Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4547) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the ``Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office''.

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. I now yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4547. This legislation will designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office. Luther Smith was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, a highly decorated World War II prisoner of war, and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. One of the first African Americans to become a licensed pilot, Captain Smith began his military career in 1943. He flew 133 combat missions with the 332nd Fighter Group as a combat fighter pilot over Europe. He was severely wounded on his last mission in October 1944 and spent the next 7 months in enemy hospitals and prison camps before being liberated in May of 1945 by the Allied forces. During his distinguished military career, Captain Smith destroyed two German aircraft in aerial conflicts and 10 aircraft in ground strafing attacks. Captain Smith was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with six oakleaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal, and eight European Theater Campaign Ribbons. After retiring from the U.S. Army Air Forces, Captain Smith earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa. He was hired by General Electric, where he was involved in projects for the Air Force, the Navy Submarine Command, and NASA. His work included missile and jet engine design, and he published numerous papers and was awarded two patents. Following his retirement from GE in 1988, Captain Smith was active in support of local civic causes, serving as the vice chairman of the Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, school board, and the board of the Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania. He also was instrumental in preserving the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. He and two other Tuskegee Airmen were featured in the 2006 documentary, ``On Freedom's Wings: Bound for Glory--The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.'' He also designed the plaque, dedicated in memory of the Tuskegee Airmen, in Arlington National Cemetery. In May of 1995, he was selected by President Bill Clinton to represent the U.S. Air Force for the 50th anniversary celebration of VE Day, and he accompanied President Clinton and Vice President Gore to Europe. Captain Smith was a pioneer in American military and aviation history and left a lasting legacy for future pilots and engineers. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4547 was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Joe Sestak, on January 27, 2010, and was reported out of the Committee on Oversight by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. This legislation enjoys the support of the entire Pennsylvania delegation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4547. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting H.R. 4621, as amended, and again I thank the gentlewoman from New York for her leadership on this legislation.

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

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

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4621) to protect the integrity of the constitutionally mandated United States census and prohibit deceptive mail practices that attempt to exploit the decennial census, as amended.

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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4621, as amended. I would like to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Chaffetz for working with me on this legislation. As chairman of the Information Policy, Census, and National Archives Subcommittee, this legislation is of particular importance to me. This legislation would require certain mailings which have the term ``census'' on the outside of the envelope to also include an accurate return address and the name of the sender on the envelope. H.R. 4621 would also mandate that such mailings follow existing legal requirements to include disclaimers making it clear that the mailing is not from the Federal Government. H.R. 4621 was introduced on February 9, 2010, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The committee approved the measure with a manager's amendment by voice vote on March 4, 2010. In recent months, mailings which have the word ``census'' on the envelope and contents that resemble official census forms have been sent by the Republican National Committee and other nonprofit organizations to citizens in several States. The RNC mailings were marked ``DO NOT DESTROY. OFFICIAL DOCUMENT.'' The envelope used in these mailings did not include a return address or identify the sender. Using these terms on the outside of the envelope without a return address and the name of the sender creates an appearance of an official government document. Later this month, the Census Bureau will begin conducting the decennial census through the U.S. mail. The decennial census is mandated by article I, section 2, of the U.S. Constitution. This official government function provides an accurate portrait of the American population. The decennial census serves as a basis for the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars for schools, hospitals, job training centers, and transportation projects. In addition to conducting the decennial census every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts surveys throughout the decade. For example, under the previous administration, the Bureau started the American Community Survey, which is an annual survey sent to a sample of the public. This survey helps communities understand where and how their population lives and permits the community to allocate resources accordingly. Because legitimate census mailings are used for such important purposes, it is critical that the Census Bureau is able to receive accurate information and that American citizens continue to have confidence in census mailings. Increased confidence in the census will save taxpayers money by improving the response rate. The Director of the Census Bureau, Robert Groves, has said that the Bureau will save $85 million for every 1 percent increase in the mail- back response from recipients of the decennial census. This bill is narrowly tailored to address the specific problems caused by census look-alike mailings. This bill would not prevent the use of the term ``census'' in mailings altogether; H.R. 4621 would merely require the sender to identify itself and include language clarifying that the mailing is not from the Federal Government. Mailings by private organizations which appear to be from the Census Bureau, without a proper clarification or disclaimer, create a risk of confusion on the part of citizens who will be receiving actual census mailings this year. H.R. 4621 will help to prevent such confusion. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 1036, a resolution that will recognize the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States. Korean Americans have contributed significantly to the culture, economy, and success of the United States. January 13, 2010, marked the 107th anniversary of the beginning of Korean immigration into the United States. There are now more than a million and a half people of Korean descent living in the United States. Korean Americans have helped build our communities and our Nation. They have added significantly to the development of the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, government, military, education, and the economy of the United States. House Resolution 1036 was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey, Representative Scott Garrett, on January 22, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. The bill enjoys bipartisan support from over 50 Members of Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1036. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting House Resolution 1036. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1036) recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States.

