the Federal Government said they would pick up 40 percent of the tab of special needs, and the Federal Government is only picking up 8 percent

Before this meeting is over, someone has to take responsibility to provide at least to me and to my staff an accurate accounting.

I may be misunderstanding, maybe I heard the testimony wrong, but I'm trying to determine when the car accident occurs, are the children in the car accident brought to you?

It is very important, I would suggest to the chairman, that our committee focus on the funding and recruitment.

Well, let me just briefly commend you for that. I just think it is just an extraordinary step, and will do what I can.

The first accomplishment from fiscal year 2003, and most important in my mind, is the Federal investment in strengthening successful charter schools in the District and supporting school choice ($17 million).

That is what we are determined to end.

We want to step up the advocacy as an independent voice, you know, helping us all to really stay focused on the reforms.

I just wanted to mention that there is some opportunity with this new faith-based initiative that is moving its way through Congress in a very bipartisan way and with the President's commitment to involve the District.

We would like to work with you on that.

I do not think we can get much other reform done unless you get that caseload down.

I just want to thank you for your testimony and acknowledge that these problems are quite severe in the District.

I remain concerned that there is a grave difference between checking the box of criteria and impacting the lives of children.

I am committed to working with you, as I have in the past as the Chairman of this committee, to ensure that every child in the District has access to justice before the court, and families are strengthened, not made more fragile by the…

Congress ought to move this legislation or an alternative quickly.

I just want to clarify that if I add those two numbers, that is all the children we are talking about.

Senator Landrieu, you have stated that the District of Columbia Family Court should be a 'showcase' for the whole country.

The last 2 years have been unprecedented in the amount of discretionary Federal dollars that have gone to the city, as well as an increase in congressional confidence in local leadership.