Unless businesses and jobs come back, people won't follow and we won't properly repopulate and get back on our feet.

This plan helps small businesses, of course. It was adopted last week as an amendment and we appreciate all your work on that.

I want to thank Administrator Barreto for being here today and for all of his work.

Senator Vitter and I are introducing a package today which we hope Congress will look at very carefully.

I just ask this Committee to be broad in our view as opposed to narrow and see how we can really reach out.

I voted against President Bush's request for authority to take military action in Iraq.

I remain very concerned that we are adding the entire cost of this supplemental to the deficit.

I would just caution you to take the issue of accountability very seriously.

I think that there are many opportunities still available for the school system to become more efficient, more responsive, more inclusive, stronger, within its current budget constraints.

There is still a structural imbalance.

Part of it, Mr. Chairman, is driven by the fact that the city is here, living, co-existing in a way with the Federal Government.

But, Mr. Chairman, this could happen again, and when it happens again it will not happen suddenly.

What is very notable about this is that these earnings were not taxed earnings, but earnings earned in the city using city services.

I do want to say to Mayor Williams and to our Council, that the progress the District has made is indisputable.

this city is the number one target for terrorists

I think it is clear to most that no matter how efficient the District is, no matter how competent the leadership of the city is--and I think we have very competent leadership--that there is still a difference between the capacity of the…

I think that with safeguards going in and understanding what is going to be needed is important.

I am looking forward, Mr. Chairman, to working with you to explore the options that are before us for the benefits of the residents.