Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3610 and H.R. 3611.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the untimely passing of my good friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, early this morning is a terrible loss for Donald's family and friends, the House of Representatives, the people of the Tenth Congressional District of New Jersey, and our Nation. Donald Payne was a tireless advocate for his constituents at the local and municipal level before winning election to the House more than two decades ago. As New Jersey's first and--until his death--only African American Member of Congress, he was the voice of working families from all backgrounds who called the Tenth District their home. I am privileged to have known and worked with Donald Payne. I will always be grateful to him for the warm way he welcomed me into this House and into the Congressional Black Caucus. I know that my father, who worked with Donald for more than 10 years, joins me in extending our family's sympathies to Donald's family, friends, colleagues, and constituents. As the people of Newark and across the State of New Jersey mourn the loss of their friend, Donald Payne, the people of St. Louis, all of Missouri, and all across our country mourn with them. His leadership, friendship, and passion for his work will be missed.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American--a remarkable trial attorney, prosecutor, circuit and appellate judge, and most recently, the newest member of the Missouri Supreme Court, my dear friend and constituent, the Honorable Judge George W. Draper. Late last year, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed Judge Draper to the Missouri Supreme Court after 17 years on the bench and 10 years in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office. He is only the second African American to serve on Missouri's high court. During his 27 years of public service, Judge Draper has demonstrated a dedication to justice and to serving the people of Missouri. Those decades of experience and his legal acumen will serve him well on the Missouri Supreme Court. While serving on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Draper heard a variety of civil and criminal appeals and authored several hundred opinions. He served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals from 2005 to 2006. Prior to his appointment to the appellate court, Judge Draper served first as an associate circuit judge from 1994 to 1998, and then as a circuit judge from 1998 to 2000 in St. Louis County. While serving as a prosecutor with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office from 1984 to 1994, Judge Draper prosecuted numerous major felony cases and worked closely with law enforcement. A graduate of Howard University School of Law, Judge Draper obtained his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta. Judge Draper has been active in several bar associations, including the Mound City Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association, and has been supportive of the Missouri Asian Bar Association, as well as being an active member of Covenant Community Church. Mr. Speaker, I have been blessed to know Judge George W. Draper and his wonderful family for more than three decades. His dedication to the law, to his State, and to the community that I represent is legendary. He is truly worthy of receiving this special congressional recognition.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give distinct recognition to the 9th Annual Salute to Women in Leadership Luncheon--an event paying tribute to women of diverse social strata committed to strengthening professional, social and family institutions through dedicated responsibilities. The St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation, Anheuser Busch and Worldwide Technologies will honor 14 distinguished women at the event, with the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon Ms. Xernona Clayton, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation and originator of ``Moments in History,'' one-minute broadcasts on black Americans televised during Black History Month. Xernona Clayton deserves a broadcast depicting her accomplishments as she actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement organizing events for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under the direction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was also the first African American female to host a prime time talk show broadcast on WAGA TV in Atlanta, and is credited with influencing a former Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan to denounce the organization. This year's celebrated women will also include Adrian Bracy, Kathleen Brady, Jacqueline Brock, Myrtle Dorsey, Shirley Drury, Frankie Eichenberger, Robbie Montgomery, Sandra Moore, Valerie Patton, Mary Attyberry Polk, Kacie Starr Triplett, Kimberly McKinney, and Cindy Erickson. Mr. Speaker, the 9th Annual Salute to Women in Leadership Luncheon inspires advocacy for social justice through the works, accomplishments and deeds of the honored women. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this event slated to be held this May in the beautiful City of St. Louis.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 2079, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the ``John J. Cook Post Office.'' The measure before us was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy on June 1, 2011. In accordance with the committee requirements, H.R. 2079 is cosponsored by all members of the New York delegation. It was reported out of the committee by unanimous consent on November 3, 2011. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker I have no further speakers and am ready to close, if that's okay with the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Having no additional speakers, I, once again, urge adoption of H.R. 2079. I also ask that we keep the example of Mr. Cook's career in mind as we work together to craft what should be bipartisan legislation to ensure that the institution Mr. Cook loved so much, the United States Postal Service, can continue to serve our Nation so well. