Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Frankie Muse Freeman, a lawyer from Missouri who has fought a long and historic battle in defense of civil and human rights for all Americans. Her dedication and service to our nation as a civil rights attorney and Commissioner of Civil Rights for a long line of American Presidents, aptly earns her a place in the Missouri Walk of Fame and the privilege of being honored today before Congress. Dr. Freeman has been engaged in the practice of law since June 1949. In addition to being an outstanding attorney, she has held four presidential appointments. President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated her as the first woman to serve as a Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter subsequently reappointed her. She served as a Commissioner for 16 years, and later as Inspector General for the Community Services Administration during the Carter Administration. President Carter, in thanking her for her service to the Civil Rights Commission, stated that ``You have insisted that this nation must follow policies and reflect an unequivocal commitment to the goal of equal opportunity for all, in all walks of life. . . You are one of our Nation's truly great leaders in the field of civil rights.'' Committed to justice, Dr. Freeman joined 15 Federal officials in forming a bipartisan Citizens Commission on Civil Rights to monitor the Federal Government's enforcement of laws barring discrimination. She has extensive experience in the areas of housing, civil and probate law, and in civil rights. She has represented individuals, major corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and state and municipal agencies. A landmark in her career occurred in 1954 when she argued and won the case challenging racial segregation in public housing in St. Louis. She strives to empower others to always be prepared and be active participants in today's society. Leading by example, Dr. Freeman has devoted many hours to the Howard University Board of Trustees, National Council on Aging, National Council of Negro Women, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Board of Directors of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Board of the United Way of Greater Saint Louis, Board of the Greater St. Louis Chapter of the United Nations Association and the Trustee Board of Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church. She is also a past president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Freeman is among my heroes and I am proud to salute her for her many lasting contributions to both our local St. Louis community and to our nation. Her outstanding leadership and sincere commitment to justice makes her more than worthy of receiving our recognition and I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Dr. Frankie Freeman.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an article that appeared in the July 15th edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which pays tribute to a man of abundant and diverse talents, Mr. Kenya Ajanaku. Not only has Mr. Ajanaku played an important part in my personal life as an admired relative, he has been a huge asset to the city of St. Louis. As the executive director of the Harambee Institute, and a professional jewelry maker, drummer, singer, dancer, storyteller and educator, Mr. Ajanaku has proven that pursuing one's passions can be personally rewarding as well as beneficial to one's community. The article, aptly entitled ``Multifaceted'', delivers Mr. Ajanaku the proper recognition he deserves. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the entire text of the St. Louis Post- Dispatch article be placed in the Record. [From the St. Louis Dispatch, July 15, 2005] Multifaceted (By Kathie Sutin) Some of the best things in life happen by serendipity, that accidental, happy discovery that comes when you're looking for something else. Take Kenya Ajanaku, a multi-talented man--a professional jewelry-maker, drummer, singer, dancer, storyteller and educator. Ajanaku, 57, is executive director of the Harambee Institute, a nonprofit organization he created in 1994 to pass on to others what he has learned about making jewelry and the performing arts. He also performs a 45-minute interactive program incorporating drum-playing and the storytelling of African folk tales to groups around St. Louis and the country. Except for singing, which he has done most of his life, he came upon each of his other professions by chance. ``I became a jeweler at 25, I became a dancer and drummer at 31, and I became a professional storyteller at 41,'' says Ajanaku (pronounced ah JAHN ah koo). ``It has enabled me to have heaven right here on Earth: he says. ``I do this for a living, and it's really a blessing. I can't call it a job because a job is something you hate to do. I have to call this a profession because it's something I love to do.'' Not that the path was easy. In the '70s, when Ajanaku started, it was almost unheard-of for an African-American to make a living selling jewelry. ``Most people said, 'He has gone crazy talking about he gon' make a living making jewelry,'' he said with a laugh. Ajanaku understands the skepticism of those days. ``Our people hadn't seen anyone making a living doing this,'' he says. ``And then I got involved with the drumming, and my mother--bless her soul--says, `Bi-State is hiring. You're 31 years old. What are you going to do with a drum?' '' He credits his wife of 38 years, Weyni, who learned jewelry-making with him and who does the paperwork and teaches at the institute, for believing in him. The couple sell necklaces, bracelets and rings they handcraft from copper, brass, silver and 14-karat gold. They also set semiprecious stones from around the world such as obsidian, turquoise, malachite, black onyx and tiger's eye. Ajanaku also fashions antique sterling silverware he finds at auctions into bracelets and rings. After graduating from Vashon High School in 1966, Ajanaku headed to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., on a swimming scholarship. Shortly thereafter, he married Weyni. Then, three years into college, he moved back to St. Louis to become a barber. A few years later, he and his wife decided to sell their possessions and the barbershop to move to Panama with friends to open a business. But there, their plans were stymied when they learned that to open a business, they needed a Panamanian partner. They decided to go back to Charlotte, where they opened a small variety store across from the university Ajanaku had attended. After going to a movie one day, the couple encountered two African-American men near the theater. They had big boards shaped like Africa, and they had black velvet on them, and they had their jewelry pinned on the front, Ajanaku says. One of them said, ``Hey, would you be interested in some handcrafted jewelry?'' Ajanaku was amazed. ``It was the first time I had seen hand-crafted jewelry, especially made by someone who looks like me,'' he said. ``Up to then, I had never conceived that I could become a jeweler. You see, when I was growing up in my community, you didn't see any professional jewelers.'' He was also impressed by the jewelry. ``I was just flabbergasted at the beauty and the time and effort that went into these pieces that they made,'' he said. The couple learned that the men, part of a communal group called the Ajanakus, made their living traveling from city to city and selling jewelry. They bought some jewelry and invited the men to dinner. Later they would change their last name to Ajanaku, a Nigerian term meaning ``strong-willed person.'' After dinner, the men brought out their tools and materials and showed the couple how they made jewelry. That night, Kenya Ajanaku made his first piece of jewelry--a pair of earrings. Ajanaku and his wife were captivated by the lifestyle, as well as the jewelry. So they sold their business and eventually headed for Washington, where he met a man who taught him how to solder and set stones in silver. ``I remember our first piece of sterling silver we bought in Philadelphia,'' he says. ``It was 1 foot of 16-gauge round sterling silver wire. Man, you would have thought that was gold to us because we had never worked with sterling before.'' The family returned to St. Louis in 1979 and began to sell jewelry at craft shows. Here, Someone told him about renowned dancer Katherine Dunham and a Senegalese man she brought to East St. Louis to teach African drumming. Ajanaku signed up for the class. ``I became a pretty good drummer, and fortunately Miss Dunham hired me as one of the drummers for the Katherine Dunham Dancers. That was really a help because when I first moved back to St. Louis, the only way I had to make money was through the jewelry. When I got involved in the performing arts, it helped me to diversify.'' Ajanaku later played percussion behind St. Louisan Bobby Norfolk, one of the first African-American professional storytellers, who was on the roster of Young Audiences. When Norfolk went on to national and international gigs, the group asked Ajanaku to come up with a storytelling presentation. Though the Ajanakus spend a lot of time teaching children and adults at the Harambee Institute and at classes they teach through the St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department, the Ferguson-Florissant School District and at Mark Twain Elementary School in St. Louis, they still sell their jewelry at festivals. That includes such events as the Festival of Nations, which will be held July 23-24 in Tower Grove Park, and the Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden and Ottertoberfest at the St. Louis Zoo, both in October. Ajanaku sees the institute as a way to enlighten the African-American community about professions in the arts and others about African culture. ``Nowadays, I tell people, `The cotton has been picked; automation is here, so the need for unskilled laborers nowadays is zero,'' he says. ``Nowadays you need some type of skill or some type of service you can provide.'' The Harambee Institute is at 5223 Raymond Avenue. To learn more about it or to make an appointment to visit the gift shop, which features items from Africa and the Ajanakus' jewelry, call 314-454-6584.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for yielding me time. I too want to join my colleagues in congratulating and thanking the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis), and the ranking members, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for the hard work they put into advancing this bill to this point. I rise in support of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. I am committed to protecting the interests of the U.S. Postal Service. I have the honor of representing over 3,000 Postal Service employees. Together they earn over $167 million in annual payroll and pay almost $20 million dollars in income taxes. Postal employees represent an important part of my community economic base. Several months ago, I hosted a postal roundtable with groups representing postal-reliant businesses that depend on the postal system to deliver their products and collect their revenues. In addition, postmasters, letter carriers, direct mailers, and representatives of trucking companies participated in this roundtable. While overwhelming support was expressed for this legislation, many concerns were raised about single-piece parcels, single-piece parcel post, or single letters, whether they should continue to be classifieds as market dominant so that the Postal Service can continue to offer fair rates for items mailed anywhere, including rural and more remote areas. The U.S. Postal Service would have to