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. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4624) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the ``SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office''.

Mr. CLAY. I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his kind words about Specialist Hartge. Also, Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting H.R. 4624.

Mr. CLAY. I yield back 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. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4624. This legislation will designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the ``SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office.'' Army Specialist Nicholas Hartge was raised in the small town of Rome City, in northeastern Indiana. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Specialist Hartge enlisted in the infantry while still in high school and was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq. On May 14, 2007, Specialist Hartge's patrol came under heavy attack. He was killed in combat when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb while maneuvering under intense fire. For his service to his country, Specialist Hartge received a Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement for helping to capture the enemy in Iraq, and a Bronze Star for his actions on the day he was killed. He is missed by his family, his community, and his country. Our Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for his service. H.R. 4624 was introduced by the gentleman from Indiana, Representative Mark Souder, on February 9, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which approved it by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. The measure enjoys the support of the entire Indiana delegation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I stand today on behalf of my constituents and with my friend and colleague Congressman John Shimkus to raise further concern about the pending sale and format change of Classic99. As St. Louis's only classical radio station, Classic99 is a true asset to our city. As Congressman Shimkus noted, the sale of KFUO 99.1 FM by the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is currently under review by both the Media Bureau and the FCC. While we certainly do not wish to exact undue influence on either of these agencies, our constituents have made clear to us their concerns, and we agree that this loss will be a blow to the wealth of our region's culture and economy. We hope that these negative impacts will be considered while reviewing this sale. We have seen that losing the arts can wreak havoc on a community, and the Metro East region will be no different. If Classic99 is converted to a different music format, the cultural and economic consequences will be dismal. The world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will lose airtime and its chief advertising venue, forcing gifted musicians and staff to suffer even more pay cuts and freezes. Losing Classic99 will result in a cultural deficit as well. 94% of readers polled by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch feel that the loss of Classic99 ``takes away a vital voice for the arts in this community,'' and will detrimentally affect their ability to support local artists. Arts education organizations throughout my district, like the Opera Theater of St. Louis, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Touhill Performing Arts Center, will lose their only major arena for audience- building, live broadcasts, and fund-raising. The loss of revenue will hinder arts and music education in the district, further impairing opportunities for our young people to be enriched through the arts. We know that arts education gives youths self-confidence and increases academic achievement. We simply cannot afford to sacrifice these opportunities, and I am deeply troubled by the idea that more educational outlets for our children will be put in jeopardy by this move. I firmly agree with my colleague that the negative impact these cultural and economic changes will have on the local community should play a role in determining the sale of 99.1.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Paula Smith, a trail-blazing business woman and beloved member of the St. Louis community, who recently passed, on January 28, 2010, at 76. Ms. Smith devoted over 30 years of her life to public service and worked tirelessly to better the lives of those around her. At the age of 16, Ms. Smith dropped out of high school, but she later earned a high school equivalency diploma and then went on to receive a degree in economics from Washington University. Ms. Smith's education did not end here; she earned a master's in business administration from St. Louis University and did graduate work at Harvard. Ms. Smith's dedication to her education was a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and allowed her to contribute to the St. Louis community, as well as to society as a whole. Ms. Smith's career in public service began in 1981, when then Governor Christopher S. ``Kit'' Bond appointed her director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. At that time she was the only woman and the only African-American in the Governor's cabinet. Throughout her career Ms. Smith broke barriers and defied expectations, proving to those around her that she was capable of making an impact in the most profound way. After serving the Governor for several years Ms. Smith was summoned to Washington by President Ronald Reagan to run the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor. In 1990 Ms. Smith returned to St. Louis and started her own business: she opened a consulting company and used her years of experience in Washington and as an employee of Kit Bond to make a difference in St. Louis. Throughout her life Ms. Smith demonstrated a commitment to improving life for those around her; she strove for social justice and fought to ensure equality for all. She was passionate about her civic and philanthropic work and determined to make a profound impact in her own community. Ms. Smith's powerful legacy lives on through her three children. Her daughter, Cheryl Walker of St. Louis, is now a lawyer and her two sons, Dwayne and Dwight Bosman, are both well-known jazz musicians. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ms. Smith; a woman who always strove to make a difference and succeeded. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Paula Smith, an amazing woman whose legacy will forever be remembered. I extend my sincerest condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true St. Louis legend and visionary, Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement from the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation. Earl Wilson has devoted his life to serving the St. Louis community first as a trailblazing corporate executive and later as a dedicated community servant. His commitment led him to establish one of the most honored and respected community organizations in the Midwest, The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation. Mr. Wilson has been blazing a path for inner-city residents, especially the youth of St. Louis, since graduating high school and becoming an ROTC captain at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was a successful 30 year executive with IBM. He also had the honor of serving as the Marketing Director for the U.S. Olympic Festival in St. Louis in 1994. He has been a wonderful husband and dedicated father of four. Sixteen years ago, Mr. Wilson created the St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation in an effort to elevate the status of African Americans in St. Louis. The Gateway Classic was originally organized as a football event hosting teams from historic black colleges and universities. The game eventually grew into his trademark St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and has created an impressive list of community events and initiatives. Through the foundation Mr. Wilson has raised millions of dollars for his scholarship fund leading to the education of more than 100 African- American students who otherwise might not have the means to attend college. Over sixty of the awardees graduated from historically black colleges or universities. He also established the St. Louis Gateway Classic Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame highlights the sacrifices and achievements of area African Americans. It has honored the lives of prominent St. Louis citizens such as Dick Gregory, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, former Congressman William L. Clay, Sr., Ozzie Smith and the Fifth Dimension. Mr. Wilson has exhibited a tireless dedication to his community throughout his life. That commitment has been an inspiration to his family, friends and all that have come to know him. His impact on young people's lives in the St. Louis community can be measured in his wonderful array of good works. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Wilson; a man who has made a difference in each life that he has touched. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1880.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Austin Layne, a trail-blazing entrepreneur and valued member of the St. Louis community. For over 30 years Mr. Layne has served the residents of St. Louis with an admirable sense of compassion during their most difficult times. Upon graduating from Vashon High School, Layne entered the U.S. Army where he studied to become a computer specialist. Layne was motivated to pursue a career as a funeral director after a family friend, Gilbert Wade Granberry, offered him a position working at his mortuary. This rewarding experience inspired him to earn his associate's degree in applied science from the School of Mortuary Science at Forest Park Community College. Mr. Layne opened his first business in 1979, the Austin A. Layne Mortuary. He has since opened the Layne Renaissance Chapel and most recently, the Austin Layne Normandy Chapel. Mr. Layne independently owns and operates all of his businesses. Mr. Layne is committed to providing people with the highest quality care possible and has remained dedicated to being available to his clients, both physically and emotionally during their times of grief. He is acutely aware that every family has different needs and strives to accommodate each family that he serves. Throughout his career, Mr. Layne has been a supportive and gentle person, determined to do more for families than simply conduct a funeral. What makes Mr. Layne so extraordinary is his ability to empathize with each family. He puts himself in their position and works to ensure that arranging funerals for their loved ones goes smoothly as possible. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Layne; a man who has made a difference in each life that he has touched. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Austin Layne.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support a monumental piece of legislation that will expand health care coverage and reduce cost. Currently, 46 million Americans are uninsured, and by 2019 the number could reach over 65 million. Too many are denied access to care, often when they need it most. No one should be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition, and no one should have to fear losing their coverage after they get sick. Even individuals who have health insurance suffer. Millions of underinsured Americans pay exorbitant fees for procedures and treatments that their insurance plan should cover. The status quo is not working for Americans. It is time to take action. Each Member in this body should ask themselves one question before they vote, and that is: Am I my brother's keeper? And my answer is: Yes, I am.