Representative Connie Morella (R-Md) met with Herndon High School Political Science students at the Rayburn office building in Washington, DC. She discussed her voting record and political philosophy with the students.

Katie DeSalvo (3rd from left) "After reading the introduction of Profiles in Courage by John Kennedy, what do you think is more important, voting on what the people want or your own conscience?"

Rep. Morella: "When I vote, I think about my conscience, my constituents and my country."

Mike DeMilt: "Since you are a supporter of a drug free society, why would you vote against a bill requiring random drug tests for federal employees? Don't you think this bill would show the government is serious about the "War on Drugs" and wouldn't this bill set an example for American citizens?"

Rep. Morella: "It is expensive, the tests are not always accurate and the Federal Government tests anytime there is probable cause."

"Regarding the Persian Gulf war, I voted against it not because I was against the use of force, but I was opposed to the January 15th deadline and I thought we should have had the parties come together and had more deliberations. With the situation in Kosovo, I voted for it because the decision was already made to do that and I wanted to back-up the troops."

Alex Sullivan- "In June of this year (1999), why did you find it necessary to vote for a National Day of Prayer?

Mike Dail presents Rep. Morella with an Oriental Jade plant and card as gesture of our thanks for Rep. Morella meeting with us.

Rep. Morella had to vote, so Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va) stopped by to talk to his constituents.

John Welch: "As we all know, you are rigorously involved in the affairs of the District of Columbia. What I am wondering is do you believe the District of Columbia, who has its citizens pay taxes, do you believe they are entitled to representatives in congress who have the power to vote and furthermore do you think the District of Columbia should be granted statehood?"

Rep. Davis: "I don't think they should be a state, it's too dinky to be a state...I would give Eleanor Holmes Norton a vote on the House floor, but I would not give them two senators 'cause they are just too small."