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Statement of Administration Policy provides the Administration's views
on the District of Columbia Appropriations Bill, FY 2002, as passed
by the Committee. I would like to reiterate the Administration's appreciation
for the manner in which the Congress has worked to consider the FY
2002 appropriations bills. The Administration looks forward to working
with the Congress to ensure the policy and program content of each
of the thirteen appropriations bills is acceptable to the President
and that the bill totals are within the recently agreed upon aggregate
funding level of $686 billion.
The
Administration appreciates that the Committee bill has provided
funding consistent with the President's request and has taken steps
to provide $13 million in 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.
On September 21, 2001, the Administration 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
also recently asked the Congress to consider an additional $25 million
for the needs of the District of Columbia -- for a total of $44
million.
The
Administration also appreciates that the Senate, like the House,
has retained the current law provision concerning Federal funding
for abortions. The Administration is disappointed, however, that
the Senate version of the bill modifies current law with respect
to allowing local funds to be used for needle exchange, lobbying
of Congress, and support of DC statehood and voting rights. The
Administration is also disappointed that the bill 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 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act.
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