Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the memory of Ben Ali, founder and owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, a local historical landmark. Dubbed ``King of the Half-Smoke'' by Washingtonians who flocked to Ben's daily, Mr. Ali died earlier this month at the age of 82. Ben Ali exemplified the American Dream through his entrepreneurial spirit and endurance. An immigrant from Trinidad, Ben opened his namesake restaurant on August 22, 1958 with the help of his wife, Virginia. In the process, Mr. Ali shaped the city of Washington and its unique U-Street Corridor by serving his trademark chili dishes to generations of diners. Opened during U Street's heyday as an African American Cultural Mecca, Ben's Chili Bowl has withstood major neighborhood construction projects, national economic shifts, and the notorious 1968 riots, which ravaged much of the city. During that dark night, Ben's Chili Bowl was one of only two establishments left unscathed. In the early 1990s, Ben's Chili Bowl stood as an unyielding anchor of the neighborhood's rebirth, and continues to serve dignitaries, celebrities, and local guests alike. All are loyal customers of Ben's Half-Smokes and Chili Cheeseburgers, a personal favorite of mine since 1969. Ben's Chili Bowl will persist as a Washington institution, a symbol of unity and strength in a city that has seen its share of hard times. Today, a tourist may dine next to an elected official, or a school boy next to his sports hero, as they all gather together for the incomparable experience of enjoying Ben's famous chili. Madam Speaker, I ask that we honor Ben Ali for his exceptional contributions to our community. The vital role that both he and Ben's Chili Bowl will continue to play in Washington will be his lasting legacy. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mr. Ben Ali.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise before you today to recognize a star in St. Louis County's active small business community, Showroom Shine, for their 2009 Hoodie Award. The Hoodie Awards aim to recognize excellence in the lives of everyday Americans who contribute their leadership to urban communities. The 7th annual award ceremony honored co-owners Sylvester Chisom and Arthur Shivers with the award for Best Detail Shop. We in the Show Me State are proud that Showroom Shine, a standout in the field of auto detailing and vehicle restoration, is one of our very own. Sylvester Chisom and Arthur Shivers truly exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to be the backbone of the American economy. Outfitted only with a water hose, bucket, and drain, Chisom and Shivers started Showroom Shine in 1999 as high school seniors. Showroom Shine has grown into a highly successful detailing company, winning their second Hoodie Award this year. Showroom Shine is known city-wide for their professionalism and personalized service, and hold contracts with numerous corporate and government entities, including the U.S. Postal Service, Enterprise Rental & Leasing, Clear Channel Radio, and Live Nation. They take seriously their duty to pass along their success to the community and to future business leaders. The two pioneers have penned a book, ``The Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Success,'' aimed at spreading the message of entrepreneurship to young people seeking advice and mentorship for their business ventures. Showroom Shine is a bright example of ingenuity and diligence. I stand before you offering heartfelt congratulations for their recent accolades and applaud their entrepreneurial excellence.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Tibotec Therapeutics, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, for demonstrating continued innovation and corporate responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS by conducting the groundbreaking GRACE study. GRACE, which stands for Gender Race And Clinical Experience, is the largest study to date in treatment- experienced women with HIV to examine gender and race differences in response to an HIV therapy. In recent HIV studies of treatment- experienced patients, women accounted for less than 11 percent of the patients being studied, on average. GRACE was able to enroll nearly 70 percent women and 84 percent people of color. In my home State of Missouri, there are almost 12,000 people living with AIDS, and African Americans represent over a third of these cases. Women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States, with African American and Latina women representing 79 percent of women living with the disease. People of color have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials in the United States, and HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts African Americans. In terms of new HIV infections, African American women are infected at a rate 15 times higher than white women. The trial was designed to help overcome some of the barriers, identified by the advisors, which have historically deterred women and people of color from participating in clinical studies, including stigma, lack of child care, transportation and personal support systems. Based upon advisor and community input, study participants could obtain assistance to cover costs associated with their participation in the study, including funds for travel and childcare, as well as food vouchers. I am proud to say that one of the study sites in this historic clinical trial is located in my congressional district. Results of the GRACE study showed that there were no statistical differences in the safety, tolerability or effectiveness of the HIV regimens used in the study between male and female participants, or for people of different ethnicities. Additionally, the GRACE study showed that with the appropriate commitment from the trial sponsor and input from affected communities and providers, clinical trials can enroll meaningful numbers of women and racial and ethnic minorities. Madam Speaker, I commend Tibotec Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson for their commitment to addressing the disproportionate impact of this epidemic on women and people of color.