I am alarmed that the President's overall request for the D.C. appropriations bill in 2004 is 17 percent below the 2003 level.

I would urge this committee's support for budget autonomy legislation that is now emerging in the Congress.

I believe that, as Congress moves through this study, it ought to look first to the Federal Fair Compensation Act as a way to address the problem.

Today I introduce the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct by Correctional Staff Act, a bill to protect female inmates from sexual misconduct while incarcerated in our nation's prisons.

I ask that the members of this body join me in congratulating the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, and celebrating the spiritual understanding that has guided their path for 100 years.

Through worship and community service, Mount Lebanon carries out its slogan, 'We serve a great God; we are a great people; and we are about a great work.'

In November 1899, The Reverend Theodore Williams, a recent graduate of the School of Theology at Howard University was inspired by God to establish a mission which was named High Street Baptist Church.

I rise to introduce the Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 1999 (Universal Pre-K)

The absence of viable options for working families to educate their children at the most important stage in life demands our immediate attention.

I ask that all of my colleagues join me in saluting the District of Columbia State Council of the Knights of Columbus for a century of selfless service and patriotism.

The new science shows that brain development determining lifelong learning begins much earlier in infants and children than was previously believed.

I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation.