James Oberstar: “H.R. 2657 appropriates nearly $295 million to the Architect of the Capitol for fiscal year 2004. The Committee on…”

“H.R. 2657 appropriates nearly $295 million to the Architect of the Capitol for fiscal year 2004. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on which I serve as Ranking Democratic Member, is the authorizing committee with jurisdiction over the Architect's activities relating to the Capitol, the House and Senate Office Buildings, and the Capitol Grounds. Let me state at the outset that I have great respect for the Architect, Mr. Alan Hantman. In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the release of anthrax in some of the House and Senate Office Buildings, Mr. Hantman's office did a tremendous job in ensuring the safety and security of the Congress, those working in the Capitol buildings, and the visiting public. He has rightly made the security of everyone who works in and visits the Capitol his number one priority. In addition, Mr. Hantman has initiated a program to maintain and renovate the Capitol building and has promoted the construction of the Capitol Visitor's Center--a place where the American people can come and learn more about the inner workings of their government. The U.S. Capitol, and all that it represents, is the citadel of democracy, and the Architect has done a fine job of caring for it.”