James Norton: “I am outraged at the amendment of the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray). He brings forward this amendment when the…”

“I am outraged at the amendment of the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray). He brings forward this amendment when the city council is in the midst of considering the Bilbray amendment. This amendment went through the House in 1999, the first year of Mayor Williams' term, despite a personal plea from Mayor Williams that he would like to try another approach in the District. That provision, the Bilbray provision, was one reason why the bill was vetoed in 1999. The provision was removed and sent back here and here comes the Bilbray amendment again. Mayor Williams knows his city. The gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) does not know Mayor Williams' city. The mayor again wrote the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) in May, after another threat by the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) to intrude in local affairs was received. Mayor Williams had already partially responded to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray). His budget that we are considering now funds a smoking prevention program for minors.”