[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H6982-H6985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY ACT OF 1996
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up the bill
(H.R. 3663) to amend the District of Columbia Self-Government and
Governmental Reorganization Act to permit the Council of the District
of Columbia to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds with respect to
water and sewer facilities, and for other purposes, and ask for its
immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the bill, as follows:
H.R. 3663
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia Water
and Sewer Authority Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. PERMITTING ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR WASTEWATER
TREATMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) Authority to Issue Bonds.--
(1) In general.--The first sentence of section 490(a)(1) of
the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental
Reorganization Act (sec. 47-334(a)(1), D.C. Code) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``and industrial'' and inserting
``industrial''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, and water and sewer facilities (as defined in
paragraph (5)).''.
(2) Water and sewer facilities defined.--Section 490(a) of
such Act (sec. 47-334(a), D.C. Code) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) In paragraph (1), the term `water and sewer
facilities' means facilities for the obtaining, treatment,
storage, and distribution of water, the collection, storage,
treatment, and transportation of wastewater, storm drainage,
and the disposal of liquids and solids resulting from
treatment.''.
(b) Use of Revenues to Make Payments on Bonds.--The second
sentence of section 490(a)(3) of such Act (sec. 47-334(a)(3),
D.C. Code) is amended by inserting after ``property'' each
place it appears in subparagraphs (A) and (B) the following:
``(including water and sewer enterprise fund revenues,
assets, or other property in the case of bonds, notes, or
obligations issued with respect to water and sewer
facilities)''.
(c) Permitting Delegation of Authority To Issue Revenue
Bonds to Water and Sewer Authority.--
(1) In general.--Section 490 of such Act (sec. 47-334, D.C.
Code) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h)(1) The Council may delegate to the District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority established pursuant to
the Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of
Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996 the authority of the
Council under subsection (a) to issue revenue bonds, notes,
and other obligations to borrow money to finance or assist in
the financing or refinancing of undertakings in the area of
utilities facilities, pollution control facilities, and water
and sewer facilities (as defined in subsection (a)(5)). The
Authority may exercise authority delegated to it by the
Council as described in the first sentence of this paragraph
(whether such delegation is made before or after the date of
the enactment of this subsection) only in accordance with
this subsection.
``(2) Revenue bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by
the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority under a
delegation of authority described in paragraph (1) shall be
issued by resolution of the Authority, and any such
resolution shall not be considered to be an act of the
Council.
``(3) The provisions of subsections (a) through (e) shall
apply with respect to the District of Columbia Water and
Sewer Authority, the General Manager of the Authority, and to
revenue bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by the
Authority under a delegation of authority described in
paragraph (1) in the same manner as such provisions apply
with respect to the Council, to the Mayor, and to revenue
bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by the Council
under subsection (a)(1) (without regard to whether or not the
Council has authorized the application of such provisions to
the Authority or the General Manager).
``(4) The fourth sentence of section 446 shall not apply
to--
``(A) any amount (including the amount of any accrued
interest or premium) obligated or expended from the proceeds
of the sale of any revenue bond, note, or other obligation
issued pursuant to this subsection;
``(B) any amount obligated or expended for the payment of
the principal of, interest on, or any premium for any revenue
bond, note, or other obligation issued pursuant to this
subsection;
``(C) any amount obligated or expended to secure any
revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued pursuant to
this subsection; or
``(D) any amount obligated or expended for repair,
maintenance, and capital improvements to facilities financed
pursuant to this subsection.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The fourth sentence of section
446 of such Act (sec. 47-304, D.C. Code) is amended by
striking ``(f) and (g)(3)'' and inserting ``(f), (g)(3), and
(h)(4)''.
SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF REVENUES AND OBLIGATIONS.
(a) Exclusion of Revenues for Purposes of Cap on Aggregate
District Debt.--Paragraphs (1) and (3)(A) of section 603(b)
of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental
Reorganization Act (sec. 47-313(b), D.C. Code) are each
amended by inserting after ``revenue bonds,'' the following:
``any revenues, charges, or fees dedicated for the purposes
of water and sewer facilities described in section 490(a)
(including fees or revenues directed to servicing or securing
revenue bonds issued for such purposes),''.
