Emanuel Cleaver

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Ben Kynard, the great jazz saxophonist, whose musical performances, jazz compositions, and great legacy continues to enrich the lives of so many jazz enthusiasts. Kansas City jazz has become a worldwide staple. It was born in a town where, as the great Monarch manager, Buck O'Neal, said, ``Everything was wide open.'' No one knows how many nightclubs and cabarets were in operation during the 1930s. The clubs were packed and the great musicians were working--and playing. In those ``hot'' clubs, Mary Lou Williams, the jazz pianist, said that Kansas City was, ``A heavenly city . . . musicians everywhere.'' Indeed, they were. Among them was the soft spoken saxophonist Ben Kynard, who as a teenager, migrated to Kansas City from Arkansas. Ben Douglas Kynard was born in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on February 28, 1920, to Bennett and Amelia Kynard. When he was just seven years old, his mother passed away. Three years later, his father remarried, moving the family to Kansas City. He learned first to play the horn, and later the saxophone, from his older brother B.C. Kynard began to play professionally in 1938 at the age of eighteen, performing in night clubs in Kansas and in country clubs with his companion, Celester White and later Oliver Todd's band, known as the Hottentots. Kynard later joined the U.S. Army, where he played in a military band, one that frequently played at officers' clubs and funerals. After returning to Kansas City, he joined Lionel Hampton's band and traveled the country with the group from 1946 until 1953. He wrote ``Red Top,'' which is still a jazz favorite, while on tour in Newark, New Jersey. He named it after his wife Joyce, whom he married in 1953 and had red hair at the time. After seven years with the band, Kynard left and returned to Kansas City, where he worked for the United States Postal Service for thirty-two years, still playing jazz in the evenings. He also maintained his career as a jazz composer, writing music for himself and other local musicians. One of the highlights of my life was the evening my father-in-law, who lived directly across the street from Mr. Kynard, introduced me to the jazz great himself. Later, he played in my in-laws' living room the song that gave him fame, ``Red Top.'' Sadly, on July 5, 2012, Mr. Kynard passed away at the age of 92. He was survived by his wife Joyce, of fifty-nine years, their two children, Brett and Carmen, and their two grandchildren. I am proud to have known Mr. Kynard and have heard him--on a number of occasions--blow that sax. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Kynard for his contribution to the world of jazz and honoring his musical accomplishments as a jazz great. Mr. Kynard was an accomplished musician who left behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. His loss will be felt by many, not just in the Kansas City community, but also by those throughout the jazz world who miss this exceptional jazz talent. We wish his family the very best during this time of bereavement. We would also remind them that no one is dead who is remembered. To be sure, Mr. Kynard will, indeed, be remembered.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to acknowledge the Mutual Musicians Foundation for their tireless efforts in preserving Kansas City Jazz history. Jazz music has greatly influenced the history and culture of the United States and of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which I am honored to represent. Located in the heart of the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, the Mutual Musicians Foundation continues to bring the nostalgia of early jazz to the forefront of the music scene for generations to come. Originally home to the Colored Musicians Protective Local Union #627, the historic venue opened its doors in 1930. Established in 1917, Local Union #627, then known as the ``Colored Musicians Union'' operated as a social center, engagement clearinghouse, and as a vehicle for grievances against unfair practices from booking agents and band leaders. Some of the jazz music's most influential musicians have walked through their doors, including Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page, and Mary Lou Williams. In collaboration with the Historic Jazz Foundation, the Mutual Musicians Foundation has created an educational experience that will be relished for many generations to come. Through my support for congressional funding, the Film Archival Project has been made possible. This project will be beneficial in archiving historical photography, videos, and memorabilia of jazz music's most significant musicians. This project will also make the preservation of important film from jazz musicians possible. Jazz has been played continuously at the Mutual Musicians Foundation since 1930, making it the longest running jazz location in the United States and in the world. Because it is the place where the Kansas City Style of jazz was born, it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the House join me in honoring the Mutual Musicians Foundation for their years of dedicated service to Kansas City's rich jazz community. Continuing to support such a worthy institution is not a duty, but instead an honor.