Date: 1995-10-30
Speaker: ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (democrat)
Chamber: H

the Delegate from the District of Columbia and the author of this legislation. is to be commended for her strong advocacy of this project. Her role in shepherding this legislation through the 104th Congress shows the importance of skillful advocacy in behalf of worthwhile legislation. The act is of significance for three reasons. First. it is a splendid example of how the Republicans of the 104th Congress are working together with the District of Columbia to make our Nations Capital a more attractive place to live. work. and visit. This act transfers property from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia. This transfer has the effect of making the city the lead agency for the development of this property. This is the way Congress should relate to the city. It is not prudent for Congress to be deeply involved in the details of the development of Childrens Island. The city. working together with the private sector. is fully capable of bringing this project to a timely and successful completion. This project is also significant because of the way Congress has handled it internally. This legislation deals with the transfer of National Park Service property. It is entirely proper that the Resources Committee had primary jurisdiction over H.R. 1508. I want to commend the work of both the Subcommittee on National Parks. Fbrests. and Lands under the able leadership of Mr. HANSEN and the full Resources Committee under the able leadership of Mr. YOUNG. Their outstanding work made it possible for the Government Reform and Oversight Committee to waive jurisdiction over this bill. By waiving jurisdiction. this project will be able to go forward in a timely manner without any prejudice to the Federal interest. I would also like to point out that in past Congresses the former District of Columbia Committee examined this issue. I have found no opposition to this legislation among members of the former Committee. Finally. I think it is fitting that we pass this legislation and enable this project on the first day of the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. This conference points to the importance of the tourist industry for our Nation generally and our capital region specifically. Tourism is crucial to the economic well being of the entire Washington Metropolitan Area. Tourism is the number one private sector employer in the District of Columbia and is second only to the Government itself as an employer. As the Federal Government continues to shrink it is vital that we do what we can in both the Congress and the executive branch to boost the regions economic development in areas outside Government. The Republicans of the 104th Congress working with Democrats in Congress and the city have already taken significant steps to strengthen tourism as a regional industry. We approved legislation which enabled the city to proceed with the new MCI Center at Gallery Place and to plan for a new convention center. The Childrens Island project is another example of the positive partnership we are establishing. Once again. I want to commend the able leadership Ms. NORTON has shown on this project.