(b) Exclusion of Obligations Relating to Debt Servicing
Payments on Certain General Obligation Bonds.--
(1) In general.--Section 603(b)(2) of such Act (sec. 47-
313(b)(2), D.C. Code) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and obligations'' and inserting
``obligations''; and
(B) by inserting after ``establishment,'' the following:
``, and obligations incurred pursuant to general obligation
bonds of the District of Columbia issued prior to October 1,
1996, for the financing of Department of Public Works, Water
and Sewer Utility Administration capital projects,''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 603(b)(3)(B) of such Act
(sec. 47-313(b)(3)(B), D.C. Code) is amended by inserting
after ``bonds'' the following: ``(less the allocable portion
of principal and interest to be paid during the year on
general obligation bonds of the District of Columbia issued
prior to October 1, 1996, for the financing of Department of
Public Works, Water and Sewer Utility Administration capital
projects)''.
[[Page H6983]]
SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF BUDGET OF WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY.
(a) Preparation of Independent Budget.--Subpart 1 of part D
of title IV of the District of Columbia Self-Government and
Governmental Reorganization Act is amended by inserting after
section 445 the following new section:
``water and sewer authority budget
``Sec. 445A. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority established pursuant to the Water and Sewer
Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works
Reorganization Act of 1996 shall prepare and annually submit
to the Mayor, for inclusion in the annual budget, annual
estimates of the expenditures and appropriations necessary
for the operation of the Authority for the year. All such
estimates shall be forwarded by the Mayor to the Council for
its action pursuant to sections 446 and 603(c), without
revision but subject to his recommendations. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Act, the Council may comment or
make recommendations concerning such annual estimates, but
shall have no authority under this Act to revise such
estimates.''.
(b) Exemption From Reductions of Budgets of Independent
Agencies.--Section 453(c) of such Act (sec. 47-304.1(c), D.C.
Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``courts or the Council, or to'' and
inserting ``courts, the Council,''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, or the District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority established pursuant to the Water and Sewer
Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works
Reorganization Act of 1996.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 442(b) of such Act (sec.
47-301(b), D.C. Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and the Commission'' and inserting ``the
Commission''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority.''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of subpart 1
of part D of title IV of the District of Columbia Self-
Government and Governmental Reorganization Act is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 445 the
following new item:
``Sec. 445A. Water and Sewer Authority budget.''.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF COMPENSATION OF CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
The first sentence of section 205(b)(2) of such Act (sec.
43-1675(b)(2), D.C. Code) is amended by striking ``duties)''
and inserting ``duties, and except as may otherwise be
provided under the personnel system developed pursuant to
subsection (a)(4) or a collective bargaining agreement
entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act)''.
amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by mr. davis
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment in the nature of a
substitute.
The Clerk read as follows:
Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr.
Davis:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia Water
and Sewer Authority Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. PERMITTING ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR WASTEWATER
TREATMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) Authority to Issue Bonds.--
(1) In general.--The first sentence of section 490(a)(1) of
the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental
Reorganization Act (sec. 47-334(a)(1), D.C. Code) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``and industrial'' and inserting
``industrial''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, and water and sewer facilities (as defined in
paragraph (5)).''.
(2) Water and sewer facilities defined.--Section 490(a) of
such Act (sec. 47-334(a), D.C. Code) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) In paragraph (1), the term `water and sewer
facilities' means facilities for the obtaining, treatment,
storage, and distribution of water, the collection, storage,
treatment, and transportation of wastewater, storm drainage,
and the disposal of liquids and solids resulting from
treatment.''.
(b) Use of Revenues to Make Payments on Bonds.--The second
sentence of section 490(a)(3) of such Act (sec. 47-334(a)(3),
D.C. Code) is amended by inserting after ``property'' each
place it appears in subparagraphs (A) and (B) the following:
``(including water and sewer enterprise fund revenues,
assets, or other property in the case of bonds, notes, or
obligations issued with respect to water and sewer
facilities)''.
(c) Permitting Delegation of Authority To Issue Revenue
Bonds to Water and Sewer Authority.--
(1) In general.--Section 490 of such Act (sec. 47-334, D.C.