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, unless we act now, the highway and transit programs will expire in a few days, endangering our roads, bridges, transit systems; and everyone who uses them will experience a decline in what they view as America. So I would like to list the reasons we need to move quickly to pass a highway bill that is not simply an extension. One, we must raise America's standing in the world of infrastructure from 24th place to first. Three months ago, the Senate passed a responsible, bipartisan 2- year transportation bill that would save or create 2 million jobs. We have 2.2 million construction and manufacturing workers out of work; $1,060 is how much we could save each family in transportation costs if we could come to an agreement. H.R. 7 was called by my friend Secretary LaHood ``the most partisan transportation bill that (he had) ever seen, the worst transportation bill.'' Mr. Speaker, I have more points. I will try to get them in later.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the extension of student loan interest rates. Student loans have been an essential tool for many students and families who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford the soaring costs of college tuition. However, in a few short weeks, Federal student loan interest rates are set to double from 3.4 to 6.8 percent, making the dream of attaining college even more difficult for millions of students and families. We need to act now. It is our responsibility to ensure that all children have the ability to pursue higher education. The cost of attending college has gone up almost 30 percent in the last 10 years. We cannot afford to ignore struggling students across this Nation. In these uncertain economic times, we can make no greater investment than in education. More and more jobs require some sort of post-secondary education, and by 2018, just 6 years from now, 63 percent of employment opportunities will demand an education beyond high school. It is pathological partisanship that is preventing us from dealing with this important issue.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, due to a commitment in my district, I had to miss votes on H.R. 5325. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 315, ``aye'' on rollcall vote 316, ``no'' on rollcall vote 317, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 318.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to bolster the Army Corps of Engineers' ability to fight floods and to quickly begin repair efforts as the floodwaters recede. Last year, my constituents, as well as thousands of others living along the Missouri River, experienced a flood of historic proportions and catastrophic damages. Levees were overtopped or breached, fields were damaged, and hundreds of farmers, homeowners, and businesses had to evacuate. Over 400,000 acres of farmland were flooded along the river, including approximately 207,000 in Missouri. Total repair costs from the flood are estimated to reach $2 billion. The Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account provides funding to assist in the immediate flood-fighting efforts and the repairs. Historically, Congress has provided limited funding annually for this account, mainly relying on supplemental appropriations as emergencies arise. Funding for this account the last 2 years has been lower than the 5- year average appropriation of $55 million. As was the case last year, after an emergency the Corps must wait on supplemental appropriations from Congress or they must transfer funds from existing appropriations for temporary emergency efforts. The Corps did this internal transfer last year during and after the 2011 flood. However, it takes time to transfer those funds and temporarily deprives other worthy projects of funding. This is especially burdensome given the Corps' long construction backlog of over $62 billion worth of projects. This amendment is a straight transfer of funds to increase funding for the Corps' Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account and in turn reduce funding for the Corps' expenses account. This transfer would increase the funding to equal the amount that the Senate Appropriations Committee allocated, bringing total funding for that account to $30 million for fiscal year 2013. Mr. Chairman, ensuring adequate annual funding for emergencies will better prepare the Corps to respond and save time and effort in trying to reroute funds. And we all know that emergencies will continue to occur as our climate continues changing and development continues in flood-prone areas. It is incumbent upon us to provide the people who respond to these emergencies with the most resources possible. And so on behalf of the families living along the Missouri River who are in desperate need of help from this body, I ask for your support by adopting this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of a dynamic lady who has had a strong influence in promoting our community's cultural legacy. As we celebrate the artistic achievement of our high school artists at the annual Congressional Art Competition, it is appropriate to honor a patron of the arts, Ms. Pat Jordan. She knows Kansas City, Missouri, as this is where she grew up, attending Southeast High School in the heart of the City. She obtained a degree from the University of Missouri in Journalism, which gave her the tools to investigate, promote and educate what she loves most, the arts. The rich cultural history of African Americans who lived in a segregated Kansas City during the 1920's, 30's and 