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I join my colleagues from my home State of Missouri in strong support of H.R. 3247, and I thank my colleague, Mr. Akin, for introducing this legislation. The legislation will name the postal facility in Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, after Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos. H.R. 3247 was introduced by my colleague, Representative Akin, and has the support of the entire Missouri delegation, including myself. The bill was introduced on October 24 of last year and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee by voice vote shortly thereafter, on November 3, 2011. Tragically, on February 7, 2007, Lance Corporal Pathenos was killed while conducting combat operations in the al Anbar province, Iraq. Described as a disciplined, dedicated, and patriotic gentleman, Corporal Pathenos served his country proudly. In recognition of his dedication to his country, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of this brave marine by supporting the passage of H.R. 3247. Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, I once again urge adoption of H.R. 3247 in honor of the life and service of Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3248, which designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building. This legislation was introduced in October of 2011 by my colleague and friend, Representative Todd Akin of Missouri, and considered and reported out of the committee by a voice vote on November 3, 2011. Additionally, along with all of my fellow members of the Missouri delegation, we are proud to be cosponsors of this bill. As was mentioned, Weaver was a native of St. Charles, Missouri. He bravely served with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force out of 29 Palms, California. On February 21, 2008, the young marine was killed in action in al Anbar province, Iraq, while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal Drew Weaver's life and service stand as a testament to the strength and support of his devoted family. He is a fine example of the bravery and dedication of the young men and women who have joined him in serving this Nation and in making the ultimate sacrifice. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and it reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps. It is my hope that we can honor this outstanding marine through the passage of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of H.R. 3248. Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, once again, I urge the adoption of H.R. 3248 in honor of Lance Corporal Drew Weaver, who gave his life in service to our country. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable coach, principal, and mentor to the young men and women in Missouri, Mr. Marvin Neals. Marvin Neals has thirty years of coaching experience. In 1974 Marvin Neals started his epic career at Soldan High School, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he won a Class 4A state title. After 16 years, Marvin Neals left coaching to pursue a career in education administration. The Hall of Fame coach could not be kept away from his passion for long, and returned to coach at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in 2000. Marvin Neals has already recorded three Class 3 championships with Cardinal Ritter. On January 25, 2012, Marvin Neals reached a coaching milestone winning his 600th game. Marvin Neals was praised by his current and former players after the momentous win. The players spoke of his great influence and impact he has had on their lives. Marvin Neals wants to keep coaching the game he loves as long as possible, with no thoughts of slowing down in the future. Mr. Speaker, Marvin Neals has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the young men and women of St. Louis. His commitment can be recognized by the admiration of his colleagues, present and former players and students, and the remarkable feat of 600 career wins. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable service to the United States, the State of Missouri, and the St. Louis community.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American--a nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney, public education advocate and a true champion of social justice . . . my dear friend and constituent, Frankie Muse Freeman. Frankie Freeman has been a practicing attorney in state and federal courts for more than 60 years. After graduating Hampton Institute and Howard University Law School, she began her career serving the state of Missouri and the City of St. Louis. During this time she helped the NAACP in the case of Brewton v. St. Louis Board of Education, and later represented the NAACP in the landmark case, Davis v. the St. Louis Housing Authority, which ended racial discrimination in public housing. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Frankie Freeman as the first female member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. From 1967-1971, Frankie Muse Freeman served with distinction as the 14th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During this turbulent time period, she used her talents and skills as an attorney to enhance the Sorority's efforts to gain full civil rights for African-Americans. She spoke out often and effectively for social action and ensured that the Sorority continued to lead efforts to secure human rights for all people. She also used her tenure as National President to lead the Sorority in supporting the college education of a record breaking number of African-American students. Last July, Ms. Freeman became the 96th recipient of the coveted Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed on a citizen by the NAACP. In the official announcement issued by the NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, she noted, ``Frankie Muse Freeman has dedicated her life's work to the civil rights movement. She broke down barriers as a member of the NAACP's brain trust during the 1950s and as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Her determination to end racial discrimination in American society for more than half a century serves as an inspiration to us all.'' Mr. Speaker, Frankie Freeman has been a personal mentor of mine for almost 30 years. Her inspired advocacy laid the groundwork for the Federal Voting Rights Act, ended racial discrimination in public housing, and provided dedicated oversight of the St. Louis Public Schools and the voluntary desegregation plan. She is truly a national treasure and is most deserving of congressional recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring her remarkable service to the United States, the State of Missouri and the St. Louis community.