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. First of all, I thank the chairwoman, Ms. Bordallo, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Wittman, for their assistance on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor of this legislation, along with Congressman Zach Wamp of Tennessee, I am pleased to present H.R. 685 for consideration by the House today. I also want to thank my good friend, chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Raul Grijalva, for guiding this legislation through the committee process. This legislation will fully recognize the remarkable American story of the struggle for civil rights. That ongoing journey stretches across three centuries through multiple generations and touches every American. The United States Civil Rights Trail Special Resource Study Act of 2009 would recognize those brave souls who fought to make the promises enshrined in our Constitution ring true. In many places across this Nation and for far too long, that story is still incomplete and remains largely untold. H.R. 685 would authorize a study by the Secretary of the Interior to determine the feasibility of establishing a national trail system marking the geographic location of historically significant events related to the fight for racial equality in the United States. The American civil rights movement challenged the practice of racial segregation in the Nation and achieved equal rights for all American citizens. It is my hope that this bill and the resulting historic civil rights trails will tell the full and sometimes painful story of the struggle for civil rights. The knowledge and understanding gained from the trails will provide this generation and those who follow us with tremendous educational opportunities. Let me close by urging all of my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I want to also thank the chairman and the ranking member as well as the House leadership for shepherding this bill to the floor. This substitute amendment to H.R. 22 is sorely needed to partially relieve the U.S. Postal Service of an oversize payment of $5.4 billion to a Retiree Health Benefits Fund. The postal service under this legislation will pay $1.4 billion. The postal service is suffering the same effects of this recession as the rest of the Nation. Without legislative relief, the postal service will default on a $5.4 billion payment due on September 30. This bill is not a bailout, as no taxpayer funds will be provided to the postal service. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act required the postal service to prefund the cost of health care benefits for future retirees. No other government agency or private company is required to prefund retiree benefits on such an aggressive or ambitious schedule. The postal service operates on revenues from sales of its products and services. The postal service has already embarked on cost-cutting estimated to be $6 billion in fiscal year 2009, by cutting work hours, freezing hiring, and closing administrative offices. The postal service has paid $10 billion into the trust fund over the past 2 years, although it's suffered combined losses of $7.9 billion during that 2-year period. This bill is in line with the actions of many large businesses, including their competitors, which have temporarily reduced or suspended payments for retiree benefits or pensions during the recession. Again, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise before you and recognize a new addition to St. Louis' Locust Business District, Smoking Joe's Bar-Be-Que. The Locust Business District, located in the heart of the city, is tasked with spawning a renewed sense of community morale and revitalization. As it sits in the historic Tudor Building on Washington Avenue, Smoking Joe's Bar-Be-Que fits in perfectly with this aim. Owned and operated by Executive Chef Joel Rozelle, Smoking Joe's has helped bring new business and consumer interests to the Locust Business District. Smoking Joe's truly utilizes the culinary and performing arts to bring St. Louis culture and history alive. Each meal is a taste of St. Louis; from the succulent ribs and chicken dishes, to old-fashioned green beans and potato salad, the diners' already superb experience is enhanced by the soulful sounds of live jazz entertainers who hold steadfast to St. Louis' rich musical customs. This unique atmosphere has earned Smoking Joe's the UrbanSpoons' ``Talk of the Town'' distinction. Using self-developed dry rubs and staying true to St. Louis-style cooking, Chef Rozelle and his talented staff are to be applauded for their contribution to the neighborhood renewal and their respect of St. Louis culinary traditions.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I stand today to salute the memory of Margaret Bush Wilson, a civil rights pioneer. Ms. Wilson was 90 years old when she died quietly on August 11, 2009. She was an integral force in human rights advocacy, having been a tireless champion for equality and justice. The St. Louis community and our entire nation have lost a giant, and I have lost a dear friend. After earning a law degree from Lincoln University, Ms. Wilson became the second woman of color licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri. Ms. Wilson would go on to serve as Missouri's Assistant Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney for the Rural Electrification Administration. After World War II, she and her husband, Robert E. Wilson Jr., started a law firm in St. Louis. A civil rights lawyer who specialized in housing law, Ms. Wilson led the fight in St. Louis to upend restrictive neighborhood covenants in what eventually became the landmark 1948 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Shelley vs. Kraemer. The outcome of this case ensured that states could not defend nor enforce restrictive covenants as a state action, effectively giving blacks the legal right to move into the neighborhood of their choice. After presiding over both city and state branches of the NAACP, Ms. Wilson became the first African American woman to head the national NAACP board in 1975. After completing nine terms as Chairwoman, Ms. Wilson returned to St. Louis, where she continued to practice law, champion justice and equality, and mentor young law students and civic leaders until her death. Madam Speaker, I ask that all Americans honor Margaret Bush Wilson for her exceptionally brave career as a legal advocate and human rights pioneer. Her life has brought honor to all of us and she will live forever in our memories. