Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I rise in support of H.R. 3845, the Fiscal Year 1997 Appropriations Act for the District of Columbia. Let me begin by…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3845, the Fiscal Year 1997 Appropriations Act for the District of Columbia. Let me begin by complimenting my subcommittee chairman, Congressman Walsh, on his excellent work on this bill, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Dixon, for all of his work. Many months of hearings, meetings, and negotiations, have resulted in the strong, bipartisan bill before the House today. H.R. 3845 appropriates $717.8 million for the Federal payment to the District of Columbia. The bill's funding levels are identical to last year's appropriation, except for an additional $5.7 million that the committee provided to reimburse the city for the upcoming 1997 Presidential inauguration. I do believe that the approach the Appropriations Committee has taken in this bill will move the city toward financial stability. This bill caps the city's fiscal 1997 budget deficit at $40 million. This represents an amount that is $60 million less than what the city and the control board forecast. I believe that this deficit cap represents great progress in the District's path toward stability, allowing for responsible spending to meet the needs of city residents without affecting essential services.”