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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23






                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
reports dated February 6, 1997, included in and incorporated by reference in
this Form 10-K/A, into the Company's previously filed Form S-8 Registration
Statements File No. 33-64838, No. 33-74246, No. 33-94120, No. 333-2580 and No.
333-26175 and its previously filed Form S-3 Registration Statement File 
No. 33-96186.



Arthur Andersen LLP

Washington, D. C.
June 4, 1997.