[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.

                          ____________________