Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our guest chaplain, one of my outstanding constituents, Father Arthur Cavitt. Father Art, as he is known in St. Louis, is a leader in religious outreach and educational development efforts within the African American Catholic community. His St. Charles Lwanga Center, located in North St. Louis City, offers Bible study, pastoral care, and conducts an outstanding youth ministry. Father Art's spiritual leadership, through his center and as an educator at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory, is reaching thousands of young people, changing lives, and helping to reclaim neighborhoods that have seen far too much violence, intolerance and pain. Father Art is bringing the church's message of love, truth, tolerance, and mutual understanding to those in our community who need it most. I am very honored to salute him today as our special guest.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as cosponsor of the bill (H.R. 979) to amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to ensure program integrity, transparency, and cost savings in the pricing and contracting of prescription drug benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Instead of spending hours or days on trying to score political points, the Republican majority should be joining Democrats and the President and focusing on growing jobs. Regulations--pro- growth, job-creating regulations--are a necessary successful way we can continue the Democratic recovery from the Republican economic crisis. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, my Republican colleagues advocate a free market unfettered by what they say are job-killing regulations. It seems like to them every regulation is job-killing. We hear a lot about that. What we don't hear from the Republican majority is anything about job growth. We don't hear any plans about job growth because the majority doesn't have any plans for job growth. In fact, the Republicans spent the last 2 years obstructing pro-job growth policy just to score political points; but they are wrong about regulation. For example, on the environment we hear from Republicans that environmental regulations are killing jobs, but the facts prove just the opposite. Based on recent estimates, total employment created by capital investments in the power sector over the next 5 years is estimated at 1.46 million jobs. That's an average of 290,000 jobs a year, in each of the next 5 years, and in a sector Republicans are telling us is full of job-killing regulations. While we don't hear anything from the Republican majority about job growth, we do hear a lot about free markets. To them, all we have to do is eliminate regulations, and everything will be fine. Well, at least for some of their wealthy corporate contributors. The rest of us? We're on our own in the free market. Madam Speaker, I wonder if my Republican colleagues think a market free of regulations will ensure the safety and reliability of the Nation's roads, railways, and airways. Our transportation system allows American businesses to transport their goods to retailers and consumers, and regulations make that system safe and reliable. Do they think a market free of regulations will enforce international agreements? Agreements help American businesses sell their goods and services abroad, and regulations protect and enforce those agreements. Do they think a market free of regulations will defend American's patents, copyrights and trademarks? Regulations protect American businesses against infringement, theft, and piracy. Does the Republican majority think a market free of regulations will protect the hundreds of millions of Americans who are their consumers and workers, and ensure their continued safety and security? When they were in the minority, Republicans worked hard to slow or even end the recovery from an economic crisis that they created, the crisis that the President and the Democratic Congress began to solve, the economic crisis that the new Republican majority, again for political reasons, seems bent on bringing back by eliminating the very regulations that create jobs. And I want to know if my Republican colleagues, who have not advanced one single plan to grow jobs here in this country, do they want to eliminate all regulations? Or do they just want to eliminate regulations that create jobs and protect Americans and that secure the economic and environmental future of this country? But they may also cut into the record profits of their wealthy contributors.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution and to offer my thoughts and prayers for the swift healing and complete recovery of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. In addition to the dedicated members of her staff who were also wounded and all of the other innocent victims of this unconscionable act of violence, I want to express my sincere sympathies to the families of U.S. District Court Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, a valued member of our congressional family, Dorwan Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck and most especially Christina Taylor Green, a remarkable 9-year-old child who had just won her first election to the student council and wanted to speak to her Congresswoman about a career in public service. Madam Speaker, as Speaker Boehner so aptly noted just moments after this tragedy occurred, an attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. I would venture to say that all of us who have the high honor of serving in this body, the people's House, have searched our souls to try to understand the nature of this attack on the very core of our democracy. Like most of us, Congresswoman Giffords knows that there is simply no substitute for spending time with your constituents. The plain truth is that you cannot effectively represent your community in Congress unless you make time to interact with the people who hired you for this job. And as for me, I will continue to do that because I truly believe that even in the face of this kind of mindless violence, constituents have a right to question their Members of Congress directly. And we, who have been entrusted with the honor of public service, must never allow fear or threats to undermine that fundamental principle.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Dickson family who are committed to their education and love for the art of music. That is why parents Raymond and Theresa Dickson chose to simultaneously enroll four of their children at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Music Majors Ashley, Benjamin, Brandon and Daniel Dickson receive lessons and recite together as a string quartet, under the tutelage of the ``Arianna String Quartet'', the University's quartet-in-residence. It is believed to be the only resident quartet in a public university in the United States. The Dickson family chose Florissant, Missouri to maintain a strong support structure for their University students. Prior to moving to Florissant, Raymond, Theresa and their ten children had been living in Battle Ground Washington a suburb of Portland, Oregon for several years. The children were home-schooled. Most of them elected to learn an instrument. Over time, four of the eldest Dickson's began performing together as the Dickson String Quartet. While honing their skills at the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon, they caught the collective ears of the Arianna String Quartet, who were guest instructors at the two-week string quartet academy. ``When people hear them, I don't think they can help but be drawn in,'' Arianna violist Joanna Mendoza told University of Missouri-St. Louis Magazine. The feeling was mutual for the Dickson's, who desired a continuation of their studies with the Arianna. Working with the university, members of the Arianna were able to create an opportunity for the four Dicksons to enroll together and learn as an ensemble with University of Missouri-St. Louis' resident quartet. With the Dickson String Quartet ranging in age from 16 to 20 and never having attended a public school at the time of their enrollment at University of Missouri-St. Louis, Raymond and Theresa decided to move their family to maintain a support structure for the new university students. The Dickson students have thrived at University of Missouri-St. Louis. They've quickly established a reputation as leaders and role models in the Department of Music and Pierre Laclede Honors College. They participate in several performance ensembles, play together as ``the quartet for worship'' at their local church and have several standing ovations through their performances as a sibling quartet. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Dickson family and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring them.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, again let me thank our colleague Mrs. Biggert of Illinois for introducing this important legislation and let me again urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CLAY. I now yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 1687 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the importance of youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs. House Resolution 1687 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Judy Biggert of Illinois, on September 29, 2010. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of 55 cosponsors. Madam Speaker, according to the National Runaway Switchboard, between 1.6 million and 2.8 million youth run away from home every year. Notably, the National Runaway Switchboard reports that among those youth at greatest risk of running away and facing homelessness are those that have been expelled from home, those that have suffered domestic abuse, and those that have been discharged by State custodial systems without the benefit of adequate transitional planning. Additionally, youth that have been separated from their parents by death or divorce, live in poverty, and/or are unable to access adequate medical or mental health resources are similarly at risk of running away and becoming homeless. Madam Speaker, in light of the prevalence of the problem of runaway youth as well as youth homelessness, let us take this opportunity to pass House Resolution 1687 and recognize the important role that youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs play in addressing these issues. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1687) supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1727) recognizing Rotary International for 105 years of service to the world and commending members on their dedication to the mission and principles of their organization.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. At this time, Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my colleague, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Schrader).

