| This
Statement of Administration Policy provides the Administration's views
on the District of Columbia Appropriations Bill, FY 2002, as reported
by the House Committee. We appreciate the efforts of the Committee
and look forward to working with Congress to ensure that the Nations's
priorities are met while encouraging the economic growth that is the
essential guarantee of continued fiscal strength.
The
Administration appreciates that the Committee has provided funding
consistent with the President's request and has taken steps to provide
funds to the District of Columbia for preparation of an emergency
security plan. It is possible that additional programs funded within
this bill may have modified requirements as a consequence of the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Administration recently
transferred $6 million to the District of Columbia for response
activities from funds the Congress provided in the FY 2001 Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from and Response to
Terrorist Attacks on the United States and will continue to review
funding requirements. The Administration will continue to review
new requirements.
In
addition, the Administration is pleased that the District received
its requested local funding. The Administration is concerned, however,
about the number of unrequested projects in the Committee bill and
looks forward to working with the House to ensure that the highest
priority needs for the District of Columbia are funded.
The
Administration appreciates the House's commitment to streamline
general provisions, the Administration is disappointed, though,
that the Committee failed to include the provision, requested by
the Administration and included in the bill for the past three years,
that would cap the award of plaintiffs' attorneys' fees in cases
brought against the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) under
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Administration
strongly supports the principles embodied in the IDEA, and the rights
of all children with disabilities to a public education, and believes
it is in the best interest of the District's children if DCPS uses
its limited resources to improve its special education programs,
rather than pay excessive attorneys' fees. The large number of due
process hearing requests made in the last few years, nearly all
filed by attorneys, suggests that parents have no trouble obtaining
representation.
The
Administration also notes that under the heading, "Federal Payment
to the District of Columbia Courts," use of money for an integrated
Justice Information System is purportedly subject to Committee approval
of a plan submitted by the Courts to the Committees. The Administration
will interpret this provision to require only notification of Congress,
since any other interpretation would contradict the Supreme Court
ruling in INS v. Chadha.
|