Political Quotes

“H.R. 2108 is a straightforward bill which allows the District of Columbia to move forward on two very important economic development projects--the MCI arena at Gallery Place and a new convention center. These projects will provide thousands of jobs of the type most needed in the District of Columbia and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenues for our Nation's Capital. This bill is very narrowly crafted and specifically directs each item for which expenditures may be made. Also, the independent nature of both the Washington Convention Center Authority and the Redevelopment Land Agency, which is the lead agency on the arena project, mean that the power and influence of the Mayor and the Council are sharply curtailed and less than would have been the case if these projects had proceeded without this legislation. This legislation does not create or raise taxes in the District of Columbia. The funds authorized to be expended by this legislation are already being collected and deposited in an escrow account.”