Code) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h)(1) The Council may delegate to the District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority established pursuant to
the Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of
Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996 the authority of the
Council under subsection (a) to issue revenue bonds, notes,
and other obligations to borrow money to finance or assist in
the financing or refinancing of undertakings in the area of
utilities facilities, pollution control facilities, and water
and sewer facilities (as defined in subsection (a)(5)). The
Authority may exercise authority delegated to it by the
Council as described in the first sentence of this paragraph
(whether such delegation is made before or after the date of
the enactment of this subsection) only in accordance with
this subsection.
``(2) Revenue bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by
the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority under a
delegation of authority described in paragraph (1) shall be
issued by resolution of the Authority, and any such
resolution shall not be considered to be an act of the
Council.
``(3) The fourth sentence of section 446 shall not apply
to--
``(A) any amount (including the amount of any accrued
interest or premium) obligated or expended from the proceeds
of the sale of any revenue bond, note, or other obligation
issued pursuant to this subsection;
``(B) any amount obligated or expended for the payment of
the principal of, interest on, or any premium for any revenue
bond, note, or other obligation issued pursuant to this
subsection;
``(C) any amount obligated or expended to secure any
revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued pursuant to
this subsection; or
``(D) any amount obligated or expended for repair,
maintenance, and capital improvements to facilities financed
pursuant to this subsection.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The fourth sentence of section
446 of such Act (sec. 47-304, D.C. Code) is amended by
striking ``(f) and (g)(3)'' and inserting ``(f), (g)(3), and
(h)(3)''.
SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF REVENUES AND OBLIGATIONS.
(a) Exclusion of Revenues for Purposes of Cap on Aggregate
District Debt.--Paragraphs (1) and (3)(A) of section 603(b)
of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental
Reorganization Act (sec. 47-313(b), D.C. Code) are each
amended by inserting after ``revenue bonds,'' the following:
``any revenues, charges, or fees dedicated for the purposes
of water and sewer facilities described in section 490(a)
(including fees or revenues directed to servicing or securing
revenue bonds issued for such purposes),''.
(b) Exclusion of Obligations Relating to Debt Servicing
Payments on Certain General Obligation Bonds.--
(1) In general.--Section 603(b)(2) of such Act (sec. 47-
313(b)(2), D.C. Code) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and obligations'' and inserting
``obligations''; and
(B) by inserting after ``establishment,'' the following:
``and obligations incurred pursuant to general obligation
bonds of the District of Columbia issued prior to October 1,
1996, for the financing of Department of Public Works, Water
and Sewer Utility Administration capital projects,''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 603(b)(3)(B) of such Act
(sec. 47-313(b)(3)(B), D.C. Code) is amended by inserting
after ``bonds'' the following: ``(less the allocable portion
of principal and interest to be paid during the year on
general obligation bonds of the District of Columbia issued
prior to October 1, 1996, for the financing of Department of
Public Works, Water and Sewer Utility Administration capital
projects)''.
SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF BUDGET OF WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY.
(a) Preparation of Independent Budget.--Subpart 1 of part D
of title IV of the District of Columbia Self-Government and
Governmental Reorganization Act is amended by inserting after
section 445 the following new section:
``water and sewer authority budget
``Sec. 445A. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority established pursuant to the Water and Sewer
Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works
Reorganization Act of 1996 shall prepare and annually submit
to the Mayor, for inclusion in the annual budget, annual
estimates of the expenditures and appropriations necessary
for the operation of the Authority for the year. All such
estimates shall be forwarded by the Mayor to the Council for
its action pursuant to sections 446 and 603(c), without
revision but subject to his recommendations. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Act, the Council may comment or
make recommendations concerning such annual estimates, but
shall have no authority under this Act to revise such
estimates.''.
(b) Exemption From Reductions of Budgets of Independent
Agencies.--Section 453(c) of such Act (sec. 47-304.1(c), D.C.
Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``courts or the Council, or to'' and
inserting ``courts, the Council,''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, or the District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority established pursuant to the Water and Sewer
Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works
Reorganization Act of 1996.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 442(b) of such Act (sec.
