Mike Thompson: “I would like to comment on Title XI of this legislation, the District of Columbia Revitalization Act. This is a major…”

“I would like to comment on Title XI of this legislation, the District of Columbia Revitalization Act. This is a major piece of legislation, and in many ways a major accomplishment, given that it was hammered out by a broad group of interested parties, including members and staff from the Governmental Affairs Committee, over a relatively short period of time. Agreement on this package was preceded earlier this year by considerable work in the Governmental Affairs Subcommittee chaired by Senator Brownback. Similar efforts were undertaken by the House Subcommittee on the District of Columbia. This Revitalization package was put together quickly, in a combined effort by all concerned parties, because of a mutual recognition that the District of Columbia's problems had become untenable. The broad recognition of the magnitude of the problem plus the possibly unique opportunity to come to agreement and enact reforms was what led so many people to agree on a package that virtually everyone regards as less than their ideal. One significant concern I have about this package is the major financial responsibility the Federal taxpayer is undertaking in the years to come. Technically, the D.C. Revitalization package meets the scoring requirements of this Balanced Budget Act, but the out-year costs are enormous and have not been dealt with.”