dramatically raise prices on such packages and possibly be forced to stop offering the universally affordable rate for single-piece parcels to individuals and small businesses. This would result in the loss of many jobs within the Postal Service and create an inconvenience to customers. The U.S. Postal Service provides a vital public service to all of our constituents and is an essential part of our Nation's economic infrastructure. I urge my colleagues to put single-piece parcels back in the market dominance category and support the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Missouri congressional delegation, I would like to join with my colleagues, Representatives Todd Akin, Roy Blunt, Russ Carnahan, Emanuel Cleaver, Jo Ann Emerson, Sam Graves, Kenny Hulshof and Ike Skelton in paying tribute to the late Honorable Larry Gene Taylor who passed away at the age of 51 on Wednesday, July 6, 2005, after a hard fought battle with cancer. It is with great sadness that I stand before you today to commemorate the life of one of this nation's outstanding public servants. Senator Larry Gene Taylor served in both the Missouri House and Senate during his career. He was a man filled with optimism and vision and he was a legislator who was truly dedicated to the people of Missouri. Senator Taylor was born on August 7, 1953, in Carthage, Missouri. He was educated in the Sarcoxie public schools and went on to attend Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Taylor was a driven man who started his career in politics working in State Treasurer Wendell Bailey's office as his Director of Public Affairs. He was later elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002. As a State Representative he served as the Vice Chairman on the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Committee and as a majority member of the House Committee on Appropriations for Transportation and Economic Development and the House Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development. In 2004 he was elected to the State Senate where he was on several committees such as Aging, Families, Mental and Public Health, Ways and Means and Transportation. Senator Taylor worked vehemently to improve Missouri's infrastructure and played a key role in establishing a long term funding solution that greatly improved Missouri's education budget formula. Larry Gene Taylor was a public servant by blood. He inherited his love for politics from his father, the late U.S. Representative, Gene Taylor of Missouri's 7th Congressional District. Congressman Taylor was also a native Missourian who began his career in Missouri politics when he was elected mayor of Sarcoxie, Missouri in 1954. He spent the next 35 years of his life as a public servant holding numerous positions including that of a United States Congressman. Congressman Taylor retired from politics in 1989 and later passed away in 1998. Together this father and son team has left a great political legacy in the state of Missouri. In a time when politics is dividing so many, Senator Taylor was known as one who united. He was capable of working with anyone regardless of their political ideology or party affiliation. He possessed the true spirit of bipartisanship. Senator Taylor was never one to play party politics; he was devoted to the people of Missouri. The compassion and understanding that he showed to them will always be remembered through his work and the genuine heartfelt relationships that he developed. In spite of his bout with cancer, Senator Taylor's perseverance would not allow him to give up. In fact, many were astounded and moved by how he managed to work right through the unimaginable pain and suffering that he must have experienced. His love for life is truly an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to know him. Mr. Speaker, Senator Taylor was a source of great pride not just for Missourians but for Americans everywhere. Not only have I had the honor of working with Senator Larry Gene Taylor, I have had the privilege of calling him my friend.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The amendment seeks to prohibit funds available in this Act for the provision of mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act to lenders who engage in lending practices that are not prudent as referenced in the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and the FDIC Improvement Act. Given the chairman's willingness and commitment to collaborate with the ranking member from Massachusetts, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) and I seek to engage the conferees to include language that speaks to the issue referenced in this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee.)

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman for her willingness to cosponsor the amendment. I also thank the chairman for his willingness to talk to us about this amendment, and I appreciate this opportunity.

Mr. CLAY. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CLAY. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman. I also wanted to make him aware that there is legislation being crafted by our colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kanjorski), as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), to address this issue and it is winding its way through the Committee on Financial Services.