47-301(b), D.C. Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and the Commission'' and inserting ``the
Commission''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer
Authority.''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of subpart 1
of part D of title IV of
[[Page H6984]]
the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental
Reorganization Act is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 445 the following new item:
``Sec. 445A. Water and Sewer Authority budget.''.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF COMPENSATION OF CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
The first sentence of section 205(b)(2) of the Water and
Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works
Reorganization Act of 1996 (sec. 43-1675(b)(2), D.C. Code) is
amended by striking ``duties)'' and inserting ``duties, and
except as may otherwise be provided under the personnel
system developed pursuant to subsection (a)(4) or a
collective bargaining agreement entered into after the date
of the enactment of this Act)''.
Mr. DAVIS (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute be considered as read
and printed in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Davis] is
recognized for 1 hour.
(Mr. DAVIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3663 is a completely noncontroversial measure which
addresses major ongoing problems at the Blue Plains wastewater
treatment facility and with the water and sewer pipes in the District
of Columbia. The bill was bipartisan support. It was cosponsored by all
of the members of the subcommittee on the District of Columbia and the
regional delegation. It was reported out of both the subcommittee on
the District of Columbia and the Committee on Government Reform and
Oversight with unanimous voice votes.
H.R. 3663 changes the home rule charter so that the new water and
sewer authority may issue revenue bonds and make other changes
necessary to ensure both the independence of new authority and its
financial responsibility. The newly created water and sewer authority
is good not only for the residents of the city, but for everyone who
lives in the metropolitan region. For the first time, the suburban
jurisdictions will have representation on the governing board for Blue
Plains.
Currently, the Blue Plains facility is caught up in the District's
financial problems. This has led the Environmental Protection Agency to
become involved in a resolution of the problem. The EPA supports both
the District legislation and H.R. 3663, because they are the best
immediate solution to the operational problems at Blue Plains.
The amendment in the nature of a substitute which I am offering is a
purely technical correction of H.R. 3663, which in no way alters the
substance or purpose of the bill. I have chosen to proceed along this
path to avoid the confusion of making numerous minor corrections to
H.R. 3663.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District
of Columbia [Ms. Norton], the ranking minority member of the
subcommittee.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me. I want to associate myself entirely with the gentleman's remarks.
This is a regional matter. All of the regional partners agree. It is
before this body only because a charter change in the District of
Columbia law requires the action of this body. The matter has enormous
environmental implications. We want to move quickly, because we want to
avoid environmental damage to the city and to the region. I appreciate
the work of the gentleman in moving this matter forward to the floor.
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Wynn].
Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, let me begin by expressing my compliments to the
chairman of the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia of the
Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. He has done an
outstanding job in bringing this bill to the floor and bringing
together the various parties who are affected.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this important
legislation concerning the Blue Plains wastewater treatment plant and
the establishment of the District of Columbia water and sewer authority
with full bonding authority. People do not often talk about sewage
until it is backed up, but a regional water and sewer authority that
represents the interests of all of the affected jurisdictions is
critical so that the Blue Plains facility can make much needed capital
improvements and repairs.
Currently the facility does not have the ability to borrow money to
meet its capital needs for repairs and maintenance as a result of the
District's credit rating. It is imperative that the necessary repairs
and expansion of Blue Plains begin. A few months ago the Environmental
Protection Agency expressed its concern that a breakdown of old and
inadequate equipment could release untreated sewage, contaminating the
Potomac River. This would be detrimental to the health and environment
of all of us who live in the Washington metropolitan region.
I have been particularly concerned about these developments because
Blue Plains currently handles 94 percent of the wastewater flows from
Montgomery County and 54 percent of the wastewater flows from Prince
Georges County, which are both in my congressional district. Prince
Georges and Montgomery Counties contribute about $346 million in
capital and operating costs, and we are certainly concerned about the
advancement of this facility.
I have been especially pleased with the cooperation between the
District and the suburban jurisdictions in resolving many of the
conflicts relating to the water and sewer authority, and I believe this
is a great example of regional cooperation. It is extremely important
that we resolve these difficult issues so we can benefit all of the
residents of the metropolitan area.
