Mary Landrieu

It is very important, I would suggest to the chairman, that our committee focus on the funding and recruitment.

The reason I am pressing for this number is because I am then going to ask you how many social workers you have on staff.

I am just trying to get a number of the children that we are talking about.

I just want to clarify that if I add those two numbers, that is all the children we are talking about.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can sense your frustration. And I share some of that.

I just want to thank you for your testimony and acknowledge that these problems are quite severe in the District.

I remain concerned that there is a grave difference between checking the box of criteria and impacting the lives of children.

But let me just say that I appreciate this work. I want to associate myself with your remarks, Mr. Chairman, and understand that we have made some progress.

Senator Landrieu, you have stated that the District of Columbia Family Court should be a 'showcase' for the whole country.

I call on this Subcommittee to once again eliminate this disincentive.

I just wanted to mention that there is some opportunity with this new faith-based initiative that is moving its way through Congress in a very bipartisan way and with the President's commitment to involve the District.

We would like to work with you on that.

And you do that all for a budget request of this year $166.5 million.

As a new director, I spend a lot of time in the field talking to the workers.

Thank you. First of all, let me thank both of you for stepping up to the positions that you have been asked to serve in with such enthusiasm.

And of course, our committee takes very seriously this responsibility because we basically are a direct appropriator to these Federal agencies.

Well, let me just briefly commend you for that. I just think it is just an extraordinary step, and will do what I can.

I think I will pass on the questions. I have gotten explanations for what I was concerned about.

I share your pain, because I can most certainly understand a family on the verge of adoption needing and being entitled to the credit that we intended them to get.

Let me just add something that might clarify it, because Senator DeWine will remember...

Now, of course, we would all like to see that pushed up, if possible.

I am committed to working with you, as I have in the past as the Chairman of this committee, to ensure that every child in the District has access to justice before the court, and families are strengthened, not made more fragile by the…

The first accomplishment from fiscal year 2003, and most important in my mind, is the Federal investment in strengthening successful charter schools in the District and supporting school choice ($17 million).

Congress is partnering with the District by enhancing security and emergency preparedness; strengthening schools and education standards; supporting Family Court and child welfare; revitalizing neighborhoods.

The District is, unfortunately, the No. 1 target in the United States for terrorism.