Davis Says President s Budget Proposal Has Good News On Civil Service, Transportation, Technology, and Regional Issues

February 06, 2006

Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA-11th) today announced that President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2007 budget recognizes the principle of pay parity between civilian and military personnel, continues the federal commitment to bringing rail to Dulles airport, fully funds the District of Columbia s school choice initiative, and provides a significant boost in military spending.

The President's budget blueprint recommends a 2.2 percent salary increase for both federal civilian employees and military personnel. This will be the first time in many years that Davis and the Washington-area delegation will not have to wage a battle in Congress to protect pay parity, the belief that our federal workers should be treated equally in the annual cost-of-living pay raises.

"I consider it a personal victory that, for the first time in recent history, the President has linked civilian and military pay raises," Davis said. "Our civilian employees are on the front lines of the war on terrorism, fight crime here at home, and provide essential services to the American people. Both civilian and military employees deserve and need this pay hike."

The budget proposes $26 million to extend Metro through Tysons Corner to Dulles Airport, a major transportation project for Northern Virginia.

"Bringing mass transit to the area's major commercial center and one of the nation's busiest airports would be a significant boost to our ongoing efforts to ease congestion on the region's highways," Davis said.

The President's budget also proposes a 7 percent increase in defense spending to ensure United States military superiority in an ever-changing battlefield.

"The contributions made by Virginians those serving in the military and the Northern Virginian companies that work to support our military are an invaluable asset in the war against terrorism," Davis said.

The President's budget also demonstrates a commitment to promoting economic growth and development in the District of Columbia. The blueprint fully funds the D.C. School Choice initiative and enhances funding for the D.C. College Access Program. Both are Davis initiatives and key components of the District s revitalization efforts.

"Strengthening the District is good for the entire region," Davis said.

Also, Davis said he will work with Administration and District officials to ensure that the President's proposals regarding the expansion of the Navy Yard Metro thereby freeing up Metro money to be used to ease congestion elsewhere in the subway system and the transfer of land between the federal government and the District are approved by Congress.

On the technology front, the President proposed a 2.8 percent increase in information technology spending across the government including a 2.2 percent increase in IT security spending. In addition, the President is seeking a nearly 9 percent increase in the government's IT workforce an addition of 1,416 positions, on top of the current 15,760 -- which will further help federal e-Government efforts.

"The federal government must harness the power of information technology to improve services to the public, share information among agencies, and save taxpayer money," Davis said.

As first outlined in the State of the Union, President Bush proposed a renewed federal investment in science and math education, something Davis has long supported. The Government Reform Committee will be holding a hearing this Thursday, featuring Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, to discuss ways to make the United States more competitive in an increasingly competitive international economy.

"It's a global economy, and we must make sure we're doing everything we can do to make America a hotbed of innovation and a home to the world's best scientists and engineers," Davis said.

Finally, Davis noted that he was pleased the President continues to support reform for the U.S. Postal Service, the General Services Administration, and the management of federal property. Davis has sponsored reforms in these areas to help the federal government remain competitive in the 21st Century economy.