Mr. CLAY. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I appreciate the cooperation of all sides on this issue. The chairman has given a commitment to work with us, and at this point I thank also the gentlewoman for her willingness to cosponsor the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the ageless energy, optimism and achievements of Mildred Spitzer, who at 100 years young brings a brightness and light to her community. Mrs. Spitzer's volunteer service at the University City Children's Center, the Washington University School of Medicine, and Temple Israel are part of her lifelong commitment to serving society. Mrs. Spitzer has spent what should be her retirement years performing office work, working as the secretary of her retiree's group, and caring for infants. Mr. Stephen Zwolak, the executive director of the children's center, says that her work is ``wonderful,'' and provides the ``human touch [the babies] need to create attachment,'' a cornerstone of the center's educational philosophy. By all accounts, she inspires others with her youthful exuberance and enthusiasm. Mrs. Spitzer was born on April 22, 1905, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she also attended Temple University. While living in Summit, New Jersey, she founded a chapter of a Jewish educational charity. She was married to Harold Spitzer for 47 years and she is the proud matriarch of a family of three daughters, six grandchildren, and now six great grandchildren. Mildred Spitzer has resided in the First District of Missouri for the past 12 years. She is committed to regular exercise and played golf well into her eighties. She now enjoys playing cards and reading and takes pride in doing her own shopping and housework. For her part, Mrs. Spitzer is humble and eager to thank God for her longevity, health, and happiness. Her philosophy of good--good will and good thoughts--is both pragmatic and profound, as she asks us all simply ``What's the use in being cranky?'' Her life stands as a testament to her kind spirit, faith and optimistic outlook. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Mildred Spitzer before the U.S. House of Representatives for her many lifetime achievements, longevity, and ongoing vigor and energy. She has demonstrated an indefatigable love of life and a commitment to helping others. Mildred Spitzer is a national treasure and a source of national pride.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sumner High School, the first school west of the Mississippi river to offer secondary education to African Americans. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the school's founding as ``The High School for Colored Children.'' Originally housed in the former Washington School at 11th and Spruce streets in downtown St. Louis, the school was renamed on October 12, 1875, in honor of Charles Sumner, a Massachusetts Senator who was an ardent supporter of African-American rights. In 1861 Senator Sumner was the first U.S. Senator to call for full emancipation. The decision to name the school in his honor reflected the school's role as a preeminent institution for African Americans. Dropping ``colored school'' in favor of Sumner High occurred fifteen years before local African-American leaders succeeded in persuading the St. Louis Board of Schools to designate names for all segregated schools. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Missouri passed a new state constitution requiring all school boards to support education for African Americans. However, the Board of Education for Colored Schools occupied only rented space and its schools moved often. Sumner was no exception. In 1895 it was relocated to 15th and Walnut streets, near the saloons and pool halls of downtown St. Louis. Concerned citizens petitioned school officials to move the school again and in 1910 Sumner was relocated to The Ville neighborhood, where it occupied a new structure at 4248 Cottage Avenue. The new Sumner High strengthened the neighborhood's status as a center for middle-class African-American life in St. Louis. Another historical landmark tied to Sumner High School involved the hiring of African-American teachers. Initially, Sumner had an all white faculty, but the parents requested that a special effort be made to recruit African-American teachers. Two years later, in 1877, the school's first African-American principal took charge. Sumner High School further enhanced educational opportunities for African Americans in Missouri when, in 1890, it established an extension called the Sumner Normal School to train elementary school teachers. In 1925 the Sumner Normal School became a college; it was known as the Sumner Teachers College until 1930 when it was renamed Harriet Beecher Stowe Teachers College. In 1940 the Teachers College moved to new facility on Pendleton Street where it remained until 1954 when, in one of St. Louis' first efforts to desegregate its public schools, the St. Louis Board of Education merged Stowe College with the all-white Harris Teachers College. Sumner graduated its first class in 1885 and over the years its alumni list boasts a number of accomplished African Americans, including the opera singer Grace Bumbry, activist Dick Gregory, musician Tina Turner, tennis great Arthur Ashe, Liberian Ambassador Lester Walton, educator Julia Davis, rock history legend Chuck Berry, performer Robert McFerrin, actor Robert Guillaume, Yankee catcher- outfielder (and the American League's first black Most Valuable Player) Elston Howard and local newscaster Julius Hunter, to name just a few. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep pride that I recognize Sumner High School, a symbol of progress in African American history for its distinguished record of achievement in public education. As a community leader and elected official, I am proud to salute Sumner and all Sumner students and alumni on this very special anniversary. Sumner High School is a source of pride for St. Louisans and a model for public schools across the nation.