[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000

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                               speech of

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2587) making 
     appropriations for the government of the District of Columbia 
     and other activities chargeable in whole or in part against 
     revenues of said District for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2000, and for other purposes.

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the fiscal 
year 2000 District of Columbia Appropriations Bill. This legislation is 
a well crafted bill that supports initiatives which reduce crime as 
well as promote educational opportunities for District residents. The 
bill makes these significant improvements at a cost to federal 
taxpayers $230.6 million less than last year's bill. In addition, the 
bill continues current prohibitions on the use of these federal funds 
for abortions and needle exchanges.
  I opposed several amendments which restrict the use of local funds or 
write local law. While these amendments are well intentioned and would 
be appropriately considered by this Congress in regard to federal law 
or the use of federal funds, Congress should not write local laws. We 
Texans don't want Congress making our local laws, and I respect the 
right of the City of Washington to decide their local laws, whether we 
agree with them or not. One of the foundations of our liberty is our 
federal system which divides responsibility between federal, state and 
local authorities. I believe we must respect constitutional divisions 
and focus on federal responsibilities. The fact that I object to these 
local decisions is not the issue.

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