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2158, which renames the La Miranda, California, post office after Mr. Wayne Grisham, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I join with my colleague from the other side of the aisle and rise in support of H.R. 2158, which would rename the U.S. postal facility at 14901 Adelfa Drive in La Mirada, California, as the ``Wayne Grisham Post Office.'' This bill was first introduced by my colleague and friend, Representative Linda Sanchez of California. The bill is widely supported by the members of the California delegation and has been properly vetted and approved by the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. At this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to my good friend and colleague, Ms. Sanchez.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I'm pleased to rise in support of S. 384, along with my chairman, Mr. Issa of California, of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. I want to thank him for bringing this legislation to the floor. This bill, S. 384, will extend the authority of the U.S. Postal Service to issue the popular semipostal stamp that helps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The measure before us, S. 384, is sponsored by our Senate colleague, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and here in the House, Representative Joe Baca, also from California, who introduced the companion version of this legislation. Cancer is one of the scourges of our society, and this is a truly bipartisan bill that makes a huge difference in a cost-efficient manner. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill without reservation. This will allow the American people to continue contributing to the fight against breast cancer and cancer in general for another 4 years. I urge passage of this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of this bill. H.R. 3220 designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 170 Evergreen Square SW in Pine City, Minnesota, as the Master Sergeant Daniel L. Fedder Post Office. The measure before us was first introduced by my colleague, Representative Chip Cravaack of Minnesota, on October 14, 2011. Before serving in Afghanistan, Master Sergeant Fedder had served two highly decorated tours in Iraq. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and a Joint Service Achievement Medal, among many others. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we recognize and honor the heroic actions and the life of service of Master Sergeant Daniel L. Fedder and pass the underlying bill without reservation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and want to close by again urging adoption of this bill. H.R. 3220 renames the post office in Pine City, Minnesota, after Master Sergeant Fedder, who gave his life in the name of freedom and service to our country. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of the Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand in support of the consideration of H.R. 3246. This bill designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 15455 Manchester Road in Ballwin, Missouri, as the Specialist Peter J. Navarro Post Office Building. The measure before us was first introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Todd Akin of Missouri, on October 24, 2011. In accordance with committee requirements, the entire Missouri delegation serves as cosponsors to the bill. Peter J. Navarro was a resident of Wildwood, Missouri, and a graduate of Lafayette High School. In honor of his service, Specialist Navarro has been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. He was a dedicated soldier, willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect his country. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we recognize Specialist Navarro's life and pass the underlying bill without reservation. Passage of H.R. 3246 is but a small token of appreciation for the faithful service of an outstanding American soldier, and I urge its immediate adoption. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his comments. I have no further speakers. Let us join together and support the passage of H.R. 3246 in honor of Specialist Peter J. Navarro. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2767, this bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 8 West Silver Street in Westfield, Massachusetts, as the William T. Trant Post Office Building. The measure was first introduced by my colleague, Representative John Olver of Massachusetts, on August 1, 2011. The entire Massachusetts delegation supports the bill. Having met all of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's requirements, H.R. 2767 was reported favorably by the committee on November 3, 2011. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield such time as he may consume to my friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver).

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I ask that we recognize the long life and heroic service of William T. Trant and pass the underlying bill without reservation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the full committee and the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee for their leadership and for moving this critical resolution. I'm proud to have introduced the House version of this joint resolution, and it accomplishes two very good things: S.J. Res. 22 approves an important amendment to a compact between two States. As was mentioned before, in 1949, Missouri and Illinois entered into an agreement to foster ``regional economic development through excellence in transportation.'' The compact created the Bi-State Development Agency. Congress approved it, and has approved several amendments over the last 6 decades. The agency, now known as ``Metro,'' operates the St. Louis Metropolitan region's public transportation system. It has more than 2,400 employees and carries over 55 million passengers each year. This resolution approves a small but crucial change to the Bi-State Compact. Both State legislatures have passed it, and both Governors have signed it. This is a necessary and good amendment, and there is no negative impact to the Nation or to States. As such, Congress should approve it. This resolution also enables the Congress to fulfill one of its constitutional duties. And I agree with my good friend, Mr. Gohmert, that Congress should not overstep its authority. While we do not always agree on the limits of that power, we agree on this