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the Stem Cell Therapeutics and Research Act of 2005. As many of my colleagues have discussed, this bill provides federal support to help cord blood banks collect and maintain new cord blood units. It's important to acknowledge that this bill also reaffirms Congress's commitment to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Established in 1986, the National Registry has facilitated more than 21,000 lifesaving transplants involving cord blood, peripheral blood, and bone marrow. Although we are discussing cord blood for the first time today, the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), which has operated the National Registry since its inception, has already incorporated cord blood into the registry to help patients, especially minority patients whose genetic diversity often makes it difficult to find a suitably matched adult volunteer donor. Through the NMDP today, individuals in need of a cord blood transplant already have access to the largest listing of cord blood units in the United States--more than 42,000 units. In addition, the NMDP lists more than 9 million adult volunteer donors. Today, we celebrate the National Registry's success by acknowledging its expanded role in the research and development of new sources of hematopoietic cells for transplant by renaming it the CW Bill Young Cell Therapies Program. I am particularly proud of the work of the NMDP, especially its strong support for cord blood and because of its partnership with the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank. The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank is the cornerstone of an active clinical stem cell transplantation and research program at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and St. Louis University. Along with the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank, the NMDP partners with 14 of the 20 U.S. public cord blood banks. Another 3 are in the process of becoming partners. Together, the NMDP and these cord blood banks are working to increase the national inventory of cord blood available for transplants and research. Their work helps thousands of Americans with life-threatening diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. It is essential that the existing integrated program continue to be able to operate as it does today. Physicians and patients must be able to search for and obtain support from a single national registry that includes cord blood, peripheral blood, and bone marrow. Physicians should not have to waste time searching multiple cord blood banks and adult donor registries or having to coordinate the further testing and delivery of units. Searching is not the only function that must be integrated. Physicians need to be confident that the results of their searches allow them to truly compare cord blood units and adult donor information. Thus, the cord blood community should work with the National Program to establish criteria and standards to ensure consistency of the information that is part of the registry. Finally, it is important that all patients, not just those who receive a bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants, receive the patient advocacy and educational services that the NMDP provides to all the patients it assists. The NMDP already provides physicians and their patients with this type of support. This bill is a step in the right direction because it builds upon the existing registry. We must be careful not to waste scarce federal dollars by duplicating what is already working well. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2520, which provides for an integrated National Program.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding young American, Claire E. Santoro, of University City, Missouri, who was recently designated as a Presidential Scholar. This honor distinguishes Ms. Santoro as one of our Nation's most accomplished high school seniors. Presidential scholars are selected for their accomplishments in academics and the arts, as well as for their leadership skills, community service and civic contributions. Seventeen-year-old Ms. Santoro is among 141 presidential scholars who will be honored next month in a ceremony in Washington, DC. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Santoro has played varsity field hockey and soccer for four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the mock trial team and is in charge of the dance chorus for her school's spring musical. This spring Claire will graduate from University City High School, in St. Louis County. Next fall she will attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she intends to study educational policy and environmental issues. I have also been informed that her academic success has been inspired by a most important teacher, Ms. Roberta L. Steward. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to commend Ms. Santoro on her many fine achievements. By all accounts, she is a major source of pride to herself, her family, her school and the residents of the 1st Congressional District. I wish her every continued success in the future.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sister Mary Antona Ebo, a Missourian who was recently celebrated by the Library of Congress in the ``Voices of Civil Rights'' exhibit for her inspirational service to our nation. She is one of the ``Sisters of Selma,'' a group of Catholic nuns who risked their lives to promote civil rights. Sister Ebo's role in civil rights history centered around the brutal ``Bloody Sunday,'' beatings that took place at the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. On March 7, 1965, law enforcement officials used horses, clubs and gas to turn back the voting rights marchers as they began their 50 mile march to the state capital at Montgomery. Three days later, in response to a request by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sister Ebo went to Selma with a group of religious leaders from St. Louis. There she spoke out against the violence and urged minorities in Alabama to pursue their right to vote. In recalling her role in the historic events in Alabama, Sister