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Margaret Bush Wilson.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 513) supporting the goals and purpose of Gold Star Mothers Day, which is observed on the last Sunday in September of each year in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by mothers who lose a son or daughter serving in the Armed Forces, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measures just considered.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 12) expressing support for designation of September 2009 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor of this measure, I am pleased to present H.R. 2034 for consideration by the House today.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I now yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 373 which expresses the support of Congress for the designation of the month of September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. It is important for us to recognize the severity of this neurological condition that is estimated to affect 1 million Americans. The resolution was introduced on April 28 by my colleague from Minnesota (Mrs. Bachmann) and has secured more than 80 cosponsors while meeting all requisite criteria for approval by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Hydrocephalus is defined as ``excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.'' The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that 1 in every 500 children are afflicted with this condition. Additionally, hydrocephalus is the leading cause of brain surgery in children. Since 2005, the National Institutes of Health has increased its focus on improving hydrocephalus care, but more needs to be accomplished. The NIH currently provides less than $1 million in annual funding for hydrocephalus research, but hopefully National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month can spur renewed efforts in this area of study. Mr. Speaker, during our efforts to overhaul the health care system, it is critical that we remember to support important public health initiatives like National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 373. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 373) expressing support for designation of the month of September as ``National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month''.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend from American Samoa for that interesting history and perspective on Hawaii. I want to urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's entrance into the Union as our 50th State by supporting this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend, the delegate from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CLAY of Missouri

Mr. CLAY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, first for the happy birthday wish, and I fish a lot, too, so I will try to make it to Minnesota also to catch some of those big, whopping fish. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono).

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 5 minutes to my good friend and proud native of Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie).

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 593, a resolution recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as our 50th State. The gentleman from Hawaii, Mr. Neal Abercrombie, introduced this measure on June 26, 2009; and having met all of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform requirements and criteria, the bill is now being considered today on the House floor. I should add that the measure comes to the floor with bipartisan support from over 56 cosponsors, demonstrating this body's eagerness to celebrate the admittance of our 50th State, the Aloha State. Hawaii is one of our country's great treasures. Its cultural heritage is rooted in centuries of precolonial history, and the State continues to protect it with efforts such as Hawaiian language immersion schools and cultural centers. It is home to Pearl Harbor, the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet and the site of the surprise attack that led the U.S. to enter the Second World War. Its eight national parks preserve rich natural beauty and intricate ecosystems that support one- fourth of the endangered species in the United States. Hawaii also contributes to the racial and ethnic diversity of our Nation and of this Congress. It elected this body's first woman of color, Patsy T. Mink; as well as its first Asian American, Hiram Fong. It has also elected Native Hawaiians to Congress, including Senator Daniel Akaka. The State also enjoys being the childhood home State of our current Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the State of Hawaii by supporting this measure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 593) recognizing and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State, as amended.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank my friend from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) for offering this resolution for such a worthy organization. Again, I urge support for House Resolution 483.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any other speakers, and I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.