Statement of Senator Max Baucus
Hearing on GSA FY 2000 Prospectuses
September 28, 1999

Thanks you Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased that the subcommittee is having this hearing on the GSA public buildings program for FY 2000. It is important that the subcommittee continue its oversight of this program and the timely authorization of worthy projects. There is a lot of money involved, and I'm sure the chairman will agree with me that we need to spend it very wisely.

Let me also welcome Mr. Bob Peck back to the committee. He has been through some tough issues with this committee, Yet he has always been a constructive voice in seeking solutions, even when he had to go out of his way to do it.

As an example, he and I were at a hearing in Helena, Montana almost two years ago to look at options for relocating the Federal building. As a result of his work on that issue, and that of his regional deputy, Paul Prouty, we managed to turn a difficult situation into a win for the city, the state and GSA.

I look forward to his testimony and with that, Mr. Chairman, I am ready to proceed.