Ebo said recently that she saw her actions as a call from God to make a difference. After the civil rights marches ended, Sister Ebo continued her life of service to others. In 1967, she became the first African American woman religious professional to head a hospital. She was named administrator of St. Clare Hospital and Health Services in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Today she is a treasured member of the St. Louis community where she serves as pastoral associate at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Recently, Sister Ebo recalled her days in the civil rights movement. She told a newspaper reporter: ``We did that then, in responding to the need of the moment, but there are still needs that need to be addressed by us as women religious. We need to be speaking out, speaking up and saying 'No, we will not participate in those kinds of activities, which oppress a part of our people, whether black, white or polka-dot. ' `` Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Sister Mary Antona Ebo before the U.S. House of Representatives for her many lifetime achievements. She has been a source of spirit and strength for countless Americans. She is among my heroes and I am proud to salute her for her many lasting contributions to our community and to this nation.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Percy Green II who was among those outstanding Americans recently celebrated in the ``Voices of Civil Rights'' exhibit at the Library of Congress. It featured oral histories and photographs taken during the Voices of Civil Rights bus tour, which began in Washington, DC, on August 3, 2004. This 70-day tour through 22 states and 30 cities followed part of the route of the 1961 Freedom Rides to Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Green is a great St. Louisan who has earned a place in our Nation's history for his role in the fight to end racial discrimination. In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mr. Green said: ``I realized that poor people and less fortunate people were not poor and less fortunate by choice. When I was able to realize there was such a thing that was called the white power structure, and it had a face and it was tangible, then of course, that was when I felt that it needed to be targeted.'' In the early 1960s, Mr. Green was one of the few working class members of CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality. He was then an aircraft electrician--which he learned by correspondence--at the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation. He took it upon himself to help other African Americans find decent jobs and so he founded the Action Council to Improve Opportunities for Negroes (ACTION). ACTION targeted local St. Louis corporations and government bodies to expose job discrimination and demand better jobs for minorities. In numerous acts of civil disobedience they marched, sat-in, protested, disrupted and lobbied for a fair share of America's promise. Many St. Louisans still remember that organization's first public demonstration when Mr. Green and a white man climbed up a leg of the St. Louis Gateway Arch while it was under construction. ACTION served as the central organization for desegregating working class jobs well into the 1980s. The list of actions taken by Mr. Green on behalf of his fellow citizens is long indeed. Even today, at age 69, he remains deeply committed to ending injustice and protecting human rights. His great courage, personal sacrifice and vision have earned Percy Green national recognition and praise. Mr. Speaker. I am honored to recognize Mr. Percy Green II before the U.S. House of Representatives for his lifetime achievements in the civil rights movement. He is among my heroes and I am proud to salute him for his many lasting contributions to both our community, and to the Nation.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the great humanitarian support that Pfizer, Inc. has offered to the victims of the Tsunami disaster. The devastation experienced in Thailand called for the nation's compassion and swift attention. Just three days after the incident, Pfizer was one of the first corporations to deliver both funds and medicines quickly and efficiently to those who experienced this tragedy first hand. Pfizer donated $11 million to relief organizations, sent more than $45 million in health care products and contributed an additional $1.5 million in individual employee and company-matching donations. Realizing the critical need to address the potential long-term psychological impact this disaster will have on people and communities across Asia, Pfizer recently announced that it will partner with Thailand health organizations to help survivors cope with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pfizer has promised to provide financial resources and expertise to train local health professionals, nurses, social workers, psychologists, teachers and other community leaders. Further, in order to address the needs of those displaced due to the devastation of businesses in affected areas, Pfizer will support the Thai Labor Department in their programs to identify and train a much needed workforce. Mr. Speaker. I would like to applaud Pfizer on their Tsunami relief efforts. When the call for assistance was heard around the world, Pfizer answered. Their philanthropic efforts set a standard for other companies around the world to follow. I urge my colleagues to join me in commending them for the commitment and remarkable generosity they have shown to those who have suffered from one of the world's worst natural disasters.