Mr. CLAY. I yield 2 additional minutes to the gentleman.

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

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for 5 minutes.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6400) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the ``Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office''.

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

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, once again I stand as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 6400. This legislation would name the U.S. post office facility at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, after a man who transformed his community while giving hope and opportunity to hundreds of young people, a true giant of philanthropy, the late Earl Wilson, Jr. The measure before us was first introduced on November 15, 2010. I am proud to say that the bill now enjoys the support and cosponsorship of 18 Members of Congress, including the entire congressional delegation from my home State of Missouri. Madam Speaker, Earl Wilson, Jr.'s lifetime of achievement in the corporate world, as the founder of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation, as a proud veteran in the U.S. Army, as a father, husband, and friend to so many will live forever. Earl Wilson, Jr., was born in St. Louis on October 9, 1932. He grew up on 11th Street, just a few blocks away from the U.S. Post Office that will hopefully bear his name. Mr. Wilson graduated from Vashon High School and received his B.S. in education from Lincoln University in 1957. After graduation, he proudly served as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1963, he became a corporate trailblazer at IBM, where he was a stellar performer for three decades. Toward the end of his IBM career, Mr. Wilson was loaned to his alma mater to help rescue his school from financial straits, which he successfully accomplished. Earl Wilson, Jr., later founded the St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation, an annual football contest that helped to fund the dreams of deserving students. Without a doubt, his impact on the lives of so many young St. Louisans will endure for generations to come. Over the last 16 years, the annual Gridiron Classic featured top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game itself was a celebration of football tradition and a battle of the bands. But as Earl Wilson often reminded us, ``It was more than just a game.'' The St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation effectively raised $2.6 million to send average C-grade students to college on full 4-year scholarships. The foundation's busy year-round schedule of fundraising and community events helped to fuel its success. To raise money, Wilson orchestrated golf tournaments, basketball shoot-outs, baseball games, a boxing showcase, pageants, and concerts. To give back to the community, the foundation provided quality after-school programs, an adult day care, holiday meals for people in need, and neighborhood lunches. He also created a Walk of Fame that honors local African Americans who have been pioneers in St. Louis. When Earl Wilson, Jr., passed away on October 29 of this year, it was not only an enormous personal loss for my family and me, but his death was mourned throughout St. Louis and across our Nation. Madam Speaker, I have been blessed to experience and witness firsthand his commitment to opening the doors of higher education to young people. He selflessly invested his immense talents and boundless energy to build up his community and his country. And as we move to recognize the accomplishments of this great humanitarian, father, and friend to many, I ask that we pass the underlying bill without reservation and pay tribute to a great American, Earl Wilson, Jr. I urge passage of H.R. 6400, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and, again, I would just like to urge my colleagues to pass the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

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

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1642) recognizing the centennial of the City of Lilburn, Georgia and supporting the goals and ideals of a City of Lilburn Day.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I too, like my colleague from Illinois, want to thank my friend and neighbor from Kansas (Mr. Moore) for introducing this important piece of legislation, but more than that, for his level of service here in this institution and someone that I can truly look to and call a friend. It has been a wonderful 10 years for us, and thank you for your service to your State and your country, Mr. Moore. And with that, Madam Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure which supports the designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.