Political Quotes

“I am delighted that the D.C. Subcommittee's ranking member, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and the subcommittee's chairman, Tom Davis have worked together in a bipartisan manner to develop H.R. 2108, a bill which would enable District government to spend its own locally raised revenues for the preconstruction work essential to move the District of Columbia's proposed new sports arena and convention center projects forward. The arena and convention center are indispensable to the economic revitalization of the Nation's Capital. Together they hold the potential to create hundreds of jobs and bring millions of dollars of badly needed revenue to this city. They will also generate many spinoff business opportunities that will also contribute to the District's recovery. Particularly noteworthy about these two projects is the public/ private partnership which brought them about. In each case, the local business community gave its support to the imposition of special taxes which its members will pay to fund land acquisition and preconstruction activities. It is also significant that the new sports arena will be built entirely with private funds by the owner of the District's professional basketball and hockey teams. Investments such as these, made during a period when the District is experiencing severe financial distress, are strong indications that this city does have a promising future. Mr. Speaker, I urge the approval of this legislation.”