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Central Branch of the St. Louis Public Library. I am extremely honored to commend them for being recognized as one of the 12 most beautiful and historic libraries in the world. They further hold the distinction as being only one of three U.S. libraries chosen for this honor. The Central Library building is one of St. Louis's architectural treasures. Architect Cass Gilbert who was the architect for the Saint Louis Art Museum, the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC, and the Woolworth Building in New York City was selected to design the building, which opened in 1912. The Central Branch occupies one city block and features beautiful stained glass windows, hand-stenciled ceilings and glass floors. The exterior of the building is granite with marble panels and relief carvings, decorative medallions, notable authors and inspirational inscriptions. The Periodical Room's carved ceiling is adapted from Michelangelo's design for the ceiling of the Laurentian Library in Florence and boasts more than 800 current magazines and newspapers. While an architectural marvel, the library also assists the community with bridging the link between all cultures and nationalities by providing special services to Bosnian, African, Hispanic, German and Asian members of the community through extensive access to books and films in their own language. The Library is also involved in community outreach efforts providing book services to day care and senior centers. It also provides the gift of reading to those who are home- bound by operating bookmobiles and sending books through the mail. Mr. Speaker, the Central Branch of the St. Louis Public Library has been recognized for its historic beauty and architectural wonder, and its commitment to serving an ever changing landscape of cultures and nationalities; it deserves to be honored for its vital role in educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Wiley Price, Jr., an African-American radio Pioneer, for his being posthumously inducted into the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists' Hall of Fame, on September 25, 2004. In 1944, Mr. Price joined radio station WTMV, becoming the first African-American radio disc jockey to work on the air in St. Louis. In the words of St. Louis writer and media historian, Bernie Hayes: ``Wiley Price was one of the most original and imaginative announcers of the 20th century. He was far before his time for some, but right on time for us. He was a leading figure in the postwar radio movement, and developed a unique, distinctive delivery and set the standard for those of us who came later. He brought the sound of Black American music to millions of white teenagers while giving hundreds of artists their first recognition.'' Mr. Speaker, Mr. Price crusaded against the lack of respect and recognition for an entire people. He led his listeners to a new musical level and his influence spread over many generations, touching different people of all races. The fact that he has been inducted into another ``Hall of Fame'' is proof of the depth of his influence. His religious background and his broad appreciation for jazz and blues allowed him to bring great things to music and the entertainment industry. He was not only a giant in the radio business but he became a cultural icon--something very few people can claim. His audiences associated him with values that they held near and dear to their hearts. Author Ralph Ellison once wrote: ``I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids--and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible; understand, simply because people refuse to see me.'' But, to the world's benefit, Mr. Price made people see him, and more importantly, people listened to him. He did not imitate the style of White deejays, but successfully brought a modern and distinctly African-American sound into orthodox music. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Price helped shape the character of Black radio by challenging big business and bigotry. He helped introduce African-Americans into the mainstream of American radio and changed the way people around the world connect to music. Mr. Speaker. It is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Wiley Price, Jr. before the U.S. House of Representatives for his many lifetime achievements. He is among my heroes and I am proud to salute him for his many lasting contributions to our community.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding. Honorable colleagues, the numerous irregularities that occurred with the electronic voting machines in Ohio on November 2 of last year point to an unresolved national crisis: The lack of a unified standard for all voters and all ballots cast in a Federal election. Congress must establish this standard, with a verifiable paper or audit trail. It is the only way to ensure the integrity of the Federal election process. Reports of voter intimidation, inadequate and malfunctioning voting machines, incompetent election judges, and lines at polling places in urban areas that lasted for many hours were widespread. These irregularities were compounded by the irresponsible conduct of the allegedly unbiased top election official who openly became a partisan advocate for his party's Presidential nominee. The Ohio Secretary of State has refused to assist us in the search for the truth. He has shown no interest in determining whether the glitches were the result of mistakes, negligence, or intentional misconduct. Numerous voters have reported that when they attempted to cast a vote for Kerry-Edwards, the electronic voting machine registered the vote as a ballot for Bush-Cheney. While it is difficult to quantify the number of votes that were altered or affected by the irregularities that have been reported, a single vote not counted, as it was intended . . . is a discredit to our democracy. I am not suggesting that these irregularities changed the outcome of the election. But I am insisting that we act to ensure that the sacred right of every voter, to have his or her vote counted, as the voter intended, is protected by adopting a uniform Federal standard. In order to protect the voting rights of the citizens of Ohio, and to be true to the oath that we all swore to earlier this week, it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to review the serious irregularities that occurred in Ohio to ensure that this significant disenfranchisement of voters never happens again. It is imperative that we give voters complete confidence that their votes will be accurately counted by reforming our election laws to address all of the irregularities that have come to light. I encourage my colleagues to join me in preserving our democracy.