40's can be traced to the area centered on 18th and Vine. This is where the black community lived, worked, worshipped, and cultivated a unique lifestyle preserved in the arts, education and sports of the time. More than most, Pat realizes the importance of preservation of an era that was indigenous to the area but with time has faded. She understands that a culture uniquely African American must not be allowed to fade. Through the arts and education, this culture will be revealed and celebrated along with today's artist who expresses their interest through artistic discovery. While I served on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council and later as Mayor, my goal was to preserve the history of 18th and Vine by restoring the area. This is when I met the enthusiastic Pat Jordan, who I enlisted to spearhead the renovation of the Gem Theater. She worked on the Gem Theater bond fund that was essential in making the renovation of the Gem Theater a reality. She continues to promote the area with the Gem Cultural and Educational Center that promotes visual and performing artists. Presently, Pat serves as Co-Chair of the Mayor's Task Force for the Arts; Chairman of The Light in the Other Room for Kansas City African American Artists; Member of the Arts Committee for the Mayor's Google Task Force and President of Cross-Lines Towers, Inc. She has an amazing record of public service and has served on many advisory boards. She has been a long time supporter and member of the Advisory Boards of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the William Jewel Fine Arts Series and the Department of Architecture, Urban Planning & Design of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. This summer, Kansas City will host the 2012 All-Star Baseball Game. Pat is instrumental in efforts that will bring out-of-town guests to the heart of 18th and Vine. There, visitors will enjoy an iconic culture uniquely Kansas City at the Gem Theater, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the American Jazz Museum. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Ms. Pat Jordan for seeing beyond a concept, working to achieve a goal, and proudly promoting cultural enhancement through the arts. Through her outreach and events, local artists are introduced and Kansas City talent is exhibited. Her accomplishments are many as she is one of the gems for our community.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Richardson).

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chair, I first want to acknowledge all 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus who endorsed this presentation, but especially our Budget, Appropriations, and Taxation Taskforce and the FY13 Budget chairs, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and Congresswoman Karen Bass, who is the emcee at a dinner and cannot be here with us. This budget, Mr. Chair, itself, is a statement of our beliefs as a Nation. It is the way we choose to run government and help the people we serve. Our FY 2013 alternative Federal budget will address the deficit while protecting important safety net programs needed by our communities. The CBC's top priorities for the 112th Congress are promoting job creation and economic development, providing lifetime educational opportunities, protecting access to health care, and protecting the right to vote and justice for all Americans. We can only make these priorities a reality by sustaining and strengthening the programs that invest in and protect all Americans, whether it is workforce investment, unemployment insurance, investment in unemployment, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, or with the onslaught of these voter laws across the country, proper funding of the Election Assistance Commission. These programs are vital to national interest because they train our workforce, stabilize our economy, and provide funding for our cities and States throughout the Nation. I understand that now is the time for us, as Americans, to sacrifice in order to protect our children and our children's children. However, we struggle, as a caucus, to understand how the proposed majority budget helps achieve this goal. More recently, due to many strategic investments led by the President, the Nation's overall unemployment rate has been lowered; however, the African American unemployment rate remains nearly double the national average. In order to improve this dire situation and to ensure every American's full recovery, we must make smart and targeted investments for all America's vulnerable communities. Government investment in people, education, infrastructure, and innovation can create jobs. Over time, the jobs created by these strategic investments pay for themselves and then some. Investments allow people to earn, learn, spend, and save. Cutting programs that assist hardworking Americans, help families with their most basic needs, maintain our crumbling infrastructure, and expand access to educational opportunities will only make unemployment statistics worse. Our success as a Nation is interwoven in the success of all communities. Until we grasp that concept as a Nation, we will never see the full potential of the United States of America; and for that, I am truly concerned. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of our committee, Bobby Scott of Virginia.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire about the remainder of my time?

