Rick Allen: “H.R. 513 is a bipartisan bill authored by the District of Columbia Subcommittee's chairman, the gentleman from Virginia…”

“H.R. 513 is a bipartisan bill authored by the District of Columbia Subcommittee's chairman, the gentleman from Virginia and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia, its ranking member. It would simply exempt contracts over $1 million entered into by the District's Water and Sewer Authority and Convention Center Authority from review and approval by the city council. These two authorities were established by the Council during the last 2 years as corporate bodies with a legal existence apart from the District government. Each authority has its own board of directors, financial system, and revenue sources. Their independence was an essential element of their design, and it is critical to the realization of their respective missions. Two years ago, Congress approved legislation developed by the D.C. Subcommittee establishing the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, Public Law 104-8. This bill contained a provision amending the District's home rule charter to require council review of all contracts over $1 million.”