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

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will shortly introduce the 'Federal Fair Compensation Act' which would go a long way to addressing the situation.

So why do we continue to leave the District's foster children stranded in this equally critical time?

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.

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).

I do not think we can get much other reform done unless you get that caseload down.

I am pleased to see that the District has been careful to look ahead and address looming budget pressures while maintaining priority services.

We would like to work with you on that.

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

I think this is a very important component to obtain this initial placement assessment by getting the general information from family and neighbors.

I think in this debate we have to be open to new approaches, but your efforts and the council's efforts particularly on expanding charter school options and choices in the District is very commendable.

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

We want to step up the advocacy as an independent voice, you know, helping us all to really stay focused on the reforms.

What I am not prepared to do is to wait another 5 years for some of these changes to take place.

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.

Congress ought to move this legislation or an alternative quickly.

Regarding school choice, perhaps an approach would be a limited pilot, as you have described, but that would include not just the District, but several other cities, but quite limited, and the parameters quite secure.

That is what we are determined to end.

One major benefit for the District, with no budgetary impact, endorsed by President Bush, is to release the local budget from annual Congressional approval.

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 Corporation must make sure that it is responsive to the American taxpayer.

I support and applaud the President's call to service, and believe that the Corporation can play an important role.

I think the time has come to say the Corporation needs a serious paradigm shift.

People want to help. During my trips across my State of Missouri I have heard these cries.