerman Kucinich Rogers (AL) Andrews Bishop (UT) Brown (SC) Burton (IN) Lofgren Roybal-Allard Ballenger LaHood Roybal-Allard Baca Blumenauer Brown, Corrine Buyer McHugh Sullivan Burr Leach Sullivan Baird Boehlert Burns Cole Mollohan Taylor (NC) Burton (IN) Lofgren Taylor (NC) Baldwin Boehner Calvert DeGette Murtha Waxman DeGette Mollohan Waxman Ballance Bonilla Cantor Diaz-Balart, L. Myrick Whitfield Becerra Bonner Capito Ehlers Pence Diaz-Balart, L. Murtha Whitfield Woolsey Ehlers Myrick Bell Bono Capps Foley Pickering Woolsey Young (AK) Bereuter Boozman Cardin Janklow Pomeroy Foley Pickering Young (AK) Janklow Rangel Berkley Boswell Cardoza John Quinn John Rodriguez

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:25 Sep 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05SE7.030 H05PT1 September 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7993 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN support on, I would certainly expect to issue, and I assure the gentleman that The CHAIRMAN (during the vote). have a moment of silence on the floor we would very much like to address his Members are advised that there are 2 of the House and a ceremony similar to concern. But the truth is, we disagree minutes remaining in this vote. the one held in the Rayburn Courtyard so strongly on this issue, on how to ad- last year. dress this issue. We on our side just do b 1410 Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to not believe that the tax credit should Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas changed note for all the Members, we do not expire right after next year’s election her vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ plan to have votes next Friday, Sep- and certainly do not want to see it de- So the amendment was rejected. tember 12. crease in value over the next several The result of the vote was announced I thank the gentleman for yielding. years, so we have continued to insist to as above recorded. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the other body in our negotiations that Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair- the leader for his information. I want the child tax credit cover more fami- man, I move that the Committee do him to know on this side of the aisle lies for a longer period of time with now rise. we are going to be joining the majority more relief. I just hope very soon that The motion was agreed to. side of the aisle as we reflect upon the we can convince the conferees that this Accordingly, the Committee rose; tragic loss of some of our fellow citi- is the right approach to take. and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. zens and the tragic loss of all of us and Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming THORNBERRY) having assumed the our country on that September 11. my time, I appreciate the gentleman’s chair, Mr. BASS, Chairman of the Com- Mr. Leader, can you tell me what position. Of course, as the leader mittee of the Whole House on the State time on Tuesday Members need to be knows, the problem that we have on of the Union, reported that that Com- here to assure themselves that they this side of the aisle with that position mittee, having had under consideration will be able to offer the amendments on and your concern about having the tax the bill (H.R. 2765) making appropria- the Transportation-Treasury bill? credit expire shortly after the election tions for the government of the Dis- Mr. DELAY. If the gentleman will next year, we have not given relief to trict of Columbia and other activities yield further, I would say at least by 2 the 200,000 service personnel who are chargeable in whole or in part against p.m. on Tuesday, because for Members covered and the 12 million children and the revenues of said District for the fis- who are offering the amendments or 6.5 million families that would have cal year ending September 30, 2004, and who wish to be heard in the debate, we been covered by the Senate amendment for other purposes, had come to no res- will begin consideration of the Treas- that was dropped in conference. So I olution thereon. ury-Transportation bill at 2 p.m. in the understand your concern, and I share afternoon. that concern. On this side of the aisle f Mr. HOYER. We had a number of we do not want the tax credit to expire LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM questions, one of which I will ask now either. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given because it is in my mind. Having said that, however, we would Apparently, there is a delegation permission to address the House for 1 hope that the 6.5 million families and leaving for Doha Wednesday night. Can minute.) 12 million children and 200,000 Armed the gentleman reflect upon what might Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am Forces personnel would not be held be on the schedule for Thursday that pleased to yield to my friend, the dis- hostage to our concern about making they might miss? tinguished majority leader, for the pur- sure that it does not expire in an un- Mr. DELAY. If the gentleman will poses of inquiring about the schedule timely way. continue to yield, I have heard of dele- for next week and the remainder of the Mr. DELAY. If the gentleman will gations leaving on Wednesday night day, if there is any schedule for the re- yield further, I share the gentleman’s and understand that, and that is why mainder of the day. concern; but I do not think that that we anticipate a very light load, if any, So that Members who are gathered 6.5 million families would want to see a on Thursday. But I cannot definitively here will know, have we had the last tax increase right after the election, say there will not be votes on Thurs- vote of the day, Mr. Leader? having enjoyed getting a tax credit and day. I think with the two sides of the Mr. DELAY. I thank the gentleman then seeing their taxes go up $300 per aisle working together, we can come to from Maryland for yielding. child almost immediately. So I totally some accommodation to where we can Yes, we have just had the last vote of agree with the gentleman. But this properly celebrate, not celebrate, that the day. bill, as the gentleman may recall, has is not the right word. very important provisions for the mili- b 1415 Mr. HOYER. Commemorate. tary in it. Mr. DELAY. Commemorate the The House will convene on Tuesday I would just urge the gentleman to events of 9/11, and still allow Members at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and 2 make his concerns known to those over to go about their normal business. p.m. for legislative business. We expect Mr. HOYER. I thank the leader for in the other body that could move this to complete consideration of H.R. 2989, that information. bill within nanoseconds if they had real which is the Transportation, Treasury, Also, Mr. Leader, I know you did not concerns for those 6.5 million families and Independent Agencies Appropria- anticipate this, but when do you expect and the military families in this coun- tions Act for fiscal year 2004. Any votes to attempt to conclude with the D.C. try. called on amendments on this bill will appropriations bill? Will that be done Mr. HOYER. Reclaiming my time, re- be rolled until after 6:30 p.m. next week? spectfully the leader and I have a dif- On Wednesday we will consider sev- Mr. DELAY. I would expect that the ferent perspective, as you know. We eral measures under suspension of the votes on final passage of the D.C. ap- could move within a nanosecond to in- rules. A final list of these bills will be propriations bill could very well be clude those children today with unani- sent to Members’ offices by the end of held the evening of Tuesday, after the mous consent. Frankly, as the leader the day. We will plan then to consider rolled votes on the Transportation- well knows, we had a vote of 422 to 0 on H.R. 2622, the Fair and Accurate Credit Treasury bill. much of the military tax relief in Transactions Act of 2003, and hope to Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman. terms of moving expenses, capital conclude with consideration of the con- Mr. Leader, we have had a lot of con- gains expenses from selling homes and ference report on H.R. 2115, the Vision cern and discussions about the child other expenses, the death benefit exclu- 100, Century of Aviation Reauthoriza- tax credit. It has been 85 days since the sion from taxes. So all of those items, tion Act. President urged us to pass it. Does the there is agreement on my side, unani- Thursday, as you know, is September gentleman have any expectations that mously, as there was on your side. So 11, and we are currently working on that might be on the agenda, either the only issue is are we going to hold several measures to recognize the sec- next week or in the near term? those two items hostage, the child tax ond anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In I yield to the gentleman from Texas. credit and the military, for other items addition to these measures, which we Mr. DELAY. I appreciate the gen- which are much more controversial, would expect to have broad bipartisan tleman yielding and his concern on this both within this body, Mr. Leader, as

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