Mr. CLEAVER. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Donna Christensen.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Corrine Brown.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I would now like to yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlelady from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. CLEAVER. I would like to thank the gentleman from Utah for his generosity and courtesy. I now yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. CLEAVER. I yield the gentlelady 1 additional minute.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, let me ask, with the generosity of the gentleman from Utah, how much time do we have?

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, let me close on our side by thanking the gentleman from Utah. And first of all, let me call attention to one thing, and I think it's important. It may be more important than the discussion of the budget because I think it helps us eventually reach budgets. Not one speaker on this side called this the Ryan budget. I was in an interview this morning and someone asked me about what I thought about the Ryan budget. And I said, this is the Republican budget. And if I attack the budget, it seems as if I'm attacking the man whose name seems to be attached to it. This Institution is far too important for us to get down into that kind of thing. We have some real differences in this budget. I believe, and our budget reflects, that budget is an x-ray of our innards. It is a moral document. It tells who we are. And I say, in another position in my life, if you show me your checkbook, I can tell you what you believe in. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. You hear a lot about the Ryan budget. I've chosen not to call it the ``Ryan budget''--it's just my personal thing--because it becomes personal. So, when I criticize it, it seems like I'm criticizing a person when I'm not. I'm criticizing the Republican Budget Committee from which it came, and I'm criticizing it because 62 percent of all the cuts in that budget will be aimed at low-income individuals and seniors. The Medicare program is going to be threatened, and the AARP sent out a notice to all of its members explaining what would happen to Medicare if it is voucherized. We are the only Nation in the history of planet Earth to give tax cuts as we enter and then are in the middle of a war--2003, 2005-- giving tax cuts in the middle of a war. Last year, the 22 largest hedge fund managers earned $22 billion, and they paid only 15 percent on the tax of the capital dividends. The people who are watching this pay 27 to 30 percent. It's not right. We've got to reject this budget.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Gwendolyn Boyd, a community leader, humanitarian and a woman of faith, whose legacy continues to enrich the lives of the people around her. Her dedicated community service has brought professionalism and compassion to every endeavor she has so graciously undertaken. Her dedication and commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the public is the reason for this recognition and celebration. Rev. Boyd served as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from 2000 2004. She accomplished many things during her time as president including the building of a home for AIDS orphans in Swaziland, establishing the Delta Computer Training Center in Lesotho and establishing the Leadership DELTA training program. Also, she established project SEE, which promotes the learning of math and science for middle school African American girls. Rev. Boyd is the perfect example of someone who continues to make a difference, as she has never backed away from a challenge that helps her community or those in need. Her imprint can be found in such worthy initiatives as Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center and Education Across the Miles. She is also responsible for the coordination of HBCU initiatives. As the first African American to earn a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University, Rev. Boyd championed issues and worked for solutions. Over the years her stature continues to grow as she is an active member on numerous boards, foundations and committees. Her admirable work is as diversified as her many interests, resulting in a positive impact on the community and greater quality of life. Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd demonstrates in her everyday actions and words that determination is the pathway to success. She is an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She earned her Master's of Divinity degree with honors from Howard University and she serves as the Executive Minister for Church Operations at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. Rev. Boyd has dedicated numerous hours to developing and enriching the lives of our youth. She was nominated by President Obama and served on the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. She is an advocate for young people interested in careers in the engineering, science, and math fields. Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd is a passionate, energetic and highly motivated individual and her public speaking has inspired many. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Reverend Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a distinguished ambassador for human rights, a role model for our youth and a true heroine for all of America. I salute her for a lifetime of achievement, and am both proud and honored to call her my friend. Thank you, Rev. Boyd, for all you have done, and for all you contribute to our lives.