James M. Jeffords: “once again the Senate has expressed its will on the conference report for the District of Columbia appropriations bill.…”

“once again the Senate has expressed its will on the conference report for the District of Columbia appropriations bill. Clearly there are provisions in the conference agreement that are not acceptable to a significant minority of the Senate, which makes it impossible at this time to pass the bill in its present form. I will work with my colleagues here in the Senate and in the other body to find a common ground. I want to assure the District officials I will seek every legislative vehicle to ensure that the remainder of the Federal payment to the city is provided as quickly as possible. I will discuss with the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Appropriations the possibility of including the District in any omnibus bill or continuing resolution in the Senate, which we may consider, hopefully this week. I intend to get the money available for education reform so it is not lost to the city, and to secure as much education reform as possible. It is imperative for the kids--and that is why we are here, is for those kids--and essential to the District's ability to attract business and people.”