resolution and on the constitutional authority for it. Article I, section 10, clause 3 of the Constitution says that ``No State shall, without the consent of Congress . . . enter into an agreement or compact with another State.'' The Framers of the Constitution required that Congress would have to approve these agreements to protect the interests and rights of the other States. This also protects the rights of the citizens within the States that are party to the compact by providing Federal oversight. This clause was a compromise. There were those who wanted to give the Federal Government greater power over the States, including the authority to regulate to negate State laws. Others felt very strongly that this would be overly nationalist and broad. The Constitutional Convention, rather than giving the Federal Government complete control over everything, or nothing, compromised. They compromised for the good of the Nation. They granted the Federal Government blanket authority over some areas. They also limited the Federal Government's authority in others. And they required congressional approval for agreements between the States. This compromise, one of many that formed our great country, demonstrates that two opposing sides, who each feel passionately about their point of view, can come together and compromise for the good of the Nation. They each put aside their well-intentioned and strongly held belief that they were completely correct, and that the other side was completely wrong, and found a way to work out the differences. Each gave up something they held dear in order to achieve a higher good: That was the creation of a strong Nation, a Nation that would endure. Madam Speaker, there is a lesson here, a 224-year old lesson for us who serve in Congress today. Once again, I thank the chairman and ranking member.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. Mr. Speaker, there are ongoing attempts to suppress the valid legal vote of some communities in this country. Earlier efforts to stop selected Americans from voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, were overturned by this Congress. But while the tactics of these people have changed, their strategy remains the same--intimidate, discourage, or otherwise prevent certain groups of American citizens from voting. Current tactics include burdensome voter ID laws, outrageous registration requirements, dishonest ``inactive voter lists,'' and unlawful disenfranchisement of ex-offenders. To these flagrant tactics proponents of voter suppression have added more subtle approaches, including disinformation campaigns and behind-the-scenes, quiet--and unfair--purging of voter rolls. Now we are presented with their latest plan to deny certain Americans their right to vote--the elimination of two programs whose sole aim is to ensure that every American's voice is heard in our election. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the Election Assistance Commission are in need of strengthening, not elimination. They help make sure that all voices can be heard and that all votes will be counted. I support improving these programs. But the only reason to want to eliminate them is to further suppress votes. The votes are the same groups who were targeted by Jim Crow laws decades ago. The votes are the same groups who are now targeted by ``inactive voter lists'' and voter ID laws and all of the other new tactics designed for a single goal--voter suppression. I urge my colleagues to defeat this bill and defeat yet another attempt to stop American citizens from voting.

Mr. CLAY. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, the attempt to intimidate, discourage, or otherwise prevent certain people from voting has a long and notorious history. Unfortunately, voter suppression isn't just a part of our past; it's a current event. Southern States used tactics such as literacy tests and poll taxes to deny African Americans, Native Americans, and poor immigrants their right to vote. While civil rights achievements in the 1960s did away with these tactics, the strategy continues. The old ways have been replaced with voter ID laws, outrageous registration requirements, dishonest inactive voter lists, unfair purging of voter rolls, disinformation campaigns, and unlawful disenfranchisement of ex- offenders. Madam Speaker, when anyone's right to vote is threatened, we're all threatened. We need to stop these blatant attempts to deny American citizens the right to vote.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. You know, Hubert Humphrey said it best. He said, ``The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of their life, the children; those who are in the twilight of their life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and disabled.'' This reckless legislation fails all tests.

Mr. CLAY. I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding. My Democratic colleagues have spoken, and will speak, eloquently on the numbers. They have, or will, correctly point to the millions of jobs the balanced budget amendment would certainly destroy. However, I want to talk about the personal impact of this irresponsible legislation. For example, Social Security recipients should not be held responsible for Congress' reckless acts. Radically cutting Social Security hurts Americans. Drastically cutting Medicare hurts Americans. Enormous cuts to Defense and Homeland Security measures, to food stamps, to veterans' pensions and Supplemental Security Income for the elderly and disabled hurts Americans. It hurts America and makes us less safe and secure. And make no mistake. This legislation requires these massive cuts. Some have claimed that these cuts will not be necessary under this legislation, or worse, that they are necessary and good. They claim that cutting benefits to the most vulnerable Americans is good, that destroying jobs, destroying lives is good. Mr. Speaker, it is not. It is not good. It is not good to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least bear the burden. It is not good to balance the budget by taking away from those who have so little. This is exactly what the balanced budget amendment would do, and it takes away from medical care for seniors. That means more of our elderly unable to afford their medication, unable to get needed tests and treatments, and more Americans hurting. It destroys jobs. That means more Americans out of work, more Americans unable to pay their bills, and more American families hurting.