I would also like to conclude by complimenting the delegate from the
District of Columbia [Ms. Norton] for her leadership in helping us
resolve these issues. I am pleased to support this legislation.
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella].
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3663, the District of Columbia
Water and Sewer Authority Act of 1996. I especially want to thank and
praise the chairman of the D.C. Subcommittee, Tom Davis, for his hard
work in crafting a bill which has the support of the D.C. Council and
all of the local governments in the jurisdictions that surround the
District of Columbia. I am an original cosponsor of this legislation,
along with the Members of the Washington regional delegation.
H.R. 3663 would allow the newly-formed Water and Sewer Authority to
issue revenue bonds. The bill would give the authority the independence
that it needs to govern the Blue Plains wastewater treatment plant in a
manner that will address the common concerns of the area jurisdictions.
Under this bill, the suburban jurisdictions will have representation on
the governing board for Blue Plains.
The effective operation of the Blue Plains is critical to my
constituents in Montgomery County. Indeed, the efficient operation of
Blue Plains is of great importance to the citizens of the District of
Columbia, Prince Georges County, and northern Virginia. We all have a
significant stake in this facility.
Montgomery County and Prince Georges County together account for more
than 39 percent of the sewage that is processed at Blue Plains.
Montgomery County is almost totally dependent on Blue Plains, with 95
percent of its sewage flowing to the D.C. plant. The county also
provides its proportionate share of funding for the operations of the
plant.
We are all interested in making sure that Blue Plains operates in an
environmentally-healthy manner. We all want clean water to drink, and
we all want to ensure the preservation of the Potomac River and the
Chesapeake Bay. The District and the suburban jurisdictions have a
shared interest in working together to make the Blue Plains wastewater
treatment plant an effective facility. H.R. 3663 will take us one step
closer toward our goal.
[[Page H6985]]
Again, I commend Congressman Davis and the members of the
subcommittee for crafting this noncontroversial and important
legislation.
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this has taken a lot of work on behalf of a lot of
people. I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia [Ms.
Norton] for her help in helping bring the city to the table; Mike
Rogers, the Mayor, and the entire council, for being flexible on this
issue; to Wayne Curry, the chief executive of Prince Georges County;
Doug Duncan, the county executive in Montgomery County; Cathy Hanley,
the supervisor and the chairman at Fairfax County. I think all worked
together with the regional congressional delegation to bring this about
and save Congress a lot of time on this bill, and also do what is right
for the region. I appreciate their efforts.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Davis and delegate
Holmes-Norton for their continued leadership and hard work on this bill
which will provide the newly created District of Columbia Water and
Sewer Authority with the ability to issue bonds. Since this new
authority will oversee operations at the Blue Plains Water Treatment
Facility, it is important that it have the necessary power to deal with
issues of concern at the plant.
The citizens living in the Washington metropolitan region remain
concerned about operations and management problems at the Blue Plains
and the environmental and safety impact of the problems Blue Plains has
been experiencing. At a time when we are substantially improving the
region's water quality, it is important that we preserve our fragile
environment and protect human health.
The ability of this new independent authority to function effectively
will go a long way in helping to alleviate some of these concerns.
Granting bonding ability will enable the authority to collect its own
revenues. This will move us a step closer to ensuring protection of
human life and the environment while providing for better operations,
proper equipment, financial stability, and sufficient staffing levels.
It will enable Blue Plains to manage its business affairs outside the
domain of the District's tenuous budgetary affairs. I believe residents
living in the surrounding jurisdictions will take comfort in knowing
that.
The establishment of the authority is a good step in the right
direction. However, one additional step is critical. The authority must
be given the power to raise capital to operate and make much needed
improvements at the Blue Plains plant.
I would be remiss if I did not express my satisfaction with the
cooperative efforts of the suburban jurisdictions and the District. It
would have been very difficult to bring this legislation to the floor
without their collaboration and support. Again, I want to thank
Chairman Davis for working with Members in the region to develop a bill
which we can all support, and I urge swift adoption of this
legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment in the
nature of a substitute offered by the gentleman from Virginia [Mr.
Davis].
The amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read
the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the
table.
____________________