[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CONVENTION CENTER AND SPORTS ARENA 
                       AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 1995
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill that advances 
the process for realizing two major projects in the District of 
Columbia: The District of Columbia Convention Center and Sports Arena 
Authorization Act of 1995. This bill combines and refines two bills 
that were previously introduced, taking each of these projects another 
step forward.
  The sections addressing the convention center project allow for the 
expenditure of previously collected taxes for preconstruction work so 
that cost estimates and time lines can be confirmed before the building 
process begins. Additionally, it allows for the expenditure of funds to 
operate the present convention center. This language goes greatly 
unchanged from that in the previously introduced bill, H.R. 1862.
  The sections addressing the sports arena refine the language in 
previously introduced bill, H.R. 1843. These sections allow the 
District to use an annually collected tax to finance the land 
acquisition and other background work for the sports arena project. 
Once these steps are taken, the sports arena can be built.
  Both of these projects are being financed by District and private 
resources, and will bring significant revenue into the District's 
shrinking coffers. Additionally, both projects will bring additional 
and much needed jobs to District residents, both while the projects are 
in development and during the future operations of these facilities.
  I am pleased to be joined in cosponsorship and support of this bill 
by so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I hope we can 
work together for speedy passage of this bill.


                          ____________________