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, the numerous irregularities that occurred with the electronic voting machines in Ohio on November 2 of last year point to an unresolved national crisis. The lack of a unified standard for all voters and all ballots casts in a federal election. Congress must establish this standard with a verifiable paper or audit trail. It is the only way to ensure integrity of the federal election process. Reports of voter intimidation, inadequate and malfunctioning voter machines, incompetent election judges and lines at the polling places in urban areas that lasted for many hours were widespread. These irregularities were compounded by the irresponsible conduct of the allegedly unbiased top election official who openly became a partisan advocate for his party's Presidential nomination. Honorable colleagues, the numerous irregularities that occurred with the electronic voting machines in Ohio on November 2nd of last year point to an unresolved national crisis: the lack of a unified standard for all voters and all ballots cast in a federal election. Congress must establish this standard, with a verifiable paper or audit trail. It is the only way to ensure the integrity of the federal election process. Reports of voter intimidation, inadequate and malfunctioning voting machines, incompetent election judges and lines at polling places in urban areas that lasted for many hours were widespread. These irregularities were compounded by the irresponsible conduct of the allegedly unbiased top election official who openly became a partisan advocate for his party's presidential nominee.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 195. It is most fitting and appropriate that the American people observe a moment of silence each year to remember and honor all the brave men and women who have given their lives in defense of our great nation. A moment of silence on Veterans Day will give a national experience to the observance of this important federal holiday. This legislation's Veterans Day observance is also a special tribute to the valiant efforts of the Four Chaplains--Reverend George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling and Father John Washington, who gave up their lives while serving on the USAT Dorchester during World War II. That ship was hit by enemy torpedo on February 3, 1943, and sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The Four Chaplains helped to instill a sense of calm and reassurance to the soldiers in battle. They gave spiritual guidance and support as they gave up their own life jackets to those who had none. These American heroes then stood, arm in arm, heads bowed in prayer and went down with their ship. The Four Chaplains will be forever remembered as heroes who characterized the very best qualities of American soldiers. Their lives serve as a testimony to all the heroes who have fought for our nation. Today, across the United States the memory of the Four Chaplains continues to bring comfort and inspiration. Four Chaplains Services bring together people of all races, faiths and creed in more than 2,000 interfaith services each year. It is only proper that our nation honor and celebrate the memory of the Four Chaplains. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my appreciation to the Veterans Committee for moving this legislation forward; I appreciate all the members who have worked so hard to enhance our Veterans Day celebration. I want to especially thank my friend, Mr. Pascrell, for all his efforts to promote a national moment of silence in honor of our nation's veterans and when the legislation before us is enacted into law, I would certainly hope that all radio and television stations will join in observing the Veterans Day moment of silence. America's veterans are without any question the group most worthy of the gratitude of the people of our nation. It is time that we honor our heroes in a shared national moment of silence.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation which will turn the District of Columbia into a security nightmare. Just over 2 weeks ago, this body ignored the appeals of law enforcement and ignored overwhelming public opinion and allowed the ban on assault weapons to expire. Now, Members of this body are trying to repeal every one of the District of Columbia's firearms laws. Since the 9/11 disaster, the Federal Government has directed billions of taxpayer dollars to make our Nation's capital safer for residents, commuters, tourists, public officials and the law enforcement professionals dedicated to public safety. Today, security is the single overwhelming challenge facing our Nation. As I speak, the Capitol Hill Police are manning checkpoints around the perimeter of the Capitol, searching private automobiles and inspecting public buses. Law enforcement officials have bravely risen to this challenge of the terrorist threat that exploded in our skies. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes a mockery out of law enforcement's commitment to safeguard the Nation's Capitol and to protect the Members of this Congress. This body should be ashamed to engage in such hypocrisy.