I am just trying to get a number of the children that we are talking about.

I am pleased to see that the District has been careful to look ahead and address looming budget pressures while maintaining priority services.

Would you have liked that?

Let me just add something that might clarify it, because Senator DeWine will remember...

I think in this debate we have to be open to new approaches, but your efforts and the council's efforts particularly on expanding charter school options and choices in the District is very commendable.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will shortly introduce the 'Federal Fair Compensation Act' which would go a long way to addressing the situation.

I just want to commend you for being open, but I guess caution that we proceed very slowly because of some of the things that I outlined.

I urge my colleagues to examine the benefits of this proposal as legislation makes its way through Congress.

I look forward to hearing from the city on the status of the District's economy, current Federal funding priorities, and a summary of the fiscal year 2004 local funds budget.

I think you mentioned, Senator, we should try to place children with relatives.

But in that stop, do you do a comprehensive evaluation of the child's general situation so that you could provide foster parents with some meaningful information about a general initial evaluation of their physical health, maybe some of…

One major benefit for the District, with no budgetary impact, endorsed by President Bush, is to release the local budget from annual Congressional approval.

So why do we continue to leave the District's foster children stranded in this equally critical time?

The reason I am pressing for this number is because I am then going to ask you how many social workers you have on staff.

But let me just say that I appreciate this work. I want to associate myself with your remarks, Mr. Chairman, and understand that we have made some progress.

I share your pain, because I can most certainly understand a family on the verge of adoption needing and being entitled to the credit that we intended them to get.

Now, of course, we would all like to see that pushed up, if possible.

Congress is partnering with the District by enhancing security and emergency preparedness; strengthening schools and education standards; supporting Family Court and child welfare; revitalizing neighborhoods.